Status
Disponible
Call number
Series
Publication
Henry Holt Company
Description
Sixteen-year-old Gwyneth discovers that she, rather than her well-prepared cousin, carries a time-travel gene, and soon she is journeying with Gideon, who shares the gift, through historical London trying to discover whom they can trust.
User reviews
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
I admit I picked up Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier on a random whim and, having no expectations may be why I enjoyed this book so much. This story deals with time travelling, something that always seems to confuse me and make me uneasy at the same time. So many questions, so many procedures, how to keep
Other than her ability to see and talk to ghosts, Gwen Shepherd is a normal sixteen year old that loves to giggle with her best friend, skip classes and can’t see the purpose of history or geography. Unfortunately, Gwen comes from anything but a normal family. The ability to time travel is gifted to a female in each generation. Luckily for Gwen, her cousin Charlotte appears to be the one born with the time travelling gene. Of course all goes amiss and it is Gwen who finds herself hurtling through the eras. The only bonus to this dilemma is her assigned travelling companion, a dreamy 18 year old guy.
I thought the author did a great job in keeping Gwen real. Being totally unprepared for time travel, she has trouble with the period clothes, speech patterns, and old fashioned manners. She thinks and acts like a present day sixteen year old. When told that her time travels must be kept secret, she of course, doesn’t think for a minute that doesn’t include her best friend, Lesley. Told not to take any present day equipment back to the past, again, as a typical teenager, she can’t even think about giving up her cell phone.
My only drawback to the book is the ending. This is a trilogy, but I would have liked to have some resolution at the end of each book. This one just leaves all the storylines hanging. Due to it’s charm, humor and great main character, I will be continuing on with this series, hopefully book two will have some answers to the many questions that this first book has brought to light.
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it all straight in one’s head. In this book I found a main character who has much the same issues with time travel as I do.Other than her ability to see and talk to ghosts, Gwen Shepherd is a normal sixteen year old that loves to giggle with her best friend, skip classes and can’t see the purpose of history or geography. Unfortunately, Gwen comes from anything but a normal family. The ability to time travel is gifted to a female in each generation. Luckily for Gwen, her cousin Charlotte appears to be the one born with the time travelling gene. Of course all goes amiss and it is Gwen who finds herself hurtling through the eras. The only bonus to this dilemma is her assigned travelling companion, a dreamy 18 year old guy.
I thought the author did a great job in keeping Gwen real. Being totally unprepared for time travel, she has trouble with the period clothes, speech patterns, and old fashioned manners. She thinks and acts like a present day sixteen year old. When told that her time travels must be kept secret, she of course, doesn’t think for a minute that doesn’t include her best friend, Lesley. Told not to take any present day equipment back to the past, again, as a typical teenager, she can’t even think about giving up her cell phone.
My only drawback to the book is the ending. This is a trilogy, but I would have liked to have some resolution at the end of each book. This one just leaves all the storylines hanging. Due to it’s charm, humor and great main character, I will be continuing on with this series, hopefully book two will have some answers to the many questions that this first book has brought to light.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the first book in the Edelstein trilogy. This novel was translated from the German novel. The second book in the series, Sapphire Blue is due to release the end of October 2012. The third book, Emerald Green, will follow. This was a creative and interesting book with a complex
Gwen’s cousin Charlotte has been groomed from birth to deal with her time-traveling gene and her induction into the secret society of The Guardians. Things go very wrong when Gwen ends up being the one with the unpredictable time traveling gene. Now Gwen must figure out why her mother lied about her birth date to protect her from all the training. She must also accompany her male counterpart, Gideon, on adventures to acquire other the blood of other Guardians in order to fullfill some secret goal.
This is an interesting idea and a fun one. You have time travel, mystery, science fiction, history, and even a little steampunk sensibility all blended together to create a fun story. This book just mainly sets up the story and it is a kind of complicated story given all the characters involved and all the strange implications of time travel. This setup is necessary for the story, but is a bit disappointing because the story is really just starting to ramp up when the book ends.
Gwen is a great character and is put into a really interesting (and challenging) situation. She is supposed to make up for a lifetime of time-traveling preparation in a day or two. She is kind of scared and anxious about the whole thing initially but solidiers through everything with an admirable attitude.
Gideon is an interesting character, he is standoffish and snobbish at first but as you get to know him better you see there is a lot more to hem. I will say that he has a change of heart regarding his opinion of Gwen toward the end of the book that absolutely gave me whiplash...that part could have been done better.
The concept of time travel as a genetic defect is fascinating. Gwen has no choice about time traveling, she has to do it to survive. She can choose to periodically do it in a controlled manner or in a completely random manner. This is a creative and intriguing idea and throws some crazy situations at the reader.
The concept of the Guardians and their Jewels is a bit confusing as is the mysterious thing they are after. We learn some but not much about this in the novel. Hopefully future books in the series will clarify this.
On an absolutely random note Gier is really into her clothing. The descriptions of Gwen’s clothing are very detailed and, at times, a bit lengthy. This can be interesting considering all the different eras Gwen has to have accurate clothing for, but it is also a bit excessive.
The writing style is decent, not the best I’ve read, but still easy enough to read. The ending is abrupt, as I said earlier the story is just starting to really gear up when the book ends.
Overall a fun and interesting read. The characters were decent and the idea of time travel as a genetic defect is fascinating. The Guardian Society and their purpose isn’t well defined, but hopefully will be expanded on in future books. This book spends a lot of time building the world and setting the scene; the book ends just as things really start moving. This is a fun read and I would recommend for fans of time travel books or fans of paranormal fantasy that are ready for something a bit different. There is also a steampunk feel to the story at points as well.
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background.Gwen’s cousin Charlotte has been groomed from birth to deal with her time-traveling gene and her induction into the secret society of The Guardians. Things go very wrong when Gwen ends up being the one with the unpredictable time traveling gene. Now Gwen must figure out why her mother lied about her birth date to protect her from all the training. She must also accompany her male counterpart, Gideon, on adventures to acquire other the blood of other Guardians in order to fullfill some secret goal.
This is an interesting idea and a fun one. You have time travel, mystery, science fiction, history, and even a little steampunk sensibility all blended together to create a fun story. This book just mainly sets up the story and it is a kind of complicated story given all the characters involved and all the strange implications of time travel. This setup is necessary for the story, but is a bit disappointing because the story is really just starting to ramp up when the book ends.
Gwen is a great character and is put into a really interesting (and challenging) situation. She is supposed to make up for a lifetime of time-traveling preparation in a day or two. She is kind of scared and anxious about the whole thing initially but solidiers through everything with an admirable attitude.
Gideon is an interesting character, he is standoffish and snobbish at first but as you get to know him better you see there is a lot more to hem. I will say that he has a change of heart regarding his opinion of Gwen toward the end of the book that absolutely gave me whiplash...that part could have been done better.
The concept of time travel as a genetic defect is fascinating. Gwen has no choice about time traveling, she has to do it to survive. She can choose to periodically do it in a controlled manner or in a completely random manner. This is a creative and intriguing idea and throws some crazy situations at the reader.
The concept of the Guardians and their Jewels is a bit confusing as is the mysterious thing they are after. We learn some but not much about this in the novel. Hopefully future books in the series will clarify this.
On an absolutely random note Gier is really into her clothing. The descriptions of Gwen’s clothing are very detailed and, at times, a bit lengthy. This can be interesting considering all the different eras Gwen has to have accurate clothing for, but it is also a bit excessive.
The writing style is decent, not the best I’ve read, but still easy enough to read. The ending is abrupt, as I said earlier the story is just starting to really gear up when the book ends.
Overall a fun and interesting read. The characters were decent and the idea of time travel as a genetic defect is fascinating. The Guardian Society and their purpose isn’t well defined, but hopefully will be expanded on in future books. This book spends a lot of time building the world and setting the scene; the book ends just as things really start moving. This is a fun read and I would recommend for fans of time travel books or fans of paranormal fantasy that are ready for something a bit different. There is also a steampunk feel to the story at points as well.
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LibraryThing member flying_monkeys
Rating: 3.5 of 5
So I'll admit, I bought Ruby Red purely on (1) the recommendation from book club members and (2) its cover plus title and the assumption it would be a fairy tale-inspired or a retelling or something in that neck of the woods. Well, you know what they say about assuming
Once I actually read the back cover I quickly realized it was young adult time travel / historical fiction. Okay, a little disappointing but I enjoy the concept of time travel, not romance or the typical young adult characters, especially their females, but I decided I'd give it a whirl anyway, and I was not disappointed.
While there was the usual "coming into special power" young adult formula - denying the power, relying on a best friend over a parent/family/adult, lots of details about clothes, a potential love triangle - I was nonetheless intrigued by the notion of a time travel gene, of a centuries old society in pursuit of a prophesied 12 travelers to close the Circle, of a potential conspiracy within the Guardians or the travelers, and of course a big secret not yet revealed.
Ruby Red was fast-paced, but it's mostly an introduction to Gwyneth, her famly, her gift, the Guardians, and the possibility of a conspiracy - on which side, the reader doesn't know yet. Time travel wise, only three trips on her own and two trips with Gideon. I expect book two, Sapphire Blue, will be more action-packed (as far as trips back in time) and reveal a bit more about "the secret."
Recommend to young adults, 12 to 14, who enjoy scenes used to emphasize the importance of fashion when going back in time, and those who don't mind the first in a trilogy to provide more set up than resolution.
So I'll admit, I bought Ruby Red purely on (1) the recommendation from book club members and (2) its cover plus title and the assumption it would be a fairy tale-inspired or a retelling or something in that neck of the woods. Well, you know what they say about assuming
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something...Once I actually read the back cover I quickly realized it was young adult time travel / historical fiction. Okay, a little disappointing but I enjoy the concept of time travel, not romance or the typical young adult characters, especially their females, but I decided I'd give it a whirl anyway, and I was not disappointed.
