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The Ruby Code
From Jessica Khoury comes a high-action sci-fi adventure about a video game AI come to life. Warcross meets Ready Player One in this thriller set in a high-tech near future. Bullied at school and home, Ash finds respite from his unhappy life in virtual reality games. One night, he spends his meager savings to help a stranger, who thanks him with a copy of an old fantasy game called The Glass Realm . While exploring the game, Ash meets a seemingly humble shopkeeper named Ruby. But from the start, Ruby seems different than the other townsfolk―especially when she and Ash stumble across an in-game quest designed not for the player, but for Ruby to solve. When Ruby begins developing powerful abilities that can rewrite the very code of the game, they realize she is far more than a pre-programmed side character. Following the quest left for her in The Glass Realm , the pair discover that Ruby is actually a sentient AI who’s been hidden inside the game. Originally built as a weapon, her developer stole her from his employers and hid her away, hoping to keep her safe. That safety vanishes when Ash and Ruby are targeted by the powerful shadow organization who funded Ruby’s development, and who would use her to spark a world war to rack up huge profits. Caught in a deadly game that blurs the lines between real and virtual, Ash and Ruby must flee for their lives. If they lose this game―they might just doom the world.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2023
42 people are currently reading
3084 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Khoury
27 books2,576 followersJessica Khoury wrote her first book at age 4, a fan fic sequel to Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur, which she scribbled on notebook paper, stapled together, and placed on the bookshelf of her preschool classroom. Since that day, she's dreamed of being an author.
When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and oil and watercolor painting. She is also a professional mapmaker, and spends far too much time scribbling tiny trees and mountains for fictional worlds.
Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of the Corpus trilogy, The Forbidden Wish, Last of Her Name, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft.
When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and oil and watercolor painting. She is also a professional mapmaker, and spends far too much time scribbling tiny trees and mountains for fictional worlds.
Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of the Corpus trilogy, The Forbidden Wish, Last of Her Name, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 14, 2023
DNF at 65%
I was mildly enjoying this book at the beginning. I wasn’t really connecting with ash, but glass realm Ruby was intriguing and I wanted to see how her character developed. Unfortunately, as soon as Ruby regained her memories, I began to not like her character. It shifted too much away from what I had grown to like and she also began making questionable decisions that I didn’t vibe with. Like hacking Hakeem’s whole computer and deleting ash’s entire life. It became a struggle to read more than a chapter at a time. And I have so many other books on my TBR that I know I’ll enjoy more. So it’s goodbye to this one. 2 stars still because the writing was well done and the glass realm video game aspect was interesting in the beginning.
I was mildly enjoying this book at the beginning. I wasn’t really connecting with ash, but glass realm Ruby was intriguing and I wanted to see how her character developed. Unfortunately, as soon as Ruby regained her memories, I began to not like her character. It shifted too much away from what I had grown to like and she also began making questionable decisions that I didn’t vibe with. Like hacking Hakeem’s whole computer and deleting ash’s entire life. It became a struggle to read more than a chapter at a time. And I have so many other books on my TBR that I know I’ll enjoy more. So it’s goodbye to this one. 2 stars still because the writing was well done and the glass realm video game aspect was interesting in the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
Oh my gosh!!! This book was absolutely brilliant and I loved every moment of it! I mean just watching the AI coming to life in the beginning was something else entirely and it immediately hooked me. So thankful I got to read this! Now the real question is: why aren’t people talking about this?!
September 2, 2023
Very, very good.
For those who like sci-fi, read it, listen to it.
Note: They made the right choice for Ruby's voice. Narrator Taylor Meskimen does a very good job here.
For those who like sci-fi, read it, listen to it.
Note: They made the right choice for Ruby's voice. Narrator Taylor Meskimen does a very good job here.
Read
June 12, 2023When 13-year-old Ash, who loves video games, is about to spend his savings for an hour to experience virtual reality and stumbles across a man in trouble, reality takes a whole new spin.
