Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier || Such a Blubbering Mess

You know what? I have no idea why I'm reading these books. Yet here I am, having finished the second book, and will be moving on to read the last book soon.

For some reason it sucks me in. Not with good writing, or character development, or an enticing plot. I guess I'm just along for the ride because I'm a sucker for anything related to history (even if the inaccuracies are numerous).

So here we go, my thought on the continuing story of Gwen Shepherd, over emotional and ennuyeux time traveler.

Let me start off by saying, Gwen has gotten even more annoying in this book than the last. In the first book, she was a normal school girl. She had a best friend. Her favorite pastime was watching movies with her best friend and gossiping. Gwen did not care about school, education, and lest of all history. The strangest thing in her life was the ability to see ghosts, and the fact that her cousin Charlotte would someday time travel.

Now, little time has passed since she discovered that she was the time traveler. Okay, not enough time to be well versed in history so as not to make a mockery of herself when going back in time. But if she would just apply herself, she could quickly be on her way to learning important information to keep the timeline intact. But does she?

No. Not even slightly.

You know what Gwen does do? Get nervous around Gideon, wanting to kiss him because she loves him. He's rude to her one minute and kissing her the next. It's so confusing to her, that all she can do it blubber on about how she hates him and cry when she's not around him, only to instantly have her heart race and want to be kissing him the second he walks into the room.

Meanwhile, her allies (and others) are being practical and cool. We have:

• Charlotte. She can be a little rude, but that's nothing a good redemption arc couldn't fix. She cares about keeping time intact (even if that's play off as her wanting to humiliate Gwen), and has a passion for history (or at least she applied herself to learning it and seems to enjoy it) and the job she that was taken from her. Why isn't she the main character?! ARG.
• Lesley. Best friend of Gwen, researching everything. She spends countless hours learning everything she can to help Gwen,. Basically the history research buddy I long to have in real life.
• Xemerius. Gargoyle demon. Awesome help to Gwen, able to spy for her and help her out. Totally in agreement with me that Gwen should forget Gideon and move on because he's annoying (and quite frankly she only "loves" him because she thinks he's hot).
• Lucas. Gwen's grandfather whom she meets in the past. He's totally adorable, and helpful to Gwen. Though honestly that conversation they had was entire unnecessary (if you've read the book, you know what I'm talkin' about).
• Giordano. I know he's written as annoying, but I like him simply because he cares about keeping history intact. Otherwise he was kinda mean and a horrible teacher.

Basically, this book was a mess. Never, and I mean never would I allow my children (future children) to read it without talking about the whole thing first. There are so many things that are not okay.

First off, Gwen gets drunk. Extremely drunk. Maybe the author thought that was okay, because it was during a visit to the eighteenth century when that okay for teenagers to drink (but on a side note, people did also drink water and ale and such was made differently and far less alcoholic than today, contrary to popular believe. So children drinking ale was not actually as bad as it seems). But no. I can see how the whole scene was amusing, but mostly it was a horrible thing for children to read. It is never okay to drink because 1. you are uncomfortable 2. it's what everyone else is going 3. the guy you like is flirting with another girl. Basically there's no good reason, and Gwen is basically on the way to becoming a drunk in her later life. Not to mention the only repercussions the author mentioned was "humiliating herself by singing" and "a horrible headache she dulled down with a bunch of aspirin."

Secondly, what this author calls "love" is not love at all. Do not be fooled. Gideon thinks he's "in love" with Gwen because all he wants to do when he's around her is kiss her. Gwen think's she's "in love" with Gideon because everytime she's around him, her heart races and because she think's he's hot. They've known each other for less than a week, and they've kissed and fought and it's just not okay.

Thirdly, even back in time, it's is ABSOLUTELY NEVER okay for a man to grope you. Even if it's under the pretense of plucking a hair off of you, you slap his disgusting face. Not only did Gier put this in a children's book, but she did not go on to say that this was not acceptable behavior. It was played off as "annoying" and that was it.

Don't even get me started on the adults in this book. Gwen's mother is mysterious and not telling Gwen things purely for the sake of mystery, all the adults are either entirely rude or too kind (but still keeping Gwen in the dark only for the sake of the readers suspense). None of them feel real, and they're severely lacking from the story to keep these immature teenagers in check.

As for the plot, it's entertaining enough. It's really not all that special, though I am curious as to what closing the Circle of Blood will do. Though it's obvious that Lucy and Paul are not the villains of the story. I wish Gier would have made that less obvious, so I'm not screaming at the characters for not trusting them and thinking ill of them for almost no reason.

