Ruby Red

Summary

Ruby Red is the first part of a trilogy about time travel. The main character, Gwendolyn Shepherd, unexpectedly discovers that she has inherited the ability to travel through time. Her family always believed that this gift belonged to her cousin Charlotte and had been preparing her for this role. Gwendolyn must quickly adapt to her new reality, learn to control her abilities, and unravel complex family secrets. Together with Gideon de Villiers, another time traveler, she ventures into the past to complete an important mission and uncover secrets that could change their future.

Main Ideas

• Time Travel: The main character, Gwendolyn Shepherd, unexpectedly discovers she has the ability to travel through time, leading to numerous adventures and the revelation of family secrets.
• Family Secrets and Legacy: Gwendolyn learns she belongs to an ancient lineage of time travelers and must solve many mysteries related to her family and their history.
• Romantic Plotline: The book develops a romantic storyline between Gwendolyn and her time-traveling partner, Gideon de Villiers, adding emotional depth and tension to the plot.
• Secret Society: The book features a secret society that controls time travel and has its own goals and intrigues.
• Mystical Artifacts: Various artifacts with magical properties play a crucial role in the plot, influencing the course of events.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Gwendolyn Shepherd: The main heroine of the book, an ordinary girl who suddenly discovers she has the ability to travel through time. Throughout the book, she learns about her destiny and begins to embrace her role in the complex system of time travel.
• Gideon de Villiers: A young man who also possesses the ability to travel through time. He is Gwendolyn's partner in their missions. Initially, he appears arrogant and cold, but gradually reveals himself to be caring and devoted.
• Lucy Montrose: Gwendolyn's aunt, who is also a time traveler. She fled the secret society with Paul de Villiers to protect an important secret.
• Paul de Villiers: Gideon's uncle and Lucy's partner. He plays a significant role in uncovering the mysteries related to time travel and the secret society.
• Grace Shepherd: Gwendolyn's mother, who hides many secrets about her daughter's past and her ability to travel through time.
• Charlotte Montrose: Gwendolyn's cousin, who was initially believed to be the bearer of the time travel gene. She is envious of Gwendolyn and often conflicts with her.
• Lady Arista: Gwendolyn's grandmother, a strict and demanding woman who plays an important role in the secret society and Gwendolyn's upbringing.

Style and Technique

Kerstin Gier's style in Ruby Red can be described as light and engaging, with elements of humor and romance. The language is modern and accessible, making it appealing to a teenage audience. The author uses lively dialogues and the heroine's internal monologues, which help to delve deeper into her thoughts and feelings. Literary techniques include elements of mysticism and fantasy, such as time travel and secret societies. The narrative structure is linear but with frequent time jumps, adding dynamics and intrigue. Gier skillfully combines elements of an adventure novel with a romantic storyline, creating a balanced and captivating narrative.

Interesting Facts

• The main heroine, Gwendolyn Shepherd, unexpectedly discovers she has the ability to travel through time.
• Gwendolyn is the last, twelfth time traveler, known as the Ruby.
• The book features a secret society of guardians that controls time travel and has its own secrets and intrigues.
• Gwendolyn has to cooperate with Gideon de Villiers, another time traveler, despite their complicated relationship.
• One of the key artifacts in the book is the chronograph, a device that allows control over time travel.
• Gwendolyn possesses a unique ability to see and communicate with ghosts, adding an extra element of mysticism to the plot.
• The book explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and first love, making it interesting for a teenage audience.

Book Review

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is a captivating story about time travel that has won the hearts of many readers. The main heroine, Gwendolyn Shepherd, suddenly discovers she has the ability to travel through time, leading to numerous adventures and mysteries. Critics note that the author has succeeded in creating an engaging and dynamic plot that keeps readers on edge until the last page. The characters are vividly and lively portrayed, with the charismatic Gideon de Villiers standing out as Gwendolyn's partner in her journeys. The book has also been praised for its atmosphere and well-crafted world, combining elements of historical fiction and fantasy. Some critics point out the predictability of certain plot twists, but overall, Ruby Red is considered an excellent start to a trilogy that promises to be equally thrilling in its subsequent parts.