Review: ASCEND by Amanda Hocking

This is the 28th book I've read this year.

Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world.  Ascend is the final chapter in her bestselling Trylle trilogy—and you’ll never guess how it ends!


Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?
The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end.  
Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.

Christian beliefs: None.

Other belief systems: Magic, trolls.

Language: It wasn't heavy at all. And when Amanda wrote the word, or words, they seemed like they were needed. (not saying they were good words, but it wasn't like they were swearing just to swear.)

Violence: They're at war, so blood, people dying, people getting hurt.

Romance: I was very upset that Wendy and you-know-who had sex right in the middle of the story. I was rather upset. And Wendy was married. And not to you-know-who. I was considering stopping just becuase of it, but I held on. And the ending was awesome. People also kiss, and Wendy and her husband have a wedding night, but they just go to sleep, considering they don't love each other at all.

Any other bad things: Nope.

Comments:

Good points:

I loved the ending. I think it was the best part. I loved who Wendy picked, and I loved where the other guy ended up. (make sure you get the 2nd edition so you can read the short story at the end!!) 

I loved how smart Wendy was, and how Amanda planned everything out. 

I loved how much her characters changed, they went from totally different people by the end of the story. And I was sad to  have to leave the Tyrlle world. :(
Also, Amanda made the BEST love triangle EVER. It so isn't what you expected. 

Negative points:

First off, the fact that someone and Wendy had sex when she was married. My mom even suggested I stop reading, but I kept going, because I really wanted to see what happened with the Vittra King, and who Wendy picked to love forever. Also, towards the end, everything went really fast, but I kept holding on. And I was pleasantly surprised at the ending.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

-Maddi