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Court of Edaeii #1
Jeweled
A new series of erotic magic and fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author.
In the Court of Edaeii, magic-imbued Evangeline is rewarded for her gift in manipulating emotion with a sapphire stone set into the perfect curve of her lower back. Her greatest rival in the royal court is the enigmatic Anatol, instilled with the power of illusion. He may best her in magic, but he is her absolute equal in passion.
They share something else-they're both targets of low-born revolutionaries. Rescued by Gregorio, the brilliant revolutionary mastermind, they're given sanctuary. But in this warm refuge, Evangeline soon finds herself torn between the magic of one man she has always desired, and the excitingly new and radical moves of another. For her, there is only one indulge in pleasure without limits.
In the Court of Edaeii, magic-imbued Evangeline is rewarded for her gift in manipulating emotion with a sapphire stone set into the perfect curve of her lower back. Her greatest rival in the royal court is the enigmatic Anatol, instilled with the power of illusion. He may best her in magic, but he is her absolute equal in passion.
They share something else-they're both targets of low-born revolutionaries. Rescued by Gregorio, the brilliant revolutionary mastermind, they're given sanctuary. But in this warm refuge, Evangeline soon finds herself torn between the magic of one man she has always desired, and the excitingly new and radical moves of another. For her, there is only one indulge in pleasure without limits.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2010
16 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Anya Bast
67 books1,451 followersAnya Bast is the author of numerous works of romantic fiction, mostly all paranormal and mostly all scorching hot. She lives in the country with her husband, daughter, eight cats, a dog, and an odd assortment of rescued animals.
She grew up in Minnesota and still favors the colder climates. After high school she moved to the southeast United States where she attended college. While in graduate school she sold her first book and decide to pursue her lifelong dream of writing instead of a career in psychology.
Somewhat reclusive by nature, she can be drawn out with a good bottle of red wine, classic movies, or good music. When she’s not writing, she can be found trying to grow organic vegetables, shopping in thrift stores for that perfect piece of clothing, or dreaming about travel to some faraway country.
She’s hard at work on a brand new series for Berkley Sensation right now, while winding up her national bestselling Elemental Witches quartet.
She grew up in Minnesota and still favors the colder climates. After high school she moved to the southeast United States where she attended college. While in graduate school she sold her first book and decide to pursue her lifelong dream of writing instead of a career in psychology.
Somewhat reclusive by nature, she can be drawn out with a good bottle of red wine, classic movies, or good music. When she’s not writing, she can be found trying to grow organic vegetables, shopping in thrift stores for that perfect piece of clothing, or dreaming about travel to some faraway country.
She’s hard at work on a brand new series for Berkley Sensation right now, while winding up her national bestselling Elemental Witches quartet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 14, 2010
Anya Bast delivers a superb heartfelt story. I truly didn’t expect this erotica to be so emotional. It took me a bit to really get into this story but as I kept reading the more I was engrossed into the story, I just had to find out what really happened in Evangeline’s past that had her to put walls up on her emotions. You get hot M/F/M sex with back door. There is mention of same gender sex, but it never goes into anything. This is not a quick setup manage, it takes a while for these three to get together.
Evangeline and Anatol knows each other from afar. Anatol has loved Evangeline for years just hasn’t told her. As the revolution starts he grabs Evangeline to save her and himself from sudden death that happens to most of the royals. This is where the book makes you think about your life and these two have had it on easy street until now they are on there own with no money or a place to live. They meet a lady and she helps them to a point, now its up to them. Evangeline has to try to handle her emotions now that she can’t manipulate them and now she sees she once had everything now nothing just the rags she has on her. She also feels something for Anatol, she just doesn’t know how to respond to it.
Anatol has known Evangeline for a long while and knows she has went though life without emotions, now he has to let her learn and hope she will start having feelings for him at some point. When they both meet Gregorio its not the best of times, he has to help keep Anatol from being beheaded. When Gregorio has them to move in with him that’s when things start to heat up.
Just when you think Evangeline will start to give over to love, something happens and she wants to shut down again. This book has both a story and great sex so you don’t just get more than one. I suggest this to erotica lovers and paranormal romance lovers, there is use of magick.
Evangeline and Anatol knows each other from afar. Anatol has loved Evangeline for years just hasn’t told her. As the revolution starts he grabs Evangeline to save her and himself from sudden death that happens to most of the royals. This is where the book makes you think about your life and these two have had it on easy street until now they are on there own with no money or a place to live. They meet a lady and she helps them to a point, now its up to them. Evangeline has to try to handle her emotions now that she can’t manipulate them and now she sees she once had everything now nothing just the rags she has on her. She also feels something for Anatol, she just doesn’t know how to respond to it.
Anatol has known Evangeline for a long while and knows she has went though life without emotions, now he has to let her learn and hope she will start having feelings for him at some point. When they both meet Gregorio its not the best of times, he has to help keep Anatol from being beheaded. When Gregorio has them to move in with him that’s when things start to heat up.
Just when you think Evangeline will start to give over to love, something happens and she wants to shut down again. This book has both a story and great sex so you don’t just get more than one. I suggest this to erotica lovers and paranormal romance lovers, there is use of magick.
December 24, 2011
Oh wow... where do I start. First, let me say that Ms. Anya did another fan-freaking-tastic job of taking me to another time and place. She rocked my world with Wicked Enchantments world and now the Jeweled world. Where all things are mystical and dangerous. Where being yourself might actually cost you your life. Ms. Anya entwined her story around me so that I had to finish the story. It was like holding your breath... You just have to breath.. And I had to read this book. I had to know Evangeline's story.
The world which we enter is where magick is special and treated as such. We enter a world of Royals and commoners. Where there is riches and the finer things of life... where there is poverty and starvation. But to hold magick, is a special thing and for that those chosen are taken from their parents at a very young age. To train and hone in on their special ability ~ daily, religiously and even to the point of exhaustion. But the training is so worth it... or it is worth it to some.
Evangeline lived her entire life, since she was taken from her family at the age of four, for the day she would be jeweled. She knew her magick would prove to catch the attention of the Royal and she seek to gain that acceptance. With that acceptance came the privileged world of the Royal. Being allow to marry into the Royal line was what Evangeline wanted, or so she thought. The childhood she could remember was not the best. Being poor was one matter, but being the daughter of a pig farmers was another matter all together. She knew she wanted better than that for herself and if using her magick and her body got her where she wanted to be... then so be it.
I admired her to an extend. She survived some pretty rough hands life dealt her. She did what she had to do in order to stay alive. I admired her determination, her spirit to never give up when it got tough and her stubbornness. Even though it almost cost her her life a couple of times. The only niggler I had about her was she thought she was not worthly of the love that one man wanted to give her. But when you sit down and truly look within yourself, I think we are all like that at some point in time in our lives. So even though she constantly reminded herself that she was not worthy (and that was a little issue with me) of love because she never knew love, I went past that and saw the woman for who she truly was... A woman who was never shown true love, never shown true passion, never show happiness within. She built walls around herself because of her special magick. She manipulates other people's emotions, but in doing so, she soaks them into herself... in her soul. She bounces off the emotions of others... taking from one to replace another. But it damages her each time she does it, hence the walls she built. She built those walls so thick that it hinder her from even experiencing any true emotions.
Anatol has watched Evangeline since she came to live at the the Court of Edaeii. Anatol's magick is that he is instilled with the power of illusion. Which is awesome, but you have to remember, to have a power also comes its draw backs. So with this ability, his curse is to see the true nature of person's soul. And what he saw in Evangeline made him want her that much more. He also has to be careful with Evangeline because he knows that he could never push her to him. He wooed the Royals at the ceremoy that was held to determine who would be Jeweled and who would be dismissed. He was Jeweled. But after the Jeweling ceremony... Anatol and Evangeline's world would soon change... forever.
