Great YA! Would appeal to girls and boys both. ( )

I loved this book. There was one part of the story I might not have bought if it hadn't been a YA. Still I really dug the story and look forward to the next one. ( )

Perhaps this really deserves 4 stars, as I couldn't stop listening once I got started! The plot was somewhat predictable but otherwise this was an enjoyable adventure/fantasy story about a nobleman plotting to put an orphan on the throne in the guise of the missing (and presumed dead) prince after the rest of the royal family has all died from poisoning. Sort of a YA boys version of the Yule Brynner movie Anastasia...

Charlie McWade does a fine job with the narration. ( )

A surprisingly entertaining middle grade/YA fantasy that delivers some interesting twists. The book has some death and violence committed by adults against children but the violence is not gratuitous or explicit. Recommended for kids 9-13. ( )

CW: off page murder of loved ones

Well I am pleasantly surprised!

I enjoyed the storyline quite a lot and it moved along at a good pace. Yes it could have done with a few more swashbuckling kind of moments but it seems like it is setting up for some good action in the rest of the series. I liked the characters well enough to feel invested although they did feel like the stereotypical villains and good guys. However, this book will be good for NZ Year 9 students at the start of their reading journey. I am going to order a second copy to add to the booktalk collection as I can see it having some appeal for adventure lovers.
( )