The Book of Gems by Fran Wilde

The Book of Gems (Jewel, #3)

by Fran Wilde

It's been centuries since the Jewelled Valley and its magical gems were destroyed. In the republics that rose from its ashes, scientists craft synthetic jewels to heat homes, power gadgetry, and wage war.

Dr. Devina Brunai is one of these scientists. She also is the only person who believes true gems still exist. The recent unearthing of the Palace of Gems gives her the perfect opportunity to find them and prove her naysayers wrong.

Her chance is snatched away at the last moment when her mentor steals her research and wins the trip for himself. Soon, his messages from the field transform into bizarre ramblings about a book, a Prince, and an enemy borne of the dark. Now Dev must enter the Valley, find her mentor, and save her research before they, like gems, become relics of a time long forgotten.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Centuries ago, the Jeweled Valley and its treasures (magical gems) were lost to time. Or so everyone thought. The legends still hold strong, even as most people believe them to be little more than a bit of lore.

Dr. Devina Brunai isn't one of those. She believes the Book of Gems is real, alongside the Palace of Gems. When the Palace is uncovered, she knows that she was right, and thus the rest of her theories might prove true as well...

My Review:

If this is the conclusion to The Gem Universe, it's the conclusion we've been waiting for. The Book of Gems is a fantastical adventure full of complex storytelling and magical elements. In truth, I never wanted it to end.

The Book of Gems made rooting for Dev and Lurai (her cousin) so easy. Dev's backstory is less than simple, with more than one unscrupulous character messing up her chosen path in life. This backstory fills the reader with righteous indignation, adding an emotional tie between the reader and the character.

As for the rest of this plot? Well, that's the stuff of magic. We never get to see too much of the magical system at any one time. It's enough to make you crave more – ironic, given that is likely how every magic hunter feels in this world. It's possible to see the larger story when combined with the rest of this world. In other words, it was perfect.

Highlights:
Fantasy World
Magical Gems
Sentient Book

Thanks to Tor.com and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Finished reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Reviewed