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Das fünfte Mädchen
Ruby und Jinn halten zusammen wie Pech und Schwefel. Kein Wunder, sind sie doch ganz allein auf der Welt in ihrem englischen Dorf. Jinn, die charismatische ältere Schwester, beschützt die schüchterne Ruby wo sie nur kann. Das ändert sich, als plötzlich Nathan auftaucht, Jinns alte Flamme aus Schulzeiten, der nach Meinung der Dorfbewohner »nichts Gutes« im Schilde führt. Langsam aber sicher verfällt Jinn Nathan, und Ruby muss hilflos mitansehen, wie Nathan ihre Schwester in sein zwielichtiges Milieu zieht. Zur gleichen Zeit wird in den lokalen Nachrichten über Morde an jungen Frauen berichtet – das Gerücht vom Serienkiller geht um. Ruby und Jinn ignorieren diese Nachrichten, schließlich geht es sie nichts an. Doch dann wird Jinn vermisst…
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2011
About the author
Gillian Philip
38 books185 followersGillian Philip is the author of more than 20 books for adults, young adults and children, including the Rebel Angels series (Firebrand, Bloodstone, Wolfsbane and Icefall). Her debut novel, the dystopian mystery Bad Faith, was published in 2008.
As well as fantasy she writes crime: Crossing The Line and The Opposite Of Amber are published by Bloomsbury. She is one of the Erin Hunters, working on the Survivors series, and has written as Gabriella Poole (Darke Academy). Her short books for Key Stage 3 are published by Ransom and by ReadZone Books, and include Life Of The Party, Mind's Eye, Sea Fever and Cyber Fever.
She lives in the north-east highlands of Scotland, with one husband, two children, three dogs (Cluny, Milo and Otto), two psychotic cats (the Ghost and the Darkness), a slayer hamster (Buffy), a fluctuating population of chickens (including Mapp, Lucia, Mrs Norris and Honey Boo Boo), and a lot of nervous fish.
From her website:
"Writing for a living is (a) what I always wanted to do; (b) occasionally frustrating; (c) a lot of fun – I take dictation from the characters in my head, who spend their lives telling me what’s going to happen next.
"But I like it that I never know just how it’s all going to end – not till the fat lady sings, the villain meets a suitably sticky end, and the boy gets the girl (or indeed the boy)."
As well as fantasy she writes crime: Crossing The Line and The Opposite Of Amber are published by Bloomsbury. She is one of the Erin Hunters, working on the Survivors series, and has written as Gabriella Poole (Darke Academy). Her short books for Key Stage 3 are published by Ransom and by ReadZone Books, and include Life Of The Party, Mind's Eye, Sea Fever and Cyber Fever.
She lives in the north-east highlands of Scotland, with one husband, two children, three dogs (Cluny, Milo and Otto), two psychotic cats (the Ghost and the Darkness), a slayer hamster (Buffy), a fluctuating population of chickens (including Mapp, Lucia, Mrs Norris and Honey Boo Boo), and a lot of nervous fish.
From her website:
"Writing for a living is (a) what I always wanted to do; (b) occasionally frustrating; (c) a lot of fun – I take dictation from the characters in my head, who spend their lives telling me what’s going to happen next.
"But I like it that I never know just how it’s all going to end – not till the fat lady sings, the villain meets a suitably sticky end, and the boy gets the girl (or indeed the boy)."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 13, 2017
2.5/5. Still can't wrap my head around it.
I'll write a review soon enough, says depressed and lazy me
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
This review can also be found on my blog,Unapologetic Writer
Here’s what you need to know before reading this review:
I’m usually a reader who’s very picky about her reads, and being a slow, beginner at this I usually only pick or buy books that I’m sure I’m going to like. With this particular novel, I bought it in a rush because it was on sale and extremely cheap,
(talk about materialistic trash), and I’ve never even heard of it anywhere.
Fair enough, I was slightly disappointed.
The Opposite of Amber tells the story of two sisters: Jinn and Ruby. I bet you thought one of them would be called Amber, right? It’s fine. I thought so, too.
Jinn and Ruby were always inseparable since the death of their mother, Lara. Jinn is obviously portrayed as a caretaker since the beginning. She’s always speaking for her shy, anti-social sister and understanding her needs without Ruby having to mouth a word. Ruby always felt that she was going to be safe and grounded and was completely fine with her social anxiety, because Jinn will always be there to telepathize with her, right? It was right, until Jinn met Nathan Baird.
Nathan Baird is a magnet of disapproving looks from everyone who knows him and knows about his family history. It is always normal to have trust issues with such people, but Ruby’s suspicion grows doubled by several factors. For one, Nathan is slowly stealing away Jinn from her with his charm and effortless charisma. Ruby is about to discover the horror she never thought she’d have to face; the horror of losing her sister’s protection and guidance. Afterwards, she’s discovering how she’s the one who needs to look out after her older sister. Jinn is losing her mind and is doing things that are out of her nature. Gradually, everyone who was under the spell of Jinn’s charms in Glassford is drifting away, rather apologetically. Jinn is changing and is losing her light, while Ruby is trying to figure out the real source of the damage. Unable to push her doubts away, she starts stalking Jinn and Nathan, while falling deeper in love with the silent, telepathic Cameron Foley.
The synopsis hardly offered any real glance at the characters in this book, because there were many of them that played sidekick but important roles in this story. There was Alex Jerrold, who spends most of his time throughout the story trying to regain the grip around his mental health after a failing suicide attempt. And there’s Tom Jerrold, Alex’s bigger brother, who falls into suspicion after Jinn goes missing. (it’s not a spoiler, I promise. It’s in the synopsis). There was also Wide Bertha, whom happened to be Jinn’s boss and the only character I resonated very well with. And then there’s Inflatable George (as called by our two sisters), Wide Bertha’s secret lover.
Personally, I think Ruby was all tolerable at first, until she became whiney and attention-seeking and just couldn’t handle the fact that her sister was getting a life. At times I felt that her extreme, out-of-the-limit selfishness was disgusting me. She was yearning for anyone to stroke her hair and tell her that was all beautiful and awesome, but then again, don’t we all need that one person? Except that Ruby was going out of her way and hurting people in the process of trying to regain her sister.
The ending was quite shocking, which is the only reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. But the thing is I couldn’t make the connection between that discovery and how Jinn’s metamorphosis was taking place. It was quite confusing, but still shocking.
For a thriller, it was supposed to include more suspicion and confusion, but most of the time towards the middle it felt like any other Drama novel, with events that were dragging rather meaninglessly. I was expecting more of it, but was met with utmost disappointment.
I’d also wanted the author to handle the responsibility of talking about mental illness in a better way. The mentally-ill characters mentioned were not portrayed well enough. They needed more depth and more potential, but she has given none of it.
Oh well, expectations are more disappointments waiting to happen.
Stay awesome,
Marwa.
I'll write a review soon enough, says depressed and lazy me
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
This review can also be found on my blog,Unapologetic Writer
Here’s what you need to know before reading this review:
I’m usually a reader who’s very picky about her reads, and being a slow, beginner at this I usually only pick or buy books that I’m sure I’m going to like. With this particular novel, I bought it in a rush because it was on sale and extremely cheap,
(talk about materialistic trash), and I’ve never even heard of it anywhere.
Fair enough, I was slightly disappointed.
The Opposite of Amber tells the story of two sisters: Jinn and Ruby. I bet you thought one of them would be called Amber, right? It’s fine. I thought so, too.