Things are not always as they seem to appear. By keeping the Jeweled in the Royal tower, it kinda kept those away from the happenings of their surroundings. Evangeline was always busy training and making sure she was at the top of her game (or magick I should say) or she was using her *cough* magick to get one step higher in securing her place at the Court of Edaeii. Knowing what was happeneing outside the castle did not appeal to her, for she did not have the time to learn of the current events. If she would have, she might have been better prepared for what was going to happen to her next.
Revolution. Chaos. Citizens taking action. More chaos. Bringing down the Royal family and any one associated with them, even the Jeweled were in the making the night Evangeline got Jeweled. It was supposed to be the most special night of her life and it turned out to be the one that flipped her world upside and inside out and all the way around.
Ms. Anya is creating another awesome world for us to lose ourselves in. The story building is enough with out it being to much. Her writing skills made me feel the cold from the snow, the hunger within my own belly and the sensation from one kiss. And she will make you feel the passion come off the pages as you read, she will make you feel the desire the characters have for each other, you will feel the sadness, you will feel the happiness but most importantly she will make you feel the love that surrounds the characters in this journey! Now that is writing.
If I tell you any more about the story, I fear I may give it away. And you know I do not want to do that... But I will give you this... You know I am going to tease you now that I have given you a little history on the story...
Evangeline and Anatol alone will rock your world. But then there is a third party, the one that pushed for the revolution to happen. How does he fit in you ask... Well, you will have to read to find out, but I will tell you that when these three come together they bring out the best in each other, they work together for a brighter future for their country. They push each others buttons and get heated with each other and in more than one way... but it comes down to one thing... can a person love when they never knew love to begin with?
Let's find out....
The world which we enter is where magick is special and treated as such. We enter a world of Royals and commoners. Where there is riches and the finer things of life... where there is poverty and starvation. But to hold magick, is a special thing and for that those chosen are taken from their parents at a very young age. To train and hone in on their special ability ~ daily, religiously and even to the point of exhaustion. But the training is so worth it... or it is worth it to some.
Evangeline lived her entire life, since she was taken from her family at the age of four, for the day she would be jeweled. She knew her magick would prove to catch the attention of the Royal and she seek to gain that acceptance. With that acceptance came the privileged world of the Royal. Being allow to marry into the Royal line was what Evangeline wanted, or so she thought. The childhood she could remember was not the best. Being poor was one matter, but being the daughter of a pig farmers was another matter all together. She knew she wanted better than that for herself and if using her magick and her body got her where she wanted to be... then so be it.
I admired her to an extend. She survived some pretty rough hands life dealt her. She did what she had to do in order to stay alive. I admired her determination, her spirit to never give up when it got tough and her stubbornness. Even though it almost cost her her life a couple of times. The only niggler I had about her was she thought she was not worthly of the love that one man wanted to give her. But when you sit down and truly look within yourself, I think we are all like that at some point in time in our lives. So even though she constantly reminded herself that she was not worthy (and that was a little issue with me) of love because she never knew love, I went past that and saw the woman for who she truly was... A woman who was never shown true love, never shown true passion, never show happiness within. She built walls around herself because of her special magick. She manipulates other people's emotions, but in doing so, she soaks them into herself... in her soul. She bounces off the emotions of others... taking from one to replace another. But it damages her each time she does it, hence the walls she built. She built those walls so thick that it hinder her from even experiencing any true emotions.
Anatol has watched Evangeline since she came to live at the the Court of Edaeii. Anatol's magick is that he is instilled with the power of illusion. Which is awesome, but you have to remember, to have a power also comes its draw backs. So with this ability, his curse is to see the true nature of person's soul. And what he saw in Evangeline made him want her that much more. He also has to be careful with Evangeline because he knows that he could never push her to him. He wooed the Royals at the ceremoy that was held to determine who would be Jeweled and who would be dismissed. He was Jeweled. But after the Jeweling ceremony... Anatol and Evangeline's world would soon change... forever.
Things are not always as they seem to appear. By keeping the Jeweled in the Royal tower, it kinda kept those away from the happenings of their surroundings. Evangeline was always busy training and making sure she was at the top of her game (or magick I should say) or she was using her *cough* magick to get one step higher in securing her place at the Court of Edaeii. Knowing what was happeneing outside the castle did not appeal to her, for she did not have the time to learn of the current events. If she would have, she might have been better prepared for what was going to happen to her next.
Revolution. Chaos. Citizens taking action. More chaos. Bringing down the Royal family and any one associated with them, even the Jeweled were in the making the night Evangeline got Jeweled. It was supposed to be the most special night of her life and it turned out to be the one that flipped her world upside and inside out and all the way around.
Ms. Anya is creating another awesome world for us to lose ourselves in. The story building is enough with out it being to much. Her writing skills made me feel the cold from the snow, the hunger within my own belly and the sensation from one kiss. And she will make you feel the passion come off the pages as you read, she will make you feel the desire the characters have for each other, you will feel the sadness, you will feel the happiness but most importantly she will make you feel the love that surrounds the characters in this journey! Now that is writing.
If I tell you any more about the story, I fear I may give it away. And you know I do not want to do that... But I will give you this... You know I am going to tease you now that I have given you a little history on the story...
Evangeline and Anatol alone will rock your world. But then there is a third party, the one that pushed for the revolution to happen. How does he fit in you ask... Well, you will have to read to find out, but I will tell you that when these three come together they bring out the best in each other, they work together for a brighter future for their country. They push each others buttons and get heated with each other and in more than one way... but it comes down to one thing... can a person love when they never knew love to begin with?
Let's find out....
February 27, 2015
In a country very much like France before its bloody Revolution, the royalty and nobles ignore the hungry voices of the poor and revel in frivolities. Now add those that are born with magic and are ripped from their families to be trained to be the favored in the palace. These are the Jeweled. This is my impression of the country of Rylisk. Anatol and Evangeline have both been raised up in the palace to one day be tested to receive the special jewel that will be embedded in their backs. Anatol has the ability to create illusions. Evangeline has the ability to manipulate emotions. However, their magic is not without consequences. To protect herself from the emotions, Evangeline has grown up with emotional "walls" that also prevent her from feeling any of her own.
Within days of receiving their jewels, the common people rise up in rebellion and swarm the palace. Soon, the revolutionaries are not only crying for equality but also for the blood of the royalty, the nobles, and even the Jeweled. Anatol and Evangeline must flee for their lives. Unfortunately, the palace walls are not the only "walls" overrun and Evangeline must also learn to deal with emotions. They are rescued by the leader of the rebellion, Gregario. While in hiding, Evangeline learns that she needs both men to teach her both the joys and sorrows of feeling emotions and to help balance her out.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down so that I could get some much needed sleep. Even without the sex scenes, this would have been an entertaining read. However, adding those scenes was like adding sweets to an already decadent dessert. The author maintains a perfect balance so that there wasn't too much sex and yet enough to keep the reader satisfied. I loved the characters and how their personalities all balanced each other out. At times, however, the two men almost seemed too perfect.
Within days of receiving their jewels, the common people rise up in rebellion and swarm the palace. Soon, the revolutionaries are not only crying for equality but also for the blood of the royalty, the nobles, and even the Jeweled. Anatol and Evangeline must flee for their lives. Unfortunately, the palace walls are not the only "walls" overrun and Evangeline must also learn to deal with emotions. They are rescued by the leader of the rebellion, Gregario. While in hiding, Evangeline learns that she needs both men to teach her both the joys and sorrows of feeling emotions and to help balance her out.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down so that I could get some much needed sleep. Even without the sex scenes, this would have been an entertaining read. However, adding those scenes was like adding sweets to an already decadent dessert. The author maintains a perfect balance so that there wasn't too much sex and yet enough to keep the reader satisfied. I loved the characters and how their personalities all balanced each other out. At times, however, the two men almost seemed too perfect.
