If you've read this far in the trilogy, you might as well finish it. I can't really recall anything in particular about this series ending. Nielsen does, however, does a consistently good job with providing a fast-paced and enjoyable middle-grade fantasy adventure with feisty characters.

What I Loved: King Jaron has a dark journey in this third book of the Ascendance series. Barely recovered from his broken leg and returning from being named King of the pirates, he learns that 3 other countries have invaded his landlocked kingdom of Carthya. Not only does he fear for his people, but Imogen has been captured as a trap for him. Mott convinces him it is too dangerous for him to attempt a rescue. However, he must go once Mott is captured too and their torture is assured. The escape goes wrong, and he watches in horror as Imogen is struck with an arrow and he is captured.
This is a much darker book as King Jaron loses the will to fight, grieves for a love he never acknowledged and undergoes physical torture at the hands of Avenia. It takes his friends getting captured to force him to use his famous stubbornness and brilliant wit to get them all free.
Along the way, his friends find their place in their new roles better. Tobias works to become a physician. Amarinda and Jaron come to an understanding of their betrothal. Roden rises to his potential as the Captain of the Guard and learns a vital secret about his past. Jaron enlists the help of his pirates, and a few clever tricks fall into place to ensure a peaceful resolution. And since this is middle-grade fiction, not everyone believed to be dead is, in the end, letting the story plots wrap up nicely for a happy ever after.
Final Verdict: I absolutely love the character of King Jaron/Sage. Yes, his luck allows for a lot of fantastical plans to be pulled off with few hitches. But the grand reveal of his plots and his self-deprecating humor is very engaging. Each book is fast-paced and leaves you guessing how he could possibly win. However, being middle-grade fiction things turn out rosy and well at the end. This book was originally the end of a trilogy. So, when I found out there are two more books it was worth the re-read as I prepare to immediately start the fourth book in the series.

The third installment in Jennifer Nielsen's acclaimed coming of age saga, chock full of adventure, suspense, and surprise twists along the way.

Jaron is now king, and his country at war. It is up to him to protect his people and lead them into a secure future, a seemingly impossible task. I love how he was has grown as a leader over the past few books, coming into his own and bearing his duty with calculated, but reckless bravery. As well as how his friendships have grown and he has matured into a king.

A highly satisfying read from beginning to end, I didn't want to put it down! Well worth the read, and never a dull moment, I loved how so many pieces came together at last in this book and how we see a more sensitive and selfless side of Jaron. You won't want to miss it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

This trilogy is great for Harry Potter and Percy Jackson fans. Hidden identities, stealing a kingdom's throne and outwitting a royal assassin are just some of the excitement in this series. This last book still has plenty of surprises and ends very satisfyingly.

This series was so great and fun. A great adventure series for middle grade readers. It was a fulfilling ending to the series.

Such an interesting concept. Totally something I'd recommend to my students.

I've read her other books and loved them but this was a miss for me. I haven't totally given up on her, this one just wasn't for me.