Wednesday 13 June 2012

#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!

10 comments:

  1. I can't believe I haven't read this one yet!! I loved the first two. I'm glad to hear that Ascend is the best. Switched was good, but Torn was way better. Its great that they get better with each book! It's usually the other way around.

    Great review!

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  2. I loved this series as well! I can't wait for her new book to come out this August :) Great review!

    Allison
    imabibliophobic.blogspot.com

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  3. Yay Celine! Love that this last book was your favorite, it's so nice when the books get better as they go as opposed to starting strong and then tapering off. I have yet to try and of these books and I need to remedy that soon! Thanks for the fantastic review:):):)

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  4. Lovely review, Celine! Even though I didn't like this book as much as the first two, I do agree with your points. I also found Wendy pretty irritating at first, but I loved her by the end of the series. She showed a lot of growth which was impressive. Anyway, I'm glad to see you liked this too! :D

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  5. Hi Celine! I haven't been over here for awile. I am bookmarking you. I have had this series forever and still haven't fit it in. I bought it when it was $.99! It sounds so good and different and your review just reminded me to read it, I love when a series just builds and gets better. Fab review!

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  6. Celine, this book sounds AMAZING! Can't believe I haven't started this series yet. Wendy sounds like a great character, I especially love it when they grow up throughout the series. Can't wait to pick this book! Hopefully I can squeeze time to read this soon! Fantastic review lovely! :)

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  7. I have Switched but I've never got around to reading it yet. It's nice to hear you loved the series. It gives me more incentive to pick this up. Btw, I think the UK cover is beautiful too. Great review Celine. :)

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  8. Celinee. I'm so glad you liked Ascend even MORE than Switched and Torn! I loved Switched and Torn too and loved that it got even better in Torn and cannot wait to read Ascend!! I kind of skimmed through your review because I'm waiting to read Ascend very soon. I kind of love the UK covers but the US ones are kickass too! I cannot wait to read this :D

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  9. I loved this series! I read all three in three nights when they were self published. I need to get a copy of this one to read the new short story about Wendy's life after the book! That is cool! I want to read it now! I love Loki. He is so sweet and sexy. Finn was cool but Loki is so much better for her. I love how much Wendy grew and that Elora also showed her love for Wendy and grew too. I was happy their relationship ended on a good note.

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  10. It's great that this series just keeps on improving! Lovely review, Cel, you've convinced me to try Amanda's books :)

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