As the man named Owen leaves in the autocab called for him by Ash, he tells Ash he should have stayed out of it and thrusts a box into his hands, stating he owes him. Ash's curiousity gets the best of him, and he discovers a gold coin in the box for an old VR game called The Glass Realm. When the news reports the death of Owen, Ash decides to play the game and discovers differences from the game he knows.
The main difference is the NPC (non-player character) named Ruby. Ruby does not appear to be following the typical NPC script having more personable interactions with Ash in the game and skills well beyond her supposed role as a shopkeeper. Readers learn that Ruby is not just any character but an AI hidden in an old game and about to become aware of herself.
Told in duo perspectives (including the use of different fonts), Ash and Ruby embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of why Ruby is in an old video game and her connection to Owen. As their adventure continues, not only is the who and why behind Ruby's creation revealed but a plan to use Ruby to dominate the world with her computer hacking skills.
The number of books that cover gaming is few and far between, especially at the middle-grade level, so The Ruby Code is a welcome addition with nonstop action and solid main and supporting characters. At times it even felt a bit more YA because of its plot sophistication, but will help fill this void along with Last Gamer Standing, Glitch and the Team Chu series.
Keywords: Science Fiction, Action & Adventure, Gaming
Similar Titles: Last Gamer Standing, Glitch and the Team Chu series
As the man named Owen leaves in the autocab called for him by Ash, he tells Ash he should have stayed out of it and thrusts a box into his hands, stating he owes him. Ash's curiousity gets the best of him, and he discovers a gold coin in the box for an old VR game called The Glass Realm. When the news reports the death of Owen, Ash decides to play the game and discovers differences from the game he knows.
The main difference is the NPC (non-player character) named Ruby. Ruby does not appear to be following the typical NPC script having more personable interactions with Ash in the game and skills well beyond her supposed role as a shopkeeper. Readers learn that Ruby is not just any character but an AI hidden in an old game and about to become aware of herself.
Told in duo perspectives (including the use of different fonts), Ash and Ruby embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of why Ruby is in an old video game and her connection to Owen. As their adventure continues, not only is the who and why behind Ruby's creation revealed but a plan to use Ruby to dominate the world with her computer hacking skills.
The number of books that cover gaming is few and far between, especially at the middle-grade level, so The Ruby Code is a welcome addition with nonstop action and solid main and supporting characters. At times it even felt a bit more YA because of its plot sophistication, but will help fill this void along with Last Gamer Standing, Glitch and the Team Chu series.
Keywords: Science Fiction, Action & Adventure, Gaming
Similar Titles: Last Gamer Standing, Glitch and the Team Chu series
August 19, 2023
3.25 Stars
September 13, 2024
This was a fun middle grades novel that explores themes of Artificial Intelligence, good vs evil and friendship. While action-packed, I couldn't help but feel this was about 100 pages too long.... it just kept going. Could be a tough hang for young readers without the stamina to power through. Overall this was a fresh, interesting premise and the cover art is top notch!
July 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I loved this!
I loved this!
February 15, 2025
Solid middle grade sci-fi adventure. Anytime they described the game world I became more convinced the characters were just playing Skyrim.
December 18, 2024
This title popped up in my Amazon recommendations months before it was released. Most of the time, their selections are either way off or not of interest. But I'll admit I was intrigued by the cover. I did check out the blurb and perused an excerpt, but I was a bit nervous about diving in as it seemed no one had penned any reviews for it. In the end, I decided to take the plunge and, while this is clearly aimed for a younger audience, it's by no means a pass for older readers who enjoy sci-fi light stories.
