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girlinthepages's review against another edition
2.0
*2.5 Stars*
Hotel Ruby was another coveted addition to my collection thanks to ALA this summer in San Francisco. I had heard some buzz about the book prior to the event, and the cover was absolutely stunning. When I found out that Suzanne Young was going to be signing ARCs of either Hotel Ruby or her "The Program" books, I knew I wanted to opt for Hotel Ruby because it has a total Tower of Terror Vibe to it from the synopsis (I am a huge fan of the Tower of Terror ride at the Disney resorts, and I love the haunting and art-deco atmosphere, which I was hoping would come across in this novel). I started the book on Halloween weekend and was prepared for an eerie, glamorous tale. Unfortunately, while Hotel Ruby provided vivid imagery and a creative concept, the plot and mystery elements were predictable and one-dimensional.
Setting
I'm all about giving credit where credit is due, and though I may have been underwhelmed overall by this book, the setting that Suzanne Young created was very atmospheric to read about, from the lavish hotel lobby to the decadent parties and opulent guest rooms. The gilded elevator doors on the book's cover promise a mysterious, beautifully haunting setting and Suzanne Young delivers. I enjoyed seeing the different levels of the hotels and the bits of history that made up each one.
Plot
A common theme I've come across in most bloggers' reviews of Hotel Ruby is that they guessed the "twist" early on. While this was definitely true for me, I wasn't too disappointed by that fact because I sort of went into the novel already assuming I was supposed to know what the twist was. I don't think a book's worth is solely determined by how predictable or not the plot twist is, but rather on how well the plot is executed. However, the plot really felt clumsy to me. I felt that not only did it take an extraordinarily long time for Audrey to figure out what was going on despite some glaring clues, but there was no real explanation for the paranormal elements. They just happened, and even those apart of the paranormal elements really didn't know why they were or how the rules of the book's universe functioned further than "we're just on separate dimensional planes." Characters also kept mentioning that the Ruby was alive and had a will of it's own, but there were never any details expanded upon that either (there's so much that could be done with a beautiful, haunted, passive-aggressive hotel!) When I read a thriller that's going to delve into the paranormal I demand that a thorough explanation is given, even if it's one not plausible in "real life." An author has so much creative license in their work to develop any sort of world building rules that they want, and it's a shame to see such a missed opportunity in Hotel Ruby.
Romance
This book probably falls under my list of "top ten book offenders of insta love." While I know that with a book set only over a few days the author had less time to develop a romance, it felt so inauthentic that I found my eyes glazing over at the romance scenes. This book really didn't need a romance, it could've focused more on the mystery and tragedy without having to add a obligatory teenage infatuation I-just-met-you-but-I-would-die-for-you situation. I haven't read Suzanne's "The Program" series, but I hope that the romance is more believable that it was in Hotel Ruby.
Characters
None of the characters in Hotel Ruby were particularly likeable, which is not always a bad thing when it comes to fiction. Oftentimes, the unlikable characters are those who bring the compelling element to a plot, inciting a passionate rage in readers (Umbridge, anyone?) However, most of the characters in Hotel Ruby were unlikable either because they were boring, or they were rather irritating and annoying. Audrey is shunned by most of the glamorous guests at the Ruby and therefore starts hanging out with the staff. They're supposed to be her "friends" but most of them are snarky at best and downright rude at worst. While I appreciated her closeness with her brother Daniel, his overbearing protectiveness anytime Audrey interacted with a male character was rather demeaning and regressive. Finally, Audrey constantly references past relationships in her life that she's lost (her deceased mother, her ex boyfriend) and obsesses over how they ended constantly, but those characters are not given enough backstory or depth to mean much to readers or evoke much compassion.
The Ending
I suppose it deserves points for not having the semi-happy ending route that most YA novels tend to take.
Overall: This book held so much potential, it could have been a glamorous yet sinister read with Gatsby-like opulence and eerie undertones. This would have been a book that I would have bought based on the cover and synopsis, and a healthy dose of hope. However, I'm glad I didn't purchase my own copy of Hotel Ruby because it let me down in almost all aspects but the setting, with predictable plot elements, insta-love, and a lot of wandering around the (admittedly beautiful) hotel without explaining any concrete world building or reasoning for its paranormal elements or outcome.
Hotel Ruby was another coveted addition to my collection thanks to ALA this summer in San Francisco. I had heard some buzz about the book prior to the event, and the cover was absolutely stunning. When I found out that Suzanne Young was going to be signing ARCs of either Hotel Ruby or her "The Program" books, I knew I wanted to opt for Hotel Ruby because it has a total Tower of Terror Vibe to it from the synopsis (I am a huge fan of the Tower of Terror ride at the Disney resorts, and I love the haunting and art-deco atmosphere, which I was hoping would come across in this novel). I started the book on Halloween weekend and was prepared for an eerie, glamorous tale. Unfortunately, while Hotel Ruby provided vivid imagery and a creative concept, the plot and mystery elements were predictable and one-dimensional.
