Review – The Jewel Thief by Jeannie Mobley

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.**

Title The Jewel Thief

Author Jeannie Mobley

Description from Amazon

Her story begins . . . in Paris. The only daughter of the King’s crown jeweler, Juliette marvels at the large, deep-blue diamond Louis XIV has commanded her father to make shine like the sun. But Jean Pitau has never cut a diamond quite like this, and shaping it is a risky endeavor. As Jean spirals into depression, Juliette takes it upon herself to cut the stone, and with every misstep, brings her family closer to ruin.

Her story resumes . . . in a cold, dark cell of the Bastille prison. Charged with stealing the King’s diamond, Juliette has but one chance to convince him that her motives were pure. If she fails, this night may very well be her last. Though, death wouldn’t be her worst fate. Because recording Juliette’s confession is René, a court-appointed scribe, and the man she loves. But René holds his own grudge against Juliette, and this is her one and only chance to win back his heart.

Release Date May 26, 2020

Publisher Penguin Teen

Initial Thoughts

I was so excited when I saw this book on NetGalley, I added it to my TBR immediately. France, history, diamond cutting – what more could I want? Then, when Penguin Teen offered me the chance to review it early, I had a borderline panic attack. There were some amazing books that came out in May but this was by far my most anticipated.

Some Things I Liked

• Mathematics represented in YA literature. Ok, ok, it wasn’t exactly math in any crazy way but the main characters discuss Descartes as well as the physics and calculations needed to correctly cut a diamond. I loved seeing representation for my favorite subject.
• France. I just love France so much and I was in love with the rich details and glittering court life described in this book. Furthermore, Louis XIV AKA the Sun King is my favorite French monarch. I actually had a fish named Louis XIV. He was a beta fish and he lived to be almost 4 years old so he was basically the Sun King of betas since they usually only live about 1 year.
• Narration from prison. I really liked that almost the entire story was told from the perspective of Juliette’s prison cell. This was a unique way to tell the story and inject reactions from the main character.

Series Value

While I would love to know more about Juliette, Rene, and all of the other characters we met in The Jewel Thief, this story feels complete. I loved the ending and while it was a bit open ended for more adventures, I was left very satisfied.

However, I will say that I want to read more of what Jeannie Mobley writes / has written. I loved her style in this book.

Final Thoughts

I loved this book. Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for providing a copy. I knew I was going to like this book but I discovered so many more reasons to love it as I read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

• Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice by Kathleen Benner Duble – if you enjoyed the setting of France, the historic atmosphere, and the concepts of masters and their art, definitely check out this standalone novel.
• An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley – again, if you like books set in France, books rich with history, but, you want a sprinkle of a fantasy / magical element, try this standalone by Addie Thorley
• Rook by Shannon Cameron – if you liked the French setting and theme of thievery, try this standalone by Shannon Cameron. Although the setting is more dystopian France, the themes are very similar.