Ratings Explanation

Language: Note: There was mention of someone cursing or swearing at someone else, but no actual words were used.

Violence: A butcher chases a boy with a meat clever. There are instances of people being physically harmed with hands, whips, knives, swords and even poison. Someone is killed with an arrow and another is killed while fighting. A character is whipped in a dungeon while chained to the wall. People die from poison. There is mention of pirates having set fire to a ship resulting in the deaths of those on board.

Sexual Content: A boy kisses a girl’s cheek.

Adult Themes: Some of the characters are orphans living in orphanages. Sage is considered a thief and a liar. Sage’s father is considered a drunk. The country is on the brink of war with the threat of treason.

Synopsis

Sage is an almost fifteen-year-old orphan boy with a knack for survival, even if it requires a little thieving and lying along the way. Political unrest has plagued the kingdom, and a nobleman named Conner has an idea to replace the long lost prince by selecting one of four orphan boys for the role of Prince Jaron. The boys are brought to Conner’s palace to learn what it takes to fill the role. Sage knows that if he is not selected he will be killed. He must watch his back as each boy plots for the coveted title of prince.

This was a fun read! It is book one in a three book series. I couldn’t help but like Sage as he maneuvers his way through the intrigue that surrounds him and the other boys. He is rebellious at times but has a good sense of what’s right and honorable. His unpredictable and somewhat reckless behavior made for an interesting story. The violence level may seem a little high, but I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up.