Ruby Red: Ruby Red Trilogy, Book 1

I'll start by saying I didn't know this was a young adult book until after I started listening to it. I didn't really mind, but thought perhaps the blurb for the book could have been more specific about this. The book had a good premise, was fast paced and interesting, but it was not a stand alone novel. It didn't have an ending, just a stopping point that prepares you for the next book in the series. I always find this an annoying quality in a book, and for that reason I only gave the story 3 stars. I love a good series, but for me, a good series is a series of stand alone novels that all tie together in the end. Marissa Calin's narration was the high point of the book for me. She did a marvelous job with character voices, her accents sounded authentic and she added greatly to building suspense and keeping you engaged in the narrative.

What other reviewers said is true; Ruby Red is not a novel, just the beginning of one. It's not that it ends in a cliffhanger--it doesn't--or that it sets up a sequel too obviously. It's that nothing happens, there's no arc, just a slow build-up and then a prologue. Imagine the Hunger Games ending before Katniss stepped in the arena or when she's in but only just begun. Imagine Pride and Prejudice ending with Jane's sickness.

The time travel mystery seems overwrought so far. Gwyneth, a 16-year old time traveler, somes some spirit and intelligence, but needs the assistance and is therefore apparently bound to an organization of a bunch of sinister old men, a few women, and her fellow time-traveller, an older boy. At this point it doesn't seem like she's making many choices. This is not pure time travel. Visions, ghosts, telepathy, and apparently alchemy and magic all play parts in this world.

The reader's voice and style were metallic and mechanical to my ears, a little grating and not a great choice for a dramatic narration in the voice of a teenaged girl.

This YA novel is the first in a trilogy about teenagers who time-travel. The audio is nicely paced and engaging and was easy for the whole family (young teens) to listen to. The story itself has a great mix of suspense and humor. The ending is a bit up in the air and therefore a bit disappointing, but oh well, it just makes us want the next one. And the narrator is perfect. She made the characters come alive and her accents were flawless. We loved it!

I love that you really don't know what is going on, just like Gwendolyn. I love the concept of time travel and that it is uncontrolled without the chronograph.This has become my favourite teen fiction trilogies. I love that Gwendolyn is so ordinary and that Gideon is so dreamy. The character that steals the show is the gargoyl.

My favourite part is the end where Gideon kisses Gwendolyn.

My favourite character is the gargoyl. I can't remembr how to spell his name.

I laughed and though I didn't cry tears, I cryied out in frustration a few times.

I've read the whole series in German and can't wait for the English version. The movie comes out in fall of 2013 (in German but the trailer looks so cool).

I really enjoyed this story. I didn't notice any of the problems that others found with the narration. The ending did seem a bit rushed, almost like the author forced a segue for the next book. Some parts made me laugh out loud. Overall, I recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of the current, popular youth fiction choices out today.

This is a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was slightly predictable, but I can't wait 'till the next two! The narration did sound like it was recorded in a tunnel, though.