Born of Persuasion (Price of Privilege Series #1)
By Jessica Dotta
Description:
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.
Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ (5 out of 5 stars)
My Thoughts: Set in England 1838, Victorian society demands the utmost propriety. Julia Elliston has just lost her mother, making her an orphan. Her mysterious guardian has withheld his identity from her—all she knows is that he plans for her to move to Scotland to become an older lady’s companion, seriously lowering her status. Abandoned and hurting, she goes to stay with her friends Mrs. Windham and her daughter Elizabeth with the hope that she will see her childhood love, Edward, and he will save her. When their meeting doesn’t go quite as planned, Julia is crushed that her childlike fantasies were just that—fantasy. She’s also introduced to Chance Macy, a mysterious, charming man with a dangerous past. What happens next will leave your head spinning as Julia’s world comes crashing down around her. Who will she choose? Who can she trust?I don’t even know how to write a review that will justly describe this book. It deserves more than 5 stars—more like 6 stars…or 10 stars…heck! It deserves 100! I judge mostly all books with three simple questions. 1) Does the book make you feel? 2) Did you like the characters? 3) Is it well written? The answer is yes, yes, and YES. Born of Persuasion goes so above and beyond anything I’ve read in this genre.How did I feel reading this book? I laughed out loud, yelled in frustration, cried with sympathy, and cheered characters on. I had to have looked like a crazy person while reading it.How did I like the characters? They were real, charismatic, and highly engaging. The love triangle between Julia and Edward and Macy was heart breaking, yet I have to admit also very exciting. I may or may not have squealed a few times. Julia was an atheist, which was an interesting contrast to Edward’s strong faith. He made some very good arguments and gave an analogy that was a real gem. I can’t wait to see if Julia accepts that her Heavenly Father loves her. The relationship between childhood friends Julia, Edward, Elizabeth, and Henry was just precious. I loved the flashbacks. And I can’t tell you how many times Lady Foxmore and Mrs. Windham made me laugh!Was it well written? The writing was almost poetic, that’s how brilliantly worded it was. I really enjoyed the fact that the POV is from Julia’s older self. It made for such an interesting, unique, and enlightening perspective. I simply cannot believe that this is the author’s debut novel. I am forever a fan. She forces you to slow down and savor every beautiful word as the twists and turns leave you feeling breathless with excitement. I mean, the plot twists in this book were mind blowing. I never knew what was going to happen… I needto know what happens! I am still reeling from all the surprises and turns it took. One thing for sure, anything Jessica Dotta writes in the future, let’s just say as soon as it releases I’ll be reading!If you are a fan of Jane Austen or the Brontë sisters, the Price of Privilege series is a MUST. Addicting, tragic, alluring, mysterious, humorous, mind-blowing, charming, and completely enthralling is how I would describe this first book. Born of Persuasion sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Suggestion: Do not start this book in the nighttime. I literally stayed up all night to see what happens. I can’t wait to start book #2, Mark of Distinction! Check this book out—you won’t be disappointed!
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