***The Starry-Eyed Revue***: ruby red trilogy

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)

Sapphire Blue (Precious Stone Trilogy, #2)

Emerald Green (Precious Stone Trilogy, #3)

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

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

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