Book Review: Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Paperback: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter

Pages: 304
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: April 19th, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. {Goodreads}

First off let me say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. But with that said, I did have some issues with the plot set up and some of characters were a little contrived…at least in the beginning when the stage is being set. If you can get past the rough start I think you’ll start to see the potential for a charming romantically read with a dash of adventure mixed in.

I liked Kate. She is kind and a true friend. The relationship with her dying mother was written beautifully. I believe I may have even cried at one point. Amy wove a nicely packaged story in a mere three-hundred pages but I think the reader will need to consciously choose to ignore signs of a forced plot. Once you decide to accept these gaps in story, you will begin to be enchanted by the lush world Aimee Carter has created. When we are introduced Kate’s conditions to become Henry’s possible wife I thought we’d witness some kick ass scenes, but most of the test Kate has to endure are done without her knowledge. There is a few plots twist; I pretty much was able to determine how the story would play out.

I think book two, Goddess Interrupted, will prove to be more action packed with a growing romance between Henry and Kate.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it anyone who enjoys mythology, romance and books you can read pretty much read in one sitting. Perfect summer read.

♥♥♥♥

Review: Sleepers by Megg Jensen

Epub: Sleepers(The Swarm #1)

Author: Megg Jensen

Publisher: DarkSide Publishing (July 20, 2011)

Genre: YA/ High Adventure Fantasy

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

From Goodreads:

An adoptee raised in a foreign land, sixteen-year-old Lianne was content with her life as handmaiden to the queen, until a spell cast on her at birth activated. Now she's filled with uncontrollable rage and access to magic she thought had been bled from her people years ago. Even her years of secret training in elite hand-to-hand combat and meditation can’t calm the fires raging inside her. 

Her heart is torn between two boys, the one she’s always loved and the one who always ignored her. But when the kingdom threatens to tear itself apart due to rumors surrounding the queen’s alleged affair, who will Lianne protect and who will she destroy? 

I was really excited to read and review Sleepers. First off, the cover is so striking. I know they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but in the case of this book, the story is just as fantastic as the gorgeous cover. Lianne won me over very early in the book. I immediately loved her as the best-friend to the Queen who is beautiful as she is kind; her romance with swoon-worthy Kellan and the fact that she can take down any man in hand to hand combat. She is my kind a gal. I was really surprised at the connection I made with these characters in such a short time. The book is under 300 pages and yet it’s plenty of time for you to grow to care about Lianne and the people she loves.

Even though the story is on the shorter side the reader is taken on a journey that does not disappoint. Lianne has always felt a certain amount of safety even thought her adoptive family definitely took lessons from Cinderella’s step-mother and wretched step-sisters on how to treat ones family. She has a best friend and confidant in an unlikely person, Queen Mags. I like that we see an honest and flawed side of Lianne best friend. She isn’t perfect but she and Lianne find a balance in their friendship since they both technically stuck and not able to do what they want in life. Lianne’s real freedom lies with Kellan, her newly acquired boyfriend. She has been training with him and his adoptive father since she was a little girl. The real drama begins on Lianne’s 16^th birthday. Kellan tells her everything will change. Oh boy. It sure does. Lianne wakes up with an anger that is boiling and swirling inside of her. This is where things start to get really interesting, and when Bryden gains my favor. Even though a tragic accident happened to Bryden when he was younger he dismissed the limits of his legs and began honing other skill sets. While Lianne and Kellan fought and trained he read and studied, swam and learned how to be invisible (not physically, though I’d like to see that) Even though the beginning of the story was good, the action and drama doesn’t really set in until the middle of the story. Megg Jensen created a plot with plenty of twist and turns, characters whose loyalty you wouldn’t think to question and once the magic is “unleashed”, watch out. Trouble is coming from all fronts.

