A review by raissasreads
The White Rose by Amy Ewing

4.0

I sped through this book on audiobook while multitasking (studying for finals) and that may possibly be the reason that I didn't enjoy it as much as the first, but it was by no means a disappointing sequel.

Violet discovers much more about herself outside the walls of the Jewel and we are set up with all the knowledge needed for the final revolution. We are firmly against the royalty at this point, and rooting for Violet as she takes a stand, beginning to gather the other girls that have been taken as surrogates for the revolt.

Romance was a big part of the first book, but it takes a backseat in this novel, with Ash being a steady character that seems to complain more than do much good at this point. His angst was more attractive in the first book, but we can see more of his story in The White Rose, so we at least understand him better. Love still has a lot to do with this story, in particular with an important scene where Violet discovers herself and it was much more heartwarming to see the love she feels for her friends and family than the love between her and Ash.

So though this book has some more flaws than the first, it is set up wonderfully for an epic finale in The Black Key that I can't wait to read!