Jeweler to the Blessed

Champions of Chaos #1

by Jillian Witt

In a kingdom where touch drains emotions for power, Emberline masks hers, but when she becomes the key to the Blessed’s magic, her broody bodyguard could make her feel too much.

His touch would be her undoing.

With a single touch, the ruling Blessed could realize Emberline Arkova is immune to their magic. She’s determined to leave the kingdom in search of answers, because every day she remains is a risk.

But her uncle’s sudden disappearance upends her plans. Thrust into his role as jeweler, she’s gone from avoiding the Blessed to becoming the center of their world. Uniquely able to identify the gems required for their magic, she’s now their most precious resource.

To protect their prize, Hart, a broad-shouldered guard with particular irreverence, is assigned to keep Emberline safe. His motives may be murky at best, but he’s not as loyal to the king as a Blessed should be, and now, putting her trust in him is her best bet to escape without discovery.

Hart may be one of them, but he awakens long-restrained feelings within Emberline. She can’t fall for a Blessed; his touch would expose her secret. But as she unearths the mysteries of magic and politics in the isolated and restless kingdom, Emberline is faced with a flee her fate and hide her feelings—or embrace it and unleash them.

The swoon-worthy tension of From Blood and Ash meets One Dark Window’s unique magic system and rich world-building in this new adult romantasy.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Dragons, Fantasy Romance, Magic, New Adult

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good fantasy book especially one that isn't a copy and paste of other books. 💁🏾‍♀️ One where the author thinks outside the box 🧎🏾‍♀️♥️


The magic system in this book is so well thought and completely unique. 👏🏾

The citizens known as the 'blessed' are given rings made out of adamas which is a very unique crystal which glows when emotion is absorbed. When a blessed touches a local citizen it absorbs their current emotion which in turn gives them magic.

Red for anger which grants physical strength.
Orange for lust which grants physical healing.
Yellow for happiness which grants eternal youth.
Green for envy which grants the power of persuasion.
Blue for sadness which grants the power to calm someone down.
Violet for fear which grants the power of nightmares- this one is super rare because only one could wield it, the cursed King.

Our fmc Emberline Arkova, is immune to this magic so she decides to leave Kavios and go to the kingdom of Linia in search for answers.

The plan is set but that back fires when her uncle goes missing and she's appointed to be the new jeweler to the blessed by the prince.

In addition to being the new jeweler a guard-Hart- is also appointed to keep her safe. Emberline soon discovers that Hart her so called guard isn't as loyal to the king as he should be. 🤭 Which I loved.

She may not know what his end game is but he's the only who genuinely cares about her and the only way out of the Kingdom.

This book is slow paced which is to be expected since it's the first book in the trilogy 🤞🏾 and it's the foundation.

I also like that there was no found family maybe there will be in the second book as the story progresses. 🙂

That twist at the end I saw it coming from a mile away😭. The clues were all over the book but I still enjoyed it.

I also like that the relationship between Emberline and Hart was not rushed. They actually became friends before the tension started 😮‍💨👏🏾. The cute nickname he has for her 🤭 and the way he allows her to lead🙇🏾‍♀️. I love this man and his pretty forest green eyes 😍🤭.

I can't wait for the second book to see how the story unfolds and I hope it won't disappoint me 🙂.

Favourite quotes;

"I've wanted you since I caught you about to start the street brawl to save that man," He crawled toward me on the bed. "So defiant. So creative. So utterly destructive. So careless with your own well being in the face of others' suffering,"

🤭

"I'm not sure I could deny you anything," His words sent a shiver up my spine that had nothing to do with the forest.

🙇🏾‍♀️

"There's no over for us Chaos. I told you I'm here for you. I follow you ,"

AS HE SHOULD 🤏🏾🤭


"You are a single Ember, lighting the darkest night, a beacon call, calling me across kingdoms. I'd find you anywhere Chaos,"

🙈😍

Also thank you netgalley and Victory Editing for giving me this wonderful Earc to give you an honest review. 🙂♥️🎀.

[shaelinslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so good, and unique! the magic system is unlike anything i’ve read before, and i looooved the two mc’s so much!

the fmc Emberline is fierce, and headstrong, but still willing to learn which is always so refreshing. she’s always coming out of her bad situations on top, truly a bad bitch.

the mmc is DREAAAAAMY. he was giving cassian, jokester energy, while still being her guard and truly showing her protection.

the only thing that drove me crazy was really how everyone kept everything from her, it was a little insane how much the fmc didn’t know about herself. other than that, there were small things that i didn’t feel were fully explained until the very end that could make the plot more understandable, but it was all really small stuff.

4.25 stars, that ending was freaking nuts, need book 2 asap!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeweler to the Blessed (Champions of Chaos #1) by Jillian Witt

Book Blurb:
In a kingdom where touch drains emotions for power, Emberline masks hers, but when she becomes the key to the Blessed’s magic, her broody bodyguard could make her feel too much.
His touch would be her undoing.

Rating: ****
Feels: Protectiveness, Sass, Heat, Joy
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Magic
First published August 19, 2025: 432 pages Kindle

I would like to have a guard like this !! Take touch her and die + body guard vibes and you get some exceptional heat !!! Did it make it so much more hot that he couldn’t touch her ? Yes … yes it did. World building around two sister goddesses , chaos and order , who each have a champion that will come into play for the soul of the city, here for that !! Jewelry that can absorb emotions and be used for magic is really an interesting construct and that the absorption process can be viewed as a violation and social injustice leads to a really interesting story. Really enjoyed this read !!!

Favorite Quote: "But, personally, I like the sound of my guard."
So, he heard all of it then.
I wanted to crawl into a secret storage room to die of embarrassment.
He finally acknowledged the two other guards as he said in a conspiratorial tone, "The possessiveness works for me."

This book has:
Slow Burn
Mood Ring Like Magic
Prophecy
Curses
Bodyguard MMC
Touch her and Die
Meddling Goddess's

[The Babbling Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ If you’ve ever wished Chaol from Throne of Glass actually delivered the broody, protective, slow-burn bodyguard romance we were all rooting for (in the beginning 😏), Jeweler to the Blessed is here to make it happen. Add in mood-ring magic, meddling goddesses, dragons, and a touch-her-and-die energy? Yeah… you’re going to want this on your TBR. ✨

⸻

Tropes & Vibes:
🛡️ Bodyguard romance
💍 Mood ring magic
🙅‍♂️ Touch her & die
⚡ Hidden identity
💔 Betrayal
🐉 Dragons
🔥 Slow burn tension
🗡️ Forced proximity
👑 Meddling goddesses
🔮 Epic romantasy twists

⸻

✍🏽 My Review:
This is my second book from Jillian, the first being a cozy romantasy—Bargain with Benefits. If you enjoy Jeweler to the Blessed and want a standalone palate cleanser, I highly recommend picking it up. It’s sweet, charming, and such a comfort read. ❤️🥹

Jeweler to the Blessed was my first time reading about magic tied to mood rings 💍 and I loved the originality. The system has so much potential to be built on, and I’m excited to see what she does with it in book two. The reveal near the end genuinely surprised me, and it’s set up some intriguing threads for the rest of the series!

Our MMC Hart gives us the broody, protective energy Chaol never quite delivered, and the romance hits all the slow-burn bodyguard beats I love 🥵 There are plenty of twists, rich world-building, and an exploration of Emberline’s magic that leaves you hungry for more. Her uncle Alaric may be largely absent, but he still plays a major role in connecting the puzzle pieces, and I can’t wait to see where his storyline goes. (If it goes) ✨

You’ll get dragons, magic, tension, betrayal, and blood. You’ll get a romance that simmers with “touch her and die” energy. And you’ll be left counting the days until book two. 🙌🏽😮‍💨

⸻

🗒️ Summary:
In a kingdom where touch drains emotions for power, Emberline has survived by hiding hers until she becomes the key to the Blessed’s magic. The one man who can protect her is the brooding, broad-shouldered bodyguard whose touch could destroy her. Thrust into a dangerous game of politics, magic, and betrayal, she must decide if she can trust him enough to escape… or risk everything to feel again.

