Today, I’m reviewing both THE JEWEL and THE WHITE ROSE from the LONE CITY series by Amy Ewing. I had an eARC of THE WHITE ROSE but not a copy of THE JEWEL so I borrowed it from the library so I could marathon read the first two books in this trilogy. I’m definitely anticipating THE BLACK KEY that’s releasing this fall, so let’s get started!
The Jewel by Amy Ewing
Series: The Lone City #1
Publication: September 2nd 2014 by HarperTeen
THE JEWEL is a dystopian/romance book, reminiscent of books like WITHER and THE SELECTION. I hadn’t been super anticipating this book but the synopsis looked interesting and I ended up really enjoying this book! The dystopian world in this novel is really intriguing but also quite disturbing. Violet was an occasionally frustrating character but it was understandable by the way that she had been treated throughout her whole life. The magical aspects in this novel was also super intriguing, but I would have wanted more information as to how these powers are developed. The romance had tinges of an instalove, but it’s totally forgivable, I think, considering the situation both characters (Ash and Violet) are in. Overall, this book was morally intriguing and had my attention for the course of the entire plot.
Do I recommend? Yes! This book was really fast paced and interesting from start to finish, so I read this really quickly.
The White Rose by Amy Ewing
Series: The Lone City #1
Publication: October 6th 2015 by HarperTeen
THE WHITE ROSE, sequel to THE JEWEL, falls to the second book slump. The novel starts off immediately at the end of the first book, which was filled with action-packed scenes. Unfortunately, the action did not last throughout this novel. The plot was basically a super long game of cat-and-mouse and introduced the long-hidden rebellion brewing beneath the city of The Jewel, which was intriguing but didn’t hold my attention as much as I would have hoped. Overall, still a solid sequel, but not as good as the first book.
Do I recommend? Yes. This book fills in the gaps of the first book and sets up the stage for the last book in this trilogy.
Have you read this series yet? Are you anticipating the release of THE BLACK KEY? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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I somehow got ahold of The Jewel as a publisher’s copy but never was that interested in it, but you made it sound so good! Since the 3rd is coming out this fall, it might be time to read it since I won’t have to wait long for the conclusion.
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That’s a good idea! I had the second book as an ARC so I decided that it was time to read it. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
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The second book slump is sad to see happen to a series. Maybe that’s why people are considering duologies more these days? The covers definitely remind me of The Selection for sure so I’d be interested to see how The Jewel is different. Thanks for the reviews!
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That’s really true. I agree; it really does look like THE SELECTION covers. This series is definitely a lot more in depth in terms of politics and is darker than THE SELECTION, I think.
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I loved the first book but didn’t like the second one.. Too bad cause I really expected better.
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That’s sorta like my situation! I definitely thought the second one lacked the intrigue that the first book had.
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I haven’t heard of this series before but with the liking to The Selection, hearing there’s insta-love, sequel fails to deliver etc. well it just doesn’t seem like the book/series for me unfortunately! Great review though!!
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That’s too bad! Thank you anyway! 🙂
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I have seen this series around, but it hasn’t been as talked about as a lot of other YA series. It sounds good, but I just don’t know if it is a book for me. The covers, though? Yeah, they are for me!
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I agree! It’s definitely not a series for everyone, but if you decide to read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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[…] The Jewel & The White Rose by Amy Ewing […]
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Okay, this sounds super goddamn exciting to read!
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It totally was! Hope you love it if you decide to read it!
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