The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

The kingdom has lost its royal family and in order to prevent civil war a nobleman has taken up the task to train four young orphans to become the kingdom's "long lost prince". But there can only be one winner to claim the throne and the boys' endurance, strength, and wits are tested. The novel centers on Sage, a highly sarcastic, intelligent, and talented young boy. A lot of action and deception (even from Sage's first person narrative) will keep children 10 + reading and guessing.

This is a well-written story and its plot moves smoothly. It is the first in a series, and apart from the medieval setting, there are no magical or fantasy elements. I could however, see the sequels dealing with more of these things.

-Kelly, Books Inc. Laurel Village