The Ascendance Trilogy (1) The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Hi everyone! A couple of weeks ago, I finished reading a great book written by Jennifer A Nielsen that I wanted to share with you. It is the first book in The Ascendance Trilogy, and I really enjoyed it! The book is titled The False Prince, which is what really caught my eye. The book had been recommended to me recently, and I thought I should share it with you!

The False Prince is written from the perspective of an orphaned boy named Sage who lives in the kingdom of Carthya. Sage is a tricky boy, good with theft, quick on his feet, and tends to think of only himself. Until one day, he gets bought by a nobleman named Conner, and taken away from his orphanage for good. Little did he know, that he may become a part of a crazy scheme. One that would either save his country, or get those involved……. killed.

Lord Conner takes Sage away to his palace, where he is to compete with four other orphans to impersonate a long lost prince in an attempt to stop a war. The competition between the orphans is fierce, for those who don’t win…….. well, nothing good shall come to them. And who would ever miss an orphan?

Amina's Voice by Hena Khan

Hi everyone! Today, I just finished an amazing book that I have to share with you! It is called Amina’s Voice and it is written by Hena Khan, an award winning author! It came out this year, and so it is relatively new.

Amina is a Pakistani-American Muslim girl, who has a good life. She has a best friend, Soojin, a wonderful family, and a hidden talent. A talent for singing. A talent she shares with practically no one. Being in the spotlight is not something that she desires. So hidden her talent stays.

When Soojin becomes friends with a girl named Emily, Amina wonders if Soojin will soon leave Amina behind for Emily. Soojin starts to talk about changing her name, and other things about her so she is more “American”. Amina doesn’t know if she should be doing the same. When Amina’s uncle comes to visit from Pakistan, Amina starts to doubt herself even more.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Hi everyone! Have you ever heard of The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin? Well, it’s pretty famous. And I personally think that it is one of the best crafted mysteries, scratch that, books-- ever. Do you like mysteries? I do. And I especially liked this one.

I had read this book once with my dad when I was younger, but I didn’t remember much about it. Recently, I decided to read it again. Long story short-- I loved it! The photo I have here, is just ONE of the MANY covers for The Westing Game.

Most people would say that it all starts when the characters meet for the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. I say it starts much sooner. Much sooner. To understand what I am about to tell you, I must explain a little about the story. Just a little-- no spoilers, I promise.

Journeys from Ayrden (1) A Clearing in the Forest by Kim Love Stump

Hi again! A little over a month ago, I read a really good book that I would like to recommend to you. It is the debut novel in a series called Journeys from Ayrden written by Kim Love Stump. The first book in the series is called A Clearing in the Forest. Intriguing title? I sure thought so!

A Clearing in the Forest is about Princess Adrianna, who lives in the kingdom of Ayrden. When she reaches sixteen, it is required for her to go on a journey into the woods or rather, the unknown--alone, apart from her stallion Sultan. Sultan has been trained not only to protect her, but to be her constant companion on her journey of birthright. Not all royals make it back alive, but Adriana is determined to make it back home safely. Adrianna has trained for her journey since she was young, and she believes that she is more than capable to make it back home, and that is EXACTLY what she intends to do!

In the woods Adrianna must prove her worth against the dangers she finds, and must venture into uncharted lands, where trees shift positions, pathways are made of gold, and dragons exist!

Real Friends Written by Shannon Hale, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Hi everyone! I have a really good recommendation for you today! So, who here likes graphic novels?

Last week I started reading this graphic novel called Real Friends. It is written by Shannon Hale, and illustrated, by LeUyen Pham. Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham have worked together (along with Dean Hale) on the Princess in Black series. I think that it is really cool that they worked on Real Friends together, too!

I love this graphic novel, and since about a week ago, I have already read it 6 times!

Real Friends is a “sort-of memoir” as I like to call it, because it is based off of true events that happened to Shannon Hale in her childhood, but is not 100% accurate. Some events were altered slightly, some people’s names were changed, and of course, some parts might not have been remembered exactly how it happened. Because, after all, it’s all about perspective...