Jinn and Ruby were always inseparable since the death of their mother, Lara. Jinn is obviously portrayed as a caretaker since the beginning. She’s always speaking for her shy, anti-social sister and understanding her needs without Ruby having to mouth a word. Ruby always felt that she was going to be safe and grounded and was completely fine with her social anxiety, because Jinn will always be there to telepathize with her, right? It was right, until Jinn met Nathan Baird.
Nathan Baird is a magnet of disapproving looks from everyone who knows him and knows about his family history. It is always normal to have trust issues with such people, but Ruby’s suspicion grows doubled by several factors. For one, Nathan is slowly stealing away Jinn from her with his charm and effortless charisma. Ruby is about to discover the horror she never thought she’d have to face; the horror of losing her sister’s protection and guidance. Afterwards, she’s discovering how she’s the one who needs to look out after her older sister. Jinn is losing her mind and is doing things that are out of her nature. Gradually, everyone who was under the spell of Jinn’s charms in Glassford is drifting away, rather apologetically. Jinn is changing and is losing her light, while Ruby is trying to figure out the real source of the damage. Unable to push her doubts away, she starts stalking Jinn and Nathan, while falling deeper in love with the silent, telepathic Cameron Foley.
The synopsis hardly offered any real glance at the characters in this book, because there were many of them that played sidekick but important roles in this story. There was Alex Jerrold, who spends most of his time throughout the story trying to regain the grip around his mental health after a failing suicide attempt. And there’s Tom Jerrold, Alex’s bigger brother, who falls into suspicion after Jinn goes missing. (it’s not a spoiler, I promise. It’s in the synopsis). There was also Wide Bertha, whom happened to be Jinn’s boss and the only character I resonated very well with. And then there’s Inflatable George (as called by our two sisters), Wide Bertha’s secret lover.
Personally, I think Ruby was all tolerable at first, until she became whiney and attention-seeking and just couldn’t handle the fact that her sister was getting a life. At times I felt that her extreme, out-of-the-limit selfishness was disgusting me. She was yearning for anyone to stroke her hair and tell her that was all beautiful and awesome, but then again, don’t we all need that one person? Except that Ruby was going out of her way and hurting people in the process of trying to regain her sister.
The ending was quite shocking, which is the only reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. But the thing is I couldn’t make the connection between that discovery and how Jinn’s metamorphosis was taking place. It was quite confusing, but still shocking.
For a thriller, it was supposed to include more suspicion and confusion, but most of the time towards the middle it felt like any other Drama novel, with events that were dragging rather meaninglessly. I was expecting more of it, but was met with utmost disappointment.
I’d also wanted the author to handle the responsibility of talking about mental illness in a better way. The mentally-ill characters mentioned were not portrayed well enough. They needed more depth and more potential, but she has given none of it.
Oh well, expectations are more disappointments waiting to happen.
Stay awesome,
Marwa.
August 3, 2011
In thinking back about The Opposite of Amber, the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" instantly comes to mind. Don't let this cover fool you.
The Opposite of Amber was nothing like I thought it would be. This novel is not a happy-go-lucky novel. It is a dark, thrilling read that surprised me with its depth. Even now, days after reading it, I feel like a lot of me is still trying to digest Philip's message.
Going into this novel, I was looking for a fast-paced thriller. And I got some of that. But Philip and her prose completely deserve more than being declared a fast-paced read. Because, in all honesty, this is not a fast read. It literally took me days to finish it. And that is not a bad thing. Philip has created a very character driven novel which focus more on understanding the characters, the situation, and their feelings than a quick slasherish read with little substance. And substance is definitely a department that The Opposite of Amber is lacking in.
The Opposite of Amber is a novel that deserves to be savored. If you are like me, it may take you a little while to get into the novel.. to like the characters. But once you hit that stride, The Opposite of Amber will become a novel that will be hard to put down.
The Opposite of Amber was nothing like I thought it would be. This novel is not a happy-go-lucky novel. It is a dark, thrilling read that surprised me with its depth. Even now, days after reading it, I feel like a lot of me is still trying to digest Philip's message.
Going into this novel, I was looking for a fast-paced thriller. And I got some of that. But Philip and her prose completely deserve more than being declared a fast-paced read. Because, in all honesty, this is not a fast read. It literally took me days to finish it. And that is not a bad thing. Philip has created a very character driven novel which focus more on understanding the characters, the situation, and their feelings than a quick slasherish read with little substance. And substance is definitely a department that The Opposite of Amber is lacking in.
The Opposite of Amber is a novel that deserves to be savored. If you are like me, it may take you a little while to get into the novel.. to like the characters. But once you hit that stride, The Opposite of Amber will become a novel that will be hard to put down.
April 3, 2011
Let me begin by saying that this is not a "happy" book. Beautifully written yes. Deep and moving yes. Happy? Not so much. If you are looking for a light and airy read, this book is not what you are looking for. Howver if you are ready to dive into a story filled with prose and a character driven plot, you are in for a treat.
From the very beginning of the story our main character Ruby is dealing with a lot. As I mentioned above, it seems as though she is barely hanging on to what she has left. The story begins with Ruby obsessing over her friend Alex who attempted suicide by jumping off a roof. Ruby feels responsible because she made a backhanded comment at him that she thinks pushed him off the edge. That alone is a lot for to deal with, but poor Ruby has so much more hidden away.
In fact, Ruby's whole world in this book is built around guilt and isolation. Her sisters are there, but not, and Jinn, her oldest sister, is the one thread she has left to hang on to. Jinn has become the stand in mother for Ruby, and when she starts to drift away Ruby feels like she is loosing everything she has left. Watching these two characters interact is truly what immersed me in the book. As Jinn floats farther away from Ruby, you can see Ruby's attitude change. Her outlook on life becomes more dire, and it is heart wrenching to watch.
Wovens seamlessly into Ruby's story is a story of a mass murderer and his 5 victims. All of them so far have been prostitutes, or so the murderer believes. At first I wondered what significance this inner story had to Ruby's life. However as I read on, Gillian Phillip made the purpose of it blindingly clear and I was in shock. The Opposite of Amber is a book that I fell so in love with that I'm still thinking about it, even though I sent it on to the next reader over three weeks ago. That's how invested I was in this book.
I suppose what I'm going on about is simply this: The Opposite of Amber is a simply stunning book. This is well worth your time to pick up when it releases. It might take a little bit for you to adapt to the colloquial language, but once you do you'll find yourself immersed in the lives of the characters instantly. I cannot wait to get a finished copy of this book. It gets the highest recommendation I can give.
From the very beginning of the story our main character Ruby is dealing with a lot. As I mentioned above, it seems as though she is barely hanging on to what she has left. The story begins with Ruby obsessing over her friend Alex who attempted suicide by jumping off a roof. Ruby feels responsible because she made a backhanded comment at him that she thinks pushed him off the edge. That alone is a lot for to deal with, but poor Ruby has so much more hidden away.
In fact, Ruby's whole world in this book is built around guilt and isolation. Her sisters are there, but not, and Jinn, her oldest sister, is the one thread she has left to hang on to. Jinn has become the stand in mother for Ruby, and when she starts to drift away Ruby feels like she is loosing everything she has left. Watching these two characters interact is truly what immersed me in the book. As Jinn floats farther away from Ruby, you can see Ruby's attitude change. Her outlook on life becomes more dire, and it is heart wrenching to watch.
Wovens seamlessly into Ruby's story is a story of a mass murderer and his 5 victims. All of them so far have been prostitutes, or so the murderer believes. At first I wondered what significance this inner story had to Ruby's life. However as I read on, Gillian Phillip made the purpose of it blindingly clear and I was in shock. The Opposite of Amber is a book that I fell so in love with that I'm still thinking about it, even though I sent it on to the next reader over three weeks ago. That's how invested I was in this book.
