I recently read the first book in The Lone City Series called The Jewel by Amy Ewing.  Violet Lasting, now known as lot #197, was raised in the Marsh and has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty.  She is purchased at the surrogate auction by the Duchess of the Lake.  The Duchess has waited years for the perfect surrogate to carry out her plans to ascend her family to the throne.

Once Violet begins living in the Jewel, the circle of royalty, she learns of the bitter, cruel, violent, and backstabbing way of life that the royalty lead.  She knows that she must accept it and do whatever it takes to survive.  But then she meets Ash, the handsome companion that the Duchess has hired for her niece.  Violet has never met anyone who sees her for who she truly is and not just a surrogate who will continue the royal bloodline.  A forbidden romance begins between Violet and Ash.  She knows that the consequences could mean execution, but Ash is well worth the risk.

Being the first book in the series, it ends leaving you with many questions about Violet’s life to come.  This book is described as The Selection meets The Handmaid’s Tale.  It is a darkly riveting page turner and it will leave you wanting more.  The second book, The White Rose is set to debut October 6th 2015.  Not too long of a wait!

This is a MUST read.  It has quickly become one of my new favorite books and I have been telling everyone about it! Red Queen is about a girl named Mare Barrow.  In her world, you are divided into to classes; you are either “silver blooded” or “red blooded”.  Silvers are born with powers and abilities; they lead lives of luxury.  Reds are much like slaves or the workmen of the country.  They are typically very poor and, unless they have a trade skill to work somewhere to provide for the needs of the silvers, they are sent to the front lines to fight in the war.

Mare does not have a trade skill and is destined to be sent to the front lines very soon.  She spends her time picking pockets in town in an effort to provide for her family.  One night, she picks the wrong pocket and gets caught by who she later learns is the prince and future heir to the throne.  Instead of having her punished, Cal finds a way to help Mare and gets her a job at the palace.  On her first day working at the palace, Mare nearly falls to her death but is saved by her unknown power to create lightning; something that reds are not supposed to have.  The royal family quickly covers up Mare’s rare ability by claiming that she was in fact a silver born to a prominent war hero, but was raised as a red.  To keep a close eye on Mare, she is betrothed to prince Maven, Cal’s younger brother.

Mare’s new life quickly becomes filled with conspiracy, rebellion, and forbidden romance.  This book is a must read for any fan of Divergent, A Game of Thrones, The Selection, or really any dystopian novel.  It will keep you guessing and leave you on the edge of your seat!