While there was the usual "coming into special power" young adult formula - denying the power, relying on a best friend over a parent/family/adult, lots of details about clothes, a potential love triangle - I was nonetheless intrigued by the notion of a time travel gene, of a centuries old society in pursuit of a prophesied 12 travelers to close the Circle, of a potential conspiracy within the Guardians or the travelers, and of course a big secret not yet revealed.
Ruby Red was fast-paced, but it's mostly an introduction to Gwyneth, her famly, her gift, the Guardians, and the possibility of a conspiracy - on which side, the reader doesn't know yet. Time travel wise, only three trips on her own and two trips with Gideon. I expect book two, Sapphire Blue, will be more action-packed (as far as trips back in time) and reveal a bit more about "the secret."
Recommend to young adults, 12 to 14, who enjoy scenes used to emphasize the importance of fashion when going back in time, and those who don't mind the first in a trilogy to provide more set up than resolution.
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LibraryThing member DJLibrarian
Time-travel seems to be gaining some serious momentum in the paranormal YA genre. And why shouldn't it? It's a thrilling theory to be sent back through the years to possibly some of the most exciting (if not dangerous) of time periods. Not to mention keeping with the authenticity of the period with
I really enjoyed how large a part Gwyneth's family played within the overall scheme of the story. So many books have the parents either not present or just playing as little a role as possible, having more cameo roles. This is Gwyneth's story, but it's nice that her family members are more than just mentioned in the novel. Granted, there are her family members that I don't really care for, but I'm hoping there will be further explanations in the next book, or if not, that these family members will fade into the background even more.
Gideon is something else, and despite his arrogance and know-it-all personality, I like him. There's a bit of an adventurer in him, and I can't wait to see where that will take both him and Gwyneth in Sapphire Blue when it comes out next year.
There are so many mysteries involved in the story with the biggest one being what will happen with the closing of the Circle of Twelve? And what is Lucy and Paul's part to play in in preventing this from happening? There's so much to learn within the next two books, and I'm definitely hooked. The release date for Sapphire Blue cannot get here sooner.
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proper and beautiful attire.I really enjoyed how large a part Gwyneth's family played within the overall scheme of the story. So many books have the parents either not present or just playing as little a role as possible, having more cameo roles. This is Gwyneth's story, but it's nice that her family members are more than just mentioned in the novel. Granted, there are her family members that I don't really care for, but I'm hoping there will be further explanations in the next book, or if not, that these family members will fade into the background even more.
Gideon is something else, and despite his arrogance and know-it-all personality, I like him. There's a bit of an adventurer in him, and I can't wait to see where that will take both him and Gwyneth in Sapphire Blue when it comes out next year.
There are so many mysteries involved in the story with the biggest one being what will happen with the closing of the Circle of Twelve? And what is Lucy and Paul's part to play in in preventing this from happening? There's so much to learn within the next two books, and I'm definitely hooked. The release date for Sapphire Blue cannot get here sooner.
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LibraryThing member lilibrarian
Time travel is inherited in this British fantasy. A secret society has grown up around the time travelling family members. Now Gwyneth is surprised to find that she is the lastest member of her family to have inherited the gene. Everyone thought it would be her cousin Charlotte - and Gwyneth hasn't
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LibraryThing member ShaEliPar
Ruby Red was such an enjoyable novel to read. I very quickly found myself caught up in Gwen's world of time traveling adventures and mysterious family secrets.
I really liked the character of Gwen, she's goofy, smart and sarcastic. She's also an amazing friend, telling her best friend Lesley
Although I've heard a lot of swoon worthy comments to describe Gideon, I wasn't that crazy about him. To me he comes off a bit cliche' (good looking, rude but perhaps not what he seems) but I did love the dynamic between him & Gwen. I love the fun banter that happened between them and since they both don't think much of each other at first, it was so much fun to read. They have to build a trusting relationship very quickly and I think that adds greatly to how the relate and interact throughout the novel.
Most of Gwen's family got on my nerves, especially her Aunt and cousin, Charlotte. I really wanted to like Charlotte, but because we didn't get to spend that much time with her, she just came of bitter and rude. There's definitely more to her character though and I hope in the next two books we get to know her better.
The layer of family secrets was really well done and I liked how everything about the time-traveling gene is slowly revealed. I'm not sure I would say you'll be shocked by it but its still a very well crafted story. Also I think author Kerstin Gier did a magnificent job of explaining how the time-traveling works. I never found it confusing and was one of my very favorite parts of the novel. The time spent in the past is described in such detail you feel as though your back in the past too.
I found the novels pace to be a bit uneven. The first half of the book seemed to fly by but then I had a hard time getting through the middle. It does picks up again and by the end I didn't want it to end. Thankfully the novel also doesn't end on some giant cliffhanger, but leaves it open for the story to continue.
Ruby Red is the first in a trilogy that's already been published in Germany and other European countries. I'm not sure when the next book, Sapphire Blue, will be released in the US but I'll definitely be on the look out for it. I'm very excited to find out what happens next.
I really liked the character of Gwen, she's goofy, smart and sarcastic. She's also an amazing friend, telling her best friend Lesley
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everything including things she shouldn't. Although at times Gwen can act a bit immature it never bothered me since it feels like the result of how her family treats her and how unsure she is about herself. She's still trying to figure out who she is and how exactly she fits into her family.Although I've heard a lot of swoon worthy comments to describe Gideon, I wasn't that crazy about him. To me he comes off a bit cliche' (good looking, rude but perhaps not what he seems) but I did love the dynamic between him & Gwen. I love the fun banter that happened between them and since they both don't think much of each other at first, it was so much fun to read. They have to build a trusting relationship very quickly and I think that adds greatly to how the relate and interact throughout the novel.
Most of Gwen's family got on my nerves, especially her Aunt and cousin, Charlotte. I really wanted to like Charlotte, but because we didn't get to spend that much time with her, she just came of bitter and rude. There's definitely more to her character though and I hope in the next two books we get to know her better.
The layer of family secrets was really well done and I liked how everything about the time-traveling gene is slowly revealed. I'm not sure I would say you'll be shocked by it but its still a very well crafted story. Also I think author Kerstin Gier did a magnificent job of explaining how the time-traveling works. I never found it confusing and was one of my very favorite parts of the novel. The time spent in the past is described in such detail you feel as though your back in the past too.
I found the novels pace to be a bit uneven. The first half of the book seemed to fly by but then I had a hard time getting through the middle. It does picks up again and by the end I didn't want it to end. Thankfully the novel also doesn't end on some giant cliffhanger, but leaves it open for the story to continue.
Ruby Red is the first in a trilogy that's already been published in Germany and other European countries. I'm not sure when the next book, Sapphire Blue, will be released in the US but I'll definitely be on the look out for it. I'm very excited to find out what happens next.
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LibraryThing member jewelknits
Gwyneth "Gwenny" can see ghosts. She's always been able to see them; in fact, the Honorable James Augustus Peregrin Pympoole-Bothame, better known as James, at her school gets downright insulted when she doesn't say hi to him.
That's not the only way she's different from your average 1912 Hyde Park
Time travel is first presaged by a slight dizzy spell, and Charlotte has been feigning them for a little while. When Gwyneth starts to have a dizzy spell here and there, she doesn't tell her family, even though they worry her just a little bit, but on her way to the store for her Great-Aunt Maddy (who is a wonderful character), she suddenly slips to another time. Gwenny's best friend Lesley insists that she needs to tell her family, and when she does, the adventure begins. She meets the other present time traveler, Gideon de Villiers, whose family also has the gene, and together, they are tasked with going to past travelers to collect a tiny bit of their blood to put in a chronograph, the original having been stolen by Paul de Villiers and Lucy, Gwyneth's "cousin".
This is a colorful adventure, filled with all of the elements that make for a good middle reader/young YA book. You have a hot, aloof guy, an unconventional heroine who was not aware of her abilities, a wonderfully supportive bestie, a mysterious old Count who may or may not be able to read minds, and quite a bit of mystery that begins to be peeled away.
This is the first in a trilogy, and while the adult reader may find it a bit formulaic (there were times when I also felt that it was a bit slow), I think that the targeted age group would find it fun. I like Gwyneth's voice; she was irreverent and funny. The series is a big hit overseas, and I can see why.
Parents: No parental advisories on this one; it's a good, clean read.
QUOTES (from an ARC; may be different in final copy):
"You're not so bad as a friend yourself," said Lesley. "I mean, you'll soon be able to bring me back cool stuff from the past. What other friend can do that? And next time we have a history test, you can research the whole thing on the spot."
Poor Robert. But at least he didn't look like a drowned body. Some ghosts thought it was fun to go around looking the way the did when they'd just died. Luckily I'd never yet met one with a hatchet in his head. Or without a head at all.
"Nick and I think it's a good thing you have the gene instead of Charlotte, even if Aunt Glenda says you have a pea-sized brain and two left feet. She's so rude."
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Characters: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 3.5 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 3.6 out of 5 stars
That's not the only way she's different from your average 1912 Hyde Park
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teenager, however. You see, her family has a time-travel gene that is only present in one girl of each generation, and only comes out in teen years. In Gwyneth's family, that person was always thought to be her cousin Charlotte, who has been groomed and trained for future time travel adventures her whole life. Next to blond-haired, feminine Charlotte, Gwyneth feels almost ignored by her grandmother, Lady Arista, and her aunt, Charlotte's mother Glenda.Time travel is first presaged by a slight dizzy spell, and Charlotte has been feigning them for a little while. When Gwyneth starts to have a dizzy spell here and there, she doesn't tell her family, even though they worry her just a little bit, but on her way to the store for her Great-Aunt Maddy (who is a wonderful character), she suddenly slips to another time. Gwenny's best friend Lesley insists that she needs to tell her family, and when she does, the adventure begins. She meets the other present time traveler, Gideon de Villiers, whose family also has the gene, and together, they are tasked with going to past travelers to collect a tiny bit of their blood to put in a chronograph, the original having been stolen by Paul de Villiers and Lucy, Gwyneth's "cousin".
