This review is from 2013. I'm clearing out my feedback shelf.

So it was never going to be as good as The False Prince, but it's still a pretty good read. This time round, we're on the inside of the deception, which isn't quite as much fun. The plot feels more forced than the previous book and I got a bit tired of the references to 'the devils'. The romance feels a bit perfunctory and the new characters are less complex and ambiguous - nonetheless I enjoyed the book and look forward to the war with Avenia.

Being declared King may not be the ending Jaron had hoped for when he finally was determined to be the rightful heir to the throne of Carthya. Holding on to his crown may prove as dangerous and difficult as his struggle to the throne in book one, The False Prince. Now in this sequel, Jaron must fight all the opposing forces that are ready to topple his empire, some even attempting to assassinate him. There are traitors, pirates, neighboring kingdoms and armies all ready to crush him and his kingdom. Jaron must resort to his old tricks as a poor orphan to try to save his people. Once again, he takes on the persona of Sage and fights against seemingly insurmountable odds. Nielsen keeps up the fast pace and intensity of her first book in this second installment. Jaron/Sage Is resourceful and courageous as he takes on enemies that threaten from factions outside and inside Carthya. The action is tense and it keeps the reader riveted to the page. This series will not disappoint and readers will wait with bated breath for the final installment.

Review very late since I've already read the entire Ascendance Trilogy. I love this series so much. I'm constantly recommending it to my 5th & 6th graders that are looking for adventure. Perfect for fans for royal court fiction and witty banter and sarcastic and cunning characters.

The Runaway King
By Jennifer A. Neilsen

Sage now Jaron has been recognized as the true heir to the throne. But the threats against his life have been renewed when he attacked in the garden on the night of his family’s funeral. The Avenian pirates have threatened to go to war with Carthya unless Jaron turns himself over to the Roden and the pirates in 10 days in Isel and he releases Bevin Conner. King Vargan has threatened to go to war with Carthya unless Jaron turn over Carthyan land.

With his regents determined to put a steward on the throne in his stead, Jaron is left with few options to protect Carthya. With his regents threatening to 1) place a steward on the throne until he comes of age and 2) send him into hiding Jaron is faced with a decision that will decide the fate of his rule and that of Carthya When Jaron is left with the feeling that he is missing something when he confronts Connor in the dungeon he sets out to find the pirates and stop them and Devlin before it is too late. But time is short as the pirates have given him 10 days and the regents will act within 9. Is there enough time to secure his position and to save those he holds dear?

Who can Jaron trust with the truth of what he has planned? Mott? Tobias? Princess Amarinda? Kerwyn the high chamberlain? Gregor captain of the guard? Can one of these people who are within his inner circle truly be trusted with information that could cost Jaron his life and how is he to know?

The Runaway King takes up where The False Prince left us and this is one sequel that won’t disappoint! Action, sacrifice, betrayals and Jaron being yet again a fool – The Runaway King has it all.

The ending will leave you wanting more and is an excellent set up for the third book in the Ascendance Trilogy.