February 8, 2011
I had the opportunity to review JEWELED by Anya Bast and grabbed that chance! I've read various books of Ms. Bast's but never have not reviewed a erotic historical fantasy, but so love to read them even though they are scarce. I have read very little to none of straight fantasy, so I then worried I wouldn't do so well with a review of this genre. I started out with taking notes and it was taking away time from the book, but also, being able to enjoy the book. So I put all the notes away and just sat and read this book from beginning to end in enjoyment, and so glad I did!
JEWELED is an oh so fastinating read! And so passionate! I firmly got caught up in this world and still haven't left it. Its set in no certain time period that was indicated, thus, an 'alternative historical'. There's some indications with one of the themes of the heroine being fascinated with the inventions that were happening (sewing machine, printing press). But as you read, its just 'the time it is' in the story and works! Set in a unique and creative world, I could feel that Ms. Bast really had a world planned out and everything flowed smoothly into it. Its set in a country called 'Rylisk' and they are in the city called 'Milzyr'. The heroine, Evangeline has been in a palace called 'Belai' where all those with Magick in their blood reside . Evangeline was taken from her family at age 4. She is isolated within the Palace with others who work on their Magick over the years. The Magicks started with the family of 'Edaeii' but with very little family left, they relied on finding those with any Magick and building on it through the years by isolating them. This family of the Edaeii also took over the city with their wealth and power, leaving the poor not taken care of.
Evangeline's Magick is consisted of feeling both physically and emotionally cold, but no other emotions are with her. She instead draws emotions from those around her and weaves those feelings back to those around her to manipulate what feeling they have. In other words, she can control and change the emotions around her. Anatol's Magick consists of illusion and light.
As Evangeline comes of age, she becomes jeweled by performing her Magick skills in front of the Edaeii family. Once she is chosen to be part of their Magick family, she is jeweled with a sapphire stone placed in her back. In the men, its placed on the back of their neck. Its here we meet one of the hero's, Anatol, who goes through the ceremony to be jeweled but wants nothing to do with the Edaeii family as he has heard the rumors of a possible revolution happening to take out this family and palace. When this does happen, Evangeline is totally unprepared to live outside of the palace while Anatol plans to survive through this. Anatol has falling in love with Evangeline from afar for many years. As the city takes over the palace, there's violence that occurs which I do tend to skip over. But its necessary to the story in the power of how this city took over.
As Evangeline and Anatol survive trying to blend in as well as hide at other times, Evangeline has a difficult time dealing with not using her Magick but also learning to be herself, to feel herself for basically the first time in her life. As their relationship grows strong, Evangeline has strong feelings for Anatol but its not complete. Its here we meet Gregorio who is helping the city take back their home and life and make their government for everyone. Gregorio may be the missing part that makes Evangeline complete. Evangeline struggles with her own self esteem and feeling emotions again, especially determining what love is, and mostly wondering if she's good enough for both Anatol and Gregorio.
As a reader I was enchanted by Anya Bast's JEWELED. Evangeline goes through so much within this story that I felt I could see her grow from the beginning of the book to the very end. I could feel empathy for her feelings of her being worthy. Both Anatol and Gregorio are so different but with the same goals. I did look up to both Anatol and Gregorio for their protectiveness of her. She had her own strengths and other times her strengths were with them and I didn't find this as a weakness of her. I found it made her stronger knowing she could depend on others in her life but also that she could include them as part of her life as well. The passion that was shared through this story grew from two to three and it worked. I realized that it couldn't be any other way but the way it was told. I found this book not only a gripping adventure with an exciting fantasy to read, but also breathtaking in the love that grew between them all to become one in love. Ms. Bast has created an erotic historical fantasy that I'm already waiting for the next book. Its been awhile since I read the book and I can still visualize as well as see the scenes still within me as a reader. This one's a keeper, an A for me!
JEWELED is an oh so fastinating read! And so passionate! I firmly got caught up in this world and still haven't left it. Its set in no certain time period that was indicated, thus, an 'alternative historical'. There's some indications with one of the themes of the heroine being fascinated with the inventions that were happening (sewing machine, printing press). But as you read, its just 'the time it is' in the story and works! Set in a unique and creative world, I could feel that Ms. Bast really had a world planned out and everything flowed smoothly into it. Its set in a country called 'Rylisk' and they are in the city called 'Milzyr'. The heroine, Evangeline has been in a palace called 'Belai' where all those with Magick in their blood reside . Evangeline was taken from her family at age 4. She is isolated within the Palace with others who work on their Magick over the years. The Magicks started with the family of 'Edaeii' but with very little family left, they relied on finding those with any Magick and building on it through the years by isolating them. This family of the Edaeii also took over the city with their wealth and power, leaving the poor not taken care of.
Evangeline's Magick is consisted of feeling both physically and emotionally cold, but no other emotions are with her. She instead draws emotions from those around her and weaves those feelings back to those around her to manipulate what feeling they have. In other words, she can control and change the emotions around her. Anatol's Magick consists of illusion and light.
As Evangeline comes of age, she becomes jeweled by performing her Magick skills in front of the Edaeii family. Once she is chosen to be part of their Magick family, she is jeweled with a sapphire stone placed in her back. In the men, its placed on the back of their neck. Its here we meet one of the hero's, Anatol, who goes through the ceremony to be jeweled but wants nothing to do with the Edaeii family as he has heard the rumors of a possible revolution happening to take out this family and palace. When this does happen, Evangeline is totally unprepared to live outside of the palace while Anatol plans to survive through this. Anatol has falling in love with Evangeline from afar for many years. As the city takes over the palace, there's violence that occurs which I do tend to skip over. But its necessary to the story in the power of how this city took over.
As Evangeline and Anatol survive trying to blend in as well as hide at other times, Evangeline has a difficult time dealing with not using her Magick but also learning to be herself, to feel herself for basically the first time in her life. As their relationship grows strong, Evangeline has strong feelings for Anatol but its not complete. Its here we meet Gregorio who is helping the city take back their home and life and make their government for everyone. Gregorio may be the missing part that makes Evangeline complete. Evangeline struggles with her own self esteem and feeling emotions again, especially determining what love is, and mostly wondering if she's good enough for both Anatol and Gregorio.
As a reader I was enchanted by Anya Bast's JEWELED. Evangeline goes through so much within this story that I felt I could see her grow from the beginning of the book to the very end. I could feel empathy for her feelings of her being worthy. Both Anatol and Gregorio are so different but with the same goals. I did look up to both Anatol and Gregorio for their protectiveness of her. She had her own strengths and other times her strengths were with them and I didn't find this as a weakness of her. I found it made her stronger knowing she could depend on others in her life but also that she could include them as part of her life as well. The passion that was shared through this story grew from two to three and it worked. I realized that it couldn't be any other way but the way it was told. I found this book not only a gripping adventure with an exciting fantasy to read, but also breathtaking in the love that grew between them all to become one in love. Ms. Bast has created an erotic historical fantasy that I'm already waiting for the next book. Its been awhile since I read the book and I can still visualize as well as see the scenes still within me as a reader. This one's a keeper, an A for me!
October 31, 2010
Jeweled by Anya Bast
Paranormal Romance- Nov 2nd, 2010
4 stars
Jeweled is a fabulous new fantasy with lush and highly erotic content.