This is a colorful adventure, filled with all of the elements that make for a good middle reader/young YA book. You have a hot, aloof guy, an unconventional heroine who was not aware of her abilities, a wonderfully supportive bestie, a mysterious old Count who may or may not be able to read minds, and quite a bit of mystery that begins to be peeled away.
This is the first in a trilogy, and while the adult reader may find it a bit formulaic (there were times when I also felt that it was a bit slow), I think that the targeted age group would find it fun. I like Gwyneth's voice; she was irreverent and funny. The series is a big hit overseas, and I can see why.
Parents: No parental advisories on this one; it's a good, clean read.
QUOTES (from an ARC; may be different in final copy):
"You're not so bad as a friend yourself," said Lesley. "I mean, you'll soon be able to bring me back cool stuff from the past. What other friend can do that? And next time we have a history test, you can research the whole thing on the spot."
Poor Robert. But at least he didn't look like a drowned body. Some ghosts thought it was fun to go around looking the way the did when they'd just died. Luckily I'd never yet met one with a hatchet in his head. Or without a head at all.
"Nick and I think it's a good thing you have the gene instead of Charlotte, even if Aunt Glenda says you have a pea-sized brain and two left feet. She's so rude."
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Characters: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 3.5 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 3.6 out of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member ethel55
Gwen's eccentric family consulted a seer and believes her cousin Charlotte to be the carrier of the family time traveling gene. As the girls reach adoloscence, Charlotte is monitored closely for signs of vertigo as everyone waits for her first jump in time. When Gwen begins feeling strange, the
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family comes to realize they've been training the wrong sixteen year old for a life of time travel and chronography. The first book in this German trilogy is wonderful. I really liked the pacing of the story and felt as though things were being revealed to me right along with Gwen. There's a lot of attention to detail (similar to Time Traveler's Wife). For instance, the teens are dressed in period clothing before they jump. The mystery of the twelve traveler's who will make the chronograph whole is intriguing and I can't wait for Sapphire Blue to be released in English next spring. Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsMich02
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. I am very glad I picked it up and now am looking forward to the next two books in the series. Ruby Red has quite a few questions that need some kind of an answer. As asked repeatedly in one section, "what is the secret!" I agree. Now, I'm even
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wondering *SPOILER* if Gwyneth might actually be Lucy and Paul's daughter. And how did she go back, or is it forward, in her own time line (apparently). Good mystery with as many twists as the building that houses the secret society. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
So as I began this book, I was little confused as to what is going on. It took me a while to get into and really see the big picture. But never fear. It didn't take me that long to get into it but it take take me by surprise of how much I really liked this book. It did, however remind of The Time
First off the plot line is amazingly good. I loved how they time traveled back to the past and be in historical times. I LOVE IT! I loved reading things as they were in that time, then flying back to the present. Another element in this story that really captured me is the society that protects these time travelers. I love the history of the soctiey, the way it is incorporated with birthstones, and what they do. This society right here brought so much more to the story that it made me giddy. I love when an author can give me not only a great book but great history on it as well. It answers questions but also proposes a great story line that is easy to dive into
The love interest in this story didn't really grab me as much as I wanted it to. As much as I enjoyed watching the two work together and time travel, I really didn't feel the love. I like that they flirted, and spent time together, but I felt that they sparked that they need just wasn't there. At least not for me.
Ruby Red is a great book that I loved. It had a great history on it that made you dive deeper into the story becoming a time traveler. You saw the world, through a whole another set of eyes and the reader is in awe.
If you love time travelers stories with a twist, read this book. I can assure you that you will travel to places that you never been before!
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Travelers Wife but with the elements of teenagers as well as a magic society that has been around for centuries.First off the plot line is amazingly good. I loved how they time traveled back to the past and be in historical times. I LOVE IT! I loved reading things as they were in that time, then flying back to the present. Another element in this story that really captured me is the society that protects these time travelers. I love the history of the soctiey, the way it is incorporated with birthstones, and what they do. This society right here brought so much more to the story that it made me giddy. I love when an author can give me not only a great book but great history on it as well. It answers questions but also proposes a great story line that is easy to dive into
The love interest in this story didn't really grab me as much as I wanted it to. As much as I enjoyed watching the two work together and time travel, I really didn't feel the love. I like that they flirted, and spent time together, but I felt that they sparked that they need just wasn't there. At least not for me.
Ruby Red is a great book that I loved. It had a great history on it that made you dive deeper into the story becoming a time traveler. You saw the world, through a whole another set of eyes and the reader is in awe.
If you love time travelers stories with a twist, read this book. I can assure you that you will travel to places that you never been before!
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LibraryThing member renkellym
Summary: Gwyneth has grown up knowing that it was Charlotte, not her, that had inherited her family’s time-traveling gene. But when Gwyneth suddenly finds herself in the 1800s, she realizes that a mistake has been made. Now she must work with her family to learn as much about time traveling as
My thoughts: There are numerous things that make Ruby Red a stand-out novel, but by far the most exceptional is its writing and storytelling. The writing style isn’t traditional young adult fare—Kerstin Gier uses mature language and tones rather than trying to make her writing sound teen-like. Surprisingly, this makes Ruby Red feel quite stylized, and gives it an overall more distinguished feel, matching Gwyneth’s occasional trips to the 1800s. In part, the credit for this goes to Anthea Bell, the translator who localized Ruby Red from its original German.
Ruby Red centers around time travel, and Kerstin Gier creatively implements both fantasy and scientific elements into the rules of slipping into the past. The characters indirectly mention paradoxes and the impossibility of traveling to the future (because it hasn’t happened yet), which are the more scientific elements of time travel, but there is also a touch of magic in the process. This makes Gier’s notion of time travel truly unique.
The characters in Ruby Red are all thoroughly enjoyable, especially Gwyneth and her friends. Gwyneth is spunky, full of hilarious quips, and always ready to question anything she feels uncomfortable with. Her quick adaption to the workings of time travel kept the story from lagging, and her quick thinking saves the skin of Gideon more than once.
Gideon, with his snobby behavior, isn’t the most likable hero, but there seems to be more to him than meets the eye. Perhaps in future books his behavior might be attributed to whatever he’s hiding.
Gwyneth’s friends at school provide comedic relief at the most opportune moments—almost every time they pop up, they have a hilarious dialogue that leaves the reader feeling refreshed and ready for whatever tension is to come.
Overall, Ruby Red is a magnificently written, thoroughly engaging read. Those who read quite a bit of YA literature will find the writing style of the novel to be refreshing, and all readers will enjoy the addicting, intriguing story.
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quickly as possible, because she’s to be a part of a centuries-long mystery. But, lucky for Gwyneth, she has a time-traveling partner—Gideon, a snobby yet attractive eighteen-year-old who is annoyed at having to work with Gwyneth. My thoughts: There are numerous things that make Ruby Red a stand-out novel, but by far the most exceptional is its writing and storytelling. The writing style isn’t traditional young adult fare—Kerstin Gier uses mature language and tones rather than trying to make her writing sound teen-like. Surprisingly, this makes Ruby Red feel quite stylized, and gives it an overall more distinguished feel, matching Gwyneth’s occasional trips to the 1800s. In part, the credit for this goes to Anthea Bell, the translator who localized Ruby Red from its original German.
Ruby Red centers around time travel, and Kerstin Gier creatively implements both fantasy and scientific elements into the rules of slipping into the past. The characters indirectly mention paradoxes and the impossibility of traveling to the future (because it hasn’t happened yet), which are the more scientific elements of time travel, but there is also a touch of magic in the process. This makes Gier’s notion of time travel truly unique.
The characters in Ruby Red are all thoroughly enjoyable, especially Gwyneth and her friends. Gwyneth is spunky, full of hilarious quips, and always ready to question anything she feels uncomfortable with. Her quick adaption to the workings of time travel kept the story from lagging, and her quick thinking saves the skin of Gideon more than once.
Gideon, with his snobby behavior, isn’t the most likable hero, but there seems to be more to him than meets the eye. Perhaps in future books his behavior might be attributed to whatever he’s hiding.
Gwyneth’s friends at school provide comedic relief at the most opportune moments—almost every time they pop up, they have a hilarious dialogue that leaves the reader feeling refreshed and ready for whatever tension is to come.
Overall, Ruby Red is a magnificently written, thoroughly engaging read. Those who read quite a bit of YA literature will find the writing style of the novel to be refreshing, and all readers will enjoy the addicting, intriguing story.
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LibraryThing member katie.funk
This book was an international bestseller before it was even published in the United States. And even in translation, it’s not surprising. This book is so easy to love. Spunky heroine? Check. Mysterious goings-ons? Yup. Crazy family secrets? You bet. Hot English dude? Present. It’s sort of the
Meet 16-year-old Gwyneth. She’s had the pleasure of growing up in a family of time travelers--one of the two great time traveling families, in fact--but she isn’t one herself (or so everyone has reason to believe). All signs point to her cousin as being the one carrying the traveling gene. And so it is her cousin who has spent her entire life preparing to be plopped down in various parts of the past and complete a top secret project that has spanned centuries and is nearing its culmination. So when it turns out that it’s Gwyneth who will be carrying on the family tradition and it’s on her shoulders that the pressure rests, she finds herself ill-prepared to face the challenges of the past, especially in the form of the Count of Saint Germain. Luckily, it’s nothing a bit of courage, quick-thinking, strong support network, and the help of the handsome Gideon can’t fix. At least we hope. The action and suspense really builds by the end of the book, only to culminate in a rather abrupt cliffhanger. Luckily, the first chapter of the next book is included in this version, so readers can get a peek at the sequel, Sapphire Blue. Although most will find themselves wishing they could read the German edition that is already available in Europe.
