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Desert Jewel

(Jewel Chronicles #1)

Natalina Reis (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · Rating details · 63 ratings · 49 reviews

She’s a princess, he’s an ex-slave. To survive, they must fight the all-powerful Elders, and Jaali's demons.

MILENDA

She’s a princess in a world of lush jungles and hellish deserts where the modern mixes with centuries-old traditions and superstitions. Taking a husband at the age of eighteen goes against every fiber of her being, but as a future monarch, she must follow ...more

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Published October 29th 2016 by Hot Tree Publishing (first published October 8th 2016)

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Jan 28, 2017 Faith Rivens rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-of-2017

I requested this book initially because of the beautiful simplistic cover, the promising premise, and the diversity of the characters. I read a lot of high fantasy, but I do not read too many set outside of European-esque worlds. It's something I working harder towards.

My thoughts in the end are conflicted. On the one hand, this was a brilliantly conceived world with visual imagery that sets the reader solidly into the world of Natale. The prose really is wonderful and manages to captivate.

When ...more

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Mar 26, 2017 Angela rated it it was amazing

5 Stars

Desert Jewel is a fantasy novel by Natalina Reis. There is so much happening in the story, from action, adventure, drama, romance, political power play, intrigue, Magical and Mystical beings, and so much more. The story takes place in a magical kingdom called Natale, in Africa.
Milenda is the Princess of her kingdom, the Jewel in the Crown and heir to the throne. She carries the heavy weight of responsibility and expectation- but she really longs to make her own path in life and break the 5 Stars

Desert Jewel is a fantasy novel by Natalina Reis. There is so much happening in the story, from action, adventure, drama, romance, political power play, intrigue, Magical and Mystical beings, and so much more. The story takes place in a magical kingdom called Natale, in Africa.
Milenda is the Princess of her kingdom, the Jewel in the Crown and heir to the throne. She carries the heavy weight of responsibility and expectation- but she really longs to make her own path in life and break the mold she has been groomed for, all of her life.
Jaali was only a child when he was taken from his home and forced into slavery. He has since earned his freedom. When he meets Milenda, he has no idea who she is- only that she takes his breath away. She loves that he has no expectations of her and their interactions are ‘natural’ and easy. The more time they spend together, the deeper the feelings of belonging develop, and love blossoms.
But the kingdom of Natale is one steeped in tradition, where ancient customs and rituals must be adhered to. No one is exempt, especially the Princess. Milenda has little hope of a future with Jaali, as their traditions call for her to choose a husband from the men who compete and finish the “Trials”- a test of skills in strength, problem solving and endurance. She doesn’t want Jaali’s life to be endangered, or for him to have to endure the gruelling conditions of the Trials. Anyway, there was little hope that he would be chosen anyway.
But Jaali is willing to do whatever it takes for them to be together. He would rather die trying for a future together, than live his life without her in it. He is now set to face the trials.
The story gets more intriguing, as there are some powerful people with their own agendas pulling strings in the background- who are determined to orchestrate their own outcomes and for some that means keeping the two apart. With the odds being stacked against them, what hope do Jaali and Milenda really have of succeeding? Does Jaali have any chance of finishing the trials, or is he doomed to fail even before he’s begun? Will Jaali and Melinda find the happy future they both want so badly?
Ms. Reis writes beautifully, and her talent is very apparent throughout the book. The characters are charming and endearing, and the world in which the book is set is vibrant, with exquisitely detailed imagery.
This is pretty captivating reading. The concept is quite unique, interesting and has been executed beautifully. The author did a great job of infusing quite a lot of emotion, tension and romance into the story.
The inclusion of the glossary of the translations for the Swahili words used in the story, added another dimension to my reading experience.
I would like to have found out more about the magical and mystical aspect of the kingdom.
This is my first read from this author and it certainly won’t be my last. I hope to have more of her work to read, real soon!

