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Raven (The Violet Jewel #1)

3.58 of 5 stars 3.58 · rating details · 66 ratings · 25 reviews

A girl, a coma, a Plague, and an empty grave.

When Shardaie wakes up, she doesn’t know who she is, why she can’t understand emotions, why she has been unconscious for nearly nine of her thirteen years, or why the dead just won’t stay dead. The only clue to her past is a locket, but the Plague, which finally stretches its unnatural hand to her village, forces her to leave an...more

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Published July 13th 2011

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Mar 21, 2012 Jennifer C. rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: challenge-2012, hated-it, series

I had a really hard time reading this book. I feel like it was written in a very awkward way. I couldn't get into the story line and didn't feel much for any of the characters. I did finish it, but that's not saying much. I never give up on a book. The issue I had was that I would only get about 10 pages read before I would fall asleep. I think that there were too many details that were not described or explained well enough. It was a good idea for a story, but not executed very well.

I was prov...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Cee rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book a while ago, then again, and last night I found the sudden desire to write my thoughts down. I really loved the book; from the moment I first started it (the snapshots of the past given to us through diaries) until the instant I finished it (that epilogue just made me want more, I mean, what was that sound, and especially what the one character said about getting an empty grave--wonderful!), I loved it. I enjoyed the well-written characters, the beautiful sentences the author us...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Yvette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interesting characters, fascinating twists, one stressful situation.

I was drawn to this book because of the wonderful synopsis, and having read it a few times, I can definitely say that it can survive the test of time, and that some won't like this while others, like me, will love it. I'll tell you why: Raven is simply the introduction to the characters, the world, the main plot, a few subplots, and the main enemy. You will say 'but every first novel in a series is the introduction', but I reall...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Ariel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been reading a few independently published novels, and because I love zombies, don't really love romances, love mysterious characters, and unique twists in a favorite genre, well, I really enjoyed Raven.

It has been mentioned, a few times, that the journal entries that open the story are rather engrossing, and that they are. I can't imagine what I'd be doing in that situation, and thank god that I won't ever experience it! The protagonist is vexing here and there, but what would you expect f...more I've been reading a few independently published novels, and because I love zombies, don't really love romances, love mysterious characters, and unique twists in a favorite genre, well, I really enjoyed Raven.

It has been mentioned, a few times, that the journal entries that open the story are rather engrossing, and that they are. I can't imagine what I'd be doing in that situation, and thank god that I won't ever experience it! The protagonist is vexing here and there, but what would you expect from a girl who doesn't understand emotions, so her reactions (especially since the story is told mostly in her POV) are interesting to see. The pacing is slow in certain places, but it's like that to explain the (very interesting) world and the story, so I had no problem with it.

I loved the way it was written, there were sentences that I highlighted on my e-reader and thought, hmm, well said! The problem that the characters are facing is really different (what a unique twist! Can't wait to see more of that in the sequels), but the major problem involving the protagonist builds up, then isn't revealed (it continues like that for a number of chapters until you believe that the protagonist’s past won't be revealed, but when it actually does see the light of day? Oh, I loved it!).

The last few chapters had a number of wonderful scenes, like the protagonist and the boy I believe will be her love interest (they occur in the exam, in the hospital, and in the last chapter I believe), a dream sequence which I believe was painting an image of the protagonist when she's older or showing her appearance from a different reality, the great revelation (I shot through that scene, how wonderful!), and the mysterious epilogue.

So if you don't like zombies, a partially hidden plot, a story with no romance (though I believe that will slowly build up, like the friendships in this novel, which slowly expanded), then maybe this won't be for you. But I really enjoyed it: the plot, the characters, the major problem involving the zombies, and the climax.(less)

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May 28, 2012 Andie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book isn't for everyone. Perhaps the younger class will enjoy it more, but I certainly enjoyed the two big reveals in the book. Well, why isn't it for most? It's young adult, but most young adult novels are about romance and everything else associated with it, but Raven is about dealing (or not dealing) with problems in your head, what is normal and not, and especially secrets. What do you do with them, especially when it involves so many innocent people? And I guess in that manner the stor...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Sarah rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: r2r-complete, read-2012

