Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F NIE
Genres
Collection
Publication
Scholastic Press (2014), 336 pages
Description
Young King Jaron has had nothing but trouble with his advisors and regents since he ascended the throne of Carthya, and now King Vargan of Avenia has invaded the land and captured Imogen--and Jaron must find some way to rescue her and save his kingdom.
Original publication date
2014
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User reviews
LibraryThing member krau0098
I got a copy of this book to review through NetGalley. Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for giving me the chance to read this book. I absolutely loved The False Prince and thought The Runaway King was good as well. To be honest, I thought this book was the weakest in the series. It does
Carthya is facing war. When King Vargan of Avenia kidnaps Imogen, Jaron wants nothing more than to drop everything and rescue her...but he is sure it is a trap. With the support of his friends he must hold off the invasion of Avenia and other neighboring kingdoms as well. Will Jaron survive this epic battle to keep Carthya independent and free?
This was a decent conclusion to the series, but I didn't feel like it was as good as the previous two books. The plot got very repetitive. Jaron walks into what he knows is a trap despite everyone's warning, gets caught, and does something crazy to escape...this was pretty much the story over and over. There are a lot of escapes and twists and turns in the story that feel incredibly contrived, it had be rolling my eyes a bit.
For some reason I felt like the dialogue between characters was a bit awkward as well. There is a lot of grandstanding and a lot of the characters making speeches about love and honor. I just felt like the characters were talking at me, rather than talking to each other.
This book is pretty much battle after battle, not my favorite thing to read about. There are some daring adventures and escapades as well, but it is mostly Jaron and company running from battle to battle trying to fight off the invasion of Avenia.
All the above being said there are some great things about this book. Jaron has matured some. Although he still makes plenty of poor and rash decisions, he has learned to accept support from his friends. He has also learned how to lead people and drive them to want to do well for themselves and for Carthya. His maturity is very apparent in the way him and Amarinda have started to work together. These two have developed a solid friendship that strengthens the kingdom greatly.
It you do enjoy reading about battle after battle, this book has a lot of excellent battle scenes that are well done. The story is fast-paced and somewhat engaging. I just didn't feel as drawn in to the story and had trouble relating to the characters this time around.
Overall an okay read. I loved The False Prince and thought The Runaway King was pretty good, but this book for me was the weakest of the three. It felt like something that had to be done in order to wrap up the first two books. For me this book was more of a struggle to get through than a joy. Some of the character development is well done, but most of the story just drags the reader from one battle to the next. I guess I would recommend reading this is you have read the previous two books since it does wrap up the series nicely. There are better middle grade fantasy series out there though.
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wrap up things nicely though.Carthya is facing war. When King Vargan of Avenia kidnaps Imogen, Jaron wants nothing more than to drop everything and rescue her...but he is sure it is a trap. With the support of his friends he must hold off the invasion of Avenia and other neighboring kingdoms as well. Will Jaron survive this epic battle to keep Carthya independent and free?
This was a decent conclusion to the series, but I didn't feel like it was as good as the previous two books. The plot got very repetitive. Jaron walks into what he knows is a trap despite everyone's warning, gets caught, and does something crazy to escape...this was pretty much the story over and over. There are a lot of escapes and twists and turns in the story that feel incredibly contrived, it had be rolling my eyes a bit.
For some reason I felt like the dialogue between characters was a bit awkward as well. There is a lot of grandstanding and a lot of the characters making speeches about love and honor. I just felt like the characters were talking at me, rather than talking to each other.
This book is pretty much battle after battle, not my favorite thing to read about. There are some daring adventures and escapades as well, but it is mostly Jaron and company running from battle to battle trying to fight off the invasion of Avenia.
All the above being said there are some great things about this book. Jaron has matured some. Although he still makes plenty of poor and rash decisions, he has learned to accept support from his friends. He has also learned how to lead people and drive them to want to do well for themselves and for Carthya. His maturity is very apparent in the way him and Amarinda have started to work together. These two have developed a solid friendship that strengthens the kingdom greatly.
It you do enjoy reading about battle after battle, this book has a lot of excellent battle scenes that are well done. The story is fast-paced and somewhat engaging. I just didn't feel as drawn in to the story and had trouble relating to the characters this time around.