Overall, I enjoyed the book in some areas. Even if I was mostly screaming at the characters in annoyance. And hey, the cover is pretty (I'm speaking more to the background), even if it is a bit cliche.

Rated PG-13 for mild language and sexual themes

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo || All the Feels

My heart has been stolen, I will never be over this book. I DID NOT EXPECT THIS.

I found this book via a friend/seeing it around in bookstores and online. It looked pretty good. The cover is pretty, and it's about thieves so obviously that's a good start. Then I finally started reading it, and the thing stole my heart and soul by the end. It just slowly got better and better, but even then I was not expecting that ending.

For no logical reason I thought the next book would be unnecessary. Like the author was saying, "I really wanted to continue despite the lack of actual reasons to" but NO. I have no idea why I thought that, because I was so incredible wrong. Now I need the other book like I need air to breathe.

Okay, let's get to the actual review before I start spilling my guts on the floor.

This book is good, so dang good. Though I have a few small grievances, so I'll be talking about those too. But by the end of it, they weren't enough to tarnish it in the slightest.

I just want to take a moment to marvel at the beauty of Leigh Bardugo's world building. Being a fan of British history you'd think I'd be in love with fiction being based there. #WRONG This is only so because everyone bases their fantasy off England. Or if you're lucky, Scotland. I'm so happy that this book strayed from that trope.

To be honest, I can't tell exactly where this book was based off of (though it sounds like the languages are a mangled form of Dutch). But it all felt different, and gritty, and real. I love the concept of the Ice Court, and now The Barrel is on my list of fictional places I'd want to visit. I just love the world building so much arlhkldassldfk.

THESE TWO THO. THESE. TWO.

Okay Kaz is basically the best. He's a proper anti-hero. I love his fashion sense, and his dark history. PTSD is a sure fire way to make be adore a character, and Kaz needing gloves... arg I can't get over that! I was so happy that Leigh Bardugo actually had a reason that Kaz wore gloves, rather than "oh I'm mysterious for no reason" because that's always annoying.

His ability to predict people and just his super intelligence MADE ME HAPPY. I love smart characters, and I was with Kaz the whole time. Planning ahead, predicting when someone would stab him in the back. It usually is pretty predictable, and every time I was glad that he went in prepared. I feel like I see too many dumb characters. Kaz was anything but dumb. Not to mention that HE MADE A MISTAKE AT THE END. *fangirl screams* THANK YOU. He betrayed himself I cannot help but love that because I don't want a perfect mastermind. Mistakes are a thing. Keep 'em in your fiction guys, makes it relatable.

Don't even get me started on Kaz and Inej TOGETHER. I ship it. I ship it so hard. 

"I will have you without armor or I will not have you at all."

YES. ALL THE YES. Inej has boundaries, which are mega important in life. I hope she learns about his PTSD though, because he could used some understanding there. Though let's face it, it's his fault if he won't talk with her about it. Communication people. It's the most important part of a relationship.

I love looking up fanart for Six of Crows, but it needs MORE. And better art. I don't really agree with a lot of people's pictures of Kaz. He looks too... ugly. His face just seems to tall and thin, without much emotion. Which let's face it, even if you hide it Kaz you still have all the emotions and it breaks my fangirl heart.

Also let's appreciate this fan art really fast because it add's a little humor to break up the fangirl sobs. I mean, I'm still not over when Inej was stabbed and Kaz carried her back to the Ferolind. *rocking back and fourth* He cares about her so much but he doesn't know how to properly show it ardhsfldfjhs

Before we move on, I need to elaborate just a little more on Inej because she's my favorite (next to Kaz of course).

Not only is she an epic assassin, blending into the night, but her ambitions are what made me love her most. The whole first half of the book, I was going "I hope some of these characters change because of the story." Because much as I love evil or dark characters, they are not as enjoyable if they have no character growth (unless they're insane. That's a whole other story). When she finally voiced her dreams of wanting to hunt down slavers, and stop people like Heleen, I was SO HAPPY.

Becoming a pirate queen to save the lives of others is basically all I want to do with life, if I were in a fiction book. And to finish off my wonderful rant of why I love Inej, here is a wonderful piece of art that depicts what Inej's future BETTER BE. *glares expectantly at Leigh Bardugo*

Okay, moving onto Nina and Matthias (and apparently you pronounce Matthias as Matt-EYE-us? That's what the author said). Don't shoot me or anything, but I didn't like them until near the end of the book.