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whole package. Or at least one-third of the package as this is the first book in a trilogy (surprise, surprise).Meet 16-year-old Gwyneth. She’s had the pleasure of growing up in a family of time travelers--one of the two great time traveling families, in fact--but she isn’t one herself (or so everyone has reason to believe). All signs point to her cousin as being the one carrying the traveling gene. And so it is her cousin who has spent her entire life preparing to be plopped down in various parts of the past and complete a top secret project that has spanned centuries and is nearing its culmination. So when it turns out that it’s Gwyneth who will be carrying on the family tradition and it’s on her shoulders that the pressure rests, she finds herself ill-prepared to face the challenges of the past, especially in the form of the Count of Saint Germain. Luckily, it’s nothing a bit of courage, quick-thinking, strong support network, and the help of the handsome Gideon can’t fix. At least we hope. The action and suspense really builds by the end of the book, only to culminate in a rather abrupt cliffhanger. Luckily, the first chapter of the next book is included in this version, so readers can get a peek at the sequel, Sapphire Blue. Although most will find themselves wishing they could read the German edition that is already available in Europe.
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LibraryThing member jdonnelly14
RECEIVED FROM: Book Whispers Contest
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Gwyneth Sheppard is part of the world’s oddest family. Her Aunt Maddy gets visions, her cousin Charlotte is training to travel through time and she herself sees ghost. While most of her family thing she and Maddy are
So my main issue with this book is that like many trilogies and series in the young adult genre being released today it doesn’t include a full story arc. The writers depend on the full trilogy to complete the only story arc for the book and therefore release the story in sections. As a reader it drives me up the wall. I like for the books I read to have at least some sort of beginning, middle and end even there has to be more than one story arc going on in the trilogy to give me that.
Additionally the changes in Gideon’s character in the short time period over which the story takes place, his quick turnaround about what he thinks of Gwen seems a little unrealistic to me. Since the story takes course over less than a week it’s just unlikely that they’re be that much of a difference in their opinions about the other one in that short of a time period.
Other than those two things, I absolutely loved this story. I loved Gwen’s character and her quirky best friends, her odd family and the interworkings of her school. Each character felt unique and intriguing. The story was fast paced and gripped me as a reader from page one. It was well written with easy to relate to characters and I personally feel it was one of those young adult stories written to appeal to readers of all ages. I mean who wouldn’t want to randomly travel through time? You’re quickly drawn into Gwen’s life and the mysteries of her family and the order.
I know many claim it’s predictable, and it may be just a tad, but once you start reading a ton of books almost all books have a slight air of predictability and I don’t feel that this book was any more so than the rest available. Writers give us surprise twists and turns, but for the most part you can pick up a book knowing that in the end the hero or heroine will probably conquer all odd, there was never any question in Harry Potter that when all was said and done Harry would win, and when you pick up a romance you know within a chapter or two who is going to fall in love with whom. It’s the journey and twists and characters created that make each book original and a surprise to the reader. I don’t feel this book is any more predictable than any other on the market and I enjoyed the characters and the journey that I’ve traveled in its pages so far.
Overall it’s a great start to what looks to be an amazing trilogy, though due to the fact that it doesn’t have a full story arc I might recommend waiting until the entire trilogy is published before purchasing the books so you don’t have to wait a year between sections of the story. Despite that Ruby Red is not a book to be missed in the young adult genre and I’m anxiously awaiting when it comes out is Spring 2012. Now do you understand why I said you might want to wait and buy them all at once?
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Gwyneth Sheppard is part of the world’s oddest family. Her Aunt Maddy gets visions, her cousin Charlotte is training to travel through time and she herself sees ghost. While most of her family thing she and Maddy are
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a little off their rockers, Charlotte’s ailment is perfectly acceptable. That is until they learn that Charlotte isn’t the family time traveler at all, Gwen is. When it’s discovered the Gwen has the time traveler gene instead, no one is happy about it, not even Gwen, but since she can’t give it back to Charlotte she’s whisked into a world of secret societies and time traveling missions to collect the blood of their ancestors. If that wasn’t bad enough, she has to spend her travels with the obnoxious but gorgeous Gideon who clearly would rather be traveling with Charlotte. The order doesn’t trust her, but they need her and Gwen isn’t sure who she should trust. Will she figure it out before it’s too late?So my main issue with this book is that like many trilogies and series in the young adult genre being released today it doesn’t include a full story arc. The writers depend on the full trilogy to complete the only story arc for the book and therefore release the story in sections. As a reader it drives me up the wall. I like for the books I read to have at least some sort of beginning, middle and end even there has to be more than one story arc going on in the trilogy to give me that.
Additionally the changes in Gideon’s character in the short time period over which the story takes place, his quick turnaround about what he thinks of Gwen seems a little unrealistic to me. Since the story takes course over less than a week it’s just unlikely that they’re be that much of a difference in their opinions about the other one in that short of a time period.
Other than those two things, I absolutely loved this story. I loved Gwen’s character and her quirky best friends, her odd family and the interworkings of her school. Each character felt unique and intriguing. The story was fast paced and gripped me as a reader from page one. It was well written with easy to relate to characters and I personally feel it was one of those young adult stories written to appeal to readers of all ages. I mean who wouldn’t want to randomly travel through time? You’re quickly drawn into Gwen’s life and the mysteries of her family and the order.
I know many claim it’s predictable, and it may be just a tad, but once you start reading a ton of books almost all books have a slight air of predictability and I don’t feel that this book was any more so than the rest available. Writers give us surprise twists and turns, but for the most part you can pick up a book knowing that in the end the hero or heroine will probably conquer all odd, there was never any question in Harry Potter that when all was said and done Harry would win, and when you pick up a romance you know within a chapter or two who is going to fall in love with whom. It’s the journey and twists and characters created that make each book original and a surprise to the reader. I don’t feel this book is any more predictable than any other on the market and I enjoyed the characters and the journey that I’ve traveled in its pages so far.
Overall it’s a great start to what looks to be an amazing trilogy, though due to the fact that it doesn’t have a full story arc I might recommend waiting until the entire trilogy is published before purchasing the books so you don’t have to wait a year between sections of the story. Despite that Ruby Red is not a book to be missed in the young adult genre and I’m anxiously awaiting when it comes out is Spring 2012. Now do you understand why I said you might want to wait and buy them all at once?
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LibraryThing member AmberFIB
Wow. Just wow. The reason I picked up this book in the first place was because the cover is so different, and I am so glad I did! This is my first foray into the world of time travel, and I couldn't have picked a better novel to start with. Ruby Red is an enthralling story that will captivate you
The pacing of the book was a bit slow at first, but the characters are so well developed, and the story was so mysterious, that I remained intrigued. Even the secondary characters had terrific, three dimensional personalities. About halfway through the book, things start to pick up, and then it's impossible to put this book down! In the last half of the book, there is action, romance, and mystery! I couldn't have asked for a better story.
The story is told from Gwyneth's POV, and she is a likable character. She has a very dynamic personality. Some of the things she says are really funny, and she won't take anyone's crap. She asks a lot of questions, but no one seems to answer them. That got frustrating sometimes. I think that was the point, though, to make the reader understand how confused and frustarted Gwyneth was. She doesn't complain, like many of the heroines in the YA books, and she also isn't obsessed with boys. She's not rebellious, and she doesn't have an attitude problem. She stands up for herself when she has to, but over all, she's a very polite, well-adjusted girl. It was a nice change.
Gideon is another great character. He's a bit standoffish and arrogant, but what teenage boy isn't? He's not some tortured soul who needs saving, though. He's just a boy who time travels. He doesn't think Gwyneth is cut out for time travel at first, but she proves him wrong time and time again. Over all, he's a decent guy, though, and I liked him a lot.
Lesley is Gwyneth's best friend, and Gwyneth told her all about time traveling even though she wasn't supposed to. Lesley is a bit of a detective, and she's always researching. I like that. She's a very intelligent and capable character from what I could tell. Google seemed to be her main love in life, and her theories on why people do things are hilarious.
Grace, Gwyneth's mother is actually present in the novel, and that's another nice change. She takes an interest in her daughter's safety and in her life. She is very supportive of Gwyneth, and she treats her like an equal. I really liked Grace as well.
Charlotte and her mother are the two most annoying characters, but even they aren't cookie cutters. Charlotte is intelligent and beautiful, but the time traveling gene skipped over her. She's resentful toward Gwyneth because of this, and her mother hates Grace because of it. She blames Grace for passing the gene onto Gwyneth, like Grace had any say in the matter. Though her actions are illogical, they are believable. Some people are just that obtuse.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Ruby Red, and I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't get a headache from all of the time travel stuff because Gier doesn't go into the science of it all (thankfully). The writing is fantastic, and the world Gier has created is wonderful. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel, Sapphire Blue. Check out Ruby Red today. You won't be sorry.
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from the first page. I can definitely see why it's an international bestseller. The pacing of the book was a bit slow at first, but the characters are so well developed, and the story was so mysterious, that I remained intrigued. Even the secondary characters had terrific, three dimensional personalities. About halfway through the book, things start to pick up, and then it's impossible to put this book down! In the last half of the book, there is action, romance, and mystery! I couldn't have asked for a better story.
The story is told from Gwyneth's POV, and she is a likable character. She has a very dynamic personality. Some of the things she says are really funny, and she won't take anyone's crap. She asks a lot of questions, but no one seems to answer them. That got frustrating sometimes. I think that was the point, though, to make the reader understand how confused and frustarted Gwyneth was. She doesn't complain, like many of the heroines in the YA books, and she also isn't obsessed with boys. She's not rebellious, and she doesn't have an attitude problem. She stands up for herself when she has to, but over all, she's a very polite, well-adjusted girl. It was a nice change.
Gideon is another great character. He's a bit standoffish and arrogant, but what teenage boy isn't? He's not some tortured soul who needs saving, though. He's just a boy who time travels. He doesn't think Gwyneth is cut out for time travel at first, but she proves him wrong time and time again. Over all, he's a decent guy, though, and I liked him a lot.
Lesley is Gwyneth's best friend, and Gwyneth told her all about time traveling even though she wasn't supposed to. Lesley is a bit of a detective, and she's always researching. I like that. She's a very intelligent and capable character from what I could tell. Google seemed to be her main love in life, and her theories on why people do things are hilarious.
