Almost a year ago Leiah reviewed Ruby Red by Kiersten Gier and shortly after I bought the book for myself because she made it sound so good. Well, last month I finally got around to reading it and it was fabulous! Fast paced, lots of characters and mystery and time travel. Much awesome. And I immediately NEEDED Sapphire Blue. But it wasn’t out yet.
Thankfully Raincoast Books was happy to hook me up with an egalley…after I begged…in a very unporefessional manner. Well…it might not have been that bad.
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.
I love how this book has a plethora of characters that get very little screen time but you still feel as if you know them well. You know? Like as much as there are some surprises and twists the writing is so clear and concise and enjoyable that though it’s a short book and the plot happens at a breakneck speed I don’t feel like anything was rushed or that we didn’t get the things we need.
Also, Gwen had better be who I, and I assume everyone else, thinks she is. Or I’m going to be upset. Also, what in the world is going on?? I need book three. I want to know what the organizations purpose is and what will happen when their mission is complete and why is everyone in the organization just going along with everything? No questions asked. What is the benefit to them?
And what is the consequence on the world either way? Ugh, I need answers!
Gwen is just such a pleasure to spend time with. She’s funny and feisty and doesn’t lose any of that when there’s a boy involved or when things aren’t going well. I love that she keeps her best friend involved and doesn’t even try to keep secrets. And I loved all her interactions with Gideon. I love that they banter and tease and make each other angry. I love that they both are attracted to one another but also have very different goals and feelings on what is going on.
I’m so incredibly intrigued by everything and have no idea how it’s all going to get wrapped up in one book. Why aren’t there three more???
I hope they translate more by this author because I am in love with her characters and the writing (though some of that might have to do with the translator). It kills me that if I knew German I could read the third book right now.
Ugh. Sigh. Pain.