Thank you Ms. Reis!
...more

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Dec 03, 2016 Jacquie (Rattle the Stars) rated it liked it

Shelves: ya, fantasy, fiction

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Desert Jewel was an interesting story about love, survival and inner strength. Another impulse request on NetGalley, I was worried that it wouldn’t be as good as its fabulous cover artwork. However, I found myself staying up late at night just to finish it. I was captivated throughout and couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to see what would I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Desert Jewel was an interesting story about love, survival and inner strength. Another impulse request on NetGalley, I was worried that it wouldn’t be as good as its fabulous cover artwork. However, I found myself staying up late at night just to finish it. I was captivated throughout and couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.

Much of what made the story so addictive were the characters Milenda and Jaali. They were very well written, with great depth, that you couldn’t help but root for them. When the story first started I was worried that Milenda was going to be the stereotypical entitled princess (think The Heir/The Crown) but thankful she wasn’t. There’s no stomping around or tempertantrums. Instead, Milenda is driven by bettering herself and those around her. Jaali’s story broke my heart into a million pieces. The slow reveal of how he was treated as a slave, beaten and raped, was well written with great care and tenderness. I loved how together, he and Milenda could overcome anything they set their minds too. Their romance was beautiful but at times, if I’m completely honest, a little too sickly sweet. I adored them, don’t get me wrong, it just sometimes seemed a little too much. They needed each other too much by the end and that bothered me. I’m a firm believer that you can benefit by being with your partner, but don’t have to lose too much of your own independence in the process.

The world created in this story was fascinating. It takes place in an African nation where magical abilities exist. One magical being that I absolutely adored was Mjusi, a flying lizard-like creature. He was perfect comic relief! Always there to help out and raise a smile when needed. Where the story lacked was in the explanation of the gods and goddesses. They are mentioned in the novel but not much background was provided. I had so many questions about their abilities and why hadn’t they done anything to direct change within the kingdom?

I honestly can’t believe how quickly I read through this book! I finished it within a day. It’s about 200ish pages but felt like much less. The chapters are short and the writing quite simple and to the point. After previously being burdened by an overly descriptive book, this one felt like an easy, breezy read. It was just what I needed!

While written as a stand alone, the ending left enough open for a sequel, which I would happily read in a heartbeat. I really hope that we get more from the characters and world established in Desert Jewel. There are so many possible storylines that I’m totally going to be stalking the author’s Goodreads page hoping that the sequel will be her next release! ...more

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Oct 23, 2016 N Swaffar rated it really liked it

**Copy provided by Author/Tour Host, in exchange for an honest review**

***** 4.25 STARS *****

Desert Jewel is a captivating read of love and survival. It’s mellow, but intriguing and original. Milenda and Jaali met unexpectedly, but their love started fast and strong. The way they fell in love and stayed in love was sweet. Milenda is a princess who had to choose a winner from a dangerous trial that could kill any contender. But being a contender means, having a chance of being chosen as Milenda’ ...more

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Mar 28, 2017 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: ibbb-reviews

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis Rated 4 stars

Milenda is the princess of Natale and since she is coming of age it's getting time for her to get married. In the past the Elders always hold the Trials in order to find good strong men. The princess is allowed to pick any of the men that finish the Trials or any other as long as they complete a couple criteria. The princess usually picks one of the finishers of the Trials. Milenda has met her true love and future consort, Jaali. He is a Professor of la ...more

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Mar 27, 2017 Jenni Bishop rated it really liked it

Milenda is the Jewel of the Crown of Natale and is set to become ruler. Ancient traditions state, she must select a husband upon her 18th birthday. Men vying for her hand must face the trial, which is set up in accordance with the Elders wishes. A trial that is as older than the Elders themselves and just as deadly but the men who face the trials do so without knowing that the odds have been stacked against them by these cruel and malicious old men. The men have presented themselves before the J ...more

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Apr 01, 2017 Amber rated it really liked it

Desert Jewel written by Natalina Reis is a romance written in several points of views. This book was unlike anything I have read to date. The story was unique and different. The lead characters are Jaali and Milenda. Milenda is the princess of Natale and has to pick a consort/husband due to the traditions of her country. They have to go through trials that can be deadly for some. Milenda really wants no part of the barbaric custom but the elders are the ones who really rule so she's forced to go ...more

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Mar 29, 2017 Anna Hirsch rated it liked it