Overall an okay read. I loved The False Prince and thought The Runaway King was pretty good, but this book for me was the weakest of the three. It felt like something that had to be done in order to wrap up the first two books. For me this book was more of a struggle to get through than a joy. Some of the character development is well done, but most of the story just drags the reader from one battle to the next. I guess I would recommend reading this is you have read the previous two books since it does wrap up the series nicely. There are better middle grade fantasy series out there though.
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LibraryThing member destinyisntfree
This title was long anticipated, so as soon as I saw it was coming, I quickly got in touch with my contact at Scholastic and they graciously sent me an advanced copy.
I fell in love with the boy known only as Sage in the first book, and when I found out his history and what his destiny was to be, I
Though I disliked Roden in the beginning, he grew on me as the series continued. I loved him in this book.
I usually have to make myself ignore editing in ARCs, but there was nothing to ignore in this one. This was beautifully written and edited and was such a compelling story. While I was in a hurry to get it, I was so sad to see it end. I have fallen in love with these characters over the last year and am very saddened to say goodbye to them. It is like that with any series, but perhaps more so with this one, since I felt so invested in the story since I waited so long for the last book.
I think this author has a lot of great things to offer the young adult literary field and I cannot wait to see what more she has to come.
I fell in love with the boy known only as Sage in the first book, and when I found out his history and what his destiny was to be, I
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was excited and floored all at the same time.Though I disliked Roden in the beginning, he grew on me as the series continued. I loved him in this book.
I usually have to make myself ignore editing in ARCs, but there was nothing to ignore in this one. This was beautifully written and edited and was such a compelling story. While I was in a hurry to get it, I was so sad to see it end. I have fallen in love with these characters over the last year and am very saddened to say goodbye to them. It is like that with any series, but perhaps more so with this one, since I felt so invested in the story since I waited so long for the last book.
I think this author has a lot of great things to offer the young adult literary field and I cannot wait to see what more she has to come.
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LibraryThing member ShellyPYA
Young King Jaron has had nothing but trouble with his advisors and regents since he ascended the throne of Carthya, and now King Vargan of Avenia has invaded the land and captured Imogen--and Jaron must find some way to rescue her and save his kingdom.
LibraryThing member foggidawn
Jaron may be the king of Carthya, but his position is by no means secure. The country is on the brink of war, and Jaron will need every bit of cunning to stay a step ahead of the conflict. As battles rage across the land, Jaron schemes and plots his way through -- but his survival will come at a
I like this series well enough, but I don't quite love it. In this book, the dialogue seems a little stilted in places, and too much of the plot relies on coincidences for me to find it really satisfactory. On the other hand, I do love Jaron's snarky attitude! Readers who enjoyed the first two books in the series will certainly want to see how this one turns out. And I do think the series is a great introduction to high fantasy for kids.
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heavy cost.I like this series well enough, but I don't quite love it. In this book, the dialogue seems a little stilted in places, and too much of the plot relies on coincidences for me to find it really satisfactory. On the other hand, I do love Jaron's snarky attitude! Readers who enjoyed the first two books in the series will certainly want to see how this one turns out. And I do think the series is a great introduction to high fantasy for kids.
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LibraryThing member aoibhealfae
This is the most difficult book in the series. It supposed to since it is a story about a boy king being forced to lead in a war against an invading army while barely months surviving among the pirates and healing his broken knee. Imogen was kidnapped and the likelihood of the nation going to fall
There's several YA books that I've read like Lumatere chronicles, The Queen's Thief and The Seven Realms series that did write much about the war but I think The Shadow Throne did good on political aspect on it and the emotional burden handled in a very realistic situation for a teenager. Although I'm still uncertain about the ending of this series but I am satisfied with the book. It is a good series and despite all his flaws and failings and idealistic, Jaron did good to his people and it is admirable.
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was heavy on Jaron's shoulder. Naturally, majority of this book is about war and politics. It is frustrating, it is slow but the novel did pick up around the challenges it faced.There's several YA books that I've read like Lumatere chronicles, The Queen's Thief and The Seven Realms series that did write much about the war but I think The Shadow Throne did good on political aspect on it and the emotional burden handled in a very realistic situation for a teenager. Although I'm still uncertain about the ending of this series but I am satisfied with the book. It is a good series and despite all his flaws and failings and idealistic, Jaron did good to his people and it is admirable.