Sleepers, was action packed and had just the right amount of romance. The characters are likeable and I really can’t wait to see what happens in book 2.  Thank you Meg for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. It’s one that I will happy recommend to others. I only request that you don’t make me wait too much longer for book two… I need to know where this is going to go. J

Possible pairing: Graceling Kristin Cashore, Brightly Woven by Alexandra Backen

Review: Hex Hall By Rachel Hawkins

Paperback: Hex Hall (Book 1)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Pages: 352

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Release Date: February 1, 2011

Genre Young Adult/ Paranormal Romance

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

      Hex Hall was nothing short of one fantastic summer read. From page one we witness Sophie’s unfortunate attempt to “fix” a fellow classmates dilemma by creating a super charged love spell on the hottest boy in school. Now don’t doubt Sophie’s ability here, the spell worked. It just worked a little too well. Let’s just say the unfortunate boy may have driven his vehicle into the schools gymnasium and may have punched a teacher in the face in his struggle to reach his one “true love.”  After said failed love spell attempt words like “witch” were cast out against Sophie and as punishment she is charged with attending the remainder of her high schools days at Hecate Hall. In short Hecate Hall or as the students say, Hex Hall is a boarding school for the delinquent witch, warlock, faire and shifter.

     Sophie’s first day at Hex Hall is somewhat comparable to Harry Potter’s first day attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sophie like Harry has never really known any other magical person so she naturally is dazed and overwhelmed by other gifted students before she even gets past the front door. Sophie’s first run in with a shifter is Justin. He is not happy and when he catches Sophie looking over his way he snarls and transforms into a real fircken werewolf. Werewolf. Great. The only thing Sophie can think to do or say is, “bad dog”, as he comes leaping her way with pure fury. Cue, resident bad boy and warlock, Archer Cross.  In one swift moment, Archer has dealt with the “bad dog” and Sophie is reluctantly put off by his manner and attitude (even though the whole package is something to drool over) Mind you, Sophie hasn’t even made it through the front door and she is already set on going home. Sophie is roomed with Jenna. A young, wait for it…. Vampire. Yep. She is the only vampire student among Hecate Hall and a scholarship student at that. So you can only imagine how much the rest of the school detests her and she is considered inferior and a monster. I liked Jenna right away. Even though she has some personal demons to work on she is trying her best to be a good person, err, vampire? Jenna’s side of the room is decked out in electric raspberry pink… EVERYTING, from the bed spread to the streak in her hair. Even though Sophie likes her, the rest of the school thinks she is responsible for a student’s death and has shunned her.

     We learn that Sophie is a dark witch. Yea, I know, she was shocked too. And the only other dark witches happen to also be the queens of high school bitch-dom.  And they want Sophie for their coven. She politely declines after that use their powers to intimidate her. It’s just not her thing, she doesn’t want hurt people. So now she has pissed off these girls life at Hex Hall is going to be difficult. Weird things start to happen. Two girls are attacked and it looks like from a vampire and a strange ghost is following Sophie around and she has taken a special interest in Sophie.

      I really, really, enjoyed Hex Hall.   This book kind of had it all: magical powers, paranormal creatures, intrigue, deceit and plenty of plot twist. I liked it so much, the minute I finished it I ordered book two, Demonglass off Amazon.  Rachel Hawkins left off with a great line and I really cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two.

 ♥♥♥♥♥

Possible pairings:

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough and The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray

Review: Starcorssed by Josephine Angelini

Paperback: Starcrossed
Author: Josephine Angelini

Pages: 352
Publisher: HarperTeen  

Release Date: May 31st, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart. {Goodreads}
Hands down this was my favorite read from this summer. I have been gushing all day to anybody who would listen to me about the beautiful writing and tragic love of Lucas and Helen. Sigh.  From page one I was hooked. Helen Hamilton is my kind of girl. She literally is the face that launched a 1000 ships but she has cramps anytime people pay the slightest attention to her. Poor girl. Her best friend Claire is full of spunk and is the most understating best friend Helen could ever ask for. Once the Delos family moves in and starts at her high school Helens feels major unease about them and the moment she lays eyes on the gorgeous drink of sexy water she launches a full on attack and literally attempts to choke out said hottie.
Helen along with the Delos kids and the majority of her high school realize that something is going on between Lucas and Helen even though they’ve never met up until Helens tries to strangle him. So, we have Helen who has now met people who are just like her, these three girls with bloody tears show up every time she is around the Delos family and her lust to kill Lucas is nearly unbearable. The dream/nightmare sequences are so beautifully told, and within these night time journeys, Helen and Lucas end up saving each other, but neither realizes this “dream” has actually happened. This is where things start to get interesting. 
I really loved everything about this story. The Delos family dynamic was awesome. It’s a little similar to the Cullen’s from Twilight, they disagree with their kind and have chosen to live a different lifestyle and they definitely have some cash. The mythology was beautifully retold, the action was intense and wild, and have I mentioned how hot Lucas is? Swoon. J
Overall, I love every word of this book. It has action, romance, suspense, intrigue,  and actually some really funny one liners.
I’m bummed that I’ve seen some 1 and 2 start ratings for the book. I’d give it more than 5 if I could. Can’t wait for book two, Dreamless.