Jeweler to the Blessed blends slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, meddling goddesses, and deadly secrets in a lush romantasy that will leave you desperate for book two.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

solid romantasy!! the magic system is really cool - it's essentially based on whether you have these special rings gifted by the king that allow you to absorb emotions and use them as magic (kinda mood ring like). i also thought that the attention to detail that the jewelers in this situation had to utilize was a good touch, and their importance for the magic system was definitely not understated.

however, the romance did feel slightly flat for me, it felt like they tentatively worked together and then were super into one another without any real "reason". also, any magic system that even partially utilizes lust as a
magic form is sorta corny to me.

regardless though, i would recommend! it will be on KU on release (8/19)!

**thank you to jillian witt and the nerd fam for the ARC copy**

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a kingdom where touch is power, Emberline hides a dangerous secret: she's immune to the Blessed’s magic. When her uncle vanishes, she’s forced into his role as royal jeweller, suddenly essential to those she’s spent her life avoiding.
Assigned to guard her is Hart, a broad-shouldered Blessed whose irreverence is only rivalled by the feelings he stirs in her. Trusting him could mean freedom—or exposure. His touch could unravel everything.

There was a great cast of characters, and I especially fell in love with Emberline, our main female protagonist. She's fierce, loyal, brave and curious. Her complex relation with emotions resonates with all who've bottled up their feelings and emotions for far too long. At the beginning of the book, it's clear that Emberline and her uncle Alaric have a special relationship. Though they don't express their love with words of sorts, they bond through learning and the craft of making jewellery. Hart is a mysterious force throughout the whole book. Despite it feeling like his character was quite flat, Hart's devotion to protecting Emberline makes your heart melt. For whatever reason, however, is the question Emberline and the reader are asking themselves. As for the side characters, they were primary contributors to the plot and Emberline's character development. I would have loved to read more depth about them, but there was enough to make them interesting.

The story is unique, just like the magical system. With jewels linking them to power and emotion, it is something I have never read before. There are also gods and deeply thought-out stories about gods and kings. Very distinct from your average romantasy. Emberline is forced to embark on an epic adventure to unravel the mysterious disappearance of her uncle. Unfortunately, it didn't feel that adventurous. There were a few action-packed scenes, and the pacing was quite slow. The developing chemistry between Emberline and Hart was also lagging, but it was there. Their banter and dialogue were funny and heartwarming. My favourite part was the times Hart called Emberline 'Chaos'. That really makes you swoon.

Overall, Jeweler to the Blessed is a unique and magical fantasy. I only wish there was a bit more fire to it. Nevertheless, it has remarkable stories about gods and kings, magical elements, romance, and a bit of power dynamics and political intrigue.

Rating: 3.8⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Jillian Witt for the opportunity to read an ARC of Jeweler to the Blessed in exchange for an honest review.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever longed to experience a completely new and intriguing magic system in your fantasy books, then Jillian's Jeweller to the Blessed might just scratch that itch. The magic system Jillian designed is as captivating as the jewels used to store the magic in question. And the most brilliant (pun intended) fact? The magic is tied to one's emotions.

So, in a world where emotions birth magic, what could possibly go wrong? It turns out, a whole lot of things, starting with those in power feeling entitled to collect magic from those less fortunate, often through cruel and unlawful means. And how could one rebel, even when found in the position to openly help those defying the laws of magic and human decency? In a world where gods and myths are misused, even weaponized, how can one learn the truth from lies? In a world where those in power and those oppressing the power might both have nefarious goals, what could one person do?

Enter Emberline, a masterfully crafted character. She will try. She will fail. But she will also succeed. She will look for possible outcomes, think them through, and try to find the best possible solution in the direst circumstances. When faced with hidden truths, she will not crumble. She may fall, but she won't break.

Sure, she does have help in the form of a brooding guard, Hart. Sure, Hart may seem distanced at times. Sure, he may be a conflicting personality. Sure, he may be hiding his own secrets. But, there is so much more to him. Some things we have learned in this book, and some are left for us to uncover in future instalments.

I loved being Jillian's ARC reader again, as it is always a great pleasure and even greater honor.

[That_awkwardbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enchanting fantasy story. In a fast world where a touch can steal your emotions you are never really save. But what if you are like Ember and need to hide a secret that would be exposed just by the slightest brush to her skin. 
This story has me enthralled, the magic system is unique and new to me. Magic based on emotions that you have to acquire from others. The characters are interesting and multilayer and the story itself keeps you guessing and hoping the whole time. 
I am really excited to see where the story will take us. 

