Semi-Finalists 7 Jennifer Nielsen August 19, 2020

Semi-Finalists 7

Alas, all great things much come to an end, and this is the final group of semi-finalists. But, as you will see, last is not least. There is some amazing work below!

Rachel

Rachel’s story is a deep dive into Imogen’s heart and mind at a critical time in her life. It is beautifully written and a compelling read. You can read it HERE.

Stephanie

The desperation of this photo is gripping, and a fantastic capture of a moment in time. A second earlier or later, and it might not have been so powerful, but I loved this picture!

Cassia

I think my favorite thing about this piece is Jaron’s expression as he looks at Imogen. His affection for her is so clear. There is great talent here.

Sanvi

Sanvi delves into a missing scene from Sage’s life – his routine existence at Mrs. Turbeldy’s Orphanage for Disadvantaged Boys. She does a fantastic job of letting us watch some of the honest emotions he must have felt during that time. You can read it HERE!

Lilah

Lilah is our youngest semi-finalist, but there is so much joy in her painting. I loved her work!

Stella

Stella wants it noted that she got help from Eli, her Dad and family, and friends. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt backstory inspired from the first book when Sage plays the song with the Fippler based on a favorite tune of his mother’s and why she always cries when she hears it. Read the story HERE then listen to the amazing original song HERE!

Ashley

Ashley created art within art, something I always love. Her piece was inspired by the moment when Jaron finds the picture his mother painted of him. She was the only one ever to see him as he believed he was. Ashley’s painting is awesome, but the way she combined it with other elements put this one on an even higher level.

Sophie, Charlotte, and Isabella

Seriously, check out this cake! I especially loved the detail of the clock image on top, but every element of this is just so well done. Also, it looks delicious!        

Kim

I think it’s impossible to watch this movie and not adore it. Kim did a fabulous job with all of the art, the filming, and the way it is edited together.

Sarah

I thought the way that Sarah brought together all of the books worked very well, but I admit that Jaron is my favorite of the picture. I love his longer hair and the expression on his face! (BTW, the purple rectangle is me covering her last name – not the art.)

Miles

Miles created an original rap song that walks us through the books in a really fun way. I enjoyed watching this and especially loved his confidence and bright smile as he performed.

Cali

Cali is a longtime fan of the series, and has been creating nail art for these books for some time. Because of her years of loyalty, and the immense talent she’s shown in her work, she absolutely deserved a place in the semi-finals.

Noa

Noa showed her great enthusiasm for the series by creating a WEBSITE dedicated to the books. A lot of work goes into creating something like this, and Noa did a spectacular job of it! I am honored by her efforts.

Zaina

This awesome story brings us ahead in time to the exact daughter that Jaron deserves. They named her Erin, and she is the kind of character that begs for more story to be told. Read it HERE.

Francesca

Did I mention that I love cake? Francesca made a video to show us her amazing creation. While you watch it HERE, I’m going to go make a cake. It won’t be nearly as delicious, but still…. 

S

This poem is pretty much the full summary of why I write, of why it matters so much to me to have the honor of being an author. To have it written out so beautifully could only have come from someone else who is just as much a writer at heart.

Maggie

I mentioned that I love art within art, right? Maggie did this so well, pulling together some of her original art into a montage photograph that absolutely made me smile. This is so clever and such a happy way to end the semi-finalist postings!

Thank you all for all of your hard work, dedication, and loyalty. Please recommend these books to other readers. I’ll have a lot of announcements over the next month as we get closer to the launch of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM!

39 Comments
  • Reply
    August 19, 2020, 4:33 pm

    Thanks So Much! I’m so happy to be on here!

  • Reply
    August 19, 2020, 7:50 pm

    Let’s go Sarah yeahhhh! That’s my BFF right there! But seriously I’m so proud of you 😀 I’m so happy for you!you got this! #keeponsmileing

  • Reply
    August 19, 2020, 8:43 pm

    These are all wonderful! Zaina, I especially loved your story! Erin acts just like I’d think Jaron’s daughter would!

    • Reply
      August 25, 2020, 7:58 pm

      Cassia, I loved your picture!

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 12:53 am

    I had so much fun coding my website, especially because the website was about something I love so much 😄.
    I am so proud to have my website among such amazing entries.
    And I am so sad that this contest is officially over, it made me so happy to see so others be as excited as me about the ascendance series 😃.
    Thank you so much for this opportunity ms. Nielsen, do you think you will do more contests like this in the future?

    • Reply
      August 20, 2020, 2:54 pm

      Maybe I will – it’s been really amazing to see how much talent and enthusiasm is out there. Really humbling, in fact.

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 1:39 am

    Thank you so much for posting my work! Everyone did such an amazing job! I had a fun time painting the sketch of Jaron’s mom. It was one of my favorite scenes from The False Prince.