Setting
I'm all about giving credit where credit is due, and though I may have been underwhelmed overall by this book, the setting that Suzanne Young created was very atmospheric to read about, from the lavish hotel lobby to the decadent parties and opulent guest rooms. The gilded elevator doors on the book's cover promise a mysterious, beautifully haunting setting and Suzanne Young delivers. I enjoyed seeing the different levels of the hotels and the bits of history that made up each one.
Plot
A common theme I've come across in most bloggers' reviews of Hotel Ruby is that they guessed the "twist" early on. While this was definitely true for me, I wasn't too disappointed by that fact because I sort of went into the novel already assuming I was supposed to know what the twist was. I don't think a book's worth is solely determined by how predictable or not the plot twist is, but rather on how well the plot is executed. However, the plot really felt clumsy to me. I felt that not only did it take an extraordinarily long time for Audrey to figure out what was going on despite some glaring clues, but there was no real explanation for the paranormal elements. They just happened, and even those apart of the paranormal elements really didn't know why they were or how the rules of the book's universe functioned further than "we're just on separate dimensional planes." Characters also kept mentioning that the Ruby was alive and had a will of it's own, but there were never any details expanded upon that either (there's so much that could be done with a beautiful, haunted, passive-aggressive hotel!) When I read a thriller that's going to delve into the paranormal I demand that a thorough explanation is given, even if it's one not plausible in "real life." An author has so much creative license in their work to develop any sort of world building rules that they want, and it's a shame to see such a missed opportunity in Hotel Ruby.
Romance
This book probably falls under my list of "top ten book offenders of insta love." While I know that with a book set only over a few days the author had less time to develop a romance, it felt so inauthentic that I found my eyes glazing over at the romance scenes. This book really didn't need a romance, it could've focused more on the mystery and tragedy without having to add a obligatory teenage infatuation I-just-met-you-but-I-would-die-for-you situation. I haven't read Suzanne's "The Program" series, but I hope that the romance is more believable that it was in Hotel Ruby.
Characters
None of the characters in Hotel Ruby were particularly likeable, which is not always a bad thing when it comes to fiction. Oftentimes, the unlikable characters are those who bring the compelling element to a plot, inciting a passionate rage in readers (Umbridge, anyone?) However, most of the characters in Hotel Ruby were unlikable either because they were boring, or they were rather irritating and annoying. Audrey is shunned by most of the glamorous guests at the Ruby and therefore starts hanging out with the staff. They're supposed to be her "friends" but most of them are snarky at best and downright rude at worst. While I appreciated her closeness with her brother Daniel, his overbearing protectiveness anytime Audrey interacted with a male character was rather demeaning and regressive. Finally, Audrey constantly references past relationships in her life that she's lost (her deceased mother, her ex boyfriend) and obsesses over how they ended constantly, but those characters are not given enough backstory or depth to mean much to readers or evoke much compassion.
The Ending
I suppose it deserves points for not having the semi-happy ending route that most YA novels tend to take.
Overall: This book held so much potential, it could have been a glamorous yet sinister read with Gatsby-like opulence and eerie undertones. This would have been a book that I would have bought based on the cover and synopsis, and a healthy dose of hope. However, I'm glad I didn't purchase my own copy of Hotel Ruby because it let me down in almost all aspects but the setting, with predictable plot elements, insta-love, and a lot of wandering around the (admittedly beautiful) hotel without explaining any concrete world building or reasoning for its paranormal elements or outcome.
michael_martinez's review against another edition
2.0
This book was pretty much what I expected from the tagline. Stay tonight, Stay Forever. This is basically Hotel California stretched out to book form. An overall boring main character that I honestly didn't really care what happened to her by the end. Plus throw in a pointless romance that seemed more out of convenience then emotion. There was a slight little swerve at the end that actually got me a little interested but sadly it was not enough to save this book.
kystark1201's review against another edition
4.0
It was a good story, at first i thought i knew the plot somewhere.
but it turned out pretty orginal.
the book is very easy to understand, fast and short.
but it turned out pretty orginal.
the book is very easy to understand, fast and short.
vicrine's review against another edition
2.0
6/10. Might have liked it more if I was 17 again and could relate to the kids instead of the dad lol. I am so old.
daffz's review against another edition
2.0
This book was pretty meh from the start. It took a long time for anything to really happen or for any answers to appear, and by the time they did I already wasn't invested in the story or the characters. It just didn't work for me. Audrey wasn't very likeable, and none of the other characters were very memorable. The twist about the hotel wasn't nearly as interesting as I hoped it would be, and I really didn't like the ending either. The romance was the worst, instalove without any chemistry.
Not a good fit for me.
Not a good fit for me.
lost_in_tome's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cammmiam's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 out of 5 stars.