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

Emberline, the FMC, is both reserved and resilient. After tragedy strikes with her family, she steps up to support them when her father becomes unable to cope with caring for his ailing wife and running their jewelry business. She trains under her uncle, Alaric, at his shop before the town wakes up then spends her day in her father's shop running things with his occasional appearances. Alaric is equal parts mentor and mystery. The secrets he keeps create so much tension and ultimately lead to Emberline being trapped in the one place she needs to avoid. She's hiding her immunity from the Blessed, but when Alaric disappears, she has no choice but to take his place as the Jeweler to the Blessed.

Family drama aside, once she enters service under the King, the prince assigns her a personal guard to keep her safe from the Feared, an opposition fighting against the Blessed. Hart is the epitome of "touch her and die"energy, a morally grey protector and the forced proximity is to die for! Not to mention the slow burn romance had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot!

Drawing power from emotions as a magic system gave me a little bit of Shepherd King Duology vibes, but this world takes it in a fresh direction. The ethical dilemma around stealing emotions without consent adds a chilling depth and hatred for the entitled Blessed.

The worldbuilding felt like it was almost there. I loved the layers of political tension and divine meddling, but I had to go back to re-read parts to understand what was going on with the goddesses/champions, which is seriously the only reason this isn't a full 5 ⭐.

If you enjoy forced proximity, slow burn tension, and morally grey MMCs with protective vibes, you should add this to your TBR.

Thanks to the author and The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #jewelertotheblessed #thenerdfam

[sara_explores · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let's talk about "The Jeweler to the Blessed" by Jillian Witt.

To start off with, I was really intrigued about the premise of this book and the whole magical system that was spoken about. The magical system is based on two separate classes: the blessed, who harnessed the magic within jewelry and the non-magical humans who tried their best to hide their emotions from the blessed so their emotions were not "drained".

Unfortunately though, this book fell flat for me. It felt disjointed - as the lead characters were all over the place, the plot was good, but felt that things were filled to make the story "dramatic" when it wasn't needed. And the romance...oh the romance was just...blah. Needless to say - this book was not for me. It may be for others, so take it as it is.

Thank you to NerdFam and Jillian Witt for the ARC and for my open and honest feedback.

✨ Bodyguard / Guarded
✨ Unique Magical System
✨ Touch Her and Die
✨ Gods & Champions
✨ Allies to Lovers
✨ Social Injustice

Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series: Book 1 of _

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This one took about 40% to get into. The magic system was not easy to follow at the beginning but it becomes increasingly more interesting about halfway as things are revealed to Ember. She continues to find answers about her missing Uncle, Alaric "the Jeweler to the Blessed", and her hidden past.

Meeting Hart, her now assigned gorgeous guard, and being forced to take her uncle's place as the new Jeweler to the Blessed, serves as a means to unlock many hidden truths that should have been a choice for her her whole life.

We get a little glimpse of Charon, the dragon, and honestly, he's already my favorite character. So yeah, I'm coming back to the 2nd one for him.

Tropes include: enemies-to-lovers, slow burn with very little spice, Found family, touch her and die, the chosen one, with magical artifacts.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy! I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jeweller to the Blessed has a lot of potential and a really intriguing premise. I was immersed pretty quickly and found myself curious to see where the story was going—I even managed to predict a couple of twists. The magic system felt unique and original, which I appreciated, but I often found myself confused, which pulled me out of the story. I think the world-building could have been stronger or more clearly explained to help ground the plot and characters.

Even with some confusion, the concept held my interest

[Tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS! <3

Honestly, this was both unique and had all the right ingredients that I look for in a romantasy and I loved every second. I had previously read Jillian's Bargain with Benefits which was more a cozy fantasy and this was drastically different.

First, loved loved loved the unique magic system that tied to emotions and how the ethics of stealing them for power. There was a lot to unpack there and I thought it was so cleverly done. It kept me hooked on the story as you unravel the mysteries of that magic alongside the FMC. The plotting was done really well and the pacing I thought was great.

