The Captive Kingdom (The Ascendance Series, Book 4) (4)

This is a clean teen novel with plenty of action, drama, humor, and adventure. I really enjoyed this book and purchased it for my classroom library. In this series, it's probably my second favorite after "The False Prince," with "The Runaway King" being in third place. Despite some logistical issues in most of Jaron's plans throughout the series (and his dumbfounding, macgyver-like victories), the characters are all really strong and enjoyable, and the action scenes are definitely suspenseful. For this book in particular, the mystery about Darius was great, and the conclusion was particularly satisfying. In fact it's probably THE best ending in the series so far (I've only just started book 5).That said, there are parts of the story that irk me. I gave this 5 stars anyway because the great parts of the book are so great, it overshadows the irks. But, they're still worth pointing out.(Note, mild spoilers for books 1-3).The only issue I really have with this series as a whole is how predictably often one of Jaron's friends is kidnapped and used against him (starting in book 2 and so far resuming through to book 5)--only to have one freed so another can be immediately kidnapped to use against him again. Though, sometimes, multiple are kidnapped simultaneously to be used against him at once. At some point, I started rolling my eyes any time an antagonist began a "I have your love/friend/family" speech.And this last one is perhaps just my personal taste (and so possibly an unpopular opinion, I'm sure), but I don't really like Imogen.I did at first, but I almost felt (especially as the series progressed) that this story would have been stronger without a romantic interest. In the first book, I liked her. In the second book, she was still okay. In fact, she impressed me more than I thought she would. She didn't really start bothering me until the third book and onward, especially after her sacrifice turned out to be emotional click bait. But more than that, she's either being kidnapped, or being better than everyone else--the unflawed, always right, "comes up with the perfect plan if people would just listen to her," nags-you-all-the-time sort of girl who is constantly described as too good for the protagonist (by the protagonist, by his friends, by his enemies, etc). She isn't a bad person. She's just... exhausting. The thing is, I know why Jaron was first attracted to her--because when he first met her she seemed vulnerable (which was how he felt), and she was kind to him during a time no one else really was. It was really cute when it was a mutual crush, but I never really understood why this relationship would have grown past the infatuation stage. It just felt unnecessary and obligatory. I would have liked to keep her character, just not as a love interest.

I started this series 5 years ago, in middle school. All the library had was The False Prince (book 1). It wasn't until 10th grade that I was able to finish reading the original trilogy. Imagine how surprised I was when I went to purchase the kindle series to reread and there was a 4th book!!! Externally, I remain soundless. But inside I'm screaming, I promise. I love Jaron/Sage so much, and his snark brings me joy like nothing else. Jaron and Darius are such 3D characters with their contrasting strengths and flaws, and the story just drives me wild.I was a bit confused for portions of this story. It just seemed kind of thrown around. That might be because I read the whole thing between 1 and 4 AM, so my brain is muddled. I'll have to read it again tomorrow and find out. I was even more excited when I reached the end of the volume and discovered book 5, in the works!! Apparently Nielsen has returned to the series, and soon we shall discover the secrets of the Devil's Scope! I'm glad to learn more about the world surrounding Carthya, and to spend more time with Jaron, Imogen, Mott, Roden, Tobias, and Fink. Roden makes me angry. But that just goes to show how great Nielsen's writing is, because I'm feeling things about the characters, right? I should sleep. This book is awesome. Just like my spectacular sleepiness when I get up tomorrow...I regret nothing.

I really, really love this series, and this was another great addition to it. Great characters, fun plot, fun adventure... overall, a great read!

Let's be honest, the 4th book in the series shouldn't be great. It was. So much better than I expected.A trip across the sea turns to life and death when a ship captures them, taking all their supplies and demanding allegiance or death. If you know the King, he refuses to play by their rules and I was left surprised with every outcome he ended up with.-clean-action packed-mystery, secrets, plotting-family and friends the most important thing

I love this false prince series. Have all the books but stopped at this one. I just got bored. I felt like everything's happening too fast, and its sort of the same plot as when he was captured by the pirates. I love that she brought darius back but I just kind of got tired. I honestly wish she had ended at the first and had jaron and imogen married (they did but for some reason they aren't in this book) and be done. Adding a fourth book in this series is not a bad idea. Bringing darius back was a major plot twist but didn't hit me as hard as I thought it would. Anticipating the new book of this series. Still like this one but could have used just a little more work.

I had loved the first three books in the series, I'm glad the author kept it going! Highly recommend 👌🏻!

I loved the original trilogy and hadnt realized for years that there were more books!! Bought this wondering if it would be as good and it was!!! Loved it so much and came in beautiful condition!

My son loves this series. It's great that he really wants to read without me having me chase him or otherwise coerce him.

Loved the first 3 books and this one did not disappoint can't wait for the next one!!

Amazing, great for any age, and can’t wait for the fifth book! Totally recommend 100%However, my copy came with some sections that had chunks of ripped pages.