The Ruby Code, by Jessica Khoury, is a standalone middle grade sci-fi novel. Ashton (Ash for short) is a compulsive VR gamer who does so chiefly to escape his turbulent home life. One day, an act of kindness earns him a mysterious chip containing a defunct fantasy RPG. He's prepared to dismiss it until he enters the game and encounters a seemingly simple shopkeeper, Ruby. But Ruby is not all she appears, as she questions her own existence in the game and feels she was made for more than what her limited programming allows her to do. In time, both Ash and Ruby learn the truth about who she is and what she was designed for. But will the two of them be able to stop the evil forces at work, or will it spell game over for the both of them?
I was initially hesitant to check this book out as, at the time of its release, there were few reviews for it, both on Amazon and online. I usually research a book before I buy it as I've had too many instances of book buyer's remorse. But I had a feeling this might be something I'd like, so I felt comfortable enough buying this essentially blind save for perusing a sample chapter. As it turns out, it managed to be a solidly average read for me - neither terrific nor terrible.
To start, this is a short book (under 300 pages), which seems to fit with its intended middle grade audience. While this could have been longer, perhaps it didn't need to be as it tells a swift but succinct story that focuses on two characters who get fairly fleshed out. The novel starts in a futuristic "real world" before it enters the in-game world of The Glass Realm, which is rendered on the page very much like how I would imagine a video game could be described. Not being a gamer myself, I still found much to enjoy about the overall layout and in-world rules of The Glass Realm, which, in reality, doesn't become the focus for too long as the story turns its attentions to the real world and Ruby's unique connections to certain characters there.
Speaking of which, between the two leads, Ruby was my favorite. Again, this isn't a long novel, so we don't get an in-depth glimpse into her as a character, but what we're treated to is fine. Her introduction is especially well-done and merges the rote story lines video game characters follow with Ruby clearly attaining a mind and will of her own. The mystery behind her identity is peppered throughout, so rather than receive the truth about Ruby in one giant infodump, we're treated to glimpses of her old memories that piece together what she was originally created for and why, along with her desire to carve out her own fate aside from what's contained in her initial programming. Ash proves to be a capable young hero, but it's Ruby who becomes the novel's star.
All of that being said, some of these positives become slight detriments to this book, chief of which is its brevity. As stated, this is a middle grade novel, so the size makes sense. However, it does mean that plot and character development get sacrificed, as least in the mind of an adult reader. Along these lines, The Ruby Code subtly bring up the topic of fate versus free will, both of which are explored with Ruby at the helm, but, again, these themes could have been delved into further. For a middle grade readership, I'm sure the level of detail in this regard will satisfy, but older readers will likely crave more. Likewise, there is a great deal of gamer lingo and in-game combat scenes that, while feel authentic, might be lost on non-gamers, especially how some of the action sequences are described. So in terms of audience, this novel obviously has gamers in mind, and I trust that is who will have the biggest appreciation for it.
Overall, The Ruby Code is a fun, energetic story that, unfortunately, feels like it has a meatier tale existing beneath the surface but is never given time to emerge before it's over. This title will likely hold the most appeal for middle grade gamers as opposed to casual readers. But sci-fi fans searching for an easy, breezy read would do well to pick this up and give it a chance.
Content:
Language - Essentially none, save for a handful of mild insults and some blink-and-miss-it PG-level profanities.
Violence - Nothing in terms of anything graphic or gory. The novel contains numerous scenes of video game-style action violence where characters defeat fantasy creatures. Some such acts are against human characters when Ash and Ruby take on real-world assailants. A character is mugged in an alley and it's later told that a character was murdered off-page. A major plot point involves flashbacks to an AI project that created programs intended to instigate world wars. Lastly, Ash is verbally mistreated by his mother's boyfriend but ultimately comes to no harm.
Sexual Content - None. There is a single reference to a male in-game character and a female in-game character who are both in love with a female milkmaid, but nothing further is discussed or shown.