Remember that Disney Channel original movie, Tower of Terror? Well, Hotel Ruby kind of reminded me of that, in the sense that it is haunted by ghosts stuck after a tragedy. Learning about that tragedy was the only reason I had to keep reading. A bonus also occurred when all of Audrey's observations came together to illuminate the truth.
Otherwise, I found this story to be rather meh. The characters were not memorable and the romance did nothing for me. I can respect Audrey's love for her family though.
Remember that Disney Channel original movie, Tower of Terror? Well, Hotel Ruby kind of reminded me of that, in the sense that it is haunted by ghosts stuck after a tragedy. Learning about that tragedy was the only reason I had to keep reading. A bonus also occurred when all of Audrey's observations came together to illuminate the truth.
Otherwise, I found this story to be rather meh. The characters were not memorable and the romance did nothing for me. I can respect Audrey's love for her family though.
klarry's review against another edition
3.0
I read it, I enjoyed it. But I didn't have any strong feelings about it ether way. Average book I guess.
safaristevie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
bookish_notes's review against another edition
5.0
This book has gone through a complete cover redesign and the title was changed when it went from the hardcover to the paperback version. Both are gorgeous covers. The hardcover is titled [b:Hotel Ruby|24465518|Hotel Ruby|Suzanne Young|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1421077785s/24465518.jpg|44058333], and the paperback is called [b:Hotel for the Lost|32416539|Hotel for the Lost|Suzanne Young|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475535627s/32416539.jpg|53015690]. This is a standalone novel, so there’s no need to worry about the covers in a series not matching.
This book starts off with Audrey Casella and her older brother, Daniel, getting shipped off to live with their grandmother in Nevada. Their mother died three months before this story begins and their father decided he could no longer look after them in his grief. On the drive to their new living arrangements, they decide to stay the night at Hotel Ruby.
But then their stay is more than one night, and then it’s until the end of the week. There are mysterious happenings at the Ruby and their stay, even from the beginning, is a little strange. Audrey’s family has drifted apart since her mother’s death, but her brother and father are given separate rooms on the sixth floor while she alone is given a room on the thirteenth. There is black tie, invitation-only event in the hotel ballroom every evening and weird things start happening that only Audrey seems to notice.
This is a fantastic story for the Halloween season and [a:Suzanne Young|164576|Suzanne Young|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1357757103p2/164576.jpg] manages to make this story just spooky enough that I got chills reading it. I found the plot almost 99% predictable and managed to guess the plot early on in the book, but the story is enjoyable enough that it kept me engrossed to the very end. Audrey meets a boy named Elias, and a wide group of the Ruby staff during her short stay at the Ruby. Is it realistic that Audrey almost immediately falls for a boy she just met? Well, she is still grieving, coming off a two-year relationship, and sees him as a short, summer camp romance. I think for this story, the romance works and the author manages to make it seem believable.
Quite frankly, I loved all the characters. Well, maybe except the suspicious concierge, Kenneth. The ending left me in bawling. I was looking for a light-hearted, fun, spooky read, and the book delivered all on all that. BUT, it also winded up being a kick in the feels. At the heart of this story is a grieving family who doesn’t know how to move on from a devastating loss. Personally, I liked how the story ended, but I can see if some readers may not. Overall, this is a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hotel Ruby.
This book starts off with Audrey Casella and her older brother, Daniel, getting shipped off to live with their grandmother in Nevada. Their mother died three months before this story begins and their father decided he could no longer look after them in his grief. On the drive to their new living arrangements, they decide to stay the night at Hotel Ruby.
But then their stay is more than one night, and then it’s until the end of the week. There are mysterious happenings at the Ruby and their stay, even from the beginning, is a little strange. Audrey’s family has drifted apart since her mother’s death, but her brother and father are given separate rooms on the sixth floor while she alone is given a room on the thirteenth. There is black tie, invitation-only event in the hotel ballroom every evening and weird things start happening that only Audrey seems to notice.
This is a fantastic story for the Halloween season and [a:Suzanne Young|164576|Suzanne Young|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1357757103p2/164576.jpg] manages to make this story just spooky enough that I got chills reading it. I found the plot almost 99% predictable and managed to guess the plot early on in the book, but the story is enjoyable enough that it kept me engrossed to the very end. Audrey meets a boy named Elias, and a wide group of the Ruby staff during her short stay at the Ruby. Is it realistic that Audrey almost immediately falls for a boy she just met? Well, she is still grieving, coming off a two-year relationship, and sees him as a short, summer camp romance. I think for this story, the romance works and the author manages to make it seem believable.
Quite frankly, I loved all the characters. Well, maybe except the suspicious concierge, Kenneth. The ending left me in bawling. I was looking for a light-hearted, fun, spooky read, and the book delivered all on all that. BUT, it also winded up being a kick in the feels. At the heart of this story is a grieving family who doesn’t know how to move on from a devastating loss. Personally, I liked how the story ended, but I can see if some readers may not. Overall, this is a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hotel Ruby.