Violet is born to be a surrogate. The royalty of her time are unable to bear their own children. Young women of the lower classes are able to bear their children for them. Violet is worried about which house she'll be sold into and how her new life will be. I liked Violet. Stubborn and smart, she tries to navigate a world she was unprepared for. She meets some interesting people along the way. I liked her maid, Annabelle, who I think has some secrets of her own. I wasn't too into the romance. Ash didn't woo me but I can give him time.
I could have used a little more world building especially some history with their class system. I'm hoping that book two will have more history to it. But it reminded me of a cross between a Victorian romance and A Handmaid's Tale. The royalty have their games and power mongering. The lower classes are trying to make it out alive. By the end of The Jewel, I was craving more. I look forward to see where Ewing takes it.
Overall, I thought this was a great start to a series. I look forward to the second in the series, The House of Stone. Others who shared their thoughts on The Jewel: Good Books & Good Wine, What A Nerd Girl Says, YA Midnight Reads, and Bookworm Dreams.
Although the cover is striking and even with your positive review I'm still a little hesitant to read this one. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because I've already read so many dysoptians?
ReplyDeleteKay @ Kay @ It's a Book Life
I do love the cover of this one as well! I'm not sure it's one I've seen before, but definitely think it might be worth looking into.
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