Sage -- a thief and orphan -- finds himself unwillingly entered into a deadly contest: prove to a cutthroat nobleman that he can convincingly pose as the missing and presumed-dead Prince Jaron, or else. Nielsen's protagonist is an irrepressible and endearingly defiant voice amongst the machinations of foes beyond his years. This is a great novel for reluctant readers -- the political tension and action will keep them flipping pages well into the night. There's some seriously twisty plot surprises near the end that really ramp up the excitement of the climax too. Kids and adults jonesing for some sword and sorcery fantasy will definitely find their fix here. - Jennie