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Richard Malory #2
The True Prince
Intrigue abounds both on and off the stage in this rollicking mystery set within Shakespeare’s theater company.
Kit Glover is London’s finest boy actor. Audiences flock to see him portray imperious queens and scheming noblewomen. But off the stage Kit’s manner is harder to make out. Now cool and disdainful, next fierce and angry, then madcap and bawdy–his personality changes so rapidly and so often that fellow actor Richard is unsure which is the real Kit, or if his true nature is something else again.
But Richard is certain of one Kit is involved with some nefarious companions– much like young Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s latest play, Henry IV. And Richard suspects that these low companions are behind a series of crimes that could cost the company its good standing and could cost Kit his head.
And so, reluctantly, Richard allows himself to be drawn into the conspiracy to help his rival–this fascinating, infuriating, troubled prince of a boy, teetering on the brink of becoming either a king . . . or a criminal.
From the Hardcover edition.
Kit Glover is London’s finest boy actor. Audiences flock to see him portray imperious queens and scheming noblewomen. But off the stage Kit’s manner is harder to make out. Now cool and disdainful, next fierce and angry, then madcap and bawdy–his personality changes so rapidly and so often that fellow actor Richard is unsure which is the real Kit, or if his true nature is something else again.
But Richard is certain of one Kit is involved with some nefarious companions– much like young Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s latest play, Henry IV. And Richard suspects that these low companions are behind a series of crimes that could cost the company its good standing and could cost Kit his head.
And so, reluctantly, Richard allows himself to be drawn into the conspiracy to help his rival–this fascinating, infuriating, troubled prince of a boy, teetering on the brink of becoming either a king . . . or a criminal.
From the Hardcover edition.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2002
2 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Cheaney
6 books28 followersJ. B. Cheaney’s The Playmaker was named one of Booklist’s Top Ten First Novels for Teens. She and her husband live in the Ozarks of Missouri.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 5, 2020
Well, after not being either willing or able to finish J.B. Cheaney’s first Richard Malory novel due to massive boredom and a constant feeling that the author, that Cheaney was in The Playmaker mostly using the main protagonist (teenaged would be actor Richard Malory) simply as a tedious plot device to pedantically and dryly teach and lecture us readers about the English Renaissance, I was originally not going to bother with even trying the sequel, as I was of course seriously worried that The True Prince would be equally disappointing and also just another DNF. However, since I own a copy of The True Prince, I finally did decide to attempt a perusal of the same. And indeed, and yes, the fact that I approached The True Prince with basically rather majorly negative expectations, this has actually been somewhat of a positive for me, since my not at all optimistic expectations with regard to in particular J.B. Cheaney’s writing style did make me both continue reading and even rather enjoying The True Prince, as the novel, as the continuation of Richard Malory’s Life story as a player, as an actor in Renaissance London has most definitely been penned by Cheaney as considerably more interesting and engaging text than has been the case with book one, with The Playmaker (much more streamlined and with less tedious filler, and even the author’s tendency towards pedantry, while still a bit of an issue in The True Prince is certainly much less so than in The Playmaker where J.B. Cheaney’s info dropping just totally ruined everything, something that is definitely not the case in the sequel, in The True Prince, where even when there is historical information dropping and Cheaney acting a bit like an instructor, it is tolerable and sometimes even pleasant).
However, as much as The True Prince has been totally superior to The Playmaker, as a story in and of itself, my ranking will still not be above three stars. For one, I could do without the rather loosely attached murder mystery. And for two, also I have very much enjoyed the detailed descriptions of how William Shakespeare’s Henry IV (parts one and two) came to be created and performed, I do find that there is not nearly enough of a focus by J.B. Cheaney on Shakespeare as a character, as an actor, that the role he plays in The True Prince is much too lacking and superficial for me and what I want and desire in a historical fiction narrative set amongst William Shakespeare’s group of actors (players). But yes, compared to J.B. Cheaney’s first Richard Malory book, compared to the in my opinion truly much too dragging and awfully tedious The Playmaker, The True Prince is and has been engaging, mildly fun and definitely readable enough for me to have enjoyed myself and to not have regretted my reading time.
However, as much as The True Prince has been totally superior to The Playmaker, as a story in and of itself, my ranking will still not be above three stars. For one, I could do without the rather loosely attached murder mystery. And for two, also I have very much enjoyed the detailed descriptions of how William Shakespeare’s Henry IV (parts one and two) came to be created and performed, I do find that there is not nearly enough of a focus by J.B. Cheaney on Shakespeare as a character, as an actor, that the role he plays in The True Prince is much too lacking and superficial for me and what I want and desire in a historical fiction narrative set amongst William Shakespeare’s group of actors (players). But yes, compared to J.B. Cheaney’s first Richard Malory book, compared to the in my opinion truly much too dragging and awfully tedious The Playmaker, The True Prince is and has been engaging, mildly fun and definitely readable enough for me to have enjoyed myself and to not have regretted my reading time.