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LibraryThing member Mirandalg14
4.5 Stars
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Scholastic for access to this title.
What a great ending! I loved that she gave a little extra information about what the characters did after the war ended and how they all had a happy ending. And the newly discovered ties between characters that had been hinted
Now we just have to wait to see what she comes up with as a new story.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Scholastic for access to this title.
What a great ending! I loved that she gave a little extra information about what the characters did after the war ended and how they all had a happy ending. And the newly discovered ties between characters that had been hinted
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at but were finally revealed added a lot to the personalities and relationships of the characters. I've been recommending this series as much as possible and everyone I've given it to has loved it. A great sign of a lasting series.Now we just have to wait to see what she comes up with as a new story.
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LibraryThing member theindigoshelf
Actual Rating: 1.5 (Spoilers ahead!)
The Shadow Throne was an incredible let-down. After I had invested my heart in such a lovable character I was completely taken aback by the total disappointment that was this book. The unbelievable actions of Jaron continue. There are also many things (people)
Jaron is fighting a war throughout the entire book with the adults we've met in the previous two books. He is captured multiple times. Oh yeah, and Imogen is thought to be dead.
Jaron witnessed Imogen being dragged away after being shot by an arrow in the heart. It turns out she wasn't actually dead. The enemy just lucked out and were able to use her as a weapon later on. I was initially shocked that she died, but just about every chapter kept referencing it/her and it was obvious how the book was going to end.
The war that Jaron is fighting was a long time coming. There were so many deceitful characters in this series and guess what... they were all adults! Shocker. Just about every adult character that we were supposed to hate from the beginning are after Jaron and they manage to capture him. But he escapes again. Everything, and I mean everything in this book is predictable! Okay, that's not true- I was NOT expecting literal people to be jumping out of the woodwork at the very end. That's a new one!
The ending was too good to be true and not in a good way. I was incredibly disappointed with the entire book because Nielsen had such a good thing going with Jaron. I feel that The Shadow Throne was supposed to be intentionally dark, but the book just couldn't pull it off. It just came off as a failed attempt at shock and awe rather than character progression.
The Shadow Throne was an incredible let-down. After I had invested my heart in such a lovable character I was completely taken aback by the total disappointment that was this book. The unbelievable actions of Jaron continue. There are also many things (people)
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that literally jump out of the woodwork in this finale. It was just too over-the-top for me.Jaron is fighting a war throughout the entire book with the adults we've met in the previous two books. He is captured multiple times. Oh yeah, and Imogen is thought to be dead.
Jaron witnessed Imogen being dragged away after being shot by an arrow in the heart. It turns out she wasn't actually dead. The enemy just lucked out and were able to use her as a weapon later on. I was initially shocked that she died, but just about every chapter kept referencing it/her and it was obvious how the book was going to end.
The war that Jaron is fighting was a long time coming. There were so many deceitful characters in this series and guess what... they were all adults! Shocker. Just about every adult character that we were supposed to hate from the beginning are after Jaron and they manage to capture him. But he escapes again. Everything, and I mean everything in this book is predictable! Okay, that's not true- I was NOT expecting literal people to be jumping out of the woodwork at the very end. That's a new one!
The ending was too good to be true and not in a good way. I was incredibly disappointed with the entire book because Nielsen had such a good thing going with Jaron. I feel that The Shadow Throne was supposed to be intentionally dark, but the book just couldn't pull it off. It just came off as a failed attempt at shock and awe rather than character progression.
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LibraryThing member asomers
This was a thoroughly satisfying conculsion to the Ascendance Trilogy. It is full of action and adventure. The trilogy will appeal to a wide range of readers with it's battle scenes, humorous moments and a splash of romance thrown in.This is a great selection for a middle school library.
