Rating: 
Summary: A unique fantasy government and an engaging heroine
Review: Jena Gemcutter thinks she knows what she wants out of life--to marry Bram Tailor, to become a master gemcutter, to make her father happy. Then she meets a stranger with a ring only she can see, and strange things start happening. She learns she can do magic. She has strange visions and dizzy spells. She discovers she feels trapped in her life. And suddenly only someone who can use magic--someone like Jena--can save the entire Diadem from treachery.Kerr's detailed world provides a strong backbone for this exciting fantasy. The kingdom is ruled by the Diamond, whose council (the Diadem) is made up of six other noble houses. Every year, the Diadem house which holds Heirship for the Diamond rotates. This year it is Ruby, but next year it will be Topaz. I've never seen a government system like this in all the fantasy novels I've read, and I found it to be a refreshingly different system. Jena and Kestrienne are easily the most engaging characters in this book. Jena is the viewpoint character, and it's exciting to watch her discover who she really is and what she really wants. Kestrienne becomes Jena's mentor, as a noble lady who is also an adept. Lord Morgon is an interesting character, though he really doesn't get the development he deserves. Lady Vianne is another exceptional character, a woman of poise, character, and personality. Kerr gives lavish attention to descriptions, but at times the narrative skips days or weeks at a time -- this gave me slight pause, but all-in-all, I found the book to be entirely satisfactory. I only wish there were a sequel!
Rating: 
Summary: For the reader with a vivid imagination and a love of magic!
Review: Right from the very beginning, this book proves promising. It engages you into a world of magic, justice, and wizardry. Jena, a young apprentice in gemcutting to her father, discovers that she can "do magic" by touching a ring of a very mysterious nobleman. She is then whisked away to a far off land where she learns how to control her magic-and find the mysterious nobleman-who is her soulmate.
Rating:
Summary: Funny and entertaining!
Review: The thing that attracted me most about the book was that it was compared to Patricia Wrede's writing. I have read Wrede since third grade (Dealing With Dragons) and enjoyed that and the other books I've read by her immensly. This book did not disappoint me. I am reading it as much as all my favorite books. This is a wonderful book that all ages can enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: One of my enduring favourites
Review: This is gotta be one of my all-time favourite fantasy novels. Jena Gemcutter, the protagonist, is spunky and all-too-human. The plot is fast-paced and is very well done. Descriptive without being wordy. I reread this book at least once a year.
Rating:
Summary: Memorable and Enchanting
Review: This is one of the best novels that I have read in a very long time. Peg Kerr is simply amazing at developing convincing and relatable characters. All of the characters are diverse but enthralling from the quirky wizard Arikan to the noble Lady Rhuddlan. My favorite aspect of this book is that it keeps you enchanted in every chapter. The scenes change enough to make the novel interesting while being carefully crafted to your imagination. The plot is also multi-faceted: it's a mystery, suspense, fantasy, adventure, humor, and love story all in one! I highly recommend this book to any reader looking for something memorable.
Rating:
Summary: Good, solid read - definitely a keeper!
Review: This was a very good book. It is well written and complete unto itself. A relief in this epic rich genre. I hope to see more of Kerr's work, and soon.
Rating: 
Summary: Very original, clever plot structure, but it still mediocre
Review: With influences like Patricia C. Wrede and Joel Rosenburg (both fabulous authors) I had high expectations for this book. The concepts involved were fabulous, I found them very unique. The book was ruined, however, by under-developed, un-interesting characters who really spent most of their time explaining anyway. There are better ways to get your ideas across. Peg Kerr had a great universe with an enormous amount of potential, but everything else was too flimsy to make it worth while.
Rating:
Summary: Very original, clever plot structure, but it still mediocre
Review: With influences like Patricia C. Wrede and Joel Rosenburg (both fabulous authors) I had high expectations for this book. The concepts involved were fabulous, I found them very unique. The book was ruined, however, by under-developed, un-interesting characters who really spent most of their time explaining anyway. There are better ways to get your ideas across. Peg Kerr had a great universe with an enormous amount of potential, but everything else was too flimsy to make it worth while.
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