(I was given this book for free on a read-to-review basis.)
I have to start by saying that I found this book quite confusing, so the summary that follows may sound a bit strange, but it’s what I understood to be happening as I was reading:

To start with there are some journal entries which talk about elementals and celestials. Elementals are monsters that are linked to the elements – fire, wind, earth, water, and lightning, and celestials are people that keep the mortals safe from the elementals b...more (I was given this book for free on a read-to-review basis.)
I have to start by saying that I found this book quite confusing, so the summary that follows may sound a bit strange, but it’s what I understood to be happening as I was reading:

To start with there are some journal entries which talk about elementals and celestials. Elementals are monsters that are linked to the elements – fire, wind, earth, water, and lightning, and celestials are people that keep the mortals safe from the elementals by using gemstones which glow in their hands. There is also a problem with the mortals falling ill, dying, and becoming undead, or infected as they are called.

Then the story switches to a girl called Raven (although her actual name is Shardaie) who doesn’t remember the first 4 years of her life, has been in a coma, is now living with someone called Celio(her guardian?), is never allowed to leave the house, doesn’t know her family, and is then told that in 5 months she will be a celestial – she has no clue what this means.( – oh, and this will take place on a different planet!)

Shardaie is told what to say to people on the new planet about where she came from and who she is, and is given a locket that apparently belongs to her which will be important.

I’m sorry to say that this is as far as I read (– around 25%). I hate not finishing a book, but I read because I enjoy reading and I really wasn’t enjoying this book. I found the whole business of Raven having two names confusing, the opening part about elementals and celestials was interesting at first, but ultimately just confused me with the sheer number of characters and amount of information given, and after forcing myself to keep reading up to 25% I really couldn’t read any more.

Overall, I really didn’t enjoy this book and I couldn’t finish it. I found it confusing and ultimately boring. I’m glad that other people enjoyed it but it just wasn’t for me.
2 out of 10.
(Book length: 7596 Kindle Locations)
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Mar 23, 2012 Leanne rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-ebooks-for-review

*Received e-book from the Read It and Reap program in the Shut Up and Read! group on Goodreads; from the author for an honest review

I've never not finished a book, but this one was very difficult to go through. I made it halfway before I decided to stop. Although I respect Jeggels' ambition in her world-building, there were multiple elements or ideas that convoluted and distracted from the plot. In addition, since the main character, Raven, was pretty much emotionless and unengaging, it was very...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Karie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would like to say I enjoyed this book but I cant say it. It was hard to stay concentrated on it because there were to many things going on. I felt like I was being assaulted with information. Most of the character's werent built up enough, I really couldnt connect with Raven or any one else for that matter. I think its important as a reader to atleast be able to connect on some level with the characters of the book. I made it a good part of the way in and I was still confused at what the book...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Lily rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dropped-it

* This book was generously shared by the author for the purposes of an honest review through Read it & Reap - Shut Up & Read Group. *

When I pick up a story for review, even if I do not enjoy the plot, I try my hardest to get through it anyways. But in this case, I just could not do it.

I made it through 50%, and was so confused by all the time changes in the plot, all the characters, their confusing interactions, and this completely disconnected plot, that I found myself zoning out and ju...more

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Mar 14, 2012 NayNay rated it 2 of 5 stars

An interesting book...however, it just fell flat for me, but the storyline did have promise. Nuayma Jeggles takes us on a journey full of mystery, action, and zombies (a.k.a. The Infected.) But for me the journey was boing, it was very slow at the beginning, too many characters to keep track of, alot of going back and forth-present to past, it all left me shaking my head trying to get it all in order. The main characters were not realistic, I just felt disconnected from everything, but I did lik...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, kindle, review-copy

Firstly, I’m going to say that overall, I enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to read – it’s one of the longer books I’ve read recently. The characters developed well, and I enjoyed this aspect of the book. Another positive point of this book was the way that locations were distinct – the various planets described were all distinct from one another, as were the people inhabiting them. For example, the Cantchi people, like Chiyo, for me, seemed very similar to the Japanese, and I’d be ve...more Firstly, I’m going to say that overall, I enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to read – it’s one of the longer books I’ve read recently. The characters developed well, and I enjoyed this aspect of the book. Another positive point of this book was the way that locations were distinct – the various planets described were all distinct from one another, as were the people inhabiting them. For example, the Cantchi people, like Chiyo, for me, seemed very similar to the Japanese, and I’d be very surprised if they weren’t modeled on them, and this made them believable and enjoyable.