I suppose what I'm going on about is simply this: The Opposite of Amber is a simply stunning book. This is well worth your time to pick up when it releases. It might take a little bit for you to adapt to the colloquial language, but once you do you'll find yourself immersed in the lives of the characters instantly. I cannot wait to get a finished copy of this book. It gets the highest recommendation I can give.
January 27, 2011
This book grabbed me right away with its sense of realism by using the every day events of life to convey the deep, dark themes and meanings the author wants to convey. The atmosphere is somewhat melancholy due to the relationship between the sisters and quite dark and brooding and sinister in the threat that lurks in the mysterious killer of women.
Gillian Philip's prose is stunning! I've been sitting here cycling through adjectives to try to convey how powerful it is... It's intensely beautiful in places, filled with meaningful quotes and passages that can be kept and savored later on. At the same time, it's also very realistic in terms of dialogue and Ruby's thoughts. Being an American, I loved reading the British colloquialisms in each scene. It added a little something extra for me as well.
The relationship between the Ruby and Jinn is very masterfully conveyed. As they become more and more removed from each other due to Jinn's relationship with Nathan Baird, Ruby's outlook on life becomes more dire. The complex emotions between the sisters are very spot-on realistic. The emotions of all the characters, in fact, are well-done. All of the characters in this book add something to it - even the minor ones. Each person is there for a purpose that makes the book stronger and more meaningful as a whole.
This is a solidly well-done, likable book filled with all the complexity that makes me love something!
Gillian Philip's prose is stunning! I've been sitting here cycling through adjectives to try to convey how powerful it is... It's intensely beautiful in places, filled with meaningful quotes and passages that can be kept and savored later on. At the same time, it's also very realistic in terms of dialogue and Ruby's thoughts. Being an American, I loved reading the British colloquialisms in each scene. It added a little something extra for me as well.
The relationship between the Ruby and Jinn is very masterfully conveyed. As they become more and more removed from each other due to Jinn's relationship with Nathan Baird, Ruby's outlook on life becomes more dire. The complex emotions between the sisters are very spot-on realistic. The emotions of all the characters, in fact, are well-done. All of the characters in this book add something to it - even the minor ones. Each person is there for a purpose that makes the book stronger and more meaningful as a whole.
This is a solidly well-done, likable book filled with all the complexity that makes me love something!
May 18, 2011
Initially I had a hard time getting into this book. It wasn't the characters, who are intriguing despite their individual sadness, but rather the colloquial language used, as this story is set in Scotland, and a Scottish author. But after a while, I got into the rhythm of it and found myself fascinated by Ruby, thankful to have the insight into her thoughts denied to those around her by her monosyllabic behavior. And through her I fell in love with Jinn, her glittering older sister who was so integral in giving Ruby the love she needed while at the same time complicit in letting Ruby remain infantile in her silence. There are a host of well formed, fascinating secondary characters in this story too, each with their own tale to tell, each searching for salvation, just like Ruby.
Read the full review here.
Read the full review here.
September 27, 2012
I automatically think less of a book when the murderer is obvious to me. And this book was especially bad at throwing red herrings in front of us; I worked out who the killer was the first page he/she was mentioned. And I promise you that I am not exaggerating.
The writing was spectacular on occasion, though.
The writing was spectacular on occasion, though.
June 1, 2023
This book was so badly written I have no idea how it got published. But the ending is the only reason it gets 1 star.
January 5, 2023
When I first noticed this book, I was intrigued by the title and the cover alone. When I picked it up and looked at the first page, I was instantly hooked and I didn't want to put the book down once I started reading it. Ruby's voice is marvellous- she sounds like a real person, and the imagery she uses is just the right blend of fantasy and urban at the same time, with visuals such as, "tarty stardust elf-queen". As a Young Adult novel, it's refreshing that the novel has a more complex, almost self-deprecating tone at times, and it doesn't patronise its audience or have 'perfect' characters. Ruby as a character is very interesting- we soon learn there's a lot that our taciturn protagonist isn't letting on, and she becomes fleshed out as a flawed, believable character. Another excellent thing about the book is that although it's narrated by Ruby, who has a distinctive narrative voice, the other characters don't suffer in comparison. You get attached to both Ruby and her entrancing older sister Jinn, and characters like Bertha and Foley. Even characters like Nathan Baird are fleshed out, nobody is two-dimensional. The mystery itself initially isn't presented as one, the tangled lives of the two sisters is what takes the forefront, it's all what comes out behinds the scenes as the story unfolds. I would have given the book five stars, but the ending was a little rushed, although I truly wasn't expecting the twist and I'm normally quite good at guessing the end of novels. An excellent read, I'll be looking for more novels by Gillian Philip.
January 29, 2019
Some lovely turns of phrase in here and i like the title's meaning but i won't remember it in a few days time.
March 20, 2011
Review will be posted on the blog on Friday.
In a Sentence: The Opposite of Amber is like fiber--a bit harder to digest, but good for you.
My Thoughts
The best advice I could offer you about approaching The Opposite of Amber is to leave all your expectations behind. The synopsis provided on the back of the ARC (which is both different and shorter than the one provided above) had me expecting a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller. While The Opposite of Amber did have some characteristics of that genre, I felt it was primarily an in-depth study of the changing lives of two girls: Ruby and Jinn.
For me, The Opposite of Amber was a slow read, but that doesn't mean it was a bad one. It took me about a week and a half to finish the book, because I was averaging about 30-40 pages a day. It was very character-driven novel, and there wasn't a ton of action to keep me flipping pages. I was never bored with the book, it was just slow going, but I could understand how some readers might not be able to make it all the way through. But for those of you who (like me), are big fans of well-constructed characters, then The Opposite of Amber is definitely a book you should put on your to-read list. Gillian Philip did an excellent job with both Ruby and Jinn--creating characters who were multi-layered and extremely lifelike. Furthermore, Philip was able to wonderfully display the intensity of her characters' emotions, as shown in the quote below:
"When the door finally slammed shut, I was shocked once more by emptiness and silence. The ache in my body had coalesced, in an instant, and at the same time it had filled every bit of me. My skin felt electric and I couldn't shut my eyes. I felt as if I should cry, as if I very much wanted to cry, but it was still impossible. Something inside me clawed to get out but there was nothing I could do to release it; it would just have to dig. And despite that I was inside out, raw and exposed to the night. Cry? Sleep? You're joking." (p. 257, ARC)
In addition, I thought Philip's writing style was beautiful. It was fluid and detailed, but not to the point of being convoluted. There were several times throughout the book that I had to get out a notebook and write down a quote, because it was just too great to pass up, like this one:
"And for the first time in ages, I felt I wanted to add something. I wanted to make one of those slender word-chains that kept a person at your side. I wanted to make a rope out of words and loop it round his wrist, invisibly, so he wouldn't get bored and walk away. Words look fragile, insect trails of ink, but they're strong. Words bind people together or bludgeon them apart. Words are a grappling hood, flung skywards to yank a boy off a roof. What I wanted was the daisy-chain words, but unfortunately, I couldn't open my mouth except to lick my lips." (p. 40, ARC)
For me, The Opposite of Amber was a lot like my experience with Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. While the two aren't very similar in terms of plot or even characters, I felt the way the authors communicated their respective ideas to the reader had a lot in common with each other. Namely, I don't think I really realized what the book was about until I had finished it. Once I turned the last page, I had the urge to sit and ponder it all night, and then wake up early to read the book over again (which I didn't end up doing because this book is part of an ARC tour, and I had to mail it out to the next participant). I felt like I had held something profound in my hands, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why I felt that way. Either way, I think I'll be picking up a copy of The Opposite of Amber to add to my personal collection, once it's released. If nothing else, I'd really like to read the book a second time, and that's should be motivation for some of you to give it at least one shot, right?
