Ascend (Trylle, #3) Summary & Key Insights

Amanda Hocking's Ascend, the third installment in the Trylle trilogy, sees Wendy and her allies facing their most formidable challenge yet: the impending war between the Trylle and the humans. Having discovered her dual heritage – both Trylle and human – and her unique ability to manipulate the elements, Wendy finds herself at the center of this conflict, burdened with the responsibility of preventing a catastrophic battle.

The central plot revolves around the escalating tension between the Trylle, led by the fiercely protective Finn, and the humans, whose fear and prejudice have been fueled by the actions of a small, radical faction. This conflict is manipulated by a powerful, unseen entity – the mysterious and malevolent force that orchestrates the events from the shadows, revealed to be a corrupted Trylle elder. This elder seeks to plunge the world into chaos and ultimately benefit from the resulting destruction.

Wendy's romantic relationships are central to the narrative. Her feelings for both Finn and Davy are tested as the stakes increase. Her connection to Finn deepens as they fight side-by-side, their love becoming a source of strength in the face of overwhelming odds. Meanwhile, Davy, a human, struggles to understand and accept Wendy's Trylle identity, becoming caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict. This explores the overarching theme of bridging the gap between two vastly different worlds and the challenges of navigating interspecies relationships during times of war.

Key characters besides Wendy, Finn, and Davy include the loyal and resourceful Nessa, who provides crucial support and insights throughout the perilous journey, and the enigmatic and powerful Trylle elder manipulating events from the shadows. Each character grapples with their own internal conflicts and the difficult choices they must make to survive and protect those they care about.

The overarching themes in Ascend revolve around prejudice, acceptance, and the complexities of war and peace. Hocking emphasizes the destructive consequences of fear and ignorance, highlighting the dangers of allowing prejudice to escalate into violence. The novel explores the importance of understanding different cultures and perspectives, and the courage required to bridge divides and build bridges of communication in the face of overwhelming conflict. Ultimately, Wendy's journey is one of self-discovery and responsibility, as she learns to harness her powers and lead others towards a path of reconciliation, confronting the manipulative forces that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. The resolution, though offering a sense of peace, also leaves room for lingering uncertainty, reflecting the enduring complexities of the human-Trylle relationship.