Desert Jewel by Natalia Reis
3 Stars

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand the author did a fantastic job in her descriptions. The world of Natale is beautiful. The characters are both intriguing and different. The story is basically about the struggle of two people in love trying to be together. One is a princess who has to keep the needs of her people in mind, the other is an ex-slave who has a different outlook on life. On the other hand I think that the author chose to concentra ...more

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Apr 04, 2017 Stephanie Wilson rated it really liked it

Natalina has written a most astounding novel, a romantic fiction that blends what some might think quite disparate genres, African, mythological, magic, religious, monarchist and romantic. Natalina’s writing builds strong characters without being saccharine, gives you fantasy grounded in humanity.
‘Opposites attract’ may be a long standing romantic notion but the author makes is very believable with strong ties to how non-judgemental believes and practices will triumph. The yin / yang is reverse ...more

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Mar 19, 2017 Jean Martin rated it really liked it

I am giving this book four stars and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Hopefully it will be out soon.
Love has blossomed, a gift has been given. Milenda, the Jewel in the Crown of Natale has found the love of her life. The one she wants for all time. But, the course of true love never runs straight to quote the bard, and there is a catch. A trial to be exact. One which Jaali, Milenda’s love, must face before they can claim each other and Milenda can rightfully claim her ...more

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Mar 17, 2017 Maura rated it really liked it

I chose this book solely because the cover intrigued me. I did not know it’s classification until AFTER I read it and looked it up on Amazon. I was very surprised to find that it’s classified as an “interracial romance”. I would classify it more as Fantasy, maybe New Adult. At any rate, I enjoyed this story and it absolutely lived up to the cover art.
Desert Jewel is the story of a Princess who is destined to become ruler of her nation and has to choose a husband to rule alongside her. The way th ...more

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Jul 17, 2019 Sean Wright Neeley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A potential fairy tale

The book hooked me from the beginning. The author arouses all five senses with her vivid descriptions of colorful clothing, giant purring lizards, and the pungent odor of strong herbal tea. The lovers prove what happens with soul mates: a match made in heaven. Class, race, age do not stop two hearts that are linked by kismet. The sex scenes were steamy, but not too explicit. They built heat without making the reader feel like a shameful voyeur.

I also found the concept of re ...more

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Mar 17, 2017 Sunday rated it really liked it

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis
Four Stars

Desert Jewel is the first book I have read by Natalina Reis. I thoroughly enjoyed this love story with hints of intrigue, suspense and mystery. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. Ms. Reis developed a storyline that flowed and the character descriptions were detailed and entertaining.

Milenda, the Desert Jewel, princess of Natalie is come of age and must choose a husband. The Elders of Natalie choose trials that participant ...more

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Mar 17, 2017 Stefanie Carney rated it it was amazing

Desert Jewel is a wonderful story about how far you will go for the other part of your soul. It reminds us that when you find the one that completes you they are worth fighting and surviving for no matter how bleak the world may seem. Set in a world like ours but with an almost medieval twist, this story will show you pure evil and how to fight it. It made me smile as I saw just how far people will go for love.
Milenda, the Crown Jewel of the country, is the heir to the throne of Natale, and she ...more

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Mar 17, 2017 Danielle rated it it was amazing

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis was a deep and moving love story wound beautifully with magic and fantasy.

Princess Milenda is a princess unlike any fairy tale stereotype. Strong and independent. Unselfish and annoyed with the pampering and privileges that her station offers, she's gone against her Father and the Elders of her kingdom to attend university and broaden her horizons before she must choose her consort in the Trials. However, at the university, she meet Jaali, a former slave. The conne ...more

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Apr 07, 2017 Jean Lofaso rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. The story and imagery made me feel that I was part of the story. A book perfect for romantics.

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Jul 02, 2018 Spunky N Sassy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: lindsey-reviewed, 4-star

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This was an awesome fantasy story. It’s very different from anything I’ve read so far. I can’t wait for the next book. ...more

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Dec 29, 2020 Patricia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

An African Story!!

I am really excited! I have been looking for an african story for a while now.
I can assure you that Africa says "Thank you!" ...more

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Sep 21, 2019 Bookbear rated it liked it · review of another edition

Nothing special but a nice easy read, might even buy the second book sooner or later. Plays in a fantasy version of Africa, which is always a plus with me.