Grace, Gwyneth's mother is actually present in the novel, and that's another nice change. She takes an interest in her daughter's safety and in her life. She is very supportive of Gwyneth, and she treats her like an equal. I really liked Grace as well.
Charlotte and her mother are the two most annoying characters, but even they aren't cookie cutters. Charlotte is intelligent and beautiful, but the time traveling gene skipped over her. She's resentful toward Gwyneth because of this, and her mother hates Grace because of it. She blames Grace for passing the gene onto Gwyneth, like Grace had any say in the matter. Though her actions are illogical, they are believable. Some people are just that obtuse.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Ruby Red, and I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't get a headache from all of the time travel stuff because Gier doesn't go into the science of it all (thankfully). The writing is fantastic, and the world Gier has created is wonderful. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel, Sapphire Blue. Check out Ruby Red today. You won't be sorry.
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LibraryThing member danijohns
4.5 out of 5 Stars
This book blew me away. I mean, what is there in this book that is not for me to love. It has an amazing story, amazing characters and TIME TRAVEL!!!
Ruby Red was a really new take on time travel. In this book there is no time machine like the TARDIS are mythical powers that allow
The writing and story-telling in Ruby Red is top quality. The writing was very mature and
descriptive. The writing felt like that of older fairy tales or stories. And then the story-telling was perfect. The plot unfolded at a perfect pace. Once again, this book reminded me of a fairy tale. I felt the writing along with the story makes this book have the potential to be a modern day fairy tale. While it doesn’t have princess or princes, it just has the classical fairy tale feel, or at least for me it did. I do want to say that because this book is translated, I do not know if it has the same feel in German as in English, but the translator did a beautiful job.
The characters in Ruby Red were all really enjoyable. I feel as if each character in this book has a secret that has yet to be revealed to us yet. There are parts of each character that remain a mystery as of yet. The main character Gwyneth was a enjoyable narrator. She was thrust unexpectedly into the role of time-traveler and reacted the way one would if they suddenly traveled in time. I really liked Gwyneth because she felt like an authentic teenager. Then there is Gideon. Gideon to me is still a mystery. He is not your typical swoon worthy hero. At first he is kind of a jerk, but there is still something about him. I feel like we still have much to learn about him and I cannot wait to discover more about who he is.
And now I want to talk about how evil that ending was. The ending was PERFECT in a really evil way. It kind of left the main characters in the middle of a scene but it was a perfect cliffhanger. Now I want to say, if an excerpt for the next book is included in the first book I usually do not read it, but with Ruby Red I HAD TO read that excerpt. I just needed to know what happened next.
Ruby Red is a beautifully crafted story. It spoiled other books for me afterwards. I truly wish I could read German so I could go and buy the next two books in the series and read them now because I do not know how I am going to wait for them to be published in English!
This book blew me away. I mean, what is there in this book that is not for me to love. It has an amazing story, amazing characters and TIME TRAVEL!!!
Ruby Red was a really new take on time travel. In this book there is no time machine like the TARDIS are mythical powers that allow
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a person to travel in time. Instead, there are two families who carry a gene for time travel. They are the only two families who carry this gene. The gene carries them back in time and there is no way to prevent it. They do have a machine that works on science that helps to control the time travel. The element of time travel is huge in this book. Gier combines part science and part magic to make her time travel occur and I loved it. The writing and story-telling in Ruby Red is top quality. The writing was very mature and
descriptive. The writing felt like that of older fairy tales or stories. And then the story-telling was perfect. The plot unfolded at a perfect pace. Once again, this book reminded me of a fairy tale. I felt the writing along with the story makes this book have the potential to be a modern day fairy tale. While it doesn’t have princess or princes, it just has the classical fairy tale feel, or at least for me it did. I do want to say that because this book is translated, I do not know if it has the same feel in German as in English, but the translator did a beautiful job.
The characters in Ruby Red were all really enjoyable. I feel as if each character in this book has a secret that has yet to be revealed to us yet. There are parts of each character that remain a mystery as of yet. The main character Gwyneth was a enjoyable narrator. She was thrust unexpectedly into the role of time-traveler and reacted the way one would if they suddenly traveled in time. I really liked Gwyneth because she felt like an authentic teenager. Then there is Gideon. Gideon to me is still a mystery. He is not your typical swoon worthy hero. At first he is kind of a jerk, but there is still something about him. I feel like we still have much to learn about him and I cannot wait to discover more about who he is.
And now I want to talk about how evil that ending was. The ending was PERFECT in a really evil way. It kind of left the main characters in the middle of a scene but it was a perfect cliffhanger. Now I want to say, if an excerpt for the next book is included in the first book I usually do not read it, but with Ruby Red I HAD TO read that excerpt. I just needed to know what happened next.
Ruby Red is a beautifully crafted story. It spoiled other books for me afterwards. I truly wish I could read German so I could go and buy the next two books in the series and read them now because I do not know how I am going to wait for them to be published in English!
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LibraryThing member readermarina
The Scoop:
Gwyneth Shepherd has led a carefree life compared to her cousin Charlotte. She gets to spend time with her best friend, Lesly, watch any movies she wants, basically have a barely structured life outside of school compared to Charlotte who has to take fencing lessons, etiquette lessons,
However, we find out that Gwen's mother lied about her actual birth date and she was the one to inherit the family gene. For time travel. Through time. Gwen is unexpectedly swept back in time twice before she tells her mother what is happening. Her mother takes her to the Guardians who have the fancy chronograph machine that will control her time travel once she supplies it with a small amount of her blood. While there she meets her travel partner Gideon de Villiers who has inherited the male line gene. For time travel. Through time.
So, the basic set-up is that the gene inheriters before Gwen and Gideon, Lucy and Paul, had stolen the original chronograph that held blood samples of the ten time travelers before them. Supposedly, when the samples of all twelve gene carriers are finally in the chronograph some secret will be revealed. Somehow, Lucy and Paul learned something of what the secret might be or who it might adversely benefit and took the chronograph and hid somewhere in time, warning past gene carriers that Gideon and Gwen were be coming for their blood (no, this book doesn't have any vampires) to complete the circle of the spare chronograph. The knowledge that Lucy had, and the danger it might bring Gwen, was the impetus behind Gwen's mother lying about Gwen's actual birth date and possibility of inheriting the gene. For time travel. Through time.
My Thoughts:
The premise of this story was very promising when I first started reading it. However, the promise of time travel was a bit of a letdown. The first two times that Gwen went back in time were unexpected to her--she did't know when or where she was and how long she was going to be there. It was mostly of her hiding away while she waited to get back to her present. When she finally got in with The Guardians and Gideon the time travel was a bit more structured. Gwen knew when and where she was going and Gideon, who has been time traveling for almost two years, would be there with her for guidance and support. However the goal of the travel was more mundane than I anticipated and it was only for a few hours--not really any time for anything catastrophic or extraordinary to happen.
The very best thing about this book was the friendship between Gwen and Lesly. Gwen wasn't supposed to let anybody outside of her family know about the mysterious gene but totally disregarded that edict to let Lesly know. And it was a good thing she did! Without any of the fancy lessons that Charlotte endured Gwen was left mostly in the dark (besides what her basic schooling--and for somebody who wrote reports based on movies starring Kirsten Dunst about Marie Antoinette--that's not saying much) Lesly was invaluable doing research on certain aspects and people in the realm of Gwen's new world. I thought of her as Gwen's Hermione (you know, from Harry Potter?) with all the knowledge and background information (although more google-y than library book-y).
I think if the time travel part had been more adventurous I would have been more enamored with the story. I do see the possibility for improvement in the storyline and series from the ending of the book (no, I won't give spoilers) and because the friendship chemistry between Gwen and Lesly was so much fun (as was the eventual and tenuous friendship between Gwen and Gideon). So, in the end I think I'll progress on to the next book because I'm a bit intrigued to see what happens to these people who have inherited this unique gene. For time travel. Through time. And maybe they'll actually spend some time traveling throuh the past.
Gwyneth Shepherd has led a carefree life compared to her cousin Charlotte. She gets to spend time with her best friend, Lesly, watch any movies she wants, basically have a barely structured life outside of school compared to Charlotte who has to take fencing lessons, etiquette lessons,
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extremely thorough history lessons and other lessons all geared towards a life of time travel because she has supposedly inherited the family gene. For time travel. Through time.However, we find out that Gwen's mother lied about her actual birth date and she was the one to inherit the family gene. For time travel. Through time. Gwen is unexpectedly swept back in time twice before she tells her mother what is happening. Her mother takes her to the Guardians who have the fancy chronograph machine that will control her time travel once she supplies it with a small amount of her blood. While there she meets her travel partner Gideon de Villiers who has inherited the male line gene. For time travel. Through time.
So, the basic set-up is that the gene inheriters before Gwen and Gideon, Lucy and Paul, had stolen the original chronograph that held blood samples of the ten time travelers before them. Supposedly, when the samples of all twelve gene carriers are finally in the chronograph some secret will be revealed. Somehow, Lucy and Paul learned something of what the secret might be or who it might adversely benefit and took the chronograph and hid somewhere in time, warning past gene carriers that Gideon and Gwen were be coming for their blood (no, this book doesn't have any vampires) to complete the circle of the spare chronograph. The knowledge that Lucy had, and the danger it might bring Gwen, was the impetus behind Gwen's mother lying about Gwen's actual birth date and possibility of inheriting the gene. For time travel. Through time.
My Thoughts:
The premise of this story was very promising when I first started reading it. However, the promise of time travel was a bit of a letdown. The first two times that Gwen went back in time were unexpected to her--she did't know when or where she was and how long she was going to be there. It was mostly of her hiding away while she waited to get back to her present. When she finally got in with The Guardians and Gideon the time travel was a bit more structured. Gwen knew when and where she was going and Gideon, who has been time traveling for almost two years, would be there with her for guidance and support. However the goal of the travel was more mundane than I anticipated and it was only for a few hours--not really any time for anything catastrophic or extraordinary to happen.
