The Jewel (Jewel Series Book 1)

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: I really enjoyed this novel, all but one aspect: the romance. It was insta-love and traveled way to fast.

Opening Sentence: Today is my last day as Violet Lasting.

The Review:

A circular, lone city lies behind a great wall that keeps out the ocean that threatens to engulf it. In this city the people are separated into groups, with the Jewel at the center filled with the royalty, and the Marsh at the edge of the wall, poor and hungry. But some strange mutation, or something, says that the royalty cannot effectively have babies, and only those of the Marsh can do it for them. Because some poor people have developed magic that allows them to grow the royal’s baby in their belly and give birth to it, and they are tested for this ability. If they have it, they are taken away and sold to the royals for the rights to use them to give birth to their babies. Violet doesn’t want this life. But it’s too late.

When I read the synopsis of The Jewel I couldn’t help being excited. It’s everything I love — pretty dresses (I’m talking to you, The Selection), a richly built fantasy world, and a forbidden romance. And The Jewel delivered on two of those three counts. For one, the pretty dresses. They made me swoon, not to mention the fan-tastic cover. It’s gorgeous! Reminds me of The One cover except, dare I say it — it’s better. And next, we have the fantasy world. Ewing also delivered for this one, and I loved delving deeper with every page into the Lone City. The world building was strong, and the premise unique with just the right amount of creepiness. So that leads me to the failed count — romance. Romance can be something that clears away any faults I had before, something that makes the story a definite hit in my mind. However, that was just not the case for The Jewel.

The worst thing about the romance for me was the clear case of insta-love. Now, I am fine with insta-attraction, or insta-interest, or a version of their relationship that develops in some way. However, from the moment that the two meet, bam! They are deeply in love. Their relationship doesn’t build or develop, and it moved extremely fast into kissing (among other things). Thankfully, I was interested enough in the plotline itself that the novel was saved, but if the romance was better this might have been my favorite book of the year and received not only five stars, but the crown as well. I didn’t know why she was risking so much to be with a boy she just met. Also, let me tell you, I’m pretty sure they kiss the second or third time meeting and tell each other they love the other on number five or six. And they go beyond kissing by seven or eight. It was like a three year relationship squished into three weeks.

Some have compared The Jewel to The Selection. Pretty dresses, check. Some version of a caste or ranking system, check. However their are many distinguishments I can make — for one, Violet is much less reckless then America. She has enough emotion for me to root for her but is also intelligent enough to hold her tongue when America would not. Also, The Jewel hits more sensitive subjects of slavery, with a little magic in the mix. But America is smart on some counts. Her romances grow and develop, both of them deeper by the time the series is over, while Violet’s do not (in the slightest). Don’t get me wrong, I love both books. I swallowed both in a day. They were both enjoyable and interesting and I’m so excited for book two of The Jewel.

Basically, I loved everything about this novel except the love interest. One small problem that really isn’t relevant is that when Violet was listening to the royalty talk, they would name each other not by their titles but their first names, which I couldn’t keep straight. It was a tad bit confusing, not that it matters.

Violet is such an amazing, strong heroin. The magic they added to the story that made it fantasy was just the icing on the cake, and I loved hearing about the three auguries. I really couldn’t put this book down, only when I had to for mundane tasks like eating and sleeping, uch. I was very impressed by the world-building and how it was dolled out pretty nicely so their were only small parts where you got info-dumped. Hearing about the magic, how the royalty were ranked, it was all great. I wish the author had touched the ocean behind the wall more, but I have a feeling it will be in the next books. I also loved the character of the Dutchess, just enough compassion to empathize, but just enough evil to hate. She was a prime candidate for an antagonist. And be prepared for a twist at the end that truly surprised me. The very last page, I reread over and over, saying “what?!” Altogether, I am a fan of The Jewel!

Notable Scene:

Lucien sighs. “You don’t talk much, do you, 197?”

I clear my throat. “My name-”

He holds up a finger and shakes his head. “Sorry, honey. I can’t know your name.”

Even though I have no attachment to this man, and I’ll probably never see him again, the fact that he isn’t allowed to know my name, my name, not some number I’ve been assigned, brings tears to my eyes. My chest tightens.

FTC Advisory: HarperTeen provided me with a copy of The Jewel. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

The Jewel by Amy Ewing is an interesting story about how political intrigue and one’s girl part in a bigger plot that has the potential to take her life.

As far as world building it’s not necessarily extensive as far as physical but as far the political intrigue it’s definitely a wide range. The world is made up with rings that are inclosed in a great wall (why are there always walls. I could see myself trying to look over the top right away). The circles make up the different classes, the center being the most valuable and is referred to as the Jewel. There was enough for me to understand how each section work but I thought where the world building really shined is how the Main royal family, the four founding houses and the other houses interact. I was fascinated by all their drama and at the same time cheering for our girl to find her way out of it.

Violet is not necessarily an exceptional character but she is definitely strong. Stronger than she comes across to me at times. Sometimes I thought her acts of defiance are misplaced but I also realized she doesn’t quite grasp the stakes. She knows but at the same time she is stuck in this role that pretty much makes her nothing and to take away her personality. I loved that she could find her way out of the life through her cello.

The Duchess is an interesting character. I ended up liking her quite a bit. Not because I thought she was nice or I want to be friends with her but because she has so many facets. She can seem cruel. I mean the whole idea of surrogates is cruel but it’s the way she phrases things at times. Almost in a, I don’t necessarily want to do this but I need to in order to advance politically and sometimes you have to play the game, kind of way. I just think there is more to the Duchess than meets the eye. The fact that she is swayed in one direction about certain things that is going on with the royals makes me wonder about her.

The romance was sweet and I enjoyed it. I didn’t feel like it was too over the top and even though it’s important to the story it’s not the only important part.

I liked the plot because this kind of political war is very engaging. There is always something to discover some new mystery to figure out. I had many questions in the beginning of the book and they were answered throughout. It was well paced and definitely no lag time. I actually read the book in a day and it felt like it flew by. The ending was interesting to say the least.

I really enjoyed this one and I will be looking forward to the next book.

I don't know what to think of this book honestly. Overall it was a good book. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. I read it one sitting, the cliffhanger was so great, when it happened I sat up in bed and said out loud, " I KNEW IT!" And this book was entertaining, I did want to know what happens next I just didn't love it.

This is a story about a society where the royals can't have children and in order to save their blood they guy girls with certain special qualities or talents to have their children for them. These surrogates are bought and sold like sheep or cattle, brought up and reared for the sole purpose of helping maintain the royal blood of this society doesn't die out. After that? What use are these girls?

Violet refuses to succumb to being just a number once she comes of age. She refuses to just do whatever she is told and succumb to the will of another. Although she is talented, she is also human, talented, kind, not so smart, but knows her limits. After being auctioned off she is pampered and well taken care of. As long as she stays within the limits of the person that bought her and does all that she is told she will be rewarded if not she is severely punished.

The world building was interesting as the author did a good job of creating and explaining what she wants the reader to understand about his society and it's hierarchy. I enjoyed the bit of magical twist on this story it and how it's involvement in the surrogates and their lives.

I wasn't a huge fan of the relationship between Violet and Ash. It was insta-love and I couldn't feel the chemistry between them. It was all too fast There wasn't enough character development for Ash, I didn't really get to know his character before they were thrown together as characters. I was really disappointed in that. There wasn't much conflict between them before they started making out!

Overall, that was that. I liked it but didn't love it. I am interested to see more from this author and what she has to offer.

Sexual Content: moderate (some kissing, knowledge that characters had sex, talk of pregnancy)
Language: none
Drugs/Alcohol: mild (social drinking, a character constantly drunk)
Violence: mild (understanding that characters or people are treated badly, some hitting)

Fantasy has recently been a genre that I have been gravitating towards so when I caught wind of The Jewel, i knew it would be one that I just had to read. And that cover…. perfection.

The main character Violet, I had a few issues but ultimately I would say that I did enjoy her character. Normally I really enjoy when characters are spunky and don’t follow the rules (especially if they are terrible ones) but it seemed that Violet chose all the wrong times to express her dislike for her situation. I mean, if someone tells you to be on your best behaviour or ‘the plan’ won’t work… you should probably not do something to potentially wreck it right? This happened time and time again for Violet and I just felt like putting my head in my hands. Unfortunatly we didn’t see a lot of character development with Violet, or as much as I would have liked to see. There is a lot of room for it in this type of story so hopefully we will see Violet grow a bit more in the second book. I really, REALLY liked Annabel, her ladies maid however. She was awesome and luckily for Violet, I think kept her reigned in a bit. I also really enjoyed Raven, and that is definitely a story line that I need to see more of in the next book.

I haven’t read a few of the books that The Jewel is compared to like Wither and The Selection so I myself can’t compare it to those books but I think that does have a bonus: the story was very unique to me. I hadn’t read a story where girls are sold off as surrogates or anything remotely similar so I thought that aspect was very interesting. I also similarly enjoyed the world building. I thought the concept of the different sections and then The Jewel being were the royals lived was great, and very interesting. We also got a bit of some history of the world and families throughout the story which I like. That being said, it’s not complicated world building so nothing is unimaginable or hard to understand.

One aspect I didn’t enjoy too much was the romance. I was really enjoying the surrogate plot point and was completely satisfied with that alone and then a little over halfway in, a romance is thrown in. It felt awkward, strange and really rushed and I thought it took away from the story more than it added to it. Of course, it was useful to the ending I suppose but Ash and Violet? … Not that interested.

I will say one thing, it’s been a long time since a major plot line shocked me. I mean shocked me… and the two revelations (well I think one of them is?! I’m still confused about that ending haha) really blew me away. I didn’t see anything coming but that could also be the fact that I haven’t read a lot of stories that are similar to this.

The ending is a massive cliffhanger and that is a forewarning. I almost wished that I hadn’t read this in advance because I really, really need to know what is happening. It’s borderline between an awesome cliffhanger (because it definitely makes you want to read the sequel immediately) and one that is anger-worthy (because it ends at like a WTF?! moment).

Overall, I really enjoyed The Jewel and will definitely be continuing on with this series!

The Jewel is by no means a terrible book: the story flows smoothly and the lead character is sweet and relatable. But a frustrating lack of momentum and a fairly simplistic plot make for a less than engaging read.

Story: Violet is born into the protected city - a post apocalyptic walled society holding back the waters. Within is a series of nobles at the protected center and then the workers and finally the poor in the outer circles. Violet is happy though she lives in the poorer sector. But the nobles have a problem: they can no longer procreate and take from the poor sectors girls who are gifted in a mental magic and can be surrogate mothers. Though they live a pampered life, they are in fact pretty slaves. When Violet meets a young man hired as a 'companion' to a young noblewoman, she risks both their lives when she falls for him.

The Jewel felt like a high school drama moved to a dystopian setting. A Beverly Hills 90210 group of characters: fish out of water, class elitism, backstabbing, etc that many will find appealing, if perhaps a bit unrealistic. But the lack of logic in the society or how people react/interact kept this book at a very shallow level. The story needed a sense of urgency and we're not necessarily convinced that Violet's move from poverty to pampered pet was necessarily a bad thing. Nor that with the exception of her unique snowflake gift of magic, she really has the spirit or intelligence to overcome her situation.

Once again, we have an instaluv with a love interest who is over idealized and rather bland. Typical 'misunderstandings' cause conflicts and the angst comes from the forbidden nature of the relationship. Both main characters lack 'edges' enough to flesh them out as being more realistic people.

Lead character Violet is very passive and accepts/moves through the story at a languid pace. The book makes no statements, doesn't take a stand, and is solely concerned with a straightforward young adult read. As a result, this is ideal for young teens but older teens and adults may find the simplistic approach unsatisfying.

Reviewed from an ARC

The Jewel is an incredibly intriguing new dystopian/fantasy read (I’m actually not sure what the genre for this one technically is – it felt like a bit of a blend of the two). It follows Violet, who has been forced into the strange life of a surrogate – trained to live among the royalty, but owned like a slave. When she starts her new life, she finds that it is much more dangerous than she imagined. Can she survive the machinations of the royalty she serves?

What I loved:

Life as a surrogate.
Violet’s life was absolutely fascinating and I was instantly drawn in to her plight. From the age of 12, Violet had been trained as a surrogate. She learned how to live life among the royalty and how to control the auguries – strange powers that, when used, caused immense pain and bleeding. At the age of 16, Violet was considered ready to leave to become a surrogate and she was auctioned off to the highest bidder. Her life was no longer her own – and her new life was a strange mix of comfort and misery. This dichotomy summed up her existence – on the one hand, Violet had access to anything she might want or need, but on the other hand, she ONLY had access to what her strangely erratic owner wanted to provide. Then, of course, there was the fact that she was going to be forced to bear another woman’s child. The relationships among the surrogates were really interesting as well. All of these elements blended together to make an incredibly intriguing story!

The auguries.
I didn’t realize that this book was going to include a magical element, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the auguries. I don’t want to spoil too much about them, but I WILL say that Violet’s powers were incredibly impressive and that I enjoyed watching her develop them.

Violet.
Violet had a great combination of strength and submission – something that was probably pretty necessary in order to survive her situation. I loved her loyalty and love for her friends, especially her best friend Raven. It was easy to be sympathetic to Violet’s plight because she was an extremely likable main character thrown into extraordinary circumstances.

The negatives:

Insta-love.
While I didn’t find the insta-love too terribly egregious at first (I could buy that Violet and Ash had an initial instant connection based on their unusual circumstances and the things they had in common), everything moved very fast from there. There actually isn’t even a hint of the romance in the first half of the book. And I could have bought the relationship if we’d seen a bit more interaction between the couple before they started making “I can’t live without you” sort of declarations, but it didn’t work that way. It wasn’t the worst instalove that I’ve ever seen (by far), and Ewing did manage to make me invested enough to root for Violet and Ash, though – so I guess that’s saying something.

Lack of details in worldbuilding.
There were areas of the worldbuilding that confused me with this book. For instance, I could never quite figure out if the book was supposed to be taking place in some sort of fantasy world or if the setting was a future version of Earth after the ocean has somehow engulfed much of the land. The style of dress and some other elements made the book feel like it took place in the past (women wearing dresses, the monarchy, etc), but then there were cars and (I think) electricity – my best guess is that this is a future dystopia, but even after reading the entire book, I can’t be sure. Likewise, I was also a bit fuzzy on what exactly the auguries were – powers that the surrogates had. About halfway through the book there is finally some explanation given about what they are and why they are helpful and/or necessary for surrogacy, but I was really feeling like I was missing something by then. (So, when you read the book, just be aware that an explanation IS coming). But I still wanted to know more! Hopefully we’ll get even more details in the next book.

This book ended on a definite cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what will become of Violet and the people she loves. I’m eager to find out what Ewing has planned for book #2! I give this one 4/5 stars.

***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all opinions are my own.***

The Jewel by Amy Ewing is a daring mix of dystopian and fantasy elements that brings a breath of fresh air to the YA dystopian trend. I honestly hadn’t even planned on reading The Jewel since it looked like just another dystopian with a dress on the cover, but I’m so glad I gave it a go! The Jewel is full of action and suspense along with a very cool magic system and a world that is far different from our own. The Jewel also pleasantly surprised me by pushing the magic abilities in directions I’ve never read about before, which is saying something given my love of new magic ;-).
Note: I received an advanced copy of The Jewel from the publisher. Some things may have changed in the final version.

The Jewel by Amy Ewing (The Lone City #1)
Published by HarperTeen on Sept. 2nd, 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, YA
Length: 358 pages
How I got my copy: Edelweiss

The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.

Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.

