The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

In the final volume of the Ascendence Trilogy, Jennifer A. Nielsen concludes the eventful story of a young boy ascending to his place as the leader of his country.  If you have not yet read The False Prince and The Runaway King, you should start with those (in that order) as this is a true trilogy in which the story continues from one book to the next.  (And, you should stop reading here to avoid any spoilers.)

Jaron is again fighting for his people, this time because war has come to Carthya.  But the stakes go even higher when he discovers that King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen.  Jaron must save her, even if he knows it is a trap for Vargan to capture him and claim lordship of his country.  Jaron's knack of encountering everything that could possibly go wrong follows him on this journey to find out how much he can handle and how much he can lead.

His loyalty to his friends makes him willing to sacrifice himself for them, and puts him in the gravest of danger, but finding new allies within old friends helps and learning the true strength of loyalty, integrity and kindness goes a long way.  

I was sorry to see the last page of The Shadow Throne (Lexile: 810; Interest Level: Grades 5-9) turn, and I found myself wishing for just a little more, even though the author neatly finished the story she was telling.  Definitely a worthy ending to an intriguing series. (336 p.)

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