As for the FMC and MMC, absolutely loved them both. Banter was doing it for me, the teasing, the flirting, the tension, and I love a good nickname from the MMC. A cringy nickname will completely take me out of the romance, but this was fantastic. I like that there was a battle of trust back and forth that was present throughout the story as well. The side characters had some good moments as well, and hoping we get more out of them in the upcoming book(s).

The twists towards the end were also unexpected if you are not looking closely at the foreshadowing. Honestly, this was all around a great read, highly recommend!

Bookish Tropes I Loved:
- Bodyguard romance / Broody MMC
- Touch-based magic
- “Touch her and XX”
- Political maneuvering
- Class and power tension

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #jewelertotheblessed #thenerdfam

[Balaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC from NetGalley

Jeweler to the Blessed is a quiet, emotionally rich story set in 19th-century Poland, following a young Jewish girl with a rare gift for crafting powerful jewelry. The prose is atmospheric and meditative, full of soft magic, culture, and grief—and then out of nowhere, a bodyguard romance hits you with the slowest of burns and the perfect nickname: Chaos. I gasped.

This book is about more than love—it’s about survival, faith, the weight of generational pain, and the power of creation. It’s subtle but hits deep, especially if you like your fantasy with folklore, softness, and emotional tension over flashy drama.

Think:
✨ Spinning Silver meets The Golem and the Jinni
💎 Soft girl x emotionally guarded protector
🖤 Slow-burn tension, with that one word—Chaos—destroying you in the best way

Loved this quiet gem of a book.

[Ashley {_xamountofbooks} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via The Nerd Fam)

4.25 stars

This was a fun read! I loved the forced proximity, touch her and die, and his nickname for her. I had a theory about Hart that proved right but it didn't take away from the story for me. Very curious where next one is going!

Favorite quotes:
“You are a single ember, lighting the darkest night, a beacon calling me across kingdoms. I’d find you anywhere, Chaos.”

“There is no over for us, Chaos. I told you I’m here for you. I follow you.”

“You will need to explain your relationship with the Cursed at some point. I don’t know if you want to fuck him or kill him.”
“I’ll let you know when I figure it out,” I thought back. Charon snorted.
^ made me giggle

[Rebecca Konyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: Cliff Hanger...
Jillian Witt truly has a way with words. I get hooked into the characters and I just can't stop reading to see how the story between them plays out. After Reading, Bargains with Benefits, I had the opportunity to ARC read this book as well. Similar writing style, but a completely different world and character arcs. Great use of a cliff hanger; she gives you just enough to resolve a bit of the story, but you can't wait to read what happens next. Now, I have to wait for book 2!

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this romantasy book! I loved following Emberline and Hart in this story. The author did a great job with the world building and I really liked the unique magic system. This was a book that was constantly on my mind whenever I wasn’t reading it and I couldn’t wait to pick it up again. This was an excellent start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next installment of The Champions Of Chaos series. If you are looking for a new romantasy read, I definitely recommend checking this one out!

Read this if you like:

📖 Bodyguard romance
📖 Forced proximity
📖 He can’t touch her
📖 Slow burn
📖 Unique magic systems

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Jeweler to the Blessed✨

Author: Jillian Witt
Release: August 19

What a joy it is to be back in a world of Jillian’s making and a new one at that! In Jillian’s upcoming release, we get to explore an entirely new world where humans can be Blessed and given a jewel called ‘adamas’ that allows them to siphon emotions from others. It is here we begin our journey, following our FMC, Emberline, as she navigates a manipulated kingdom where emotions and touch are dangerous and yet she is immune, which is the most dangerous of all.

When Ember’s uncle goes missing, she is suddenly thrust into his role of royal jeweler, required to create the pieces of work that steal emotions from the populace. It is against everything she believes in and Ember must navigate not only her choices but moral and suppressed emotions as she and her bodyguard unravel secrets of meddling gods, prophecies, her uncle, and each other. Nothing is as it seems in Ember’s world and we see that sometimes the fight for choice can be an illusion.

We have ourselves here a mega slow burn and I loved it. The magic is unique. The plot twists and hidden identities were so fun for me to decipher. I really enjoyed the romance as it slowly developed over trust and how forthcoming our MMC was with his feelings. All to be hit with that ending! I found myself very much drawn to our MCs. They felt relatable and soft yet strong. Those are my favorite.