In the country of Rylisk, children with magic are carried away to the high Court of Edaeii. The royal line no longer has magic and they hope to train and incorporate these children into their household or their royal line. Evangeline is one such woman. In addition to her fabled beauty she has the ability to pull emotions and create them. However, this ability cuts her off from her own emotions. This makes her distant and even cold. But when revolutionaries topple the kingdom she finds she must flee with the handsome and charismatic Anatol. Anatol has the power of illusion but now their powers make them targets for the masses, which are out for blood! Hiding in the streets together they slowly build a caring relationship but Anatol is soon discovered. And Evangeline who has finally found emotion will do anything she can to save him. Even if she must ask the aid of the attractive Gregorio, the leader of the revolutionaries! To complicate matters Gregorio wants Evangeline for himself….
This was a decadent story. It reminded me of what I imagine the overthrow of Versailles would have been like for the poor nobles except it is also set in a fantasy world filled with magic. But I feel the paranormal aspects are secondary to the lush background of the court and the desperate poverty and filth as Evangeline and Anatol try to survive. This is an erotic story and includes many sensual scenes including a ménage. As Evangeline is seduced but not just 1 but 2 men who want her, the story gets hotter and hotter!
This was solid read. But it took me a while to warm up to Evangeline. Since she is so emotionally cut off it was difficult to like her and understand what the heroes saw in her besides her beauty. I liked Gregorio but found Anatol a lot sexier and enjoyed his nobility and protectiveness toward Evangeline.
This was a passionate and decadent fantasy that erotic readers will love.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance- Nov 2nd, 2010
4 stars
Jeweled is a fabulous new fantasy with lush and highly erotic content.
In the country of Rylisk, children with magic are carried away to the high Court of Edaeii. The royal line no longer has magic and they hope to train and incorporate these children into their household or their royal line. Evangeline is one such woman. In addition to her fabled beauty she has the ability to pull emotions and create them. However, this ability cuts her off from her own emotions. This makes her distant and even cold. But when revolutionaries topple the kingdom she finds she must flee with the handsome and charismatic Anatol. Anatol has the power of illusion but now their powers make them targets for the masses, which are out for blood! Hiding in the streets together they slowly build a caring relationship but Anatol is soon discovered. And Evangeline who has finally found emotion will do anything she can to save him. Even if she must ask the aid of the attractive Gregorio, the leader of the revolutionaries! To complicate matters Gregorio wants Evangeline for himself….
This was a decadent story. It reminded me of what I imagine the overthrow of Versailles would have been like for the poor nobles except it is also set in a fantasy world filled with magic. But I feel the paranormal aspects are secondary to the lush background of the court and the desperate poverty and filth as Evangeline and Anatol try to survive. This is an erotic story and includes many sensual scenes including a ménage. As Evangeline is seduced but not just 1 but 2 men who want her, the story gets hotter and hotter!
This was solid read. But it took me a while to warm up to Evangeline. Since she is so emotionally cut off it was difficult to like her and understand what the heroes saw in her besides her beauty. I liked Gregorio but found Anatol a lot sexier and enjoyed his nobility and protectiveness toward Evangeline.
This was a passionate and decadent fantasy that erotic readers will love.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
October 9, 2014
* actually read this awhile ago so review is based on my notes I found.
"It's because I love her that I'm willing to share her. She's too damaged for one man alone. She needs both of us to balance her. If she doesn't get that balance and stability, she'll run away from me. Be my partner, Gregorio."
Evangelne, Anatol, and Gregorio are the three main characters.
This is not your basic menage romance but rather so much more. The learning of the emotions, needs, lust, love, and more. I love the fact there was no insta love but rather the confusion, emotions and drama that goes with feeling and falling in love with not just one man but two.
Starts off with Evangeline doing everything she can to earn the J'Edaeii title earn her jewel and landing Roane and his tattoo of protection/ownership. Then the revolution starts mobs run rampeed, heads roll and Evangeline and Anatol barely escape.
Befriend whats-her-name from temple of dreams, try to survive without starving, freezing or getting caught and beheaded.
Soon Gregorio enters the picture. Hate n lust are strong emotions Evangeline has to learn to deal with.
E still tries to deal with her newly awaken emotions and soon finds she wants both G n A. But she lusted after both she still is tring to figure out what love is.
"It's because I love her that I'm willing to share her. She's too damaged for one man alone. She needs both of us to balance her. If she doesn't get that balance and stability, she'll run away from me. Be my partner, Gregorio."
Evangelne, Anatol, and Gregorio are the three main characters.
This is not your basic menage romance but rather so much more. The learning of the emotions, needs, lust, love, and more. I love the fact there was no insta love but rather the confusion, emotions and drama that goes with feeling and falling in love with not just one man but two.
Starts off with Evangeline doing everything she can to earn the J'Edaeii title earn her jewel and landing Roane and his tattoo of protection/ownership. Then the revolution starts mobs run rampeed, heads roll and Evangeline and Anatol barely escape.
Befriend whats-her-name from temple of dreams, try to survive without starving, freezing or getting caught and beheaded.
Soon Gregorio enters the picture. Hate n lust are strong emotions Evangeline has to learn to deal with.
E still tries to deal with her newly awaken emotions and soon finds she wants both G n A. But she lusted after both she still is tring to figure out what love is.
November 9, 2011
I'm going with 3 1/2 stars on this one. It took a couple chapters to get into this but in the end it was a HOT read. Evangeline is a jeweled. She can take and manipulate others emotions. Her main goal at the palace is to move up the magical food chain even if it means sleeping with men and women. Just when things were going her way, the palace was invaded by the non-magical and the poor. Royals were killed and she barely escaped with her life. Thanks to Anatol, the man who saved her, she began to feel her own emotions and fell in love with him. After a rocky re-start, Anatol was captured by the revolutionaries and only the only person who could save him was Gregorio. The man who started the whole revolutionary to begin with.
Staying in Gregorio's home while recovering from his injuries, Anatol began to realize that Evangeline needed both of them. It was a love story of how three people couldn't live without each other and how they made it work.
Staying in Gregorio's home while recovering from his injuries, Anatol began to realize that Evangeline needed both of them. It was a love story of how three people couldn't live without each other and how they made it work.
October 5, 2015
Evangeline comes across as very selfish and self-absorbed. This makes it so hard to like her. Even after her history and background are established, my dislike lessened only a little bit. Anatol and Gregorio are a little better.
After bit of a slow start right at the beginning, I gradually got into it. As an erotica, it was decent. There was no insta-love. Nice plot. I wish I had liked the characters more.
Probably won't pick up the next.
After bit of a slow start right at the beginning, I gradually got into it. As an erotica, it was decent. There was no insta-love. Nice plot. I wish I had liked the characters more.
Probably won't pick up the next.
July 14, 2014
I liked reading about the court and it's politics. The revolution was interesting and so was the world the author was creating in this book but I did not believe in the romance between any of the characters. I also did not believe in the character growth of the heroine, couldn't connect to her or the heroes and really didn't care about what happened to them.
August 10, 2014
This. Was a really good book. I didn't want to put it down. The connection between the main characters was amazing. The storyline made me want more.
December 8, 2017
Good world building and I love that the threesome is a true triad, not a love triangle. And bisexuality is a normal, acknowledged thing in this world, yea! All three main characters have had sex with both men and women and it's totally normal and taken in stride. (The relationship is still MFM, though.)
Misunderstandings and general grah-ness had me skimming a bit at the end but I'm still going to try out the next (only other?) novel in the series.
Misunderstandings and general grah-ness had me skimming a bit at the end but I'm still going to try out the next (only other?) novel in the series.
June 2, 2018
Absolutely not for me. Stopped at 75%.
January 27, 2019
This was a book that I wish I could have read in one sitting. Even when at work, I found myself "clock watching" so I could get back to reading it
July 16, 2022
Well written, good pacing character development and world building. A bit too idealistic at times but I kind of needed that today.