On another interesting note, the author, Gillian Philip, has been both shortlisted for the Daily Mail Scottish Children's Book Award and longlisted for a Carnegie Medal.
In a Sentence: The Opposite of Amber is like fiber--a bit harder to digest, but good for you.
My Thoughts
The best advice I could offer you about approaching The Opposite of Amber is to leave all your expectations behind. The synopsis provided on the back of the ARC (which is both different and shorter than the one provided above) had me expecting a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller. While The Opposite of Amber did have some characteristics of that genre, I felt it was primarily an in-depth study of the changing lives of two girls: Ruby and Jinn.
For me, The Opposite of Amber was a slow read, but that doesn't mean it was a bad one. It took me about a week and a half to finish the book, because I was averaging about 30-40 pages a day. It was very character-driven novel, and there wasn't a ton of action to keep me flipping pages. I was never bored with the book, it was just slow going, but I could understand how some readers might not be able to make it all the way through. But for those of you who (like me), are big fans of well-constructed characters, then The Opposite of Amber is definitely a book you should put on your to-read list. Gillian Philip did an excellent job with both Ruby and Jinn--creating characters who were multi-layered and extremely lifelike. Furthermore, Philip was able to wonderfully display the intensity of her characters' emotions, as shown in the quote below:
"When the door finally slammed shut, I was shocked once more by emptiness and silence. The ache in my body had coalesced, in an instant, and at the same time it had filled every bit of me. My skin felt electric and I couldn't shut my eyes. I felt as if I should cry, as if I very much wanted to cry, but it was still impossible. Something inside me clawed to get out but there was nothing I could do to release it; it would just have to dig. And despite that I was inside out, raw and exposed to the night. Cry? Sleep? You're joking." (p. 257, ARC)
In addition, I thought Philip's writing style was beautiful. It was fluid and detailed, but not to the point of being convoluted. There were several times throughout the book that I had to get out a notebook and write down a quote, because it was just too great to pass up, like this one:
"And for the first time in ages, I felt I wanted to add something. I wanted to make one of those slender word-chains that kept a person at your side. I wanted to make a rope out of words and loop it round his wrist, invisibly, so he wouldn't get bored and walk away. Words look fragile, insect trails of ink, but they're strong. Words bind people together or bludgeon them apart. Words are a grappling hood, flung skywards to yank a boy off a roof. What I wanted was the daisy-chain words, but unfortunately, I couldn't open my mouth except to lick my lips." (p. 40, ARC)
For me, The Opposite of Amber was a lot like my experience with Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. While the two aren't very similar in terms of plot or even characters, I felt the way the authors communicated their respective ideas to the reader had a lot in common with each other. Namely, I don't think I really realized what the book was about until I had finished it. Once I turned the last page, I had the urge to sit and ponder it all night, and then wake up early to read the book over again (which I didn't end up doing because this book is part of an ARC tour, and I had to mail it out to the next participant). I felt like I had held something profound in my hands, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why I felt that way. Either way, I think I'll be picking up a copy of The Opposite of Amber to add to my personal collection, once it's released. If nothing else, I'd really like to read the book a second time, and that's should be motivation for some of you to give it at least one shot, right?
On another interesting note, the author, Gillian Philip, has been both shortlisted for the Daily Mail Scottish Children's Book Award and longlisted for a Carnegie Medal.
August 4, 2011
This review is also posted on my blog, In The Good Books.
This book begins with what I later find out to be a regular interlude - Counting Games, it's called - where the main focus is on the serial killer and the found victims. The first three pages did an amazing job of mysteriously yet descriptively setting the chilling tone and the scene from an omniscient perspective. I was impressed to the point of shoving the book at anyone who had the patience to humour me and read the first three pages.
I was hooked from the very start, and stayed hooked except for a few bumps along the way at colloquial Scottish phrases (I know a few Scottish people and am pretty okay with their slang most of the time. It might be a bit much at times for people who aren't familiar with it, though). It wasn't packed with action or drama but the foreshadowing tone completely ensnared me and had me feeling like at any moment something was about to tip the characters' worlds on their heads.
The writing style was amazing. I found myself at times just admiring the way the words were strung together and not taking in what they meant (but I was more than happy to reread).The way the author weaved in figurative language and recurring symbols and metaphors was superb. See the quotes I've collected below for what I mean, because my inferior writing can't do it justice.
I really liked Ruby. The book comes from her first-person perspective after the first chapter. She doesn't waste words -- to the extent where several characters remark "It talks!" when she speaks -- and is devoted to her sister, Jinn. She has flaws to add a realness and third dimension to her personality. She's stubborn, jealous, 'gauche' (in her own words). She had the feel of a real person, and even as she gets into problems that she causes herself, she's easy to feel sympathetic for her.
The Opposite Of Amber was more character-driven than plot-driven, highlighting relationship dynamics and character development. A lot of the book focuses on the relationship between Ruby and Jinn - strong initially, slowly but surely weakening as Nathan's presence plays catalyst. All of the characters were thoroughly fleshed out, to the point where you can understand and feel for characters like Nathan who you're predisposed to dislike.
Although that isn't to say that the plot wasn't compelling. It was. Suspense that the opening chapter created held and grew until the tension at the climax had my hands shaking as I hastily turned the page. The build-up was superbly written and the wind-down settled the suspense and gave hope that Ruby would get her life back on track.
The Opposite Of Amber was an emotional, chilling, and quietly intense story of the bonds between sisters and how they break.
I give The Opposite Of Amber a 6 out of 5. A new favourite of mine.
Have some of my favourite quotes from this to go:
(I'm sad that I read this after my post about great titles. The Opposite of Amber is a great one.)
This book begins with what I later find out to be a regular interlude - Counting Games, it's called - where the main focus is on the serial killer and the found victims. The first three pages did an amazing job of mysteriously yet descriptively setting the chilling tone and the scene from an omniscient perspective. I was impressed to the point of shoving the book at anyone who had the patience to humour me and read the first three pages.
I was hooked from the very start, and stayed hooked except for a few bumps along the way at colloquial Scottish phrases (I know a few Scottish people and am pretty okay with their slang most of the time. It might be a bit much at times for people who aren't familiar with it, though). It wasn't packed with action or drama but the foreshadowing tone completely ensnared me and had me feeling like at any moment something was about to tip the characters' worlds on their heads.
The writing style was amazing. I found myself at times just admiring the way the words were strung together and not taking in what they meant (but I was more than happy to reread).The way the author weaved in figurative language and recurring symbols and metaphors was superb. See the quotes I've collected below for what I mean, because my inferior writing can't do it justice.
I really liked Ruby. The book comes from her first-person perspective after the first chapter. She doesn't waste words -- to the extent where several characters remark "It talks!" when she speaks -- and is devoted to her sister, Jinn. She has flaws to add a realness and third dimension to her personality. She's stubborn, jealous, 'gauche' (in her own words). She had the feel of a real person, and even as she gets into problems that she causes herself, she's easy to feel sympathetic for her.
The Opposite Of Amber was more character-driven than plot-driven, highlighting relationship dynamics and character development. A lot of the book focuses on the relationship between Ruby and Jinn - strong initially, slowly but surely weakening as Nathan's presence plays catalyst. All of the characters were thoroughly fleshed out, to the point where you can understand and feel for characters like Nathan who you're predisposed to dislike.