The very best thing about this book was the friendship between Gwen and Lesly. Gwen wasn't supposed to let anybody outside of her family know about the mysterious gene but totally disregarded that edict to let Lesly know. And it was a good thing she did! Without any of the fancy lessons that Charlotte endured Gwen was left mostly in the dark (besides what her basic schooling--and for somebody who wrote reports based on movies starring Kirsten Dunst about Marie Antoinette--that's not saying much) Lesly was invaluable doing research on certain aspects and people in the realm of Gwen's new world. I thought of her as Gwen's Hermione (you know, from Harry Potter?) with all the knowledge and background information (although more google-y than library book-y).
I think if the time travel part had been more adventurous I would have been more enamored with the story. I do see the possibility for improvement in the storyline and series from the ending of the book (no, I won't give spoilers) and because the friendship chemistry between Gwen and Lesly was so much fun (as was the eventual and tenuous friendship between Gwen and Gideon). So, in the end I think I'll progress on to the next book because I'm a bit intrigued to see what happens to these people who have inherited this unique gene. For time travel. Through time. And maybe they'll actually spend some time traveling throuh the past.
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LibraryThing member bookcrookliza
Right about now I'm really wishing that I spoke German so I wouldn't have to wait for the next installment in this trilogy! I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait until the next! Gwen was endearing and sweet and a very loveable character. She does act a little younger than her age, but I was
Gideon: Gwen's partner in time. They are both the last time travelers in the circle of twelve and work together to overcome obstacles throughout the book. Gideon treats Gwen rudely at first, but as Gwen shows him she's not as stupid as she thinks, he warms up. His bad attitude was perfectly understandable and reasonable, which makes it easier to forgive him and move on. I definitely see them turning into a fabulous romance!
The time travel in the book is interesting. I love time travel. I could read a million books featuring time travel and this is the best one for young adults I think I've read so far. The time travel in this book has a good solid foundation with it's own lore and rules that make "sense".
Overall, I'm really dying to read the next book! CAN'T WAIT! I'd love to find out when it's coming out, but it seems most of her information is only in German!
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able to enjoy her character still. Gier really set it up so you felt elated that she received the gene instead of her cousin. She convincingly painted the Grandmother and Aunt to be total bitches. Though the Grandmother does seem to have a little redemption, in the fact, that she is more obsessed with the person who carries the gene, rather than playing favourites personality wise.Gideon: Gwen's partner in time. They are both the last time travelers in the circle of twelve and work together to overcome obstacles throughout the book. Gideon treats Gwen rudely at first, but as Gwen shows him she's not as stupid as she thinks, he warms up. His bad attitude was perfectly understandable and reasonable, which makes it easier to forgive him and move on. I definitely see them turning into a fabulous romance!
The time travel in the book is interesting. I love time travel. I could read a million books featuring time travel and this is the best one for young adults I think I've read so far. The time travel in this book has a good solid foundation with it's own lore and rules that make "sense".
Overall, I'm really dying to read the next book! CAN'T WAIT! I'd love to find out when it's coming out, but it seems most of her information is only in German!
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LibraryThing member thebookwormsorg
I was so excited when I started reading Ruby Red! I had read multiple comments about how good it was and I was definitely not let down! I loved this book, the story and how unique it was. Kerstin Gier added so many details (so many) that you would never think of thinking about. All the details and
Gwyneth is just an ordinary girl who finds out she’s so much more than ordinary. Her cousin, Charlotte, is thought to be the one who most recently got the time-travel gene. Charlotte that thinks she’s all that and a bag of chips…and more. When Gwyneth starts time-traveling and takes Charlotte’s place, the family matters blow up and Gwyneth has to learn the art of traveling in rushed time.
I loved that Gwyneth was still just a normal girl who had a weird gift. She didn’t get conceited at all, so it made it easy to relate to her throughout the book. I also really loved the all of the other characters. Like I said, the details were absolutely amazing, so it felt as if everyone could have been a true person. I think I may want to read it all over again!
I’m a sucker for romance, but when I found there isn’t much at all in Ruby Red, I was surprisingly okay with this. I think this is because the world and environment Gier created is too awesome! The reader can’t help but to be absorbed by the details and the history of the travelers and Guardians. I was basically excited the whole time – not a bad thing though!
I suggest everyone read Ruby Red. It was a pleasant surprise and I can’t wait for the second book!!
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little things added up created a whole new experience for me as a reader.Gwyneth is just an ordinary girl who finds out she’s so much more than ordinary. Her cousin, Charlotte, is thought to be the one who most recently got the time-travel gene. Charlotte that thinks she’s all that and a bag of chips…and more. When Gwyneth starts time-traveling and takes Charlotte’s place, the family matters blow up and Gwyneth has to learn the art of traveling in rushed time.
I loved that Gwyneth was still just a normal girl who had a weird gift. She didn’t get conceited at all, so it made it easy to relate to her throughout the book. I also really loved the all of the other characters. Like I said, the details were absolutely amazing, so it felt as if everyone could have been a true person. I think I may want to read it all over again!
I’m a sucker for romance, but when I found there isn’t much at all in Ruby Red, I was surprisingly okay with this. I think this is because the world and environment Gier created is too awesome! The reader can’t help but to be absorbed by the details and the history of the travelers and Guardians. I was basically excited the whole time – not a bad thing though!
I suggest everyone read Ruby Red. It was a pleasant surprise and I can’t wait for the second book!!
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LibraryThing member sedelia
Ruby Red is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. It's entertaining, humorous, and original. Gier has created a unique concept of time traveling in that there are only 12 time travelers born within two different family branches (as far as we know, anyway) and it can only be
The main character, Gwyneth, is very relatable. I liked her relationship with her best friend Leslie, and especially liked that she didn't even try to keep her time traveling abilities a secret. Instead, Leslie is Gwyneth's main confidante and helps by doing research on various things that Gwyneth needs information on. I actually loved all the characters -- the reader gets to see how their personalities change in front of different people or in different sorts of situations, which added an extra level of complexity and entertainment.
I would like to warn everyone that this book is addicting. Gier does an amazing job at setting up a suspenseful mystery that lies at the heart of this story. On top of time traveling and secret societies, there are also family secrets, a betrayal within the group of time travelers, assassination attempts, and a creepy Romanian dude (the secret to a good conspiracy/mystery novel). Once I started, it was hard to put this book down because I needed answers!
I had only one problem with Ruby Red, and that is the plot. There isn't much of one. This book is kind of long -- a little over 300 pages -- and most of that is spent on set-up. If the ending had been different and provided some sort of resolution, then I think this novel would have been a whole lot better. I usually don't mind cliffhangers, and I love series books where the main plot takes awhile to develop; however, I do prefer books in a series to have their own separate plots. In the end, not one of my questions was answered, and I felt disappointed and a bit cheated by that.
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controlled by a device that uses the time traveler's blood to fuel it. I also liked the addition of the secret society and the inclusion of Count Saint-Germain in the story.The main character, Gwyneth, is very relatable. I liked her relationship with her best friend Leslie, and especially liked that she didn't even try to keep her time traveling abilities a secret. Instead, Leslie is Gwyneth's main confidante and helps by doing research on various things that Gwyneth needs information on. I actually loved all the characters -- the reader gets to see how their personalities change in front of different people or in different sorts of situations, which added an extra level of complexity and entertainment.
I would like to warn everyone that this book is addicting. Gier does an amazing job at setting up a suspenseful mystery that lies at the heart of this story. On top of time traveling and secret societies, there are also family secrets, a betrayal within the group of time travelers, assassination attempts, and a creepy Romanian dude (the secret to a good conspiracy/mystery novel). Once I started, it was hard to put this book down because I needed answers!
I had only one problem with Ruby Red, and that is the plot. There isn't much of one. This book is kind of long -- a little over 300 pages -- and most of that is spent on set-up. If the ending had been different and provided some sort of resolution, then I think this novel would have been a whole lot better. I usually don't mind cliffhangers, and I love series books where the main plot takes awhile to develop; however, I do prefer books in a series to have their own separate plots. In the end, not one of my questions was answered, and I felt disappointed and a bit cheated by that.
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LibraryThing member hrose2931
When I saw the trailer for this book I was hooked. The main character, Gwen, had such a strong voice and brought up things I'd never thought about when it came to time travel. She was funny and charismatic. Now I know this was the voice in the trailer, but it still begged for my attention. As soon
A summary-Gwen lives in her maternal grandmother's home with her mother, brother and little sister. They live in the shadow of Gwen's cousin, Charlotte who was born with "the gene"-the one for time travel. Right away you know this is a different kind of time travel novel. The character knows she can time travel. In fact, the whole family knows about it. Everyone is waiting on tenterhooks for Charlotte to experience her first travel back in time. She has some dizziness and nausea, so she's rushed to a secret headquarters for the time travelers called The Temple. Charlotte has been trained, groomed for time travel since she could talk. Schooled in fencing, history, fashion, politics, manners etc Charlotte is fully prepared for time travel with her handsome partner, Gideon de Villiers.
Lesley, Gwen's best friend, is the only one that knows about the time travel, outside of the family. They snicker and roll their eyes at the haughty, perfect self-important Charlotte behind her back. So when it's Gwen that makes an unexpected trip back in time, Lesley is the person she confides in first. Eventually, when Gwen disappears in front of Lesley's eyes, she makes Gwen tell her mother and they go to the Temple. Her mother is reluctant, her mother's sister, Charlotte's mother, is furious, claiming she is just trying to get attention and steal Charlotte's thunder. But, when it's proved that Gwen is the time traveller, she meets Gideon de Villiers, her time traveling partner and gets a crash course in time travel.
That's a lot of the story-more than I should reveal-to get you hooked. Charlotte is a self important over indulged child. She's only a very slight character, but those are the impressions you get. Her mother, Aunt Glenda, is very much the same, treated with importance and a lot of attention by her mother, Lady Arista all because she had the child with the traveling gene. Then there is Great Aunt Maddy, Lady Arista's spinster sister-in-law. She treats Gwen's family the same as Charlotte's, thinks all the secrecy is ridiculous and is a little bit doddering. Lesley, the best friend is a great character. She is loyal, caring, researches every word Gwen says to try to figure things out. She compiles a file of information of people and places that seem to be important for Gwen to know about. I want a best friend like her.
