Review: The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Back in September I posted a list of 7 YA titles that wereon my radar (and should be on yours). One of the titles was Amy Ewing’s debut novel The Jewel. I had been hearing a lot about The Jewel, mainly through Epic Reads, a website for anything and everything Young Adult Literature.

Here is the synopsis for The Jewel:

The Selection meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this darkly riveting debut filled with twists and turns, where all that glitters may not be gold.

The Jewel means wealth, the Jewel means beauty—but for Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Born and raised in the Marsh, Violet finds herself living in the Jewel as a servant at the estate of the Duchess of the Lake. Addressed only by her number—#197—Violet is quickly thrown into the royal way of life. But behind its opulent and glittering facade, the Jewel hides its cruel and brutal truth, filled with violence, manipulation, and death.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her life . . . all while trying to stay alive. But before she can accept her fate, Violet meets a handsome boy who is also under the Duchess’s control, and a forbidden love erupts. But their illicit affair has consequences, which will cost them both more than they bargained for. And toeing the line between being calculating and rebellious, Violet must decide what, and who, she is willing to risk for her own freedom.

Quite intriguing right?

I was able to finish The Jewel in one sitting, which is highly unusual for me with YA books. Typically, I spend two or three days thumbing through a YA novel. Ewing’s writing style was easy to follow and flowed well. The plot had merit, even though it was slow in some situations, and I found myself immersed in Violet’s story.

I would give this story 3.5 stars out of 5. There are two main reasons. I do feel that the story could have been longer. I say this mainly because I felt it was anticlimactic until the very last page or so.  I know that Violet was in several intense situations, but I did not feel the intensity leap of the pages. A few more well constructed paragraphs describing the direness of this situation and Violet’s role really would have elevated the plot.

The second reason is because of the character of Ash…or more importantly, the relationship between Ash and Violet. At first, I suspected the character of Garnet to be the romantic interest. Garnet is the 19 year old son of Violet’s owner, the Duchess of the Lake. He is unpredictable, devastatingly handsome, and an all around bad boy. Perfect romantic interest right? I was surprised by the introduction of Ash, a companion who was purchased to teach the Duchess’ niece how to flirt and land a husband. I felt that Ash and Violet’s relationship was flat. For whatever reason, I could not get the idea of Violet and Garnet out of my head. I found myself annoyed with the scenes that Ash was featured in. If the novel had been drawn out more, I might have found myself more accepting of the pairing. That being said, I hope that Ewing will either dedicate more time to expand on this relationship or revisit the Violet/Garnet pairing that my heart seems to want. The last page of the book was slightly reassuring to me though. Fingers crossed - #violetandgarnet

Though I had a few small issues with the novel, Amy Ewing did a splendid job on her debut book. I think teens will devour this book and I encourage you to check it out. 

Cover Reveal: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Last month I posted a review of The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski. I loved this book...except for the cover. 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

I had issues with the vertical text and the font. Turns out I wasn't the only one. Several of you agreed with me. I'm also glad to report that the cover for The Winner's Crime, which is set to be released in March 2015, is much better. 

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them

Gone is the vertical text (thank you!) and I'm much more impressed with the blue dress vs the pink scheme. Not only does it stand out more, I think the deeper color fits more with the character of Kestrel. I'm very excited about The Winner's Crime and if you haven't given The Winner's Curse a chance yet then you are missing out!

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

As the daughter of the top military general in the Valorian Empire, Kestrel knows what is expected of her. She must either join the military or marry. There are both pros and cons to each option, but neither would make her truly happy. As Kestrel weighs the right choice for herself, a new figure enters into her life. A mistaken visit to the slave auction results in Kestrel purchasing Arin, a Herrani slave. Sickened at the mere thought of the auction, Kestrel is completely shocked by her purchase … and her attraction to Arin. As their friendship grows, the plot thickens.  Kestrel has no idea how one impulsive decision could alter the entire course of her country.

As part of my September  YA/NA Challenge, I went searching for some new books that have yet to come across my radar. I’m not exactly sure how I came across The Winner’s Curse, but I was definitely intrigued by the plot. I have several friends on Goodreads who gave it 5 stars, which only cemented the book more for me.

The first 100 pages or so, introduces us to Kestrel, Arin, their empire, and the history of how Kestrel’s people conquered and enslaved Arin’s country. Though it is a little slow during the initial setup, author Marie Rutkoski does a wonderful job of still keeping it interesting. All the characters have depth and are essential to the storyline. Arin and Kestrel are both brilliant and have great minds for strategy. Though they are pitted against each other, Arin and Kestrel cannot deny the connection between them. As the intrigue and betrayals deepen, The Winner’s Curse takes the reader on a whirlwind of excitement.  Filled with duels, ballrooms, and blackmail, The Winner’s Curse holds nothing back.

I don't think I can recommend The Winner's Curse enough. I know tons of patrons who are going to devour it and I can't wait to put it in their hands. The next installment in The Winner’s Trilogy, The Winner’s Crime is set to be released in March 2015. You definitely will want to get your hands on it immediately. 

Fans of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson will love The Winner's Curse. 

Sidenote: Not that this matters, but I found that the cover was one of my least favorites for a YA book. The composition of the girl, plus the vertical text and thin font are all disastrous in my opinion. Anyone agree or disagree?

The Wasteland by Emily Sims

In another world, one far removed in time and space altogether, a timeless journey awaits. The path is steep, the road is long, and it encompasses a wild evil. Here, in a place entirely different from our own, we discover the lost remains of a once vast empire and a love story long forgotten.

