Common Sense Media Review
By Karen Wirsing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Captivating tale of girls sold to elite women as surrogates.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this book features a captivating storyline and well-developed characters that evoke strong emotions, with a mix of positive and negative themes regarding women's roles and the nature of love. While some readers found the romance rushed and certain aspects distressing, many praised the book's thought-provoking content and unique world, suggesting it offers important messages despite its darker elements.
- strong emotions
- thought-provoking content
- mixed themes
- rushed romance
- captivating storyline
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Violet Lasting is taken from her family and placed in a training home that teaches her to embrace the only future she's permitted to have: life as a surrogate mother for the upper class. Once she's bought at the annual auction by the Duchess of the Lake, Violet says goodbye to her friends and embarks on an unknown venture to the Jewel, the district where the manipulative elite reside. Upon arrival she's greeted with a slap in the face and stripped of the only identity she's ever known: her name. From now on she's only referred to by her auction number, 197, and isn't allowed to speak unless spoken to. Regulations in the Jewel become more and more clear each day, and Violet must learn how to survive among the heartless and affluent.
Is It Any Good?
THE JEWEL is a captivating and unique page-turner that will have readers thinking about the significance of personal freedom and autonomy. In this novel's dystopian society, girls are objectified by their female owners. Personal stylists dress the girls in elegant gowns, glittering jewels, and painted faces to be paraded around as prizes for the upper class.
Themes of women subjugating other women flow strongly; however, the bonds formed among the lower-class girls prove that women who support other women are far more powerful than their antagonists. An exciting, open ending leaves readers eager for the second installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the significance of a name. How does a person's name identify who he or she is?
What makes fantasy such a popular genre for teens?
Explore the importance of speaking freely. Discuss what freedom of speech means to you.
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : September 2, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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