Friday, May 18, 2012

Ascend (Trylle Trilogy No. 3) by Amanda Hocking

Wendy Everly is willing to do anything for the well-being of her kingdom. Even if "anything" includes marrying someone she doesn't love. But marriage is the least of Wendy's problems. The Vittra are planning an attack that will leave most of her kingdom dead. Will Wendy figure out how to save her people, or will she be too late?

Unlike its two predecessors, this book is action-packed from the beginning. Normally I would have to read half of the book to get to the action; but with this final installment in the trilogy, the action starts on page one.

Wendy has matured into a smart young woman. She understands her actions have consequences, and is focused on saving her people. I am pleased to see how far she's come from the whining and pathetic little girl she was in the first book. Part of this transformation is due to the fact that she no longer obsesses over Finn. I am extremely pleased about that since I've loathed the obsession from day one. Instead of obsessing over a guy she'll never be with, Wendy turns her attention to the people of her kingdom and how she can protect them. She has finally grown into the responsible young woman I was hoping for from the beginning.

Wendy's relationship with her mother has also changed. In the beginning of the series Wendy loathed everything her mother stood for. In this book, however, she realizes that taking time to understand her mother helps their relationship.

For the most part, the plot is original. While there were a couple parts that were predictable, the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat.

Amanda Hocking has redeemed herself in my eyes. She has finally created the original story and compelling characters that she promised in her first book. She has truly created a whole new world.

Wendy has sex, and this book is written from her perspective. There are multiple instances of mild cursing as well.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Yucaipa, CA USA