In The Wasteland, set against a barren landscape, we find a terrified woman named Lylah. She races along the overgrown highways of a war-torn country, pursued by a deadly enemy. Try as she might, Lylah remembers nothing about her past or who she is. Without quite meaning to, she stumbles upon a sinister forest and a small tribe of people. They have dark skin and hair. They speak in thick accents. Nothing about them is familiar, but at least they’re safe.

As she struggles to unlock the keys to her past, Lylah falls deeply in love with this primitive way of life…a way of life she’s never known before. The tribe’s leader is a fearless man they call “Matteo.” He is formidable and abrasive, but Lylah is inexplicably drawn to him.

In spite of uncertainty, one thing remains: an evil force governs this rugged land. The Opposition uses its power to oppress the tribes-people and they are quickly closing in on Lylah. Will she summon the courage to face her past in time? Somehow, Lylah’s memories hold secrets that could destroy the Opposition and break its tyrannical power.

In this beautifully written young adult novel you are introduced to Lylah, who has no memory of who she is and the world that she is living in. Sims does a wonderful job of creating a world that has conflict and passion. You can't help but root for Lylah. I thought Sims has an elegant style of writing...almost poetic. The Wasteland is very much worth your time! 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily is a mother, writer, photographer, and home-schooler. She loves family, thrift shopping, chai lattes, good books, nature, and learning new things. She strives to find beauty and divinity in imperfect things…she searches for God in the earthy and the grit and the ordinary and the joyful stuff of life.

She lives in Texas with her husband and five children.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

EXCERPT

“His hair glittered silver just like his ice blue eyes. They shone like

magic in the campfire’s light. His voice was deep and full of the

mysteries of a past life. He weaved ancient stories together with

the ease of someone who’d been crafting them his whole life long.

He was one who noticed me. His piercing eyes ran straight

through my soul and he would chuckle as if he was amused with

what he’d found there. I’d never known why he loved me so much,

I was just grateful that he did.

For someone such as me, the child who lived in my sister’s

shadow, attention from such a powerful man was intoxicating.

It would’ve been easy for me to worship my grandfather (who

I affectionately labeled “Great-dad”), but for the fact that he was

so completely enamored with the Mighty. He simply breathed

out his adoration for our Creator, so much so that I was swept

up in a fascination for the Mighty as well. To Great-dad, his

relationship with the Mighty was synonymous with life itself.

On nights when I was utterly alone, I would whisper words

into the sky and feel a clear response to my soul. It was during

these formative moments that I fell in love with the Mighty too,

just as my grandfather had.

“These trees used to be so alive, Delylah.” Great-dad motioned

to the canopy above our heads. “Just like every other living thing

on earth. They breathed in and out just like we do. I still miss

them. I still find myself wishing they would wake up.”

He sighed and his eyes glittered.

“Tell me again about what happened, Great-dad. I want to

know why the trees fell asleep.” I scooted up under his powerful

right arm. There was nothing in all the world that could’ve hurt

me then.”  (page 21, The Wasteland)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Registry & The Collection by Shannon Stoker

Let me tell you about The Registry and The Collection!

Shannon Stoker has created a dystopian society where women in the US are prized beyond anything. They are raised and groomed to be the perfect daughter and wife. They are made to believe that their whole existence is to serve their fathers and then their husbands. On their 18^th birthday they are evaluated, given a price, and entered into the Registry. Men, who have completed their mandatory 4 year service in the military, are able to view the women and purchase their bride. Life for 18 year old Mia Morrissey is perfect though. She is going to fetch the highest price ever from the Registry and that is all that matters to Mia. Everything changes though when Mia realizes that the Registry is no better than a slave auction that resulted in the murder of her sister. Her only chance is to run away to Mexico, even though her ruthless husband will stop at nothing to have her.

The Registry will suck you in! I was glued from the very first page and did not stop until it was over. As Mia and her friend Whitney escape from their horrifying futures they are helped by the reluctant Andrew, who wants nothing more to join the military and serve his county. As they make their escape, Mia begins to put together the pieces of what happened to the United States and how the Registry came about. The transformation of Mia, who starts as a naïve debutante, to a person who is curious and defiant is wonderful. Stoker takes her time developing Mia and the transformation continues into The Collection, which was published today.

The Collection resumes immediately where The Registry ends. Make sure you have The Collection readily available when you start reading The Registry, because you won’t want to leave Mia and Andrew’s story. Though there is a hint of romance, it is far from the front burner, which I think only enhances the story. I know there has been some discussion of which genre this falls under: young adult, new adult, or fiction? Though the characters are 18, I feel that this story and the characters are past the young adult stage. The setting of society during this time has hardened a lot of the characters, especially Andrew. I think this adds to their maturity level and is another reason why I would classify this as an adult novel or a new adult book. No matter what collection you place them in, both The Registry and The Collection will sweep you into a story filled with action, adventure, and self discovery! I hope you will run out and pick up a copy of The Registry and The Collection and if your library doesn’t have them, add them! They will quickly check out! 

Perfect for fans of Divergent and The Handmaiden’s Tale

COVER REVEAL: The Collection by Shannon Stoker

This is the second novel in the Registry series by Shannon Stoker!

Here is a little bit about the first in the series, The Registry: The Registry saved the country from collapse. But stability has come at a price. In this patriotic new America, girls are raised to be brides, sold at auction to the highest bidder. Boys are raised to be soldiers, trained by the state to fight to their death.

Nearly eighteen, beautiful Mia Morrissey excitedly awaits the beginning of her auction year. But a warning from her married older sister raises dangerous thoughts. Now, instead of going up on the block, Mia is going to escape to Mexico—and the promise of freedom.

All Mia wants is to control her own destiny—a brave and daring choice that will transform her into an enemy of the state, pursued by powerful government agents, ruthless bounty hunters, and a cunning man determined to own her . . . a man who will stop at nothing to get her back.

Sounds good, right?