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The Jewel #1
AMETHYST
She's 1 of 12 reincarnated beings in her world, and she has no idea. Amethyst, named after her birthstone, was born with the powers of Mother Nature. Oblivious to the full extent of her abilities, Amethyst rifles through the Devil’s Backbone and steals the night as a jewel thief to hide her glowing eyes. She always snuck around in the dark.
It was something she was forced to get used to, but when she meets the Black Flame for the first time, she discovers just what her powers are capable of, and together, they open a new portal of life—
or death.
Along the way, she discovers friendship, rivalry, and love. Everyone wants a piece of her—whether it be her limbs, her body, or her heart—but all Amethyst wants is to be left alone.
***Sneak Peak Into the Book***
She flitted from flower to flower in the open field of grass as her sisters fluttered behind, following gracefully in her steps. Amethyst sat on a bench not too far from her sisters and, like little flowers dancing in the wind, they moved towards her. She brought her arms out and held them there, until yellow nectar syruped into the center of her palms.
One by one the butterflies piled in, causing Amethyst to smile at how vivid and unreal they looked. Their wings were brushed a greenish–teal, complemented with deep blues and accenting purples. They were so majestic. If Amethyst didn’t know any better, she might’ve believed they were fairies—fairies in bug suits trying to stay hidden.
A single butterfly fluttered out towards her face, its legs being the first to stick as it landed on her ear. It crawled. The six tiny legs tickled against the small fibers of Amethyst’s hair. She giggled nervously and gently shook her head to wave off the butterfly, but it held tight. It seemed to take comfort in adhering to her ear.
Led by her sister, another flew from Amethyst’s hand and onto her cheek. She shook her head a little harder, but the butterflies refused to move. They were beautiful shards of nature, but Amethyst wasn’t so sure about bugs resting on her face. Before another could follow suit, she delicately tossed her hands and nudged the butterflies into the air. She then shooed off the other two.
“Ahvèt kõn dû mïlïû,” Amethyst spoke. As if they understood, they flew high into the sky. Their vibrant wings strained to a black behind the sun’s gleam.
The little creatures dispersed into a frenzy. They frantically circled the sky before they came zipping down in her direction.
Amethyst noticed the zest in their flight and tried to get up, but for some reason she couldn’t move from the bench. She was stuck in place as the insects swarmed the side of her face. She swatted at them, but they only seemed to cluster, and all she could do was shake her head as the sky grew dark and suddenly . . .
. . . there was no light.
✯✯✯ RAVING REVIEWS ✯✯✯
"AMETHYST was a piece that immediately captured my attention! I love the sweet, protective dynamic you have established between [the love interest] and Amethyst. It was well written, smooth, and intriguing. I already can't wait to read more!" –D. Lacy
"Your creativity for this story is impressive! It is out of the box and kept me on my toes, waiting to see what was g
It was something she was forced to get used to, but when she meets the Black Flame for the first time, she discovers just what her powers are capable of, and together, they open a new portal of life—
or death.
Along the way, she discovers friendship, rivalry, and love. Everyone wants a piece of her—whether it be her limbs, her body, or her heart—but all Amethyst wants is to be left alone.
***Sneak Peak Into the Book***
She flitted from flower to flower in the open field of grass as her sisters fluttered behind, following gracefully in her steps. Amethyst sat on a bench not too far from her sisters and, like little flowers dancing in the wind, they moved towards her. She brought her arms out and held them there, until yellow nectar syruped into the center of her palms.
One by one the butterflies piled in, causing Amethyst to smile at how vivid and unreal they looked. Their wings were brushed a greenish–teal, complemented with deep blues and accenting purples. They were so majestic. If Amethyst didn’t know any better, she might’ve believed they were fairies—fairies in bug suits trying to stay hidden.
A single butterfly fluttered out towards her face, its legs being the first to stick as it landed on her ear. It crawled. The six tiny legs tickled against the small fibers of Amethyst’s hair. She giggled nervously and gently shook her head to wave off the butterfly, but it held tight. It seemed to take comfort in adhering to her ear.
Led by her sister, another flew from Amethyst’s hand and onto her cheek. She shook her head a little harder, but the butterflies refused to move. They were beautiful shards of nature, but Amethyst wasn’t so sure about bugs resting on her face. Before another could follow suit, she delicately tossed her hands and nudged the butterflies into the air. She then shooed off the other two.
“Ahvèt kõn dû mïlïû,” Amethyst spoke. As if they understood, they flew high into the sky. Their vibrant wings strained to a black behind the sun’s gleam.
