Book Review: Ruby Red (Edelstein Trilogie #1)

Author: Kerstin Gier

Genre: YA fantasy
Published: May 10th 2011
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 330
Source: Purchased Hardback

Goodreads 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 Rating of this Book – 4 out of 5 Stars

What I Didn’t Like:

• Pop Culture References – There were a lot of pop culture references, mostly movies and actors/actress. There was even a James Bond reference. I’m not really a big fan of pop culture references in novels. For some reason, they disconnect me from the book. They even become a distraction when I don’t even know what the reference is about.

What I Did Like:

• The General Plot Line – The general plot and story line were wonderful. What is hard to believe is that everything happens only in a four day period for the character. I mean, so much happens in that period of time that changes Gwyneth’s life forever. It’s not as fast paced like so many other books I’ve read, but the story is very intriguing and very hard to put down.
• The Characters – I loved a lot of the characters, but I’m not sure who to trust at this point. The villain becomes clear throughout the novel, but who’s working for him willingly or who is just being misled? You have to try to figure it out yourself as you read the book which is kind of the fun part of it all! And Gwyneth is having the same problem. She’s not sure who to believe as she’s pulled into the secret society and its ‘mysteries’. As for Gideon, though I really liked him even when he’s sort of a snob, I can’t trust him. Not yet anyway. So, we’ll just have to wait and see how everything goes throughout the series.
• The Prologue and Epilogue – These chapters are a third person view point of two characters that are vital to the plot. And they really help you understand what is kind of happening. Of course, though, when you first read the Prologue, you are basically left with a lot of questions. For one, who are these characters because they have no names? And what are they doing or running from? But, as you read the book, many of those answer start to materialize. Then the Epilogue really wraps up the novel well with the same two characters (but now you have a better understanding of them) and you actually find things out that are a bit surprising as well.
• Lesley – I have to give this character a special shout out! Lesley is Gwyneth’s friend long before the time travel gene kicked in. And I absolutely LOVED her! Mostly because she is the kind of friend I would be in this situation. She looks at the glass as half full, loves to help her friend figure out the mystery behind the society, and loves research. Yes, if I had to choose a character in the book that I would want to become, it would be Lesley!