Saturday, February 20, 2016

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Publication Date:  May 10, 2011 
Publisher:  Henry Holt and Co.
Pages:  354
Series:  The Ruby Red Trilogy #2
Genre:  Fantasy
Synopsis:  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.

Review:  When glancing back over my old review of the first book in this trilogy, I noticed that I had mentioned I would be reading the sequel as soon as could be.  Well, here we are, more than a year later.  Better late than never, I suppose.  

Sapphire Blue, or Saphirblau, is as engaging as its predecessor.  It is, without a doubt, entirely amusing, frustrating, and captivating.  The writing, still, seems a bit simplified, although I do wonder if this can be attributed to the fact that it is translated.  


The lion--as proud as the diamond bright,
Though the spell may be clouding that radiant light--in the death of the sun what's amiss will then mend, while the raven in dying discloses the end.

The plot, while quite predictable, flows quickly and never dulls.  There's fencing, drunken singing, ghosts--you name it.  However, there does seem to be a handful of inconsistencies and story-lines from the first book that have dropped off into nonexistence and another handful that appear out of thin air in this installment.

You are met with more questions than answers;  I talked back to the characters so often I must have seemed deranged.  Mostly, it was 'why,' 'she's known him a week,' and 'what are you doing?'  

Gwenyth, our dear protagonist, and her time travelling companion Gideon are such teenagers.  Mood swings included.  Even so, they are rather likable.  Their romance, while not sickening, is baffling.  As aforementioned above, these two have known each other a week and there is already declarations of love and them falling about snogging one another in different time periods.


Unfortunately it's an incontrovertible fact that sound common sense flies out of the window as soon as love comes in through the door.

Sapphire Blue is not profound, nor thought-provoking, nor does it check off on my usual list of 'what makes a fantastic novel,' but it is pure enjoyment bottled in book form.  It is addictive fun and I don't mind being distracted.  This time, I really do mean that I will be reading the next one very soon, and I have adjusted my definition of 'soon' accordingly.




11 comments:

  1. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I read this series years ago, and even though it wasn't that amazing, it definitely make me want to read more books about time travelling! Great reviews Erin!

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    1. So am I! It isn't typical for me anymore, but is so fun. I have an urge to go binge Doctor Who again. Thanks for commenting, Tasya! ❤

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  2. I've actually seen the film adaptation (with english dubbing over the original german) of the first book so I kinda know what the story is! And omg aren't the characters all so ridiculous yet strangely wonderful at the same time?! Also, in the film, Gideon has an awful haircut. Lovely review, Erin! ♥
    P.S Ugh, the amount of books I say I'll read soon and then... I don't. You know, I think the problem is that there are too many books in the first place - how will I find time to read them all?! XD

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    1. So have I! Although, it wasn't QUITE loyal. And, yes, Gideon's haircut is just...ugh. I think you would have a fun time with these, Rebekah. They really fly by, as well. I actually DID just read the third! See, soon sometimes actually MEANS soon! Thanks for commenting, Rebekah! ❤

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  3. Awesome review! Hmm, this sounds like it may be my sort of book. My birthday is coming up in March; I may ask for the first book!

    Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality

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    1. Thanks, Ellie! This book is so enjoyable and they really fly by. I hope you like it and thanks for commenting! ❤

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  4. I have noticed sometimes with translated books that it is much more simplified maybe. Also I always say I need to get the next book ASAP then it takes me forever so I hear you on that. Glad you enjoyed this!!

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    1. I haven't read many, but I do think that may be the case. And I actually DID get the next book right away this time, but that doesn't usually happen. Thanks for commenting, Grace! ❤

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  5. Any chance you could link me to your review of the first book? This series sounds really interesting - I wanna jump in from the first book though! :)

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    1. Here you go: http://thebookarchivebyerin.blogspot.com/2015/01/ruby-red-by-kerstin-gier.html All my posts are linked in the archive tab above, by the way! I hope you enjoy the series and thanks for commenting! ❤

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