Book Review: Ruby Red

 Title: Ruby Red (The Ruby Red Trilogy #1)
Author: Kerstin Gier, Anthea Bell
Genre: Young Adult // Romance // Time Travel
Publisher: Henry Holt
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased (Audible)


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 (goodreads).


Ruby Red is a fast past time travelling novel with memorable characters! I wish I had known about this series earlier!



Plot: The Ruby Red trilogy is unique in the fact that it's basically just one long book cut up into three parts. Ruby Red felt more like the exposition to me, in which the characters were established, the overall conflict was mentioned in passing, and then BOOM, plot twist time. And you're left with no more pages and wanting more. What I really liked is that Ruby Red moved fairly quickly, I  believe the whole book takes place over three or four days, Even though the book takes place over such a short time frame, it doesn't feel like information is being shoved down you're throat. We are slowly introduced to the overall conflict and questions arise as to how our young heroes fit.  

Characters: Gwenny is one of the most endearing characters I have read in a long time. Always playing second fiddle to her cousin Charlotte, this is Gwenny's time to shine. As the synopsis says, Charlotte has prepared her whole life for time travelling shenanigans; from history to etiquette. The most Gwenyth knows about history is from movies and TV shows. She is hilarious, innocent, and genuine. 

Her romance with Gideon falls under one of those tropes that I adore: hate to love. Gwenyth and Gideon clearly start off on the wrong foot when they met, but I loved their little interactions and banters throughout the novel. 

World Building: Time travelling is usually a hit or miss for me, but Gier really sold me with her unique explanation of these time travelling families, and the intricacies that go into planning Gwenny and Gideon for time travelling. 

Audio Book Performance: Marrisa Calin where have you  been all my life? I felt that she captured Gwenny's voice perfectly. She has the perfect balance of vulnerability, stubbornness, and curiosity. 

Short N Sweet: Ruby Red is a fun blend of mystery and whimsy. I felt myself laughing out loud at times, and gasping at shocking reveals. This is a definite read for anyone who is a fan of time travel!


Labels: , , , , , , ,