Yeah, don’t take that heading to heart – there’s a very good chance the book review days might (will) change! I had actually wanted to do this Monday but time got away from me, so… here it is, 2 days later 🙂
Having said that, today I will be reviewing, “The Shadow Throne (Book 3 of The Ascendance Trilogy)” by Jennifer A. Nielsen.
The Short: Amazing book. Amazing series. Love, love, loved it!
The Long: OK, I’m not exaggerating when I said I loved this book (and series). Although it is a middle-grade book, I would say this is one of my top 10 favorite books (or series) of all time. It is that good, people.
If you’ve read at the least the first book (“The False Prince”) then you know how Ms. Nielsen writes – she weaves a tale so enticing, it is difficult (read: impossible) to put down. Her foreshadowing is incredible and the twists just never seem to end. This is one of those series for kids that will capture an adult’s attention and you will forget it was ever even meant for a younger audience. (Although, it’s Scholastic, so it’s still perfectly suitable for children.)
If you haven’t had the chance to dive into the world of Carthya, then do yourself a favor and grab the first book right now and begin! You won’t be disappointed.
Without giving away too many spoilers, I will sum up the story and the points I liked about it. Carthya is facing war, which we knew from the end of the 2nd book. Once again, King Jaron faces impossible odds in avoiding (or bringing the war to a quick end), while saving his people. As he (once again) travels the country saving kidnapped friends, raising an army and in general avoiding war, Jaron once again is wise beyond his years as he undertakes a mammoth sized task. His immaturity and view of the world he had in book 1 comes full circle at the close of book 3, as he not only grows into the King he was born to be, but is able to forgive past offenses and realize the sacrifices made by others in his past.
Once again, a fantastic read that might make it onto your ‘favorite’ shelf, as well!
Happy reading, friends! 🙂