Review of Price of Privilege"

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: Jessica Dotta's "Price of Privilege Trilogy" arrested my attention like few others.  It's deep, dark, with intrigue powered by mystery and lead characters straight out of a Bronte or Dickens novel. Dotta created an amazingly developed series with so many layers and details, that each novel is completely dependent upon its predecessor. In fact, I re-read "Born of Persuasion" before reading "Mark of Distinction" and "Price of Privilege" back-to-back.  

Julia's story is definitely full of twists, turns, and nail-biting tension. Her first person perspective lends more mystery to the plot, because like Julia, we can only speculate about the true motives of other characters. Although she doesn't make the best decisions, it is easy to understand her confusion, fear, and desperation.  By the end of the first novel, I was invested in Julia's life and anxiously awaiting the continuation of her story.  I absolutely loved the pace of events in the first two novels. They offered the perfect balance of emotion and action.  In all three, Dotta employs foreshadowing, which builds suspense and reader engagement.  "Price of Privilege" leaned more heavily on Julia's emotions and introspection, particularly in the first half of the novel.  There are eventful scenes in the first 200 or so pages, and plenty of cryptic comments from Julia, hinting at pain to come.  Most of what is foreshadowed comes in the novel's final half, making it hard to put down. 

I questioned how the tale could end happily, and as the culmination of Julia's past decisions occurs there is unavoidable pain and heartbreak. A tidy happy-ever-after ending would have been a complete disappointment, but Dotta delivers some of the most powerful scenes of the entire trilogy in the concluding chapters.  Readers, prepare yourselves for a tear-jerking conclusion. It is an achingly bittersweet example of love and sacrifice.  The loss of a beloved character will leave your heart breaking alongside Julia's. I closed the book wishing that I had privy to the inner emotions of that particular character. But, knowing only Julia's perspective made me feel the loss more poignantly.  

Jessica Dotta's richly written "Price of Privilege Trilogy" is one that is not to be missed. Each novel definitely ranks high among the books that I have read in the past year.  These books are not in danger of being labelled as "forgettable," with a series that is so sweeping and encompassing. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Summary from Tyndale House Publishers: Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined.

Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts.

Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.

Review of "Born of Persuasion"

Rating: 5 Stars

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Review: Unpredictable, rich, and dramatic, "Born of Persuasion" is a captivating debut novel.  Jessica Dotta's style is described as reminiscent of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, and the influence is clear from the beginning.  A few of Dotta's characters called to mind some personalities from Jane Austen's works. The English countryside with its quaint cottages and imposing estates sets a familiar scene, perfectly complimenting the story that it frames.  

"Born of Persuasion" is vastly different from any of the inspirational, historical fiction novels that I have read in the past few years.  This is one book that is impossible to confuse with any other; it is undeniably unique.  Dotta establishes suspense and questions from the very first sentence and does not release the reader from the pull of the plot.  Told in first-person perspective by the heroine, Julia Elliston, the story leaves the reader questioning the motives of nearly every character. Foreshadowing is a common element used to hint at upcoming peril throughout the course of the plot.  Julia takes the reader into her personal confidence as she tells her oftentimes heartbreaking story.  Her decisions are not perfect and her faith is practically nonexistent.  She unveils her actions and their consequences slowly, building drama and keeping the reader's attention. 

I am still questioning the actions of certain characters and debating over who will ultimately be revealed as good and bad. There is enough of a conclusion to hint at the answers, but "Born of Persuasion" is full of so many unexpected turns that it is almost impossible to guess what the other two novels in the series may reveal.  The only downfall is that we must wait in anticipation for a year before the next novel, "Mark of Distinction," is released. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary from Tyndale: The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.