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Mar 13, 2017 Andrea rated it it was amazing

This is an awesome book. The premise of the plot was one I'd not read anywhere before and I was not disappointed. Characters were brilliantly written throughout as were the description of the locations. Very well written book ...more

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Apr 04, 2017 Bethany Mcvay rated it really liked it

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis is a fantasy novel that left me with mixed feelings. Most;y good feelings, but still a little mixed.

First the plot. It's a story about two lovers, Melinda the heir to the throne of Natale, and Jaali a slave in her kingdom. Melinda and Jaail fall in love, but Melinda has to choose a husband from the remaining survivors of an ancient ritual that the Elders of her kingdom have stacked in their favor. Jaali enters the Trial in hopes that he could be with Melinda, b ...more

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Apr 01, 2017 Erin added it

I give Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis four stars.

Milenda is the Jewel of Natale, the heir to the throne. She has lived a content, if not lonely life. She has also been pushing boundaries and is doing more than a Jewel should do. She finally fought her way to get approval of going to college. But one tradition she has not been able to fight is that she will have to marry soon. And that the ones honored will have to be put through a very difficult journey to win her approval. Technically, after thi I give Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis four stars.

Milenda is the Jewel of Natale, the heir to the throne. She has lived a content, if not lonely life. She has also been pushing boundaries and is doing more than a Jewel should do. She finally fought her way to get approval of going to college. But one tradition she has not been able to fight is that she will have to marry soon. And that the ones honored will have to be put through a very difficult journey to win her approval. Technically, after this she can marry anyone she wants, but tradition has it she should marry a contender. She wants to marry for love, but she may not have a say. Not like she’s had a chance to meet many men, nonetheless fall in love. Then she literally runs into a professor at school and that seems to change everything. He is nothing like she has ever seen before. Pale white skin among all the darker skins of her people, bright eyes. And he doesn’t realize who she is and treats her as a normal person, not just their Jewel.

Jaali is a former slave who has won his freedom. He has had a horrible past and it haunts him all the time. While he loves being a professor, he knows he is still looked down upon by some people. He is the only fair skinned person in a land where people do not like the different. Then he runs into her. He is instantly attracted to her. She seems so innocent, but wise at the same time. And she treats him as an equal. She is beautiful and he wants to see her all the time. He’s in love. But then he finds out who she is. He isn’t good enough for her, not with the scars of his past that he carries around. He is from a world of brutality, she should be revered and treated delicately.

Can these two find a way to be together? What will the cost be for these two whom don’t really seem to fit in?

This was a good book. It is first and foremost a love story, but the action in it was quite good. In my opinion, it got a little too sappy at times, but I know that’s just a personal preference. The story itself was quite good and I have never read anything quite like it. I would be interested to see where else the story could go if there is another book. ...more

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Nov 10, 2016 Isis Ray-sisco rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Desert Jewel was a great read. I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. I enjoyed Jaali and
Milenda’s story. It was one wrought with peril. Their love was an enduring one that weathered a lot of storms. I have never read a book by this author before but I would like to read her other books. I like her writing style it flowed well and was very easy to dive into her story.

Milenda's life has always been planned for her. She is the heir to the throne. Everything she has ever learned or done has h Desert Jewel was a great read. I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. I enjoyed Jaali and
Milenda’s story. It was one wrought with peril. Their love was an enduring one that weathered a lot of storms. I have never read a book by this author before but I would like to read her other books. I like her writing style it flowed well and was very easy to dive into her story.

Milenda's life has always been planned for her. She is the heir to the throne. Everything she has ever learned or done has had a purpose. She didn't really have any choice. Everyone had expectations of her. When she meets Jaali she is surprised that he doesn't know who she is...and that was refreshing. The more time they spend together the more she knows she wants to choose him as her husband. She knows this won't happen because she will have to choose from the men that take part in the trials. She doesn't want him to have to go through that and she doesn't think he will be chosen to anyways. When the trials start she is shocked that he is one of the men chosen to compete to win her heart. Will he survive? Will she end up getting her heart's desire? Or will he end up dead?

