Giveaway and Spotlight on A Royal Birthday: A False Princess Short Story by Eilis O’Neal

This e-short prequel to The False Princess will appeal to fans of Shannon Hale and Tamora Pierce, giving them a new author to love and a new fantasy world to enter, a world filled with wizardry, mystery, and just the right touch of romance.

This prequel introduces the court of Thorvaldor, Nalia, its princess, who has reached the magical age of sixteen, and her best friend, Kiernan, the earl's son who loves her but feels he is too far below her in rank to dream of making a match with her.

The novel on which this e-short is based has received glowing reviews, been named a YALSA 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults, and made numerous state master lists (Georgia, Rhode Island, Utah, and Maryland)




I really enjoyed The False Princess (you can check out my review here), and I can't wait to read this prequel! It's on sale for 1.99 on Amazon right now. A happy birthday to this short! You can check out more awesome shorts from the publisher (EgmontUSA) on their Facebook page. 

They have graciously offered to let me give away a copy of The False Princess, and if you haven't read it, enter away! The contest is US/CA only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Book Review: The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth 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 of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever. (From Goodreads)

I've been dying to read The False Princess for quite some time. It was originally part of my 2010 Debut Author Challenge, but the release date was moved back. I'm pleased to say it was worth the wait!

O'Neal has crafted a story that is full of adventure, romances, and exciting twists. The characters are compelling, and the setting adds even more to the magic. The book begins with the princess of Thorvaldor, Nalia, discovering that she's actually Sinda, the daughter of a weaver. She was enchanted to look like Nalia to protect the real princess from a prophecy foretelling her murder. Sinda is promptly dispatched from the castle, and the only life she's ever known. I enjoyed watching her grow as a character. When she first arrives in Treb to live with aunt, she's still coming to terms with the idea that she isn't the princess. She is unable to make friends in Treb, and her aunt has a hard time connecting with her. As the book progresses, Sinda becomes more mature, and is determined to make the most of herself. By the end of the book, she's the kind of strong female that is reminiscent of character out of a Tamora Pierce novel (the highest compliment I can give).

The overall plot of the story was so engaging that I had a hard time setting the book down. Incorporating magic in Sinda's story, O'Neal has given the setting a "fairy tale" feel. Without it, we wouldn't have been able to see the wizards' college, and Philantha. The college only accepts nobles, or people who can afford the tuition. Sadly, Sinda has neither the heritage or the funds to attend. I won't spoil more, but I will say that while Philantha is a bit scattered, she doesn't turn her back on Sinda, and I grew to like her character. Finally, the mystery and intrigue of the court was exciting, and there was an oracle. What more could I have asked for?

I didn't give the book five stars because it became clear who the villain was pretty early on in the book, I just wasn't sure of their motive. Despite this knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and thought that it was an excellent debut. I can't wait for more from O'Neal!

The False Princess
By Eilis O'Neal
Published by Egmont USA
336 Pages
Rating: B+

In My Mailbox (December 12)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi of The Story Siren, who was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. All of the synopses you see below were found on Goodreads. Here are the books I got this week...

For Review

Human .4 by Mike Lancaster
The Millgrove talent show has the same performances as any other small town — a cheesy ventriloquist, off-key karaoke singers, and bad dance routines. But after Kyle Straker is hypnotized as part of his friend’s mysterious new act, Millgrove will never be the same again.

When Kyle and the other volunteers awaken, the entire audience, the entire town, and possibly the entire world, is frozen still. Telephones, radios, televisions, and computers no longer work— only a strange language flashes across the screens. When everybody suddenly wakes up, it becomes clear that they have changed—and that Kyle is now an outsider, one of the 0.4.

Is Kyle still under hypnosis, or is this chilling new world real? Will he awaken from a dream to roars of laughter, or is there something much more sinister happening?

One of the last of his kind, Kyle records his story on a series of cassette tapes, describing the shift, and what it means for the future of mankind.

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth 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 of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever

I also got some fabulous gifts from my Secret Santa, Wendy. I wanted to thank her again :)

Waiting on Wednesday (January 13)

This was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Basically, these books haven't been released yet, but I can't wait for them.

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal (Cover isn't available yet)

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia knows her role in life. But everything changes when she learns, just after her sixteenth 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.

While struggling with her new peasant life, Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins–long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control. Returning to the city to seek answers, she instead uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor’s history forever.

Published by EgmontUSA
Release Date: May 11, 2010