{Book Review} Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Ascend by Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle Trilogy #3
Paperback, 326 pages
Published April 24th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

Genre: YA Fantasy
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

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.

---

My Opinion:

I've enjoyed reading Switched and Torn by Amanda Hocking so there's no reason not to read the last book in the trilogy. I enjoyed it too and that is not a surprise since Amanda's style of writing is easy to follow.

The ending is good! Though no matter how hard I wished, she did not end up with the guy I thought would be best for her. Wendy went through a lot to end the war with Oren and you'll be feeling what Wendy felt when something really bad happened during the battle. However, I feel that Elora's character changed drastically. She's suddenly very motherly towards Wendy but that may be because Elora was sick. I love the bonus short story the best! It's so adorable and is a fitting conclusion to the whole series.

---

Quotes:

• “Princess." He smiled up at me, but it was weak. "If i'd known that this is what it would take to get you to hold me, I would've collapsed a long time ago.” 

• “Everything’s not exactly the way it seems ” I said.
  “It seemed like you had your tongue down his throat ” Finn glared at us both. 
  “Well then everything is exactly as it seems ” Loki said glibly.

• “I predict a long reign ahead of you. Years of being referred to as Your Majesty, Your Grace, Your Excellence, My Liege, My Queen, My Lovely.” 
  “I don’t think that last one is a formal title,” I said. 
  “It should be.” 

---

About the author: Amanda Hocking

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads



Buy from Book Depository

Review: Torn (Trylle Trilogy #2) by Amanda Hocking

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

Goodreads Summary:
Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world. Step into the world of the Trylle, and prepare to be enchanted….

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “One Day, Three Ways,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

My Opinion:
Torn continues after Switch which left off with Wendy and Rhys leaving Förening to go back to Florida to look for her brother Matt. Of course, Finn managed to keep up with her and her newly assigned tracker, Duncan, subsequently arrived but Wendy refused to go back with them. When the two men left, that was just the opening required by the Vittra and Wendy was severely injured and brought to the Vittra Palace. It came to a surprise that one of the "kidnappers", Loki, was very kind to her and called for a healer (who turned out to be the Queen) to heal Wendy. It was even more surprising when it was revealed the King of Vittra was Wendy's father (And I wasn't expecting this). Duncan, Finn and Tove rescued all three of them and Loki even let them go. This is pretty strange, why would a person let their enemy go? Wendy went back to confront her mother Elora and then later, Loki was caught... What did the King want from them? How would Wendy and Elora react to it? And why was she engaged?

In my opinion, Torn is a smoother read when compared to Switched. Moreover, there's definitely more action from being kidnapped to being rescued and then the counter actions.

What surprises me most in this book is Loki. He's a Vittra but he's actually helping Wendy escape by not retaliating and then complying to her wishes. And when he was later captured by guards in Förening, Wendy reaction strongly to the execution calls. It really seems like there is something more to this Loki character and I really like him.

Finn on the other hand was a little bit of disappointment. "How could he?" This question always ran through my mind as I read some scenes involving him and Wendy.

Nevertheless, I've totally enjoyed Torn. Be sure to read what Wendy has sacrificed in this book.

4/5 Stars for Torn. Really looking forward to Ascend and hope it will be a beautiful ending!

Quotes:
- He stepped into my room with one graceful move, as if entering through bedroom windows was nothing out of the ordinary.

- "I don’t know. After the downstairs, I assumed something creepier and dirtier.” I
shrugged. “You didn’t have electricity down there.”
“It’s for dramatic effect.” Loki gestured widely. “It’s a dungeon.”

- "Did you change your mind and decide to execute me?" Loki asked, looking us over. "Because you all look like you're going to a funeral."
"Not now," I said, figeting with my bracelet and watching the clock.
"Then when, Princess?" Loki asked. "Because we only have about fifteen minutes until I leave."
I rolled my eyes and ignored him.

My Blood Approves #1 by Amanda Hocking

Genre: YA
Publication Date: April 15, 2010
Format: ebook
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 Stars


Goodreads Summary:
Teenager Alice Bonham's life feels crazy after she meets Jack. With his fondness for pink Chuck Taylors and New Wave, he's unlike anyone she knows. Then she meets his brother, Peter. Even though he can't stand the sight of her, she's drawn to him. Falling for two guys isn't even the worst of her problems. Jack and Peter are vampires, and Alice finds herself caught between love and her own blood.

My Opinion:

Another enjoyable series by Amanda Hocking. It is interesting to read the relationship between Alice & Jack as well as Peter. Seems like there's 2 vampires for Alice but she is not meant for one of them. 

My heart goes to Milo who seemed kind of helpless in the story. 

Definitely worth reading. Lots of answered questions, shall see if the second book will have the answers.

Get a copy:

[ Amazon | Smashwords ]

Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1) by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Paranormal YA
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 Stars


Goodreads Summary:
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it. 

My Opinion:

The book cover really captured my attention. It's beautiful! I like the entire story as it's really easy to read. I read the whole book in less than a day! And I must add I don't usually read books with first person narrative. Surprisingly, I completed the whole book! Looking forward to the second book.

Get a copy:

[ Amazon | Book Depository ]