The little creatures dispersed into a frenzy. They frantically circled the sky before they came zipping down in her direction.
Amethyst noticed the zest in their flight and tried to get up, but for some reason she couldn’t move from the bench. She was stuck in place as the insects swarmed the side of her face. She swatted at them, but they only seemed to cluster, and all she could do was shake her head as the sky grew dark and suddenly . . .
. . . there was no light.
✯✯✯ RAVING REVIEWS ✯✯✯
"AMETHYST was a piece that immediately captured my attention! I love the sweet, protective dynamic you have established between [the love interest] and Amethyst. It was well written, smooth, and intriguing. I already can't wait to read more!" –D. Lacy
"Your creativity for this story is impressive! It is out of the box and kept me on my toes, waiting to see what was g
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published June 23, 2019
47 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 2, 2019
Lyrical.. but....
I want to like this book, I really do, but so much is going on and so much is left unexplained that it makes little sense. I get that it is a serial, but even serials offer up some solid plot points. The blurb gives away far more than the actual story does, and that is just strange. The first party of the book is a first person dystopian haunt through a horrific part of a town, running from worse thieves. Suddenly, the view switches and we are 10 years in the past in third person... but from the same perspective (mostly) of the original character. It’s.... odd. Yet, despite these complaints, there is a certain poetry to the words, s lyrical bend that makes it interesting, if convoluted.
Pros:
- Unique.
- Amethyst is interesting.
- What really happened??
Cons:
- Really have no freaking idea what is going on.
- .... or why.
- Not really invested in these characters. Why should book 2 be read? I don’t care about them yet, but I feel like I might if I kept with the series.
- A serial. This is not a secret, the author clearly states it is a serial, but just a note anyway.
- But necessary to learn or even reference the made up language, but it is jarring none the less, takes you out of the story.
I want to like this book, I really do, but so much is going on and so much is left unexplained that it makes little sense. I get that it is a serial, but even serials offer up some solid plot points. The blurb gives away far more than the actual story does, and that is just strange. The first party of the book is a first person dystopian haunt through a horrific part of a town, running from worse thieves. Suddenly, the view switches and we are 10 years in the past in third person... but from the same perspective (mostly) of the original character. It’s.... odd. Yet, despite these complaints, there is a certain poetry to the words, s lyrical bend that makes it interesting, if convoluted.
Pros:
- Unique.
- Amethyst is interesting.
- What really happened??
Cons:
- Really have no freaking idea what is going on.
- .... or why.
- Not really invested in these characters. Why should book 2 be read? I don’t care about them yet, but I feel like I might if I kept with the series.
- A serial. This is not a secret, the author clearly states it is a serial, but just a note anyway.
- But necessary to learn or even reference the made up language, but it is jarring none the less, takes you out of the story.
June 22, 2020
I got the ebook for free from the author in exchange for a review. I really enjoyed this book. I really liked the characters and the end had me at the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read the next book!
August 11, 2019
If you want dark, pick up Amethyst. I was blown away by how different this book is from my normal fantasy reads. Usually, a book with this type of description is steeped in magic and some kind of hierarchy system. You don’t get that with Amethyst.
Let’s start. There are three main parts to Amethyst.
The Beginning where we learn what the MC (Amethyst) is like as a child, what her relationships are like with her family, and what her life and world are like. This part is slow, but it’s a beginning. Not every story has to throw you straight into the drama. Trust me, it speeds up and it’s going to hit you like a freight train.
The Middle is an absolute heartbreak. Within a few chapters, Amethyst’s entire world is changed, and not just her world. But everyone’s world. This section was shattering and it definitely opens up a whole lot of questions with very little answers. We are just as confused and scared at Amethyst. It’s chaos, the good kind of chaos that readers look for.
The End, or rather the transition into the second serial, is a major time jump. We see Amethyst jump from a 10-year-old innocent child to a 20-year-old mastermind. We see what the world has become, what type of person Amethyst has become.
I was absolutely blown away by this story. I wanted to know what made Amethyst different as a character. I was invested in her story. Would she tell the boy she liked him? Why did Papa leave all of a sudden? What, exactly, happened? What happened to Axel?
The author has gone a long way in creating this world, even going so far as to create a completely new language. There is even a bit of Korean culture shown in the aunt within the first main section of the story. I appreciated this addition, but I wanted more from that angle.
