The Ascendance Trilogy #2: The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

King Jaron is only a few weeks into his reign, and trouble is already brewing. As he expected, the regents and surrounding countries are leery of a young boy ruling Carthya. Followers doubt his ability to lead, and other rulers think his country is weak. Then, he's attacked in the castle's garden by a former friend. He's told an army of pirates will soon invade Carthya, and he figures out that Avenia forces will follow to take over the country. With few options left, Jaron decides he must secretly join the pirates. He hopes to make them allies against the Avenian threat, otherwise he'll need to kill the pirate king. Once again, Jaron takes on his identity of the orphan Sage, and he enters the dangerous world of pirates. A few surprises await, and Jaron will face a battle for his life.

This book is the sequel to The False Prince, and you need to read it first. The Runaway King has much more action and suspense. Jaron secretly joins the pirates and can be killed at any moment. He's on his own; the regents plan to remove him as king and won't support a war against their enemies. The author manages to add some twists to the plot, as Jaron faces unexpected problems. There are dangerous characters along the way who know his true identity, and Jaron's caring for others may cost him his life. The characteristics of Jaron's personality make the story. He's brave, cocky, intelligent, and belligerent. These qualities help him solve problems, but they also create new ones.