♥♥♥♥♥

Review: Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Paperback: Supernaturally
Author: Kiersten White

Pages: 352
Publisher: HarperTeen  

Release Date: July 26th, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.
But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.
So much for normal.

Two-is words… Bleepin-tastic J But the journey to the fantastic was a little weighed down by Evie being kind of an obnoxious teenager, but the ending more than made up for her behavior. The first few chapters I found myself laughing out loud. I forgot how much I missed Evie’s sense of humor and use of bleep for cuss words. We’re back in Supernaturally, and Evie has managed to adjust to her life as a normal teenager… who are we kidding? She is still fascinated with her locker. Evie is doing her best at fitting in but, Evie isn’t normal and things start to get really strange in Supernaturally. IPCA has come back into the picture, things have been getting out of control and they could really use someone with Evie’s particular talents. Lend is of course against this from the beginning but Evie feels she can finally do some good.  One condition for Evie is there is no bleepin way will she work with a single fairy. But see, this has been all worked out. Jack (who isn’t quite normal and not fairy) can navigate the paths quite well but he is down-right mischievous and seems to always pop up at the most unfortunate times, like the girls locker room before gym. Oops. Evie and Jack begin their adventures with some troubles, shocking. J Evie continues to find herself in situations of mortal peril and she is forced to use her soul sucking skill to escape. I started getting irritated with Evie near the middle of the book. I was bored with her. I know. I hate to hate but I didn’t like where our spunky Evie was headed for. BUT, we have a bleepin BUT here, she really came through in the end and does some major kick-ass stuff. Some heavy whipped cream gets spilled all over Evie, okay that sounded a lot more dirty than I meant. Rephrase. Some heavy shiz goes down and our girl shows that she insn’t some ditzy-girl but she has some balls and isn’t afraid to open a can of glitter and pink whoop-ass.
I was worried for a while that I was going to just skim and read the ending but Kiersten White brought me back into the story with some twist and shocking revelations. I am definitely pumped for some bleepin fun in Endlessly.

♥♥♥♥

Review: Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Paperback: Cascade (River of Time Book 2)
Author: Lisa T Bergren

Pages: 416
Publisher: David C Cook  

Release Date: June 1st, 2011(reprint edition)
Genre: Young Adult/High Adventure/Fantasy
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever. {Goodreads.com}

If Waterfall was a battle then Cascade is definitely a war! We pick up right where we left off in Waterfall and the action and suspense doesn’t disappoint. After very little persuasion, the She-Wolves return with their mother in tow. A few weeks have passed but the bond between Marcello (swoon) and Gabi is just as strong. Coming back the sisters realize they and Castle Forelli are the brink of war with Firenze and they are nearing the beginning of  The Black Plague. This threat is real to everyone even our sister duo.

I love how strong Gabi and Lia are, and Ms. Bergren continues to test them throughout the story. They are proud to represent what they see as their home and protect the people within its wall. We see more of the handsome cousin duo, Marcello and Luca who will bewitch more readers in this sequel. We especially witness the love between a certain cousin and sister. (no spoilers) The introduction of Gabi and Lia’s mother was seamless and she fit right into 14^th century Italy. Waterfall was a good book but Cascade has taken it to the next level. Be prepared for adrenaline-pumping-action scenes, courageous escapes, incredible plot twist, political complication and the peril of a long time forgotten. This is a fantastic time travel story and I know Torrent  is going to be awesome. 

