Book Review: The Shadow Throne

Title: The Shadow Throne

Author: Jennifer A Nielsen

Genre: Fantasy

Book Blurb: 

War has come to Carthya. It knocks at every door and window in the land. And when Jaron learns that King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen in a plot to bring Carthya to its knees, Jaron knows it is up to him to embark on a daring rescue mission. But everything that can go wrong does.

His friends are flung far and wide across Carthya and its neighbouring lands. In a last-ditch effort to stave off what looks to be a devastating loss for the kingdom, Jaron undertakes what may be his last journey to save everything and everyone he loves. But even with his lightning-quick wit, Jaron cannot forestall the terrible danger that descends on him and his country. Along the way, will he lose what matters most? And in the end, who will sit on Carthya's throne?

Review:

It's official. I've finished the trilogy.  And now it's time for me to wave goodbye to this unforgettable cast of characters *sobs a bit*

Jaron, you are one helluva of a character. As usual, I loved his sass  and how he applied his sense of humor at the right time and places. Yes, there are some serious parts in this book, but it never gets too serious thanks to his snide remarks that had me laughing. And yeesh, Jaron really gets beat up in this book...but he survives and once again proves that he also has a plan up his sleeves.

Book Review: The Runaway King

Title: The Runaway King

Author: Jennifer A Nielsen

Genre: Fantasy

Book Blurb:

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

Review:

And my reading-awesome-books streak continues! *Does victory dance*

Jennifer Nielsen wows me again with the second installment of the Ascendence Trilogy. Usually, the second book in a trilogy is usually the worst book (I sometimes feel like authors just throw them in to bridge the gap between the beginning and the conclusion, and are therefore, not really needed.) This is not the case with The Runaway King. I loved this book just as much as I did with The False Prince.

Jaron continues to live up to my expectations in terms of sassitude (sass + attitude) and honorable moral values. He easily makes it onto my top ten fave character list.  Jaron also continues to leave me in awe with his clever reasoning and planning (though I will admit he does have more than his fair share of luck--both good and bad.)  You also beging to see some feelings develop between Imogen and Jaron, but the romance isn't overwhelming, so thank goodness for that! Though Nielsen does kinda pull the star-crossed lover trick out of her hat in The Runaway King, regarding the Jaron, Imogen and Amarinda love triangle situation.