When I'm promised a dark and intelligent thief, planning the heist of the century, I don't want to be held back by a pathetic man and his over emotional lover. I want to read about the mastermind. Unfortunately, 50% of this book is from Nina and Matthias's view, and about their backstory. *loud sigh*

Lemme splain why now. When they're introduced, Nina is said to be a warrior. But she does not seem to have an attitude or training of any type of warrior I know. Matthias is a soldier, hunting down Grisha to put them on trial which ultimatle means they'll die. So why is he so easily flustered by everything, and why is Nina so emotional and un-soldier like?

I dunno.

By the end I really started to love the two though. I suppose a big reason why I didn't like them was because their story started as a romance. You knew without a doubt that something had gone on between them. I just don't like it when characters are introduced as "we're gonna be together by the end of the series" romantic couple, but they have to start out hating each other.

Though I'll admit, Matthias's anger was proper, considering his circumstances.

Overall, I feel like I'd love the book even more reading it a second time, because I actually care about Nina and Matthias now. Even though I still feel like something's off with their personalities considering how they were raised. But whatever.

Now Jesper and Wylan, THESE TWO on the other hand, are a completely different story.

I did not get nearly enough time with either of them, but especially Wylan. Jesper hardly had any chapter time, and when he did I wanted more. I appreciate that both of their backstories were not drawn out very long (same with Inej). Honestly, they didn't need a lot of explaining.

Even so, I wish they'd had more time to explore their characters. I do not support the romance that is being built between them, but would rather have them as good friends. Like brothers.

Dang. I really want to say more about them, but I feel like there's not much more to cover on them. Hopefully the second book will explore their characters more, because I see a lot of potential in them.

Overall, I just really loved that everyone got a proper backstory. Yeah, sometimes it took up a little too much of the book and slowed things down. But everyone held a place in the story, and they're all interesting backstories that I loved reading so #whocares. The dynamics in the Kaz's crew, along with "No mourners. No funerals." was basically the best.

Also, any author who has a map or pictures in the front of the book, automatically goes up in my list. It helps give me a better idea of everything they're writing about for starters. Not to mention that the writer obviously wanted the reader to know every detail in their head. I just really like that.

Rated PG-13 for language, sexual themes, violence, and drug use

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier || Well What Did I Expect?

My first book review on this blog! In fact, this is my first review of any kind on this blog. I'm pretty happy to be finally starting this. I finally finished something so I can review it!

I came by this book via recommendation. A friend of mine thought I'd love it, because it has to do with history, and time travel. Well that's an obvious way to suck me in because I LOVE BOTH THOSE THINGS. Glorious, right?

Let's just say, I came in with no expectations.

...

Who am I kidding, I always come into a book with expectations. It's how I live.

I came into this series hoping for the best. The synopsis actually holds a lot of promise. Like a serious amount of promise. But unfortunately the book didn't deliver as well as possible. I have a lot of issues with this book, but never the less, it completely sucked me in. It was obviously an easy read, and was just good enough to keep me turning the pages. I suspect I'll come to like it better once I've finished the trilogy.

I want to like this book a whole lot. But unfortunately it wasn't really all that great. It was enough to suck me in, I won't deny that. But there are so many things I would have changed. Yes, it's a children's book. But it's the mark of a good children's book that adults can also enjoy it as well.

I'm mostly going to go over the characters, because that's where my biggest problem lies.

Gwen

~ You are actually an annoying, uncultured twit ~

Usually you are supposed to love a main character. Often related to them. They're funny, lovable, and should have a proper character arch that makes it impossible to not love them. Unfortunately, Gwen is a disaster. I can't relate to her at all! She has a complete disregard for history. Like yes, I suppose I know more about history than the average Joe, but she crosses a line for me.

Gwen is furiously dim witted, and is just like other girls. Yes, this was even mentioned by Gideon in the book. He thinks she is just like other girls, giggling all the time, obsessed with celebrities, always criticizing other girls, watching popular movies all the live long day, etc. Well Gideon, you speak the truth. Even though Gwen tries to defend herself, it is in vain. She truly is boring and just like everyone else.

Though I'll admit, her ability to speak with ghosts is pretty cool. Even if no one really believes her except Lesley.