Jaali's life has been a struggle. He was stolen from his land and sold into slavery. He has had to deal with mean owners up until he gained his freedom. Now he has a job and is living day to day. He never expected to fall in love let alone with an heir to the throne. When he met her he had no idea who she was. All he knew was she took his breath away and he wanted to get to know her. The more time they spend together the more she becomes the center of his universe. When she reveals who she is he realizes that they may never have a happily ever after. He will stop at nothing to make their dreams come true...even if that means he will have to face the trials. Will he figure out a way to keep them together? Or will they both end up heartbroken?

I was transported into Jaali and Milenda's world. I felt like I knew the two of them and I was rooting for them from the beginning of their relationship. I liked that Milenda wasn't happy with settling. She wanted more than to follow the norm like everyone else always had. I liked Jaali's spirit. He was strong and persevered through all the trials life placed in his way. I would highly recommend Desert Jewel to others. ...more

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Apr 01, 2017 Renee rated it really liked it

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis
Stars: 4

Milenda Nwosu is the Crown Jewel of Natale. Since she is the heiress of the throne, she is expected to select a consort from the survivors of the trials. Milenda hates the tradition of the trials even more since she already loves one of the competitors, Jaali. He is not a native born of Natale. He was brought to Natale when he was a child as a slave. As far as Natale’s Elders are concerned, these are only strikes against Jaali. No matter the danger or the obs ...more

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Mar 30, 2017 Stacie Catoe rated it it was amazing

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis

I must give this awesome book 5 stars! This book kept me reading but also wanting to go slow so it would never end! I love stories about young love and the trials and heartbreak involved leading to pure happiness. Some of the words were difficult because i wasn't sure how they were pronounced or their exact meaning but there is a glossary of them at the end to help.

Milenda is the Princess of Natale and is almost to her 18th birthday. She has to follow the old rit ...more

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Apr 01, 2017 Sheri rated it really liked it

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis was an interesting read. The primary character is Milenda who is the heiress of the throne of Natale. She meets Jaali, a former slave, while away at University. She has never had close friends. When she meets Jaali they form an immediate bond. She wants to be with Jaali but due to a ritual does not get the decision of who she will be with. The Trials and those who complete them are who Milenda must choose. This story is an interesting mix of fantasy, romance, and po ...more

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Apr 01, 2017 Carissa Anelli rated it it was amazing

Desert Jewel
Natlina Reis

What do you do when you are royalty and quickly becoming of age and must choose a fertile spouse to continue the royal bloodline? It may seem easy you can pick any one you want from any walk of life but first there is the royal trials decided on and administered by the elders. This time the would be suitors will be dropped in the middle of desert with wild animals with minimal supplies and required to make their way back to the kingdom. When the suitors present themselve ...more

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Jan 10, 2017 Lene Blackthorn rated it really liked it

A YA fantasy with some mature content that has the potential to keep the reader alert.
Milenda is an heir to the throne, which means her future is already linked and decided upon. She has no real choices and lives up to expectations of others. Jaali, a former slave, did not recognize her immediately, and the princess’ planned and known life experiences a surprise. She falls in love with him, but once again the rules restrict her from this choice. She is expected to choose a husband from a group ...more

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Mar 31, 2017 Crystal aguilar rated it really liked it

A great story!

Desert Jewel by Natalina Reis is a great read full of love, hate, hope, joy, devastation, fantasy and magic all rolled into one wonderful story. Milenda is an Afrikan princess also known as the Crown Jewel of Natale…. she is also happens to be 17 years old. At the age of 18 she has to pick a husband, now this can be man from Natale who hasn't been married already and has passed a fertility test. Jaali is an ex slave who withstood years of hate and torment at the hands of a monste ...more

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Dec 31, 2016 Care rated it liked it · review of another edition

Desert Jewel is a quick read that seems to be geared towards young adult audiences interested in fantasy, but it also highlights on some mature topics including consensual and non consensual sexual topics.

Milenda is the Crown Jewel of Natalie, set in a constructed, fantasized Afrika. Jaali is an foreign-born, ex-slave who has endured unimaginable horrors and teaches at the local university where he meets the princess. Despite falling in love, Milenda must choose her husband from a set of conten ...more

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