The Ruby Code, by Jessica Khoury, is a standalone middle grade sci-fi novel. Ashton (Ash for short) is a compulsive VR gamer who does so chiefly to escape his turbulent home life. One day, an act of kindness earns him a mysterious chip containing a defunct fantasy RPG. He's prepared to dismiss it until he enters the game and encounters a seemingly simple shopkeeper, Ruby. But Ruby is not all she appears, as she questions her own existence in the game and feels she was made for more than what her limited programming allows her to do. In time, both Ash and Ruby learn the truth about who she is and what she was designed for. But will the two of them be able to stop the evil forces at work, or will it spell game over for the both of them?
I was initially hesitant to check this book out as, at the time of its release, there were few reviews for it, both on Amazon and online. I usually research a book before I buy it as I've had too many instances of book buyer's remorse. But I had a feeling this might be something I'd like, so I felt comfortable enough buying this essentially blind save for perusing a sample chapter. As it turns out, it managed to be a solidly average read for me - neither terrific nor terrible.
To start, this is a short book (under 300 pages), which seems to fit with its intended middle grade audience. While this could have been longer, perhaps it didn't need to be as it tells a swift but succinct story that focuses on two characters who get fairly fleshed out. The novel starts in a futuristic "real world" before it enters the in-game world of The Glass Realm, which is rendered on the page very much like how I would imagine a video game could be described. Not being a gamer myself, I still found much to enjoy about the overall layout and in-world rules of The Glass Realm, which, in reality, doesn't become the focus for too long as the story turns its attentions to the real world and Ruby's unique connections to certain characters there.
Speaking of which, between the two leads, Ruby was my favorite. Again, this isn't a long novel, so we don't get an in-depth glimpse into her as a character, but what we're treated to is fine. Her introduction is especially well-done and merges the rote story lines video game characters follow with Ruby clearly attaining a mind and will of her own. The mystery behind her identity is peppered throughout, so rather than receive the truth about Ruby in one giant infodump, we're treated to glimpses of her old memories that piece together what she was originally created for and why, along with her desire to carve out her own fate aside from what's contained in her initial programming. Ash proves to be a capable young hero, but it's Ruby who becomes the novel's star.
All of that being said, some of these positives become slight detriments to this book, chief of which is its brevity. As stated, this is a middle grade novel, so the size makes sense. However, it does mean that plot and character development get sacrificed, as least in the mind of an adult reader. Along these lines, The Ruby Code subtly bring up the topic of fate versus free will, both of which are explored with Ruby at the helm, but, again, these themes could have been delved into further. For a middle grade readership, I'm sure the level of detail in this regard will satisfy, but older readers will likely crave more. Likewise, there is a great deal of gamer lingo and in-game combat scenes that, while feel authentic, might be lost on non-gamers, especially how some of the action sequences are described. So in terms of audience, this novel obviously has gamers in mind, and I trust that is who will have the biggest appreciation for it.
Overall, The Ruby Code is a fun, energetic story that, unfortunately, feels like it has a meatier tale existing beneath the surface but is never given time to emerge before it's over. This title will likely hold the most appeal for middle grade gamers as opposed to casual readers. But sci-fi fans searching for an easy, breezy read would do well to pick this up and give it a chance.
Content:
Language - Essentially none, save for a handful of mild insults and some blink-and-miss-it PG-level profanities.
Violence - Nothing in terms of anything graphic or gory. The novel contains numerous scenes of video game-style action violence where characters defeat fantasy creatures. Some such acts are against human characters when Ash and Ruby take on real-world assailants. A character is mugged in an alley and it's later told that a character was murdered off-page. A major plot point involves flashbacks to an AI project that created programs intended to instigate world wars. Lastly, Ash is verbally mistreated by his mother's boyfriend but ultimately comes to no harm.
Sexual Content - None. There is a single reference to a male in-game character and a female in-game character who are both in love with a female milkmaid, but nothing further is discussed or shown.
August 27, 2023
When one of the NPCs in Ash’s game starts to act out of character and more like a player something seems to be off. Ruby is more than just a shopkeeper’s daughter and starts to embark on her own adventure within the game. Little do either know the true secret behind Ruby’s nature and what she was really coded for.
