A review by chrystalo
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

3.0

This book was ...ok. I enjoyed the overall premise, but it felt like a starter book that could've fit into a few chapters than a complete thought. The plot was complicated, but not in a particularly interesting manner, and it seemed contrived the way that we were kept in the dark about major plot points. There is a way to create tension in a novel without basically saying "This is complicated. There is tons of important information you're not allowed to know yet. Nananananaaaaana!" Also, the character development was minimal and inconsistent at best. I think the pacing of the book was fine, but I was very disappointed when I realized that I was nearing the end, because NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED. This is a fine read if you're waiting for something better to come along, or just want something quick. 2.5 at best, rounded up because I'm nice like that.

Updated 4/8/14 - so I just learned that the original series was written in German, and has since been translated to English. I can't help but wonder if there was something lost in translation...which is interesting, since the protagonist is based in England. Or is that something that was changed for the English translation?