The Ascendance Series

The Ascendance Series follows Sage, an orphan who becomes entangled in a nobleman's dangerous plot to find a lost prince and prevent civil war in the medieval kingdom of Carthya. The first book, The False Prince, sets up the high-stakes deception as Sage and other orphan boys compete to impersonate the missing royal heir. Through four novels, the series tracks political intrigue, betrayals, and warfare across multiple kingdoms as Sage navigates increasingly complex challenges. Combat, espionage, and strategy drive the plot forward while alliances shift and secrets surface. The story incorporates elements of medieval fantasy without magic, focusing instead on swordplay, castle life, and the complex relationships between nobles, regents, and neighboring nations. Romance and friendship add depth to Sage's journey without overshadowing the main narrative. The series explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the true meaning of leadership through its examination of what makes someone worthy to rule. The books raise questions about nature versus nurture and whether destiny or choice determines a person's path.

Readers praise the series' unpredictable plot twists, complex political intrigue, and the main character Jaron's wit and resourcefulness. Many note the fast-paced storylines kept them engaged through all four books. Readers liked: - Sharp, clever dialogue and humor - Character development across the series - Balance of action and emotional depth - Appeal to both young and adult readers Common criticisms: - Some found Jaron's abilities unrealistic - Romance elements felt forced to certain readers - Third book pacing slower than others Ratings: Goodreads: The False Prince (Book 1) - 4.24/5 (88,697 ratings) The Runaway King (Book 2) - 4.28/5 (45,276 ratings) The Shadow Throne (Book 3) - 4.30/5 (31,824 ratings) The Captive Kingdom (Book 4) - 4.31/5 (8,721 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 overall series rating Notable reader comment: "Perfect mix of Percy Jackson's sass and Game of Thrones' political schemes, but appropriate for younger readers."

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen. A kitchen boy must compete against three other orphans to impersonate a missing prince in a deadly competition for the crown.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner. A prisoner released from the king's dungeons claims he can steal an ancient treasure, leading to political intrigue and revelations of hidden identities.

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith. A young countess leads a rebellion against a corrupt king while navigating court politics and unexpected alliances.

The Selection by Kiera Cass. Thirty-five girls compete to win the heart of a prince in a contest that becomes entangled with rebellion and political machinations.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. An imprisoned assassin fights for her freedom in a competition to become the king's champion while uncovering plots against the crown.

🔸 Author Jennifer A. Nielsen worked as a speech pathologist before becoming a full-time writer, drawing inspiration from her experiences helping children find their voices. 🔸 The main character Sage/Jaron was partially inspired by Nielsen's own son, who demonstrated similar quick-witted and mischievous traits. 🔸 The series was originally planned as a single book but was expanded into a trilogy due to the complexity of the story and positive early feedback. 🔸 Nielsen spent extensive time researching medieval castle architecture, sword fighting techniques, and historical royal protocols to create authentic details for her fictional kingdom of Carthya. 🔸 The book rights have been sold in over 16 countries, and the series has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Spanish, and Chinese.