April 4, 2012
A world-building queen, Anya Bast has remarkable talent in creating distinctive worlds that incorporate unforgettable characters. Her newest fantasy romance, Jeweled, is a top example of Bast’s talent and is a must read. Her world building is fantastic with magic richly woven throughout the story, slyly creating the basis of the story’s conflict. And as the characters evolve, so does their world.
Evangeline is taken from her family as a small child and trained to excel in magic, categorized by her ability to manipulate emotions. Since the nature of a person’s magic causes the opposite reaction within themselves, Evangeline becomes closed off from her emotions. She has existed to advance in her position as a jeweled using her magic, is ruthless and highly calculating and has achieved great success. But Evangeline is not a likeable character as she uses others as means to attaining her goals, lacking compassion and devaluing her worth as a woman. It is only when the reader understands that using her magic has made her like this that we can accept her as a creature of her upbringing. While I believe it was Bast’s intention to create Evangeline in this light, my dislike for her made the first few chapters difficult to get through.
The action picks up when a revolution occurs and the common people overthrow the monarchy, leaving Evangeline’s world in disarray. Everything she knows is taken away, royalty are beheaded and she becomes just another of the hunted because of her magic ability. Thankfully, Anatol, always having longed for Evangeline, comes to her rescue. Anatol saves her not just that first day as they fled the palace but also as they settle into their new life together, particularly as Evangeline begins to feel emotions and is so uncertain.
And as she learns to accept her emotions, I begin to accept her. Through Anatol’s eyes, the reader develops an appreciation for her as a newborn baby, exploring her new emotional world that she doesn’t understand. It is equal parts frustrating, touching and fascinating to watch her gain understanding of her emotions. Anatol acts as her guide and main support system through her emotional re-birth and this endeared me to him. Their romance flows parallel to Evangeline’s emotional re-birth. Evangeline slowly came to care for Anatol, felt loss and pain when he was taken away and was swept up in love when he was safe again. Their intimacy was sweet as even the emotions associated with passion were new to her.
Anatol was a perfect friend and lover, always considering Evangeline’s needs before his own. He was honorable, steadfast and loyal – he was my favorite character in the whole book. Anatol’s magic ability is to see the truth within a person. This is what allows him to see into Evangeline’s true character and connect him to her so thoroughly. Though there were no redeeming qualities in Evangeline when they lived in the palace, it is this truth that only he can see which causes him to fall in love with her. Soon enough after living on their own in this changed world, Anatol realizes that Evangeline's emotional needs are too much for him to satisfy alone. He accepts that he may need another man to help ground her.
Enter Gregorio. Towards the final third of the book, we learn more about Gregorio, the leader of the revolution. He believes in democracy but is an idealist, not considering that his writing and call for actions could result in the bloody reality of the revolution. He is disheartened by the rebellion, regretting that his dreams ended in bloodshed rather than spurring democracy into action. As he develops a relationship with Anatol and Evangeline, taking them in after they are discovered, he is prompted by their enthusiasm to begin working at controlling the people and beginning the democratic ruling party he’d imagined. All three characters take part in the evolution of the government and slowly their friendship grows into a sexual relationship wherein they each find love, though on their own timetables. While sometimes jealous and territorial by nature, the men learn to share Evangeline. It is only as a three-some that they will each find happiness. Bast weaves this complex story so tightly, it is impossible for the reader to believe any other outcome would suffice.
I originally posted this review at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
Evangeline is taken from her family as a small child and trained to excel in magic, categorized by her ability to manipulate emotions. Since the nature of a person’s magic causes the opposite reaction within themselves, Evangeline becomes closed off from her emotions. She has existed to advance in her position as a jeweled using her magic, is ruthless and highly calculating and has achieved great success. But Evangeline is not a likeable character as she uses others as means to attaining her goals, lacking compassion and devaluing her worth as a woman. It is only when the reader understands that using her magic has made her like this that we can accept her as a creature of her upbringing. While I believe it was Bast’s intention to create Evangeline in this light, my dislike for her made the first few chapters difficult to get through.
The action picks up when a revolution occurs and the common people overthrow the monarchy, leaving Evangeline’s world in disarray. Everything she knows is taken away, royalty are beheaded and she becomes just another of the hunted because of her magic ability. Thankfully, Anatol, always having longed for Evangeline, comes to her rescue. Anatol saves her not just that first day as they fled the palace but also as they settle into their new life together, particularly as Evangeline begins to feel emotions and is so uncertain.
And as she learns to accept her emotions, I begin to accept her. Through Anatol’s eyes, the reader develops an appreciation for her as a newborn baby, exploring her new emotional world that she doesn’t understand. It is equal parts frustrating, touching and fascinating to watch her gain understanding of her emotions. Anatol acts as her guide and main support system through her emotional re-birth and this endeared me to him. Their romance flows parallel to Evangeline’s emotional re-birth. Evangeline slowly came to care for Anatol, felt loss and pain when he was taken away and was swept up in love when he was safe again. Their intimacy was sweet as even the emotions associated with passion were new to her.
Anatol was a perfect friend and lover, always considering Evangeline’s needs before his own. He was honorable, steadfast and loyal – he was my favorite character in the whole book. Anatol’s magic ability is to see the truth within a person. This is what allows him to see into Evangeline’s true character and connect him to her so thoroughly. Though there were no redeeming qualities in Evangeline when they lived in the palace, it is this truth that only he can see which causes him to fall in love with her. Soon enough after living on their own in this changed world, Anatol realizes that Evangeline's emotional needs are too much for him to satisfy alone. He accepts that he may need another man to help ground her.
Enter Gregorio. Towards the final third of the book, we learn more about Gregorio, the leader of the revolution. He believes in democracy but is an idealist, not considering that his writing and call for actions could result in the bloody reality of the revolution. He is disheartened by the rebellion, regretting that his dreams ended in bloodshed rather than spurring democracy into action. As he develops a relationship with Anatol and Evangeline, taking them in after they are discovered, he is prompted by their enthusiasm to begin working at controlling the people and beginning the democratic ruling party he’d imagined. All three characters take part in the evolution of the government and slowly their friendship grows into a sexual relationship wherein they each find love, though on their own timetables. While sometimes jealous and territorial by nature, the men learn to share Evangeline. It is only as a three-some that they will each find happiness. Bast weaves this complex story so tightly, it is impossible for the reader to believe any other outcome would suffice.
I originally posted this review at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
December 15, 2010
A world-building queen, Anya Bast has remarkable talent in creating distinctive worlds that incorporate unforgettable characters. Her newest fantasy romance, Jeweled, is a top example of Bast’s talent and is a must read. Her world building is fantastic with magic richly woven throughout the story, slyly creating the basis of the story’s conflict. And as the characters evolve, so does their world.
Evangeline is taken from her family as a small child and trained to excel in magic, categorized by her ability to manipulate emotions. Since the nature of a person’s magic causes the opposite reaction within themselves, Evangeline becomes closed off from her emotions. She has existed to advance in her position as a jeweled using her magic, is ruthless and highly calculating and has achieved great success. But Evangeline is not a likeable character as she uses others as means to attaining her goals, lacking compassion and devaluing her worth as a woman. It is only when the reader understands that using her magic has made her like this that we can accept her as a creature of her upbringing. While I believe it was Bast’s intention to create Evangeline in this light, my dislike for her made the first few chapters difficult to get through.
The action picks up when a revolution occurs and the common people overthrow the monarchy, leaving Evangeline’s world in disarray. Everything she knows is taken away, royalty are beheaded and she becomes just another of the hunted because of her magic ability. Thankfully, Anatol, always having longed for Evangeline, comes to her rescue. Anatol saves her not just that first day as they fled the palace but also as they settle into their new life together, particularly as Evangeline begins to feel emotions and is so uncertain.
