Reviews

Ruby by V.C. Andrews

literarypengwyns's review

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4.0

My first V.C. Andrews book and man, it was a wild ride! Definitely hooked and can’t wait to finish out the series.

Also, this was written by VCA’s ghost writer (a man) so once I found that out, some parts were a bit cringey. And there are some problematic themes around racism, abuse (physical, sexual and verbal), classism and some others. Please go to doesthedogdie.com for triggers etc.

sanctuarylover's review

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4.0

Now this was a VC Andrews book. It was kinda slow in the beginning but once we got over the first hurdle did it really begin.

I’m also glad there wasn’t as much incest as some of the previous series’ but hey that’s just the brand lol.

ameliamia's review

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Okay I loved this, I’ve read FITA and the cutler series and this so far has been my favorite (long story short I’m trying to read the ghost written books before the Casteel series and My Sweet Audrina ) the cutler series was more “fantastical soap opera” vibes and Dawn is so stupid - sorry babes but you have half a brain. But Ruby was still soap opera-y but it seemed more believable I guess? Idk lol and I love the (southern) Louisiana setting and themes. I’m excited for the rest of the series! 

jasmine388f8's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

bb_laurens's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoy most of VC Andrews' ghost writer's works. They're never exactly how I think she would have written it, but he does well. Ruby had a wonderful relationship with Grandmere Catherine and she will never disgrace it no matter what Giselle and Daphne do to her. She had great character development. The only thing that bothered me, like with many other male authors, is how her sexuality was portrayed. Overall, good book.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°
"For truth was a bright light and just like any bright light, it was hard to look into it."
-V. C. Andrews, Ruby

paperbackstash's review

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Ruby was never an exceptional story - most of the Andrews magic died with her. The continued stories with the ghostwriter worked slightly but not well enough for me. By now its getting generic and a little too melodramatic, even though the changes of scenery are fascinating.

floabran's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

vannababes's review

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4.0

4.5/5

This is one of VC Andrews series that I had never read, and I am surprised that I liked it as much. The best parts were the first half in the bayou, and to learn the true relationship between Paul and Ruby was unfair to me as I want them together (and I'm not supposed to, then again this is a VC Andrews book). I find the new love interest, Beau, to be much left desired as he is no where as sweet and charming as loving Paul, instead he is Ruby's twin sister's boyfriend and kinda a sexually-pressuring dick. Paul would never. I am waiting for there to be an explanation of how Paul couldn't be Ruby's half brother, therefore allowing the relationship I desire.

Is Ruby our basic VC Andrews main girl? Yes, but she was slightly more likeable, at least compared to Dawn and Melody. She didn't feel that dumb, even if she wasn't as sexually advanced due to her innocence in the bayou. However, her trusting Giselle or telling her what she had done after her paralysis, or wanting to trust her Grandpere Jack and give him her money, made me want to strangle her.

I feel like a lot has been accomplished in this one book, and am curious to see how much more they can do in the next 4. Also thankfully no bad grandmother trope. Give me a bad stepmother instead!
Also, I did feel for Daphne and know that Gabrielle will have her own prequel and I gotta say, she ain't making a good impression on me. Sleeping with 2 married men, like come on. I really do feel bad for both of the women who had to take those babies in and pretend they are theirs. I know I couldn't.

frankiehw's review

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jamieml's review

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5.0

Although the plot structure of the story was quite similar to other V.C. Andrews series, it was still quite enjoyable.
As always with any V.C. Andrews novel, the characters are unique and most certainly interesting. I especially like Ruby. I think she is a great female heroine; strong, independent, and realistic. I am excited to read the rest of the series and to see where fate takes her.