Although that isn't to say that the plot wasn't compelling. It was. Suspense that the opening chapter created held and grew until the tension at the climax had my hands shaking as I hastily turned the page. The build-up was superbly written and the wind-down settled the suspense and gave hope that Ruby would get her life back on track.
The Opposite Of Amber was an emotional, chilling, and quietly intense story of the bonds between sisters and how they break.
I give The Opposite Of Amber a 6 out of 5. A new favourite of mine.
Have some of my favourite quotes from this to go:
"And to keep it right, to make it the same, he put her in the water too. Not the same water, that's true; but it's a good idea, if you don't want to leave traces, to put a girl in water. It's the opposite of amber."
(I'm sad that I read this after my post about great titles. The Opposite of Amber is a great one.)
"Her blonde hair was full of ice and it glittered when they pulled her out into the sun; and quite honestly, the man who found her looked so pale and drained and shocked to stillness, she looked almost better than he did."
Read
June 20, 2014//One of the books that i grabbed at random in the local library (and i wonder if it's been borrowed before at all, judging from its 99% new condition and the empty return-stamp slip?)
Just a quick random post-reading ooze of thoughts as this book is, seriously, unlike any of the books ive read before (but possibly because i havent read that much) and i feel like i should write everything down before the thoughts vanish from my mind.
For the start I didnt expect anything in particular as i seldom read the book intro of any kind before reading/as part of the reason i choose to read the book. So i clearly had no idea what the story would be about. After finishing it i still get the impression that i am not 100% clear with the story - not because of the writing or the plot, but i feel like i have to read it once again to (try to) fully grasp everything. And scrolling through the reviews i found a lot of the same thoughts as mine. This isnt like the usual thrilling, action-packed page turners or other popular YA fictions in the category. It's quite a slow read as the plot and character developments are basically driven by character and everyday events which some may found to be boring. So the first 1/3 was a bit hard to get into, but once you get used to the narrating tone and the pace it gets better. (but I liked Ruby right from the first few pages because of her weirdness and relatable sense of humor ha) And this book kind of reminds me of Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl and i havent clearly figured out why, but i guess it's because of its (seemingly) normalness and simpleness and the humor and the sibling relationship (though not really similar as the story goes on).
It's hard to define the category of this book because it doesn't quite fit with those thrilling mystery-solving novels, though the elements are certainly part of the plot. Maybe it's because everything just appeared to be so normal and it's more like reading a random diary of someone, and then slowly you unraveled the darker, more complicated side of her world through the stories when you start to get to know about her and put the pieces together. Again, maybe I'll be more clear-headed if i re-read the book (but which i wouldn't seem to be doing just quite yet). But overall i enjoyed it. It's the kind of writing style that i love, so colloquial and fun and smooth and...you get the idea if you've read it and liked the way Ruby tells the story.
...And i should mention i freaked when i saw Doctor Who (and unintentional 'docotor who' on the first page) in the lines when i was using a Doctor Who bookmark for reading.
Just a quick random post-reading ooze of thoughts as this book is, seriously, unlike any of the books ive read before (but possibly because i havent read that much) and i feel like i should write everything down before the thoughts vanish from my mind.
For the start I didnt expect anything in particular as i seldom read the book intro of any kind before reading/as part of the reason i choose to read the book. So i clearly had no idea what the story would be about. After finishing it i still get the impression that i am not 100% clear with the story - not because of the writing or the plot, but i feel like i have to read it once again to (try to) fully grasp everything. And scrolling through the reviews i found a lot of the same thoughts as mine. This isnt like the usual thrilling, action-packed page turners or other popular YA fictions in the category. It's quite a slow read as the plot and character developments are basically driven by character and everyday events which some may found to be boring. So the first 1/3 was a bit hard to get into, but once you get used to the narrating tone and the pace it gets better. (but I liked Ruby right from the first few pages because of her weirdness and relatable sense of humor ha) And this book kind of reminds me of Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl and i havent clearly figured out why, but i guess it's because of its (seemingly) normalness and simpleness and the humor and the sibling relationship (though not really similar as the story goes on).
It's hard to define the category of this book because it doesn't quite fit with those thrilling mystery-solving novels, though the elements are certainly part of the plot. Maybe it's because everything just appeared to be so normal and it's more like reading a random diary of someone, and then slowly you unraveled the darker, more complicated side of her world through the stories when you start to get to know about her and put the pieces together. Again, maybe I'll be more clear-headed if i re-read the book (but which i wouldn't seem to be doing just quite yet). But overall i enjoyed it. It's the kind of writing style that i love, so colloquial and fun and smooth and...you get the idea if you've read it and liked the way Ruby tells the story.
...And i should mention i freaked when i saw Doctor Who (and unintentional 'docotor who' on the first page) in the lines when i was using a Doctor Who bookmark for reading.
December 6, 2022
For the longest time I’ve always thought this was a non-fiction book, I had received it
from my sister with a handful of psychology-based books, so I had just assumed it had something to do with that without reading the blurb. I still wished I had kept this idea of it in my head without reading the blurb, as it actually made my experience worse.
I’m getting ahead of myself.
To be honest, I was very surprised at how much I liked this book and was saddened to see it really had hardly any GoodRead reviews. The writing drew me in, I liked the main character and sympathized with her struggle and trauma. It’s honestly a hard feat to do, especially given the fact that Ruby had being complicate in another’s suicide attempt. Even so, I couldn’t help but be engaged with her struggle. She felt unique from a lot of other protagonists, mostly given the fact that she feels human. Ruby has her quirks, her personality is rounded with both good and bad traits, which is pretty hard to balance. When the murders kept piling up, I couldn’t help but hold concern for her as I didn’t want her to become one of those unfortunate victims.
But it was never really that serious because of one thing, and I don’t really think this is Philip’s fault. I’ve heard generally that the book's cover, and the blurb, are chosen by the marketing department of the publishing house, and this is the second time I’ve seen it happen on a book, the first being Bad Sisters by Rebecca Chance.
The blurb gives away the story, essentially ruining whatever build-up you have.
Every chapter I had the same thought – when is Jinn going to disappear? As the pages and pages kept growing, I kept getting more and more concerned until finally, three-quarters through the book, she does. Three quarters in. While I had that niggling feeling of something bad happening to Ruby at the back of my mind, it was always brushed away. Nothing bad will happen to Ruby because her sister dies. It took away all the tension and spoils the biggest turning point of the book. If it wasn’t there, I would have enjoyed it better.
It doesn’t stop the ending from being enjoyable, but I do think it takes away from it somewhat. There is another positive here though – you don’t genuinely know who is behind the murders. It throws red herrings and twists at you, but not enough of them to become annoying. Overall, just very well written! Definitely one of the better books I read this year.
I give this book a: 8/10
from my sister with a handful of psychology-based books, so I had just assumed it had something to do with that without reading the blurb. I still wished I had kept this idea of it in my head without reading the blurb, as it actually made my experience worse.
I’m getting ahead of myself.
To be honest, I was very surprised at how much I liked this book and was saddened to see it really had hardly any GoodRead reviews. The writing drew me in, I liked the main character and sympathized with her struggle and trauma. It’s honestly a hard feat to do, especially given the fact that Ruby had being complicate in another’s suicide attempt. Even so, I couldn’t help but be engaged with her struggle. She felt unique from a lot of other protagonists, mostly given the fact that she feels human. Ruby has her quirks, her personality is rounded with both good and bad traits, which is pretty hard to balance. When the murders kept piling up, I couldn’t help but hold concern for her as I didn’t want her to become one of those unfortunate victims.
