Book Review: Sapphire Blue

Title: Sapphire Blue (The Ruby Red Trilogy #2)
Author: Kerstin Gier
Genre: Young Adult // Time Travel // Romance
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Publication Date: October 30, 2012
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased (Audible)


Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.


At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out (goodreads).


Not as quite as magical as Ruby Red, but with the introduction of new characters, I still found Sapphire Blue to be a really fun read!



Plot: Sad to say but Sapphire Blue suffers from Sophomore Slump. The biggest disappoint with this installment, is that it continuously pushes more questions on the reader without answering and questions or resolving any conflicts. I felt bogged down by all of hte drama and would occasionally forget just what the hell was going on.

Characters: Once again, the characters are the soul of the Ruby Red Trilogy. We have spunky Gwen, her snoopy and faint prone friends and the ever brooding Gideon. Gier introduces another lovabale character who all but stole the show in Sapphire Blue: Xemerius. Xemerius is the gargoyle who follow Gwen home and I found myself laughing out loud with most of Gwen's interactions with him. I really admire Gier's delivery of lines in this series, because she knows how to make you sputter with laughter or gasp in shock. 

If you remember, I fell in love with Gideon and Gwen's relationship in Ruby Red because of the witty banter and obvious personality differences. Things change a bit in Sapphire Blue and I found that Gideon and Gwen went from star crossed lover to suffering from a case of "instalove." I mentioned that Ruby Red took place over a handful of days, Sapphire Blue takes place over the course of three days, maximum. It's a bit much to have character professing their love to one another after a week's acquaintance.  

World Building: Despite my disappointment with this novel, I'm still in love with the time travel aspect of this series and how it is explained. 

Audiobook Performance: Marissa Calin is still a delightful narrator and I am thoroughly impressed with her interpretation of the characters. Gwen has the right amount of whine, Gideon the right amount of brooding, and all of the other characters seem to come alive with Marissa's delivery. 

Short N Sweet: Not as stellar as Ruby Red, but you won't be disappointed with Sapphire Blue. My only question is, how on earth is Kerstin Gier going to wrap this all up in Emerald Green? 


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