Strengths:
I really love how The Jewel combines familiar YA dystopian elements with wonderful magic and a world that feels much more like fantasy with a royal class and court intrigue. I’m sure that there will be comparisons to The Hunger Games, but The Jewel manages to feel familiar while still bringing in very interesting new aspects, so don’t underestimate it.
I whipped through The Jewel at warp speed. The Jewel is told in first-person present tense and the writing is incredibly compelling and fast-paced. I found myself sneaking in moments to read The Jewel every chance I got because I absolutely had to know what happened next. I wouldn’t be surprised if many people finish The Jewel in one sitting! I know I would have if I’d had the time.
As I’ve hinted at, The Jewel has a very interesting magic system called The Auguries. There are three levels of increasing difficulty and they cause a lot of pain and blood to the magic caster. Once a girl shows she has power, she is instantly swept away to a training facility and then auctioned off to the royalty as a surrogate. The Auguries themselves at first seemed quaint, but then Violet started learning to use them in ways I had never imagined and I became quite impressed. I’m really excited to continue the series just to find out more about how Violet can use her power.
Violet doesn’t get much freedom as a glorified slave in The Jewel, but the friendships she develops are therefore all the more touching. From the beginning she has a friend from the training facility, but they are quickly separated because they’re sold to different owners. Violet also makes friends with her lady-in-waiting, even though she is mute. I was very impressed with the depth of character Ewing was able to impart to a character that couldn’t speak and could only express herself by writing on a chalkboard she carried, but her friendship with Violet was clear nonetheless.
The Jewel has a bit of a love triangle, but it is not at all the kind we are used to in YA. Instead, Violet has feelings for the hired companion of her owner’s niece, and therefore is on the other side of the typical YA love triangle. While I’m not a huge fan of romance, the forbidden love and pain of jealousy was a refreshing aspect of The Jewel.

Weaknesses:
The Jewel has a HUGE cliffhanger. I was very close to rating it 4.5 or even 5 stars until that freaking ending happened. Gah!
While the plot line and world of The Jewel is fresh, some of the characters and the general feel of the book is very reminiscent of The Hunger Games and I’m sure this will annoy some people. I honestly can’t quite put my finger on why this feeling even occurs, but I definitely was having flashbacks.
The world of The Jewel only kind of makes sense. There is an island surrounded by a huge wall, which is the only thing holding back the ocean. There is not mention of any other civilization beyond the wall and not really much explanation of the history of how everything came to be this way. I found myself scratching my head and wondering very much how this island setup could possibly come to pass.

Summary:
The Jewel is an addictive mix of dystopian and fantasy elements that will have fans of both YA genres begging for book two. While there were things that made me less than thrilled, overall I could not read The Jewel fast enough and I will be waiting quite impatiently for any hint of the sequel. Even if you’re tired of dystopian YA, give The Jewel a shot since it really does manage to surprise ;-).

My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure what to think of this one at first. It reminded me a little bit of The Selection (which I loved).

We are introduced to Violet (aka #197) who is entered into the Surrogacy auction. Girls have been chosen to become surrogates. They don’t have too much choice in the matter. Royally can’t seem to reproduce the right way so Surrogates are bought and paid for to produce children for them. A little weird, right? And a little interesting too!

Well, Violet goes to a lady who's called the Duchess Of The Lake. She doesn’t seem so bad, compared to some of the other ones. But she still disgusted me at times. I did not like the use of the leash. I about puked when that scene happened. It really made me mad! I liked seeing Violet’s friends and I really liked her lady maid (not sure what to call her). She is the one who helped her get ready for things. It seems as though Violet also became her friend. She was also a mute.

Violet meets a boy named Ash. Of course Ash isn’t supposed to be interested in Violet. He’s a companion. And not a companion for her! At times, I really liked Ash but at other times, he really annoyed me. I’m still debating if I really “loved” him. I also liked her other friend as well. But he was just that, a friend.

Well, Violet gets sucked into a plan to get out of the place, to run away and be safe from everything. That is where it started getting interesting!!! I want to know more!

I really liked this one but it was just a set up for things to come so I don’t feel like very much happened. Or at least fast enough. Things started getting interesting towards the end of the book of course.

I liked Violet and the other characters, I liked the plot, and I want to know what happens next.

And of course that ending, I was very surprised to see that person on the very last pages. I was like, WHAT!!!! Oh My!

Overall: I’ll be looking forward to reading the next one when it comes out! I have to know what happens next!

Cover: Like it!! Love her pretty dress!!! And love how she is sitting!

What I’d Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes
______________
Taken From Princess Bookie

I need the sequel! Amy Ewing sure does know how to hook you in with her debut The Jewel. Its such an interesting concept that I knew I would love. The cover is so gorgeous. This is a must read for those who loved The Selection because it has the same kind of effect and I think so far the romance. The writing was addicting. If I put down the book for one moment or try to do homework I was thinking of reading it! It was a definitely a great book hangover!

Violet is a relatable character who is kind, and was tested for a genetic mutation that would take her away from her family to be trained as a surrogate for a royal family. The Jewel is where the richest families live in the Lone City. When Violet is brought to the auction she is bought by the Duchess of the Lake to live in her palace. We get to see a different side of Violet when she stays in the city and she also finds love while there. There is romance, and a plot that was very interesting. Violet is definitely smart and determined to stay alive through this process, but there are many things that happen that changes her mind and her future as a surrogate. She does mature a lot in the book that made her more realistic as a character. She has personality.

The romance was through the roof! Full of tension, stolen kisses that I need more Garnet!! He was a very interesting character that is similar to what Violet is going through and she develops they connection with him despite his supposed interest in the Duchesses niece (who I hated) It will be interesting to see what will happen in book 2!

The world that Ewing created was definitely capturing because it was detailed and you can imagine what the palace would look like through Violet's view. The secondary characters were also very well developed as you got to see how they will play an important key role in what will happen in the next book. I was definitely hooked if I did finish it in 1-2 days. It is definitely a great fantasy, dystopian novel that will instantly suck you into the story. It was fast-paced and was written beautifully. Get this book!

"Today is my last day as Violet Lasting."

The Jewel is anything but, the jewel is where the surrogates go. Young teenaged girls like, Violet, who go there to live a life of servitude, treated as a pet, and bred as one. Violet has one job and that is to produce the offspring of royalty. She has been trained since puberty to do so.
She's auctioned off to the Duchess of Lake where's she greeted with a slap along with ugly painful truths, very unlike the glamorous life she expected.

The Jewel was an enjoyable read. Aside from the romance, which I have to admit was pretty bad the story is fairly solid. The characters are as I expected and the plot is pretty intriguing.

Violet's characters is strong even if a bit naive, and foolish. Lucien, our Cinna like character was an interesting addition if not vital. The Duchess was as expected, cruel with an interesting back story. You don't get much of her back story but you're told enough to know there's more to her than her sort of chilly exterior.

I think the story was pretty decently put together and I was surprised by the way it ended. It was expected but kind of surprising. It's sort of cliffhanger-y so expect to be curious but not dying for the next book...

Before I conclude this review I have to touch on the romance which for many all in out ruined the book.

The romance--le sigh. I'm not sure that I can call it romance at all because quite frankly it wasn't all that romantic. The two characters Violet, and her romantic interest just felt forced although the idea that they would fall for each is not completely unbelievable--but it doesn't come off very believable.

I'm not sure that I would call it insta-love because I feel like the only one instantly in love was Violet but she's been sheltered for most of her life so maybe that explains it. BUT, it just wasn't all that heartwarming. It was kind of like OH, they're together. That's sort of interesting.

Their time together was brief as was the stage between like and love between them which is usually a turn off. I won't lie I rolled my eyes a few times but it didn't ruin the story, at least not for me.

It's one of those you'll either hate it or love it scenarios. You'll either despise their romance and curse the book or you'll endure and enjoy it.

I'm not marking it down as a favorite but I'd read the rest of the series.

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
16-year-old Violet is a surrogate. Taken from her family and trained to use her special talents (called auguries), Violet will be auctioned off to a royal family to incubate their child, and with the Executors son due to be betrothed within the year, every royal family is wanting a surrogate and a baby girl.
Does Violet have what it takes to be a surrogate? And how is she supposed to use her powers to aid the baby?

This was an interesting dystopian story, and I really want to read the next book already!

Violet was an okay character, although she was a bit naïve at times. I totally understood her horror at the idea of being pregnant with someone else’s child, although as a surrogate you’d expect her to realise that that was going to happen sooner or later! And at points she did things quite rashly, including things that she should have known would get her in trouble.

The storyline in this was good, although it did remind me of several other dystopians – The Hunger Games (because the place where they lived was split into sectors which were concentric circles, and each sector dealt with a different vocation), Crewel (because the girls who had these special powers were taken by their families by force whether they liked it or not), and The Selection (because of the way the girls were ranked and sent off to royal families).

The world building in this was okay, but I did feel like some of it was late coming. We didn’t find out why surrogates were needed, what exactly they were supposed to do, and why these special ‘auguries’ were important until the half-way mark, and we didn’t find out what happened to the surrogates after they had given birth until nearly the end.

There was some romance in this, and I did like it. Again though, Violet seemed a little naïve about what would happen if she was caught!

The ending was good, but it was also a cliff-hanger. I really want to read the next book now to find out what happens! Please write faster Amy Ewing!
Overall; interesting dystopian,
7 out of 10.

The Jewel is one of the more gritty dystopians I’ve ever read because it deals with forced surrogacy and slavery. While the novel started off a bit slowly for me, I found myself being very curious about the magical abilities the surrogates had and wanted to learn more about the world Ewing had created.

It was a pretty disturbing world, actually. While dystopians are never pleasant per se, there are varying degrees of horror when it comes to the conditions people are living in. I happen to find slavery one of the most appalling. Our main character, Violet, and several of the supporting characters are treated like pets - to the point where they are put on leashes when they go out in public. Disgusting.

I liked several of the character well enough, but didn’t love them. For the most part, we’re treated to some strong-willed, defiant individuals who want to stand up from themselves. There were certain points though where Violet, in particular, drove me a little insane with her carelessness. I have to give points for the types of characters created, but they’re actions were detractors at times.

Even though I didn’t fall in love with The Jewel, I liked it a lot and I’m really curious to see where the story goes. I feel like we’ve only started to scratch the surface on the world building and I’m expecting the following books to filled with plotting and rebellion. Now that Violet has discovered much more about the society she lives in, we can delve into some action since she’s already discovered things aren’t always how they seem. Really looking forward to book 2!

*rating is 3.5, rounded up to 4*

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

I really really wanted to love this book because look at the cover, it’s beautiful. But while I did enjoy the writing and the story overall, the romance was lack luster and awful.

I felt no chemistry whatsoever between Violet and Ash. Also, may I just say that this was the one of the worst insta-love relationships I have ever read. They barely meet halfway between the book and already within a few days of meeting they’re madly in love. Where’s the getting to know a person part first? Even when they do get to know one another as time goes by, Ash is still not completely honest with her. I needed more character development from Ash, not just a pretty boy who is handsome. Their first kiss was not memorable. I did not feel the sparks. Overall, the romance is what made the story go down in my opinion. I really feel the author could have done without Ash and the story would have been a lot better.

I really liked the world building though. It felt like different stories from different books put into one, but it still was its own story. I also liked how the author made up Auguries! I was not expecting that magical twist and it was a delight for me. How do they make stuff grow? How did they get that gene that makes them that way? Why do they bleed and throw up after they make things change? All these questions and more stir in my head.

Overall, this was a good book. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. In the next book, I would like to see more of how they are going to start a war to end this surrogate slavery. That part really interests me because the royalty treated the surrogates like animals. How the women were treated was a major turn off for me. They also treated the low class like slaves and I want to see how they are going to change that. I want to see things set in motion to stop the royalty. Would I recommend this book to others? Maybe. Like I said before, I liked everything about this book, except the romance. I know the author was trying to give Violet a choice to make a decision of her own, but it didn’t mesh well for me.

Will I continue the series? Most likely yes, because it ended with a major cliff hanger! I was not expecting someone to be on the good side of the rebellion. It will be very nice to see how that plays in the second book.

Violet is a surrogate. She was selected because of a blood test that showed she had the ability to use the auguries, basically magic. Aparently, due to too much inbreeding, the royals are unable to bear their own children. The royals need to use the surrogates who are treated like slaves. It is rather terrible.

Violet is sold at an action to the Duchess of the Lake. Her name is taken away and now Violet is known simply as the Surrogate of the House of the Lake. That is so dehumanizing. This whole practice is rather barbaric. They are young girls, not animals!

At the duchess’s palace, Violet meets Ash who has been hired as a companion to the duchess’s niece. They aren’t supposed to even talk but they do. There is a bit of the insta-love going on though I believe that part of it is because they are forbidden to each other.

This world was very interesting. I would love some more back story on the Lone City and how it really functions. It seems like an odd set-up to me but I think that is mainly because I don’t think I know enough about it. Maybe the next book will have some more details.

This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi (http://catholicamanda.com).

Violet is a young soon-to-be surrogate who lives in a city where there are multiple rings, and in the center of this city lives the royalty. Beautiful and with highly developed special powers, Violet is a favorite at the auction, where ladies of the royalty by certain young women to have their babies for them. Violet learns that the Jewel is more dangerous than she ever imagined, both for good and bad reasons. If she survives, she might just find a way out of there.

This book isn’t exactly an original, but then again, it seems like not much is these days. You have your forced pregnancies, the strong preying on the weak, poorer rings (like districts) providing for the richer ring (aka like the Capitol). But as long as you’re prepared to see a lot of similarities to other, more popular YA novels, then this book is actually pretty entertaining. The main character is at least interesting, though I found the side characters to be more appealing. Actually, I think I would like this story more if it was told from the point of view of Violet’s lady-in-waiting, Annabelle.

The abrupt cliffhanger ending left a lot to be desired. There were so many loose threads, you could make a fringed scarf out of them. Overall, this book was enjoyable, but I do wish the ending had wrapped up at least a few threads. I’d say it’s a good book for sophomores and juniors in high school.

There's a lot to this book, and it just kept getting better and better. When I saw that reviewers were comparing it to "The Handmaiden's Tale". I was really excited, because that novel by Margaret Atwood is one of my all time favorite reads. In fact, I reread it ever year or so, and love it more each time. I thought I would be disappointed in the end by this book, but somehow, it managed to live up to the hype. There's a lot of fantasy here, and much that is magical. And it all works.

The Royals, living in Jewel, have it all. Money, power, prestige, etc. The only problem: The female royals have become unable to bear healthy children for the most part, and the line is in danger of extinction. Enter the Surrogates. Thanks to the work of a brilliant doctor, the women of the lower caste group, the Marsh dwellers, have abilities that make them useful as basically human incubators. When one is tested with the proper abilities and they reach childbearing age, they are sold off to a Royal, much like cattle or property, and forced to carry healthy children for the Royals. They have no freedom, no say in their lives, and no reproductive rights. This is the story of one surrogate, Violet, and the life she leads. It's a bit predictable now and then, but with plenty of twists and turns to keep it interesting. The characters are well written, and their actions make sense, which doesn't always seem to be the case in YA dystopian fiction. I was riveted from the start, and the ending blew me away. Can't wait to see what is coming next, and plan to read other works by this author also.

THE JEWEL takes place in a dystopian society where the royalty can't have children and have surrogates taken the poorest area to bear their children. Violet is one of those surrogates who was taken from her family at age twelve and groomed for her role. She was taught to use some magical abilities that came at the cost of pain and hemorrhaging. When she was sixteen she was sold.

Now Violet finds herself in the home of the Duchess of the Lake. She also finds herself deep in a society that she doesn't understand. The royals all have their own political agendas, feuds and alliances. Violet is completely out of her depth. Then she meets Ash who has been purchased as a companion to the Duchess's niece and the two fall in love. Both are slaves and both are risking everything to be together.

Violet is also involved in another conspiracy spear-headed by one of the ruler's ladies-in-waiting. He has promised to get her out of the Jewel and into a new life. But she doesn't want to go without her best friend who has also been sold as a surrogate to another of the ruling families.

The setting was interesting. It was a walled city built with five rings. The Jewel where the royals live is the center; the outer ring where Violet lived is where the poor but fertile are from. The contrast between the lives of excess and privilege of the royals versus the poverty of those who live in the outer ring couldn't help but bring tension to the story.

I liked Violet and Ash and felt very sorry for them. They were essentially powerless and at the mercy of capricious owners. The cliffhanger, and surprising, ending makes me eager for another book in this series.

Summary:
Violet has been snatched up from her home to serve as a servant for the Duchess of the Lake. Within this role, she has to learn the truth about the life she must learn to accept, or face serious, violent consequences. The manipulation and torture that goes on behind the Jewel (rich) is more than anyone really knows about. Then, Violet falls in love and she has to figure out what exactly she wants to be fighting for.

My thoughts:
This is surprisingly good. I wasn't highly anticipating the book, so I am glad that I did not go into this with super high expectations. Overall, Ewing relies heavily on tropes within YA literature. The same character types are within the novel. The same type of romance is within the story, and basically the large decisions are relatively the same as well. It was really difficult for me to point out something that would be unique and really stand out; however, it was a decent read. There is something about it that still sucks the reader in. While I am generally a sucker for dystopians, I have been searching for ones that make a huge impact on me like 1984 did when I first read it. This falls far short of that goal, but as a winter break read for pleasure it worked out well. There is very little guessing involved and it follows what you should expect, but it is still well written enough to make you want to know what will happen with Violet.