August 30, 2020
If you enjoy Shakespearean plays and historical fiction, this book has your name all over it. Truth be told, I've never read any Shakespeare, and historical fiction isn't my favorite cup of tea, but I picked this book up because I was fascinated by the aspect of the Renaissance Theater in London, and it was a fun romp of a story, too, with great characters and a tangled mystery full of mischievous thieves, court intrigue, and old Welsh 'magic'. I enjoyed the themes of rivalry between the main character, Richard, and the troubled prince of the stage, Kit, and how it gradually turned into a budding friendship through mutual brokenness, striving for justice, learning about honor and nobility, and just plain growing up.
It also makes me want to try reading some Shakespeare, and that has to count for something!
It also makes me want to try reading some Shakespeare, and that has to count for something!
January 22, 2011
Richard Malory doesn't understand Kit Glover, the best boy actor in London. Kit has always been tempermental, but now its worse. Kit's hanging around low people, criminals, and troublemakers. He loses his spot in the acting company, and he may be in over his head. A plot to kidnap a nobleman may be more than Kit can handle. It's up to Richard to figure out the next step, before someone dies.
March 23, 2009
This was one dense book. The story takes place in Elizabethan times, within Shakespeare's company. The plot even mirrors HENRY IV. However, it could have benefitted from some serious pruning. It was a bit rushed at the end, considering the density of it.
March 11, 2020
Again, this was a childhood re-read that held up remarkably well!
March 13, 2011
There's lots going on in this book--a few mysteries, a couple plays, and one intense rivalry. There's a few twists, some misdirections, but nothing too terribly difficult in the plot to keep up with. However, to my mind, the richest plotline in The True Prince revolved around the dynamic between Richard and the other main boy, Kit. Their relationship (such as it is) is a weighty influence on Richard and his decisions-- and you can't help but get caught up in the moment whenever they share a scene together-- can't help feeling Richard's own emotions burn through your chest, can't help empathizing because you can feel deep down how much he longs for a real friendship with the other boy, but is prevented by circumstances and stubbornness. It was the first thing that immediately interested me in the novel when I read the excerpt on the back cover, and kept me interested throughout the duration.
In The Playmaker (the previous book), Richard secured his position in the acting troupe, working alongside such notable figures as Richard Burbage, Ben Jonson and William Shakespeare. In this sequel you can immediately see how he's gained a sense of purpose and family as an actor's apprentice, how he takes pride in his hard-earned talent and the skills he's learned. You can also see how it frustrates him that it's impossible to show off his talents and be Kit's friend at the same time, because the aura of competition is just too strong. This dilemma, as well as other cloak-and-dagger type mysteries, kept me turning page after page of this book-- a book I'd just happened to pick up at the library because I found the excerpt interesting, and never expected to love as much as I did.
Cheaney also makes excellent use of research and recreates the Elizabethan era with amazing details that truly bring Richard's world to life. For example, actor's using lead spoons as part of their make-up routine; every Englishman of the time was required to be a competent enough archer to defend his country in case of invasion, etc. From Richard's point-of-view you will find yourself seeing and smelling and hearing London of the 16th century in a vivid and highly realistic way.
In The Playmaker (the previous book), Richard secured his position in the acting troupe, working alongside such notable figures as Richard Burbage, Ben Jonson and William Shakespeare. In this sequel you can immediately see how he's gained a sense of purpose and family as an actor's apprentice, how he takes pride in his hard-earned talent and the skills he's learned. You can also see how it frustrates him that it's impossible to show off his talents and be Kit's friend at the same time, because the aura of competition is just too strong. This dilemma, as well as other cloak-and-dagger type mysteries, kept me turning page after page of this book-- a book I'd just happened to pick up at the library because I found the excerpt interesting, and never expected to love as much as I did.
Cheaney also makes excellent use of research and recreates the Elizabethan era with amazing details that truly bring Richard's world to life. For example, actor's using lead spoons as part of their make-up routine; every Englishman of the time was required to be a competent enough archer to defend his country in case of invasion, etc. From Richard's point-of-view you will find yourself seeing and smelling and hearing London of the 16th century in a vivid and highly realistic way.
September 9, 2015
Set in Shakespeare's London, this book tells the story of a mysterious sequence of events that affect the Lord Hunsdon's Men, better remembered as Shakespeare's acting company.
Richard Mallory is an apprentice in the company and has been for about a year when the story starts. From the first page, we learn that there is a heated rivalry between him and a fellow player, Kit (Christopher) Glover, London's best boy player.
Both Richard and Kit must find their places in the world and those places may have more to do with each other than they would like.
I loved this book from the start. It begins in the middle and ends in the middle and the middle is full of mystery, suspense (of the brainy kind) and unexpected discoveries. You will think you know better than Richard and you know what's happening, or you will realize what's happening at the same time as Richard and think it must be true until two chapters later when something new turns up and you must rethink everything. However, if you like lots of action or gory murders in the dark, this might not be the right intrigue for you.
My next point is that the characters are likeable, yet still manage to ring true. Books for younger people tend to have lovable characters, but who aren't as complex as real people. Adults, on the other hand, often end up with characters who are difficult to fall in love with they are so grey and between good and bad. Kit, Richard, Starling and the actors manage to act and react like a living human and won my heart in doing so. The balance is almost perfect.