I feel that the Temple, and those within it were also well developed, with the teacher-student relationship between the Celestials and the Initiates being consistent and authoritative. It was nice that the Celestials weren’t as distant from their pupils as I’d originally worried they would be – it was almost like there was a sense of community within the place, despite the distance that there seems to be within this world between the Celestials and the Mortals.

One thing that did stand out to me, and I don’t know if it was just my opinion or not, but Lord Ichiro sort of stood out to me as Shardaie’s version of Dumbledore – a sort of mentor figure, who is a natural respected leader, and knows more about Shardaie’s life than she herself does. I don’t think this was necessarily a bad thing though.

As for the storyline itself, I mainly enjoyed it. However, at the beginning of the book I quickly found myself confused because the story seems to jump around a lot to begin with. I think this is mainly to introduce the reader quickly to both the characters and the back-story, but I have to admit it left me feeling slightly disorientated, and it took me a little while to get back on track with the story.

This was one of my only criticisms of this book, and whilst it made the start of the book a bit difficult, it doesn’t really impact on anything. One of my only other ones was that it felt towards the end like the gun that is loaded throughout the book (mainly the mystery surrounding Raven’s life) was not going to be fired in this book, and instead the reader would have to wait for subsequent books. However, this turned out not to be the case. The reader finds out some of Raven’s past, as does Raven herself, but enough is left unsaid that there is something left for the next book.

There’s also a good amount of build up for the events in the world – I want to know what happens next because this is something that none of the characters can predict.

Overall, I enjoyed this as a read, but there were some points that I found difficult. That said, it’s another good indie title which I am glad to have had the privilege to have read.
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Mar 19, 2012 Erin Dove rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: couldn-t-get-into, read-it-reap

*This book was generously offered by the Author for a review, through the Read it & Reap group*

I love when I read a story and it completely sucks me in - this story did not do that at all. There was simply nothing to relate to.

I only was able to get through about 65% of this book. Which normally, I would never do. It was a very busy story. I found there was just too much going on, and not enough emotion went into developing the characters. I found myself skimming a lot..there was just nothin...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Melody rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really like this book: the new twist on zombies, the characters (Nathaniel, Aerin, the leader of their home), the plot (which doesn't really seem to be there, but it is), and liked the way it was written. I loved the introduction (the journal entries, the images that the author discribed), the 'reveals' (which I loved!), and the ending (especially the last few chapters, including the exam, the dream sequence, and the conversation with Aerin) made me want more. Even though it's YA, there's no r...more

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Apr 18, 2012 Delilah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, write-review, young-adult, language-english

I got this book to review through the Read It & Reap project.

I admit that as I am writing this review, I have not finish reading the story. I also admit, that it will take me a really long time to actually do this. With a bit of luck the time from first page to last won't go to Tolkien-esque proportions. (As I mentioned in another review: Over ten years and I'm still at chapter six of the Fellowship of the Ring.)

That said, what I've managed to read was quite fascinating.

Yes, the story evolve...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Nina at Death Books and Tea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Raven has woken up from a coma. Of eight years. The world she wakes up in is one with zombies, infected, so the dead rose again. From then on, we get the story of her at the Temple, learning how to protect herself, and finding out secrets that maybe should be kept quiet.
The world building was very good. The planets we learnt about were all distinctly different, yet familiar-the Cantchi people, for example Chiyo, was what you’d get if the Japanese all emigrated to this new planet. It added a lit...more

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Nov 08, 2011 Jenna rated it 5 of 5 stars

(4.5 stars)

Slight spoilers concerning character backgrounds.