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
The last in this trilogy is very true to the spirit of the previous two books, with Jaron recklessly risking his kingdom and safety, suffering imprisonment, beatings, defeat, and near execution. The war which loomed on the horizon in earlier books is now in full force and Jaron's defeat appears
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eminent for much of the book, although Jaron excels at turning the tables on his enemies. A fully satisfying conclusion. Show Less
LibraryThing member alsparks324
In the final book of this series Jaron faces war from the countries surrounding him and possibly from within his own country. Intrigue, action, and suspense surround this final book in the series. Again Jaron is forced to make some interesting choices in order to save his kingdom. Through great
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personal expense and at the risk of people he loves and cares about, he fights for his people. Full of twists and turns, another great chapter in this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member dcoward
A nice conclusion to the Ascendance Trilogy.
LibraryThing member destinyisntfree
This title was long anticipated, so as soon as I saw it was coming, I quickly got in touch with my contact at Scholastic and they graciously sent me an advanced copy.
I fell in love with the boy known only as Sage in the first book, and when I found out his history and what his destiny was to be, I
Though I disliked Roden in the beginning, he grew on me as the series continued. I loved him in this book.
I usually have to make myself ignore editing in ARCs, but there was nothing to ignore in this one. This was beautifully written and edited and was such a compelling story. While I was in a hurry to get it, I was so sad to see it end. I have fallen in love with these characters over the last year and am very saddened to say goodbye to them. It is like that with any series, but perhaps more so with this one, since I felt so invested in the story since I waited so long for the last book.
I think this author has a lot of great things to offer the young adult literary field and I cannot wait to see what more she has to come.
I fell in love with the boy known only as Sage in the first book, and when I found out his history and what his destiny was to be, I
Show More
was excited and floored all at the same time.Though I disliked Roden in the beginning, he grew on me as the series continued. I loved him in this book.
I usually have to make myself ignore editing in ARCs, but there was nothing to ignore in this one. This was beautifully written and edited and was such a compelling story. While I was in a hurry to get it, I was so sad to see it end. I have fallen in love with these characters over the last year and am very saddened to say goodbye to them. It is like that with any series, but perhaps more so with this one, since I felt so invested in the story since I waited so long for the last book.
I think this author has a lot of great things to offer the young adult literary field and I cannot wait to see what more she has to come.
Show Less
LibraryThing member love_of_books
King Jaron is in another battle for his life and his kingdom. He will need all his wiles to outwit the enemies that threaten him on three fronts. Outnumbered and without additional military help, his throne is in jeopardy. In this third installment of the Ascendance Trilogy, the young king puts his
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own life in danger to save his friends and his people. Always selfless, his decisions are driven by concern for those he loves and by his desire to do what’s best for his kingdom. That places him squarely in the hands of his enemy, for which he is beaten and abused. The backstabbing and ruthless behavior in the book is akin to that of The Game of Thrones. This young adult series has some of the same elements without the sex and adult content. Like the George R.R. Martin books, the battles and intrigues keep the reader riveted to the page. Jaron is the hero everyone can root for; the underdog who’s caring, brave, smart, and very witty. His taunts and sarcasm add a touch of humor that stands out starkly against the bleakness of the predicament. One never knows what’s really in his mind as he manipulates the situation and, unbeknownst to the reader, has plans afoot. Nielsen keeps these secrets from the reader, further adding to the excitement. The action takes center stage but the characters are strong. Alliances and deceit fuel the plot but Jaron is the heart of the story and his actions win over not only his soldiers and his countrymen, but even have an impact on some of his enemies. It’s sad when such a series comes to a close, especially if the hero has endeared himself as much as Jaron has. Show Less
LibraryThing member elizabeth1929
oh. my gosh.
this book was sooo amazing.
actually, all the books in this series are amazingly incredible.
There were so many wonderful surprizes. I love the way Jaron thinks. He's awesome. All his ideas were so entertaining.
I hate that this series is ending, even though the ending was perfect.
I don't think there are any words to describe how much I loved this series...
so I'll just say that this is THE BEST series I have ever read.
this book was sooo amazing.
actually, all the books in this series are amazingly incredible.
There were so many wonderful surprizes. I love the way Jaron thinks. He's awesome. All his ideas were so entertaining.
I hate that this series is ending, even though the ending was perfect.
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Beautiful.I don't think there are any words to describe how much I loved this series...
so I'll just say that this is THE BEST series I have ever read.
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LibraryThing member CommunityLibrarian
I enjoyed this series from beginning to end. This final installment was a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable series.
