Monday, April 29, 2013

Ruby Red





Ruby Red
Kerstin Gier

Ruby Red (Ruby Red Trilogy, #1)

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Summary (from the publisher):  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 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.


Review: This is the first book in a time travel trilogy, and it didn't feel like it should be a stand alone book; instead, it read very much like it should be the first section in a longer book.  Secrets are mentioned, but not explained; characters are introduced, but not developed; mysteries are hinted at, but not revealed; bad guys seem to about, but are not confirmed to be bad; a simple mission is explained, but not yet started upon... basically there was no conclusion to anything at the end of the book.  I'll read the next books because I want to know what happens, but I think that each book in a trilogy really should stand on its own.

Initially, Gideon seemed handsome and snobbish, but as his character started to open up to Gwyneth, he did become more likable.  Gwyneth herself was a giggly movie-loving non-serious student, with the interesting ability to see and speak to ghosts and gargoyles.  I didn't feel like she grew as a character in this book, but perhaps that happens in the sequels.  My favorite character was Gwyneth's best friend, who was quirky, clever and loyal.  I hope to see more of her in the rest of the books. 

I did enjoy reading this book; it was entertaining and read very quickly.  I liked the time travel premise, and I loved the costume descriptions and the wardrobe mistress.  

Rating:  3 stars

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