Ascend: A Trylle Novel

Can't understand why it took three novels to finish the story line. I guess it was for the money. I bought all three novels at the same time. If I had bought them individually I probably would not have purchased all three books. I think the story was aimed at teen-agers because I found the story line to be juvenile.

I thought that this whole series was great. She kept me in suspense so much that I had trouble putting down my kindle. I also thought she artfully added in the romantic angle. This book left me wanting more amanda hocking! I think she is a great young adult author. And just let me address the whole "twilight" issue. I did not think this was like twilight at all!!! So what, it was a fantasy world involving fictional characters with a side of romance. apparently no one else can wrtie about that because of twilight. BTW I hated twilight, this was much better!

I really enjoyed this series. This was a new author to me from a suggestion, and I am very glad I picked it up. I will be trying more of her work.
The series was well written and I really loved how the romance played out. It was a nice surprise!

I love Amanda Hocking's writings. I first read her other series, "My Blood Approves". It was so fantastic.I couldn't wait to read this series too. But, the Trylle Trilogy didn't captivate me like other series. I felt myself skipping over and skimming fast to get to the good parts. The characters I didn't feel like I knew them as well nor was I driven to desire the main characters to get together. Don't get me wrong there were some action parts and love scenes, but nothing that made we want to stay up until 4am. I wouldn't recommand if you are a huge Twilight fan..try "My Blood Approves" if that's you.

***spoilers**** I enjoyed this book. I don't agree with all the negative reviews. People need to take in to consideration how young Wendy is in these books, only seventeen-eighteen years old. So many people are upset that Wendy didn't end up with Finn, her 1st love, but I thought it was refreashing that she didn't. Finn was the first person she'd ever conected with in her life. It's unreallistic that Wendy would end up with him, or that she would never be attracted to other people. I think it's a good message (especially for a young adult book) that you don't always end up with your 1st love love, and there is still hope that you'll find love again. I think Loki is a much better match for Wendy. Loki doesn't care what anyone thinks, he loves Wendy and as long as he can be with her nothing else matters. Which is exactly what Wendy was looking and exactly what Finn was lacking. I do agree that Loki character could have been develped more. I would have enjoyed getting to know him better. All in all I thought it was a good ending to the triolgy.

I really liked the idea of a secret troll world. I loved Wendy as a character who didn't fit in to her life, only to realize that she plays a very important role in an alternate life. I loved the fight between good vs. evil and felt that this series really hit on some issues that teens face.

I was definitely disappointed, however, with the development of the story. Wendy's love interest changed way too quickly (it reminded me of the 13-year-old sister getting a new crust every other day). I don't feel that the story behind her final love interest was really developed enough. I could see it coming, but I didn't buy into it as a reader.

I also have some serious problems with some of the mature content of the book. Although she struggles with the issue, adultery was glorified, and in the end it was even excused. Although I know what teens are exposed to through various channels of media, I still don't condone the explicit depiction of teenage sex (adulterous teenage sex at that) to teens.

If parents are considering getting this for their child, I would recommend looking into other options. The story isn't terribly well developed and is somewhat disappointing. There are plenty of books that are better written without some of the issues this book has.

I thought everything was excellent,all except for one thing. I didn't agree with the having-sex-with-someone-else-when-you're-married-to-another-person thing...but that is really the only complaint I have about this book. I don't have a problem with kissing(and Hocking describes those scenes really well), but going further than that before marriage or cheating on someone is against my standards. That made the book disgusting for just one part. However, I loved the ending, and could not ask for a better conclusion to the series. Amanda Hocking is an excellent writer, I just disagreed with the plot of the story a little bit...anyway, I would recommend the book, and if you are like me, just skip over the scene I described. Everything else it awesome!

***SPOILER***

I don't get all the negative reviews about this book. I loved it! I was happy that it ended the way it did. I really was frustrated and annoyed with the way Finn always pushed her away. I hate that "I love you and that's why I can't be with you..." to me that is just a excuse. If you love someone, you go through what ever you have to to be with them. Loki's chance with her should have been even less than Finn's but he didn't let that stop him. So I think it ended as it should have. I know this is the last book, but I really wish it wasn't cause I grew to love all the characters and really would like a follow up with what happened to them.

