The Jewel by Amy Ewing

I am such a slacker. I haven't posted in almost 4 months or longer but I am trying to redeem myself! I can do this!!! :lightly pats self on the back and chants encouraging words a s typing: But as promised (even if 4 months ago) is my "Jewel" review.
Title: The Jewel
Author: Amy Ewing 
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: YA Romance
Summary: The Selection meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this darkly riveting debut filled with twists and turns, where all that glitters may not be gold.

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


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

My opinion? Well, let me just say that this book is a "Jewel"! If you have read any of my blog posts before, you know that I love "The Selection" by Kiera Cass with a passion. (You can check out my review on that series here! I haven'r read "The Handmaiden" so let me know what its like in the comments below!) Like the the summary states, I definitely got a Selectioner feel throughout this entire book. There is also a great supernatural element in this series which I really love! I guess that sort of reminds me a bit of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I also love that series and what I love about this book, and really any new YA books is that they feature a strong female lead. In this book, Violet is oppressed and :SPOILER ALERT: forced to carry the child of the royalty! Literally forced. Yet she still rebels and, though this may be becoming the cliche thing in YA, I sort of still love it because it make the feminist in me happy! 

Since it took me so long to actually write this review, I have had the opportunity to read the sequel called "The White Rose." I think I like that one more than "The Jewel" simply because Violet really develops as more of a dynamic character rather than just some some girl trying to escape death. The third installment, "The Black Key," is coming out on October 4th, 2016! I find this entire series to be paced pretty well even if I think some of the events are a bit... off. Don't worry, I still love the books and Amy Ewing. I can not wait until October!