Pearl's World of Romance - Reviews with a Passion: Jewel of Atlantis

September 20, 2007

Jewel of Atlantis - Gena Showalter

6:28 PM |

All Atlantis seeks the Jewel of Dunamis,
which legend claims can overcome any enemy. Grayson James, human agent of the ultra-secret Otherworld Bureau of Investigation, has orders to keep it from the wrong hands -- or destroy it. What he doesn't know is that Jewel is a woman, not a stone! But once he meets this precious gem, destroying her is the last thing on his mind . . .

Jewel, part goddess, part prophet, is a pawn
in Atlantis's constant power struggles. She needs Gray's help to win freedom and uncover the secrets of her mysterious origins. Gray needs her wisdom to navigate monster-ridden Atlantis. But need blossoms into passionate love as they fight demons, dragons, vampires -- and a prophecy that says the bond between them could destroy them both.

Before I started reading this book I thought it was purely one in the Atlantis-series but as it turns out to be one that connects this series with the Imperia-series, the hero Gray(son) James being Katie’s brother. And Katie is the heroin in The Stone Prince (Imperia book 1).

With this book Showalter shows me once again why I love her books so much. She mixes an action-filled plot, witty characters and sparkling sensuality and paranormal magic in a way that doesn’t fail to hit home with me. It’s a perfect blend of the normal human world and the magical world of Atlantis.

Jewel and Gray are bound to meet and answer to a bond that was pre-destined for them a lifetime ago. Jewel has had visions of Gray for as long as she can remember and Gray has had dreams of Jewel not knowing who or what she is.
Given this fact, you feel their bond from the start. A bond that Jewel accepts from the start but Gray fights because he’s convinced there’s no place for love in his life.

Gray is the star of the show, the stronger character, carring the story for the most part, but Jewel is a pretty good side-kick who stands her ground firmly, both against Gray as against their enemies. Gray is so funny he’s downright adorable but still very alpha and manly. He has a cocky arrogant streak that is more endearing than it is annoying. But Jewel is the perfect woman to bring him to his knees. She’s a character who’s a joy to read. Strong, willful, brave, loving and as lovely and innocent as heroins come accepting her life’s destiny but not without a fight knowing she’s supported by her mental bond with Gray.

The secondary characters were very intriguing too. I was introduced to a number of magical creatures and beings unknown to me but I was most intrigued by the Nymph King Valerian and the Vampire King Layel. Valerian already has his own book and it’s waiting to be read in my TBR-pile. And Layel will have his own book in 2009 (The Blood King).
And off course it was a pleasure seeing Darius and Grace again, playing pretty important secondary roles in the book.

In short, Gena Showalter didn’t fail to sweep me of my feet on a magical and witty journey through the heart of Atlantis, revealing a bit more of this intriguing world beneath the waves of the sea.

Quotes:
Jewel: “There will be no dying on your part, promise me.”
Gray: “Off course there won’t. You might have missed the memo, but I’m invincible.”

Jewel: “Everytime you touch me, I feel flames licking me, burning me.”
Gray: “It’s my job—no, my privilege—to make the fire become an inferno.” As he spoke, he traced his name on her thigh. She was his, that’s all there was to it. Only his.

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