Amethyst met many of my emotional points, the happiness & awkwardness and the rush of her crush on Axel, the heartbreak at the end. I mean, a good story has to hit a lot of these points and do it well. I can see this story breaking my heart. I want that, I want to feel what Amethyst feels, I want to see her triumph, I want to see the monsters that inhabit her world reduced to ash and bone the way they’ve destroyed her fellow people.
I cannot wait to dive deeper into this story.
Let’s start. There are three main parts to Amethyst.
The Beginning where we learn what the MC (Amethyst) is like as a child, what her relationships are like with her family, and what her life and world are like. This part is slow, but it’s a beginning. Not every story has to throw you straight into the drama. Trust me, it speeds up and it’s going to hit you like a freight train.
The Middle is an absolute heartbreak. Within a few chapters, Amethyst’s entire world is changed, and not just her world. But everyone’s world. This section was shattering and it definitely opens up a whole lot of questions with very little answers. We are just as confused and scared at Amethyst. It’s chaos, the good kind of chaos that readers look for.
The End, or rather the transition into the second serial, is a major time jump. We see Amethyst jump from a 10-year-old innocent child to a 20-year-old mastermind. We see what the world has become, what type of person Amethyst has become.
I was absolutely blown away by this story. I wanted to know what made Amethyst different as a character. I was invested in her story. Would she tell the boy she liked him? Why did Papa leave all of a sudden? What, exactly, happened? What happened to Axel?
The author has gone a long way in creating this world, even going so far as to create a completely new language. There is even a bit of Korean culture shown in the aunt within the first main section of the story. I appreciated this addition, but I wanted more from that angle.
Amethyst met many of my emotional points, the happiness & awkwardness and the rush of her crush on Axel, the heartbreak at the end. I mean, a good story has to hit a lot of these points and do it well. I can see this story breaking my heart. I want that, I want to feel what Amethyst feels, I want to see her triumph, I want to see the monsters that inhabit her world reduced to ash and bone the way they’ve destroyed her fellow people.
I cannot wait to dive deeper into this story.
February 17, 2020
AMETHYST is a dystopian fantasy romance serving as Book One in The Jewel Series. The book begins with “Hour Eight,” the mysterious name for a female character running from pursuers, chasing her for the jewels she’s stolen. Vainqueur makes the excellent choice to have her main character faced with the decision to either confront these pursuers or jump from the top of a building. She actually decides to jump. This lets us know up front that we’re not dealing with just any normal thief. Any person willing to do something so horrifying and with any expectation whatsoever of survival is functioning at a level of bravery that’s unimaginable to most of us. It makes us want to know much more about who this person is and why they do what they do.
My favorite description from early in the novel: “It laid flat on my forehead like it was supposed to, covered my mouth and nose, leaving just my eyes and the shape of my figure to the darkness.” It cuts a striking image.
The mention of “Regulars” soon implies that we’re in some sort of dystopian future in which people are compartmentalized according to some forcefully necessary status bracket. This is established effectively in a break from the action and continues throughout the book.
In the Amazon description of the book, Vainqueur gives her main character a voice:
“My name is Amethyst Oh-Maya and I have a secret. I was born with the curse of Mother Nature and I have no idea why.
For years, I thought I knew who I was. The truth is, I didn’t even know half of what I was capable of. Not until the Mayhem happened. There’s a reason why people try to run me out of the city. There’s a reason why they will always hunt me. Because I’m a murderer of thousands.”
My favorite description from early in the novel: “It laid flat on my forehead like it was supposed to, covered my mouth and nose, leaving just my eyes and the shape of my figure to the darkness.” It cuts a striking image.
The mention of “Regulars” soon implies that we’re in some sort of dystopian future in which people are compartmentalized according to some forcefully necessary status bracket. This is established effectively in a break from the action and continues throughout the book.
In the Amazon description of the book, Vainqueur gives her main character a voice:
“My name is Amethyst Oh-Maya and I have a secret. I was born with the curse of Mother Nature and I have no idea why.
For years, I thought I knew who I was. The truth is, I didn’t even know half of what I was capable of. Not until the Mayhem happened. There’s a reason why people try to run me out of the city. There’s a reason why they will always hunt me. Because I’m a murderer of thousands.”
May 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this YA novel by an up and coming author. She drops us into action, with the heroine running from a group of men she simultaneously refers to as bandits she had stolen from and monsters. Dystopian fiction isn't always my favorite, but there were little tidbits of lore dropped along the way that I couldn't ignore. It's a weird setting, gives the impression of a chunk of a city that was nearly wiped out that's now lawless, but we haven't gotten a good view of what might be outside that district yet. The author did very well giving me just enough to pull me along without ever losing the urgent pace of the first half, or the anticipation of the second.
