The Shattered Castle (The Ascendance Series, Book 5)

So, this review has been a long-time coming, but I'm finally sitting down to do it.I loved the original trilogy. It's one of my favorite series, actually. The twists in the plot are epic, the characters are unique and both lovable and infuriating at the same time, and the emotional experience is real. Haha!That said, when Nielsen continued the adventures of Sage and co. I was simultaneously excited and nervous. Sometimes when authors go back and add books to old series...things can get messy or be a little disappointing. But my love for Sage was far stronger than my trepidation XD So, I bought and read book 4. And it was good! It wasn't the best thing ever. It did change some things and I felt a little conflicted about that. But darn it if Nielsen didn't drop us off on a cliff hanger. So, I committed to reading book 5.And, boy am I glad I did! This last book was sooo good! The story and the characters really came full circle and made book 4 worth it. (And that epilogue that's not in the physical book!!! Why?! Why is that only in the audio book?! And HOW DO I GET MY HANDS ON IT?!) The conclusion really was a treat. It felt much more like the original trilogy to me. Adventure and risk. But also growth and the characters we love. The risk that Sage takes and his clever plans. The warring between six different plans up in the air and the distrust and struggle with loyalty and treasure. It was just a really good story!I still think the original trilogy cannot be beat. And if you wanted to just stop there, I wouldn't be mad. But this last book made the duology worth it for me. Also, the covers are just stunning! (Also, kudos to the publishers for keeping the redesign of the original trilogy close enough to the original covers that you didn't alienate all of us who love them!! I wish more cover remakes considered that!)All that said, I enjoyed this last book. <3 It was a fun adventure with both beloved and new characters, and the twists and wit I loved so much in the original trilogy.There's some fantasy violence, no swearing, and a clean romance (fraught with uncertainty! I almost forgot I knew the ending because of the original trilogy XD). It deals with themes of trust and vulnerability, of love and loyalty, and of teamwork and true treasure. An excellent MG novel I'd highly recommend.

The Shattered Castle continues the story left from the previous book with the usual crazy twists and turns.Drylliad has come under attack, and Jason has to find a way to defeat his enemies, find a treasure, and win back his girl.The intrigue is a little dizzying and I would've liked to see more of the characters established in the first three books, but still a great ride as ever!Christa

My daughter read all of her books in 3 months! She LOVED everyone of them. There are different series and she thought they were all great. She also enjoyed the non-series books.

I enjoyed reading all of The Ascendance Series. King Jaron is a very lovable character even with all of his flaws. From the first book I was hooked on the series. The books made me smile and laugh mostly because of what Jason had to say.

This is a fantastic conclusion to the series, although I'm sad to see it end. I've loved the characters SO MUCH and enjoyed this book series from start to finish. Definitely one of my favorites, and I will always highly recommend this to others!

This is the kinda of series that you reread because it’s just that good and funny

This book series is one of my favo time. I can not explain how addicting it was in high school when the first book was released to now as an adult with the last book. I hope someday I can find a series as good as this one again. It brought tears to my eyes reading the last page realizing this was it. Thank you Mrs Nielsen, you are an amazing author.

Had water damage. Sad!

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

Per my son, this is a good addition to the series and an enjoyable read.