The thrilling sequel to the 2024 Kindle Book Awards Sci-Fi/Fantasy Finalist, "The Last Sovereign."
The Ascension Saga continues—The Two Thrones is the riveting sequel to The Last Sovereign, a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and adventure.
The Sovereign of the Abyss has returned. The Throne will be claimed. The Everwar Awaits.
After the cataclysmic events of The Last Sovereign, the world stands on the brink of chaos. Lana Tel'redor, the destined Sovereign of Mankind, faces an uncertain path as time and fate press upon her. With an apocalypse looming, Lana must navigate the treacherous waters of royal politics, uncovering ancient artifacts crucial to her mission in the forgotten realm of mancer royalty.
Guided by newfound allies, Lana's journey takes her from opulent castles to arcane academies, where adversaries hide behind smiles and deception. Yet, amidst the fleeting moments of peace, she yearns for the life she left behind. As alliances shift and new threats emerge, Lana's resolve is tested like never before.
Surrounded by envy and intrigue, Lana must rise above the shadows, gathering allies to confront the encroaching darkness. Every step she takes brings her closer to her destiny—to claim her place among the Two Thrones and vanquish the malevolent forces threatening her world. Her journey is a testament to strength, willpower, and the unwavering determination of a true sovereign.
Spellbinding and immersive, The Two Thrones calls to readers Dark fantasy series brimming with deep intrigue and high-stakes adventure.Compelling stories that delve into character origins, intricate balances of power, and foretold destiny.Narratives rich in diverse characters and complex royal politics, blending fantasy cultures into a captivating tapestry.Unmatched world-building and storytelling that will captivate both adults and teens alike, drawing you into a realm of unparalleled imagination.
[I'm sometimes asked by other book reviewers to write (or significantly contribute to) a review that they can then submit to other websites under their own names. This is one of those. - Avril]
This book certainly deserves a review.
The Two Thrones surprised me. At first, I thought it might just be another fantasy story with royalty and power struggles, but it ended up being a lot more emotional and complex than I expected. It’s about a kingdom that’s technically united but clearly falling apart behind the scenes. The king dies early on, and things spiral from there—but not in the over-the-top, battle-every-chapter kind of way. This is slower, more thoughtful. You really feel the tension building.
The two main characters, Caledon and Ilyra, were what kept me turning pages. They’re siblings (or close enough to feel like siblings) who both want peace but have very different ways of trying to get there. You can feel how much they care, even when they start making painful decisions. I liked that neither of them was perfect—both make mistakes, both struggle with what’s right. It felt very real, even in a fantasy world.
There’s not a ton of magic, which I actually liked. The focus is more on politics, emotions, and relationships—things like trust, betrayal, legacy, and grief. It reminded me a little of The Goblin Emperor in that way. The writing is smooth and elegant without being confusing or trying too hard. I felt like I was inside the court, watching it all fall apart in slow motion.
There were a few slower parts, especially when the perspective changed or when the story went deep into the history or politics, but overall I didn’t mind. It gave more context and made the ending hit harder.
By the end, I was honestly a little heartbroken—in a good way. It made me think about the cost of leadership and how sometimes doing what’s right doesn’t mean everyone gets a happy ending.
If you like character-driven stories with a bit of intrigue and emotional weight, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
A Throne of Shadows: A Riveting Sequel That Elevates the Series
“The Two Thrones,” the sequel to “The Last Sovereign,” is a thrilling ride that surpasses its predecessor in every way. This is epic fantasy at its finest, a captivating blend of political intrigue, jaw-dropping magic, and heart-pounding action.
The story picks up seamlessly, plunging readers back into a world on the brink of chaos. Lana Tel’redor, burdened with the weight of her destiny, must navigate a treacherous landscape of royal politics, ancient artifacts, and shifting alliances. The stakes are higher, the twists more unexpected, and the betrayals more devastating. Bugayong masterfully develops his characters, giving them complex motivations and compelling emotional arcs. Lana’s journey of self-discovery is particularly poignant, as she grapples with her newfound power and the sacrifices she must make. The supporting cast, from enigmatic allies to cunning adversaries, is equally well-crafted, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
The world-building is even more impressive in this installment. Bugayong paints a vivid picture of Shandaria, with lush descriptions that transport readers to opulent castles, arcane academies, and forgotten realms. The pacing is relentless, keeping you hooked from beginning to end. “The Two Thrones” is a testament to Bugayong’s talent as a storyteller. His prose is sharp and evocative, and the dialogue is witty and engaging. The emotional core of the story is deeply moving, and the ending is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
AJ Bugayong has successfully continued The Ascension Series in this send installment.
As Grim's history is explained, Lana continues her journey toward ascension. Lana is faced with betrayal after betrayal as her companions' loyalties and motives are revealed.
Grim's goal of protecting the waking word from the ever war between light and dark gods, his ruthless decisions keep being revealed.
an amazing continuation of the first book! every stake is raised - the scale is more epic, the plot is more action packed, and every new character only adds to the world. Prince Keaton in particular is fantastic - sweet, charming, and overall just fantastic. and you get to learn so much about grim, something that was left a bit too mysterious in the first book. this is a worthy second novel, and I'm dying to know where the third one goes!