A Conspiracy of Princes

Gr 7 Up—When readers last met young Prince Jared in Allies and Assassins (Little, Brown, 2014), he had just solved the mystery of his brother's death, exposing traitors and murderers among his most trusted allies. Now, as he readies himself for his coronation as Prince of All Archenfield, he is faced with another threat to his beloved homeland. The Princes of Paddenburg have given him less than a week to surrender the assassin, or their superior armies will invade. Rather than face the enemy alone, Jared rides to some of the neighboring kingdoms, hoping to form alliances and bolster his weakened army. As soon as he leaves, however, one of his own Council of Twelve stages a coup, deposing him as Prince. Through battles, bloodshed, treachery and espionage, Prince Jared fights to keep his throne, home, and kingdom, never knowing who can be trusted, and who is plotting against him. Somper has created a strong cast of well-defined characters, each with a distinct personality. There are so many conspiracies, alliances, betrayals, and deceptions that even careful readers will not be sure who is to be trusted. Although some characters are re-introduced and explanations and background are occasionally included, reading the first volume is recommended.