But it was never really that serious because of one thing, and I don’t really think this is Philip’s fault. I’ve heard generally that the book's cover, and the blurb, are chosen by the marketing department of the publishing house, and this is the second time I’ve seen it happen on a book, the first being Bad Sisters by Rebecca Chance.
The blurb gives away the story, essentially ruining whatever build-up you have.
Every chapter I had the same thought – when is Jinn going to disappear? As the pages and pages kept growing, I kept getting more and more concerned until finally, three-quarters through the book, she does. Three quarters in. While I had that niggling feeling of something bad happening to Ruby at the back of my mind, it was always brushed away. Nothing bad will happen to Ruby because her sister dies. It took away all the tension and spoils the biggest turning point of the book. If it wasn’t there, I would have enjoyed it better.
It doesn’t stop the ending from being enjoyable, but I do think it takes away from it somewhat. There is another positive here though – you don’t genuinely know who is behind the murders. It throws red herrings and twists at you, but not enough of them to become annoying. Overall, just very well written! Definitely one of the better books I read this year.
I give this book a: 8/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2013
WOW. what a wonderfully told story. bitter sweet and sad but beautiful. packed fulll with emotions and hard to face truths.
So we start off with two very different sisters who are completely intertwined with each other.
Jinn, the Nurchurer, always looking after others - even at the cost to herself. Jinn is the one that everyone notices and likes often being discribed as the shinning blond with life in her eyes.
than there's Ruby - our narriator.
This is Ruby:
"And for the first time in ages, i felt i wanted to add something. I wanted to make one of those slender word-chains that kept a person at your side. I wanted to make a rope out of words and loop it around his wrist, invisibly, so he wouldnt get bored and walk away.
Words look fragile, insect trails of ink, but they're strong. Words bind people together or bludgeon them apart. Words are a grappling hook, flung skywoods to yank a boy off a roof. What i wanted was the daisy-chain words, but unfortunately I couldnt open my mouth except to lick my lips."
Ruby is humanly flawed and comes across as a real person (actually all the characters do) she could be called a day-dreamer, though maybe a slightly in-sane one with some of the things she comes up with.
she liked to put herself first and became annoyed if others didnt follow her plan, she grudgingly let go of precious words for fear of saying something wrong therefor screwing everythin up.
Anyways on with the story. as im sure you can guess with these two sister being as thick as theives that something was bound to come between them, and you would be correct, but this story doesnt end with a HEA like you might expect, it pretty much goes down hill from there until everything derails then The End.
So while you may have an idea of how this story is going to unfold - it will no doubt surprise you. even if it didnt it's hard not to get caught up in the lives of all these unique people. there where a couple og laggy parts where i just wanted to get to the next part but overall i was fairy sucked in and emotionally impacted by the book - which i always take as a good sign (though maybe not as impacted as the author had hoped for)
So we start off with two very different sisters who are completely intertwined with each other.
Jinn, the Nurchurer, always looking after others - even at the cost to herself. Jinn is the one that everyone notices and likes often being discribed as the shinning blond with life in her eyes.
than there's Ruby - our narriator.
This is Ruby:
"And for the first time in ages, i felt i wanted to add something. I wanted to make one of those slender word-chains that kept a person at your side. I wanted to make a rope out of words and loop it around his wrist, invisibly, so he wouldnt get bored and walk away.
Words look fragile, insect trails of ink, but they're strong. Words bind people together or bludgeon them apart. Words are a grappling hook, flung skywoods to yank a boy off a roof. What i wanted was the daisy-chain words, but unfortunately I couldnt open my mouth except to lick my lips."
Ruby is humanly flawed and comes across as a real person (actually all the characters do) she could be called a day-dreamer, though maybe a slightly in-sane one with some of the things she comes up with.
she liked to put herself first and became annoyed if others didnt follow her plan, she grudgingly let go of precious words for fear of saying something wrong therefor screwing everythin up.
Anyways on with the story. as im sure you can guess with these two sister being as thick as theives that something was bound to come between them, and you would be correct, but this story doesnt end with a HEA like you might expect, it pretty much goes down hill from there until everything derails then The End.
So while you may have an idea of how this story is going to unfold - it will no doubt surprise you. even if it didnt it's hard not to get caught up in the lives of all these unique people. there where a couple og laggy parts where i just wanted to get to the next part but overall i was fairy sucked in and emotionally impacted by the book - which i always take as a good sign (though maybe not as impacted as the author had hoped for)
August 18, 2011
This was a really awesome book! It was really touching and intriguing. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down, and the pages couldn't seem to flip fast enough. It was addicting, and I needed to know what was going to happen next and what twists Gillian Philip would throw at readers next.
The plot was not predictable by any means. Gillian Philip made readers suspect so many different characters and would switch the facts around to make other characters look just as guilty. I was constantly switching my opinion on who I thought was behind everything. My sole issue with the book was there were a few brief moments was that I was slightly confused at what was happening. It would take me a few pages, then I'd realize exactly what I had missed.
I loved all the characters in The Opposite of Amber. They were all really well written and very well rounded. I really liked Ruby. She was very personable and easy to connect with. She was just a ton of fun. The relationship between Jinn and Ruby was really well done. It was so easy to see how Ruby was the younger sister, and yes, at times annoyed Jinn, but the bond they had was incredible. Jinn was such a good hearted person you couldn't not like her if you wanted to. As much as Ruby despises Nathan Baird in the book, you couldn't really hate him either. He had unpleasant qualities, but behind those it was easy to see how much he cared for Jinn. I loved Foley and his sister, Mallory as well. Mallory was absolutely hilarious and even the little things she did made me smile. Foley was just an all around nice guy.
I would whole heartedly suggest The Opposite of Amber! It was a fantastic read, that will captivate readers until the very last page.
The plot was not predictable by any means. Gillian Philip made readers suspect so many different characters and would switch the facts around to make other characters look just as guilty. I was constantly switching my opinion on who I thought was behind everything. My sole issue with the book was there were a few brief moments was that I was slightly confused at what was happening. It would take me a few pages, then I'd realize exactly what I had missed.
I loved all the characters in The Opposite of Amber. They were all really well written and very well rounded. I really liked Ruby. She was very personable and easy to connect with. She was just a ton of fun. The relationship between Jinn and Ruby was really well done. It was so easy to see how Ruby was the younger sister, and yes, at times annoyed Jinn, but the bond they had was incredible. Jinn was such a good hearted person you couldn't not like her if you wanted to. As much as Ruby despises Nathan Baird in the book, you couldn't really hate him either. He had unpleasant qualities, but behind those it was easy to see how much he cared for Jinn. I loved Foley and his sister, Mallory as well. Mallory was absolutely hilarious and even the little things she did made me smile. Foley was just an all around nice guy.
I would whole heartedly suggest The Opposite of Amber! It was a fantastic read, that will captivate readers until the very last page.
April 23, 2011
The Opposite Of Amber is a surprising book. Firstly, I presumed from the publishers blurb on the back it was going to be a murder mystery, tense and full of suspense. It isn't like that at all really, although there is an element of mystery about it. It's really about the relationship between two sisters, Ruby and Jinn and their lives in a run down Scottish seaside town and the traumas which haunt both them and their fellow residents. The second surprising thing was how hooked I actually became to this book. It started off quite slow and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, yet before I knew it the story of Ruby and Jinn had crept right under my skin and didn't let go.
