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carrymey's review
2.0
218 of 320 pages and DNF. I decided I had enough other books to read to waste my time finishing what I don't enjoy.
It was just too boring. Too similar to other dystopia books and with no interesting characters and an unbelievable insta love.
It was just too boring. Too similar to other dystopia books and with no interesting characters and an unbelievable insta love.
mmarquis1158's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I really wanted to like it but I almost didn’t finish. I enjoyed the first book for The Selection vibes but this one had a completely different feel. The characters were flat and childish. There also wasn’t much of a plot other than the fact that they’re on the run. Also, the twist at the end was soooo predictable to me. I doubt I’ll read the next book. My TBR list is too long to read the last book since I’ve lost interest in the series by now.
lizbiz2513's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
myrmaidx's review
4.0
Such an addicting read I feel like i’ve skimmed through half of the pages.
This book suffers a bit from the phenomenon “things are happening and the main character reacts.” Its not necessarily as if she’s passive - the rebellion is growing and working but everything is motivated by the jewel’s actions and not Violet’s. And when Violet makes a decision it’s quickly uprooted by other characters we don’t even see. It’s meant to make the stakes higher obviously and though it works a bit, it makes the story quite passive.
This book suffers a bit from the phenomenon “things are happening and the main character reacts.” Its not necessarily as if she’s passive - the rebellion is growing and working but everything is motivated by the jewel’s actions and not Violet’s. And when Violet makes a decision it’s quickly uprooted by other characters we don’t even see. It’s meant to make the stakes higher obviously and though it works a bit, it makes the story quite passive.
gabbys_library's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
lisa_sutto's review
1.0
DNF. I just couldn’t do it. The story is easy enough to pick back up, I just didn’t care about there characters or where it was going.
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The White Rose was the second book in The Lone City series, and it sets Violet on a path toward revolution. It picks up right where the last book left off – Violet and Ash have just been caught together and Ash has been hauled off to await his execution while Violet has to deal with the Duchess (since she didn’t follow through with Lucien’s plan to fake her death). Well, of course, Lucien does his magic and gets Violet away (with Garnet’s help), but the danger doesn’t end there. Ash is now a wanted fugitive, and Violet begins to learn the mysteries of the Auguries and believe that she really can help bring down the Jewel. The question is can they do it all in time to save the people they love?
What fed my addiction:
Gender bending.
I loved the role reversal in this book. Normally, you see stories where there’s a damsel in distress who is just seen as a pretty face and can’t do much to help herself. In this book, that was Ash (well, besides the damsel part). Ash has to live with the stigma of being a companion. Many of the characters in the book don’t see him as anything else for a long time – they don’t see him having any valuable skills beyond his skills in the bedroom and his attractive physique. Add to that the fact that Ash has no Auguries, and Ash has quite a complex – he feels inadequate, useless. I loved seeing Ash gain his strength and sense of worth as the book went on.
Raven.
It turns out that Raven has some pretty interesting (and useful) side-effects from her horrible time in the Jewel. I actually thought that Raven’s powers held a lot more depth and interest than Violet’s did and I’m interested to see what happens with her in future books! (Is that a romance with Garnet I smell brewing?)
Revelations.
There are plenty of twists and turns and new revelations in book two to propel us to the next book (the final book, I assume?). And, of course, the book ends with a major revelation – I did see it coming to some extent, but it was still an exciting way to end the book!
What left me wanting more:
Slightly slow in some places.
There were times that the pacing of this book felt just a little bit slow. Perhaps a slight case of middle book syndrome, but nothing major.
This was a very solid second installment in the series, and I’m looking forward to the next book. I think that Ewing has set us up for a wild ride! I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
The White Rose was the second book in The Lone City series, and it sets Violet on a path toward revolution. It picks up right where the last book left off – Violet and Ash have just been caught together and Ash has been hauled off to await his execution while Violet has to deal with the Duchess (since she didn’t follow through with Lucien’s plan to fake her death). Well, of course, Lucien does his magic and gets Violet away (with Garnet’s help), but the danger doesn’t end there. Ash is now a wanted fugitive, and Violet begins to learn the mysteries of the Auguries and believe that she really can help bring down the Jewel. The question is can they do it all in time to save the people they love?
What fed my addiction:
Gender bending.
