The Runaway King (audiobook)

December 20, 2013 Audiobook Review, Book Review 0

The Runaway King

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
Pages: 331

Series: The Ascendence Trilogy, book two
Source: Purchased audiobook, received ARC from publisher
Read By: Charlie McWade
Audiobook Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Audiobook Length: 8 hours, 27 mins

WARNING! There may be spoilers for book one! 

About the Book: A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen’s blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!

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?

The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King! (goodreads)

My Thoughts: I started off my review of The False Prince by kicking myself for not reading it sooner… and then I preceded to wait until now to read book two! #fail !! I again opted to go the audiobook route and I’m glad I did. The well paced story and narration transported me back to Carthya and Jaron’s world of danger and intrigue. 

What I really love about these books is the way they keep me guessing. After the first book, I know that nothing is ever what it seems. This made me listen for any little bit of information that might not seem important at the time. I had all kinds of theories that I was mulling over! It was fun to see where it was all going to go.

Jaron is such a dynamic character. He has so many secrets and keeps so much to himself. This makes each new thing we learn about him even more valuable. I especially appreciated what we learn based on his interactions with the people he meets on his journey. Even though he is the rightful king, he is once again traveling as Sage. He seems so casual and offhanded but everything he does has a purpose. What an interesting character!

There were so many great characters, new and returning. The action kept the story moving and… PIRATES! How can you not love a book with pirates? Fans of The False Prince will not be disappointed with The Runaway King. They will, however, be screaming for book three, The Shadow Throne!!!

Audiobook Notes: Love! As I said before, these books make great read- alouds! The narration is well paced and fitting to the story. I really like the different voices that the narrator uses for the many characters. It really helped me to feel immersed in the story. 

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