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 — … 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.
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What an utterly fabulous listen! The Jewel takes the class system to the extreme – but not out of the realm of possibility. When nobility have dwindled themselves down to next to nothing so that they cannot even bear children, it brings to mind inbred animals. The way Amy Ewing has written these characters – the members of The Jewel – certainly brings to mind these unfortunate creatures. Only the highest members of society have done it to themselves.
I was immediately drawn in by Violet. The evolution of her character was absolutely spell-binding. She begins as any girl, with hopes and dreams, with things and people that she loves. Simple aspirations, like playing her cello for the highest audiences. Like being able to make her own choices. As she progresses in her journey of being a surrogate, she is not Super Woman. She is weak at times, confused, falls prey to the light and dazzle of her new life. This helps her to be utterly spell-binding, in my opinion. I can’t imagine that I would feel any different if I were in her shoes.
Although he is somewhat of a background character – one step removed from the bogeyman – I felt insistently captivated by Garnet. What a mysterious character! He always struck me as being more than what is obviously portrayed in the book. This especially comes through, I think, thanks to the quality of Miss Spencer’s narration. The surprise at the very end of the book had me all but shouting, “Oh! I knew something was up!”
But oh my gosh, that cliffhanger. I can hardly stand it. As I mentioned in my YouTube video, I would have been in a very bad mood if I hadn’t happened to already have the second book of the series on my bookshelf. I had no idea The Jewel would end in a cliffhanger, but something in me felt compelled to get the second book before I’d finished the first. I’m so glad! I hadn’t been done with The Jewel for two minutes before I was starting on The White Rose. Which is just as good as The Jewel so far!
I’m so excited by this series and can’t wait to see much, much, much more from Amy Ewing!
This first book sets the story and ground for the tale of Violet. It’s a story about a girl’s struggle and defiance against the rules of her society. It’s full of twists and some romance, and the end will have you running to the store (e-store) to acquire the second book in the series.
This book came highly recommended in a book group on facebook and while I had no idea it was YA, I completely enjoyed the storyline and can’t wait to delve into the next book in the series. A young adult, dystopian story about trying to change what others expect from you despite years and years of history saying this is what you must do. This is what you were born to do. Does Violet have what it takes to turn history on its head?
It was slow beginning and not the easiest to read but as I read more it got interesting and the end of the book literally had me wondering what on earth happened next
I love this series of the jewel in every way!!!! Its a series you couldn’t find anywhere else! I LOVE Amy Ewing’s books!!!! They’re amazing!!!!!!
Mediocre fantasy book with a poorly executed young romance subplot.