I know others have said this before me but...worst ending ever! The first two books were a fun and easy read and I was excited for the happy ending that I just knew was coming in the third. I was sorely mistaken.

*Spoiler Alert*
The only reason Wendy gave Finn for not loving him anymore was that he didn't fight for her. What? That made no sense to me. Finn always tried to be honorable and protect her which is why I fell in love with him. What was he supposed to do? Run away with her and destroy the kingdom? Finn came to her and gave her a very heartfelt gift and wanted to be with her before her wedding, she completely blew him off. Then a few days later, (after she was married!) she just hops in bed with some random cherry picker?! At this point I realized that her integrity was absolutely non-existant. The ending felt horribly rushed and ill contrived. It seemed to me that the author built up the social status problem too much to have an easy ending with Finn so she created an "easy" replacement. Wendy could marry Loki without any social issues as soon as she got that way too convenient annullment. I would seriously have rather her ended up with Tove than Loki. At least, I liked him. Horrible, horrible ending...I'm gonna go cry some more now.

Okay, you get really interested with "Switched", completely hooked with "Torn", and then finally satisfied with "Ascend". This series is good because it keeps you guessing until the very end. Things happen that you want and things happen that you never saw coming. I read the last chapter over and over again just to keep the happy feelings coming.

I enjoyed this book so much! Satisfying and tear jerkingly delightful.
I especially love the extra bit at the end. Where you get to know more. What happens after the end of the book.
Now time to go to sleep. Just finished the whole series in 3 days and its 1am now.
It's that good.

The entire trilogy was very entertaining. I like books that take me to a place unlike the world we live in. I think Hocking gives very good visual details and allows you to be transported to another place for a little while. I hated when the end came, but the conclusion gave you closure for all of the main characters.

This last book of the Trylle Trilogy really wraped it up in a good way! I am happy with the outcome, but a little surprised. Wendy has done a lot of maturing over the course of the 3 books. She and her kingdom have come a long way. After reading the ending I am happy to say that I feel that the story is complete. There could be more added, but also feels like it over.

Sad to have finished the last of the Trylle series. This was a great book! Amanda is such a great writer, I love all of her books that she has written. Don't let the word "troll" scare you away from reading this series. Her books are so hard to put down. Can't wait till Witches of Honalee comes out! Thanks Amanda for another great book!!

Oh my goodness. What a brilliant ending to an amazing trilogy!
I have loved almost every single character. Even the king was awesome! Amanda Hocking knows how to rock out a fantastic story.

Alright, Loki is literally the hottest "troll" I've ever read about. haha I loved him from the very moment he appeared. Wendy, Matt, Duncan (:D), Rhys, Willa and even Finn will forever be some of my favorite characters. Finn FINALLY won me over! It was a hard earned victory I have to say.

I still, even though I absolutely love Loki, wish Tove wouldn't have been the gay character. Although it added some great angst I just really loved the power couple Wendy and Tove were and would have been together. They would have made some pretty powerful trylle babies. :/ Ah, oh well. Bain is a pretty good match too I suppose.

So with great sadness I say goodbye to this story. I will definitely be seeing you again…

This series was the most amazingly written, wonderfully plotted set of books I've read ever. The plot and how the characters make you cry, smile, laugh, frown, is just absolute genius. I highly recommend the entire series for all above the age of 10. Again, AMAZING series. Once you start read it, you can't get away.

My kindle recommended the first in the series, and because it hadn't let me down to that point, the fact I was going out of Kindle service, and the books were only a couple of bucks, I downloaded the whole three in the series before reading the first. A mistake I shan't make again. It was a lack of other reading material that made me finish them.

I'm not against books written for a younger audience, I love the Chronicles of Narnia more than the next person, but when I bought the series I didn't realise it is aimed at the "young adult" market. Even so, these books were pretty poorly done, basing all conflict and storyline on the " But I didn't know" theory that Mills and Boons are so fond of. "But I didn't know he was in love with me", "But I didn't know I was a troll", "But I didn't know I was to be Queen", "But I didn't know my mother sacrificed so much as Queen and that's why she is hard on me", and so on and so forth. The fact is takes until the third book to eke out the story of the whole story of the main characters life, despite the need of this information over and over, speaks volumes.

I have no intention of reading the Twilight series, but I understand the premise, and this seems like a blatant piggy back on the supernatural theme. At least this character isn't as promiscuous as other authors make their teenage heroines and that's where the second star comes from.

