The Shadow Throne is the third and final novel in the YA historical political intrigue Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen.
If you haven’t read The False Prince and The Runaway King, well – you need to! Not only are they exceptional books, but they are necessary reading before you even skim this review of the final book, The Shadow Throne.
In other words, BEAT IT! Unless, that is, you have read the previous books – then: welcome, friend! :)
You’ve been warned!
Jaron is back on the throne – but war has come to Carthya.
He knew it was coming – and now it has…
Immediately, things look grim for Carthya, but Jaron has a few tricks up his sleeve, utilizing a mind that was made all the more strong during his years living as an orphan rather than royalty.
When it is made known that King Vargon of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen, however, it is obviously a ploy to distract Jaron. And it’s working.
Determined to rescue her, Jaron concocts a plan that separates him from his most trusted friends – and everything that could go wrong does.
With Jaron’s fast wit and intelligence, he may be able to get by on the skin of his teeth – or has his luck run out? Who will be sacrificed to save Carthya?
Or can Carthya be saved at all?
As a final novel and conclusion to the two prior, outstanding novels, The Shadow Throne is a suspenseful nail-biter!
It’s amazing how gripping the political intrigue and war is – a testament to Jennifer A. Nielsen’s superb writing. Somehow she also manages to make such a young king believable and give the books a grounded vibe.
Often, as readers, we are not fully aware of what is going on – what Jaron’s plans entail – and that lends itself to moments of true surprise and scenes that successfully impress me.
In The Shadow Throne there is painful loss, emotional anguish, action, adventure and plenty of Jaron’s intelligence and wit – making him a funny, brave and very likable character. He provides both much needed humor and also depth and gravity, which transitions smoothly.
The Shadow Throne was an excellent, excellent finale to a wonderful trilogy!!!
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