But the two main characters are Gwen and Gideon. Gwen is smart enough, but better than that, she's clever. She can figure herself out of situations and she doesn't let Gideon, the so called teacher, tell her what to do. She can also see and talk to ghosts, something no one seems to believe. She listens to her instincts instead of others. She looks nothing like the rest of the family who have red curly hair. Hers is dark and straight and she has blue eyes and a crescent shaped birthmark on her forehead. She doesn't suffer from thinking she's ugly,but doesn't think she's quite as pretty as Charlotte. She's not quite as much as anything as Charlotte when she's spent her whole life believing the opposite. She's not really jealous though. Except for her dad dying when she was young, she's had a normal, carefree childhood as opposed to a lifetime of lessons like Charlotte. She knows her immediate family loves her and she has a confident best friend. She's also one of the strongest female protagonists I've seen yet in YA fiction.
Then there's Gideon. The first time he meets Gwen he calls her "Winnie". Then Gwen overhears Charlotte disparaging her saying her strong points are giggling with Lesley and sending text messages. Gideon's response is "I thought as much when I first saw her today." Not winning any points with Gwen or me at this point. Gwen thinks he and Charlotte are in love. When Gwen fails Gideon's 'history test' he tells her to do what he says and say what he tells her to say and nothing else when they travel. Other things he says, "She's definitely not my type," doesn't win him any points. He constantly assures her and himself and Charlotte that he's not interested in her. Still, Gwen can't help but notice how handsome he is in his period clothes and thinks he's handsome. But she keeps her head about her.
The bigger issue is the mystery. Who to believe? Who to trust? Is St. Germain, who left Gwen very wary to be trusted? What about Lucy and Paul? Can she trust herself? Has she traveled back in the past to warn herself or others of something? Can she trust Gideon? Does he have an agenda? And the Temple?
There is a little snippet of the next book, Sapphire Blue already published in German in the back of Ruby Red. It looks very promising. I want to get a certain Bookworm to translate it for me. I don't think she does that though.
So, what do you think? Are you as excited as me? Have you read it yet? Are dropping your mouse and running out to buy it? I know I'm gushing again. I'm not saying genius or anything, but it might take one to put the puzzle together. It's a great story and you just don't want to miss it!
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as I got it, I dove in!A summary-Gwen lives in her maternal grandmother's home with her mother, brother and little sister. They live in the shadow of Gwen's cousin, Charlotte who was born with "the gene"-the one for time travel. Right away you know this is a different kind of time travel novel. The character knows she can time travel. In fact, the whole family knows about it. Everyone is waiting on tenterhooks for Charlotte to experience her first travel back in time. She has some dizziness and nausea, so she's rushed to a secret headquarters for the time travelers called The Temple. Charlotte has been trained, groomed for time travel since she could talk. Schooled in fencing, history, fashion, politics, manners etc Charlotte is fully prepared for time travel with her handsome partner, Gideon de Villiers.
Lesley, Gwen's best friend, is the only one that knows about the time travel, outside of the family. They snicker and roll their eyes at the haughty, perfect self-important Charlotte behind her back. So when it's Gwen that makes an unexpected trip back in time, Lesley is the person she confides in first. Eventually, when Gwen disappears in front of Lesley's eyes, she makes Gwen tell her mother and they go to the Temple. Her mother is reluctant, her mother's sister, Charlotte's mother, is furious, claiming she is just trying to get attention and steal Charlotte's thunder. But, when it's proved that Gwen is the time traveller, she meets Gideon de Villiers, her time traveling partner and gets a crash course in time travel.
That's a lot of the story-more than I should reveal-to get you hooked. Charlotte is a self important over indulged child. She's only a very slight character, but those are the impressions you get. Her mother, Aunt Glenda, is very much the same, treated with importance and a lot of attention by her mother, Lady Arista all because she had the child with the traveling gene. Then there is Great Aunt Maddy, Lady Arista's spinster sister-in-law. She treats Gwen's family the same as Charlotte's, thinks all the secrecy is ridiculous and is a little bit doddering. Lesley, the best friend is a great character. She is loyal, caring, researches every word Gwen says to try to figure things out. She compiles a file of information of people and places that seem to be important for Gwen to know about. I want a best friend like her.
But the two main characters are Gwen and Gideon. Gwen is smart enough, but better than that, she's clever. She can figure herself out of situations and she doesn't let Gideon, the so called teacher, tell her what to do. She can also see and talk to ghosts, something no one seems to believe. She listens to her instincts instead of others. She looks nothing like the rest of the family who have red curly hair. Hers is dark and straight and she has blue eyes and a crescent shaped birthmark on her forehead. She doesn't suffer from thinking she's ugly,but doesn't think she's quite as pretty as Charlotte. She's not quite as much as anything as Charlotte when she's spent her whole life believing the opposite. She's not really jealous though. Except for her dad dying when she was young, she's had a normal, carefree childhood as opposed to a lifetime of lessons like Charlotte. She knows her immediate family loves her and she has a confident best friend. She's also one of the strongest female protagonists I've seen yet in YA fiction.
Then there's Gideon. The first time he meets Gwen he calls her "Winnie". Then Gwen overhears Charlotte disparaging her saying her strong points are giggling with Lesley and sending text messages. Gideon's response is "I thought as much when I first saw her today." Not winning any points with Gwen or me at this point. Gwen thinks he and Charlotte are in love. When Gwen fails Gideon's 'history test' he tells her to do what he says and say what he tells her to say and nothing else when they travel. Other things he says, "She's definitely not my type," doesn't win him any points. He constantly assures her and himself and Charlotte that he's not interested in her. Still, Gwen can't help but notice how handsome he is in his period clothes and thinks he's handsome. But she keeps her head about her.
The bigger issue is the mystery. Who to believe? Who to trust? Is St. Germain, who left Gwen very wary to be trusted? What about Lucy and Paul? Can she trust herself? Has she traveled back in the past to warn herself or others of something? Can she trust Gideon? Does he have an agenda? And the Temple?
There is a little snippet of the next book, Sapphire Blue already published in German in the back of Ruby Red. It looks very promising. I want to get a certain Bookworm to translate it for me. I don't think she does that though.
So, what do you think? Are you as excited as me? Have you read it yet? Are dropping your mouse and running out to buy it? I know I'm gushing again. I'm not saying genius or anything, but it might take one to put the puzzle together. It's a great story and you just don't want to miss it!
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
I actually hadn't heard that much about this book before I picked it up. In fact, it was the captivating cover of Sapphire Blue that initially caught my eye, but upon further investigation I realized that it was a sequel to Ruby Red. Being the type of reader that I am (and the fact that Ruby Red
That aside, I really enjoyed Ruby Red.
Gwyneth's cousin Charlotte has spent a lifetime preparing for a rather unorthodox career: traveling through time as the inheritor of a gene that allows her to travel through time. That is, until Gwyneth finds that her mother lied about her birth date, and she has the time traveling ability as well. Now a time traveler, Gwyneth must dive into her unexplained past and discover the strange truth behind her abilities and the mystery Circle of Twelve that seems to hold the key to everything. Along the way, Gwyneth finds herself lip-locked with Gideon, another time traveler. Together, the pair race through modern and 18th century London to put the pieces of a much large plan together.
What really jumped out at me about Ruby Red was the writing style and the storytelling. Everything about it was just completely solid, easy to understand, comfortable to read and just really crisp and polished. It felt like there weren't any extraneous words at all, and the entire story read very quickly and cleanly. I really enjoyed the quick paced sentences that were very quick, to the point, but still effective and enjoyable to read. This approach also helped to really expand upon the great mythology that author Kristen Gier is building here. The entire history of the time traveling gene and the mystery Circle of Twelve is unique and compelling, and I constantly found myself wanting to read more about it.
Ruby Red is a quick, fun read that I finished in just one sitting. Though light on some fronts, it hits many of the right buttons.
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was already out), I decided to pick up the first book so I'd be ready for the sequel. What actually really amazed me is the fact that it took so long for me to see the connection between these two books, primarily because the covers are so different. I just hate it when a publisher changes the cover style part of the way through a series -it can really throw me off.That aside, I really enjoyed Ruby Red.
Gwyneth's cousin Charlotte has spent a lifetime preparing for a rather unorthodox career: traveling through time as the inheritor of a gene that allows her to travel through time. That is, until Gwyneth finds that her mother lied about her birth date, and she has the time traveling ability as well. Now a time traveler, Gwyneth must dive into her unexplained past and discover the strange truth behind her abilities and the mystery Circle of Twelve that seems to hold the key to everything. Along the way, Gwyneth finds herself lip-locked with Gideon, another time traveler. Together, the pair race through modern and 18th century London to put the pieces of a much large plan together.
What really jumped out at me about Ruby Red was the writing style and the storytelling. Everything about it was just completely solid, easy to understand, comfortable to read and just really crisp and polished. It felt like there weren't any extraneous words at all, and the entire story read very quickly and cleanly. I really enjoyed the quick paced sentences that were very quick, to the point, but still effective and enjoyable to read. This approach also helped to really expand upon the great mythology that author Kristen Gier is building here. The entire history of the time traveling gene and the mystery Circle of Twelve is unique and compelling, and I constantly found myself wanting to read more about it.
Ruby Red is a quick, fun read that I finished in just one sitting. Though light on some fronts, it hits many of the right buttons.