And as she learns to accept her emotions, I begin to accept her. Through Anatol’s eyes, the reader develops an appreciation for her as a newborn baby, exploring her new emotional world that she doesn’t understand. It is equal parts frustrating, touching and fascinating to watch her gain understanding of her emotions. Anatol acts as her guide and main support system through her emotional re-birth and this endeared me to him. Their romance flows parallel to Evangeline’s emotional re-birth. Evangeline slowly came to care for Anatol, felt loss and pain when he was taken away and was swept up in love when he was safe again. Their intimacy was sweet as even the emotions associated with passion were new to her.
Anatol was a perfect friend and lover, always considering Evangeline’s needs before his own. He was honorable, steadfast and loyal – he was my favorite character in the whole book. Anatol’s magic ability is to see the truth within a person. This is what allows him to see into Evangeline’s true character and connect him to her so thoroughly. Though there were no redeeming qualities in Evangeline when they lived in the palace, it is this truth that only he can see which causes him to fall in love with her. Soon enough after living on their own in this changed world, Anatol realizes that Evangeline's emotional needs are too much for him to satisfy alone. He accepts that he may need another man to help ground her.
Enter Gregorio. Towards the final third of the book, we learn more about Gregorio, the leader of the revolution. He believes in democracy but is an idealist, not considering that his writing and call for actions could result in the bloody reality of the revolution. He is disheartened by the rebellion, regretting that his dreams ended in bloodshed rather than spurring democracy into action. As he develops a relationship with Anatol and Evangeline, taking them in after they are discovered, he is prompted by their enthusiasm to begin working at controlling the people and beginning the democratic ruling party he’d imagined. All three characters take part in the evolution of the government and slowly their friendship grows into a sexual relationship wherein they each find love, though on their own timetables. While sometimes jealous and territorial by nature, the men learn to share Evangeline. It is only as a three-some that they will each find happiness. Bast weaves this complex story so tightly, it is impossible for the reader to believe any other outcome would suffice.
I originally posted this review at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
Evangeline is taken from her family as a small child and trained to excel in magic, categorized by her ability to manipulate emotions. Since the nature of a person’s magic causes the opposite reaction within themselves, Evangeline becomes closed off from her emotions. She has existed to advance in her position as a jeweled using her magic, is ruthless and highly calculating and has achieved great success. But Evangeline is not a likeable character as she uses others as means to attaining her goals, lacking compassion and devaluing her worth as a woman. It is only when the reader understands that using her magic has made her like this that we can accept her as a creature of her upbringing. While I believe it was Bast’s intention to create Evangeline in this light, my dislike for her made the first few chapters difficult to get through.
The action picks up when a revolution occurs and the common people overthrow the monarchy, leaving Evangeline’s world in disarray. Everything she knows is taken away, royalty are beheaded and she becomes just another of the hunted because of her magic ability. Thankfully, Anatol, always having longed for Evangeline, comes to her rescue. Anatol saves her not just that first day as they fled the palace but also as they settle into their new life together, particularly as Evangeline begins to feel emotions and is so uncertain.
And as she learns to accept her emotions, I begin to accept her. Through Anatol’s eyes, the reader develops an appreciation for her as a newborn baby, exploring her new emotional world that she doesn’t understand. It is equal parts frustrating, touching and fascinating to watch her gain understanding of her emotions. Anatol acts as her guide and main support system through her emotional re-birth and this endeared me to him. Their romance flows parallel to Evangeline’s emotional re-birth. Evangeline slowly came to care for Anatol, felt loss and pain when he was taken away and was swept up in love when he was safe again. Their intimacy was sweet as even the emotions associated with passion were new to her.
Anatol was a perfect friend and lover, always considering Evangeline’s needs before his own. He was honorable, steadfast and loyal – he was my favorite character in the whole book. Anatol’s magic ability is to see the truth within a person. This is what allows him to see into Evangeline’s true character and connect him to her so thoroughly. Though there were no redeeming qualities in Evangeline when they lived in the palace, it is this truth that only he can see which causes him to fall in love with her. Soon enough after living on their own in this changed world, Anatol realizes that Evangeline's emotional needs are too much for him to satisfy alone. He accepts that he may need another man to help ground her.
Enter Gregorio. Towards the final third of the book, we learn more about Gregorio, the leader of the revolution. He believes in democracy but is an idealist, not considering that his writing and call for actions could result in the bloody reality of the revolution. He is disheartened by the rebellion, regretting that his dreams ended in bloodshed rather than spurring democracy into action. As he develops a relationship with Anatol and Evangeline, taking them in after they are discovered, he is prompted by their enthusiasm to begin working at controlling the people and beginning the democratic ruling party he’d imagined. All three characters take part in the evolution of the government and slowly their friendship grows into a sexual relationship wherein they each find love, though on their own timetables. While sometimes jealous and territorial by nature, the men learn to share Evangeline. It is only as a three-some that they will each find happiness. Bast weaves this complex story so tightly, it is impossible for the reader to believe any other outcome would suffice.
I originally posted this review at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
May 15, 2016
Best suited for fans of Megan Hart's Order of Solace series, Jeweled is an erotic fantasy romance - "fantasy" in that it feels like an historical, but is set in a fictional land.
The world-building intrigues: if the royalty likes them enough, the magicked join the privileged to bring magickal blood back into the royal family. Evangeline Bansdaughter's emotional magick leads her to be Jeweled, her back pierced to mark her as the royals' magickal property. She's also tattooed to mark her as the sexual property of a royal.
Then comes the revolution, with the beheading of royalty/nobility. Evangeline rescues Anatol Nicolison, one of her fellow Jeweled, and they disguise as lower-class folk. They're soon discovered, though - not because of the jewel or tattoo, but rather Evangeline's demeanour.
Really, I expected someone to tear out her jewel, either to help her assimilate with the lower class, or as an attack by the revolutionaries. But after the piercing heals, the jewel remains and is barely mentioned again. That tattoo never comes into play, either. So why all the big deal about them at the start to not become an issue later on?
Anyhoo, Evangeline and Anatol make a friend in a brothel owner who helps them acquire accommodation, but they soon move in with the leader of the revolution. But Gregorio Vikhin never wanted the beheadings, didn't want the violence. Too bad; they happened anyway. He doesn't hate the Jeweled, so he's quite friendly with his new housemates - and new bedfellows. Evangeline wants both men, and they both want her. They don't want each other, but are willing to share in order to both keep her. Therefore, Evangeline has the power, and this doesn't sit well with me. Romantic relationships should be absolutely equal - even when three or more are involved. That and the fact that m/m scenes totally float my boat. But Anatol and Gregorio don't act that way, though they both do Evangeline at the same time (different orifices).
For a tale including a revolution, there's little direct violence and danger to the trio. You'd expect maximum external conflict to strike leading up to the third act; instead, it comes in the final thirty pages. There's a capture, and fake bladder weakness is used as a ruse to escape/injure a captor, who totally falls for it. I think you know my opinion of that.
But Jeweled isn't plot-driven; it's really about the characters, but I can't muster up any enthusiasm for them. Partially - okay, mostly - because there's opportunity for m/m action, and it never happens. If Evangeline had been poor and hideous, would Anatol and Gregorio still love her? Maybe they'd still want to screw her, but they go on about how beautiful she is, lalala... It's difficult to care about a character with whom you can't identify. She freaks out about her new acquisition of emotions, and the men treat her special because of that, and you know what? I'm just getting fed up with Special Snowflake characters. People who are beautiful, smart, skilled, talented, beloved, adored, worshipped... I just want characters to whom I can relate. Relationships I can believe. (Which is probably why I shouldn't read romance, though I'm totally fine with erotica.)
I hoped for heavier political and exterior plot meat. I hoped for less shagging, and more chatting and having a sense of humour. And yes, I hoped for m/m action.
