Review: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Sapphire Blue
Edelstein Trilogy #2

Author: Kerstin Gier

Translator: Anthea Bell

Publication Date: October 30, 2012

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Genre: Fantasy/Sci Fi

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Synopsis:

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

My Thoughts: Sapphire Blue is the continuation of the first book, Ruby Red, in the Edelstein Trilogy. Gwen Shepherd grew up her whole life thinking that her cousin, Charlotte, inherited the time-travelling gene that ran in their family. In fact, everyone believed that until the time came and Charlotte couldn't elapse. Instead, Gwen had elapsed several times without the aid she needed to do so safely. So, unprepared and surprised, Gwen is launched into the world of secret societies, time travelling and paired with her time-travelling partner - Gideon de Villiers.

I really, really like Gwen. She wanted to be normal and never wanted Charlotte’s life. She didn’t want to time travel or do anything that came with it. However, she had to learn to deal and she did so rather reluctantly. Despite how people put her down and constantly question her ability, she proves them wrong and always manages to come out on top. Although, she hates all the secret in the secret society she has to deal with and the fact that Gideon, even Charlotte, seems to know more about it than her. So, of course, she looks for her own answers while everyone around her questions whether she could be a traitor.

Gideon de Villiers, the time traveller from the other family, is two years older than Gwen and had always expected Charlotte to be his partner. Gideon is gorgeous and everyone knows it. He is always hot and cold though. One minute he is all about Gwen and the next he is giving her the cold shoulder. It is enough to give the reader (and Gwen) whiplash - even though he seems to want to protect her. The truth (I think) about his true feelings comes out at the end of Sapphire Blue though, so hang in there!

I love the concept of time travelling and just how funny it is when they talk about visits. You’ll know what I mean when/if you read the book. The rules aren’t as stiff as some of the other time travelling theories around and I enjoy watching them interact with people from the past. I especially like her new gargoyle friend, even though I was expecting not to. Overall, I enjoyed this one probably more than the first one (if possible). I would recommend it to anyone!