Title: Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier
First published January 6, 2009
322 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312551513 (ISBN10: 0312551517)
Rating: 4.12
Overview
Gwen has always thought she was just a normal sixteen-year-old girl living in London with her quirky family. However, her life takes a sudden turn when she discovers that she has the time-traveling gene that runs in her family.
With no warning or training, she finds herself catapulted back in time, experiencing the wonders and dangers of the past. Gwen must navigate through a world of fancy clothes, archaic manners, and a secret society that she never knew existed.
Along the way, she meets Gideon, her time-traveling counterpart who is obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she’s seen in any century. As Gwen and Gideon travel through the ages, they must uncover the secrets of their families’ histories and the truth about their own destinies.
Will Gwen be able to handle the power of time travel, or will it consume her like it did to her ancestors?
About the Author
Kerstin Gier has gained popularity as a successful author for both young adults and adults. Her most notable work is the Ruby Red trilogy, which has become a bestseller.
In addition to this, she has also written several other novels that have gained a following. Check out her portfolio on http://us.macmillan.com/author/kerstin-gier.
Editoral Review
“Ruby Red” by Kerstin Gier is a young adult science fiction novel that was first published on January 6, 2009. The novel is the first in a trilogy, which also includes “Sapphire Blue” and “Emerald Green”.
Kerstin Gier is a German author who has published several young adult novels and is known for her fantastical stories.
“Ruby Red” is a time-traveling story that follows the life of Gwyneth Shepherd, a sixteen-year-old girl who lives in London. Gwyneth comes from a family of time travelers, but she has always been told that her cousin Charlotte was the one who inherited the gene.
However, Gwyneth begins to experience strange episodes that lead her to believe that she might, in fact, be the time traveler. Soon, Gwyneth finds herself whisked away to the past, where she meets the handsome and mysterious Gideon de Villiers.
Together, they embark on a mission to unravel the secrets of the time-traveling gene and the mysterious organization known as the Guardians.
Gier’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making the story easy to follow and enjoyable to read. The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with the action and suspense building up gradually, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
The novel is set in both present-day London and various historical periods, which are described vividly and with great attention to detail. The historical context of the novel is also interesting, as it explores the political and social issues of the past.
The characters in “Ruby Red” are well-developed and relatable, particularly the protagonist Gwyneth. Gwyneth is a strong and independent character, who is determined to uncover the truth about her family’s past, even if it means going against the wishes of those closest to her.
The romantic subplot between Gwyneth and Gideon is also well-done, adding an extra layer of intrigue and tension to the story.
However, one of the weaknesses of the novel is the lack of depth given to the secondary characters. The supporting characters are not as fleshed out as the main characters, which can make it difficult for the reader to connect with them on a deeper level.
Additionally, some aspects of the time-traveling element of the story are not fully explained, leaving some unanswered questions.
Overall, “Ruby Red” is an entertaining and well-written novel that will appeal to fans of young adult fiction and time-traveling stories. The novel explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery, and provides an interesting perspective on historical events.
While it is not without its flaws, the strengths of the novel ultimately make it a worthwhile read.
I would recommend “Ruby Red” to teenage readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy, as well as anyone who is looking for a fun and engaging story. The novel is a great choice for readers who are looking for a break from more serious or heavy literature, and who want to be transported to a different world for a few hours.
Overall, I would give “Ruby Red” a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