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 2:26 am

    Thank you so much for the feature, Jennifer!! Everyone else’s submissions are awesome as well! I absolutely cannot wait to read the next Ascendance adventure and the rest of your new books. I look forward to every new release. I will definitely be doing more nail art for them soon. Be well! 🙂

    Btw, here’s my original tutorial and blog post for the nail design: https://tinyurl.com/tsnfalseprincenails

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 3:21 am

    All of these are so great! The cake looked fabulous!!

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 5:02 am

    Once again, everyone did such an amazing job!!! I’m so bummed that I don’t get to continue to check the blog daily for more amazing entries, but I’ve enjoyed seeing them all so much!!! I’m so grateful I got to be a part of this. Great job everyone! Thank you so much for this, Mrs. Nielsen!

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 6:25 am

    Brace yourself, folks. This comment is a long one, but I wanted to include everyone and my excitement about their entries. Here we go.
    Rachel- Wowza. Imogen’s deep longing, fear, and sadness was extremely clear. It hurt me in ways I haven’t felt since some things went down between Jaron and Imogen in The Shadow Throne. “Why does love ache?” made me hurt along with this beautiful character. I loved how you softened Jaron for just a bit to show his love for her, but still kept him thinking everything was light and humorous. Really great job!!

    Stephanie- That’s a great photo, not to mention the timing was perfect. I love the scenery around you! Nice job!

    Cassia- I’m feeling so many emotions right now. I just…I just can’t. It’s too cute for me to handle. As Mrs. Nielsen pointed out, Jaron’s expression is so sweet, and his arm around Imogen’s waist-gah. So, so cute, and so, so good.

    Sanvi- I love the one part where Jaron itches his head and talks about the “air” he has that is so recognizable. Any fan would get what you’re talking about. I also found it interesting, as this seems to be earlier in Jaron’s story than when we first meet him in The False Prince, how unguarded you wrote his thoughts. I suppose maybe more experiences kept him arrogant and snarky in his own head. Great job!

    Lilah- I love the beautiful colors in your artwork! It feels to peaceful, like a lovely sunset that Jaron and Imogen watch from the castle towers. I also liked how you didn’t confine your art to a square but brought the characters outside of the box. Amazing job!!

    Stella- Wow! That story was so well written! I loved that you focused on the royal family’s life when the eyes of Carthya weren’t watching them. It brings so much more life to these characters, which is so impressive. Your song was haunting, but so pretty. It fit your story so well, almost resembling a soundtrack. Amazing work!

    Ashley- The first thing I noticed was that your colors are so pretty! Also, I love the concept!! The art surrounded by other props made a beautiful photo. Loved this.

    Sophie, Charlotte, and Isabella- Um, yummy! Not only that, but so cool! I love all of the covers incorporated into the design. There was some serious work put into this! Great job to all of you!

    Kim- I loved your own personal story about the books! It’s so cool to see similar introductions to the series. Claps for you!!

    Sarah- This was so cool! I loved how you brought in, not only the covers, but all of cover’s little sayings. Whenever I read them, I always have an admiration of the great sucker punch they each hold. Also, died (from love) I saw the phrase on the left: “Read them all!!!” Great advice! This one was so cool.

    Miles- I just found that his smile made me smile. Also, some great Lin Manuel Miranda vibes from the original rap. Great job!

    Cali- I’ve seen her nail art before while looking at fan art! It’s so detailed and beautiful. If I had her nails, I would stay in bed and try not to chip them, they’re so pretty! Ah!

    Noa- Wow, this is so cool! I love the community you’ve made using the website and all the hard work put into the activities, summaries, all of it. Again, so cool!

    Zaina- Being totally honest here: when I read Mrs. Nielson’s description, I freaked out. I made some odd sobbing noises because the image of Jaron holding his new baby daughter flooded my head and made me want to weep in a puddle of tears on a cold, tile floor. I love how, in your story, the playfulness of Jaron that I adore never changed. I basically died while reading this story because of the overwhelming images I got. Sooooo good.

    Francesca- I’m conflicted. Why? Because it’s too beautiful to eat. It’s literally a work of art. But I want to eat it so bad. These problems are painful. But, seriously, I love it so much. Also, love your username.

    S- This poem is so true and heartfelt. I deeply relate to a lot of it; because of these books, I’m working to be a published author by 21. I love your little bit about words, because it’s so true about how much power a bunch of letters sewn together have. This was so pretty!

    Maggie- I loved all of the covers everywhere! I especially love your art on the bottom right, showing Jaron’s sarcastic narration. Gotta love him. Great job!

    These were all so great! The talent is unbelievable! Love this community formed from the appreciation of some great books. God bless you all!

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 2:24 pm

    Where do I start? They were all awesome. Cassia, your drawing was really cool. Sophie, Charlotte, and Isabella (great name 😉), you made a cake?!! So neat! And, Francesca, your cake looks great too! Miles, love your rap. Noa, the website (another amazing idea) looked really cool. Kim, I know just what you mean, reading the books everywhere I go #NeverStopReadingTheFalsePrince – that’s what I live by. Cali, just amazing how you were able to do that. And, Lilah, great job!