I am not in a postion to criticize storyline becouse this is how author had intended, but some was too wrong... whay the hell you had this guy Finn in it in first 2 books if he did not played significant role? Not even fight for anuthing or save a Princess live or even the new lovers life... and the democracy story allso was opened to make everyone equal, but felt like unfinished book... why there was nothing about inspiration before final book? This could make the whole ending much more full of emotions. The same with the final figh - it was so cheap and short. Why there was no interla fight in Wendy's braing going againsts the FATHER. She should have been at least had a few pages about how hart it might be emotionally to kill a father.

It was really short book as I have read it in just 5 hours of so... c'mon... shis can't be serous for abok wich is part of trilogy. You make trilogy becousr the story is too long to fit in one book...

The writing style is still very sophomoric in my opinion. I read it because I bought it, however, unless you are a person (probably female) between the ages of 12 and 16, it may not appeal to you. The idea was unique, but the story predictable and juvenile.

This series was the most amazingly written, wonderfully plotted set of books I've read ever. The plot and how the characters make you cry, smile, laugh, frown, is just absolute genius. I highly recommend the entire series for all above the age of 10. Again, AMAZING series. Once you start read it, you can't get away.

My kindle recommended the first in the series, and because it hadn't let me down to that point, the fact I was going out of Kindle service, and the books were only a couple of bucks, I downloaded the whole three in the series before reading the first. A mistake I shan't make again. It was a lack of other reading material that made me finish them.

I'm not against books written for a younger audience, I love the Chronicles of Narnia more than the next person, but when I bought the series I didn't realise it is aimed at the "young adult" market. Even so, these books were pretty poorly done, basing all conflict and storyline on the " But I didn't know" theory that Mills and Boons are so fond of. "But I didn't know he was in love with me", "But I didn't know I was a troll", "But I didn't know I was to be Queen", "But I didn't know my mother sacrificed so much as Queen and that's why she is hard on me", and so on and so forth. The fact is takes until the third book to eke out the story of the whole story of the main characters life, despite the need of this information over and over, speaks volumes.

I have no intention of reading the Twilight series, but I understand the premise, and this seems like a blatant piggy back on the supernatural theme. At least this character isn't as promiscuous as other authors make their teenage heroines and that's where the second star comes from.

I am not in a postion to criticize storyline becouse this is how author had intended, but some was too wrong... whay the hell you had this guy Finn in it in first 2 books if he did not played significant role? Not even fight for anuthing or save a Princess live or even the new lovers life... and the democracy story allso was opened to make everyone equal, but felt like unfinished book... why there was nothing about inspiration before final book? This could make the whole ending much more full of emotions. The same with the final figh - it was so cheap and short. Why there was no interla fight in Wendy's braing going againsts the FATHER. She should have been at least had a few pages about how hart it might be emotionally to kill a father.

It was really short book as I have read it in just 5 hours of so... c'mon... shis can't be serous for abok wich is part of trilogy. You make trilogy becousr the story is too long to fit in one book...

The writing style is still very sophomoric in my opinion. I read it because I bought it, however, unless you are a person (probably female) between the ages of 12 and 16, it may not appeal to you. The idea was unique, but the story predictable and juvenile.

This Trilogy was fantastic. I read this book in one day.

Ms. Hocking does an amazing job of tying up all loose ends with the 3rd book. This book has is all, drama, romance, conflict. I could NOT put it down. I haven't read a book this fast since I was a kid.

If you like YA novels you will LOVE these books.

The idea was brilliant. It was unique, and i liked the world. But the writing was sort of weak, the descriptions were lacking, and the dialogue was not realistic at times. The main character wasn't always that likable. Some of the characters lacked development, and some of the plot lines ended sloppily. There was some unpredictable twists and turns, and considering that i read all three books, it has its redeeming qualities. Its interesting, and between them, it was only like 7 bucks. Worth it if you are looking for an amusing book, to pass time, this is a good choice. If your looking for depth and realism, try something else. (may i suggest Anna and the French Kiss?)

