Gwendoline Montrose is an ordinary teenager. It detonates in his family, very snobbish and traditonnelle. Unlike Gwendoline is ignored and taken for a fool & marginal, his cousin Charlotte, is considered (to quote the film!): The eighth wonder of the world. The family of our heroine is special and keeps a secret for generations: Charlotte would be carrying a gene that would make it exceptional. Only it was not she who will awaken and become the ruby. This is Gwendoline!
The life of our teenager will switch after his first jump in time. She always had a gift but no one has ever taken seriously: she can see ghosts. No member of his family imagined it develops the power to travel through time. It is that Charlotte taught history, fencing and morality different times but Gwendoline who carries the gene and which is destined to become a traveler. It by cons, knows nothing of good manners and fashions of past centuries! She will have to learn everything and to team up with Gideon de Villiers. In Montrose, it is women who have the gift, among De Villiers, it is men and Gideon is the diamond. A teammate as sexy arrogant who will spend his time dealing Gwendoline like a little girl.
I loved the heroine, she's funny, frank and fair. Quite the opposite of his cousin who is pretentious and insufferable. Gwen never wanted to have power, his life suited him, but no luck, it was she who inherited the gene. Gwendoline is a simple girl. It is not as popular nor superficial Charlotte. This is a young girl endearing and well argued temperament. It is easy to identify with her and it is a pleasure to follow.
Instead, Gideon is a small con early in the book! He is arrogant and thinks higher Gwendoline. As Charlotte, she was raised to be the diamond and to fulfill the tasks in time. It does not support the ignorance of Gwendoline but will quickly realize that his new partner is full of resources. Yes, she does not obey blindly as his cousin. Gwen has a personality and free will. It makes its decisions itself!
The universe, combining magic and time travel, made me dream. Kerstin Gier takes us with Gwendoline and Gideon in very different eras. The author has been careful to describe the outfits costume designer since Gwendoline loves: authenticity! The teenager will have to take the outfits of past centuries to carry out its missions without attracting attention.
For those who have not seen the DVD, you can go head down. At the time of writing this column, I'm right in front for a second viewing but post-reading this time! Although the film is faster than the novel and missing elements, I found perfectly the spirit of the book and Maria Ehrich is very convincing in the lead role. I look forward to reading and seeing Sapphire Blue whose DVD release is scheduled for late April in France.
Finally, fans of fantasy novels will be filled with Ruby Red. We find the magic, adventure and romance! A perfect cocktail for a very addictive page-turner!
