The Jewel Series

This series is comprised of three books total, which isn’t counting the short novelas that are available online (I think there’s two). The books are titled The Jewel, The White Rose, and The Black Key. Each title makes complete sense throughout the series, and you don’t have to wait for a phrase in the book for it to make sense. The author is Amy Ewing, who I hadn't heard of before this series, but she's a great writer.

In The Jewel there are four circles each one inside the other. The outer circle is called the Marsh, and it looks just like it sounds, muddy terrain and poverty-stricken. The second circle is called the Farm, it is where some Marsh-born people come for work. It’s pretty obvious what it is. Next is the Bank, there are wealthier areas, but generally the whole area is very wealthy especially compared to the Marsh. They are the most wealthy “common-people.” Lastly is the Jewel, this is where the founders live. So we have lots of various Dukes and Duchesses which also have a hierarchy within itself. The two most important people are called the Elector and the Electress. It’s basically another way to say King and Queen.

Violet Lasting is from the Marsh, and every Marsh girl has to take a test when they reach puberty. Turns out, girls from the Marsh could have a special gene, which makes them “important” to the royalty. The royalty (anyone in the Jewel, basically) can’t have their own kids, but these girls with the gene, can. This gene gives the girls the ability to use something called the Auguries. Which is a painful way to change the shape, color, and growth of plants. These abilities help them be surrogates for the royalty. 

That’s all I can tell you about the plot and backstory without spoiling. I highly suggest you read these books, if you’re into fiction. It’s my second favorite series. I love this series so much and if you decide to read it, I hope you do too.