The Ruby Red trilogy includes the following books: Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Emerald Green
Calling all time travelling women…
I’m going to acknowledge several things right now. First, that I’ve lived my whole life in the USA, which I believe prides itself on independence, freedom and equality. Second, that I’ve grown up and lived in a time when women are experiencing more feminist thinking than ever before. Third, I couldn’t bring myself to finish this series and only skimmed the third book.
A big part of why this series felt challenging to read it that Gwynneth, the young lady who is the prophesied Ruby that will complete the time-traveling circle, seemed so much a victim. I kept expecting her to break out of her shell, as she is the one they’ve waited hundreds of years for and possesses a unique power. However, Gwen is constantly in need of rescue and in fact most of the female characters in this book are regularly dismissed because of their sex.
It is fun to get to hear her thoughts and motivations and it’s clear she has plenty of intelligence. This is even a very well-written series with interesting characters and a fascinating premise. But in the end, the impotence of the females in the story was borderline depressing. This might be an excellent read for someone raised in a different culture. (In fact, the author is German and the series has been translated to English.) Or perhaps someone who enjoys a different kind of heroine. I really tried to finish the series but in the end- I read books for fun and escape and this series just didn’t provide that for me.
Can Gwen and Gideon protect the past and save the future?
Gwen has always known her family harbors extraordinary secrets—especially the women. As time travelers, they navigate the impossible with ease. But when Gwen, not her cousin Charlotte, unexpectedly shows signs of inheriting the family gift, her world is turned upside down.
Thrust into a life she was never prepared for, Gwen is introduced to Gideon, a fellow time traveler whose charm is matched only by his infuriating arrogance. While tensions simmer between them, Gwen begins to uncover surprising truths about herself and her newfound abilities. She is soon tasked with journeying through the past to uncover lost travelers and cryptic prophecies.
Gwen also grapples with the enigmatic Gideon, the Circle’s dazzling yet perplexing Diamond. With the help of her loyal best friend, a quirky ghost, and a cheeky gargoyle demon, Gwen embarks on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the Circle—a truth far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
What I love about the Ruby Red trilogy by Kerstin Gier:
The writing is very good. The author does an excellent job of painting a picture of life in England and the difficult position Gwen finds herself in. You can’t help rooting for the heroine and almost wanting to swoop in and save her. Also- I just love the cover art of both versions of the books!
What I didn’t love about it:
As mentioned earlier, I had a difficult time with the passive nature of the young main character and the way she is constantly being smothered and handled, particularly by the male characters.
Spice level:
The spice level was very tame- nothing explicit. Gwen and her friend talk about boyfriends and physical relationships once or twice and there are a couple of sweet kisses throughout the series.
Language:
The language is mild. There is some swearing throughout but nothing over the top. I notice that sometimes when a book is written by European authors it tends to have a little more swearing but I have been told that has more to do with a difference in interpretations. For instance, my British friend says that the F- word in England is a much milder expression that we regard it to be in the US.
Violence:
The violence in this series is very reasonable. There are some intense scenes but nothing at all objectionable.
Length:
There are three books in this series. These novels are medium-long length, between 360 and 460 pages each.
Where to get the Ruby Red trilogy by Kerstin Gier:
At the time I’m writing this review, the series is available on Kindle. The books can be bought on kindle or are free individually on Kindle Unlimited. You can find the trilogy in many bookstores as well. The series is also available in paperback form and on Audible.
I’d love to know what others think of this series! Keep reading! -Eva
(Find it on Amazon)
Connect with the author: Kerstin Gier
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