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LibraryThing member Panola
Ruby Red
(Ruby Red trilogy, Book #1)
by Kerstin Gier
Genre: Young Adult | Time-Travel
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Gwyn's family is quite unique since they share a secret time-traveling gene. Her cousin Charlotte is the most recent of family members to go through the extensive training that will prepare the travelers for their adventures into the past. Little does the family expect that the lessons have been wasted on the wrong family member since Gwyn suddenly develops dizzy spells herself and literally falls back into the past--twice! Caught off guard by her new ability, she keeps it secret until the truth becomes revealed and she's quickly brought into a mysterious society that is deeply rooted with dark passages, archaic passwords, and oddly enough. . .a cute (but egotistical) boy with the same time-traveling ability. Since Gwyn's new skill was discovered ( along with another darker hidden talent she reveals to only a select few ), she and those around her have been questioning her past and just who she really is. Can the truth be revealed in the past?
This was an okay read. Nothing really special, but interesting enough that I'm tempted to check out Book #2, Sapphire Blue, in hopes it will get better and much more enjoyable. Unlike many books in a series that have continuous stories that AT LEAST contain one plot line which gets concluded within that book. . . this story just keeps going and going. So much so, that I was left hanging at the end going "That's it?" even though it was obvious book #2 would be coming out soon. I didn't feel there was a sense of completion within the tale and because of that, makes me imagine this trilogy as one big substantial book cut into three smaller/duller parts -- boo! Yet, all in all, it contained an intriguing concept that was both unique and puzzling. Book #1 gives you a taste of what to expect further into the series with little glimpses/foreshadowing of Gwyn and Gideon's adventures into the past, so I guess I'll give this series a fuller evaluation after reading further.
Likes: The clothing attire needed for each past visit was fun and I was amused by each character's reactions to their apparel.
Dislikes: With a family that was so use to discussing/praising it's "rare" gene and being very open about it, I was somewhat taken back by Gwyn's reluctance to reveal her ability to her mother due to the fact she was afraid many would consider her crazy. Didn't make sense to me!
(Ruby Red trilogy, Book #1)
by Kerstin Gier
Genre: Young Adult | Time-Travel
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different
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era!Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Gwyn's family is quite unique since they share a secret time-traveling gene. Her cousin Charlotte is the most recent of family members to go through the extensive training that will prepare the travelers for their adventures into the past. Little does the family expect that the lessons have been wasted on the wrong family member since Gwyn suddenly develops dizzy spells herself and literally falls back into the past--twice! Caught off guard by her new ability, she keeps it secret until the truth becomes revealed and she's quickly brought into a mysterious society that is deeply rooted with dark passages, archaic passwords, and oddly enough. . .a cute (but egotistical) boy with the same time-traveling ability. Since Gwyn's new skill was discovered ( along with another darker hidden talent she reveals to only a select few ), she and those around her have been questioning her past and just who she really is. Can the truth be revealed in the past?
This was an okay read. Nothing really special, but interesting enough that I'm tempted to check out Book #2, Sapphire Blue, in hopes it will get better and much more enjoyable. Unlike many books in a series that have continuous stories that AT LEAST contain one plot line which gets concluded within that book. . . this story just keeps going and going. So much so, that I was left hanging at the end going "That's it?" even though it was obvious book #2 would be coming out soon. I didn't feel there was a sense of completion within the tale and because of that, makes me imagine this trilogy as one big substantial book cut into three smaller/duller parts -- boo! Yet, all in all, it contained an intriguing concept that was both unique and puzzling. Book #1 gives you a taste of what to expect further into the series with little glimpses/foreshadowing of Gwyn and Gideon's adventures into the past, so I guess I'll give this series a fuller evaluation after reading further.
Likes: The clothing attire needed for each past visit was fun and I was amused by each character's reactions to their apparel.
Dislikes: With a family that was so use to discussing/praising it's "rare" gene and being very open about it, I was somewhat taken back by Gwyn's reluctance to reveal her ability to her mother due to the fact she was afraid many would consider her crazy. Didn't make sense to me!
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LibraryThing member breakingdownslowly
The only thing I didn't love about this book was the cliffhanger ending. But it was okay because there was a preview for book 2 included.
Lemme just first say this book is gorgeously designed. The cover and the size and just...so beautiful.
Now the story itself. I loved the characters. Some were
Then the story. It was entertaining and perfectly paced. It was fast paced without being overwhelming. I also loved the fact that there was time travel because we all know by now that I am a history nerd.
I just...I freaking loved this book. I can't totally explain it, but I did. And I need the second book like yesterday. Or two months ago.
Lemme just first say this book is gorgeously designed. The cover and the size and just...so beautiful.
Now the story itself. I loved the characters. Some were
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truly evil, some were just spoiled brats, and then there was Gwyneth and her mom who were truly fantastic characters. I'm not judging Gideon yet though. I'm not ready to go there.Then the story. It was entertaining and perfectly paced. It was fast paced without being overwhelming. I also loved the fact that there was time travel because we all know by now that I am a history nerd.
I just...I freaking loved this book. I can't totally explain it, but I did. And I need the second book like yesterday. Or two months ago.
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LibraryThing member vernefan
Kerstin Gier’s U.S. fictional debut that releases Ruby Red, Book One in the Ruby Trilogy, is sure to be a hit when it is released to the Teen market this coming May. Gier shows a bit of fresh ingénue with her new twist on Time Traveling. Clever, witty, and adventurous ingredients make this new
16 year old Gwyneth has been raised in a rather odd family, a group of rather overbearing and rigid relatives that are members of a Time Traveling Society that has been around for centuries. Every few generations a new traveler is born, and this chosen soul is trained from birth in the arts of proper costume, etiquette, weapons, music, and history of all the centuries they will travel to while on their missions back into the past. In Gwyn’s family, her cousin Charlotte is the last traveler to be born out of the chosen 12, and is about to take her first journey when something shocking occurs. It doesn’t happen. She doesn’t travel. But Gwyn somehow does, and uncontrollably without training. Unbeknownst to the family, Gwyn’s mother secretly lied on her daughter’s birth certificate in order to safeguard Gwyn against a life of mystery, time travel and the danger that comes with it. Suddenly the family is outraged at this gross act of manipulation but must accommodate swiftly and bring Gwyneth up to speed quickly as their new spy and time traveler. She is necessary for a long planned plot to outwit some travelers who have their own agenda to sabotage the ultimate mission that will reveal a long lost secret.
Along with her male traveling counterpart, the dashing and handsome Gideon, the two teenagers engage in acts of espionage, private investigation, ancient devices, magic, and for Gwyn, murder! Time travel to London in the early 1900s and further back to the 18th century to meet their ancestors, can prove perilously dangerous yet historically interesting and ….fun? Gwyneth is a bit confused and acts the typical ditzy 21st century chic until her life is threatened by the evil Count Saint-Germain, and when she is ambushed by roadside highwaymen out for her blood. Acting out of self-defense, Gwyn spears an attacking villain clean through with a sword and soon realizes she is a murderer and this time traveling business is no game.
With costumes right out of Thackeray’s Vanity fair, Ruby Red is full of authentically researched history, humor, mystery, magic, and it seems, romance too. As an enthusiast of Time Travel fiction I believe this author has invented a rather clever new concept that mixes and old much used idea with what modern day teenagers enjoy in fantasy reading today. A bit of Science Fiction, a dash of paranormal fantasy, add in some action adventure, sprinkle in some macabre and suspense, top it all off with a dollop of promising romance, and you have ….a hit! Ruby Red is fun, written well, has good characters of both good and bad, and is likely to top the Teen bestseller list soon. There are some interesting surprises along the way, and an ending to keep us wondering what will happen. I eagerly await the next installments of Sapphire Blue and Emerald Green and found Ruby Red to be an enjoyable and entertaining read!
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Young Adult novel very intriguing, and certainly a one-sitting page-turner. 16 year old Gwyneth has been raised in a rather odd family, a group of rather overbearing and rigid relatives that are members of a Time Traveling Society that has been around for centuries. Every few generations a new traveler is born, and this chosen soul is trained from birth in the arts of proper costume, etiquette, weapons, music, and history of all the centuries they will travel to while on their missions back into the past. In Gwyn’s family, her cousin Charlotte is the last traveler to be born out of the chosen 12, and is about to take her first journey when something shocking occurs. It doesn’t happen. She doesn’t travel. But Gwyn somehow does, and uncontrollably without training. Unbeknownst to the family, Gwyn’s mother secretly lied on her daughter’s birth certificate in order to safeguard Gwyn against a life of mystery, time travel and the danger that comes with it. Suddenly the family is outraged at this gross act of manipulation but must accommodate swiftly and bring Gwyneth up to speed quickly as their new spy and time traveler. She is necessary for a long planned plot to outwit some travelers who have their own agenda to sabotage the ultimate mission that will reveal a long lost secret.
Along with her male traveling counterpart, the dashing and handsome Gideon, the two teenagers engage in acts of espionage, private investigation, ancient devices, magic, and for Gwyn, murder! Time travel to London in the early 1900s and further back to the 18th century to meet their ancestors, can prove perilously dangerous yet historically interesting and ….fun? Gwyneth is a bit confused and acts the typical ditzy 21st century chic until her life is threatened by the evil Count Saint-Germain, and when she is ambushed by roadside highwaymen out for her blood. Acting out of self-defense, Gwyn spears an attacking villain clean through with a sword and soon realizes she is a murderer and this time traveling business is no game.
With costumes right out of Thackeray’s Vanity fair, Ruby Red is full of authentically researched history, humor, mystery, magic, and it seems, romance too. As an enthusiast of Time Travel fiction I believe this author has invented a rather clever new concept that mixes and old much used idea with what modern day teenagers enjoy in fantasy reading today. A bit of Science Fiction, a dash of paranormal fantasy, add in some action adventure, sprinkle in some macabre and suspense, top it all off with a dollop of promising romance, and you have ….a hit! Ruby Red is fun, written well, has good characters of both good and bad, and is likely to top the Teen bestseller list soon. There are some interesting surprises along the way, and an ending to keep us wondering what will happen. I eagerly await the next installments of Sapphire Blue and Emerald Green and found Ruby Red to be an enjoyable and entertaining read!
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LibraryThing member emhromp2
Loved it. It is so clever, so funny, so romantic. I loved it.
Awards
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2013)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2014)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2012)
Original publication date
2009
2011-05-10 (US)