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 3:08 pm

    Wow, all of these are fantastic! Thank you so much for posting my work, Ms. Nielsen, I have so enjoyed seeing everyone’s talent and enthusiasms!Great job, everyone!

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 5:43 pm

    These are all so great! I especially loved Rachel’s and Zaina’s stories! They were so beautiful! Also, the nails were gorgeous, and such a unique idea!

  • Reply
    August 20, 2020, 8:50 pm

    Dear Mrs. Nielsen,

    WOW! It is such an honor to be a part of this community and for my work to be featured on your blog! I literally cannot stop smiling! You’re the best! THANK YOU!!!!!!! I will be sure to read your other books and get THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM the second it comes out!

    Sarah

  • Reply
    August 21, 2020, 9:41 pm

    It has been amazing to see all the creativity in everyone’s project.
    Rachel, your story was great and I loved your ending line. Cassia, I absolutely love your drawing and the way Jaron looks at Imogen. Lilah, I love your art-very creative.
    Sophie, Charlotte, and Isabella, and also Francesca, I love the cakes – they look delectable. S, I really loved your poem – you are very talented. Great job, everyone!

    • Reply
      August 21, 2020, 9:44 pm

      Also, I forgot to add that I think Noa’s website was genius. Awesome job!

      • Reply
        August 25, 2020, 3:03 pm

        Thank you 😊!

    • Reply
      October 3, 2020, 9:47 pm

      Thank you so much <3

  • Reply
    August 22, 2020, 3:45 am

    Mrs Nielsen, thank you so much for making it possible for me to even be featured here! I’m a writer, and every little bit of encouragement means the world (as I’m sure you know 😉). Thank you for Jaron as well ♥️

    • Reply
      August 23, 2020, 5:34 am

      I stan that!! Thank you for giving everyone this amazing opportunity Mrs. Nielsen. It has been so amazing to see all the dedicated fans to this series! Also the part about thanking you for jaron – honestly I don’t know where I would be without him. At some point he has been my friend, crush, influencer, inspirator, teacher, favorite book character, lifeline… you get the point. He is so great and I cannot even put into words how vrateful I am to you for writing him.

  • Reply
    August 22, 2020, 5:06 pm

    Congratulations to you all! You all did a magnificent job! I loved the nails art! I have seen it many times on google!!!! It was beautiful.

  • Reply
    August 24, 2020, 2:31 am

    Wow! These are amazing!! Ms. Nielsen, does THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM take place before the epilogue in THE SHADOW THRONE?

  • Reply
    August 25, 2020, 10:43 pm

    Love them all! Well done!

  • Reply
    August 26, 2020, 7:41 pm

    The last ones already? Well, it was awesome while it lasted!
    Rachel, your writing is absolutely spectacular. It’s beautiful and heartfelt and emotional. I love that it’s probably the first time Imogen admits, even to herself, that she loves Jaron. You captured Jaron, Imogen, and their relationship perfectly!
    Stephanie, this photo is so amazing! I love how the pink contrasts against the green background and you captured the perfect moment. Beautiful!
    Cassia, Oh my goodness! It’s so CUTE! This drawing is so adorable! I love the pose, and the shading and the way Jaron looks at Imogen! Awww!
    Sanvi, I love the way you wrote Jaron, and how he felt about his father and getting kicked out onto the streets. Amazing!
    Lilah, Your colors are so beautiful! I love the sunset and Falstan lake (?)in the foreground and the palace in the background.
    Stella, I love that you wrote about Erin, she’s such an amazing character, even though she didn’t really feature in the books. You captured the emotions perfectly!
    Asley, The way you put together the drawing and the props is beautiful! I love the colors you used for the drawing!
    Sophie, Charlotte, Isabella, You guys did such an amazing job on this cake! It looks too beautiful to eat! I love the way you used all three books.
    Kim, your stop motion video is so much fun! I really like the way you made it!
    Sarah, The way you put together all the books is amazing! I love that you included Imogen and Jaron.
    Miles, Your idea is so creative and original! Awesome job!
    Cali, your nail art is spectacular! It’s so beautifully detailed!
    Noa, Your website is really impressive! It’s so much work to code a website, but you did it amazingly well and everything works perfectly! Amazing!
    Zaina, I love this story! It’s beautifully written and I love that Jaron and Imogen named their daughter Erin. My favorite part was: “Jaron Artolius Eckbert the
    Third! Stop teaching your daughter to climb walls!” I can completely imagine Imogen saying that! And I can completely imagine Jaron actually teaching her that, and joining her!
    Franchesca, This cake is incredible! I love that you used the first lines from “The False Prince” and added the knot in the back! That’s so clever!
    S, you did an amazing job on this poem! My favorite part was: “Words form worlds, and worlds make us who we are.” Beautiful!
    Maggie, this is so beautiful! I love the way you combined the covers with the pictures! My favorite is Jaron standing in front of Conner, defiant as usual. Awesome!

  • Reply
    September 19, 2021, 10:18 pm

    The poem was so true. I related to it so much. S really summed up how it feels to have read The False Prince.

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