In the first book of the Violet Jewel series, we’re quickly introduced to this new world, Ozione; the main problem (the zombies); an Order of Celestials (humans who are protectors); and a number of characters. Raven, the girl who doesn’t understand her emotions. Kaylou, a boy who lives in an underground city and is a descendant of the sector’s slaves. Lord Shiro, the current ruler of the sector’s Celestials. There are quite a few charac...more (4.5 stars)

Slight spoilers concerning character backgrounds.

In the first book of the Violet Jewel series, we’re quickly introduced to this new world, Ozione; the main problem (the zombies); an Order of Celestials (humans who are protectors); and a number of characters. Raven, the girl who doesn’t understand her emotions. Kaylou, a boy who lives in an underground city and is a descendant of the sector’s slaves. Lord Shiro, the current ruler of the sector’s Celestials. There are quite a few characters -- servants, classmates, Masters -- but they are certainly well-developed. Not only that, there is a lot of information to take in, but that was wonderful. A YA novel that made me think instead of simply turning the page, turning the page.

I really want to talk about the plot and the actions of certain characters, but I don’t want to give anything away! I want to speak about what one character did, what could this and that mean for a future book (please, please, there must be more!), I want to share my ideas and gush like a fangirl (and, yes, I’m definitely a fan). So is it good? Yes, but there were two things that stood out for me (not negatively, seeing that it didn’t take away from the story): one, we don’t know a lot about Raven’s past (but do you expect a dictionary-sized background on a four year old, seeing that Raven became comatose at four and woke up at twelve, nearly thirteen?), and two, there were one or two Celestial-related terms that weren’t clear in the first read, but required a bit of thinking time.

The story: set in a fantasy world with certain elements that are familiar (the Japanese, called Cantchi), with a new twist on zombies (how I loved that twist!). Swords, elemental magic, secrets, teacher-student interaction (loved it!), disbelief, death. A problem that cannot be predicted, or possibly be altered, by the characters.

Overall: the positives outweighed the rare few negatives. A good story with well-developed characters and excellent world-building.
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May 20, 2012 Kristy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I finally got to this book, and while it was confusing at certain sections, I did appreciate the originality, the storytelling, the gentle pace, the world-building, and especially the characters. Certain sections would have had a three out of five, but the ending (which made me crave for more) bumped it up (especially the second last chapter -- holy hell!). Can't wait for more!

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Mar 24, 2012 Pragya rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, review-request

I hate to do this, especially to a review book. But I just could not get into this book. It was all too complex for my understanding - the world building and all. I appreciate the author's thought and hard work that has gone into the writing of this book. But this wasn't meant for me. I am sure those who love world building would be able to enjoy this.

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Mar 18, 2012 Maryann rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought it was hard to get into the story and the characters were confusing. The author had a good concept, just needed more character development. I was given a copy generously by the author for an honest review.

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May 20, 2012 Stella rated it 5 of 5 stars

Difficult at times, but very interesting read, especially at the second re-read. Loved it!

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Apr 17, 2012 Sarah rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Didn't like this. Couldn't finish it. just couldn't concentrate on it at all!

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Jun 25, 2012 Isabelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed it, very much! Can't wait for more from the author.

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Mar 18, 2012 Kel (Bookworm) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: r-2-r, dystopian, own, read-2012, fantasy

It was a very slow read. The story seemed to drag and it was very hard to figure out where it was going.

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May 31, 2012 Kelly Roman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it!

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Jan 18, 2012 The Haunted Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: violet-jewel

Loved it!

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Jan 22, 2013 Heather marked it as to-read

Jan 21, 2013 Hailey marked it as to-read

Jan 19, 2013 Ruby Tombstone marked it as unread-but-acquired

Shelves: unread-on-my-kindle

Jan 18, 2013 Jasmin marked it as to-read

Jan 15, 2013 Jessica marked it as to-read

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Raven (The Violet Jewel #1)

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