♥♥♥♥♥

Review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Paperback: Brightly Woven
Author: Alexandra Bracken

Pages: 368
Publisher: EgmontUSA  

Release Date: June 28^st, 2011(reprint edition)
Genre: Young Adult/High Adventure/Fantasy
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him. 

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers. 

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

(Goodreads.com)

A fantastical story of magic, romance, adventure and weaving! I am truly smitten with this stunning cover art. The contrast of Sydelle’s alabaster skin and her vibrant red locks most definitely captures the visual I imagined while reading this book.

Sydelle lives with her family in an isolated mountain-esque village that has been experiencing a drought for ten years. With one rain storm her entire existence is transformed from drab village dweller to the assistant of a powerful and rogue wizard, Wayland North. North literally whisk’s Sydelle away from impending doom in her village. The good king is dead and war encroaches on the free lands. Together North and Sydelle must venture to the capital with hopes of presenting the truth behind the King’s assassination. Sydelle is aware that North is keeping something from her and when more than one wizard attempts to claim Syd as their own, North stops at nothing to protect her from danger. 

I enjoyed Brightly Woven. Bracken did a solid job of creating a lyrical narration and Wayland North is one hot mess of a wizard. Brightly Woven is a wonderful break out novel of traditional fantasy reads. Sydelle and North are wonderfully rendered characters; they’re honest, funny and charming. The magic was enchanting and I really loved the weaving element. 

I hope Bracken gets to writing; I am ready for another fantastical adventure.

♥♥♥♥

Possible Pairings:

Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore

Alana: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness)  by Tamora Pierce

Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Book: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Pages: 352
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: June 21^st, 2011
Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥

“What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?”

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlam

ps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

(Goodreads.com description)

The cover of Spellbound is simply beautiful, hands down one of my favorite covers of 2011 new releases. With that said it wasn’t one of my favorite reads, unfortunately. I had high hope for this Young Adult contemporary set book with its sprinkling undertones of magic and age-old curses. I didn’t dislike the book but overall I am left wanting. I think the potential here was incredible but it’s missing … something.

The story starts off with Emma; her family life is that of tragedy. Her twin brother and mother have passed away and she is stuck living with an alcoholic step-father who nearly ended her life in a terrible car accident.  Cue, awesome-wealthy aunt who lives in trendy New York City. Her aunt moves Emma to live with her in a swanky apartment, close to her only real friend, her cousin Ashley, who prepares her for her first day at one of the only co-gender high schools in NYC. Ashley is only a freshmen but Emma appreciates all the help she can give her regarding her new prep-school.  During her first day we are introduced to an array of quirky and typical students- Anthony the manwhore of Vincent Academy, his reigning on-off-again queen bitch friend, Kristen who Emma royally pisses off from the get go, Angelique (my fave character) resident witch, Cisco, very kind and gay friend who totally keeps it real (love it) and last but not least Brendan, the gorgeous I roll-out-of-bed with this hair and it works kind a perfect specimen of high school hotness.

When Emma and Brendan meet its a little Twilght­e-esque.  They both notice and immediate connection but Brendan who is as cold as ice for most of this book really sends out mixed signals that does start to wear on the reader. When he is not being a bad-boy and ignoring Emma he is most definitely swoon-worthy. Saving her when she picks a fight with the unstable Anthony, listening to Cisco’s boyfriends band play, their ease and connection really leaps off the page. The key element to their special bond is that of a necklace that Emma wears around her neck. She starts having these intense dreams that are set in different time periods and unfortunately she ends up dying at the end of them. Once she figures at the necklace is traced back to a couple with a tragic curse she seeks out her friend Angelique to help unravel the past and learn why she is so connected to Brendan and that if stays with him her life will end. Together only her and Brendan can beat the curse.

Like I said, the potential was definitely there but the story lacked in some areas. I actually give this a solid 3.5.