Tropes you may find in JOB are bodyguard, hidden identities, slow burn to low spice, meddling goddesses, unique magics, chosen champion, forced proximity, “I’ll follow you anywhere”, touch her and 💀, he can’t touch her and a soft cliffhanger.

A huge thank you to Jillian, NetGalley, and Nerdfam for once again allowing me to be an arc reader. It’s always a joy!

[Darth C · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are fantasy debuts, and then there are fantasy debuts that slap you upside the head with originality and leave you emotionally gutted while whispering “plot twist” in your ear like a menace. Jeweler to the Blessed is that kind of book.

We follow Emberline, a jeweler’s apprentice in a city ruled by emotion-stealing magic, who can’t be touched…..,literally. The Blessed take emotion through skin contact using enchanted gems, and while everyone else is fair game, Emberline is immune. Sounds like a cool power? Yeah, until you realize it puts a target on her back, threatens the entire monarchy, and has her Uncle Alaric neck-deep in some seriously shady political-magic-conspiracy territory.

This story does so many things right:
🔥 A wholly original magic system based on stolen emotion and gem alchemy
🧠 Smart, layered worldbuilding with political tension, secret libraries, banned books, and gods playing games
💔 Complex family dynamics and emotional gut punches
😈 A morally gray mystery man who oozes danger and intrigue (hi, I’m emotionally invested now)
🥹 A heroine who is equal parts logic, loyalty, and trauma-wrapped resilience
📚 Banned history + prophecy + gods = my actual reading kink

It’s immersive, thoughtful, and has the kind of stakes that build slowly until you realize everything is burning around you and the book is holding the match.

If you like your fantasy morally gray, emotionally rich, and layered in secrets, Jeweler to the Blessed needs to be on your TBR yesterday. Can’t wait to read book two. I have questions. I have theories. I need answers. Immediately.

[My Green Kindle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Jillian Witt for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐⭐⭐ for 'Jeweler to the Blessed' by Jillian Witt, anticipated release: August 2025

What I liked: I LOVE unique magic systems- it is why Rachel Gilling will always be one of my favorite authors. The magic system in this has to do with the 'Blessed' drawing out emotions upon the common people by using a special magical gem. I loved the layout of what each emotion attributes to a type of power for the wielder. The FMC has a secret she has spent her whole life concealing, and of course the plot pushes her in the direction of that very important secret being discovered. I thought that part of the writing was great to draw the reader in and make you really buy in later to her purpose. Also, the cover is beautiful and the story read really well with my ethereal lofi music in the background.

What I wasn't a fan of (respectfully): After reading so many romantasys, there was a lot of predictability to this story. It ended like the last 3 of my books did. The plot, while interesting, moved too slow for me and I did find myself racing to get to the end. I am not a fan of DNFing when I can help it so I stuck it out but honestly wasn't as invested as I have been with other stories recently.

Favorite/highlighted quotes:
"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, she must decide."

"A love so confusing that his world made little sense to him without her present."

"You are a single ember, lighting the darkest night, a beacon calling me across kingdoms. I'd find you anywhere, Chaos."

[Ashley Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The magic system was like mood rings (I know I’m not the first person to say this) but it felt nostalgic to me so I really liked it.

Emberline as a FMC was refreshing. She had so many obstacles thrown her way but she never gave up. So many things were kept secret from her which was super infuriating. Being left in the dark about your own life feels like a slap in the face.

The lore about the Cursed King and the Champions was a little confusing at times but I was very invested in finding out more. But the story had me hooked. I needed to know what was going to happen. And boy was the ending a wild ride. Some of my conclusions were spot on and I was thrilled I was right.

I’m very excited to continue the story in the next book.


Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the arc

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC!

If you loved the Poppy/Hawke dynamic in From Blood and Ash, you're going to LOVE this one too!

This was such a fun concept for a book, and I loved the magic system! Imagine if those who had power (the "Blessed") got their power from gems that could absorb emotion. And if you don't have that power? Well, you better be careful not to express any emotion in public where you can be touched by one does--emotions (and therefore life force) are absorbed and turned into the power the Blessed can weild.

