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ashleighmacro's review against another edition
4.0
A brilliant end to an addictive dystopian trilogy perfect for fans of The Selection.
Originally posted on my blog Ashleigh Online
I reviewed The Jewel, which is the first novel in The Lone City trilogy, back in November of 2014, and I gave it five stars.
Then in February of 2016, I reviewed its sequel, The White Rose, which while not quite as captivating as The Jewel but didn’t suffer from middle-book syndrome that I’ve almost come to expect with trilogies, so I gave it four stars.
Now, we’ve reached the end of Violet’s story in The Black Key, which was certainly an action-packed way to finish the series. It is really difficult to review The Black Key without giving away spoilers for books one and two, so I’m going to keep it vague.
I raced through The Black Key, and for the most part I loved it. I found myself completely comfortable with the fantasy element of the Auguries, which I had struggled with in The White Rose. I really enjoyed seeing more of the Auguries and how they work. Turns out they’re pretty awesome.
It’s quite a dark series, and there are some really uncomfortable moments throughout, but I like that Amy Ewing dared to go there and that nothing was airbrushed or sugar-coated.
Violet’s development as a character in this series is a joy to read, and unlike some other trilogies I’ve read and for the most part enjoyed, this one has a really satisfying ending that won’t leave you disappointed. I was on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat the whole time.
There were some moments that left me struggling to connect with the characters, and it’s still not quite as great as book number one was, but that’s true for most trilogies and it doesn’t put me off recommending this one. It’s for fans of The Selection, Delirium, Divergent and The Hunger Games. Be prepared for some late nights when you can’t put it down.
Originally posted on my blog Ashleigh Online
I reviewed The Jewel, which is the first novel in The Lone City trilogy, back in November of 2014, and I gave it five stars.
Then in February of 2016, I reviewed its sequel, The White Rose, which while not quite as captivating as The Jewel but didn’t suffer from middle-book syndrome that I’ve almost come to expect with trilogies, so I gave it four stars.
Now, we’ve reached the end of Violet’s story in The Black Key, which was certainly an action-packed way to finish the series. It is really difficult to review The Black Key without giving away spoilers for books one and two, so I’m going to keep it vague.
I raced through The Black Key, and for the most part I loved it. I found myself completely comfortable with the fantasy element of the Auguries, which I had struggled with in The White Rose. I really enjoyed seeing more of the Auguries and how they work. Turns out they’re pretty awesome.
It’s quite a dark series, and there are some really uncomfortable moments throughout, but I like that Amy Ewing dared to go there and that nothing was airbrushed or sugar-coated.
Violet’s development as a character in this series is a joy to read, and unlike some other trilogies I’ve read and for the most part enjoyed, this one has a really satisfying ending that won’t leave you disappointed. I was on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat the whole time.
There were some moments that left me struggling to connect with the characters, and it’s still not quite as great as book number one was, but that’s true for most trilogies and it doesn’t put me off recommending this one. It’s for fans of The Selection, Delirium, Divergent and The Hunger Games. Be prepared for some late nights when you can’t put it down.
abbie_67's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
leothil's review against another edition
3.0
Probably the best one in the series, even if I missed some deeper explanations of story points and character development.
nerdylibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Round up to 3.5. This was your typical dystopian series, one class is in power and oppressing the rest of the people and the oppressed people decide to revolt. It was an entertaining and fast read. The characters were likeable, if frustrating at times. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, they need better covers tho.
readwithsuzie's review against another edition
5.0
Great ending to the series! I hope more people discover these books.
amethyst15's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Blood, Gore, Grief, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide, Confinement, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Gun violence, Infertility, Murder, Torture, Addiction, Child death, Drug use, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Slavery
_angelique_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kingjk2002's review against another edition
4.0
***SPOILER****
LUCIAN MY BROTHER MY RIGHT HAND MAN MY BEST FRIEND. STUPID VIOLET AND HER ALWAYS THINKING NOT ABOUT THE LONG RUN BUT THE MOMENT AND I FELT IT COMING AS SOON AS IT HAPPENED I WAS LIKE HOW WILL SHE GET AWAY WITH THIS. *she can't *
LUCIAN MY BROTHER MY RIGHT HAND MAN MY BEST FRIEND. STUPID VIOLET AND HER ALWAYS THINKING NOT ABOUT THE LONG RUN BUT THE MOMENT AND I FELT IT COMING AS SOON AS IT HAPPENED I WAS LIKE HOW WILL SHE GET AWAY WITH THIS. *she can't *