***Spoilers***
After taking readers on an incredible journey into the Trylle world with Wendy in the first two books of the series, Hocking hangs readers out to dry in this last book. It is clearly NOT written for the readers in terms of giving them the happy ending they are looking for. In the first two books we discover things right along with Wendy and can identify with her to a point. Who hasn't felt "different" in high school? Who hasn't longed for the guy that they think they can never have? When the readers find out that Finn really does return Wendy's feelings its a fantasy all us "girls" can relate to. So, I am sure I am not alone in being completey blindsided in the third book by Wendy getting together with the underdeveloped, obnoxious character of Loki. All I could feel about Loki throughout the 2nd and 3rd book is irriation. I was waiting for Finn to come back and rescue Wendy (or maybe slap Loki a time or two), or for one of them (Finn or Wendy) to break down and finally give in to their feelings for each other. Unfortunately, all we get is the unexplained relationship between Wendy and Loki. Why does she fall for that jerk? All readers are given are reasons such as her seeing something "vulnerable" in him. Please. Next time, Hocking should take the readers into consideration and not just go for the plot twist.

This was such a disappointing ending, but I really liked the first two. I thought this book seemed very rushed, with the author offering simple explanations that readers were just supposed to accept to storylines that were main themes of the first two books (in the third book, wendy is fine with accepting that she can't be with finn and the author barely writes about it, but this was one of the main storylines to the first two books). i think it could have been a really great book, but like i said, seemed like the author wanted to just rush through it. and of course the editing was pretty bad in all three books.

Spoilers in this review!

Even though the writing isn't exactly great, I was hooked on the plot and the initial set up of Wendy and Finn's characters. It was the thing that drew me to the series in the first place. I invested myself in these characters only to be left unsatisfied by the ending. Even though there were subtle hints, I feel like there should have been more interaction with Wendy and Loki in the beginning (first book) so it would have made the outcome feel more real. It just seemed like a cheap twist on the plot so the series wouldn't be labeled "just another YA fantasy novel". Not even including the lack of Wendy/Finn endgame, the ending felt rushed and rather cheap.

***SPOILERS***

First off, before I even address the situations and issues with this book, I would like to say that I read the My Blood Approves series before even touching this one. And my thoughts on THOSE should have been an indication to me to stop reading Amanda Hocking's books right away. While they were interesting and an entertaining way to spend my weekend, I was overall unhappy with the way the series ended (I was definitely rooting for Peter/Alice). HOWEVER, it that instance, while annoyed that the guy I liked better wasn't chosen, I was completely able to understand Alice's motivations and reason for choosing Jack. And while she does seem to err a bit for Peter every now and then, her loyalty is almost always constant to Jack. So, even though I was disappointed with the ending and slightly cliched plot, I figured I could give the author a second chance with the Trylle Trilogy (much against my better judgement).

However, after reading the first utterly addicting book, I found myself proven wrong. The first book had everything I could want: drama, a nice plot, a beautiful world, fantasy elements, monarchy, and, of course, a stunning male character (aka Finn). At first, I thought Finn to be that annoying character even though it seemed clear to me he would be a lead male straight off. But I found myself falling in love with him along with Wendy. In the second book, I got the whole we-can't-be-together thing and I even enjoyed Loki with his perverse humor and funny lines. I found his attempts to get with/seduce Wendy rather comical and didn't think anything would come from them. How wrong I was. The majority of the third book is Hocking trying to persuade her readers to like Loki more than Finn, which is quite hard to do when many readers are still stuck on Finn seeing as he did nothing wrong other than saying that they can't be together for the good of the Trylle. Hocking forces Loki upon us even though many found him utterly unwanted save some light comic relief and a little drama.

A LITTLE drama was not present when Wendy sneaks off to have several wild romps with Loki one night (Duncan even mentions having heard BANGING when we see him the morning after). I was disgusted. And then, like I always do, I clicked ahead in my Kindle after doing a search on Finn's name to see when he would be coming back into play. After scanning the outcomes, it soon became clear to me that Wendy ended up with Loki. I immediately stopped reading the book and deleted all three of the establishments from my device (much like I did with the "My Blood Approves" novels...seems like a pattern with Hocking's books).

I'm giving this book a two star rating instead of one mainly because I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt. I did not finish the book because I could not stand Wendy not ending up with Finn (the character that Hocking seems to have set up to win her heart fully from the start) and I didn't feel like reading anymore of Wendy's petty conflicts. Also, two stars instead of one because this really had the potential to be a GREAT series, but I feel as though the final book was quickly thrown together upon what was the author's own silly whim.

