The Shadow Throne (The Ascendance Series, Book 3)

What a wonderful story and one of my all time favorite book heroes. Great final book of a fantastic trilogy. Following Jaron’s adventures through these books has been a wild ride as he finds himself in one impossible situation after the other, and then comes up with an impossible plan and makes it work. Not that each of them results in a happy ending and sometimes in tragedy. There are just too many other wonderful characters I learned to love along the way. I don’t want to give away too much of the story because it would ruin the first book if I did. More fun if one does not read any spoilers in this trilogy. This is not a fantasy story in that there are no supernatural, dragons and such. But it is a make believe land where it takes place with horses and knights and lots of swordplay. An amazing young prince who has made fast friends with some unlikely other boys – or young men by the time this part of the story is told. Is it a romance? It is to a degree from the serving girl who Jaron loves but dares not admit it to the princess he has been betrothed to since his brother was killed and he, as prince, stepped into the agreement. Both the serving girl and the princess are also strong and wonderful players in the story. Jaron’s relationship with his Captain is complicated and goes back to the first book. They have been bitter enemies and good friends. As Jaron loved them all, so did I as the reader. The villain in this story weaves in and out of the turmoil as he is in prison for most of the second and third book. I always felt he would play a large part somewhere, and sure enough. But there are more evil men here including a king who is determined to take over not only Jaron’s people but all else too. Some of this book was not as fun to read for me as the other two. I worried too much. There is cruelty and my hero who never runs and never gives up, appeared to have reached the end of his will to fight any more. But the very traits that made me love him in the first place were always there underneath. There were things going on in this battle to save his throne and his people that I wondered about. The author lets us into Jaron’s mind and thoughts, but just enough and not enough to see what he really intended to happen. Sometimes I guessed and sometimes I was totally surprised at the minor miracles he pulled out. But so was Jaron which made it even a better read. Really good writing. This is YA and would be suitable to all ages. I expect a boy would enjoy this one more than a lot of the YA stories that are based around the girl being the main character that the reader follows. This book is told in the first person which works perfectly. Jaron is clever and has a sense of humor which definitely comes across. Wonderful trilogy and I will re-read it. I think it will be a fun re-read because now I know some of the things Jaron was planning that he did not let me know when he was telling the story!

Well, it got better. I have loved the entire "Ascendance Trilogy", but Nielsen seems to have gotten a better grip on the characters she created in "The False Prince". I agree with those who were displeased with the stereotypical, two-dimensional side characters in this best-selling fantasy series. In all honesty, liking the characters better, even if just a little, makes a world of difference to the reader. As for the story itself, it's a slam - dunk of a conclusion. King Jaron, aka the thief Sage, is trying to prepare Carthya for war against the formiddable country of rival king Vargan. However, his love Imagen is captured by the enemy, he and his captain of the army Roden have a fall-out, and Jaron is asked to marry the princess betrothed to his late brother, who, although he cares for her, does not love her. Rather than listen to reason, Jaron plots a rescue mission to save Imagen...but it all goes wrong. Now Jaron has lost everything. If he is to save his world, he must outwit Vargan, defeat the enemy...or die for the throne. PROS - 1 Better characters. While these characters aren't necessarily better developed, they are more likable. Mott is more of the dependable, I don't agree but let's do this kind of guy, and the princess proves to be a brave woman in time of war. However, Imagen is still useless and irritating. Roden is still obnoxious. And Tobias...eh...well, he's himself, fickle, really. NOW he wants to be a physician. 2 Jaron. Jaron has been described as an anti-hero. I couldn't disagree more. Sage is an act. The thief is a face he put on to stop his father from going to war many years before. In reality, he is a selfless monarch who will sacrifice almost anything to keep his people safe. But, thankfully Jaron is incredibly intelligent, and let's us enjoy another twist ending. He truly is a wonderful narrator. Thank you, Jennifer. CONS- 1 Imagen. SPOILER - SKIP THIS PART UNLESS YOU DON"T CARE.OR YOU HATE IMAGEN AND WISHED TO BE SPARED PAIN. Don't believe your good fortune, it's a lie - Imagen is alive. This is incredibly frustrating. She is an awful, I can take care of myself how dare you suggest I need protection type of person who basically won't love Jaron because he has a duty. Good for Jaron, I guess. For us? ARG! 2 Bit to typical. Ends very well, everything ties up. EVERYTHING. Not that a happy ending's bad...just kind of a "seriously?" thing. This book is violent, but not to much. No swearing, from what I remember. This i, in all, an exellent ending to a great series. I wish there could be more Sage adventures...but, really, I don't. This is fine. It could even be split into a part 1, part 2 for Hollywood. Don't throw tomatoes at me, please!

This was an incredible book! This and the first two had me flipping pages constantly. I didn’t want to stop reading! I don’t know the last time a book kept me so locked in! This one really pulls at the heart strings, but my hope held up and I was greatly rewarded! Nielsen has such a powerful way of pulling you in and fixing everything at the end when you were on the edge of your seat until the 50 pages left mark! So good! My students are all taking turns reading it because I loved it so much!