The narrative manages to give us the view of a tough girl with a secret from inside where all her emotions are laid bare. She has secrets, she has reasons for what she's doing, and a lot of it is explained in a well-written flashback to a morning like any other, with a ten-year-old girl getting ready for school with her family, mixed with the adorable childhood romance with her friend. Even shy and restrained, Amethyst shines. The worldbuilding was really what sold the second part, the flashback, where the girl and her family speak their own made-up language as well as some Korean when their aunt stops by. You don't have to understand the meaning of the words to get the family dynamics, and it's a strong foundation to build the next books on.
A lot of questions were raised, but only a few of them were answered, which makes me want to read the next story! Doesn't really matter to me if it's intended for young adults half my age, it's engaging and an enjoyable read. Definitely recommend!
The narrative manages to give us the view of a tough girl with a secret from inside where all her emotions are laid bare. She has secrets, she has reasons for what she's doing, and a lot of it is explained in a well-written flashback to a morning like any other, with a ten-year-old girl getting ready for school with her family, mixed with the adorable childhood romance with her friend. Even shy and restrained, Amethyst shines. The worldbuilding was really what sold the second part, the flashback, where the girl and her family speak their own made-up language as well as some Korean when their aunt stops by. You don't have to understand the meaning of the words to get the family dynamics, and it's a strong foundation to build the next books on.
A lot of questions were raised, but only a few of them were answered, which makes me want to read the next story! Doesn't really matter to me if it's intended for young adults half my age, it's engaging and an enjoyable read. Definitely recommend!
August 6, 2019
It’s been a while since I haven’t read anything fantasy, so Amethyst was a read that I enjoyed. The relationship between the siblings was adorable at the beginning. The dialogue was perfect and in the right amount through the story. I could picture everything clearly in my mind, since everything was really well written, especially the action and scenarios.
I liked the mystery involving Amethyst’s abilities, and how slow the story unfolded. I was very curious to know what was happening throughout the story. The other thing I liked was the relationship between Ame and Axel. I didn’t want them to go their separate ways, which shows how of a great start their romance had. This YA series started with a really nice start, I loved how it’s in a dystopian world and filled with a creative narrative. The details are in the perfect amount, and I pretty much enjoyed all the development.
One thing though, that I don’t like to do while reading it’s to stop to check the meaning of words or translations at the end or at the beginning of a book. Some people like that, but it just hinders my string of thought. Same thing with languages I don’t know, such as Korean, which was used in this book a little. I didn’t get much of what was being said on those scenes, of which I felt lost. But of course, that’s just my opinion.
Overall, I liked it very much. The mysteries grab the reader’s attention, so we need to keep reading it
I liked the mystery involving Amethyst’s abilities, and how slow the story unfolded. I was very curious to know what was happening throughout the story. The other thing I liked was the relationship between Ame and Axel. I didn’t want them to go their separate ways, which shows how of a great start their romance had. This YA series started with a really nice start, I loved how it’s in a dystopian world and filled with a creative narrative. The details are in the perfect amount, and I pretty much enjoyed all the development.
One thing though, that I don’t like to do while reading it’s to stop to check the meaning of words or translations at the end or at the beginning of a book. Some people like that, but it just hinders my string of thought. Same thing with languages I don’t know, such as Korean, which was used in this book a little. I didn’t get much of what was being said on those scenes, of which I felt lost. But of course, that’s just my opinion.
Overall, I liked it very much. The mysteries grab the reader’s attention, so we need to keep reading it
January 29, 2020
Part 1 of a trilogy, this book is about a young woman named Amethyst. She is a professional jewel thief in a part of the city called the Devil's Backbone. Full of the dregs of society, it is the sort of place that even the police refuse to enter. The bandits there don't take finger or toes as a "trophy," they take a different part of the body (hence the name "Devil's Backbone"). They don't always wait until the person is dead before they do it.
In the first part of the book, Amethyst is running from people who mean to do exactly that to her, especially a shadowy individual named the Black Flame. Much of the book takes place several years previously, when Amethyst was growing up in the Devil's Backbone. She has a special physical ability that she has to keep quiet as much as possible. Otherwise, it will lead to her being shunned by the neighbors, as well as her own grandmother.
This novel is full of really good writing, along with plenty of action. Here is a very worthy part 1 of a trilogy. Checking it out is a really good idea..
