Book Review: Ruby Red

 Title: Rudy Red

Author: Kerstin Gier

Translator: Anthea Bell

Summary

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My Review

Ok I'm gonna be up front with you.  When I first started seeing this book around I could NOT figure out what the fuss was about.  And I will admit I based that quite a bit on the cover.  From pictures, the cover just didn't look interesting.  I really don't like the girl on the cover.  She looks waaaaay formal and almost uncomfortable.  Now I made myself look into the book further and read some review.  Ok, so it was about time travel (which seems to be the latest thing).  I enjoyed Hourglass, so when I was offered a copy for review I decided to take it. 

Starting it out I still wasn't sure.  I was a bit confused.  There are many characters all related, and I had a hard time remember who was who and how they were all related.  BUT something about it was hooking me in, so I kept going.  Slowly I was pulled deeper into the story.  I really liked the main character Gwyneth.  She was quirky, smart (in her own way), and not willing to let herself be bullied.  I liked her, and when I like a character I can stick with a story.  So I let Gwen pull me along.  And I'm glad I did!

Now the plot - Again I'll admit that I found parts of it confusing.  There's all kinds of half stories told - things Gwen can't know or doesn't know or people refuse to tell her.  That, for her and the reader, can be frustrating.  But again how Gwen handled it kept me going.  I wanted to see how she would react to more of what was thrown at her - and mostly I wanted to see her succeed and prove her aunt and others wrong.  None of them like what happens with Gwen, and they are very angry at her and Gwen's mother.  This made me mad because I liked Gwen, so they shouldn't be mad at her!  The plot unravels fast but yet slow.  Fast because a lot of information is thrown out at once, but slow because it takes forever for people to be honest with her.  In the end I have a clear understanding of what is going on but I soooooooo need to know more.  And whoa what a shocker at the end!!!

Ok lastly I have to comment on Gideon the boy of the story.  He seems to swing back and forth between being a jerk to being caring, and honestly I don't know which side to trust.  It's like I want to trust him, but he's been a part of this longer than Gwen, so I don't know his deep knowledge might be used against Gwen's naivety.  Even what happens at the end - I'm not sure if I can trust it.  I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

For the Guys?  Nah not really.

Final thought:  Ok I get the fuss now. I will be looking foward to the rest of the series.
Best stick-with-you image:  Gwen in the fancy dress
Best for readers who: Like time travel, are ok with being in the dark some
Best for ages: 12+

OH! And about the cover..... still don't like the picture of the girl, but I do love the red and silver in person.  Super pretty!