But what this novel did for me is help identify my reading preferences. And getting all ranty means I see the potential in this story, even if the execution doesn't work. That's better than feeling "meh" about it, right? It at least sparked some emotion. And isn't that why we read in the first place? To be engaged enough to give a toss either way? To feel feelings? If so, then Jeweled, indeed, achieves that goal.
The world-building intrigues: if the royalty likes them enough, the magicked join the privileged to bring magickal blood back into the royal family. Evangeline Bansdaughter's emotional magick leads her to be Jeweled, her back pierced to mark her as the royals' magickal property. She's also tattooed to mark her as the sexual property of a royal.
Then comes the revolution, with the beheading of royalty/nobility. Evangeline rescues Anatol Nicolison, one of her fellow Jeweled, and they disguise as lower-class folk. They're soon discovered, though - not because of the jewel or tattoo, but rather Evangeline's demeanour.
Really, I expected someone to tear out her jewel, either to help her assimilate with the lower class, or as an attack by the revolutionaries. But after the piercing heals, the jewel remains and is barely mentioned again. That tattoo never comes into play, either. So why all the big deal about them at the start to not become an issue later on?
Anyhoo, Evangeline and Anatol make a friend in a brothel owner who helps them acquire accommodation, but they soon move in with the leader of the revolution. But Gregorio Vikhin never wanted the beheadings, didn't want the violence. Too bad; they happened anyway. He doesn't hate the Jeweled, so he's quite friendly with his new housemates - and new bedfellows. Evangeline wants both men, and they both want her. They don't want each other, but are willing to share in order to both keep her. Therefore, Evangeline has the power, and this doesn't sit well with me. Romantic relationships should be absolutely equal - even when three or more are involved. That and the fact that m/m scenes totally float my boat. But Anatol and Gregorio don't act that way, though they both do Evangeline at the same time (different orifices).
For a tale including a revolution, there's little direct violence and danger to the trio. You'd expect maximum external conflict to strike leading up to the third act; instead, it comes in the final thirty pages. There's a capture, and fake bladder weakness is used as a ruse to escape/injure a captor, who totally falls for it. I think you know my opinion of that.
But Jeweled isn't plot-driven; it's really about the characters, but I can't muster up any enthusiasm for them. Partially - okay, mostly - because there's opportunity for m/m action, and it never happens. If Evangeline had been poor and hideous, would Anatol and Gregorio still love her? Maybe they'd still want to screw her, but they go on about how beautiful she is, lalala... It's difficult to care about a character with whom you can't identify. She freaks out about her new acquisition of emotions, and the men treat her special because of that, and you know what? I'm just getting fed up with Special Snowflake characters. People who are beautiful, smart, skilled, talented, beloved, adored, worshipped... I just want characters to whom I can relate. Relationships I can believe. (Which is probably why I shouldn't read romance, though I'm totally fine with erotica.)
I hoped for heavier political and exterior plot meat. I hoped for less shagging, and more chatting and having a sense of humour. And yes, I hoped for m/m action.
But what this novel did for me is help identify my reading preferences. And getting all ranty means I see the potential in this story, even if the execution doesn't work. That's better than feeling "meh" about it, right? It at least sparked some emotion. And isn't that why we read in the first place? To be engaged enough to give a toss either way? To feel feelings? If so, then Jeweled, indeed, achieves that goal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2011
This author is an auto read for me, so I request her books from the library often without knowing what the book is about, that was especially true with this book. I started reading it during my lunch hour and after 15 minutes thought this one was going to go in my couldn't bring myself to finish, but as this book was my only entertainment I kept reading and it wasn't too much longer that I was sucked in.
I think what made the first part so hard to get into is the main character, Evangeline. She is very cold at first, her goal in life is to marry well and she states that she plans to use sex to gain her goal. She isn't very likable, plus we are introduced to a whole new world and the author is setting the rules up.
The story quickly takes a turn when Evangeline finds herself in the middle of a revolution and on the bad end of it. With this rude awakening Evangeline starts to change. At her side with this change is Anatol, another jeweled. They are on the run and hiding who they are in order to keep their heads.
They find help in some unexpected places and their relationship takes quite a turn, one which is not conventional, but is just what all the people involved need.
We also get to see the new government being built and all the things that were repressed brought back out in the open. With all of this going on I hope there are other books set in this world.
I think what made the first part so hard to get into is the main character, Evangeline. She is very cold at first, her goal in life is to marry well and she states that she plans to use sex to gain her goal. She isn't very likable, plus we are introduced to a whole new world and the author is setting the rules up.
The story quickly takes a turn when Evangeline finds herself in the middle of a revolution and on the bad end of it. With this rude awakening Evangeline starts to change. At her side with this change is Anatol, another jeweled. They are on the run and hiding who they are in order to keep their heads.
They find help in some unexpected places and their relationship takes quite a turn, one which is not conventional, but is just what all the people involved need.
We also get to see the new government being built and all the things that were repressed brought back out in the open. With all of this going on I hope there are other books set in this world.
January 27, 2011
I normally like Anya Bast books. But for some reason this one didn't meet like the others, I could be cause it is really different from her other books. You know when you get used to an author and then they switch up on you? That's how it was for me.
This story is a bout a royal and powerful magical group who control everything. They don't care about wither there subjects have food, homes, or are healthy as long as they did and were. Eventually the subjects banned together and revolted hunting downed all the Jeweled ones.
I really liked the story line for Evangeline. Once cold hearted and unfeeling to feeling everything and I'm not just talking about emotions. All thanks to the two handsome males that came into her life, Anatol and Gregorio. They teach her and help her get over how to feel all emotions including love and passion.
The book started off a little slow for me and I had to push myself but about a quarter of the way through it picked up. I enjoyed The three way relationship between Envangelina, Anatol, and Gregorio but I thought it was going to turn out different. Or at least I was hoping it would.
Like I said the book is okay. Not the best in my opinion from Anya. But I will continue to read her books.
If you are an Anya Bast fan I would still read this. It's always nice to read something different from on author.
By the way, I love the cover!!!
This story is a bout a royal and powerful magical group who control everything. They don't care about wither there subjects have food, homes, or are healthy as long as they did and were. Eventually the subjects banned together and revolted hunting downed all the Jeweled ones.
I really liked the story line for Evangeline. Once cold hearted and unfeeling to feeling everything and I'm not just talking about emotions. All thanks to the two handsome males that came into her life, Anatol and Gregorio. They teach her and help her get over how to feel all emotions including love and passion.
The book started off a little slow for me and I had to push myself but about a quarter of the way through it picked up. I enjoyed The three way relationship between Envangelina, Anatol, and Gregorio but I thought it was going to turn out different. Or at least I was hoping it would.
Like I said the book is okay. Not the best in my opinion from Anya. But I will continue to read her books.
If you are an Anya Bast fan I would still read this. It's always nice to read something different from on author.
By the way, I love the cover!!!
January 3, 2011
I liked this book. I really did. However, it wasn't one of my favorite books by this author. I'm a big fan of two of her other series, but this one seemed to have a far different tone. It was good, but there were parts where the pages didn't seem to turn quite as fast as I'm used to. The scenes were passionate, becoming more so as Evangeline comes to terms with her emotions. Anatol's character sometimes seemed contradictory, but was nevertheless the driving force of the book. He really seemed to be the one who navigated us through the politics of both the royal ways and the newer world that was growing. He also was the one who seemed to direct us in what Evangeline needed when she couldn't seem to make sense of things herself. Gregorio was at first almost too much of a distraction, but there were certain scenes that stand clear as some of my favorites ones in the book that could not have taken place without him. I will definitely never think of a coffee cup quite the same way again.
If you're already a fan of Anya Bast, be aware that this is definitely different from her Enchantments series and the "Witch" series that she recently completed. However, that isn't a bad thing, and I will definitely be tuning in to see if she continues to tell us more tales of this world.
