Review - The Runaway King (The Ascendance Trilogy #2) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Title: The Runaway King

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Series: 2nd (The False Prince)

Pages: 352

Published: March 1st 2013 by Scholastic Press 

ISBN:  9780545284158

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description:  Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom? 

I Give This ...

  

I anticipated this one a great deal.  I loved the first one and had extremely high hopes that the sequel would live up to the build up.  I was so pleased to have it be exactly that!

Jaron really captured my heart.  I believe his desire to rule his people is true.  The problem lies in the fact that he is head strong.  His regents aren't use to having a king that might actually rule for the good of the people.  They want a docile king so that they can continue to enjoy the kickbacks that come their way.  However, I knew that Jaron would not sit back and let his country be taken from him.

What I did not expect were the lengths he would go to ensure the safety of his kingdom.  He's able to cross his countries borders and integrate into the very group that could do some of the worst damage.  He has to prove himself over and over again.  His wiliness to go through some of most excruciating circumstances becomes the stuff of legends.  In the end, he earns back the person he wants most to lead his army.  What remains to be seen is who will at his side to rule as Queen.   

I think one of things that makes this series so enjoyable is the dialogue.  Nielsen has a way with words that make the characters seem alive and real.  The story may be fantasy, but it rings true.  I can't wait to read the next in the series!