In a somewhat dark story, there are glimmers of a fascinating new world and series. The story takes place in a city which is arranged as a series of concentric circles (think of a archery target). The royalty live in the middle, The Jewel, and the lowest class lives in the outer ring, The Marsh. The royalty are not able to carry their own babies so they find girls from The Marsh who can be surrogates for them. They're taken from their families, trained and then sold to the royalty.

Violet is one of these girls. She is sold to The Duchess of the Lake and begins her servitude in her mansion. She has a few close friends, in the house and out of it, and soon finds that living the life of luxury in The Jewel is not what dreams are made of.

Through all the intrigue and parties and medical drama, Violet (or #197) learns to control her powers and to trust no one. She meets and falls in love with Ash, who is another servant of the family (just in a somewhat "different" way).

The story is very fast paced. I read it in two days because I just didn't want to stop reading it. I'm looking forward to the series and to see what the author does with the world she has created.

The story does have mature themes. Abuse, murder and young love are the major ones, but there is a deep undercurrent of learning who you are and how to discover what you want in life and how to get what you want.

At first I wasn't sure about this book, I feared it might have been a knock-off of The Selections series, which I loved. But it's not a copy of The Selection series and I loved this book. Violet is auctioned off as a surrogate to one of the wealthy royal families in The Jewel (she lives in a country where the outer rings of the country are poverty stricken and the inner rings are for the elite). Violet is from The Marsh and has no choice about being sold and forced to give birth to The Duchess of the Lake's child. I hate to say much more because I don't want to spoil anything but Violet has to find a way to survive life in the Jewel.

I really loved reading this book. It's a very dark life in The Jewel and Amy Ewing writes the story so well. In the descriptions when Violet was forced to be with the doctor and had things done to her, I could almost feel my body reacting the way that Violet's did. There is a love story in the book with Ash being the insta-love character for Violet. But Ash is written really well and he comes off as being dreamy but still flawed enough to be believable. I'm very much hoping that things will work out for Violet and Ash.

And the ending? Oh, the ending! I actually got goosebumps reading it. I finished it and wished that I had the second book right now so I can know what happens next. I think that there are so many YA fans that will love this book, I know I certainly did.

I don't know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn't that. When I heard comparisons to The Selection and heard the synopsis I was intrigued. But I did not expect how insanely dark and messed up this society is. There were so many moments when I was just in shock of what was happening. While I had issues with this book I honestly couldn't put it down and it leaves with so many questions so I'm definitely checking out the next book.

“The Jewel” grabbed me from the very first page; it was one of those “just one more chapter” situations where I suddenly realized I’d read over 100 pages! It is edgy, intense and it sneaks up on you. Ewing catches the terror and brutality of court intrigue brilliantly. She also introduces a stunning cast of female characters ranging from admirable to lovable to despicable to confusing. The men have smaller roles, but aren’t to be underestimated. The dialog was hit-and-miss. Often it was captivating, but at other times it seemed forced. The only other complaint I have is that there were a lot of similarities to “The Hunger Games” at the beginning; a train ride a capitol city, a dead father and a makeover given by a compassionate stylist were too familiar. Despite its flaws, “The Jewel” sparkles, particularly because Ewing pulls no punches, making it an exciting read for both older teens and adults! I can't wait for the next book!

In a cross between The Selection by Kiera Cass and Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien, The Jewel is a story with a class system and bit of rags to riches (Selection), where the rich need something from the poor in order to survive (Birthmarked) and of course forbidden romance (both); this book was right up the dystopian-lover's alley! While I enjoyed this book, I cannot say that it was among my favorites. The relationship between Violet and Ash seemed to fall short for me for some reason, perhaps the "passion" moved too quickly? The politics are what kept the book interesting for me more than the romantic interest, which is a bit unusual, however I was invested in plot and wanted to know what exactly what was going to happen next. And in true 'series' form; the cliffhanger, while wasn't a big shocker given the foreshadowing, left me sitting on the couch with mouth hanging open thinking, "Nooooo...."

The Jewel could have been so much better. I’m still in love with the premise and potential of this book, but let down by the final product. I was hoping for an interesting, complex look at a futuristic society with surrogates, inequality, and a focus on social issues. The Jewel manages a little bit of this, but it all feels pretty shallow. Slavery is bad,inequality strips people of their voice, etc. Not that I expected The Jewel to say the opposite of those things, but I was hoping it would explore it more, instead of keeping everything on the surface.

That’s not to say there were no redeeming qualities to The Jewel. There’s a quick pace and addicting storytelling in here. While the writing wasn’t stunning, I think Ewing has real potential as a storyteller, because man was I on the edge of my seat, even when I hated what was happening. It was addicting and I read it all quickly, desperate for more.

I’m torn on my feelings towards the characters. Violet had real potential to be a complex protagonist, but I don’t think she ever quite reached that point. Indeed, I was immediately turned off my her inner monologue at the beginning, though I came around eventually, especially when she was interacting with her family. I do find it a little ridicolous that she has actual violet eyes, because combine that with her high lot number(the higher the number, the more “desirable” the surrogate is seen as being. Out of 200 girls, Violet is 197), the fact that she’s a wonderful musician, and the fact that she’s the best at one of the three “powers” surrogates all have. . . well, it screams Mary-Sue. I think her characterization is deepened enough by the end that I wouldn’t consider her a complete Mary-Sue, but she definitely starts the book on the fast track to being one.

I found many of the secondary characters much more interesting, including the Duchess of the Lake, who buys Violet. At first, she appears to be a complete villain(and she does some pretty terrible things), but her motives and desires are really interesting–she was the character I wanted to know more about.

By far, though, the worst part of The Jewel was the instalove. Up until that point, I was enjoying the book. It wasn’t going as deep as I wanted and some things were irritating(Violet’s violet eyes, for instance), but I was addicted to the story, slightly horrified, and intrigued. Once Ash entered the picture, though, it was downhill from there. There are cases of instalove that are annoying for being instalove but you grow to like the couple anyway. . . and then there’s the other kind, the kind you want to burn with a great big bonfire. The instalove in The Jewel is the second kind. They have one conversation, Ash acts repulsed when he finds out Violet is a surrogate, and then somehow he gets over his prejudice by the second meeting. Violet is willing to throw away everything for Ash, even though she barely knows him.

On some level, I could understand instalove on Violet’s part. The fact is, Violet exist in her world to be used. Period. Once she was selected to be a surrogate, her entire life has been grooming her to be a tool for someone’s ambition. She has no control, no agency, no power. So when someone is kind to her, of course she’s going to take to that person. This could have been an interesting exploration–but that’s not how it’s treated. Instead, it’s reciprocated in equal measure and both Violet and Ash make dumb choices because of it.

While the instalove was the worst part, the world-building also left me wanting. It’s clear that there’s a lot about the world of high society that Violet doesn’t know about–which I expect. What I don’t understand is how she seemed to know so little of her world beyond that, and how gullible about her world she could be. It also drove me insane that the different circles where people lived/worked had such standard names–like how the place where merchants lived and worked as called “The Bank”, and then there’s “The Farm”. It’s like naming places “City 1″, “City 2″, “City 3″. A relatively minor complaint overall but it bugged me while reading.

Overall, The Jewel had a lot of promise but went downhill quickly once the love interest showed up. I’m interested in the next book of the series because I want to believe it could get better, but this one was just okay.

I wasn't sure about picking this book up (which is why I got it from the library) because there were some mixed reviews, but I'm glad that I still went ahead and read it.

The plot was both interesting and disturbing, plus the main character and the side ones were amazing (it has been a while since I liked almost all of the side characters).

This book has the record for the fastest one to make me tear up (it was around two or three chapters in) and the whole book was just an emotional roller coaster. Plus that cliffhanger, ugh, it was shocking and it made me want the next book right now.

I recommend picking up this book, it is a tad bit disturbing (more like a whole lot) but the plot and characters are great.

This is another book that I devoured in one sitting because it has such an interesting premise/storyline, I literally fell in the story.

Plot: This is about a world that takes girls when they are young and grooms them to be surrogate. They must have children for the rich and serve them. I think the idea of just doing that is not only catchy but interesting. I wanted to know what kind of lives that they lead but also what is the drama behind it all. The Jewel call it a privilege but when people are doing that to young women, there is much more to the story. And you know what, I was right. The plot moved at a good pace keeping the reader entertained with the way that the girls are raised, auction off and life in the jewel.

The Jewel: Once the author took me into the Jewel life is not what it seems. The royalty treat their surrogates horribly but well. The give them what they want (big fancy rooms, food, clothes, etc) yet if they put one foot out of line, BAM, punishment. I’m not sure if I’m wording this correctly but the vibe that I got off these royalty really felt wrong. But the jewel is as suspected filled with hypocrisy as well as drama. Much goes own within the royalty that they should have their own tv show called Real Housewives of The Jewel. These royalty do dark and dangerous things to get their way…even kill.

Ending: I think the corruption within the Jewel and the surrogates wanting their freedom, leads to a very good ending. Every chapter has a nice build up to a very dramatic ending that makes me want more. I can’t wait to read the next book and see the development of the surrogates/royalty.

A successful start in a trilogy, I look forward to read more of The Jewel. With plenty of surprise twists and great development of characters, The Jewel is favorable.

I'm tired of these books that instead of entertaining and valuing the reader, they manipulate and cheat the reader.

I suppose I could see it halfway through when I started skimming just to get to the non-end, and I could see we were headed to the character kill off.

But instead of me wanting to read the next book it makes me realize, my time is too important to waste on another author I don't trust.

So excited to find a great start to a new series in The Jewel. It's well-written and contains lots of adventure, mystery and just enough romance to keep things interesting.

Violet is a surrogate. She was poor in the poorest of all of the sections of the city, but taken to live and train with other surrogates once it was found out that she is one of the gifted. She is taught all the social graces as well as how to use the special powers that comes along with her gifting. Then she's sent to the Auction and sold to the highest bidder.

Bought by the Duchess of the Lake, Violet finds herself with no choices and no freedom. She must either learn to live this way or find a way out. But how will she leave the boy she's fallen in love with?

This was a 3.5 star read for me. Great characters and story but it wasn't anything new as far as dystopian books go. Love the grey and purple cover, plus I'm a complete sucker for book covers with girls in fancy dresses. I loved Violet and Ash, what is going to happen? Quite the cliffhanger ending, is Ash going to make it out of the dungeon? What will be the consequence for Violet being caught with Ash? What exactly is Garnet up to and can he be trusted? Throw Carnelian off the nearest bridge because she has no redeeming quality. Will Raven be rescued? The questions are for my benefit so I know what I want to get out of book two. Start this series if you want another dystopian read where women are used for their bodies not brains.

This book overall was meh. I'm not into many dystopian books, I normally go for fantasy or paranormal. This dystopia did sound like something I was interested in. And I really was during the first 100 pages. I liked reading about the world, although a little underdeveloped, because it was different. I did think Violet, the main character was kinda boring, and I didn't really care about her really at all. I didn't like the romance either since she basically falls in love with the guy before she even learns his name, so I didn't care about the "romance". It was for the most part entertaining, and it didn't really drag on or become super boring, but I can't say I want to read the sequel or recommend this to my friends.

This book was disappointing, and for some reason I am struggling to describe exactly why. The cover was beautiful, the premise was exciting, and many of the characters were engaging and multifaceted. The heroine, Violet, didn’t fall flat exactly, but I found that I enjoyed reading about the Duchess of the Lake more than I did Violet. In fact, I started to rush through the parts about Violet and her love interest (…boring) to read more about the women of the royalty, the hidden scrambling for power, and the world they inhabited. Maybe if the heroine had been a stronger lead, or maybe if she hadn’t fallen so easily for the first boy to cross her virginal path, I would have given this book another star. Unfortunately, I closed the book and felt let down. No matter how much I liked the cast of characters surrounding the heroine, I can’t say I will read the next installment in this series.

This tale unfolds in a painful yet meaningful manner. The events that occur are astonishing but there is always an element of hope. The storyline was spectacular and the characters were unique. This incorporated the pain prominent in The Hunger Games and the glamour prevalent in The Selection Series. I did struggle with the amount of graphic pain that was described in the book. It was horrible to read page after page filled with suffering and then a minute amount of hope and then more suffering. Sometimes I actually had to put the book down to get a grip on my stomach. This book definitely accomplishes one task that is certainly not easy- it makes you feel pain deeply.
Longer review at- theplaintruthweb.wordpress.com

Fans of The Selection - look no further. This is like The Selections evil cousin. Full of some dark twists and some gory scenes. Violet Lasting, our main character, is a surrogate. The Royals of The Jewel can no longer have their own children due to inbreeding, instead they look for girls with a certain genetic mutation. Every girl in The Marsh is tested as soon as they begin their first monthly cycle and if they have the mutation, they are sent to live in the holdings to learn how to exist in The Jewel. Once they have passed all the tests at the holdings, the girls are put up for auction to the highest bidder in The Jewel.

The Duchess of the Lake purchases Violet and takes her back to her castle. There she realises that she no longer has a name, destined to be lot 197, Violet has lost her friends, her identity and her family and is unsure of what the Duchess wants from her. All she knows is that the Duchess paid handsomely just for her skills and now she has to use them, without getting caught up in the glamour of The Jewel. I really enjoyed this book - there's a number of things I am excited to find out more about! There is a romance aspect of the book, but I don't want to give you his name and occupation and spoil you. I just didn't really like him or the romance. It was too fast and had no background, they just loved each other straight away. Maybe later it will manifest into something more but for now, it's not really what I cared about in this book. I'd recommend having a read if you enjoyed The Selection but you're after something a bit more darker.

Full review here:
[...]

4.5 stars. The gorgeousness of the cover was what originally drew me to this book, but ultimately it was the story that made me a fan. Violet was a likeable heroine. The plot line was fascinating yet at the same time disturbing. I couldn't even wrap my head around what Violet was going through, but I was definitely rooting for her and hoping she made it to the end in one piece. The secondary characters in this story, namely Garnet, Raven, and Lucien, were all intriguing and added nice layers to the story. I am both excited and scared to start the next book.

I enjoyed "The Jewel" a great deal. Despite my insistence on reading every mildly interesting YA dystopian fantasy out there, I'm generally unhappy, because many of these stories are painfully derivative or shallow. While "The Jewel" isn't completely free of these, or by any means a perfect novel, it was well written, had good pacing, and lead characters that weren't annoying (another gripe of mine regarding YA fantasy). The storyline pulls you in, and a lot of the worldbuilding elements were impressive.

It moves fast, keeps you entertained, and is original enough that you'll maintain interest. Recommended.

I checked this book out from my library last night, and I couldn't put it down!! Let's get down to business!

Good Points
1) This book is well written. The descriptions of the clothing & the food, in particular, are wonderful, and really help my imagination paint the picture the author had in mind.
2) I LOVE that there isn't the typical love triangle BS that seems to be prevalent in young adult novels (thanks, Twilight *sarcasm*). Hell, there isn't a love interest at all for about 1/3 of the book. I appreciate YA novels that give their female characters time to develop. I want to get to know that character in particular for who they are, and not focus on just her romantic relationships. It's a refreshing change of pace since, in the real world, a woman is more then just a romantic partner.
3) Holy crap, cliffhanger ending!! I'm so mad that I have no idea when the next book is coming out.

Negative Points
1) My main issue is it seemed so short. I felt like I was just getting to know Violet, and suddenly the book is over. I need more, but have no clue when I will GET more.
2) While some sections of the book are quite detailed, others seem rushed.

I thought it was ok. The story is good and I actually think it's pretty unique. I did not really see The Hunger Games comparison. Sure, maybe like 2 similarities but that's it. This book was a good quick read, possibly written by a high school student but worth some time. The story is good, the sentences are just blasé.

This is a magical book that will draw you in. This is the author's first effort and it's truly a beauty. I've mentioned in other reviews that I'm fed up with trilogies and series, thinking there should be more stand-alone novels. However, this is a beautiful beginning to a series and while enjoying it to the utmost, I definitely want more and will be eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Other reviewers have gone quite deeply into the story, and I don't think you need all that. Part of the joy in reading this is discovering the plot yourself. This ia a tale to plunge into, head first. So just search it out, enjoy, and wait with the rest of us for the next book.

