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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
Full of action and adventure. Sometimes hard to believe that any person would do what King Jaron did to defend his kingdom, but I guess that’s what makes it fantasy. Fun, quick read geared to younger ages, but can be enjoyed by many.
I'm not sure what's up with these books but they always start and end SO WELL but lag in the middle. I hope the last book keeps the momentum going from start to finish.
"Imogen, do you love me?"
She night not, but I do!! I love you Jaron!!
I don't think it was as good as B1, but I definitely enjoyed just as much.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Granny's Rating: 4.5 Stars
She night not, but I do!! I love you Jaron!!
I don't think it was as good as B1, but I definitely enjoyed just as much.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Granny's Rating: 4.5 Stars
Hmm. Ultimately I think this book explores less of the characters than I want, and while the politics are interesting, they are also not as tight as I feel the first book was.
Jaron has the same feel as he does at the end of the first book, and I think this was a good core considering all the other changes we see in this book. Unfortunately, I’m really not a fan of the “falling in love offscreen” trope and I understand this was probably marketed for boys and had to happen like this, but I really disliked that somehow Imogen became Jaron’s most important person ever without seeing any reason at all for it. I wish we saw more friendship scenes between them in the castle, because I do see how amidst all these politics, she is the one person Jaron can be honest with.
I feel similarly with Rodin. I find that the first book does provide some good setup for his eventual change of mind but ultimately is also not strong enough to me to make sense. I wish we’d seen maybe a flashback to a missing scene from the first book or something that brings us more into why Rodin feels such strong betrayal and trust in Jaron at different points in this story. It’s the climax of this story but it doesn’t feel earned.
Amarinda is an interesting character here, and I enjoy that ending conversation she has with Jaron about being partners. I would like to see where this relationship is ultimately going to go, though I do hope she gets explored as a solo character as well.
I think Harlow, Nyla, Fink and Eric are side characters done quite well and are welcome additions. I think the entire action sequence with Jarren’s broken leg is also exceptional and written extremely well. This book does so much well that I think the lack of exploration of key characters disappoints me even more unfortunately. Man.
Jaron has the same feel as he does at the end of the first book, and I think this was a good core considering all the other changes we see in this book. Unfortunately, I’m really not a fan of the “falling in love offscreen” trope and I understand this was probably marketed for boys and had to happen like this, but I really disliked that somehow Imogen became Jaron’s most important person ever without seeing any reason at all for it. I wish we saw more friendship scenes between them in the castle, because I do see how amidst all these politics, she is the one person Jaron can be honest with.
I feel similarly with Rodin. I find that the first book does provide some good setup for his eventual change of mind but ultimately is also not strong enough to me to make sense. I wish we’d seen maybe a flashback to a missing scene from the first book or something that brings us more into why Rodin feels such strong betrayal and trust in Jaron at different points in this story. It’s the climax of this story but it doesn’t feel earned.
Amarinda is an interesting character here, and I enjoy that ending conversation she has with Jaron about being partners. I would like to see where this relationship is ultimately going to go, though I do hope she gets explored as a solo character as well.
I think Harlow, Nyla, Fink and Eric are side characters done quite well and are welcome additions. I think the entire action sequence with Jarren’s broken leg is also exceptional and written extremely well. This book does so much well that I think the lack of exploration of key characters disappoints me even more unfortunately. Man.
I feel like The Runaway King unfortunately suffers from middle book syndrome. It was kind of that connector book with a mildly interesting plot that basically just sets things up for the finale. The whole thing was a bit confusing because Jaron going to the pirates seemed totally random. Honestly, this was a bit of a disappointment after the epicness of The False Prince.
And everything just resolved so easily!
And then there were just so many frustrating moments.
So, yeah, there were some problems. But Jennifer A. Nielson has such a gift for storytelling. Also, I loved some of the new characters, especially Fink and Harlowe. And I loved that Mott and Tobias were working with Jaron. This wasn't a total letdown. It just could've been better.
And everything just resolved so easily!
Spoiler
Roden just gave up and decided to be friends with Jaron again...? And all of the sudden on the very last page something huge happens...?And then there were just so many frustrating moments.
Spoiler
Jaron's humor, which I love, started to border on arrogance. And I obviously ship him and Imogen, although Amarinda seems nice and deserves happiness...maybe with Tobias? Could we make that a thing? Also, Jaron going to the pirates without Mott was absurd.So, yeah, there were some problems. But Jennifer A. Nielson has such a gift for storytelling. Also, I loved some of the new characters, especially Fink and Harlowe. And I loved that Mott and Tobias were working with Jaron. This wasn't a total letdown. It just could've been better.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There are several elements of the plot that are too well planted or unconvincing, and therefore receive a label of flawed from me.
Why did Jaron lead the thieves to the Nobleman's house? I wasn't convinced that it was the safest route. Why not just go to some random person's house? Imogene being at the pirate's lair really wasn't convincing enough for me either, and why didn't she just tell Jaron she was burying supplies for him? It doesn't make sense that she casually mentioned it in code. Lastly, the whole interactions between Roden and Jaron just don't add up well to the conclusion. Roden was so bitter and angry and then we were to believe that he all of a sudden softened and flipped to the other side? We definitely needed to see a bit more softening or realization happening. Something like, "Maybe after Roden sees that I've climbed a cliff with a broken leg and hobbled back to face him, he will begin to see me with sympathy and respect, and be inspired by my humanization," (says Jaron) - or something like that. Anything to plant a little more believable seed in the story.
I did love the other creative twists to the story though, like the other disloyal reagent!
Why did Jaron lead the thieves to the Nobleman's house? I wasn't convinced that it was the safest route. Why not just go to some random person's house? Imogene being at the pirate's lair really wasn't convincing enough for me either, and why didn't she just tell Jaron she was burying supplies for him? It doesn't make sense that she casually mentioned it in code. Lastly, the whole interactions between Roden and Jaron just don't add up well to the conclusion. Roden was so bitter and angry and then we were to believe that he all of a sudden softened and flipped to the other side? We definitely needed to see a bit more softening or realization happening. Something like, "Maybe after Roden sees that I've climbed a cliff with a broken leg and hobbled back to face him, he will begin to see me with sympathy and respect, and be inspired by my humanization," (says Jaron) - or something like that. Anything to plant a little more believable seed in the story.
I did love the other creative twists to the story though, like the other disloyal reagent!
BBB buddy read
Things didn't get interesting until about halfway through or so, but the pirate storyline was good and now the third book is a must-read. Again, I would probably like these a lot better if I was a bit younger and didn't think certain tropes were extremely predictable. I am interested to see how this love-triangle-ish thing works out, because I'm positive we haven't seen the last of Imogen.
Things didn't get interesting until about halfway through or so, but the pirate storyline was good and now the third book is a must-read. Again, I would probably like these a lot better if I was a bit younger and didn't think certain tropes were extremely predictable. I am interested to see how this love-triangle-ish thing works out, because I'm positive we haven't seen the last of Imogen.