Jewel

Blue Star Book 2

Fiction - Science Fiction
267 Pages
Reviewed on 06/03/2018
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

After creating a new universe in The Black Widow Connection, the story naturally led to the multiverse. I imagined that universes are sentient beings and they represent the Almighty or God and can influence life and the afterlife as they see fit.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Jewel by TK Rising is the second book in the Blue Star series, which is preceded by The Black Widow Connection. Fortunately, those readers who did not have the opportunity to read the first book will not be lost, as Jewel works well as a standalone. Blue Star has defeated Godriel but, in a fantasy science fiction universe that spans over billions of years, it's easy to see that this doesn't hold her in the esteem it should for eternity. After persistently begging for a daughter from the universe, one she has dreamt of for as long as dreaming has been a possibility, she is ultimately shunned and left to her own devices...which comes with consequences that may make a victory such as the one she wielded over Godriel even less likely.

Once more, TK Rising has proven to be a creator of science fiction set apart from the rest in the genre. Rising writes with an original ingenuity that is hard to describe due to its complexity, but easy to read in the context of excellent storytelling. I admit that initially, when reading the description for Jewel, I assumed the plot might be a bit too ambitious of a read, even for myself. I should have known better. Rising is a rising star – in my humble opinion – within the genre and I hope that Jewel and the Blue Star series makes it into the hands of an audience that will appreciate the work for what it is, and what it is ... is brilliant!

Lit Amri

Jewel by T.K. Rising is the second book of the Blue Star series. Blue Star had claimed her victory over the insidious Godriel a long time ago, and now she wishes for a life in a fertile world, a life for her daughter, Jewel, whose reincarnation is difficult. This sequel also revisits the earlier timeline of the multiverse to tell another aspect of the story. Jewel is basically a tale of creation, not in the biblical sense but in terms of ancient aliens. It took quite some time for me to connect with the story, and I have to confess that I was able to relate quicker to some of the characters in the first book.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that Jewel is as imaginative as its predecessor, perhaps even more. Also, due to its premise, Jewel is, in my opinion, a standalone and has enough background details from its precursor. There are quite a number of new characters, and the character development of Jewel, in particular, is interesting. I gravitated more to her story and her initial struggle to have a successful reincarnation. Tristan is another character that stands out for me. The ending gives some hint of how the story would continue, but given the imaginative concept of the series, the continuation might be different. All in all, even though the short chapters provide a quick pacing for Jewel, the premise of the story is something that should be read at a slightly slower rate to really interpret the themes that take place in the multiverse world.

Ruffina Oserio

Blue Star is strong, and it has been long since she defeated the powerful Godriel. Although her power is phenomenal, it tends to be destructive. She is obsessed with her dreams — dreams about a flourishing universe with features like the mountains and forests and deep valleys. But above all, she dreams about her daughter, Jewel, even if she is barren. But as she dreams, she is unaware that another power is about to create a miracle that will bring Jewel to life. And what is her destiny? Thus begins a compelling tale of epic fantasy, of adventure and of supernatural worlds that will inhabit the thoughts and dreams of readers. TK Rising’s Jewel is the second entry in the Blue Star series, a gripping and highly imaginative novel with great potential to entice and delight fans of the genre.

The writing is captivating and it flows with grace, translating the author’s confidence. I was gripped by the strength of the prose; the descriptive nature of the prose brings to life beautiful worlds and images of places that readers travel to in their minds. The characters are compelling, crafted with mythical backgrounds and magic — Agravain, Rivalen who feeds the central stars, Jewel, and Kep who has the power to create, and a host of others. The characters leap off the pages with life. The conflict is strong and readers will want to discover the origins of Jewel, her mission, and her ultimate destiny. Apart from the characters and the compelling prose, TK Rising has a unique gift of sustaining the interest of readers. The short characters, the timely paragraph breaks, and the lively dialogues make the tale an enjoyable read. It is atmospheric and cinematic, a tale with a complex plot and sophisticated characters, unique by virtue of its originality. It is engaging and hugely entertaining.

Jamie Michele

Jewel (Book Two in the Blue Star series) by TK Rising is a science fiction standalone follow-up to Rising's first book, The Black Widow Connection. Blue Star is less of a being and more of a feminine entity, wishing for a child above all else. She has pleaded for years to be gifted with a daughter, but the granting of this desire is withheld from her, even after the miraculous take down of Godriel that she spearheaded billions of years beforehand. As Blue Star finally fulfills the aspiration herself with Jewel, the push back is strong and the ramifications are of the kind that only a novel in the fantasy realm can convey.

Despite being a powerhouse of strength, Blue Star has her own failings as well. In short, she really knows how to annoy the universe with devastating effect. Her ambitions are often as selfish as they are understandable, but the creation of her daughter Jewel – a fertile macrocosm born of a barren mother – might just be the straw that breaks the cosmos's back. I think TK Rising has set the bar for science fiction and fantasy novels extraordinarily high with a beguiling story told with elegant restraint. The tension runs throughout every page, but it's the emotional demands that the tale makes on its unsuspecting reader that gives Jewel an engrossing shine...one that will resonate long after the book has finished. I look forward to book three in the series and will absolutely go back to read book one.