Genuinely enjoyed this book. I love the narrator's voice, the witty remarks given throughout all three of these novels, and the way in which they are all woven together. They easily read like one book, giving the trilogy a nice tie that some series tend to lack. Jaron has been well-crafted throughout the books. I love how carefully, cleverly, and lovingly this character and his development is handled. The balance between pauper-orphan without ever knowing a family to care and boy-king only learning how much his family really did care was just so interesting to see done so well in one character. Most of the relationships, from his friendships to those that become family to those he encounters for a short time are fun to watch form. I found myself laughing with these books harder than I have with many others, and genuinely concerned and curious about the characters and unfolding story. I gave this one 4 stars because I felt the last quarter, at least, was quite rushed. The first half of the book read as well as the other two did. The last quarter was especially wobbly, and I feel that perhaps there were elements that were added (or not removed when they perhaps should have been) because of outside factors, instead of upholding the great story that was being told. In honesty, this book read more like a skeleton or a draft than it did a complete story, and was left with a lot of questions and perhaps there were some inconsistencies. I felt like Jaron, again so wonderfully and beautifully made before, was pushed out of character for this last quarter. I also felt like there were some elements just not explored as well as they needed to be, and at least one unnecessary addition that was more of a distraction than a happy addition to the story (no telling for the sake of spoilers!). But I still loved the story. I would still highly recommend the trilogy to anyone. It's just so cleverly done, and so very funny. It's a great world to explore, and there are several fun characters to get to know.

I awoke at midnight to an email alert on my phone. Disgruntled at the noise, I squinted at my phone and tried to figure out why it was being rude. My mood lightened a bit when I realized it was Amazon informing me that Jennifer A. Nielson's The Shadow Throne had been delivered to my Kindle. Several hours later at a more reasonable time of day, I finally dove into Jaron's latest adventure, hoping it would be just as thrilling as the last. Needless to say, Nielson delivered yet again. In this fast paced, couldn't put the book down read, I squirmed with nervousness, laughed at Jaron's wit and his lovely sense of humor, I gasped with shock and yelled `I knew its!', but most of all, I couldn't get this wide, delighted grin to leave my face. We begin this installment knowing all is not well in Carthya. War is at their doorstep, Imogen has been kidnapped, and Roden and Jaron are fighting. The air feels heavy with anticipation and when it breaks, it isn't pretty. Of course, Jaron flings himself into the fray with only a small thought to his own survival -much to the frustration to all who know him, especially Mott. Jaron must use his mind if he plans to win. He knows the importance of thinking ahead and even tells his men, "You hold swords in your hands...you have legs, and strong backs, and best of all, you have brains. Never stop thinking, never stop looking ahead and making your pans. As long as you think, you will survive." Throughout the story, we can see Jaron's growth as a king. He begins to understand his father in ways he couldn't in the past. Jaron also sees the results of his choices and the weight his has to bear because of those choices. We mourn the bodies laid strewn about just as he does. We feel each loss that he must overcome. Despite the heaviness of death and war, Jaron keeps up with his quick retorts and taunts, which is a nice break from the dark situation he is in. Even when he is kicked down, he will always try to get back up--even if he just strikes back with his words. Jaron's voice is actually one of my favorite parts of this series. He is smart, stubborn, funny, and he doesn't break. Again, he reminds me of Gen in the Queen's Thief series. At one point Gen says that the thieves of Eddis don't break, they have flash points. I think the same is true for Jaron. Even when he is at his darkest and appears broken, he still rises. Upon finishing the series, I felt this rush of contentment. I can't think of a better and more fitting ending. So if you're reading this review, read this book now! (or if you haven't read the first two, read those first) The Ascendant series is a wonderful adventure that all should embark on.

I think this may be the most content I have ever been with an ending to a favorite book series. I am not overwhelmingly sad that it is over, even though I love it very much, the way I was when Percy Jackson ended. I'm not frustrated the way I was with the end of Hunger Games. I am not angry the way I was with the ending of Pendragon. I am happy and content. I honestly don't think there was one thing I did not like about this book, I'm not saying it was perfect, but it's pretty damn close. I think Jaron grew a lot in this book, and I came to love him even more. I loved the romance between Jaron and Imogen, it was sweet and innocent, and it didn't take precedence over the whole story but was still kinda in the background and you knew it was there throughout the whole book. The secondary characters are just as important in this book as Jaron is and again my love for them only grew, especially Roden, I loved seeing he become the Jaron's captain and growing into his position, I almost wish he had been in it more though because I love him so much! Same with Fink. Surprisingly there were a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. This book was very good at misleading the reader without it becoming irritating, it just kept you turning the pages long into the night. Over all I think this book was the best in the trilogy and everything I wanted it to be. It's fast paced but not so fast that you feel cheated or that it's hard to keep up with the plot. It's lighthearted and funny just like the other two books in the trilogy, but you still feel all the sadness Jaron feels about the war and everything, it gets serious when it's time to be serious, you know? It's the perfect ending to a series and everything that you want a final book to be.​

The Runaway King picks up right where The False Prince left off, and it does not disappoint. Sage continues to be a clever, bold, and unpredictable hero who keeps readers guessing with every chapter. There’s sword fighting, spies, pirates, and plenty of twists that kept me turning the pages late into the night. It’s a perfect blend of action, strategy, and character development. If you’re a fan of smart middle-grade or teen fantasy with a strong voice and high stakes, this is a great series to dive into.

This series is one of the best series I’ve ever read! I think it should be a whole lot more popular. The book is overall very entertaining throughout it; especially the ending. My favorite part is probably when you see Jaron’s plan come together. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would totally recommend to anyone who loves a good fantasy.

I really liked the book, and I was able to get the kindle edition before the paper one was comercialized in Spain

Just as good as the others with lots of funny parts in it . My favourite bit is when Jaron says " I have no idea how I'm going to steal the cannon but I love the idea of trying "

My son found it to be extremely interesting.He enjoyed it thoroughly.

厳重に包まれては来たのですが、本の右上に折り目が付いていて、孫が残念がっていました。

My students loved this series and I had my class from last year come at recess time to enjoy the last book in the trilogy! I found it was great for both boys and girls and there was a good balance of excitement and mystery to keep everyone interested. Would recommend for readers in Grade 4 and up!