The Shadow Throne (Review)

 

One war. Too many deadly battles. Can a king save his kingdom when his only survival seems unlikely?

War has come to Carthya. It knocks at every door and window in the land. And when King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen in a plan to bring Carthya to its knees, Jaron knows it is up to him to embark on a daring rescue mission. But everything that can go wrong does.

    His friends are flung far and wide across Carthya and its neighboring lands. In a last-ditch effort to stave off what looks to be a devastating loss for the kingdom, Jaron undertakes what may be his last journey to save everything and everyone he loves. But even with his lightning-quick wit, Jaron cannot forestall the terrible danger that descends on him and his country. Along the way, will he lose what matters most? And in the end, who will sit on Carthya's throne?

"Villains and plots and enemies are simple things to me. But friendships are complicated, and love is harder still. It has wounded me deeper than any sword ever could."

    Okay, wow. Jennifer Nielson is amazing. This book ended the trilogy so well. The three books in the series all connect perfectly, like Jaron's been plotting his plan since book one. And I think this one might be my favorite of them all.

    The book is about the war coming to Carthya, and I've never read about war and been so entertained! But it has a nice balance of not only reading about Jaron going to wars and battles, but also going all around Carthya on missions to save his friends and country. And can we just talk about Jaron's war strategies?! This guy is smart; you never see it coming, and his wit is brilliant. When you think all is hopeless, it actually turns out to be part of the plan, and the table turns, and he's on top. He's got so much he doesn't show to the reader, even though it's from his perspective, and that's what makes everything so surprising. I also really loved how Roden is his Captain of the Guard, and it really suits him, and I loved seeing them fight alongside side other as brothers in this book.

    Two reasons I liked this book the most are that, one, Jaron's character development is really good in this book, and I like his character best in this one. And two, he's made peace with his friends. In the first book, Tobias and Roden are his enemies. In the second, he and Roden are still at odds, and Jaron sends Imogen away to 'protect her'. However, in this book, you see Roden and Jaron fighting alongside each other in war, and I love the friendship between them. He, Roden, and Tobias have a good trio that I always enjoy reading. And better yet, Imogen is here, and we get to see more of them.

    

"I loved her and needed her like the beat of my heart."

    Jaron and Imogen's relationship is really sweet, and I really enjoyed it. I liked their ship because Imogen is one of the only people in Jaron's life who doesn't hurt him. Mott beat Jaron, Roden tried murdering him, Tobias tried stabbing him, and he's had a rough life, and the people he loves usually come with a price. But Jaron chooses friendship, knowing he might get hurt. But then Imogen has only ever loved him and helped him. While they do disagree from time to time, she is always there for him through each book ーhealing his wounds at Farthenwood, caring for him at the pirates, and trying to save Jaron and the kingdom in this book. So, of course, Jaron would love her. 

    

"You were wrong, Commander. Whatever chains you try to place on me, I will always, always rise from them. I'm not buying back my freedom cause you never owned it. But I am taking it back, for me and my country." 

    I loved this book a lot, and the whole trilogy was such a fun read. The book finished out the series so beautifully, and reading that last line was so satisfying and heartwarming. It's the one series that plays most vividly in my head. The books aren't too long, and I'd read them over and over again. They're full of action and exciting plots, and characters, while also adding a little romance and emotion. There are a few lessons you can learn from this book if you read it that way, but otherwise, it's just a super fun read. The journey the series took me on was unforgettable and amazing. Through all the adventures and hurt Jaron goes through, I’m happy that it ends where all is well. And I can’t wait to pick the book up and go through the journey again. 

“All that I knew was at peace.”

10/10 and ages 12+

-JaybirdsTweets