Flurry

Estates of the Realm #1

by J.G. Hewitt

Laurel Fairchild is high born. She is a gifted student and athlete. Parker is an acrobat in a travelling circus. He is street-smart and charming. They were never supposed to meet but fate intervened. Laurel knows the circus boy and his secrets will be her unraveling and lead to her execution but like a moth to a flame, she cannot resist him.

The Crystal Treaty requires Laurel to compete in the Stadia Games at seventeen to be ranked for her Senior year when she will be forcibly married in a mass wedding to a husband that she neither knows nor wants or face death by stoning.

In a post-apocalyptic world, the Earth's surface has been drained of water and civilization destroyed. There are no clouds, no trees, no rain. There is no freedom. There is only the Realm, which is ruled by a Guild of power-hungry Barons who command the Division, a brutal army that maintains social order through violence among the working class serving the Realm’s elite for a meager daily water ration. It has been this way since time immemorial but the catastrophic events at this year’s Games are going to change everything, not the least of which for Laurel and Parker.

176 pages, ebook

First published August 9, 2012

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start this review with an apology(go to the next paragraph if you just want review). In November the author asked if I would be willing to read the book if the sent me an e-copy of it. And I said I would be happy to and I would try to read and review it that thanksgiving weekend while I had some time off from school. Well that didn't happen and I end up finishing it in December and haven't gotten around to reviewing till now. So I want to thank the author for giving me a chance to read it and apologize for the reviewing taking so long.


This was a cute book, it wasn't the most original though. It had elements commonly seen in the genre. Forced marriage, a game that makes huge life decision, lack of resources controlled by the government, instant love (cute in this case), and of course a rebellion. But the world is interesting and I want to see where the story goes. The symbol for the rebellion is correct in it's symbolism. And over all it is a well written story that I wish had been more original, but I want to see where the story goes and if the world improves or grows on me.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. It is similar to Hunger Games without the extremes. I enjoyed the intrigue and how the multiple characters are interwoven.
I heard about this book from a reading group. So I got it for free, so I probably would not have read this at first glance, but it would have been my loss.
Now for the negatives, it seemed to me to be from it not having a big name publisher, these probably could not be avoided, such as the format in spacing and chapters and the occasional typo which was generally a missed letter. This is what prevented for me a 5 star rating.
I also like the cover,not seen here with the mirrored image of a firefly. I really like that symbol of hope.

[Becky Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this story. It just has so many trends that I am currently obsessed with (like forced marriage through "games", circus, strong female mc, dystopian, and multiple points of view). I really loved how easily I could picture the world. The only thing I wish I had more description of, was what the characters looked like. I loved the two "main" characters, Laurel and Parker and I really think they are perfect for each other. I love how sincere they both are and that they both just want what is best for the community. I really want to continue on with this series and hope that more books come out soon!

[Monica H at The Readathon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It had some interesting twists and turns, and although similar to some of the other controlled society books, it also had some of its own elements. I liked Laurel and Parker and thought their development was very good. There was a very graphic and gruesome murder scene, making this book too much for some of the younger readers. I would recommend it for 16 years old and up. You may read my full review on my book blog: www.the-readathon.blogspot.com.

[Gisbelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

My apology to the author since it took me way too long to finally read this book.

This book is pretty interesting. I enjoyed all the twists and turns even at times, I thought it was not very original since there have been several other books cover similar topics/themes. However, I did enjoy the romance in the book. It was really sweet and touching.

[Lore]

I'm sorry but I got bored.