THE RUNAWAY KING BY JENNIFER A. NEILSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FENDER
Reviewed by Annabelle Barbero

Annabelle, a fith-grader at Northside Elementary, likes to play soccer, especially in her favorite position as goalie. She loves to read and would rather read a “real book” instead of reading on her tablet.

THE RUNAWAY KING BY JENNIFER A. NEILSON Reviewed by Annabelle Barbero
The Runaway King (2013) is the second book in The Ascendance trilogy by Jennifer A. Neilsen. Prince Jaron has just become king after his father’s death.

Following his father’s funeral, Jaron is in his garden quietly thinking about his father when he is confronted by the pirate Roden. Roden and Jaron at one time were best friends, but no more. The situation turns deadly and Jaron deserts his kingdom in an effort to save it. Jaron becomes the runaway king. Jaron struggles to keep his identity secret while battling the pirates, as well as the kingdom of Avenian, all who want to take over Jaron’s Kingdom of Carthya. Jaron doesn’t know who can be trusted. Calling himself Sage in an effort to hide his identity, he is sure he has the support of his girlfriend, Princess Admarinda and a small group of friends. They flee with him to Fathenwood, where they plot to survive, fight the evil forces, and keep their kingdom safe.
Neilsen’s books are amazing to me and this one is especially fun, full of twists, turns, and cliff-hangers as Jaron aka Sage tries to make his way home. It’s a long, scary journey.