K.C. Finn

Jewel is a work of fantasy fiction written for young adults by author TK Rising. The second book in the Blue Star series, this story is set in the same universe as The Black Widow Connection, wherein an ancient alien race known as Altaens had a plan to kill human Tracy Kirin. Much in the same way that Tracy’s life became intertwined with the greater plans of the multiverse, our new protagonist is Jewel, the daughter of the grand Creator, a young universe called Blue Star. At first Jewel is unaware that she is deep at the centre of a plot to control the multiverse, but when she uses the powers of dark energy, Blue Star awakens to examine her daughter’s actions.

I did a little research into book one of the series before I read Jewel, but I feel that other readers could jump straight into this story and understand the concepts of the conflicts between Earth and Alta and the idea of the wider multiverse without too many problems. TK Rising blends both fantasy and science fiction elements into an intriguing plot which focuses much more on its wider concepts than its characters, although both Jewel and Tristan are well formed enough for readers to get behind. The book has a movie-like feel overall, shifting scenes and perspectives to tell a far-reaching tale of universal proportions. Though the plot can be confusing in places, the overall threads come together well. I’d recommend Jewel to older young adults and adults looking for an interesting sci-fi read to try.

Lesley Jones

In Jewel by TK Rising, the second book in the series, we find Blue Star triumphant over the mighty Godriel, but still left unfulfilled. She yearns for a Universe filled with lush, bountiful lands and blue skies but most of all, Blue Star longs for a daughter. Even though she was victorious over Godriel billions of years previously, her request is continually denied. But Blue Star is ingenious and quite creative when it comes to getting what she wants. Her wish is granted and her miracle daughter, Jewel, is born. What fate will befall Jewel? The epic adventure begins as Jewel becomes embroiled in the center of a battle for ultimate control. Blue Star must pay a hefty price for her actions and discovers her triumph over Godriel was simple in comparison. Blue Star faces her toughest battle yet; if she is unsuccessful, she may lose Jewel forever.

It is difficult to summarize the plot as it is as unique as it is compelling. I was certainly not at all disappointed. The tension and adventure throughout will keep your heart racing. The characters are rich, memorable, and their dialogue relays their personality perfectly. Although there are many characters within the plot, it is easy to follow and the conflict kept me continually engrossed in where the story would take me. The storytelling ability of the author is of an incredible standard. She has created a strong main plot supported by enthralling sub-plots that gel together effortlessly. I absolutely loved this tale of revenge, retribution, love, and betrayal. This flawless novel is a must for lovers of fantasy, science fiction or quality fiction.

K.J. Simmill

Jewel had not been having an easy time. Each time she made progress, her life was ended. In one incarnation she managed to catch a glimpse of the Shadowman, and she knew then this was no bizarre twist of fate but an assassination. She begged for her mother, Blue Star, to notice, but this Shadowman somehow evaded notice. But there came a time when gazing down upon the newborn, Tristan could no longer find it in himself to kill her. Not in this form. And against his orders, he let her live, not only concealing the fact the deed had been left undone but watching her from the shadows like a guardian. The problem with watching someone grow up, watching over them, is that a bond begins to form. All too soon, Tristan realized how deep his feelings ran for Jewel. Meanwhile, Blue Star has discovered the truth. The conflict between her and Godriel is far from over, but Blue Star's fertile status makes her untouchable, and so thoughts of vengeance are turned towards the one person whose suffering would devastate her; Jewel.

Jewel is the second book in TK Rising's Blue Star series. There is, however, enough information so that it can easily be appreciated as a stand-alone novel. Love, obsession, schemes, grand plans, and conflict draw you into the detailed plot. Excellent attention has been given to providing the settings with a real and fleshed out feel. Histories, adversity, and challenges must be overcome in new and interesting ways that will leave the reader invested, desperate to discover what happens next. There is a vast and varied cast of characters, each well rounded with their own desires, ambitions, and personalities, all of which drive the plot forward in their own unique way. The building relationships add engaging interactions as the past drives the future into deadly territory. TK Rising has crafted a great book filled with tension and gripping scenes that can be appreciated by lovers of action and science fiction alike.

Romuald Dzemo

Jewel by TK Rising is the second book in the Blue Star series, a phenomenal series that explores an adventure of billions of years, and a tale that explores the complex relationships between powerful intelligent universes. Blue Star is a fledgling universe; an Earthling who defeated the dangerous geneticist from Alta, Godriel, in a powerful battle, wielding dark energy. But she believes she is barren, thanks to a powerful device created by Rivalen to control the multiverse. Star dreams of creating life and of being reincarnated into her daughter, Jewel. Her dream begins to materialize in the planet called Makka, but the creator of the device is out to frustrate her plans by having Jewel killed by Tristan.

Follow Jewel’s journey as she faces great enemies, worse odds, and a huge destiny. Readers will love the twists in this story and what happens when Star awakes and the connection between Jewel and Star begins. TK Rising is a very imaginative author who creates interesting worlds for readers to navigate. The author recreates the world and the strange rules that govern it. The personification of the Universe is one of the interesting elements that readers will enjoy in this narrative and the concept of energy is brilliantly introduced and developed in the plot. The prose is crisp, at times lyrical, and hugely enjoyable. The conflict is skillfully handled and it takes the story in unexpected directions. The plot is multi-layered and complex, the characters sophisticated, and the tension builds rapidly into an explosive denouement. This story stands out in its originality and its powerful plot points. Loved every bit of it.

PWD

A tale of two worlds, this story weaves an intricate connection with sci-fi, fantasy, and the supernatural within a reality-based wrapper. Mystery and suspense leads to thought provoking excitement.