KEEP CALM AND LOVE BOOKS: 18th century

Pages: 451 pages

Publication Date: October 8th 2013 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

ISBN: 0805092676 (ISBN13: 9780805092677)

Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is. She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along. Emerald Green is the stunning conclusion to Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red Trilogy, picking up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate.

Now, What I Thought:

Ahh, the last book in the Precious Stone Trilogy... so sad. I did not want to see this series end but unfortunately, it was time to wrap things up and call it quits. After all, we needed to find who the real culprit was right?

It was definitely sad to say goodbye to Gwen and her quick wit and also Xemerius! Boo! He literally made the books so funny and not all dramatic at times. Again, I will say that the romance portion was lacking and I felt no connection between Gideon and Gwen. The only time I didn't particularly like Gwen, was when she was obsessing over Gideon and not getting her priorities straight. With that being said, Xemerius did stop the whining of lovers scorned at most times and fixed her priorities. I don't want to give too much away so I can't necessarily talk about the plot considering this book was dedicated to solving all of the problems and mysteries.

BUT. CAN I JUST TEASE YOU GUYS ABOUT THAT ENDING? LIKE DAMN. I was not expecting that at all. I loved that surprise because then everything starting clicking into place, in my mind. I will say that the whole book was kind of lacking in exciting plot twists. Having read the whole novel, the book was all leading up to the big finale, which many were disappointed in. I can see their P.O.Vs for sure, but I just loved this series so much I couldn't not like it, especially the end!

I always hate reading the last books in any series because I can't seem to let go no matter what! I mean, I still reread this books from time to time.

18th century - 11:06:00 PM

Emerald Green (Precious Stone Trilogy, #3) by Kerstin Gier | Review

Pages: 451 pages Publication Date: October 8th 2013 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) ISBN: 0805092676 (ISBN13: 9780805092677 ) Gwen...

Pages: 357 pages

Publication Date: October 30th 2012 by Henry Holt

ISBN: 0805092668 (ISBN13: 9780805092660)

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.

Now, What I Thought:

The second book in this wonderful trilogy was just as exhilarating as the first! The comedy was on point and I'll tell you why: Xemerius. I LOVE HIM..IT? LOL. Who knew Gier could make a gargoyle funny and have it actually work with the story. I also love James, I mean how fun and great was it to actually meet him when he was alive and kicking! We left the first book with Gwen and Gideon kissing and we open the book right in that same scene. Having read all the books a couple times, I can still say that the romance was the only problem I had with this series. I honestly couldn't stand Gideon or his romantic notions and crap with Gwen. Don't get me wrong, I love Gwen, she's a great, funny and so very realistic protagonist but god was the romance such a disappointment. I just didn't like their relationship and whole 'connection' between them, oh well. Still, it didn't deteriorate my opinion on the books as a whole.

We were introduced to Raphael, Gideon's little brother who takes an interest in Lesly. Nothing special there really, again, don't get wrong I love Lesly as well but they don't really contribute to the storyline much except for a certain part, but thats really it. Can I just say how entertaining and cool it is to hear and read through Paul and Lucy's P.O.V. in the epilogues?

Not much to say for this book, except that the final last book is way better and I'm pretty sure I'm going to re-read it after reviewing it haha.

18th century - 9:55:00 PM

Sapphire Blue (Precious Stone Trilogy, 2) by Kerstin Gier | Review

Pages: 357 pages Publication Date: October 30th 2012 by Henry Holt ISBN: 0805092668 (ISBN13: 9780805092660 ) Gwen’s life has...

Pages: 324 pages

Publication Date: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt

ISBN: 0805092528 (ISBN13: 9780805092523)

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.

Now What I Thought:

The amount of times I have re-read this book is insane. Most of the time I have a hard time picking out new books to read because it's novels like Ruby Red that just captivate my attention over and over again. The first book is really good, it does a great job at introducing all of the characters and Gwyneth is just such a likeable person. Charlotte, her cousin, on the other hand... I mean, I do feel bad for her A LITTLE, but as for some of her actions and rude remarks towards Gwen, are just ridiculously unnecessary. The novel itself and the content is so funny. Definitely has comedic aspects in it, if not the whole thing. I will be honest, from the first time I read this till now... I never did like Gideon, 'the love interst'. Sure he's her companion and her opposite, if you will, but the guy is seriously such a git.

As for the time-travel part of the book, it was good. I loved Gier's view and representation of time-travel and was definitely enjoyable. Gwen is part of this whole dynasty and family just filled with the unknown and while she thinks she's just on the outskirts of the big whole plan, she's really smack-dab in the centre. I liked the fact that Gwen caught on fast and was a fast learner when it came to time travel, even though Charlotte would disagree. Her family on the other hand, really irked me, down to her mother. Her aunts just never believed in Gwen and her ability to do a good job and fix the problem at hand. I hated how they would make her feel insufficient and inferior to Charlotte and Gideon.

Having read this trilogy so many times, it's difficult to remember what happens in each individual book and not mush everything together, some of you will know what I mean, haha. This series was originally written in German, and even the movies that were made are in German. The translation was totally fine and I didn't notice anything too peculiar about word choice and such. Kerstin Gier has an amazing talent to write YA fantasy and I never once found myself bored, lulled etc. reading these novels.