Told in the first person from Ruby, Gillian Philips places the reader directly in this character's head. Ruby's had a lot to deal with over the years and as a result doesn't talk much, so her thoughts are particularly important to the story. They are written so well it's impossible not to become fully involved and care for her and I found her love for Jinn, the sister who brought her up, very touching.
The setting also came across beautifully through both the characters and descriptions. I know towns and people like the ones in The Opposite Of Amber and Philip's portrays them with shocking truth.
The Opposite Of Amber is brutally honest both in language and themes and isn't the easiest book to read but it is a worthwhile one. It's beautifully written using enough dialect and slang to make the characters and setting believable without alienating those who may be unfamiliar with it. This is a book which will open your eyes, make you think and whose main characters Ruby and Jinn will haunt you long after the last page.
Told in the first person from Ruby, Gillian Philips places the reader directly in this character's head. Ruby's had a lot to deal with over the years and as a result doesn't talk much, so her thoughts are particularly important to the story. They are written so well it's impossible not to become fully involved and care for her and I found her love for Jinn, the sister who brought her up, very touching.
The setting also came across beautifully through both the characters and descriptions. I know towns and people like the ones in The Opposite Of Amber and Philip's portrays them with shocking truth.
The Opposite Of Amber is brutally honest both in language and themes and isn't the easiest book to read but it is a worthwhile one. It's beautifully written using enough dialect and slang to make the characters and setting believable without alienating those who may be unfamiliar with it. This is a book which will open your eyes, make you think and whose main characters Ruby and Jinn will haunt you long after the last page.
March 10, 2016
With Young Adult very much dominated by supernatural creatures and tales of romantic angst, The Opposite of Amber is a book guaranteed to stand out among its companions on the shelves of bookstores. As if the synopsis and stunning cover aren’t enough to make readers flock, once you delve between the pages main character Ruby is guaranteed to take hold of your attention and emotions. She is unlike any protagonist I’ve ever encountered. Her quirkiness was utterly endearing and made for the perfect narrator of the turmoil her family faced, and the brutal crimes rocking her community.
The Opposite of Amber is made up of so many layers, and writing that flows just beautifully. Not an action packed read by any means, but a pacing that keeps readers interested because of the characters you can’t help but to care about. Packed full of such a unique cast, and a maze of twists and turns from start to finish. I started reading expecting a murder mystery (which I did get), and found this book contained so much more. I loved the bond between sisters Ruby and Jinn, and was heartbroken as I watched it dissolve when the troubled Nathan entered the scene. Readers experience the dynamics of many different relationships, and how things happening around them causes them to bend and change. I almost felt like I was getting a fascinating lesson in human dynamics.
This is a book that will make readers feel, and leave its impression long after you’ve finished reading! A must read for anyone craving strong character driven writing. The author did a stellar job of bringing something fresh to the Young Adult scene!
The Opposite of Amber is made up of so many layers, and writing that flows just beautifully. Not an action packed read by any means, but a pacing that keeps readers interested because of the characters you can’t help but to care about. Packed full of such a unique cast, and a maze of twists and turns from start to finish. I started reading expecting a murder mystery (which I did get), and found this book contained so much more. I loved the bond between sisters Ruby and Jinn, and was heartbroken as I watched it dissolve when the troubled Nathan entered the scene. Readers experience the dynamics of many different relationships, and how things happening around them causes them to bend and change. I almost felt like I was getting a fascinating lesson in human dynamics.
This is a book that will make readers feel, and leave its impression long after you’ve finished reading! A must read for anyone craving strong character driven writing. The author did a stellar job of bringing something fresh to the Young Adult scene!
April 5, 2011
Set against a backdrop of serial killer on the loose, this is a moving and sometimes distressing look at the bond and interdependence between sisters,Ruby and Jinn.
I took a while to get into the swing of this book, for some strange reason it wasn't quite what I was expecting - I think maybe because the back cover blurb makes a lot of the relationship between the sisters and of the murders happening around town but nothing of Ruby's agonising over Alex's suicide attempt - but after that I was completely hooked.
The Opposite of Amber is a very very different book to Gillian Philip's last, Firebrand, but an equally compelling page-turner. "Coming of age novel" is a somewhat over-used phrase but I find it difficult to describe this any other way. Ruby has always been overprotected, over mothered by Jinn, then, at this point when she needs someone to turn to, finds Jinn has other priorities and that their roles are even reversed, and Ruby must look after Jinn.
While the story is told through Ruby's eyes, I felt as reader I could sit back just a little further and feel sorry for Jinn and Nathan, so obviously deeply in love with each other but with so many things going against them.
Compelling, frightening, occasionally funny, a book to remember long after the last page. As for the title which had me puzzling - what IS the opposite of amber? red or green as on traffic lights? - you'll have to read it to find out!
I took a while to get into the swing of this book, for some strange reason it wasn't quite what I was expecting - I think maybe because the back cover blurb makes a lot of the relationship between the sisters and of the murders happening around town but nothing of Ruby's agonising over Alex's suicide attempt - but after that I was completely hooked.
The Opposite of Amber is a very very different book to Gillian Philip's last, Firebrand, but an equally compelling page-turner. "Coming of age novel" is a somewhat over-used phrase but I find it difficult to describe this any other way. Ruby has always been overprotected, over mothered by Jinn, then, at this point when she needs someone to turn to, finds Jinn has other priorities and that their roles are even reversed, and Ruby must look after Jinn.
While the story is told through Ruby's eyes, I felt as reader I could sit back just a little further and feel sorry for Jinn and Nathan, so obviously deeply in love with each other but with so many things going against them.
Compelling, frightening, occasionally funny, a book to remember long after the last page. As for the title which had me puzzling - what IS the opposite of amber? red or green as on traffic lights? - you'll have to read it to find out!
February 15, 2011
The beginning of the book didn't really grab me in like I thought it would. It was mainly because I had it in my mind that this was going to be more of a mystery book about the dead girls and the missing sister. And I will admit that I picked this book up mainly because my name is in the title. The book focuses a lot on Ruby herself. After her mother's death, it had always been her and her older sister, Jinn. When Jinn decides to stay with a guy who isn't good for her, Ruby has to adjust to this new life put in front of her.
After I got over the fact that this wasn't exactly a suspenseful book, I throughly enjoyed the plot. There was a great balance in Ruby. She was lost yet she wasn't. I haven't read many UK based book so all the slang and seeing the different culture really interested me. Gillian Philips is a wonderful writer. A lot of the passages were written beautifully and I could get lost inside Ruby's world.
With the aspect of the missing girls and who the killer was, I was very surprised. I was sure throughout half the novel that it was a certain someone, actually I would have even took a bet on it, but when the ending came around I had a what?! moment. Even if you thought this book was more of a thriller type novel, don't let that steer you away that it's not. It's still a wonderfully written story about a teenage girl finding her place in this world.
After I got over the fact that this wasn't exactly a suspenseful book, I throughly enjoyed the plot. There was a great balance in Ruby. She was lost yet she wasn't. I haven't read many UK based book so all the slang and seeing the different culture really interested me. Gillian Philips is a wonderful writer. A lot of the passages were written beautifully and I could get lost inside Ruby's world.
With the aspect of the missing girls and who the killer was, I was very surprised. I was sure throughout half the novel that it was a certain someone, actually I would have even took a bet on it, but when the ending came around I had a what?! moment. Even if you thought this book was more of a thriller type novel, don't let that steer you away that it's not. It's still a wonderfully written story about a teenage girl finding her place in this world.