Except for Emberline--for some reason, her emotions can't be absorbed and power wielded against her does nothing. Which naturally she has to hide for her own safety until, as it does in a fantasy book, everything falls apart and she ends up exactly where she doesn't want to be.

While I do think the pacing of this was on the slower side and the relationship between Ember and Hart was missing something I can't quite put my finger on, I really enjoyed this story! While Ember seems to be the last one to piece information together (as is usually the case with FMCs in fantasy), she's definitely incredibly savvy and knows how to wield herself and her cleverness as a weapon when she has to. My biggest complaint with her is that I don't think she's anywhere NEAR angry enough for everything that has happened to her and the situations she keeps being forced in, but that may be because she's a much better person than I am. I would have burned things down and gotten myself killed 50 pages in.

This is definitely fantasy and worldbuilding heavy with the romantic aspects as secondary, so if you go in expecting this to be romance forward, you'll be disappointed. I would say the pacing and development of the romance is on par with FBAA, so do with that as you will if you've read that series! I think both are on the slower side of development, but I also think it works pretty well with the story that is being told--it just took a little longer to read as a result.

The last 20% of the book was SO good (I mean, obviously that's where things start to click) and I am incredibly interested in seeing where the story goes in book 2.

I mean, how can you not like Chaos after all?

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the story of a woman training under her father to be a jeweler, only she has a hidden secret, like her uncle she is able to tell the difference between quartz and a magical stone that the king can use to give people power and “bless” them and they are the only two who can tell the difference. Suddenly, her uncle disappears and her secret ability is revealed to the king and he tasks her with making more of this cursed jewelry for the people she hates the most, the blessed, who use this jewelry to take others emotions through touch and turn it into power.

I absolutely devoured this book in one 24 hour period, the magic system was unlike anything I had ever read before and while the world was limited to one kingdom, the world building itself was so detailed I felt like I was right there with the FMC. This book takes place over a very short period but her relationship to Hart and slowly learning to trust him and maybe only him after several attempts on her life and the bond they form was so fun to read. There was lots of twists and subplots all going on at once and several of the reveals at the end really had me shocked in the best way. There were some devastating secrets uncovered and now I have even more trust issues with everyone in her life, but I’m glad she now has a new “friend” she’s been speaking to her whole life who hopefully she can trust to keep her safe. This book was a great fantasy with a splash of romance and tension and I really enjoyed it, my rating 4.8/5!

Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[whatthesmutt · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

Tropes:
Enemies To Lovers
Fated
Unique Magic System
Forced Proximity

“You are a single ember, lighting the darkest night, a beacon calling me across kingdoms. I’d find you anywhere, Chaos.”

I think it’s important to note that I’m writing this from a honest opinion and it is that, an opinion and my own. I think this story had the aspects of greatness, the plot was at times predictable but enjoyable and the very unique magic system had me really excited for this book. However, the writing and the story was slow, it was almost an over explanation and clunky disglogue in every chapter that had left me finding it hard to keep my interest. I didn’t want to DNF because I’d had hoped the story would build toward the second half and it did. With more tension, lust and plot twists, the story captured my interest and I really enjoyed the ending , so much so I’ll be reading the second instalment.

I did want to highlight how much I enjoyed Harts devotion to Emberline and the mystery surrounding her and her uncle. Finding pieces as we went to try and solve it, just to be met with some amazing plot twists. Some I saw coming, some I was blindsided which rarely happens!


Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #jewelertotheblessed #thenerdfam

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeweler to the Blessed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jillian Witt

First of all thank you to The Nerd Fam and Jillian Witt for allowing g me to do an early read of this book!

This had such a unique magic system which I found intriguing. Kind of like if a Blessed touches a person they can extract emotion from them and the rings the Blessed wear show the type of emotion (like a mood ring).

You have Ember the FMC who is not able to have her emotions taken from her and so has been kept hidden so that the King doesn’t realize but yet she is one of very few who also can work with the jewel that makes these rings for the Blessed other than her uncle.

I enjoyed this since there wasn’t to much world building as I am a bit of a newbie to fantasy but enough to keep me interested. I felt the first part was a little slow though and I had a bit of a hard time getting through it but then it picked up.