I loved the role reversal in this book. Normally, you see stories where there’s a damsel in distress who is just seen as a pretty face and can’t do much to help herself. In this book, that was Ash (well, besides the damsel part). Ash has to live with the stigma of being a companion. Many of the characters in the book don’t see him as anything else for a long time – they don’t see him having any valuable skills beyond his skills in the bedroom and his attractive physique. Add to that the fact that Ash has no Auguries, and Ash has quite a complex – he feels inadequate, useless. I loved seeing Ash gain his strength and sense of worth as the book went on.
Raven.
It turns out that Raven has some pretty interesting (and useful) side-effects from her horrible time in the Jewel. I actually thought that Raven’s powers held a lot more depth and interest than Violet’s did and I’m interested to see what happens with her in future books! (Is that a romance with Garnet I smell brewing?)
Revelations.
There are plenty of twists and turns and new revelations in book two to propel us to the next book (the final book, I assume?). And, of course, the book ends with a major revelation – I did see it coming to some extent, but it was still an exciting way to end the book!
What left me wanting more:
Slightly slow in some places.
There were times that the pacing of this book felt just a little bit slow. Perhaps a slight case of middle book syndrome, but nothing major.
This was a very solid second installment in the series, and I’m looking forward to the next book. I think that Ewing has set us up for a wild ride! I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
michalice's review against another edition
3.0
The White Rose is the second book in The Lone City series. When I initially read The Jewel I did have very mixed feelings about it, and the only thing that had me wanting more was the ending. It left me needing to know what was going to happen next, for Violet, Ash, and everyone involved.
The White Rose picks up after the events of The Jewel, so we are quickly shown the consequences of Violet and Ash's actions. The beginning of The White Rose is fast paced, and leaves you unsure over what is going to happen next. It keeps you guessing, but also wanting more, to dig deeper into all of the secrets and find out the truth behind it all.
On this perilous journey, this unexpected company find themselves aided by the mysterious members of the Black Key, and avoid capture by the skin of their teeth. I really liked how the most unexpected people helped Violet, Ash, and Raven escape. The title of this book is aptly named too. When I began reading I didn't really see how the title connected with the story, but when the White Rose is revealed, along with its surprises, I was both excited and wary.
Sil is a fellow surrogate, who helps Violet learn how to use the Augeries as they were meant to be used, and I did initially dislike her for the things she says and for what she does to Violet, but as her story progressed I did slowly learn to like her. While I don't like her methods, they really do get the job done on more than one occasion.
The ending of The White Rose leaves us on another cliffhanger, and it was one I didn't expect but one I also want to be stopped. I have really enjoyed seeing the characters develop as an individual, but also in their own abilities and confidence in themselves. I loved how it was fast paced, full of risk and action, but also explained a lot of the history behind The Jewel and the Augeries. I am really looking forward to seeing how this is expanded on in the next instalment.
Final Verdict
Although The White Rose didn't blow me away, I found myself really getting into the story and enjoying this one a lot more than it's predecessor. I can't wait to see what happens next for certain characters, and I really want the plan to come into action sooner than expected to stop what is going to happen.
The White Rose picks up after the events of The Jewel, so we are quickly shown the consequences of Violet and Ash's actions. The beginning of The White Rose is fast paced, and leaves you unsure over what is going to happen next. It keeps you guessing, but also wanting more, to dig deeper into all of the secrets and find out the truth behind it all.
On this perilous journey, this unexpected company find themselves aided by the mysterious members of the Black Key, and avoid capture by the skin of their teeth. I really liked how the most unexpected people helped Violet, Ash, and Raven escape. The title of this book is aptly named too. When I began reading I didn't really see how the title connected with the story, but when the White Rose is revealed, along with its surprises, I was both excited and wary.
Sil is a fellow surrogate, who helps Violet learn how to use the Augeries as they were meant to be used, and I did initially dislike her for the things she says and for what she does to Violet, but as her story progressed I did slowly learn to like her. While I don't like her methods, they really do get the job done on more than one occasion.
The ending of The White Rose leaves us on another cliffhanger, and it was one I didn't expect but one I also want to be stopped. I have really enjoyed seeing the characters develop as an individual, but also in their own abilities and confidence in themselves. I loved how it was fast paced, full of risk and action, but also explained a lot of the history behind The Jewel and the Augeries. I am really looking forward to seeing how this is expanded on in the next instalment.
Final Verdict
Although The White Rose didn't blow me away, I found myself really getting into the story and enjoying this one a lot more than it's predecessor. I can't wait to see what happens next for certain characters, and I really want the plan to come into action sooner than expected to stop what is going to happen.