If you're already a fan of Anya Bast, be aware that this is definitely different from her Enchantments series and the "Witch" series that she recently completed. However, that isn't a bad thing, and I will definitely be tuning in to see if she continues to tell us more tales of this world.
March 17, 2014
Another story that takes you along for a ride in an unknown land. Bast always pulls this off, with her well developed plots and characters that are so fleshed out. Even though all is a fantasy there's just a little bit of truth thrown in there to make it seem possible. I got this story not knowing the plot but it didn't disappoint. Anatol and Gregorio were both desirable men and what's a girl to do? Choose? Not on their watch, resigned to the fact that he would never be able to hold Evangeline's heart on his own Anatol invited Gregorio to pursue Evangeline, knowing her true feelings for him. Complicated plot with Anatol knowing the truth in all situations and Evangeline also being able to mess with people's emotions and their heads. Gregorio was introduced later on in the story. As Evangeline's well laid plans come crashing to and end. She find herself uprooted from the comfortable life she led as entertainment to the royals to fearing for her life and almost living on the streets, if not for Anatol she would certainly not survived. Their relationship was mostly one-sided in the beginning with him being in love with her and she feeling almost nothing but gratitude to him. She had a hard time letting go and falling in love with Anatol and Gregorio. Yeah I wanted to smack her.
December 13, 2010
Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blo...
I have been wanting to pick up a copy of Jeweled since its release day but hadn't had the chance so when Anya asked for review sites to review a copy I jumped at the offer. It came in the mail and I immediately started to read it. I was NOT disappointing. Sometimes with Erotic books I tend to find it a little to raunchy and the story not at all satisfying but Ms Bast made all the erotic scenes tasteful and sensual while still making it extremely steamy. I enjoyed the story, It was heartfelt and blended perfectly together with the steamy stuff without throwing sex at you at every turn. The magic elements to the book were fascinating I enjoyed reading about what it is to be Jeweled and the different types of magic they wield. The character and story development wasn't to slow or to fast it all flowed together. Evangeline grows from an emotionally cut off spoiled girl into someone who finds emotion and love with people she never expected it with.
I have been wanting to pick up a copy of Jeweled since its release day but hadn't had the chance so when Anya asked for review sites to review a copy I jumped at the offer. It came in the mail and I immediately started to read it. I was NOT disappointing. Sometimes with Erotic books I tend to find it a little to raunchy and the story not at all satisfying but Ms Bast made all the erotic scenes tasteful and sensual while still making it extremely steamy. I enjoyed the story, It was heartfelt and blended perfectly together with the steamy stuff without throwing sex at you at every turn. The magic elements to the book were fascinating I enjoyed reading about what it is to be Jeweled and the different types of magic they wield. The character and story development wasn't to slow or to fast it all flowed together. Evangeline grows from an emotionally cut off spoiled girl into someone who finds emotion and love with people she never expected it with.
February 20, 2013
eh, it was ok
personally I didn't like Evangeline, she's self centered and spoiled
and the excuse Anatol gives throughout the book is because she had built
walls to keep emotions away
and I get it she gets taken away when she's 4 and has to shut off her emotions when she
uses her magick (she can replace a person's emotions with another person's emotion)
Never warmed up to her.
Oh and the fact that Anatol fell in love with her while at court
and never once spoke to her is weird. I liked Gregorio better but
there were times where he felt like a 3rd wheel.
I felt bad for her when she finally meets her parents and they didn't want anything to do with her,
would have like to know why they were scared of her but that never comes up.
since I read the 2nd book, Jaded, I can easily say that the 2nd is better.
personally I didn't like Evangeline, she's self centered and spoiled
and the excuse Anatol gives throughout the book is because she had built
walls to keep emotions away
and I get it she gets taken away when she's 4 and has to shut off her emotions when she
uses her magick (she can replace a person's emotions with another person's emotion)
Never warmed up to her.
Oh and the fact that Anatol fell in love with her while at court
and never once spoke to her is weird. I liked Gregorio better but
there were times where he felt like a 3rd wheel.
I felt bad for her when she finally meets her parents and they didn't want anything to do with her,
would have like to know why they were scared of her but that never comes up.
since I read the 2nd book, Jaded, I can easily say that the 2nd is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2011
Anya Bast delivers yet another hot sexy read, while giving us a solid story of a land where magick is coveted by the ruling monarchy and feared by the common people.
Evangeline was born with special magick, she is taken from her parents at the tender age of 4. Delivered into the ruling monarchy, the Court of Edaeii. The Edaeii take gifted children and train them to be their personal/political slaves.
When civil unrest brings down the Court of Edaeii, Evangeline is helped by Anatol another gifted J'Edaeii as they run for their lives. When Anatol is captured and beaten, an unlikely champion, Gregorio comes to their aid.
It's no surprise that the story held my attention with the added benefit of hot, steamy sex. This is a absorbing tale of love, loss and acceptance.
Evangeline was born with special magick, she is taken from her parents at the tender age of 4. Delivered into the ruling monarchy, the Court of Edaeii. The Edaeii take gifted children and train them to be their personal/political slaves.
When civil unrest brings down the Court of Edaeii, Evangeline is helped by Anatol another gifted J'Edaeii as they run for their lives. When Anatol is captured and beaten, an unlikely champion, Gregorio comes to their aid.
It's no surprise that the story held my attention with the added benefit of hot, steamy sex. This is a absorbing tale of love, loss and acceptance.
December 3, 2016
In the Court of Edaeii, magic-imbued Evangeline is rewarded for her gift in manipulating emotion with a sapphire stone set into the perfect curve of her lower back. Her greatest rival in the royal court is the enigmatic Anatol, instilled with the power of illusion. He may best her in magic, but he is her absolute equal in passion.
They share something else-they're both targets of low-born revolutionaries. Rescued by Gregorio, the brilliant revolutionary mastermind, they're given sanctuary. But in this warm refuge, Evangeline soon finds herself torn between the magic of one man she has always desired, and the excitingly new and radical moves of another. For her, there is only one choice: indulge in pleasure without limits.
They share something else-they're both targets of low-born revolutionaries. Rescued by Gregorio, the brilliant revolutionary mastermind, they're given sanctuary. But in this warm refuge, Evangeline soon finds herself torn between the magic of one man she has always desired, and the excitingly new and radical moves of another. For her, there is only one choice: indulge in pleasure without limits.
April 19, 2012
Story was a fantasy world where the ruling dynasty cultivates individuals showing "Magickal" abilities. Taking them as young children, they are trained to become honored members of the upper classes and some married into the ruling families, in an effort to bring magick back into the royal bloodlines. A revolution changes the society in a bloody uprising. Main characters Evangeline and Anatol are two of the gifted members of court who survive the revolution and must adjust to a new reality. Writing was not as good as the plot.
May 6, 2014
Very talented and creative writing it just didn't do it for me. I don't know if it was too slow and not enough action or it was just to much torment in the main character. It was just okay to me and I fell bad because I wanted to love it but while creative it was just three stars for me which in my head says I'll never read it again, five stars means I'll pick it up and read it again and again and again!!!!
July 13, 2012
I read this one second. I liked jaded better,the second in this series. This one didn't carry as much emotional interest. But to me it was still worth the read. A lot of sex to look for in this one. The con to this, one of the characters feelings for falling in love with the other just didn't seem believable enough and vice versa. And Anatol the first male character is so p...whipped.
March 17, 2012
I love Anya, but this book was so difficult to read... it went beyond the norm of her stories and not to a good place. I found myself skipping a lot of pages, the story of loving and having a relationship with two men at the same time seemed unbelievable and I couldn't buy into it. After finishing the book I realized that all those skipped pages didn't even matter.
January 12, 2011
all I got here is.... oh my, wow!!!
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