In the final installment of The Ascendance Trilogy, war is coming. Since Jaron's return to Drylliad after his time with the Avenian pirates, Carthya has been preparing for the coming attack but they're running out of time. Avenia, Mendenwal, and Gelyn are advancing. Imogen has been captured and there's no news on whether or not she still lives. Jaron needs to save his country, but he can't leave Imogen in the hands of King Vargan. 
 Nielsen has created an outstanding high fantasy series. Jaron is constantly getting himself in and out of scraps and the entire novel is a non-stop adventure. My only complaint comes with the ending. I wish that Nielsen had taken more time to bring closure to the series. The jump between the last two chapters is pretty large (and even though it's not called an epilogue, it really is). But fans of Jaron's rebellious spirit and quick wit definitely won't be disappointed. 
 Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. 
 Publication date: February 25, 2014