The Diamonds was actually a huge surprise for me. My expectations were not that high and my worry lines were there when I received it in the mail for review (which I had no idea was coming). The summary does not draw me in and seems a bit cliché and so done by so many series (which I have not read any—do not bother to ask why). And yet despite the foreboding I have grown myself attached to Marni and her “motley crew”. I need to stop judging books from the summary and cover alone...

The Diamonds reminds me of Mean Girls the movie, you know the one. Starring Lindsey Lohan and her sudden fame to her sudden drop—it’s the same in this case. Marni goes from being a Diamond to being a Stonecutter—a group of people who are trying to overthrow the Diamonds.

The politics was a nice surprise that added a bit of a spin to things. The mock trials were entertaining and the newsletter gave insight to some cases that sped the plotline along—so it does not seem overly excessive and boring, keep things a novelty.

The overall progression between the two foes was planned out and nicely done. Giving some suspense here and there but nothing too out there there (my vocabulary has precipitated once it passes 10 PM). There were some predictable scenes and actions and I guess I have to mention, one giant backstabbed that I could have seen from page 50.

Overall: A nice and pleasant debut book from Ted Michael. Nothing too in your face but a nice read nonetheless. ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

Marni Valentine is a "Diamond." The Diamonds are the four girls who basically run Bennington School. The name developed when someone made a comment about their matching diamond necklaces when they were freshman.

Marni couldn't believe her luck when Clarissa took her into the fold. Being accepted by Clarissa brought instant popularity and acceptance. Which helped Marni, as she wasn't nearly as rich, smart, or pretty as the other three girls: Clarissa, Priya, and Lili.

The girls show they are true friends when they come to Marni's aid the day Marni's boyfriend, Jed, publicly dumps her over the morning announcements. During an AP Government class mock trial, Clarissa turns the table on Jed and his new girl, and soon the rest of the school is giving Jed and Darcy the cold shoulder. Because of their composure and confidence, their teacher, Mr. Townsen, suggests the girls join the Mock Trial team.

Before long, the Mock Trial team has turned into a mechanism that the Diamonds use to control the school. Fellow students are trying each other and the Diamonds create new rules that the administration unwittingly agrees with.

It isn't until Marni finds herself involved with Clarissa's ex-boyfriend that the full brunt of the Diamonds' power is turned against her. She is disowned by her friends and takes refuge with the most unlikely group of people, including her ex-boyfriend, Jed.

Marni tries to get the administration to realize that the Diamonds are up to no good, but she gets blown off and realizes that if she wants to remove the Diamonds and get the school back to normal, she'll have to do it herself, with her new friends.

THE DIAMONDS was a fascinating look into the inner workings of a private school. It shows the reader how a seemingly small idea can blossom and get out of control. Marni enjoyed being on the inside but it isn't until she's cast out of favor that she truly becomes a decent person. She learns that everyone has something positive they can contribute and not to judge others by outward appearances alone.

THE DIAMONDS is written as Marni's testimony on why she does what she does. It flows quickly and has entertaining moments. It's also scary to realize that situations like the ones in the story could actually happen if teens don't fight for what is right. ( )

Not The Fun Quirky Book I Was Looking Forward To

The Diamonds
By Ted Michael
Pub. Date: April 2009
Not Rated

I read the synopsis several weeks ago and this book sounded like it would be a fun let-justice-be-done story with crazy, quirky characters. It turned out to be more sad and serious. I felt the need to read the last few pages of the book because the story was moving slowly and nothing that I synopsis hadn’t already stated happened. Since the story was so clearly laid out by the synopsis I wasn’t allowed the pleasure of speculation and guessing. I am sure many people will enjoy The Diamonds, but I am going to move on to other books in my reading pile.

Date Reviewed: April 9th, 2009

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The Diamonds has a very clever premise. Beyond the always amusing friends turned enemies premise is the whole world of the court system and mock trial. I've definitely never read a book that involved the United States Constitution in such a way (or probably any way really)! I loved it! There are pieces of evidence (drawings, articles, rule lists) scattered throughout the book. It's really crazy to see the mock trial team turn into a huge after school event and basically take on a life of it's own away from the teachers' and Principal's eyes. The Diamonds basically controlled the whole student body from their perch in the "court room".

I loved this book! I could relate to coming to the realization that maybe your friend(s) wasn't as nice as you once thought they were once you were on the receiving end of their wrath. I like how Marni re-made herself a circle of friends and allies and learns to look beyond people's outward appearance or stereotype and get to know them for who they really are. I also thought her relationship with Head-Diamond Clarissa's ex-boyfriend, Anderson was really sweet. It seemed they had a real connection and I could understand why she would be willing to risk her friendship with The Diamonds for him.

There is also a lot of scheming and plotting in this book, it was great. I loved seeing how far everyone would go, and they went pretty far! I did wonder from time to time how teachers and the Principal could just allow this to go on, a little convenient if you ask me. There was one twist towards the end that I saw coming from miles away but I was sad to find out that I was right.

All in all, a great book full of scheming, laying down the law and high school politics! ( )