In the first part of the book, Amethyst is running from people who mean to do exactly that to her, especially a shadowy individual named the Black Flame. Much of the book takes place several years previously, when Amethyst was growing up in the Devil's Backbone. She has a special physical ability that she has to keep quiet as much as possible. Otherwise, it will lead to her being shunned by the neighbors, as well as her own grandmother.
This novel is full of really good writing, along with plenty of action. Here is a very worthy part 1 of a trilogy. Checking it out is a really good idea..
January 20, 2020
A Must Read Dystopian Piece!
Amethyst is a fast paced, highly original novella with wonderful characters set in a frightening new world. I especially loved the inclusion of Korean cultural elements done in a true to life and authentic manner. The use of multiple languages is done in an intriguing way that adds to the stunning world development rather than distracting from it. The main character, Amethyst, is also relatable and convincing with not yet fully disclosed powers that add mystery to the piece. This was a great read and I can’t wait to start the next one in this excellent series!
Amethyst is a fast paced, highly original novella with wonderful characters set in a frightening new world. I especially loved the inclusion of Korean cultural elements done in a true to life and authentic manner. The use of multiple languages is done in an intriguing way that adds to the stunning world development rather than distracting from it. The main character, Amethyst, is also relatable and convincing with not yet fully disclosed powers that add mystery to the piece. This was a great read and I can’t wait to start the next one in this excellent series!
December 30, 2019
A Surprisingly Thrilling Tale
I typically don't go in for YA or dystopian, but "Amethyst" has a unique voice in Emilie Vainqueur that makes the experience well worthwhile. The ability to endow relatability into the experiences of children as they go through something, viewing it honestly through their lens, is not a skill given everyone.
I was pleasantly surprised at the draw with which the story pulled me forward, and will be putting the next book into my library sooner rather than later!
I typically don't go in for YA or dystopian, but "Amethyst" has a unique voice in Emilie Vainqueur that makes the experience well worthwhile. The ability to endow relatability into the experiences of children as they go through something, viewing it honestly through their lens, is not a skill given everyone.
I was pleasantly surprised at the draw with which the story pulled me forward, and will be putting the next book into my library sooner rather than later!
May 22, 2020
Amethyst... a young girl struggles to find herself in a world not welcoming her. The story begins with an exciting chase through a broken city, and we follow the young girl through an adventure and learn a small portion of her background. Meant for late elementary or early middle school readers, the book is not as dysyopian or magical as I hoped for. Slow pace, broken plot skips around often, difficult to understand what is happening.
January 29, 2020
Good read
I thought the book started a little slow. But once it got into the background of the characters, I was hooked. This is a great, quick read. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
I thought the book started a little slow. But once it got into the background of the characters, I was hooked. This is a great, quick read. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
December 16, 2019
This extraordinary book is written with a completely unique style. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a one of a kind escape book.
December 13, 2019
Romance
I loved reading it. Very interested and loved every single part of it. Will sure recommend it to my friends and family.
I loved reading it. Very interested and loved every single part of it. Will sure recommend it to my friends and family.
July 27, 2019
A really fun blend of fantasy and adventure, not to mention the cute little romance at the beginning of the book. It's well written and has a pace that's quick enough to keep you interested, but slow enough to really get a feel for the characters. I found myself worrying and wondering how the characters would react to their surrounds. I especially loved how Amethyst's eyes changed with her emotions! I can't wait to see how she handles the rest of her adventure! Super excited for the next book!!
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August 9, 2019Better than expected
I wasn’t sure what to expect but this was a pretty good read. Amethyst has such an interesting story and I was intrigued from the very beginning. This was a very good start to the series and I can’t wait to read more. The characters were interesting enough to make you root for them to survive. Some parts were a little hard to read but it was raw and flowed with the story.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but this was a pretty good read. Amethyst has such an interesting story and I was intrigued from the very beginning. This was a very good start to the series and I can’t wait to read more. The characters were interesting enough to make you root for them to survive. Some parts were a little hard to read but it was raw and flowed with the story.
July 26, 2019
This the first book of what seems like an amazing series. If the other books follow the same flow, character development, and plot intrigue, I am certainly here for it. Once I got into it, I found myself trying to read the book at any chance I got, even if it were just a few minutes. That's how hooked it got me. Really can't wait until August 23rd for the next book!
July 27, 2019
There was some fun and action at every turn. Loved the book! You should really read this book and take the time to let yourself be carried through the plot of this book.
July 27, 2019
Fantastic Book! I really loved it from start to finish. Definitely will have my friends read it!
August 5, 2019
This read was a surprise for me, I really didn’t expect something so spectacular from a new writer. It should be on the reading list of everyone.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews