{Audiobook} Review: Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier

Title: Dream a Little Dream
Author: Kerstin Gier
Narrator(s): Marisa Calin
Series: The Silver Trilogy, book #1
Length: 10 hrs 6 mins
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: April 14, 2015
Source: ARC received from publisher, purchased audiobook
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Mysterious doors with lizard-head knobs. Talking stone statues. A crazy girl with a hatchet. Yes, Liv's dreams have been pretty weird lately. Especially the one where she's in a graveyard at night, watching four boys conduct dark magic rituals.

The strangest part is that Liv recognizes the boys in her dream. They're classmates from her new school in London, the school where she's starting over because her mom has moved them to a new country (again). But what's really scaring Liv is that the dream boys seem to know things about her in real life, things they couldn't possibly know--unless they actually are in her dreams? Luckily, Liv never could resist a good mystery, and all four of those boys are pretty cute....

Narrated by Marisa Calin, who also narrated The Ruby Red Trilogy on audio for Macmillan, Dream a Little Dream is a funny little jaunt into the world of witchcraft and demons and lucid dreams. It never deigns to take itself too seriously, much as the Ruby Red books never got overly technical when it came to time travel. Both stories are cute and enjoyable in their own right, but I'd have a dickens of a time deciding which I liked better. Especially seeing as how I like cheeky, talking inanimate objects, and those are present and accounted for in both. :)

I listened to this back in April I think and promptly forgot to review it. D'oh. So, I listened again a few days ago as a refresher. Some books I can read over and over again and others, it's a pain to read or listen to even once more. No problems listening to this one again because the main character is completely adorkable and the narrator does such a good job with Gier's books. It's actually rather interesting to experience this lighter take on dreams and the demons they harbor, considering I'm also reading the last book of the Nevermore trilogy, which takes a much darker look at this same subject. Completely different stories and the atmosphere is the exact opposite, but still interesting to compare.

Magic rituals. Cute boys. London. All things that appeal to me. And I love the new cover. The original cover wasn't bad, per se, but it was a little too cutesy for this story. And while this story is cute overall and kind of silly -- I mean, they found a book and raised a demon and he agreed to give each of them their dearest wish? -- it does have a darker side, especially when it comes to the lengths some will go to in order to appease said demon.

The dream interactions were my favorite aspect of this story, especially when Liv still believed that they were just dreams. But when she discovers that those four cute boys from school share her dreams, things really get interesting. I was admittedly a little worried about so many hot boys available for the choosing, but they're not really...available, I mean. :) One is soon to be Liv's stepbrother, another is in a long-distance relationship, another is a wanna-be player who's still hung up on his ex. That leaves just one, and he's the one I would've have picked for Liv from the beginning, so it all worked out. No strange love shapes to be had here. =)

I read a story the other day that mentioned "surface" friends, and that's kind of how I felt about this book: it's only just scratching the surface of what Liv and her new friends might be capable of -- or what they might be in store for. I'm sure the next book will dig a little deeper. And I'm just glad I didn't have to wait until the third book for the romance to really heat up, like in Gier's other series.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

Kerstin Gier is the bestselling author of the Ruby Red trilogy, as well as several popular novels for adults. This series was translated by Anthea Bell into English.

Find Kerstin:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

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Labels: audiobooks, beautiful covers, demons, kerstin gier, lucid dreaming, macmillan, magic, reviews, the silver trilogy, translated novels, witchcraft

{Audiobook} Review: Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

Title: Emerald Green
Author: Kerstin Gier
Narrator:  Marisa Calin
Series: The Ruby Red Trilogy, book #3
Length:  12 hrs 42 mins
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is.

She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.

This stunning conclusion picks up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate.

In a manner of only weeks, Gwen Shepherd has offiicially taken on her annoying cousin's role to complete the Circle of Twelve.  In the beginning, she was chagrined that it was no longer Charlotte's place to do the time-traveling, but despite little to no training, I think she rather likes it now.  Or, she likes spending time with Guideon.  ;0)

Whereas some time travel novels spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to explain how one goes about time traveling (and not usually very well, I might add), a large portion of the Ruby Red trilogy is actually spent traveling back in time.  And it's in a manner that actually makes quite a bit of sense.  There's always the possibility of running into your own person while time-traveling, even as far back as the characters in this story go, simply because of the volume of treks they make back to the past, so it is always well-documented where and when one travels to.  Also, one must dress the part.  I especially loved this aspect, as Gwenny and Guideon got to wear the most wonderful costumes on their adventures back in time so that they did not stand out or alert anyone in the past that they weren't who they were claiming to be while on whatever mission had dispatched them to that time period.

The characters in this series are also a bucketful of fun.  Gwenny is snarky and hilarious, plucky and courageous, and the tangents her mind wanders on are almost as much fun as her adventures back in time.  Her sidekick Leslie is the best kind of friend to have around, the one who's resourceful and dependable and just plain funny.  Gideon is the attractive, older counterpart to Gwenny in this time-traveling duo; he's educated, capable, and has been trained all his life for this moment.  But my most favorite character is still that cheeky gargoyle demon spirit Xemerius.