From there it was very good as you add the MMC the guard that Ember falls for. Overall, I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next book in this series!

[Kelsey Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique fantasy with a magic system unlike any other I’ve read before! Nobody is special in this book unless you have a particular gem (in ring form) that gives you the power to wield magic. Like a mood ring for the rich and powerful. I like the attention to detail with the jeweler and showcasing how the rings are made and why they are so important.

The curse and backstory was a little confusing to me at times, I had to take some notes but it added mystery to the story. Speaking of mystery I figured out half of it half way through which was fun!

The romance fell a little flat, and I was hoping to get more. We got a little tension and then a spark and then nothing. It was a whomp whomp whomp. Hoping there is more in book two because Hart is DREAMY 🔥🔥

Overall I thought this was a good start to a series! I’m excited to see what comes next.

Thank you to the Nerd Fam for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tags
-Fantasy
-Unique Magic Systems
-Political Structures
-Hidden Identity
-Single POV
-0.5 spice

[Sam’s Sagas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Emberline just can’t catch a break. So many hidden truths laced with a potent amount of deceit. If you’re eager to solve the problems throughout a book, this will be fairly easy (to an extent). If you’re like me, just in it for the ride and read along waiting for the reveal, or making some guesses here and there…then the reveals will be great! The beginning was a tad slow but then it hooked me and I couldn’t stop reading. The magic system with touch and emotions was interesting. Those with power take advantage of those who are magicless, there’s the ruling King that manipulates his people with magic. The banter between Ember and Hart was 😘. Fables and legends are not just words on a page, but truth and prophecy. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, and I thank TheNerdFam for the eARC!

[Jolie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 Stars rounded up⭐️

I was sent an ARC of Jeweler to the Blessed by the author. I'd already read a couple of her other works so I knew i enjoyed her writing.

The magic system in this story was very unique. Magic was harnessed through stolen emotions and stored inside stones. When the jeweler who crafts the stones into jewelery goes missing, his niece, Emberline is tasked by the royal family to replace him.

Ember is assigned a guard, Hart, as there are restless rebels looking to take her out to overthrow the system.
Ember and Hart had great chemistry, though I still don't know why he was always mad at her in the beginning.

The characterization of Ember's father was puzzling because he seemed to really hate her for some reason.

The ending was interesting, I figured out the twist with Hart before then, but the things that happened after the ceremony were surprising. I can't wait to see how Ember and Hart move past it along with their new friend.

Many thanks to Jillian Witt for sending me this ARC, I look forward to continuing this series.

[kayleighsBookCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book was absolutely brilliant. The unique magic system and immersive world-building drew me in from the start.

With lies, betrayal, and secrets, plus meddling goddesses and corrupt royalty, I was hooked. Emberline's fiery personality and Hart's swoon-worthy protectiveness had me swooning.

I devoured this book in one sitting, thanks to its captivating storyline. A solid romantasy with a fantasy-heavy focus, the last 10% had me on the edge of my seat. The twist was mind-blowing, and I'm desperate for book two.

This book is told from single POV, and I'm hoping in book two we get to read Hart's POV as well

This is a must-read for fans of From Blood And Ash and One Dark Window.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.

[Danny Kearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Jillian Witt for this ARC.

This is the second book I have read from Jillian, this was a completely different vibe from the previous book I read ( Bargains with Benefits).

Jeweler to the Blessed is a more fantasy-heavy story. The world is set in a kingdom where the Royal Family and Nobles are called Blessed, who have the power to take other people's emotions, as it gives them power.

Emberline learnt at a young age , at the detriment of her mother , that the Blessed couldn't take from her and she was immune to them. Since then, she has been living in fear of being found out and plans to escape the Kingdom as soon as she is of age. She had been apprenticing with her uncle to learn how to make the Adamas jewellery which is what the gives the Blessed their power,

Few days before Emberline planned to leave , she finds her uncle Alaric missing. Alaric works for the King to create his jewels.

Emberline is forced by the Prince to take over this role. To protect her she is assigned a guard Hart to keep her safe from the rebels called the Feared.

However the world is not as Emberline seems and her uncle had been keeping so many secrets from her.