In conclusion, I've read two of Hocking's series. Neither were fantastic, though one had the potential to be. Neither made me fall in love with the main character. Neither had exceptional writing. Neither ended with the pairing I hoped. Both were entertaining at the time, but then made me question why I'd read them later. Both had lead characters that whined how sucky their lives were, how it wasn't what they wanted, they didn't know WHO they wanted, and how everything was their fault. And, most importantly, BOTH GOT DELETED OFF MY KINDLE. For I'd rather not have a reminder of either of these books.

Other reviewers have made the parallels between this series a Twilight. I try not to speak of that despicable series as much as possible and will let you read other reviews for a full list of the similarities. The only thing I'm going to compare it to is the final book of that series as well. Stephenie Meyer (in my opinion) pulled the whole vampire baby thing out of her ass or on an acid trip. Hocking seems to have done the same when she thought that readers would love Finn to be cast aside like an old wet sock. Another similarity is the readers' reactions. You either loved it or you hated it. I hated the last Twilight book (even though I was pretty okay with the saga up until then) and I hated this book (also perfectly content with the series until this point).

I would also like to point out that I'm a seventeen year old girl. Even as a teenager stuck on romances and fantasy, I thought this was sub par. Imagine what older people think.

I'm seriously concerned for the future of literature if this is what is getting published these days.

The only difference in my review of this book from the rest of the trilogy is that I wish it was longer and that it included ALL of the characters throughout it. Although to be fair, I very rarely love everything about the end of a series. I doubt you can ever make everyone happy no matter how it ends. Still worth the read and glad I did.

I think this is a great read that most will enjoy regardless of age. Definately worth trying if you're needing a change from your regular genre or are tired of the overkill on vampires. This is an easy read with an interesting story line. If you're like me and are more into losing yourself in a good story and just enjoying a book, than this is for you. If you're more into dissecting it, than you should pass as you will find the characters underdeveloped and since it's self published, lacking in editing and refinement. I didn't find either to be too distracting or annoying enough to keep me from enjoying this trilogy.

Needless to say, I bought and read them all. No regrets and money well spent.

Definitely worth reading! I was very pleased with how ascend wrapped up the trilogy. I read these books way back when they were only available on ereaders and loved them so much I decided I would like to have "hard" copies of them. They were an entertaining read.

Amanda hocking is by far one of the most creative authors on the planet. I honestly don't know what i would've done if i hadn't come across this series. I couldn't put it down and i had work to do so my mum took my kindle away from me :( but i found my kindle and kept reading it anyway. That's how good this book is. If you do not read this series, you are missing out on so much. Ascend made me laugh and cry. My heart went out to it. The only bad thing about the book was that it wasn't long enough. I recommend this book, and its preceding novels in the series, to all teenage girls. This book is well worth your money. Enjoy it!

**SPOILERS***

I agree with all the previous reviews about how disappointing this last book was. This book really made me angry and frustrated. I don't understand the point of making such a big deal about Wendy and Finn's relationship in the first two books, if in the third book Wendy was going to end up with someone else that we really knew very little about. Wendy's realization that she no longer loved Finn came out of nowhere and a few pages later she was cheating on her husband because she loved Loki. Are you kidding me? This book had a complete different feel and tone than the previous two. The first two books were much better written and made better sense, this last book really just angered me and ruined the whole series for me.

I understand wanting to read this book just to see how the series will end, but I promise you will hate it.

Like everyone else, I was really disappointed with the ending. I loved the first two books (read them back to back in a couple of days) and my heart was broken with how the main characters ended up. I can't believe that the author had us rooting for one couple and then in the last book pulls the old bait and switch. I can see that happening with TV shows but not with books. I also felt unfulfilled in that there was not 100% resolution with the storyline of some of the characters. Perhaps an epilogue 10 years into the future (a la Harry Potter) would have helped.

Ascend was everything I hoped for and so much more in Amanda Hocking's final novel in her Trylle Trilogy. It made me laugh and made me cry. Wendy's road to the throne is bittersweet and heartbreaking at times, but she has grown into an amazing, strong woman capable of ruling a kingdom.

I've really enjoyed this series and how the characters have developed along the way. Bravo, Amanda!