Review: Divergent, Veronica Roth

Book: Divergent (Divergent Trilogy)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Adventure

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

I don’t think I have any complaints about this book, except, that I have to wait until sometime next year for the second book in this epic trilogy to be released, Insurgent, hurry up already. Veronica Roth created and most engaging and terrifying dystopian world where people are now broken up into five different factions: Abnegation who put others before their own needs and where Beatrice is from, the Dauntless who are extremely brave, and fearless, Erudite who are studious, the Amity who are peaceful, and last but certainly not least are Candor who are honest.

At the age bright young age of 16 each child has the opportunity to choose their forever faction. You can either stay where you were raised with your family or you can choose to attempt and assimilate into another one of the four factions. To help prepare you for this very important decision, each person is administered a test of sorts to see where you most likely fit in. Cue book where things get interesting. Beatrice doesn’t test into one of the five factions, oh no, she shows that she has three of these traits. She attempts to get answers as to why this is bad but she isn’t given really any information except don’t tell anyone.

From here on out Beatrice or really, Tris, shows nothing but her determination to make a mark on the world. She makes the one decision that will turn her world upside down.  

***Spoilers***

Once Beaetrice decides to choose Dauntless she ditches her name for Tris. Here she will no longer be the meek silent girl with no voice. She raises up to the challenges that are laid out before her. Divergent, was nothing short of brilliant. I was literally on the edge of my seat with anticipation of the next insane thing our girl was going to go up against. All I am going to say, butter knife in the eye. Damn. I recommend this book to any one into major action, adventure, romance and kick ass heroines.

I think this is one of the best books I've read thus far in 2011!

♥♥♥♥♥

Review: Ruby Red, by Kerstin Gier

Book: Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Adventure

Rating: ♥♥♥ 1/2

Gwyneth Shepherd has grown up just like any average teen, she goes to the movies, talks about boys and doesn't have to learn French, be well versed in European History or have to deal with those nasty time travel induced-headaches... or does she?

In Kerstin, Gier's Ruby Red, book one in her Ruby Red Trilogy, we are introduced to Gwyn; a sixteen year old who as always lived in the shadow of her perfect cousin, Charlotte. In the blood of this family lies the gene that allows one to time travel. Charlotte has been trained since early childhood on the secrets of time travel; she is fluent in different languages, she knows her history and has been educated on proper etiquette. Unlike our under-prepared Gwyn who has been brushed to the side by her rather overbearing family that is all members of the Time Traveling Society that has been around for centuries. Once Gwyn starts having the ever-telling dizzy spells she is rushed back into time. Gasp! She luckily is only gone for a few moments before any real damage can be done. Once the truth finally comes out (she time travels three times before she tells her Mother), all hell breaks loose. Unbeknownst to the family, Gwyn’s mom lied on her birth certificate and was born on the special day that would mark her or Charlotte as the next time traveler in the family. The family is simply outraged. Gwyn’s aunt is a most wretched woman who thinks Gwyn’s mom has plotted to bring her own daughter glory and Charlotte shame and embarrassment. This is of course absurd. Gwyn’s mom was really trying to save her daughter the pain of what would be her life would be if she were the one to be the next in line for time travel, AKA, Ruby Red.
To get Gwyn caught up, she is rushed into the plot to outwit the supposed bad guys who have their own agenda to sabotage the ultimate mission that will reveal a long lost secret. Oh my!
Cue, handsome, smug and a bit dashing in his looks, traveling companion, Gideon. Here these two will start to unravel the mysteries of the past (which have been altered by other time travelers). They engage acts of espionage, ancient devices, magic (but of course) and for our leading lady, murder. We witness time travel back into the 17th and 18th centuries. Gwyn is lacking some polish but she tries her best to figure it out. The research was clearly done and the costumes created sound simply divine. Overall, I was entertained and look forward to Sapphire Blue and Emerald Green. It lacked some zest in the romance, there is definitely an attraction between Gideon and Gwyn but I wanted a little more oomph. Maybe in Blue Sapphire? I enjoyed the aspect of Gwyn being able to see ghost and the fact that she does indeed interact with them as though they are living, breathing people. I thought the time travel was well done and creative and that time travel isn’t for the faintest of hearts.
I give this book 3.5 ♥♥♥ 1/2.