Book 2) - Book 2 of the Ascendance Trilogy - The Runaway King (The Ascendance Trilogy

This book is an unbelievably fantastic one, filled with adventure, witty comments, and a wonderful plot. Jaron is an amazingly well developed character with secrets kept from the reader, making every reader want to read all the books to understand him better. You never know what Jaron will do next. I have never read a book quite like this one, and am anticipating reading the next book.

I received The Runaway King as an advanced readers copy from Scholastic. I have to say this is one of the best sequels I have ever read. It completely lived up to my expectations from book 1 which haven't been so high since Fablehaven. The book fulfills the promise by answering questions and asking new ones. It carries the story on without falling into the sequel trap. It succeeds in completely capturing all the magic that made book one great in a fantasy world without magic. I can't wait for book 3 and I hope Hollywood will option this as a movie because I need to see this on the big screen.
I look forward to the summer when I plan to reread both books back to back. I give this book a four stars out of five.

I love the action and emotion from every character. I find myself gritting my teeth and loving the reckless Jaron, while at the same time being just as annoyed with him as the characters in the book are. I read this series in a matter of nights despite work, school, and parenthood, they are just too good to put down! Who needs sleep anyway?

We loved this sequel to The False Prince. The suspense kept us coming back for more. The story line has become the plot of my children's playtime games. Quite an interesting book! Can't wait to read the next book!

It's almost frightening how well the store knows me by now. I picked up The False Prince, the first book in this series, after an email recommendation from the store and I was so glad that I did. The Runaway King picks up shortly after the first ends, with Jaron reclaiming the throne to Carthya. Of course, nothing can go the way it should for our poor king and he is soon forced to make decisions that ultimately end up with him getting punched, cut and basically just beaten up in all sorts of ways. The plotting in this series is really just phenomenal. Everything is so well thought out that every encounter, friendship and foe happens for a reason. Even when I'm screaming to myself that there is no way that this can possibly work out, it does and it does so beautifully.

The characters are the heart of this series and are back in full force. Sage/Jaron is his usual reckless, brash self but he grows so much throughout the book that the last chapter actually had me cheering. The supporting characters bring so much to the story, especially Mott, Harlowe, Fink, Tobias, and yes, even Roden. Imogen is the only character who didn't quite win me over. In this book, she was almost irritating and maybe it was the tiny hints of a brewing love triangle that made me inwardly groan.

So why only 4 stars? The Runaway King does not suffer from second book syndrome in any way. It is a high speed, enjoyable and well written journey but it is missing the surprise and shock that in part made the first book so fantastic. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but it just seemed to be lacking that final element that would push me into reading it into the wee hours of the night to finish. While I was reading, I would think to myself, "this book is great!", but when my bed time came around, I was able to stick my bookmark in and go to sleep without giving it a second thought.

Nielson didn't disappoint with this book either. After I read this one I couldn't wait to get my hands on the last one. Well crafted, and a good pace, PLUS the books are clean to boot! a must read series.

I have loved this trilogy, and recommend to middle school kids. This second book is not as good as the first book (the best of the three in my opinion), but is a great second book in the trilogy. Make sure you read the first book too! (before you rad this one.)

I can't say enough about this series ... the main character of this series is by far the best hero of any young adult series I've read yet. Where other hero's have lucked into their glory with good fortune and clever/stronger friends, this hero is at his core a role model to teach serious life lessons. I am recommending this to everyone that will stop long enough to listen to me.

The second book after The False Prince leaves nothing to be disappointed in. Imogen is back as well in this new adventure. This is a great read and I highly recommend it after reading The False Prince.

The book picks up right where the first leaves off. I have to admit, it got a tad slow for me right around midway (thus the four stars) but I pushed through and really loved it. Can't wait to read the third!

Every situation that Sage finds himself in seems hard to top for him and the reader but it gets better and better with each chapter. The characters all have believable traits. Can't wait to read #3 of the trilogy.

Every situation that Sage finds himself in seems hard to top for him and the reader but it gets better and better with each chapter. The characters all have believable traits. Can't wait to read #3 of the trilogy.

This installment is every bit as exciting and as enthralling as the first in the series. The twists and evolutions of the plot keep the story fresh and interesting, while the characters all hold true to their identities. There are no letdowns whatsoever with this sequel.

The story did a great job of bringing adventure and growth to the characters. I love the inventive nature of the story and the development of the landscape in the story. I cannot wait for the next book to how the conclusion comes together. This would be a great book for 4th grade and above.

After my 11yo daughter told me I should read book 1, and I completed it in 2 days on my kindle, I had to immediately follow up with this sequel. Definitely not a disappointment, and every bit as great as the False Prince. As others have asked, how long do we have to wait for book 3? I am on edge wanting to complete the trilogy!!!

The kindle price is great as well.

Jennifer Nielsen is an amazing writer, as this story unfolds you learn more and more at how strong the character Sage has become. This series is one of my favorites now , you will love this book until the end... Even then you want the story to continue.

This is a well told story - engaging, suspenseful - you want to know what happens to this character. It's also one of those YA novels that would appeal to anyone. It's a well crafted story and well worth the read.