The story line and characters are so captivating I had a hard time putting down this book when life interrupted my reading time. When I was forced to do something other than read this book I was constantly thinking about what was going to happen next. The ending was such an abrupt cliffhanger that I expected to turn the page and start another chapter not come to the ending of the book. I am reading the sequel right away and I am already eagerly anticipating the conclusion.

I was surprised this book kept me hooked because I read a lot of bad or just okay reviews, but I really liked it! I did like Violet, and I did like the romance which most seem to have hated, but I think the author should have waited to use line such as "You make me feel whole" and "I love you" etc. until maybe the next book. The world of surrogates was pretty interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I felt while reading this Y/A dystopian novel that I had read big chunks of it before. The author seems to have culled several different sources and cut and pasted her own plot from these previous books. There was a strong resemblance to the The The Hunger Games Trilogy Box Set: Paperback Classic Collection model - with, as others have noted, an element of The Handmaid's Tale and others.

Almost all the required elements of the genre are dutifully included:
-- clearly stratified future society in which cruel elite lords it over the rest - check!
-- heroine from humble working class background - check!
-- heroine with "special abilities" - in this case the ability to bend reality to her will in different ways - check!
-- the "selection" scene - the heroine is chosen for a special (and sinister) role - check!
-- the beloved family including adorable younger sister are left behind - check!
-- fabulous couture is provided for the heroine and she bonds with the fashion advisor - check!
-- heroine is beautiful - but doesn't realize it - check!
-- heroine undergoes intense physical suffering - check!
-- the sinister enemy emerges - check!
-- love happens - check!
-- she decides to resist - check!
-- the struggle of one against a powerful enemy seems hopeless - check!
-- yet there is hope - check!

Despite its formulaic nature, the book is quite readable, and in fact its very predictability will be comforting for some readers who know what they like and like what they know. The one thing that sets this apart from most is a sense of the meaning of slavery. The most powerful element of this novel precisely concerns the heroine's awareness that she is a slave or chattel despite the gorgeous clothes and food she is provided with.

One big complaint: I understand that these kinds of books always seem to turn into trilogies (though I don't understand why they have to) - but I think each book ought to end with a kind of closure so it can be read as a standalone. "The Hunger Games" did this very effectively. Readers could stop at the end of the first book with a sense of completion. That part of the story was resolved. This book does not do that at all. It leaves us totally hanging - and presumably, the author hopes, wanting more. I'm not at all sure I want more - and that lack of resolution merely leaves me unsatisfied.

"The Power To Choose Comes With A Price..."

This book had me the minute I laid eyes on it. I mean..what a cover! Seriously!! The cover of this book is breath-taking, beautiful, and absolutely mesmerizing. I am a complete pushover for a great cover!

So of course the cover is amazing..but then I read the synopsis and KNEW I had to read this book. "The Selection meets The Handmaid's Tale in this darkly riveting YA Debut, where all that glitters may not be gold...." Ummmm...YEAH!!!! and it did not disappoint. I LOVED this book.

In this dystopian world young girls are tested and if they pass the "genetic test" they are brought into an surrogacy auction and sold to the highest bidder in order to bear children for royalty. Over the years Dr's have perfected the method of surrogacy in order to ensure that the children born are perfect in every way to keep the royal bloodline's pure.

The Jewel is the center of the Royal's world and where only the richest Royal's live. Surrogates who are brought into The Jewel are treated with riches beyond their imagination. They eat the best foods, have the best clothes, and live rich lives.....as long as they conceive a child for their "master."

Violet is a young girl who has been brought into the world of a surrogate and is sold at the auction to the Duchess Of The Lake, who has been known to be mean and cruel. Violet has no idea what to expect when she enters the House of The Lake. At first she thinks she has walked into heaven. She has closets and closets full of clothes, a huge bedroom, and even a lady-in-waiting that is there to serve only her. But this is only the beginning...Violet soon discovers that the Duchess is evil and vindictive and cares about nothing except her line of succession.

"Why did she hit me?" I ask. My voice breaks and a tear spills down my cheek.
"This isn't the Marsh, child. I didn't make the rules. But there are rules. You're her property now." Cora's lips press together. "She's not a bad mistress, really. There are worse, I promise you. But you're strong. I can see that. You'll be all right..."

Violet faces so many disturbing and horrific experiences through out her time at The House Of The Lake. The only thing that keeps her going is Ash...Ash, a handsome young boy, is a "companion" that has been brought into the house to keep the Duchess's niece occupied. Violet falls madly in love with Ash and is determined to find a way for them to be together.

Ash stops at the door. "It would be easier to forget you," he says to me, "and these past few weeks we've had together. It would be easier if I could hate you. But the sad truth is, I will more than likely love you for the rest of my life."

This phenomenal debut YA novel has it all...Suspense, mystery, drama, and a breath-taking romance. I literally could not put this book down. I found myself flipping pages late into the night just to see what happened next. The world of The Jewel is so cruel and yet so fascinating.....I cannot wait for readers to experience all that The Jewel has to offer.....

Amy Ewing has entered the YA genre with a bang....and I for one will DEFINITELY be reading anything that she writes and am DYING to get my hands on the sequel to The Jewel......NOW.....

As a fan of the Selection series, I knew this book was going to be just as enchanting. However, I was not prepared for the feeling that hit me when I reached the last page. Closing the book was like closing the door to a world which I had become so accustomed to. It felt as though I was going on break from Hogwarts, back to the Dursleys. While I wanted nothing more than to stay, I knew that I did not have a choice as reality dragged me back into its harsh, unforgiving arms.

Violet Lasting has spent her entire life preparing to be a surrogate for the royalty of the Jewel. In the Jewel, the royalty holds the wealth and the power, but they have an undeniable weakness: they cannot reproduce. To maintain power, the royalty must rely on low-born girls as surrogates. Violet is stripped of her name and sold to the highest bidder, the Duchess of Lake, a cruel woman with grand ambitions. The child that Violet will carry is her chance to gain entrance to the highest echelons of the Jewel and nothing will stand in her way. Violet has entered a world of cruelty, dangerous alliances, and greed, a world where she - and her body - are perhaps the most powerful of all.

I'm a huge fan of Amy Ewing's debut, The Jewel. I'll admit that I wasn't a huge fan of the romantic plot line, but I was thoroughly impressed by the rest.

As I'm sure you'll read in other reviews, the romance in this novel felt quite slapdash and rushed. It seems like the romance is supposed to be a big reason for Violet's actions, but this motivation fell flat because the romance didn't seem genuine. That said, a bit of suspension of disbelief and it served its purpose well. I'm really hoping that a different love interest will be introduced in the next novel and that the first romance will be written off as one of those silly first-loves in which Violet is realizes that 'real' love is made of more substance. Plus, Violet is way too strong for the guy she's paired with.

One of my favorite aspects of this novel was that it's set in a female-dominated society. Of course, this doesn't mean that things are all sunshine and rainbows for women in The Jewel - quite the opposite actually - but it does mean that there's a really interesting dynamic created. Instead of powerful men forcing weak, poor women to produce royal heirs, it's powerful women. And, though these royal women, at first glance, hold the power, the 'weak' women are powerful in their own right. There are many psychological games being played in this first installment and I can't wait to see how they'll unfold in the sequel.

Given the weak romance, this book is definitely going to get mixed reviews, but don't let that stop you from reading it. Read it for everything else it has going for it - it's way more interesting than a silly romance!

First let me just say, that I'm extremely dissappointed -_- Very.

That cover is so mesmerizing, and everyone is comparing this book to the Selection. We'll let me tell you something...

THATS NOT THE CASE AT ALL! -_- I can't believe I got tricked AGAIN by a pretty cover into thinking that this was going to be an awesome book :( but that happens. And it wasn't the first time.

First, I hated the plot. I mean really? Your forced to be pregnant with someone else's child, die in childbirth, and the child you were holding for 9 months is being forced to do something he or she doesn't want to do -_ I'm so offended with the way women are treated in this novel, I mean have you ever heard of Women's Rights???!!!

Second, there was like no romance except for the ending, and it was forced and rushed. I didn't like the way it was written.

To be honest everything got interesting at page 200 (and who sticks to a boring book that long???) :P but even after that, a huge cliffhanger forms!!! So now I have to wait an entire year for the next book. (If I get my sanity back after reading that)

I just hope the cover to the next book is as pretty as this one because if not, I'll be very mad. And I might have to read this book again for part 2... Great...

I hated the dutchess, the doctor, the houses, the jewel, the electress, and the names. THE NAMES!!! Who names their protagonist a color? I mean really??? :P
I basically hate the characters and couldn't connect with them at all. :P

I sincerely apologize, but if there was a way for me to love this book, I would've. But it's just impossible. :P

-sigh- oh well...

Atwood meets Cass! I called it that this book would be similar to The Selection series (hello... Covers!?) but in my opinion The Jewel is superior to The Selection. I connected with Violet far more than I ever did with America. I loved the beginning, thought it stalled a bit in the middle, but then.... Slow clap for Amy Ewing for that ending!!! Desperate for book 2 and yet the store telling me it's not available. What time does the bookstore open in the morning!?

I really enjoyed this book and wanted to read it nonstop to see how the first book ended. Wow! Very exciting. My 12 year old read the Selection series and I don't think I'm quite ready to recommend this to her yet. No detailed sexual language but you do know what this whole book is about..... Once I finished this I immediately picked up the second book. It was easy to feel Violet's emotions. You want to make sure she's going to be ok, so you gotta keep reading!!! Lots of excitement.

I am not sure what I thought this was about, but this caught me off guard when I started reading it. I was not expecting what happened at all. This is about girls who are sold to the wealthy as surrogates. This definitely surprised me and I will definitely continue with the series…Especially with that ending!!!

I was able to download The Jewel through my libraries overdrive. I’m so glad I did! This book is so wonderful! I loved it way more than The Selection or Matched series. The Jewel blows those books out of the water.

The Jewel follows Violet or Number 197 as she finished up her surrogate schooling and is bought in the Auction. Girls are sold to royalty since they are not able to have children on their own, too much inbreeding. Violet is spunky, independent, fierce and not sure she wants this live even though she really has no choice. Some girls are bought be very mean vicious Ladies, and Duchesses. Some are lucky to have a fairly decent life, Violet is one of the lucky ones if you can call it that. She isn’t abused but she is kept prisoner and told she will provide Duchess of Lake with the most amazing girl or else.

Along the way Violet falls in love with someone forbidden, has a friend in her lady in waiting Annabelle, a protector and even a major plot twist I never saw coming.

All in all I LOVED this book and found myself stealing moments to read, taking my tablet with me everywhere so I could read if I had a second. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Violet, Garnet, Lucien, and Ash in book 2!

My first thought about THE JEWEL was that the gorgeous silver cover was strangely similar to the covers for THE SELECTION series. I wasn't sure, after reading the synopsis, if this book would also have a similar plot. I was totally wrong.

In one word, THE JEWEL is FANTASTIC. When I began reading, I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and the very xmen like twist that this "ball gown" story took on. THE JEWEL is brilliant and unique, and so creepy in the way the society is run, that I found myself unable to put it down. I flew through all 368 pages in just a few days (in the middle of a huge move and edit, as well--- it was that good!).

In Violet Lasting's world, identity isn't important. She's not a name; she's just a number. As a surrogate, raised to bear a child for whatever member of the royal Jewel section of society purchases her in an auction, Violet has been trained for years to be submissive and poised and perfectly fine with being in the background.

The twist to this story comes with something called the Auguries: special powers that each surrogate has, where they can change the colors and shapes of objects, as well as grow things. In Violet's case, the third augury, Growth, is her best gift.

When Violet is taken to the auction and purchased by the Duchess of the Lake, she's thrown into a world full of fancy balls and mansions and dresses and makeup. But there's a dark side to Violet's new, glittering world.

There's death. There's destruction. There are lies and manipulations, and somehow, very well-twisted into the middle of it all, is forbidden love.

Violet soon discovers that she can never be who she truly wants to be. Danger is around every corner. Love is not an option. And when Violet discovers she might have a way out, even darker secrets are revealed. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, from Violet herself, to her fellow surrogate and best friend Raven, to the horrible Duchess of the Lake. Even Violet's maid, Annabelle, a girl who can't speak, was so well done that I felt like I knew her. The love interest, Ashe, is totally shiptastic.

This story is just incredible. I fell in love with it, and by the time I finished (warning: there's a cliffhanger!), it was 1am and I was dying for book 2.

THE JEWEL is definitely not a copy of any other story---it stands out on its own, and is sure to be a bestseller. Fantastic. I loved the terrifying, beautiful world that Amy Ewing created. I need book 2 now! (And I've preordered my own hardcover copy for my personal shelves!)

The Jewel is a dystopian combining The Selection type of story with a unique world (time period?). Violet, #197, is from the Marsh where people from there are basically at the bottom of the totem pole. When girls go through puberty they have some kind of testing done to see if they have these certain abilities the royal can use. If they do then they are pretty much slaves to the royal. These abilities allow them to make things grow, change colors of things, and do these different things that can then be used in creating children. They are basically able to create and grow children with certain personalities and other traits, so the royal women use these girls to create the child they "want".

The royal cannot have children for whatever reason (I'm still not exactly sure why...), and so they borrow these girls bodies, and force them to have their children. The girls are simply known as the surrogates with a number attached to them according to how well they are able to use their 'abilities'. The royal only see them as bought and paid for slaves. They force them to wear leashes, force them not to speak, and other dramatic things. This book definitely had a dark and twisted plot. But it was so unique and fascinating! I had a few problems with it, but I still really enjoyed it and flew through it.

There are different houses ruled over by the royals which is inside The Jewel. Around the Jewel you have the Marsh where it is the poverty stricken area, and then you have the Farm where the food is made, the Bank where the shops are. It is kind of like your typical dystopian where the city is separated depending on wealth and what you do in society. And then you have the main area where the rich (royal) rule over everything. And so in that aspect this book is your typical dystopian in the way that the city is laid out. Other than the world building, it is so unique!

When the girls get old enough they get auctioned off, and they are at that point known as a number. The ladies of all these different houses will come in and bid on them depending on how strong their abilities are.

Violet goes and lives with the Duchess - the Lady of the Lake. The Lady of the Lake wants to have a girl that is this perfect human being to marry one of the children of another royal family. It is kind of confusing. So, anyway, we follow Violet as she moves into the royal house, and how she is treated like a slave. She has been bought by one of the more odd royal ladies. On one hand she seems really ruthless, but then on the other hand she does something really mean, but then it is seems she almost feels guilty for it. So you have this back and forth stuff going on between Violet and the Duchess.

When you first go into this book you have to put aside reality, and how the human population works. If you try looking at things in a realistic way then The Jewel will probably suck for you. This book was definitely unique, dark, twisted, and weird. A lot of people are unhappy with the instalove, and so as I was reading I was waiting for it to show itself. And...I have to admit there were several times I had to stop and roll my eyes. It is so cheesy and ridiculous, which is one reason I rated this book 3 stars. If the romance part would have been done differently then I think it would have had a higher rating from me.

The book wasn't anything deep or special just something fun and entertaining (and twisted) to read. The basic idea has been done a million and one times, but some of the ideas were really unique, and so I think that is why I enjoyed it so much.

An Open Letter To The Jewel,

I thought we were going to be friends, instead, we're kind of like awkward acquaintances. We met that one time and we didn't really like each other that much. Or maybe you were more like a bad blind date? You started out fine, but once I dug into your soul I wasn't all that impressed with what I was seeing. And then when it all ended I was actually slightly interested again. Seriously, if all the middle bits were as entertaining and non repetitive as your middle bits, you would have been a favorite. Oh well, I guess we can't win them all...

-The White Unicorn

This book guys, it started out so well. I was engrossed with the world building and terrified by the fact that everything is surrounded by water. Violet and her life in the holding facility as well as the moments with her family actually stirred my emotions and I thought I had a book I was going to love in my hands. That's when the middle happened. The middle with the most awkward romance I've ever experienced, and the repetitive motions of Violet's days, and the bitchy females. There was promise lurking in the depths of mediocrity, which kept me reading, but sometimes i just didn't want to.