Even though this series is translated from the original German, it's quite clear that the author had a clear plan for her story from the beginning, the way little tidbits of information were released to the reader, building upon the larger picture. One huge revelation I think, was only vaguely disguised in the last book, though the big reveal doesn't happen until closer to the end of this book.  But there was one shocking discovery that I did not see coming...AT ALL.  I love it when that happens.

I've really grown to love this series, especially after listening to Sapphire Blue on audio.  I decided to grab the audio for Emerald Green, as well.  I thought the narrator did a fabulous job on both, making Gwenny sound as plucky as expected and Xemerius as grouchy as ever.  And though she has an English accent, the narrator's French accent -- for Raphael and Madame what's-her-name, costume designer extraordinaire -- was just as gorgeous.  Marisa Calin's narration almost makes me wish there were more books coming in this series.

Almost.  As much fun as I've had with these books, I'm extremely pleased with the way the series ended, and I feel that the characters all got the ending they deserved.  The romance was a little rushed in the first book, especially considering how little time the entire series spans, but I really like how it played out in the end, too.  Honestly, I don't think there was anything about this series that I didn't like...well, other than Charlotte.  ;0)

About the author:

Kerstin Gier is the bestselling author of the Ruby Red trilogy, as well as several popular novels for adults. This series was translated by Anthea Bell into English.

Find Kerstin:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

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Labels: audiobooks, edelstein trilogie, gargoyles, ghosts, historical fiction, kerstin gier, macmillan, reviews, ruby red trilogy, sci-fi, time travel

{Audiobook} Review: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Title: Sapphire Blue
Author: Kerstin Gier
Narrator: Marisa Calin
Series: The Ruby Red Trilogy, book #2
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: October 30, 2012
Source: purchased audio
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | 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.

The Ruby Red Trilogy combines two of my favorite subgenres in YA literature:  historical fiction and science fiction, by way of time travel.  And it doesn't hurt that the main character is a plucky little thing who doesn't think twice about speaking her mind.  But my favorite aspect of this series?  That cheeky little Xemerius. Who knew gargoyle spirits could be so much fun?

But that's the thing...these books are fun.  Most time travel books take themselves a little too seriously, and while sometimes time travel warrants that type of gravity, I rather like books like this that add a little levity to the situation.  I mean, if I were time traveling myself, I'd be having a blast!  Even so, there are more serious games afoot in Sapphire Blue.

First and foremost, creepy villain is even creepier. I didn't like him from his initial meeting with Gwen, and I've grown to love him even less with each interaction I've witnessed.  The sad thing is, he almost had me tricked into thinking there was more to him.  Even knowing what he'd already done...and assuming what else he has planned. I just love a sneaky evil-doer!

Gwen and Gideon continue to travel back to the past.  And as they continue on the task set before them, they grow closer, despite how little time they've actually spent together as themselves.  I believe Gideon even makes note of how they've actually only known each other for a week...right before professing his feelings. Okay, kids...I realize you've been through some traumatic events in your week together, but let's take it a little slower. Especially considering you don't even fully trust each other yet.

I read Ruby Red last year, but I think continuing the story in Sapphire Blue was a lot more enjoyable via audiobook, especially considering the English accent of the narrator.  (The books are set in England, after all.) It wasn't an outstanding production, but it was fun and kept me engaged as well as the first book did. I'd definitely consider listening to Emerald Green when it's released later this fall.  Regardless, I will need to know how this story ends.

Rating:  1/2

About the author:

Kerstin Gier is the bestselling author of the Ruby Red trilogy, as well as several popular novels for adults.  This series was translated by Anthea Bell into English.

Find Kerstin:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

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Labels: audiobooks, edelstein trilogie, gargoyles, ghosts, historical fiction, kerstin gier, macmillan, reviews, ruby red trilogy, sci-fi, time travel

Waiting on Wednesday: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...

Title:  Sapphire Blue
Author:  Kerstin Gier
Series:  2nd book in the Edelstein Trilogie
Publisher:  Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date:  October 30, 2012

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.

Why I'm waiting:  Oh my goodness, you guys, I actually almost forgot about this one, even though I hounded the woman in Macmillan's booth at ALA mid-winter for a release date.  Oops.  But I love [most] time travel books, and Ruby Red far surpassed all of the ones I've read recently (think Tempest and Hourglass).  With this series, you actually get to do some freaking time travelling!  I know!  :D

I do wish they hadn't changed the covers, though, or had at least incorporated the German/Dutch covers instead of going with the standard girl-in-a-pretty-dress.  (Though, the dress might actually fit into the story in this one since Gwen and Gideon do actually travel back in time and have to dress the part.)  But the German/Dutch covers remind me of the one for Sarah Rees Brennan's Unspoken, which uses cut paper art and looks so mysterious and shadowy.  Oh, well...I'm not supposed to judge a book by its cover and all that.  :(

Super excited that I don't have that much longer to wait!!!  :D 

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Labels: edelstein trilogie, historical fiction, kerstin gier, macmillan, time travel, translated novels, waiting on wednesday (wow)