LibraryThing member cool-mom-e
Great trilogy
I really loved all three books. The story was very engaging. I also loved that it was completely appropriate for my preteen to read.
I really loved all three books. The story was very engaging. I also loved that it was completely appropriate for my preteen to read.
LibraryThing member benuathanasia
So...I noticed something during this book - the compulsive habit that was such a part of Jaron's personality his whole life that it identified him as the true prince in the first book got absolutely no other mention once if failed to be a plot device. Kinda annoying really. But then again,
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everything about Jaron was pretty obnoxious. Even still, I inexplicably enjoyed this book, and - indeed - the entire series... Show Less
LibraryThing member bookcharms
There's always worry that the final book in the series won't be able to live up to everyone's expectations, but Jennifer A. Nielsen is able to dash away any doubts with this last book, offering everything needed to satisfy fans of the series and more. The Shadow Throne is by far the best book in
I tend to do most of my reading before bed, which in hindsight is actually a really bad habit because if a book is really good, I can kiss any chance of sleep that night good bye. The Shadow Throne was no exception. With war finally arriving in Carthya's doorsteps, Jaron's pushed to the limits as he travels from one end of his kingdom to the other to fend off every attack King Vargan has in store for him. With such fast-paced action, there weren't any parts where I could just put the book down and take a breath. I just had to know what happened next.
I'm finally beginning to see Jaron really own his title as the Ascendant King. From the beginning, Jaron's always been clever, stubborn, and he always has an eye for the bigger picture. If there's something Jaron wants, he's ready to go for it through any means possible. Still, Jaron could be really annoyingly abrasive at times, especially in the previous books. His general attitude has always been, "I am always right." Although it's clear he cares for Carthya, I also didn't get the impression that Jaron really wanted to be the Carthya's king until this book. He finally steps it up, and it's amazing how much Jaron grew up in The Shadow Throne.
It was also nice to see Jaron and Roden's friendship develop more as Jaron places more of his trust in Roden while Roden builds up his own confidence. Most of Roden's growth, however, happened off-screen, and I wish Jennifer Nielsen focused a bit more on the side characters half as much as she did for Jaron. Imogen was another character who suffered from lack of development. While I liked her in The False Prince and The Runaway King for her strength and unwavering resolve, she didn't appear much in this last book.
The Ascendance Trilogy is considered a middle grade series, so we don't really get the same depth and details as we would in a young adult/adult high fantasy series, and there were some parts that really glossed over the atrocities of war. Things tend to fall into place quite conveniently. It might not be enough to satisfy more hardcore high fantasy readers, but it's a quick, fun read, and it's a perfect series to introduce to younger readers, especially elementary/middle school kids.
SEE REVIEW @ BOOKCHARMED
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The Ascendance Trilogy.I tend to do most of my reading before bed, which in hindsight is actually a really bad habit because if a book is really good, I can kiss any chance of sleep that night good bye. The Shadow Throne was no exception. With war finally arriving in Carthya's doorsteps, Jaron's pushed to the limits as he travels from one end of his kingdom to the other to fend off every attack King Vargan has in store for him. With such fast-paced action, there weren't any parts where I could just put the book down and take a breath. I just had to know what happened next.
I'm finally beginning to see Jaron really own his title as the Ascendant King. From the beginning, Jaron's always been clever, stubborn, and he always has an eye for the bigger picture. If there's something Jaron wants, he's ready to go for it through any means possible. Still, Jaron could be really annoyingly abrasive at times, especially in the previous books. His general attitude has always been, "I am always right." Although it's clear he cares for Carthya, I also didn't get the impression that Jaron really wanted to be the Carthya's king until this book. He finally steps it up, and it's amazing how much Jaron grew up in The Shadow Throne.
It was also nice to see Jaron and Roden's friendship develop more as Jaron places more of his trust in Roden while Roden builds up his own confidence. Most of Roden's growth, however, happened off-screen, and I wish Jennifer Nielsen focused a bit more on the side characters half as much as she did for Jaron. Imogen was another character who suffered from lack of development. While I liked her in The False Prince and The Runaway King for her strength and unwavering resolve, she didn't appear much in this last book.
