The Captive Kingdom (The Ascendance Series, Book 4) [Paperback]

In a peaceful Carthya, Jaron leads as the Ascendant King with Imogen beside him -- but the peace he fought so long for is not destined to last.

On a routine sea voyage, Jaron's ship is brutally attacked, and he is taken hostage. The mysterious captors and their leader, Jane Strick, accuse Jaron of unthinkable acts. They are also in possession of some shocking items -- including the crown and sword that belonged to Jaron's older brother, Darius. The items unearth a past Jaron thought he had put behind him.

Though it seems impossible, Jaron must consider: Could Darius be alive? And what does Strick want from Jaron? Against his will, Jaron will be pulled back into a fight for the throne -- and a battle to save his kingdom.

Return to Carthya to uncover new secrets, high-stakes action, and Jennifer A. Nielsen's signature breathtaking twists.

Praise for the Ascendance Series:

ANew York TimesNotable Children's Book

APublishers WeeklyBest Book of the Year

A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Children's Book

A Cybils Award Winner

* An impressive, promising story. --Publishers Weekly, starred review

[A] pageturner. --The New York Times Book Review

Sage proves to be a compelling character whose sharp mind and shrewd self-possession will make readers eager to follow him into a sequel. --The Wall Street Journal

A swashbuckling origin story... chock-full of alluring details for adventure-loving boys. --Los Angeles Times

A fast-paced and thrilling read with twists and turns that never let up. --School Library Journal

Gripping. --Kirkus Reviel³!