Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting space adventure morphs into clever coming-of-ager.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Chosen to be a prince in the vast intergalactic Empire, teen Khemri figures that his life will be full of adventure, leisure, and acclaim. But he quickly discovers that he gets little respect from his peers and is in constant danger of being assassinated. Eventually, he's stripped of his princely powers, and that's when he really begins to discover his potential.
Is It Any Good?
Although action-packed, A CONFUSION OF PRINCES takes a little time to develop its true theme: that a life of wealth and privilege doesn't necessarily bring happiness. Readers of a less technical bent may be puzzled by the jargon used to describe future technology. But author Garth Nix keeps the suspense high and the tone light throughout, and the book builds to an exciting and affecting conclusion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how expectations about what constitutes a fulfilling life can change between adolescence and adulthood. Teens: What do you think would make you happy as an adult?
Does the thought of being nearly immortal seem appealing? If you knew you could die and be revived later, how might that change your philosophy and behavior?
Do governments, such as the Empire in A Confusion of Princes, always act with their subjects' best interests in mind? Is there ever a gap between what they say and what they do?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper
- Publication date : May 15, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 352
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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