Mixing fiction, bending truths and documenting London's history, the story comes together beautifully, all the while in parallel with Shakespeare's work. If you have read and enjoyed his plays, you will most likely enjoy this book. If you haven't J. B. Cheaney will plant a strong desire for reading and/or acting Shakespeare's work in your mind.
P.S.: I shipped Richard and Kit before I even opened the book, I couldn't help it.
Richard Mallory is an apprentice in the company and has been for about a year when the story starts. From the first page, we learn that there is a heated rivalry between him and a fellow player, Kit (Christopher) Glover, London's best boy player.
Both Richard and Kit must find their places in the world and those places may have more to do with each other than they would like.
I loved this book from the start. It begins in the middle and ends in the middle and the middle is full of mystery, suspense (of the brainy kind) and unexpected discoveries. You will think you know better than Richard and you know what's happening, or you will realize what's happening at the same time as Richard and think it must be true until two chapters later when something new turns up and you must rethink everything. However, if you like lots of action or gory murders in the dark, this might not be the right intrigue for you.
My next point is that the characters are likeable, yet still manage to ring true. Books for younger people tend to have lovable characters, but who aren't as complex as real people. Adults, on the other hand, often end up with characters who are difficult to fall in love with they are so grey and between good and bad. Kit, Richard, Starling and the actors manage to act and react like a living human and won my heart in doing so. The balance is almost perfect.
Mixing fiction, bending truths and documenting London's history, the story comes together beautifully, all the while in parallel with Shakespeare's work. If you have read and enjoyed his plays, you will most likely enjoy this book. If you haven't J. B. Cheaney will plant a strong desire for reading and/or acting Shakespeare's work in your mind.
P.S.: I shipped Richard and Kit before I even opened the book, I couldn't help it.
Read
August 17, 2011One key to success for a historical mystery is balance between those two elements: if the mystery could be set in any time and place, the history functions only as decoration, but if historical detail takes over, the plot suffers. Cheaney achieves the balance in this YA novel, beginning in 1598 and ending with the building of the Globe by the theatrical company that includes Shakespeare. From the perspective of Richard, the narrator, a 15-year-old apprentice in the company, we get an insider's view of performing on the Elizabethan stage--awkward costume changes from lady to crowd-scene soldier, little time to learn a new part, even waiting to find out how the writer will develop the characters of Falstaff and Prince Hal in part 2 of his Henry IV play. The fat soldier's name change from Sir John Oldcastle to Falstaff is part of the court intrigue that fuels the plot. The book's title is misleading, but that shouldn't interfere with anyone's enjoyment.
March 16, 2015
I thought this book was strong. Considering it place in the late 1500s it was intriguing to read. The writing was really immense and sometimes I had to read some parts over again to understand it. Richard is kind of like me with his nice personality, but Kit is something else. The way he acts and what he says just make him hard to figure out sometimes. For me the writing was difficult. Some statements said in the book were confusing for me . I think a strength of the book is its complicity. You'd have to be an advanced reader to get through this book easily. So if you're looking for an advanced book this would be a good one to pick out. The True Prince was definitely a nice book to read.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
January 28, 2021Gundula says don't pay for this, and don't read #1, but do read if I get a chance.
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dnf p. 84. It's just not for me. Definitely not a bad book, and if you're interested, do read it.
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dnf p. 84. It's just not for me. Definitely not a bad book, and if you're interested, do read it.
November 5, 2018
Already did this, trying to fix it from having it say I read it 2 times.
July 9, 2009
BOORRRRING... that's really all I can say about The True Prince by J.B. Cheaney. I really like historical fiction, but not this novel in particular. While the story itself was kind of interesting, the writing just dragged on monotonously.
The story is supposed to be about Kit Glover, a boy actor. But really Kit was a secondary character to the story's narrator, Richard Malory (another boy actor in the same company as Kit). I struggled through for the most part, because I kept hoping it would get better. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because there were maybe one or two chapters that were somewhat interesting to read. Honestly though, not the greatest book. I'm glad I only checked it out from the library and didn't waste any money (or too much time) on it.
The story is supposed to be about Kit Glover, a boy actor. But really Kit was a secondary character to the story's narrator, Richard Malory (another boy actor in the same company as Kit). I struggled through for the most part, because I kept hoping it would get better. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because there were maybe one or two chapters that were somewhat interesting to read. Honestly though, not the greatest book. I'm glad I only checked it out from the library and didn't waste any money (or too much time) on it.
September 2, 2008
Interesting setting during Shakespeare's time as playwright. Main character is boy actor which gives a great look into the acting life back then. Not sure how the title fits. Didn't find the character of Kit very believable.
August 11, 2009
This was great especially the part about Davy's death and the scene at Newington Butts!
July 4, 2011
A great followup to The Playmakers. Intrigue at the Globe! Set in Shakespeare's time one of the players has a secret.
July 13, 2012
J.B. Cheaney parallels the central Shakespeare play in the narrative of the story as she takes the reader into the life of the London stage. Good read.
June 10, 2014
There aren't words for how much i disliked this book.
January 2, 2015
The cover doesn't do the book justice--excellent!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews