#114 Book Review: Ascend

Ascend
Release Date: May 1st 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

Wendy Everly can barely remember what it was like to feel like a normal girl. She'd wished for her life to be different but everything is so much more complicated than she'd expected. And she certainly hadn't dreamt she'd be getting married at eighteen to a man she didn't love - all for the sake of duty.

As the big day approaches, Wendy can't stop thinking about two different men - and neither of them are her husband-to-be. Finn - quiet, strong and determined to do what's right, and Loki - dark and seductive, a sworn enemy who once saved her life. With all-out war just days away, Wendy needs to act quickly if she is to save her friends and family. But while her loyalties and duties are to her people, deeper passions are leading her elsewhere.

And as her worlds collide, Wendy must sacrifice everything she loves to save them. But will it be enough?

Cover:
I still prefer the US cover of Ascend compared to the UK cover but I love the purple tones of the cover. I love how the girl blows the flower and the petals spread across the cover. This is probably my second favourite cover after Torn among the UK covers of the series.

Story:

What will she give up for those she loves?

Ascend is the last book in the Trylle trilogy. I liked Switched, I loved Torn and I love Ascend even more. This is probably my favourite book in the series. When Elora died, Wendy became the queen of Förening but there were many problems, mainly caused by Oren, the King of Vittra which is also Wendy's father. Not only is Wendy faced with this big problem, she is also confused with her heart. Will she choose Finn or Loki? This is Wendy's final battle and she will face it with power, fierce and bravery.

Ascend was absolutely fast-paced and filled with actions. I was hooked into the book and I had to finish the book before putting it down. I could not believe that Wendy's story is finally coming to an end.While preparing for the battle and thinking of ways to defeat Oren, Wendy must also decide who she wants. I absolutely loved how Hocking wrapped the series. Everything was clear, Wendy made a decision, the kingdom's fate was clear and there was even a never before published short story about Wendy's life after the ending of Ascend.

Characters:
I completely adore the characters in Ascend. Wendy has been through a lot since Switched and I adore how much she has grown throughout the series. I found her quite annoying in Switched but I love how she became a heroine I adored in Ascend. She was regal and ruled the kingdom very well. She wanted to do what's best for Förening and would not hesitate to sacrifice herself if it means saving her kingdom. Wendy was also confused. She was attracted to both Finn and Loki but knew that she had to make a decision. I personally did not like Finn because he was a bit too possessive over Wendy, treated Wendy as if she was a fragile doll and he always debated with Wendy. I love Loki. When he was first introduced in Torn, I absolutely fell for him. He was such an amazing character who completely deserved Wendy. I also liked how the other characters have grown and changed, particularly Elora. Before she died, she told Wendy how she missed her so badly when she lived with the Everlys and that she loved her. I was glad that Elora fixed her relationship with Wendy before she died.

Overall:
Ascend brings you a thrilling conclusion to the Trylle trilogy. After all that Wendy has been through, will she be able to face this final battle while settling her heart's confusion? Ascend was my favourite book in the whole series and I absolutely love the short story included in the book. Definitely can't wait for Amanda Hocking's newest never-before-published novel, Wake!  

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Ascend!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!