January 27, 2015
The Opposite of Amber isn't the book you think it is going to be. The synopsis on it is a little misleading in its tone and sets you up for a very different kind of read. That's not to say the read you get in the end isn't good because it is but I'm warning you now to not set your heart on the type of book the synopsis seems to offer.
The books starts with you meeting Ruby. Ruby lives with her older sister Jinn who for all intents and purposes has spend her life acting as both her mother and sister (even when her mother was alive). The pair are really close and live in a small house in a seaside village in Scotland. Everything in their shared world bobs along nicely until that is Nathan Baird turns up. He starts seeing Jinn and slowly Ruby starts to see a change in her sister.
This book is really beautifully written. It allows you to really get inside the head of the main character Ruby and you really feel for her and the situation she helplessly finds herself in. The events of the book trot along nicely and the story is really engaging but it isn't the "thriller" promised on the synopsis (and probably is all the better for not being so). The final twist at the end was good and I never saw it coming at all.
Definitely one I'd recommend but don't let the synopsis put any preconceived ideas into your head.
The books starts with you meeting Ruby. Ruby lives with her older sister Jinn who for all intents and purposes has spend her life acting as both her mother and sister (even when her mother was alive). The pair are really close and live in a small house in a seaside village in Scotland. Everything in their shared world bobs along nicely until that is Nathan Baird turns up. He starts seeing Jinn and slowly Ruby starts to see a change in her sister.
This book is really beautifully written. It allows you to really get inside the head of the main character Ruby and you really feel for her and the situation she helplessly finds herself in. The events of the book trot along nicely and the story is really engaging but it isn't the "thriller" promised on the synopsis (and probably is all the better for not being so). The final twist at the end was good and I never saw it coming at all.
Definitely one I'd recommend but don't let the synopsis put any preconceived ideas into your head.
April 19, 2011
The Opposite of Amber follows two sisters, Ruby and Jinn, and what happens when outside influences interfere with their close and loving relationship. Ruby is the narrator, and her very distinctive voice touched me very deeply. It's described as a thriller, and on one level it is, but it's much more than that too. I'd also say that although Gillian writes for Young Adults, this is easily a cross-over book and likely to appeal to just as many Not-So-Young Adults.
I found that pace-wise there was a distinction between a slower, beautifully-written first half, in which I got to know and love the main characters. All the characters were incredibly well-done - individual and unique and intensely human. If you want to know how to write good characters, read a few of Gillian's books. The language as well was very evocative; there was one piece in particular when Ruby and Jinn were at the ice rink at the same time but separate that made me fill up a bit. In the second half the pace really picks up. It reminded me of a roller coaster where you are almost lulled into a false sense of security when the coach trundles along leisurely then dives at top speed making your stomach leap. My heart was actually racing when I finished the book, with a few scenes I never saw coming.
Highly recommended.
I found that pace-wise there was a distinction between a slower, beautifully-written first half, in which I got to know and love the main characters. All the characters were incredibly well-done - individual and unique and intensely human. If you want to know how to write good characters, read a few of Gillian's books. The language as well was very evocative; there was one piece in particular when Ruby and Jinn were at the ice rink at the same time but separate that made me fill up a bit. In the second half the pace really picks up. It reminded me of a roller coaster where you are almost lulled into a false sense of security when the coach trundles along leisurely then dives at top speed making your stomach leap. My heart was actually racing when I finished the book, with a few scenes I never saw coming.
Highly recommended.
August 16, 2013
Oh Gillian, what are you doing to me? Just when I start to think about writing - just when I feel as if I might have something to say, and the skills and motivation to say it - I read The Opposite of Amber, and realize that I'm a long way short of producing this type of mature, multi faceted, inspirational work.
To call this a YA crime novel would be a total misnomer. It's heart-tuggingly sad but beautifully upbeat, tragic but comic, small town but worldly wise. Other reviewers have commented that the plot is obvious, and that they guessed the culprit too early. Well, I didn't - and even if I did it wouldn't have spoilt my enjoyment.
Anyway. Apart from disagreeing about anyone being too old for ice cream, and having a slight issue with my frequent name-checks, I felt that the evocation of teenage boredom was spot on - not too much dialect to be intrusive, but enough to remind us where we are. The characterisation is superb - as other people have commented, Wide Bertha deserves another airing!
I suppose the highest praise I can give is that this reminds me of Iain Banks. Without the "M", of course.
To call this a YA crime novel would be a total misnomer. It's heart-tuggingly sad but beautifully upbeat, tragic but comic, small town but worldly wise. Other reviewers have commented that the plot is obvious, and that they guessed the culprit too early. Well, I didn't - and even if I did it wouldn't have spoilt my enjoyment.
Anyway. Apart from disagreeing about anyone being too old for ice cream, and having a slight issue with my frequent name-checks, I felt that the evocation of teenage boredom was spot on - not too much dialect to be intrusive, but enough to remind us where we are. The characterisation is superb - as other people have commented, Wide Bertha deserves another airing!
I suppose the highest praise I can give is that this reminds me of Iain Banks. Without the "M", of course.
September 27, 2011
This is just my personal opinion, so do not take this as a rating of the language or how you will like it. I found this book really depressing (it was supposed to be, but anyway) and hard to get through. Some books have to be chewed slowly, sucked on and savoured, but there are others that are just tough and yucky. This was one of these books. I found nearly all of the characters stupid and annoying, bar Wide Bertha (I rather liked her attitude and realness) and Foley (he was a nice person, not up himself at all) and Alex (he just needed a life (I mean that in the nicest possible way)). Nathan was just dodgy, Jinn should have realised she was so deep in poo that she would never see the sun again and got herself out of the situation somehow even if she loved Nathan, Ruby was just uptight,Tom was downright creepy, Inflatable George was a sicko and a bastard, and Mallory was a brat.
Ugh! Rant over.
Ugh! Rant over.
August 27, 2012
I don't think I have ever read a book like this before. Don't let the cover mislead you to believe this is a happy novel because it is a deep, dark and thrilling murder mystery- not for the faint hearted! Initially I found this book very hard to get into, but the pace eventually picked up. The author made you ask questions inside your head about who was killing these girls and why. The book seemed to be written very realisticly and I can imagine something like this happening in real life. The author lead you to believe right through the book that one of the two certain suspects had killed her sister, but in the end it turned out to be the person you least expected. The characters were very well detailed and it was interesting to see how their relationship changed throughout the book and how the two sisters grew gradually further and further apart. It was a great and thrilling book to read!
March 17, 2011
Initially I had a hard time getting into this book. It wasn't the characters, who are intriguing despite their individual sadness, but rather the colloquial language used, as this story is set in Scotland, and a Scottish author. But after a while, I got into the rhythm of it and found myself fascinated by Ruby, thankful to have the insight into her thoughts denied to those around her by her monosyllabic behavior.
Read the full review here.
Read the full review here.
July 13, 2011
Reminded me a little of A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews -- the same kind of smart, funny, lost adolescent female character, but the sister is still around, sort of. Less a mystery than a sort of sad coming-of-age story.
March 19, 2012
Warning this is the most boring book ever I thought it sounded good you don't hear about the dead girls until the end of the book the rest you have to hear about love life's and I don't mind this but it's not even an interesting story about love
February 20, 2016
An all right book about a girl called Ruby and her big sister Jinn. It's a bit slow for the first half of the book, and you know from reading the first chapter how it is going to end. Saying this, there is a rather good twist near the end, and the plot is quite good.
August 16, 2011
Nothing was particularly wrong with this book. I just could not get past the first 50 pages.
September 10, 2011
Dragged on a bit but whe something actually did happen it made up for the stuff that didn't ( if that even makes sense) :)
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