Not to mention the fact that she is... well. An idiot. I'm sorry Gwen, but it's true. As the adults all talk about time travel, and events that even I as the reader don't fully understand yet, she just sat there and didn't understand a word. In fact, throughout the book she states multiple times, "I had no idea what they were talking about."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME.

Okay, I'll take a moment to acknowledge that this book is geared towards thirteen-year-olds. Yes, I am a full grown adult. But you know what? I don't like stupid characters. I'm sorry. But if I, as the reader, can understand much of what they're saying, then Gwen should have, at the very least, had a slight idea as to what they're talking about. But no. She continues to be annoying, and I fully agree with Gideon. You go man.

Charlotte 

~ Basically the person I aspire to be/who I wish was the main character ~

I started the book thinking, "ah, snotty relative. A character for both the protagonist and reader to hate to bring them closer." Yet here I am wishing she was the main character.

First off, I get the idea of writing a character who isn't all prepared for time travel. Makes it more relatable to other people, and gives you a reason to over explain obvious things in order to teach more on history. But you know what I would like better? A story about a girl who's been trained all her life to fit into the past in preparation for time travel. A girl who has conflictions about trusting her parents and the lodge because, whatddya know, pretty sure Lucy and Paul are gonna be the good guys here.

Charlotte actually is interesting, in comparison with Gwen. She has training and knows the secrets of time travel, her family is fawning over her all the time which could be played over in different ways. Basically, I just really wish she was the protagonist instead of her ridiculous cousin.

Gideon

 ~ I feel like we would be besties ~

It's dead obvious that Gideon and Gwen will be together by the end of the series. So of course they're going to start out hating each other.

The reasons why they hate each other are pathetic, to be honest. Gwen hates Gideon because he's a jerk to her (which is true, get it together bro). Gideon hates Gwen because she's a boring cliche and gets in the way (entirely true, but doesn't excuse your attitude young man). Yet through there evident disgust of each other, Gwen is still very in awe of how "handsome" he is, and even though Gideon is obviously in love with Charlotte, he's a backstabbing cheat because he's always checking Gwen out (you creep) and *spoiler* they kiss at the end of the book.

Which may I say, it was the most RANDOMLY PLACED KISS I have ever read. Seriously, there were still hating each other when suddenly, they're flirting. Next second kissing. Boom, end of the book. What. Just. Happened.

Never the less, I feel like without Gwen (or if Gwen was a minor character) Gideon would be my favorite character. Mostly because he's very knowledgeable about the past, which I'm into, but he holds that very high in his line of work. As well he should. I cannot stand Gwen's disregard for keeping this historically accurate and not drawing attention to themselves. Gideon understands the importance of keeping time in tact. Thank you sir.

Count Saint-German

 ~ More like Count Saint-Ger-Lame ~

If he's supposed to be scary, then he's failing. If he's supposed to end up being the villain, the setup is mediocre. If he's supposed to be, at the very least, an intimidating character, the author fell flat on her face in mud trying.

Because I actually know rich people, I have very high standards for the "mysterious and powerful" characters. Like, really high standards. I've been around them. I know how they walk, talk, sit, stand. It actually is different, and quite fascinating to observe.

Not to mention that, next to a properly done psychopath, those are my favorite types of characters. So before the characters met him, I was like, "yes, this character sounds interesting." Then I met him. He was sad. I felt no power radiating from him. No precision, which is key to those types of characters. Then to top it off, he had a blatant show of power my freaking out Gwen. Bad move sir. That's not how you do it.

I'm not saying there's only one way to write these types of characters. I'm just saying the way Germain was written wasn't the right way.

Plus, Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz is the perfect portrayal of that type of character. So my expectations raised impossibly high after binging the entirety of Royal Pains because #BORIS

Finally, here are the characters barely worth mentioning, but worth just a bit of my time.

Lesley: #stereotypicalbestfriend
Aunt Maddy: Whyyyyy would you make this annoying character
All the Adults in Present Day: You don't sound like adults, you should like children and are poorly written
James the Ghost: Can I please have an entire series about you?
Madame Rossini: Stop calling Gwen a "swan-necked beauty" it's creepy and you're just all around annoying
Rakoczy: I want him to be the villain because #notlamelikegermain


As for the rest of the novel, I found the story to be enticing enough. The mystery behind the chronograph, the circle of twelve, and all that. The terms were cliche through and through, but it still managed to suck me in enough. I can see basically everything coming a mile away, expect what the secret of the chronograph is. That one I've yet to figure out.


Rated PG for mild language (damn, hell)