The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

Published by Egmont 

Audiobook: 10 Hrs 52 Min

Narrated by: Mandy Williams

Bought/Audible

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia has led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when she learns, just after her 16th birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city, her best friend, Kiernan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sent to live with her only surviving relative, Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. Then she discovers that long-suppressed, dangerous magic runs through her veins, and she realizes that she will never learn to be just a simple village girl. Sinda returns to the city to seek answers. Instead, she rediscovers the boy who refused to forsake her, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history forever.

Thoughts

What would you do if one day your parents dropped the bomb that not only were you not their daughter but that you were a stand-in for their real one? What if on the same day of finding out that shocking news you were banished from your only home and cast aside like a dirty rag? Needless to say Sinda is depressed.

~And that's exactly were Sinda begins her story-  alone, scared and confused and sent away to live with her aunt, her only surviving relative. Shortly after arriving though she learns more about her biological parents (who passed away when she was a baby) and discovers that she inherited her mothers birthmagic. Sinda has no clue though how to deal with it or even use it, so she applies for wizard college and to her luck is taken in by a master wizard who starts helping her process the magical talents she has...and that my friends is when things get crazy! Evil plots, mistaken identities and true love will wrap around you in this fantastic, magical adventure.

I had so much fun listening to this book. Sinda turned into being a very well rounded character, even though cast out as a commoner, had the true heart of a princess, in a way that showed her naivety and trust before harsh realities and truth finally grew her into a well developed and unbelievably strong girl, having the makings of not only a true princess but a Queen. I think what surprised me most about this novel was the fact that underneath the main premise was a multifaceted story of true depth when it comes to love, friendship and loyalty. While the beginning is focused on plot and character set up, the middle and ending were fast paced and well done. I loved that O'Neal brought such a new aspect (yet a timeless old tale) to YA love. Sinda and Kiernan grew up together as best friends and over the course of years brought with it love, deep loyalty and eventually physical attraction. Reading about their romance in such a subtle, yet important way brought out the inner swoons. Beautifully written and magically woven, The False Princess was delightful.

Narration

TFP was narrated by Mandy Williams, who has a gorgeous voice, with her lovely British accent she seriously pulled me into this magical story, I felt swept away by the fantasy and magic of all of it. Williams voice fit Sinda's character perfectly and I enjoyed every moment listening to the audio. 

Rating: Recommended to teens (14&up)

Advisory: Violence, references to spells and magic

Positives: Friendship, loyalty, family, the importance of truth

Overall- 4/5- YA-Fantasy

Narration- 5/5- presentation: voice only

*TBR's AB graphic was purchased at Bigstock