The Ascendance Trilogy is considered a middle grade series, so we don't really get the same depth and details as we would in a young adult/adult high fantasy series, and there were some parts that really glossed over the atrocities of war. Things tend to fall into place quite conveniently. It might not be enough to satisfy more hardcore high fantasy readers, but it's a quick, fun read, and it's a perfect series to introduce to younger readers, especially elementary/middle school kids.
SEE REVIEW @ BOOKCHARMED
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LibraryThing member humouress
{Third of 3: The Ascendance Trilogy children's, fantasy}
This is the third book of the [Ascendance trilogy] with events following on soon after those in the second book, much as that follows months after the events in the first book.
The threat of war has hung over the landlocked country of Carthya
I like Jaron; he cares for his friends and his people though I find his habit of running headlong into danger to rescue them, as though he couldn’t command anyone else to and against advice, a little disconcerting. He always claims to have a plan even when he doesn’t actually have one - but sometimes that’s a double bluff. He seems to be an eternal optimist and is willing to go through physical pain to pull off his plans. Sometimes I did find the coincidences in the plot a little too fortuitous despite his forward thinking.
On the whole, the plotting was well done and this is a nicely written children’s book. I like the way politics and strategy shows through in Jaron’s duty to his country and his forward planning. I must confess that there was an event that was foreshadowed that I could see going badly but it was handled quite well in the end. All the loose ends were tied up - but perhaps a little too neatly.
4 stars ****
This is the third book of the [Ascendance trilogy] with events following on soon after those in the second book, much as that follows months after the events in the first book.
The threat of war has hung over the landlocked country of Carthya
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since the previous king’s reign. King Jaron has been making preparations ever since he came to the throne and now it is upon them. Things look desperate for Carthya with her troops outnumbered and enemies approaching from all sides but that is when Jaron is at his best. Jaron has always been clever, mischievous, impulsive and a little reckless but has always managed to pull off his daring plans. How is he going to manage this time, though, especially when his friends’ lives are put in danger?I like Jaron; he cares for his friends and his people though I find his habit of running headlong into danger to rescue them, as though he couldn’t command anyone else to and against advice, a little disconcerting. He always claims to have a plan even when he doesn’t actually have one - but sometimes that’s a double bluff. He seems to be an eternal optimist and is willing to go through physical pain to pull off his plans. Sometimes I did find the coincidences in the plot a little too fortuitous despite his forward thinking.
On the whole, the plotting was well done and this is a nicely written children’s book. I like the way politics and strategy shows through in Jaron’s duty to his country and his forward planning. I must confess that there was an event that was foreshadowed that I could see going badly but it was handled quite well in the end. All the loose ends were tied up - but perhaps a little too neatly.
4 stars ****
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LibraryThing member MrNattania72
Though after reading the other two books, I felt I knew what might happen with Sage and his band if characters. Only 3/5. Here's looking at her new series
LibraryThing member KayIS813
I really like how they handed all of the relationships in this. And it was super interesting to see everything come together! I figured Jarron was planning something but had no idea what and I doubted him several times!
LibraryThing member jmoncton
The final book in a very satisfying series! I read this entire trilogy back to back. And although I'm not usually a binge reader for a series. I like to give some space in between so I can process and mull over the individual books. But in this case, the series was strong and I was definitely
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looking for a fiction escape from our current situation. I read this series in the midst of 2020, which will be known as the year of the pandemic. It's been 14 weeks since we've been sheltering in place, wearing masks and reciting the alphabet song as we wash hands. And it's been 14 weeks since I've had a professional haircut (and it shows...). This series is perfect escapist fiction. There are evil kings, and pirates, and assassins, and everyone kingdom surrounding Carthya wants to capture it and enslave the population. But never fear, because Carthya has a leader who is selfless, heroic, and understands his role as a leader is to his people -- not getting re-elected or getting great TV ratings. Did I mention that this Carthyan king also reads? This was a classic story of good vs evil, battling against insurmountable odds ... exactly the type of fairytale we all need now. Show Less
LibraryThing member MollyGroff
The Shadow Throne is the third in the series (though, guess what...there's two more that she wrote much later!!) It tyes the trilogy up nicely and I loved it. So, yeah. If you read the False Prince, then you just had to read the other two.
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