I actually got an ARC of this book through Books for Trade on Twitter, but originally I got an e-galley from HarperTeen and Edelweiss. I really wanted a physical ARC though, to match the physical ARC I have of the first book, The Jewel, which I got at BEA in 2014. So thanks to all of those I’ve listed, I finally got around to reading it, and enjoyed it! It was still good, although not as great as the first one. But it was good enough, and I still can’t wait to read the 3rd one. If you haven’t read the first one, there will be spoilers here unfortunately. In that case, click the link above taking you to my review of the first book, and stop reading this review NOW. π
Where we left off, the Duchess had just caught Violet in bed with Ash, the male companion. And what is in store for Violet and Ash is something she just can’t stand to happen. So she must run away, but instead of taking the potion that will make her appear dead, she gives it to her friend Raven, who seems to be in an even worse situation. The two of them end up in the morgue after she’s helped Ash escape with the help of Garnet, the Duchesses son, and even Garnet’s sister, Carnelian. But Carnelian loves Ash, even though she hates Violet, so she helps them because of that. On the run they find out that the Duchess accused Ash of rape and so he is wanted everywhere for that. Supposedly she still has Violet sequestered away and has signed a contract for her daughter, not yet born, to the Exetor’s son. Something that has never been done. Violet had been rescued by the Black Key group, but her trip out of the city to the Farm is filled with dangers and chances of being caught. Once Lucien finally helps them get to the Farm, she will meet Sil. Sil was a surrogate at one time, and she escaped and is now living and helping try to take back the Island they live on. She will help Violet figure out her powers, and how she can use them to help the cause.
Both Violet and Ash’s families will come into play in parts of this story, in very sad ways. We learn more about Ash’s life as a companion, as well as what led up to the way the city is these days. There’s a lot of information in this story, although I still feel there is more to know. We also get to meet some of the surrogates that we’d only heard mentioned at the Auction in the first book.
I really liked that Ash was a pretty realistic character, I felt. There was definitely some interesting new aspects to the auguries that we learned about, that caused the sicknesses back in The Jewel, that made the surrogates sick. I’m also very intrigued about the history of the island and the people who were there before. This definitely one you must read to go on in the story and find out what will happen in this world.
I'm glad that you enjoyed White Rose for the most part and plan on continuing the series! I have this to read soon and I'm hoping to find out more abou the auguries in the story, and hopefully more about the romance.
Thanks for the lovely review, Lisa! π
Hope you can get to it soon. It was a good read for sure. Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed reading The Jewel and I'm interested in seeing where the author takes the story! It sounds like lots of stuff happens in White Rose, which is good, so hopefully I'll be able to read it when it releases π Great review, Lisa!
Zareena @ The Slanted Bookshelf
I hope you can get ahold of it soon as well! Thanks for visiting!
I'm SO glad there's more information about the history of the city and the sickness. I was really wondering about it while I read the first book. I really enjoy the first book, but I wanted to know why everything was the way it was. I can't wait to read this!
Michelle @ Michelle's Minions
Yeah, you get more info, but there is still enough we don't know to keep you wondering and reading on. Hope you're able to get around to reading it soon! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! What a beautiful cover. Sounds like it has romance, mystery, and intrigue. Good review. π
@dino0726 fromΒ
FictionZeal – Impartial, Straightforward Fiction Book Reviews
The whole series has some beautiful covers so far. Thanks for visiting!
This series sounds very original! I hadn't heard of it before your reviews but after reading your comments, I definitely want to read it! Thanks for sharing and giving me good ideas π
Suz Reads
While it may have a few similar dystopian themes, it does have some very original parts to it. You should give it a try! Thanks for stopping by!
This wil be one of my next reads. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did!
rafflecopter username: Joana Bento
I hope you enjoy it as well! Thanks for visiting!
I had not heard of this before. Another addition to my tbr!
And I love that cover π
If you like dystopians, you'll enjoy this for sure! Thanks for stopping by!
Such a shame you didn't love this one as much as the first book but it still sounds like it was a good read in the end and that you could enjoy it π I also really like the sound of this one and I have the second book but I don't have the first so I better go and find that!
I definitely still enjoyed it, just not quite as much as the first one. Had a bit of the sophomore slump as they call it. You should definitely grab the first one! Thanks for visiting!
Not my type of read, but the dress on the cover is amazing!
Of course it was the dress that grabbed my attention, but the story was really good!
Thank you for this review!
No problem.