Honestly, if Ewing had kept the Violet from the beginning of the book as the character that led the story, I think it would have worked so much better. There were glimpses of her, but for some reason she started to act like a fool. Nothing really happened to progress her emotions and when they did, it was too late. Ewing leaned on a forbidden inst-romance to progress her personality instead and it just didn't work for me. I do have to say that Ewing using a male "companion" as our virginal surrogate's love interest was a brilliant plan, but the romance itself was so poorly executed, that I ended up just not caring at all. I honestly think this book would have benefited from not having a strong romance angle at all. I much preferred Violet as a steadfast friend then a fool headed lover.

Speaking of Ash, I didn't like him, at all. I actually thought that Garnet (Why is a man named that? Just why?) would have been much more fun to see more of in the book. He could have been utilized so much more than he was and I was curious about him, but then I got locked in a room with this Ash fellow and the inst-love/awkward romance started happening and I had no time for that business.

I do, however have to say that I loved so many of the other characters in the book. The ones that weren't the leads. Annabelle was amazing and Raven was awesome and Lucian was a bit of Cinna, but I loved him anyway. And like I said, I was entranced by the moments when Garnet actually got screen time.

The ending was almost as good as the beginning of the book, and not just because it was over. Ewing created a delightful cliffhanger and gave me some things that might make me pick up the next book. The ending did seem a bit fast and slightly out of place, but I think it's due to the middle of the book being so boring.

World building is a big thing for me and even though the imagery in the pages was great, I felt like Ewing mentioned so many interesting things and then didn't tell us anything about them. Sure, she wanted to go for the element of surprise in some cases, but I wanted to know more about the wall and the different parts of The Lone City. It was on the tip of being amazing, but it was just too bare boned for me, and truth be told I love bare boned world building, so that's saying something.

In the end I have to say that I enjoyed The Jewel. It might not sound like it, but it did keep my interest and I have this sneaky suspicion that I'll read the rest of the books. This one just suffers from inconsistencies that weren't my favorite.

You can read this and many other reviews on my YA book blog <a href="http://thewhiteunicornfiction.blogspot.com/">The White Unicorn!</a>

I can never resist a forbidden romance. The summary sounded quite enticing, and the idea of servitude through surrogacy was what drew me in. The Jewel is a quick-paced, unique story with a fresh take on the dystopian genre. Violet was a flawed but ultimately likable heroin. Ash was sweet but a little two-dimensional. In all honesty, I wish the romance had been a little more fleshed out. I took away one star because I felt the love story was a bit rushed. The world-building was compelling and creative. I will definitely be reading the sequel.

I would like to thank Harper Teen for providing me with an ARC of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.

I really wanted to love this book and I’m truly torn as to how to rate it. There were elements I really enjoyed and there were those that made me want to throw the book across the room.

First off, the blurb sounded fantastic. I love dystopian reads and this one seemed right up my ally. And then there’s the cover lust I had. Yes, I am not afraid to admit that often I choose books simply based on the absolutely gorgeous covers they project. And this one fit that bill for sure. So given the chance to grab a copy of this, I scooped it right up, if only to touch the beautiful cover!

Meet Violet. I’ll be honest and say I felt absolutely no connection to her for the entirety of the book. This made it hard for me to empathize with her in any way, shape or form. She’s naïve, which is not uncommon for the main character in a dystopian book, but it’s to the point that everything seems to be a shock to her. And to me, it was hard to see exactly why she was so special. Why was she the main character, what made her different than all the other surrogates that she had to be singled out? I really didn’t see it. I do understand that her abilities put her at a great advantage for those who purchase her, she ranks very high amongst the 200 surrogates who are up for auction. But I’m still not sure why Lucien, the person who prepares her for the auction and subsequently becomes her savior, sees in her that makes him choose her over all others.

Most of the characters are forgettable for me, including their names. I can remember how mean the Duchess is although she has moments where she seems to have some sympathy for Violet. Even her lady in waiting, who cannot speak, is fairly forgettable. I didn’t feel a depth to the characters that made me want to like them. And it was hard for me to see any development with them.

The plot of this book is very interesting, although the similarities to a few other dystopians I have read is eerily annoying. Not only is it highly reminiscent of The Hunger Games, but I even say elements of Divergent, Eve, and The Chemical Gardens laced throughout. I do like the idea that these girls are being used to create royalty because their genes are better fit for it. It’s interesting how they are treated like slaves yet need to be just as presentable as the royalty. Even the “leashes” that are used on the girls are of fine quality. The idea of using girls in this way is very disturbing. And I could not figure out at what point in time this book takes place. Is it the future? Maybe it’s more of a fantasy type world? I just didn’t know.

But while the plot is interesting, the world building is lacking. I have no idea why this world evolved the way it did. Why did the government, or more likely the monarchy, take over? Was there a revolution? Was there a catastrophic event? It’s never fleshed out.

And the romance for me was not believable. Not only does it come very late in the book, which I could understand if you needed to make sure the world building was complete, but it is inst-love and I just didn’t find it believable.

The pacing for me was off. At times, it was so slow I had to put the book down. At other times I wanted to race through to see what was going to happen. There was no happy medium. And I will say the slow parts far outweighed the faster parts for me.

Overall the book was terrible it just wasn’t fantastic for me. I wanted more depth to not only the characters but the plot and the world building. I wanted to feel Violet’s frustration, her anger, her angst, her fear. But I just didn’t get a complete understanding of her or the other characters. I will say that I would still probably read the next book because the ending left me with wanting more.

All it took was one glance to get me existed about The Jewel. I mean, look at that cover! Is there a girl who would not dream to have a dress like that in her fictional wardrobe? But because real life does not offer a lot of opportunities to wear glamorous dresses, we settle for collecting books that feature them on covers.

The Jewel is obviously targeting weak brains like mine who are easily bought with shiny covers. So imagine my surprise when the interior of a book offered me cruel, dark society with corrupted nobility and poor girls used as surrogates. Sure, there is some dressing up and descriptions of fabulous outfits Violet wears, but it’s cast in a shadow by the story about The Lone City.

The Lone City is on an island surrounded by the ocean and protected by huge wall. It’s divided into five concentric circles. Everyone, of course, dream to live in the central circle called The Jewel, where the nobility lives.

Together with Violet, girl sold at auction to be used as surrogate, we get a glimpse behind the walls of noble houses. Where intrigue, jealousy, malice and murder make the daily life. Where surrogates are not cherished (as advertised) but chained, bound, treated like a property and abused.

I was glued to the pages. I was waiting for the story to get even deeper. I was waiting for Amy Ewing to really hit me in the feelz.

Well the big surprise happened at about 60% and the feelz were hit. Just not the one I expected. Because my deep, dark, almost-dystopian story got romance. And it was insta-love kind. With hints of love triangle. Yeah, I know, what a shame.

Don’t get me wrong. The romance was good. There are a lot of swoony moments if you don’t mind that the couple seems to fall deeply in real-true-love as soon as they see each other.

“May I ask you something?”
My heart is so swollen I think it might burst. I inhale his scent of soap and clean linen and something that must be boy. “Anything.”
“What is your name?”
My heart explodes into a million glittering fragments that rain down like fireworks through my chest.
“Violet,” I whisper.

So instead of recommending The Jewel to all my friends who love a good dystopia story, I will only recommend it to those who won’t be dissapointed by huge amount of romance in the second part of the book. It really spoiled the world for me and made it all seem fluffy and not very serious. It downplayed the message of the book. I will still probably buy a sequel since it’s easy to read (I devoured it in a day) and, as eternal optimist, I hope that the story will go back on a right track.

Recommended for lovers of books where there is a lot of dressing ups, small amount of magic, insta-love type of romance and interesting if not a very original setting.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Talk about an involved story. I was utterly hooked from the first time I saw the cover and heard that the book was dystopian but THE JEWEL managed to far exceed any of my anticipations.

Violet had the potential to be just another dystopian attempt at a heroine bucking a terrible authority. While she's not without some flaws I found her to be quite enjoyable. She's intelligent but not exceptional. Her primary trait of importance within her world is that she has the ability to use Augeries to manipulate shape, color, and growth. These factors are what separate the surrogates from other girls. The royalty—essentially a social class that's huge—use them to produce their children. Within their part of the Lone City, the Jewel as it is known, a secretive world of intrigue, violence, and back-stabbing unfolds with Violet and her fellow surrogates at the center of a race to breed. But when Violet falls for her the companion her owner hires to help her niece prepare for finding a husband the pair risk everything. There are many facets to life within the Jewel and love is not welcome there.

I tore through this book very fast. There are layers and layers of world building that fortunately never info dump though I'll admit I was baffled how there could be 200 surrogates sold at auction (each year) when there didn't seem to be that many royal families. I tried not to do the math about a few things that were mentioned but it made the city seem like it had to be pretty darned large. I was very much reminded of The Handmaid's Tale which is an excellent dystopian book that's definitely more adult and religiously focused but no less focused on forcing women to breed for others. I will admit I did not like the romantic subplot at all. It felt like it was an after thought added in to interest romance readers when it could have stood on just the secrets and dangers of life as a surrogate in a race to breed.

If you've read any dystopian fiction with women at the core of the plot I highly recommend THE JEWEL. It's not without some flaws but the story is very engrossing and there is a cliff-hanger ending that's sure to aggravate some. Yet, I found that I loved it anyway.

Brief Summary:The story is settled in an island that is surrounded by a Great wall to prevent the water to flooding the city .The city is divided in five places Marsh,Smoke, Farm, The Bank and the Jewel. I think this was pretty interesting because it seems that the places are bigger than the usual dystopian district ,faction or whatever. For example, the people of the of the Marsh are allowed to work within the The Smoke and The Farm; but of course they are so much poorer and they don't even have shoes. The Jewel are the royalty and are week when it cones to give birth child's and the only one who can give birth to their child's are the surrogates.Which basically are girls from the Marsh who have special abilities,(not all girls on the Marsh have this genetic mutation that make them stronger than the other girls.)This girls are separated at the age of twelve and are sent to places to train them how to use their special abilities. So when they pass all the courses they are sell out to people of The Bank and The Jewel so that this girls can deliver their children. They have the power to select the sex of the child, the color, and how much they can grow;but this ability only posses our main character,Violet Lastings. The higher royalty buys the surrogates in a range of 190 through 200 which are the best surrogates.
Violet is lot 197 and she is bought to the Duchess of the Lake who is like descendent to the five houses who make the Great wall of the Lone city.
She is an ambitious lady that wants a daughter to marry her to the Exetor's new-born son. The King and Queen are called "The Exetor" and "The Electress in the book.
The Elecress hasn't a royal background she is from the Bank, so many of the royal women hate her.
She is developing a plan to make the surrogates conscienceless so they can impregnate them without resistance. (Many of the surrogates resists and are rebellious) There are many hatred between the women of the royalty.

There are three circles of royalty. The first circle has very selected families and they are the ones of higher statues and power. The second circle and third circle are the royal families but not as important as the first circle.
Because the Duchess wants her daughter to marry the Excetor's son she wants Violet to become pregnant and use her abilities to make the baby grow within three months.
The abilities that the surrogates has make them suffer horrible pain whenever they perform.

Discussion
As everyone else I was creep out by the whole idea of the surrogates but it wasn't as horrible as I imagine.
One of the things that I enjoy was the friendship between the Violet and Raven. It was really heart-warming how the girls helped each other out since the first day that they met. I was sad when I found out that she was pregnant and that they were manipulation her.
One of the things that I enjoy was that Violet was almost explaining how the dystopian world was.
At first I thought that the surrogates have to sleep with the male master so that they can get pregnant, but I was glad when I found out that they were inseminated
Lucieen,let's talk about him. Ok, I thought that he was the male love interest.He was nice and kind he could have been a great love interest.
The other was another guy I thought he was going to be the love interest, he was Garnet, I was suspecting that he was since he got introduced. When he finally talked to Violet he was really nice and playful. I totally love that he was like careless and the complete opposite of his mother. I kind of think that Garnet and Annabelle liked each other in the romántic way. In the side of Annabelle, of course she like him,but with Garnet I don't know. Maybe?

That would be an excellent-cute couple. --I was totally picturing Garnet looking miserable in her engament party.

Annabelle, although she couldn't speak I love how she cared and loved Violet. I also enjoy every time that she appeared in the book.

Ash- They meet, OK. They have this connection and they love music, but as soon as he discover she is a surrogate he gives her the cold-shoulder. He acts really cold with her and one day he is like"mmm, I can't stop thinking about you, I thought I was being obvious".
Ha! Nope, acting cold isn't precisely the way you want to show interest in a girl!
In the case of Violet I kind of accept it. "Oh my goodness he looks handsome" he is the only one who has ever look at me as a girl" She hasn't seen any guys and at the attentions of one have the power to put a girl in the clouds.

Then he kiss her. So quickly. Yeah, It was very insta-love, but afterwards their romance gets better.
One thing I didn`t get about Ash being angry when Violet told him that they could`t be together. Which was absolutely a childish, I mean, Didn`t he realize that what they were doing could cost their lives? They were not cautious enough, kissing in the maze of bushes, seeing each other at night....
The only thing that made me bored was that everyone was telling her that she was special, like hundred thousand times.

The story is a great story, I did enjoyed and it super fast to read. It was very exciting. Very well done. In my experience I didn`t felt as if it had unnecessary scenes, like many books do. Just for information, It does not resemble to "The Selection series" whatsoever by any means.
Apparently now every book with a dress on the cover means "Look, look like the Selection."
it didn`t have paranormal elements as it was labeled on goodreads, so safe territory to read for Reberose

caramelrosebooks.weebly.com

THE JEWEL is an electrifying debut novel by Amy Ewing that highlights the drama, viciousness and beauty of wealth. Violet is a surrogate and soon, she will only be known as a lot number. The most she can hope for is a good, nice lady to buy her at the Auction. But when the Duchess of the Lake buys her, Violet gets more than she bargained for. She learns that it is possible for her to love someone, and to have some semblance of a life. But under the Duchess’s rule, she must live her life very carefully; otherwise, she may find herself faced with a life without freedom.

This novel was a masterpiece! I could not, would not, put it down.The plot twists were so surprising and you never would have imagined them happening. Amy has an incredible talent for writing strong heroines who continually shock the reader. The writing was superb, and as a reader, it really is an enthralling experience. I found that this novel is slightly like THE SELECTION, in the sense that there is royalty and everything is not what it seems. But all in all, as much as I loved THE SELECTION, THE JEWEL was even better. I definitely would recommend this novel to fans of Kiera Cass and anyone who likes a little bit of romance, supernatural powers and the royal way of living. If I could have the sequel right now, I would hole up in my room with it! I would keep this on my shelf to read again and again.
Reviewed by Aspen R., Teen Board Member

Having read the hundreds of mediocre teenage dystopian novels that are out there I can whole heaterdly recommend "The Jewel". In Ms. Ewing's debut novel she swoops you into a world where it doesn't matter how or why it became a dystopia, it just is. For fans of Atwood's "A Handmaid's Tale" the overtones are similar but redone in an original and unique manner. The protagonist Violet is not just another surrgote and her innocence in the world of the Jewel allows the reader to appreciate and sympathize with her. The novel is full of rich details and captivating storylines. You cannot hate even the villains of this story because there is certainly more than meets the eye in the Jewel. A wonderful debut novel. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction.

This is the book for me of 2014 it the last one i will finish for the year and i am glad i choose it for my last read it wonderful, intriguing, you want to scream and rage right along with the characters at the things that are happening. You get a shocking ending you did not see coming, and questions burning questions as to what exactly will go down in the next book. October is long ways away but it going to be worth the wait. Great story a must read.

I really wanted to love this book, it was just so hard to love it. It was weird, and some of the story didn't make sense to me. And just when I thought I was getting back into the story, something unrealistic (not in the story before) would happen. I almost put it down a few times, but decided to finish it out (I hate to stop books). I haven't decided yet if I will pick up the next book that comes out...if I do, it's just because I like to finish the stories. Some people, as I have seen in the reviews, really like it..it just wasn't for me.

THE PLOT...

"The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude."
I personally loved this book. It takes place in this alternate almost future like earth. Violet started as a almost normal girl but with extraordinary gifts like hers, how can the jewel ignore her. This book tells of Violets heart wrenching journey through the jewel. I personally finish this book in one sitting and have already read it again. I recommend this book for young adult and teen readers.

I was able to download The Jewel through my libraries overdrive. I’m so glad I did! This book is so wonderful! I loved it way more than The Selection or Matched series. The Jewel blows those books out of the water.

The Jewel follows Violet or Number 197 as she finished up her surrogate schooling and is bought in the Auction. Girls are sold to royalty since they are not able to have children on their own, too much inbreeding. Violet is spunky, independent, fierce and not sure she wants this live even though she really has no choice. Some girls are bought be very mean vicious Ladies, and Duchesses. Some are lucky to have a fairly decent life, Violet is one of the lucky ones if you can call it that. She isn’t abused but she is kept prisoner and told she will provide Duchess of Lake with the most amazing girl or else.

Along the way Violet falls in love with someone forbidden, has a friend in her lady in waiting Annabelle, a protector and even a major plot twist I never saw coming.

All in all I LOVED this book and found myself stealing moments to read, taking my tablet with me everywhere so I could read if I had a second. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Violet, Garnet, Lucien, and Ash in book 2!

My first thought about THE JEWEL was that the gorgeous silver cover was strangely similar to the covers for THE SELECTION series. I wasn't sure, after reading the synopsis, if this book would also have a similar plot. I was totally wrong.

In one word, THE JEWEL is FANTASTIC. When I began reading, I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and the very xmen like twist that this "ball gown" story took on. THE JEWEL is brilliant and unique, and so creepy in the way the society is run, that I found myself unable to put it down. I flew through all 368 pages in just a few days (in the middle of a huge move and edit, as well--- it was that good!).

In Violet Lasting's world, identity isn't important. She's not a name; she's just a number. As a surrogate, raised to bear a child for whatever member of the royal Jewel section of society purchases her in an auction, Violet has been trained for years to be submissive and poised and perfectly fine with being in the background.

The twist to this story comes with something called the Auguries: special powers that each surrogate has, where they can change the colors and shapes of objects, as well as grow things. In Violet's case, the third augury, Growth, is her best gift.

When Violet is taken to the auction and purchased by the Duchess of the Lake, she's thrown into a world full of fancy balls and mansions and dresses and makeup. But there's a dark side to Violet's new, glittering world.

There's death. There's destruction. There are lies and manipulations, and somehow, very well-twisted into the middle of it all, is forbidden love.

Violet soon discovers that she can never be who she truly wants to be. Danger is around every corner. Love is not an option. And when Violet discovers she might have a way out, even darker secrets are revealed. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, from Violet herself, to her fellow surrogate and best friend Raven, to the horrible Duchess of the Lake. Even Violet's maid, Annabelle, a girl who can't speak, was so well done that I felt like I knew her. The love interest, Ashe, is totally shiptastic.

This story is just incredible. I fell in love with it, and by the time I finished (warning: there's a cliffhanger!), it was 1am and I was dying for book 2.

THE JEWEL is definitely not a copy of any other story---it stands out on its own, and is sure to be a bestseller. Fantastic. I loved the terrifying, beautiful world that Amy Ewing created. I need book 2 now! (And I've preordered my own hardcover copy for my personal shelves!)

The Jewel is a dystopian combining The Selection type of story with a unique world (time period?). Violet, #197, is from the Marsh where people from there are basically at the bottom of the totem pole. When girls go through puberty they have some kind of testing done to see if they have these certain abilities the royal can use. If they do then they are pretty much slaves to the royal. These abilities allow them to make things grow, change colors of things, and do these different things that can then be used in creating children. They are basically able to create and grow children with certain personalities and other traits, so the royal women use these girls to create the child they "want".

The royal cannot have children for whatever reason (I'm still not exactly sure why...), and so they borrow these girls bodies, and force them to have their children. The girls are simply known as the surrogates with a number attached to them according to how well they are able to use their 'abilities'. The royal only see them as bought and paid for slaves. They force them to wear leashes, force them not to speak, and other dramatic things. This book definitely had a dark and twisted plot. But it was so unique and fascinating! I had a few problems with it, but I still really enjoyed it and flew through it.

There are different houses ruled over by the royals which is inside The Jewel. Around the Jewel you have the Marsh where it is the poverty stricken area, and then you have the Farm where the food is made, the Bank where the shops are. It is kind of like your typical dystopian where the city is separated depending on wealth and what you do in society. And then you have the main area where the rich (royal) rule over everything. And so in that aspect this book is your typical dystopian in the way that the city is laid out. Other than the world building, it is so unique!

When the girls get old enough they get auctioned off, and they are at that point known as a number. The ladies of all these different houses will come in and bid on them depending on how strong their abilities are.

Violet goes and lives with the Duchess - the Lady of the Lake. The Lady of the Lake wants to have a girl that is this perfect human being to marry one of the children of another royal family. It is kind of confusing. So, anyway, we follow Violet as she moves into the royal house, and how she is treated like a slave. She has been bought by one of the more odd royal ladies. On one hand she seems really ruthless, but then on the other hand she does something really mean, but then it is seems she almost feels guilty for it. So you have this back and forth stuff going on between Violet and the Duchess.

When you first go into this book you have to put aside reality, and how the human population works. If you try looking at things in a realistic way then The Jewel will probably suck for you. This book was definitely unique, dark, twisted, and weird. A lot of people are unhappy with the instalove, and so as I was reading I was waiting for it to show itself. And...I have to admit there were several times I had to stop and roll my eyes. It is so cheesy and ridiculous, which is one reason I rated this book 3 stars. If the romance part would have been done differently then I think it would have had a higher rating from me.

The book wasn't anything deep or special just something fun and entertaining (and twisted) to read. The basic idea has been done a million and one times, but some of the ideas were really unique, and so I think that is why I enjoyed it so much.

An Open Letter To The Jewel,

I thought we were going to be friends, instead, we're kind of like awkward acquaintances. We met that one time and we didn't really like each other that much. Or maybe you were more like a bad blind date? You started out fine, but once I dug into your soul I wasn't all that impressed with what I was seeing. And then when it all ended I was actually slightly interested again. Seriously, if all the middle bits were as entertaining and non repetitive as your middle bits, you would have been a favorite. Oh well, I guess we can't win them all...

-The White Unicorn

This book guys, it started out so well. I was engrossed with the world building and terrified by the fact that everything is surrounded by water. Violet and her life in the holding facility as well as the moments with her family actually stirred my emotions and I thought I had a book I was going to love in my hands. That's when the middle happened. The middle with the most awkward romance I've ever experienced, and the repetitive motions of Violet's days, and the bitchy females. There was promise lurking in the depths of mediocrity, which kept me reading, but sometimes i just didn't want to.

Honestly, if Ewing had kept the Violet from the beginning of the book as the character that led the story, I think it would have worked so much better. There were glimpses of her, but for some reason she started to act like a fool. Nothing really happened to progress her emotions and when they did, it was too late. Ewing leaned on a forbidden inst-romance to progress her personality instead and it just didn't work for me. I do have to say that Ewing using a male "companion" as our virginal surrogate's love interest was a brilliant plan, but the romance itself was so poorly executed, that I ended up just not caring at all. I honestly think this book would have benefited from not having a strong romance angle at all. I much preferred Violet as a steadfast friend then a fool headed lover.

Speaking of Ash, I didn't like him, at all. I actually thought that Garnet (Why is a man named that? Just why?) would have been much more fun to see more of in the book. He could have been utilized so much more than he was and I was curious about him, but then I got locked in a room with this Ash fellow and the inst-love/awkward romance started happening and I had no time for that business.

I do, however have to say that I loved so many of the other characters in the book. The ones that weren't the leads. Annabelle was amazing and Raven was awesome and Lucian was a bit of Cinna, but I loved him anyway. And like I said, I was entranced by the moments when Garnet actually got screen time.

The ending was almost as good as the beginning of the book, and not just because it was over. Ewing created a delightful cliffhanger and gave me some things that might make me pick up the next book. The ending did seem a bit fast and slightly out of place, but I think it's due to the middle of the book being so boring.

World building is a big thing for me and even though the imagery in the pages was great, I felt like Ewing mentioned so many interesting things and then didn't tell us anything about them. Sure, she wanted to go for the element of surprise in some cases, but I wanted to know more about the wall and the different parts of The Lone City. It was on the tip of being amazing, but it was just too bare boned for me, and truth be told I love bare boned world building, so that's saying something.

In the end I have to say that I enjoyed The Jewel. It might not sound like it, but it did keep my interest and I have this sneaky suspicion that I'll read the rest of the books. This one just suffers from inconsistencies that weren't my favorite.

You can read this and many other reviews on my YA book blog <a href="http://thewhiteunicornfiction.blogspot.com/">The White Unicorn!</a>

I can never resist a forbidden romance. The summary sounded quite enticing, and the idea of servitude through surrogacy was what drew me in. The Jewel is a quick-paced, unique story with a fresh take on the dystopian genre. Violet was a flawed but ultimately likable heroin. Ash was sweet but a little two-dimensional. In all honesty, I wish the romance had been a little more fleshed out. I took away one star because I felt the love story was a bit rushed. The world-building was compelling and creative. I will definitely be reading the sequel.

I would like to thank Harper Teen for providing me with an ARC of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.

I really wanted to love this book and I’m truly torn as to how to rate it. There were elements I really enjoyed and there were those that made me want to throw the book across the room.

First off, the blurb sounded fantastic. I love dystopian reads and this one seemed right up my ally. And then there’s the cover lust I had. Yes, I am not afraid to admit that often I choose books simply based on the absolutely gorgeous covers they project. And this one fit that bill for sure. So given the chance to grab a copy of this, I scooped it right up, if only to touch the beautiful cover!

Meet Violet. I’ll be honest and say I felt absolutely no connection to her for the entirety of the book. This made it hard for me to empathize with her in any way, shape or form. She’s naïve, which is not uncommon for the main character in a dystopian book, but it’s to the point that everything seems to be a shock to her. And to me, it was hard to see exactly why she was so special. Why was she the main character, what made her different than all the other surrogates that she had to be singled out? I really didn’t see it. I do understand that her abilities put her at a great advantage for those who purchase her, she ranks very high amongst the 200 surrogates who are up for auction. But I’m still not sure why Lucien, the person who prepares her for the auction and subsequently becomes her savior, sees in her that makes him choose her over all others.

Most of the characters are forgettable for me, including their names. I can remember how mean the Duchess is although she has moments where she seems to have some sympathy for Violet. Even her lady in waiting, who cannot speak, is fairly forgettable. I didn’t feel a depth to the characters that made me want to like them. And it was hard for me to see any development with them.

The plot of this book is very interesting, although the similarities to a few other dystopians I have read is eerily annoying. Not only is it highly reminiscent of The Hunger Games, but I even say elements of Divergent, Eve, and The Chemical Gardens laced throughout. I do like the idea that these girls are being used to create royalty because their genes are better fit for it. It’s interesting how they are treated like slaves yet need to be just as presentable as the royalty. Even the “leashes” that are used on the girls are of fine quality. The idea of using girls in this way is very disturbing. And I could not figure out at what point in time this book takes place. Is it the future? Maybe it’s more of a fantasy type world? I just didn’t know.

But while the plot is interesting, the world building is lacking. I have no idea why this world evolved the way it did. Why did the government, or more likely the monarchy, take over? Was there a revolution? Was there a catastrophic event? It’s never fleshed out.

And the romance for me was not believable. Not only does it come very late in the book, which I could understand if you needed to make sure the world building was complete, but it is inst-love and I just didn’t find it believable.

The pacing for me was off. At times, it was so slow I had to put the book down. At other times I wanted to race through to see what was going to happen. There was no happy medium. And I will say the slow parts far outweighed the faster parts for me.

Overall the book was terrible it just wasn’t fantastic for me. I wanted more depth to not only the characters but the plot and the world building. I wanted to feel Violet’s frustration, her anger, her angst, her fear. But I just didn’t get a complete understanding of her or the other characters. I will say that I would still probably read the next book because the ending left me with wanting more.

All it took was one glance to get me existed about The Jewel. I mean, look at that cover! Is there a girl who would not dream to have a dress like that in her fictional wardrobe? But because real life does not offer a lot of opportunities to wear glamorous dresses, we settle for collecting books that feature them on covers.

The Jewel is obviously targeting weak brains like mine who are easily bought with shiny covers. So imagine my surprise when the interior of a book offered me cruel, dark society with corrupted nobility and poor girls used as surrogates. Sure, there is some dressing up and descriptions of fabulous outfits Violet wears, but it’s cast in a shadow by the story about The Lone City.

The Lone City is on an island surrounded by the ocean and protected by huge wall. It’s divided into five concentric circles. Everyone, of course, dream to live in the central circle called The Jewel, where the nobility lives.

Together with Violet, girl sold at auction to be used as surrogate, we get a glimpse behind the walls of noble houses. Where intrigue, jealousy, malice and murder make the daily life. Where surrogates are not cherished (as advertised) but chained, bound, treated like a property and abused.

I was glued to the pages. I was waiting for the story to get even deeper. I was waiting for Amy Ewing to really hit me in the feelz.

Well the big surprise happened at about 60% and the feelz were hit. Just not the one I expected. Because my deep, dark, almost-dystopian story got romance. And it was insta-love kind. With hints of love triangle. Yeah, I know, what a shame.

Don’t get me wrong. The romance was good. There are a lot of swoony moments if you don’t mind that the couple seems to fall deeply in real-true-love as soon as they see each other.

“May I ask you something?”
My heart is so swollen I think it might burst. I inhale his scent of soap and clean linen and something that must be boy. “Anything.”
“What is your name?”
My heart explodes into a million glittering fragments that rain down like fireworks through my chest.
“Violet,” I whisper.

So instead of recommending The Jewel to all my friends who love a good dystopia story, I will only recommend it to those who won’t be dissapointed by huge amount of romance in the second part of the book. It really spoiled the world for me and made it all seem fluffy and not very serious. It downplayed the message of the book. I will still probably buy a sequel since it’s easy to read (I devoured it in a day) and, as eternal optimist, I hope that the story will go back on a right track.

Recommended for lovers of books where there is a lot of dressing ups, small amount of magic, insta-love type of romance and interesting if not a very original setting.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Talk about an involved story. I was utterly hooked from the first time I saw the cover and heard that the book was dystopian but THE JEWEL managed to far exceed any of my anticipations.

Violet had the potential to be just another dystopian attempt at a heroine bucking a terrible authority. While she's not without some flaws I found her to be quite enjoyable. She's intelligent but not exceptional. Her primary trait of importance within her world is that she has the ability to use Augeries to manipulate shape, color, and growth. These factors are what separate the surrogates from other girls. The royalty—essentially a social class that's huge—use them to produce their children. Within their part of the Lone City, the Jewel as it is known, a secretive world of intrigue, violence, and back-stabbing unfolds with Violet and her fellow surrogates at the center of a race to breed. But when Violet falls for her the companion her owner hires to help her niece prepare for finding a husband the pair risk everything. There are many facets to life within the Jewel and love is not welcome there.

I tore through this book very fast. There are layers and layers of world building that fortunately never info dump though I'll admit I was baffled how there could be 200 surrogates sold at auction (each year) when there didn't seem to be that many royal families. I tried not to do the math about a few things that were mentioned but it made the city seem like it had to be pretty darned large. I was very much reminded of The Handmaid's Tale which is an excellent dystopian book that's definitely more adult and religiously focused but no less focused on forcing women to breed for others. I will admit I did not like the romantic subplot at all. It felt like it was an after thought added in to interest romance readers when it could have stood on just the secrets and dangers of life as a surrogate in a race to breed.

If you've read any dystopian fiction with women at the core of the plot I highly recommend THE JEWEL. It's not without some flaws but the story is very engrossing and there is a cliff-hanger ending that's sure to aggravate some. Yet, I found that I loved it anyway.

Brief Summary:The story is settled in an island that is surrounded by a Great wall to prevent the water to flooding the city .The city is divided in five places Marsh,Smoke, Farm, The Bank and the Jewel. I think this was pretty interesting because it seems that the places are bigger than the usual dystopian district ,faction or whatever. For example, the people of the of the Marsh are allowed to work within the The Smoke and The Farm; but of course they are so much poorer and they don't even have shoes. The Jewel are the royalty and are week when it cones to give birth child's and the only one who can give birth to their child's are the surrogates.Which basically are girls from the Marsh who have special abilities,(not all girls on the Marsh have this genetic mutation that make them stronger than the other girls.)This girls are separated at the age of twelve and are sent to places to train them how to use their special abilities. So when they pass all the courses they are sell out to people of The Bank and The Jewel so that this girls can deliver their children. They have the power to select the sex of the child, the color, and how much they can grow;but this ability only posses our main character,Violet Lastings. The higher royalty buys the surrogates in a range of 190 through 200 which are the best surrogates.
Violet is lot 197 and she is bought to the Duchess of the Lake who is like descendent to the five houses who make the Great wall of the Lone city.
She is an ambitious lady that wants a daughter to marry her to the Exetor's new-born son. The King and Queen are called "The Exetor" and "The Electress in the book.
The Elecress hasn't a royal background she is from the Bank, so many of the royal women hate her.
She is developing a plan to make the surrogates conscienceless so they can impregnate them without resistance. (Many of the surrogates resists and are rebellious) There are many hatred between the women of the royalty.

There are three circles of royalty. The first circle has very selected families and they are the ones of higher statues and power. The second circle and third circle are the royal families but not as important as the first circle.
Because the Duchess wants her daughter to marry the Excetor's son she wants Violet to become pregnant and use her abilities to make the baby grow within three months.
The abilities that the surrogates has make them suffer horrible pain whenever they perform.

Discussion
As everyone else I was creep out by the whole idea of the surrogates but it wasn't as horrible as I imagine.
One of the things that I enjoy was the friendship between the Violet and Raven. It was really heart-warming how the girls helped each other out since the first day that they met. I was sad when I found out that she was pregnant and that they were manipulation her.
One of the things that I enjoy was that Violet was almost explaining how the dystopian world was.
At first I thought that the surrogates have to sleep with the male master so that they can get pregnant, but I was glad when I found out that they were inseminated
Lucieen,let's talk about him. Ok, I thought that he was the male love interest.He was nice and kind he could have been a great love interest.
The other was another guy I thought he was going to be the love interest, he was Garnet, I was suspecting that he was since he got introduced. When he finally talked to Violet he was really nice and playful. I totally love that he was like careless and the complete opposite of his mother. I kind of think that Garnet and Annabelle liked each other in the romántic way. In the side of Annabelle, of course she like him,but with Garnet I don't know. Maybe?

That would be an excellent-cute couple. --I was totally picturing Garnet looking miserable in her engament party.

Annabelle, although she couldn't speak I love how she cared and loved Violet. I also enjoy every time that she appeared in the book.

Ash- They meet, OK. They have this connection and they love music, but as soon as he discover she is a surrogate he gives her the cold-shoulder. He acts really cold with her and one day he is like"mmm, I can't stop thinking about you, I thought I was being obvious".
Ha! Nope, acting cold isn't precisely the way you want to show interest in a girl!
In the case of Violet I kind of accept it. "Oh my goodness he looks handsome" he is the only one who has ever look at me as a girl" She hasn't seen any guys and at the attentions of one have the power to put a girl in the clouds.

Then he kiss her. So quickly. Yeah, It was very insta-love, but afterwards their romance gets better.
One thing I didn`t get about Ash being angry when Violet told him that they could`t be together. Which was absolutely a childish, I mean, Didn`t he realize that what they were doing could cost their lives? They were not cautious enough, kissing in the maze of bushes, seeing each other at night....
The only thing that made me bored was that everyone was telling her that she was special, like hundred thousand times.

The story is a great story, I did enjoyed and it super fast to read. It was very exciting. Very well done. In my experience I didn`t felt as if it had unnecessary scenes, like many books do. Just for information, It does not resemble to "The Selection series" whatsoever by any means.
Apparently now every book with a dress on the cover means "Look, look like the Selection."
it didn`t have paranormal elements as it was labeled on goodreads, so safe territory to read for Reberose

caramelrosebooks.weebly.com

THE JEWEL is an electrifying debut novel by Amy Ewing that highlights the drama, viciousness and beauty of wealth. Violet is a surrogate and soon, she will only be known as a lot number. The most she can hope for is a good, nice lady to buy her at the Auction. But when the Duchess of the Lake buys her, Violet gets more than she bargained for. She learns that it is possible for her to love someone, and to have some semblance of a life. But under the Duchess’s rule, she must live her life very carefully; otherwise, she may find herself faced with a life without freedom.

This novel was a masterpiece! I could not, would not, put it down.The plot twists were so surprising and you never would have imagined them happening. Amy has an incredible talent for writing strong heroines who continually shock the reader. The writing was superb, and as a reader, it really is an enthralling experience. I found that this novel is slightly like THE SELECTION, in the sense that there is royalty and everything is not what it seems. But all in all, as much as I loved THE SELECTION, THE JEWEL was even better. I definitely would recommend this novel to fans of Kiera Cass and anyone who likes a little bit of romance, supernatural powers and the royal way of living. If I could have the sequel right now, I would hole up in my room with it! I would keep this on my shelf to read again and again.
Reviewed by Aspen R., Teen Board Member

Having read the hundreds of mediocre teenage dystopian novels that are out there I can whole heaterdly recommend "The Jewel". In Ms. Ewing's debut novel she swoops you into a world where it doesn't matter how or why it became a dystopia, it just is. For fans of Atwood's "A Handmaid's Tale" the overtones are similar but redone in an original and unique manner. The protagonist Violet is not just another surrgote and her innocence in the world of the Jewel allows the reader to appreciate and sympathize with her. The novel is full of rich details and captivating storylines. You cannot hate even the villains of this story because there is certainly more than meets the eye in the Jewel. A wonderful debut novel. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction.

This is the book for me of 2014 it the last one i will finish for the year and i am glad i choose it for my last read it wonderful, intriguing, you want to scream and rage right along with the characters at the things that are happening. You get a shocking ending you did not see coming, and questions burning questions as to what exactly will go down in the next book. October is long ways away but it going to be worth the wait. Great story a must read.

What the what was that??? Holy crap I have new book crack.

That was my immediate thought after I finished The Jewel. Which basically summed up my thoughts on the whole book. Simply put, I’m in love!

I was first attracted to The Jewel when I saw the cover. With The Selection series “ending” I knew I was going to need a new book I was addicted to. And when I saw the dress on the cover I hoped The Jewel would fill that void. Then I read what it was about and I was intrigued. I was not a fan of The Handmaids Tale so I was leery since surrogacy was a huge theme in both books, but I wasn’t ready to back off. And thank goodness I didn’t. This book was just amazing! I was hooked right off the start.

The Jewel is about Violet, a teenager that has been tested for certain abilities and forced into surrogacy. When Violet reaches a certain age she is auctioned off to the royals that live in The Jewel and forced to carry a child for the woman that buys her. With all choices taken away from her Violet has resigned herself to the life she must live of abuse and invisibility. That is until she meets a boy that changes everything. As Violet learns more about The Jewel and the royals and gets closer to the guy she shouldn’t her world unravels in a way she never expected leaving her not knowing who to trust and how she will survive.

What really pulled me into The Jewel was the concept. The idea that these poor girls had no say over their bodies, that they became property to these rich women, was both interesting and disgusting. My heart completely ached for Violet. Not all was she taken from everything she knew but she was no longer in control of her own life or her own body. But even with everything against her Violet was still herself. She refused to lose her personality or her drive. She maintained her compassion for others and wasn’t afraid to take a chance. Especially when it came to Ash.

Oh Ash, what a complicated story with Ash. First he is just adorable. He did this half smirk, try to hide a smile thing and I swooned. He was just enough parts innocent and arrogant and he was a risk taker for things that mattered. But what really fascinated me about Ash was his job. His character wasn’t in a job that is typically connected with the male sex. I thought Ewing’s choice to go this way was interesting and a little gutsy. It switched things up and made it fresh and interesting. Plus his chemistry with Violet, insta or not, was spot on. The two of them yearned to want to feel love and to be wanted and not to just be a piece of property that was sold and passed around like they had no feelings or emotions. They both just wanted to be considered in decisions regarding their emotions and their bodies and connected so profoundly because of that. They gave me the tummy flutters guys, tummy flutters!

Anyway, I was basically addicted to The Jewel. It had a compelling plot, great characters and interesting developments that left my mouth hanging open and my heart pounding. I was invested and that’s thanks to the amazing narrative Amy Ewing created. I wanted to finish but I knew finishing would suck because I would want more. And more I want. Get on that Ms. Ewing, get on that.

This book is utterly infuriating, and just when I thought that there was hope it gets shattered away. I read this book in one sitting. I feel in love with violet she is amazingly strong willed character. This book isn't about a world where a young girl is taken away from her family just to bare the riches child, but what comes of it after she bares the child is utterly heart breaking. U must read this book. It was an amazing ride.

I devoured this book. And it makes me so happy to say this was one of my most anticipated books from Harper and it didn't disappoint. Lately, I've been disappointed by books I've been eagerly waiting for and it is really nice to break that pattern.

There was one aspect of this book that I didn't love but it grew on me and that was the insta love. Maybe it's me but I don't believe in 'insta love' it's more like insta lust so I have a hard time believing any relationship (real or fictional) that is so sudden. But, I liked both characters individually and like I said, the more they were around each other and the more they had time with each other, it grew on me. He wasn't even introduced until halfway through the book so I was kept wondering when we might see some romance. Hell, I almost was wishing for her and Garnet, I'm not going to lie. But alas, it was not meant to be but I do like Ash and I'm eager for more of him.

The whole world is pretty messed up. All I kept thinking while reading this book is how lucky we are that this doesn't exist. The Royals are all sorts of screwed up and inhuman; viewing these girls who carry babies for them as property, not as people. It's disgusting. The things you find out in this book just make the disgust towards these...these...people grown until you just can't take it anymore. You want to make them suffer probably more than Violet does or maybe it's just me, I'm not sure.

Then, you look at the rest of the society and realize how little freedom anyone but the Royals truly has. You can't even seem to have kids without fearing they'll test positive for a surrogate. It makes you not want to have kids if you lived in those areas, especially the Marsh. The outer circle of this hell.

I LOVE Lucien, seriously, I just LOVE him. I need more of him and I can't wait to get more of him. He's my hero of this story. He really is. He works for the devil (though, there are so many in this book) and yet, he's so damn amazing. You would think that darkness would eventually take hold of someone but not him.

You know who else I love? Garnet. We don't know much about him but I loved him the second he stumbled into that dinner all the way through the end. I need more of him, too.

Violet is strong. She is so much stronger than I ever would be. I admire her so much in this book. From her visit to her family to her torture in this home. They don't think it's torture but it totally is. How she isn't completely and utterly broken at this point makes me in awe of her. And her love for her best friend, Raven, who is also living in a hell much worse than hers, is refreshing. As a surrogate, you don't have friends and you never see them again once you've been sold but that's not the case with these two and their story breaks my heart over and over again.

Dang-it, I just need more. Because . . . the ending is torture. The author likes to not only torture her characters but her readers and I'm going to go insane waiting a year for more. Because that ending is BRUTAL. You have been warned. Read with caution because a doozer is coming at the end.

Reviewed by Jessica @ Step Into Fiction

Really disturbing and interesting dystopia. Women have no control over their bodies and, if found to have certain abilities, can be sold and forced into bearing children for whoever bids highest. Violet has this fate, but doesn't resign herself to it. She retains what makes her unique and doesn't let the society break her. The romance with Ash is cute and seems natural. Good read all around.

Handmaid's Tale has always been an intriguing story concept for me, so the idea that Jewel may have a similar weave to it made me pick this one up. There were just enough tie ins to Handmaid's Tale to be able to draw the similarities, but it had a nice twist of magic and romance along with it. The royals were equally evil and fascinating. The culture and society were very well written.

This book feels terribly scattered. In the beginning I was bored and the plot felt like it was dragging on. The most interesting character was the "bad guy" not the lead! Then the love interest was rushed and just felt wrong. It didn't even come into the book til the very end, why was it even it there? Most of the book either felt pointless or written as a pleaser to fit into a certain genre. Very disappointing.

The Jewel has a interesting plot and I thought the world building was done pretty well. It reminds me a bit of Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien in that the rich aren't able to have children. It is different in that there's magic involved as well as royalty. I feel like the main character Violet is flat as a character; it is hard to relate to her. The romance in this book feels forced and I didn't feel anything special about the couple. Overall, this was a quick and entertaining read. The book ended in a cliffhanger so I really want to find out what happens next!

Absolutely loved this book! Was looking for a new book and found this at the library! I will definitely read the other 2 books! fast read, makes you ant to read straight through to the end in one sitting!

In which teenage girls from the lowest class (and physical "ring") of society are auctioned off to the ruling classes to act as surrogate mothers, because the ruling classes of "The Jewel" cannot bear their own children. Reminded me a lot of The Selection, in both plot and quality: pretty dresses, okay romance, and very little substance. I feel both could have been improved had the two authors sat down together and co-wrote their ideas into one book. This book also makes the promise of being the first in an equally pointless series. It was mentioned in the author bio that this novel started out as her college thesis. I think I would have been more interested in reading that instead.

Diversity rating: Some POC characters, referred to as having "caramel" and "dark chocolate" skin and "almond" eyes. Non-verbal character communicates by carrying around a writing slate. All are secondary or minor characters; almost entirely (cis) female cast.

It is a romance for teens. If you are a fan, the book hits all the right notes in the stream of fiction that followed the Hunger Games, but never lives up to it. Not a boring book or poorly written, just not amazing or novel either.

Great, easy to read novel that left me wanting to read the 2nd book. It is such a bummer to fall in love with a new series and then need to wait! Some insta-love in the novel but otherwise I really enjoyed it.

This is a great book. It is appropriate for upper middle and high school students, but I would not recommend it for younger students. It is comparable to The Selection series, except it does have one sex scene that is not explicit, and several moral delimmas. I will be purchasing the sequel.

Violet, a girl from a poor district, is bought as a surrogate for a royal couple who live in the Jewel. Violet is property, but changes are brewing, and Violet is as swept up in the intrigue as she is in a forbidden romance. With exquisite world building and pitch-perfect voice, Ewing explores the choices we make when our lives are not our own.—Lenore Appelhans, Bloggers Recommend

4 Stars

THE JEWEL has been one of my most anticipated books of the year. But to tell you the truth, I never really read the full synopsis. I just seen the amazing cover, and that it was a dystopian, and I was sold! So I went into THE JEWEL a little blind, and really had no idea that their was any kind of magic in this book. Which there was actually a lot. Really, the story was built around magic, and what it was capable to do for the Royals. So to say I was shocked to see how much magic was in this book, well that would be an understatement.

BUT... I still found myself quickly pulled into this world of magic, wealth, beauty, slaves, politics, plots, conspiracies, and so much more. Even though I was surprised at the route that THE JEWEL took, I still LOVED the world building, and the foundation of their world. The setting was appalling, yet so addicting.

THE PLOT...

"The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude."

The Jewel is a place of riches and wealth, of extravagances and beauty, of dominance and power. A place where the Royals are the predators, and the low class citizens of the Marsh are their prey...

Centuries ago, the Royal line was coming to an end. The woman of Royal blood were not capable to bare healthy children. Their babies were born sickly or deformed, and eventually died. But there were some women who were still able to bare healthy children.
And then a "brilliant" doctor brought hope back to the Royals when he discovered Surrogates, and they're worth to the them. How vital they were to the survival of the Royal blood, and keeping their line going strong.

And that is when the world changed both for the woman of Royalty, but also for the poor woman of the Marsh, that now became incubators for the Royal babies....

They were now their slaves...

Violet is about to know what it means to become a Surrogate. She's always been known as Violet, but that is coming to an end, and now she will officially become #197. A very rare and highly valuable piece of property. She is marked among the highest in her Southgate class of girls—Surrogates. She has mastered 2 of the 3 Augury powers, thus making her one of the highest desired Surrogates among the Royalty. She is about to be owned, forced to carry a baby that is not her own. She is about to have her life sold and destroyed...

Violet is sold for a very high price to the Duchess Of The Lake, one of the four founding houses of The Jewel. The Duchess is cunning, vengeful, and as cutthroat as they come. And she has been waiting for Violet for a very, very long time, nineteen years to be exact. She has plans to move up the Royal latter and become someone she was suppose to be before it was taken from her. The Duchess wants revenge, and has a thirst for blood. She's prepared to use any means necessary to get what she wants. And Violet just so happens to be her stepping stone to get there.

Violet is brought to a world unlike anything she's ever experienced. At first, she is swayed and awed by the beauty and extravagance the Duchess bestows to her. But then Violet starts to unravel some of the Duchess plots and schemes, and finds that she is the key to conquering them. Violet begins to second guess everything she's once thought, and starts to plot ways to become free from the Duchess. And she finds that there is someone that is very eager to aid her in her mission...

Then Violet meets the Duchess niece's companion, Ash, and immediately, sparks fly between them. It's practically, "Love at first sight" and Violet starts to feel things she's never felt. Things she's never been "allowed" to feel. Feeling that could get both her and Ash in a load of trouble if their caught.

With Surrogates being murdered by the competition, and her own reservations about bearing the Duchess child, her mixed feelings about Ash, and her overwhelming desire to be free. Violet is more then determined to take a stand. But just when she thinks she has it all figured out, her world comes shattering down, and Violet has just ran out of time to pick up the pieces...

I thought THE JEWEL was a pretty good, if not a great book. But the romance was the one and only issue I had in the whole book. It was definitely not the strong suit in this novel. I think if Ash and Violet's feeling and romance were fleshed out a bit, and maybe if Ash was introduced earlier into the story, and their feeling progressed over time, and not rushed in the last quarter or so of the book. Then I think it would of made the story a lot more enjoyable, and more realistic. But with the plot as awesome as it was, I was easily able to put the romance on the back burner and focus on the actual plot.

Overall, THE JEWEL was a great start to a highly intense series, that I will definitely be continuing. When it ended, I thought my world shattered with it!! Amy Ewing sure knows how to end a story to make her readers come back for more!! Epic ending, with secrets revealed, worlds shattered, and fist flying! I can't wait to get my hands on book 2 and she where Ewing takes us next. And I'm dying to see the second books cover, because I LOVED THE JEWEL'S cover!! It's one of my favorite covers of the year!!! Bring it Ewing, I'm ready for book 2!!

NOTE: I received a physical ARC from Harper Teen for reviewing purposes! All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way!

The novel not meant to fill the void left open until May (when Kiera's Heir comes out) but meant to make another void beside it, empty until the next in the Lone City series arrives on my doorstep.

Don't let the theme of surrogacy scare you off! It is a mildly uncomfortably topic, but that is what adds to the suffering that Violet has to undergo as she is stripped of her name, her independence, and even her voice. But, as she finds love in an equally oppressed Ash, and has the chance to break free of the chains that keep her on a leash (LITERALLY) to the Duchess of the House of the Lake her ability to overcome both skyrockets and plummets on the last page, leaving readers breathless for more.

I read an advanced readers edition of this book, and its fantastic! The world Amy Ewing creates is vivid, unique and impossible to forget. I'm not a frequent reader of YA books, but this one had me dying for the next installment as soon as I finished. If this is Ms. Ewing's first book, I can't wait to see what she has in store next.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

The Jewel by Amy Ewing
Book One of The Lone City series
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Rating: 2 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.

Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.

What I Liked:

Wheee, not a fan of this book. Like, at all. Okay there were some positive aspects to this book. But I honestly don't see the appeal. The subject matter is pretty original, but I didn't like it at all. I'm talking about the surrogacy thing. Anyway. Let me get there.

Violet is one of two hundred girls that gets culled out of the rest of the teenage girls to be Auctioned to royalty women who need surrogates to bear them children. Royalty are sterilized upon marriage, and anyway, they are the best and brightest 200 girls to have their kids. #200 is the most talented in the Auguries (think, superpower abilities). Violet is #197. The Duchess of the Lake buys her, for quite a pretty penny. The Duchess is determined for Violet to have her a daughter, who will eventually marry the newborn son of the Electress (wife of the Exetor, who I guess is like the King). The Duchess will kill other royalty's surrogates so the surrogates can't have children to marry the Exetor heir. But who says Violet wants any part of this?

I struggled with this one, in terms of content and story, but after about 50% of the book, I was slightly interested... I at least wanted to see how things ended. In general though, this book could not hold my interest. I was kind of hoping that there would be some serious deaths or something, ANYTHING to make this one remotely interesting, but eh. See the next section for more specifics.

I will say that the subject matter is pretty original, ish. It's a fantasy world, where there is a poor class, working class, middle class, and royalty. THAT'S not original, but the surrogates thing is, I suppose. I was intrigued at first, even though I was a little bored, but then I was disappointed and uninterested. More below!

What I Did Not Like:

Let me start with the general feel of this book - I was so bored. I got about thirty pages in and wanted to fall asleep. Not even joking. Then I tried to keep reading, got about a hundred pages in, and still couldn't get into the story. I'm not sure if I ever was truly interested in this one - maybe when Violet started seeing the doctor, or getting the idea of escape. I don't know. But I was never truly interested or invested in the story.

I don't like Violet. I don't like how she thinks, how she reacts to things (or doesn't), how she doesn't think things through. She also has zero concept of self-preservation - I would honestly rather DIE than give up my body like that. Is that so inconceivable? I would never give up my womb unwillingly, for anyone. Before the doctor's visits, I would have tried to escape many times. Violet did nothing.

And how perfect was it for Lucien, the guy who did her outfit and makeup and whatnot before the Auction, to be in service of another royal member, and sees Violet pretty often? How convenient that he wants to help her, to break her out? How convenient that he just happens to be an inventor of things, that she can trust him completely, that he doesn't have nefarious, twisted plans? Sure, sure, totally makes sense...

Ash is the love interest in this book - should I say the PRIMARY love interest? I can see a love triangle, or maybe even pyramid, coming from this series. I mentioned Ash, Lucien, oh, don't forget the Duchess's nineteen-year-old failure of a son, Garnet. There is something up with him. You'll see what I mean (if you for some reason decide to read this book). He's hiding something, obviously.

Anyway. Ash. Can you say TOO PERFECT?! Meaning, he knows just the right things to say, he can't stop thinking about her, he's a walking cliche... I don't like him. He's very one-dimensional, I didn't connect with him, and I don't see the appeal. I don't know who he is, what he's like, and I don't care. I just don't care about him.

The romance is INSTA-LOVE, at its finest. Maybe that's what the author is going for? I don't know. But it was rushed and blurred, like infatuation. But Violet is convinced that she loves him, and he her. I can understand that Violet believes she loves him (she's a virgin, kept away from boys, not allowed to date, etc.). But him? No, I don't believe that he sees her and it's all over and he loves her like that so quickly. That's so fake. The romance is so fake and insta-love-y and disgusting, honestly. How quickly do they decide to have sex? Despite the obvious danger and insane situation? You can't just have sex, when you're a surrogate?!

I didn't find the story all that interesting. I HATE the idea behind this book. The surrogacy thing? I get it, it's the author's world, her world-building, whatever. But I HATE it. Writing a world in which every single girl is forced to get tested for Augury abilities (it's magic, basically) and whatnot, so her womb can be auctioned to the highest bidder? The girl is knocked out and the doctor artificial inseminates the egg or sperm or whatever (they never actually say if it's a fertilized egg, or the Duchess's husband's sperm, or what)? Disgusting. Horrible. I. DON'T. WANT. TO. READ. ABOUT. THAT. EVER. If that's your idea of a pleasure read, good for you. I think it's disgusting and demeaning and demoralizing and messed up (would have used harsher language here). Not about that life.

Yeah, I wasn't a fan of this one, in general. It wasn't just one thing that I didn't like. This book was a full package of not-so-great. If you like The Selection series, you might enjoy this series though! *barfs*

Would I Recommend It:

No. Not at all. You'll be bored to tears, or rage like a bear, or really want some cinnamon sticky buns. I'm curious about the next book, because of the brutal cliffhanger in this book, but I don't think I could put myself through that. We'll see. But basically, I don't recommend this book. If you were on the fence, get on the hell-no side of the fence and keep going with your life.

Rating:

1.5 stars -> rounded up to 2 stars. There is an infinitesimal chance that I might read the second book... it has to drop out of the sky and into my lap for me to read it. If you know what I mean.

I read the jewel two weeks ago and spent time thinking about it. I think this book it worth reading but it has problems that I wish were fixed. I wrote a blog on the book and here is a link to my full review: http://katylee92.blog.com/2015/08/10/the-jewel-review/

The Jewel reminded me of The Selection but took place in a reality that draws you in. Really helps you picture the drastic difference in lifestyles between classes. Predictable but a fun read. I'm excited to see what's coming next!

This is such a great book! It is a like The Selection a little, but the Hunger Games as well. It is a battle against being able to choose what we want and who we are. It is so good! I cannot wait for the next book!

A young girl from the poorest area of her dystopian society is taken from her family to be a surrogate. She is selected with other girls who have been genetically tested and who have special powers.
This is an emotionally charged story. These young girls are treated like chattel, good for one purpose. And they have no choice.

Well written, good story, although as in most stories of this kind the young protagonist seems to be self sacrificing to a fault.
Fortunately the next one in the series is out soon, although I will once again wait to get the digital download from the library.

I did not expect to like this book at all since it sounded like million other YA novels I have read before. Like a mishmash of the Hunger Games with the Selection and The Red Queen. The idea of poor people getting pregnant for Royals sounded bizarre to me. However, it was actually a very good book. I enjoyed it and going to jump right into the sequel The White Rose.

Violet is chosen to be a surrogate for the Royals in the Jewel. The Auction where the Royals can buy her to carry their child is coming soon and it means she is never going to see her family again. Because as soon as she gets to the Jewel, she becomes a number, a surrogate, a property of her master and nothing more. She cannot speak to anyone, or have any opinions or emotions; she can only carry a royal child.

Due to her extraordinary talents and magic abilities, one of the richest and powerful houses in the Lone City buys her. The Duchess of the Lake House has ambitious plans to have a daughter, who would marry the son of the Electress and become the next ruler. Nevertheless, in order to accomplish this goal, the Duchess must compete with other royals, and have her daughter to be born perfect. That is the reason she was waiting for someone as exceptional as Violet.

Violet tries to accept her destiny, although every single part of her soul fights with the cruelty of this course. She almost lost all hope to have her normal life back, until she meets Ash, a royal companion, someone exactly like her, a prisoner in that sparkly-fancy world. They found refuge in each other and gained a small spark of hope back. Their happiness could not last long, as they have no right for anything other than to serve the Royals.

As I said before, I really enjoyed this novel. It got me by surprise to be hooked to this book so much. The plot was unexpected and I got sympathizing to Violet and Ash so much! I liked the connection they had. Two lonely souls, who cannot be themselves and forgot how is to feel loved and respected. The short brief moments they had together were the only moments when they could be regular young people again. Their relationship was so sweet; it really made me too emotional at some points.

The only thing that bothered me in this novel though, were the names… I know it sounds weird but YA it is those kinds of books when an author can really go wild and come up with amazing names. But, to call a city “The City” and the farm “The Farm” and the house by the lake “The House of the Lake”?… It ruined the impression of the book a little bit for me; I was constantly rolling my eyes.

Now, the question is where am I going to fit two books of this series in my already huge TBR list?

First of all, I'm a sucker of dystopian. All the YA blogs and agents say dystopian is dead, over represented and on its way out. I guess they forgot to ask the readers. That's like saying romance or science fiction is out. So, in the interest of keeping dystopian alive I decided to read The Jewel. So glad I picked it.

Part fantasy, part dystopian, The Jewel revolves around a girl from the lower class society of the Marsh. For an unknown reason (there are a lot of unknown reasons in this book) some of the girls born in the Marsh have the psychic abilities called Augury powers. The abilities not only allow the girls to act as incubators to carry the upper class babies of the women of the Jewel, but also to affect the children they are carrying by giving them beauty, intelligence, ambition etc. The more a girl has mastered the Augury powers, the more she can affect the baby she carries. Again, another unknown—the rich woman of the Jewel can no longer carry their own children. The babies either die or are born deformed.

Violet has mastered two of the Augury powers to such a degree that she is sold at auction for an outrageous price to a scheming and manipulative woman. The rest of the story is about Violet’s fight to retain her dignity and throw off the oppressive control of her mistress, the Duchess of the Lake.

The Duchess is a gem of a villain. She is very well written with a lovely amount of depth. The first time she meets Violet face to face, she gives her resounding slap before she even speaks to her, saying, "Try to remember how that feels because I don't want to have to do it again." Wow, that got my attention. The Duchess both alternately caters and abuses Violet. She's the kind of protagonist you love to hate. But every now and then she becomes unexpectedly soft and sentimental--giving the reader a peak into the difficult life she has had to endure despite her wealth. "I have loved more and deeper than you can ever imagine" she tells Violet during a soul bearing moment.

Violet is a protagonist I didn’t mind reading about. She’s strong and caring, sometimes fighting, other times giving in because she can no longer fight. Eventually she falls for a boy who is the Companion (another weird thing that never really is explained) to the Duchess’ niece. It’s kind of insta-love, but who are we kidding, isn’t most teen love, insta-love? Look at Romeo and Juliet. No critic ever complained about that. Of course their relationship is forbidden and eventually they must pay for stepping over the line.

Overall the book was fairly well paced. The beginning felt a little slow to me, but by the middle, things really started to roll. The world building was nicely done. I’m not sure if this is really dystopian or fantasy because Violet’s world seems like a world that is not our own. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to give this book a four or a five, but then I remembered the ending. It was totally unexpected and really blind-sided me—like Sixth Sense blind-sided. And that’s saying a lot. The ending is a cliff hanger, but the twist ending made that okay. So the twist alone makes it worthy of a five.

The Jewel had all the makings of a great dystopian novel. It takes place on an island city on the brink of disaster. The upper class royalty rule absolutely; they completely subjugate the lower classes and essentially enslave the gifted daughters of the lowest class to be surrogates because royalty can’t breed. The premise sounds intriguing, but other than the initial shock and horror at the debasement of the surrogate girls, the execution is a tad bit lackluster.

The circular division of the city, with the royalty inhabiting the inner circle, the Jewel, and the poorest fringes of society occupying the outer circle, the Marsh, and the varying degrees of wealth and poverty in between, was a bit reminiscent of The Hunger Games, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Having never read The Selection or The Handmaid’s Tale, which the blurb on the back of the book mentions, I had no real basis of comparison, but I still remained relatively unimpressed.

Violet, the heroine, remains completely passive throughout almost the entire novel. She supposedly experiences growth; the author told me she did, but I’m not sure I saw it. Her one truly more than passive act takes place entirely too late to save the novel. It could possibly save the series but not this novel. If there was a story arc, I missed that too. Violet is dolled up and sold at auction as a surrogate. Violet continues to be dolled up and dressed up to attend, in silence, one event after another. I like reading about beautiful dresses and jewelry as much as the next girl, but I’d like a little more substance.

The romantic lead isn’t introduced until halfway through the novel, and for me, the romance felt a little flat and just there, sort of like Violet is just there occupying space. I still found myself mildly interested throughout the novel, and I didn’t completely dislike it. Unfortunately, the most interesting things in the novel happen literally pages before the end, and instead of being left with any type of resolution, the reader is left with one huge cliffhanger.

The Jewel
By
Amy Ewing

What this book is all about...

Violet is a surrogate in this weird dystopian land. She and the other surrogates also have these weird mystical magical powers. When Violet is purchased by the Dutchess...the Dutchess has a diabolical plan to have Violet grow the baby in three months. Everyone seems to think that when the surrogates are bought and impregnated and deliver their babies...they are sterilized and go off to live in a happy ever after place...this is so not the case...the surrogates rarely survive childbirth.
However...in spite of all the danger that escape involves...Violet plans to do just that...with the help of Lucien and Ash.

Why this was an incredibly frustrating book to read...

In spite of how interesting this book was...although it did remind me of other YA books...this book ended abruptly. I felt as though I was in the middle of the book when it ended. I just don't really like when a book ends like this. It's not an acceptable teaser for me.

Why you might want to read this book...

It was fast paced with an interesting storyline and a captivating heroine...again another Katnisslike character. But the ending will make you mad and leave you frustrated. So...it's a read at your own risk reccomendation from me!

I really wanted to love this book, it was just so hard to love it. It was weird, and some of the story didn't make sense to me. And just when I thought I was getting back into the story, something unrealistic (not in the story before) would happen. I almost put it down a few times, but decided to finish it out (I hate to stop books). I haven't decided yet if I will pick up the next book that comes out...if I do, it's just because I like to finish the stories. Some people, as I have seen in the reviews, really like it..it just wasn't for me.

THE PLOT...

"The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude."
I personally loved this book. It takes place in this alternate almost future like earth. Violet started as a almost normal girl but with extraordinary gifts like hers, how can the jewel ignore her. This book tells of Violets heart wrenching journey through the jewel. I personally finish this book in one sitting and have already read it again. I recommend this book for young adult and teen readers.