The Black Key

May contain spoilers for The Jewel and The White Rose

The Black Key
The Lone City Book Three
Written by Amy Ewing
Dystopian, Fantasy, Romance
Published October 1st 2016
352 Pages
Thank you to Walker Books Australia
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★★★☆
For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service of the royalty of the Jewel. But now, the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.

While Violet knows she is at the center of this rebellion, she has a more personal stake in it, for her sister, Hazel, has been taken by the Duchess of the Lake. Now, after fighting so hard to escape the Jewel, Violet must do everything in her power to return not only to save Hazel, but the future of the Lone City.
Across the Island The Black Key rebellion gathers, mercenaries fighting against enslavement, against poverty and the inhumane treatment of those less fortunate. The Royal Houses have become complacent, infiltrated while young women are rescued from imprisonment where they will be sold as Surrogates and discarded once their purpose has been served.

Violet Lasting is a Paladin, a descendant of a lost civilisation of women who once inhabited the Island and a former Surrogate for the House of The Lake. As the Black Key rebellion gains momentum, the girls of the White Rose are preparing to bring down the oppressive walls that separate the castes. A revolution has begun.

My Thoughts

The Black Key is an entertaining and captivating dystopian series, blending fantasy with an oppressive rule and a band of heroines that are determined to end the oppression. The Jewel begun Violet's journey as a Surrogate, chosen by the Duchess of The Lake to bare her an heir and a sibling for Garnet, the former playboy Prince. After their brazen escape, Violet, Raven and former Companion Ash have retreated to the White Rose, a rural haven for those seeking solace from the merciless royal court. Throughout the series, we've seen Violet mature into a young woman who understands that her mistakes no longer define who she is, a leader among women on the verge of a revolution. But unlike previous installments, Violet now finds herself returning to The Jewel to rescue sister Hazel, despite Ash's protest. I loved Violet for her strength, which could often be seen as condescending as she asks Ash to remain at the White Rose.

Dejected and a wanted fugitive, Ash believes he is beneficial to the rebellion and is able to assemble the Royal Companions to which Violet is opposed, refusing to allow Ash to jeopardise his freedom for the cause. With Lucian's assistance, Violet returns to the House of The Lake under the guise of a new Lady In Waiting for Garnet's betrothed. Returning to the wealth of the castle felt remarkably like an adaptation of The Jewel and a regression in terms of character development and storyline. Violet is reckless and makes incredibly careless decisions which may threaten the Black Key revolution. She feels responsible for Hazel's abduction, the Duchess having seized Hazel to take Violet's place as Surrogate and her internal guilt fuels her desire to make dangerous decisions which are generally not the best cause of action.

As Violet masks her identity in The Jewel, the former surrogates are being guided by Raven, a former surrogate herself who was tortured in her time within The Jewel. Raven is one of my favourite characters and I was disappointed that she wasn't able to play a greater role in The Black Key as her strength and resilience is one of the aspects that endeared me to The Lone City series. I would have liked to have experienced the girls exploring their Augury abilities, especially given the oppression of the Surrogates throughout the series and their journey to freedom. 

Although it felt anticlimactic throughout the storyline, the final few chapters were brilliantly written, emotional and vividly imagined with friends reuniting, although not everyone will make it through unscathed. Such a wonderful debut series that is often underestimated by readers. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

24 comments

  1. I haven't read any of these, but I am glad to hear that you felt the ending was done well overall. That's always a positive! :)

    -Lauren

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    1. It was Lauren, although had a slightly different feel to the other books. Great for dystopian readers.

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  2. I really struggled with the first book in this series, but the second was a huge hit with me. I'm waiting for my library hold to come in for this one, but I can't wait. I will say that I'm a teensy bit disappointed to hear about Violet making dumb decisions and the story seeming a little anticlimatic. Still though, I'm looking forward to reading it.
    Wonderful review, Kelly!

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    1. Really looking forward to seeing what you think of it Nick. As far as finales go, it was pretty good.

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  3. Oooh, I really like this cover version. I have an ARC of book one, an audiobook copy of book two and no book three. I need to get my bookish shit together!

    Nereyda│ Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist

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    1. I feel like my bookish shit is all over the place lately. Looking forward to seeing what you think of book one, it was good if you pay no attention to the special snowflakes and instant love.

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  4. Somehow I’ve missed this series :-|.
    I went back and read your first two reviews, but alas the first book doesn’t scream out read me. The books fault, not your review. Your reviews are always awesome.
    Is this the kind of series I could start at the second book and still pick up what’s going on? I accidentally did that with an Amanda Hocking trilogy once, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything and ended up loving the 2nd and 3rd books.

    I am such Diva devotee, this is the third time I’ve rewritten my comment as my stupid internet keeps dropping your page – not sure whether to laugh or cry at this.

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    1. Damn you internet! Aww Sarah you lovely woman.

      Alas, it's one of those series that would be too difficult to pick up after book one, as it establishes how The Jewel works between all the royal families and the system of surrogates. Book one is pretty good though, just look past the instant love which is really its only major fault.

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  5. I'm not sure if this would be my kind of read but I love the cover!

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    1. Yeah, it's not going to be a series that everyone enjoys. But if you liked The Selection series give this series a read. You'll really enjoy it. Brilliant covers throughout the series, couldn't agree more.

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  6. The setup of the story sounds so unique! This whole Black Key revolution and Violet's recklessness! Sounds a hot piece! <3
    Haniya
    booknauthors.blogspot.com

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    1. It's a great read, especially if you enjoy young adult and an engaging dystopian series. I've really enjoyed it.

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  7. I LOVED The Jewel so much. The next two books were okay, but definitely not as strong for me. I agree with you that the ending was satisfactory, but the book as a whole wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped. Still, I am definitely interested in whatever the author does next, because I think you're right, it was a good debut!

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    1. It really was Shannon. I loved book one as well, but was hoping for a bit more revolution and fight thrown in. Looking forward to seeing what she's working on next!

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  8. I never did get into this series. You know fantasy novels aren't really my forte and it sucks because writers who excel in this genre are the ingenious, creative ones. Also, I have this thing against book covers that feature a girl in a gown. *shrugs* Glad you enjoyed this series, nonetheless, Kell.

    <3

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    1. After The Siren, I do too Joy. I'm so desperate for dystopian reads that I'm searching Goodreads now like a madwoman. Alas, this seems to be the last of them in a dying genre.

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  9. the story sounds so good the fact that it came out anticlimactic is a bit saddening.

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    1. I think I just expected a little more to be honest Lily, but it's still a wonderful and fulfilling series finale nonetheless.

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  10. This cover threw me off. I thought it sounded familiar, even though I haven't read the series yet. Glad to hear it's worth it.

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    1. I think the covers are slightly different for the US editions. It's really worth the read if you're looking for something entertaining and engaging, I've really enjoyed it.

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  11. Goodness, this sounds epic -- it isn't a series I know of so it's quite an introduction :)

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    1. It was a great series Verushka, really entertaining.

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  12. Oooh I recieved this one from Walker Books and I have yet to review it but I look forward to it after your review!

    xx Anisha (https://sprinkledpages.blogspot.com.au/)

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  13. I felt pretty much the same about this book as you did, Kelly! I was disappointed that Violet went back to The Jewel, because it just felt like a reimagining of the first book all over again, and didn't really provide much room for new character or plot development.

    I really missed Raven, too. I actually would have loved to see this series from her perspective because she was such an awesome character.

    I'm glad you enjoyed this series overall, and lovely review :)

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