Recommended Age:
11
+
Ideal for readers who enjoy suspenseful, character-driven political intrigue with clever plotting.
About the Book
Orphan thief Sage is chosen by a nobleman to be trained as an impersonator of the missing prince, competing with two other boys for the role—and if he fails, he will be killed as a threat. A brilliantly plotted, twist-filled adventure that subverts every expectation the reader brings to it; the ending is a genuine and satisfying shock. One of the best middle-grade political thrillers published in decades.
Content Ratings
💡
Mild Themes
The book explores identity, the performance of self, and what survival requires of those born without power or privilege. The main character's intelligence and resourcefulness are celebrated.
⚔️
Mild Violence
The threat of death for those who fail the selection process, combat training, and political dangers create sustained tension.