Such a fun Sci-Fi book set in a virtual gaming environment that really pulls you in.
Such a fun Sci-Fi book set in a virtual gaming environment that really pulls you in.
March 7, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ash lives a bit in the future, when Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and delivery drones are widespread. His mother, an artist, has struggled to get by since the death of his father, and the two are currently living with her boyfriend, Luke, who is wealthy but abusive. Ash saves up his money to buy one hour in a full immersion Virtual Reality arcade, but just as he is about to enter, he sees a man being beat up by thugs. Wanting to save the man, he orders a delivery drone to pick up one of the thug's fancy jet bikes, thereby distracting the group. He helps the man, Owen, and wants to get him to a hospital, but he refuses. Instead, Owen gives him a box with a golden coin in it. This is a video game called The Glass Realm, something that his best friend Hakeem's sister plays. He feels foolish that he spent his life savings to save the guy, but when he finds out later that the man is found shot dead on a Skytrain, he is also very sad. He starts to play the game, and finds that it is a bit different from the widely available version. He plays so much that Hakeem worries that Ash is turning into a VR "zombie", but there's something more to the game. We see events unfolding from the perspective of Ruby, a Non Player Character, who hears a Voice in her head and is eventually able to break away from the game. When Ash meets her in the shop she runs, the two both realize that they can do more in the game than is usually possible, and strike up a friendship. Ruby is an awesome fighter, but it turns out that she is much, much more. Her connection to the man who gave Ash the game goes deeper than he could expect, and Ash's involvement with Ruby brings him to the attention of dangerous criminals who want to use Ruby for horrific military uses to try to take over the world! Will Ash and Ruby be able to figure out a way to both save the world and keep Ruby's humanity?
Strengths: This had some twists and turns that I don't want to ruin. The technology rich society was well developed, and I like that it wasn't portrayed as entirely evil. Hakeem's mother is very concerned that the boys don't turn into VR "zombies", and people are certainly very invested in the VR headsets, but there are some good things, even though Autocabs could run you right over! There are some fantastic chase scenes, and one where Ash rides a jetbike on train rails, even though he is afraid of heights. There is some clever writing as well, like this description of a character (from the E ARC): "He's weating a black turtleneck and black pants... I wonder if anyone ever told him that's, like, Basic Villain Outfit Number 1." We get to explore some pretty deep ideas about humanity and emotion in Artificial Intelligence, but in a very personal way, so it never bogs down the story. It's a longer book, but everything is wrapped up nicely at the end, although there is a sense of the world continuing after we close the book, which I rather liked. Well done.
Weaknesses: Reluctant readers might not pick this up because of the length. It could have been streamlined a little bit. Khoury seems to write mainly Young Adult; for middle grade I would have probably shortened the plot that involved the evil boyfriend.
What I really think: This had a completely different plot from Zhao's Last Gamer Standing, Ross' Game Over and Mancusi's Dragon Ops, but a similar feel. This struck me a bit like Vande Velde's Heir Apparent (2002), which has fallen apart and is long gone from my library shelves, but really stuck with me. This is the sort of book I can see readers picking up at a Scholastic book fair and keeping forever because it just resonated with them so deeply. I can see myself having bought it at the insistence of my sci fi/fantasy loving friends, and liking it more than I thought I would. Definitely purchasing.
Ash lives a bit in the future, when Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and delivery drones are widespread. His mother, an artist, has struggled to get by since the death of his father, and the two are currently living with her boyfriend, Luke, who is wealthy but abusive. Ash saves up his money to buy one hour in a full immersion Virtual Reality arcade, but just as he is about to enter, he sees a man being beat up by thugs. Wanting to save the man, he orders a delivery drone to pick up one of the thug's fancy jet bikes, thereby distracting the group. He helps the man, Owen, and wants to get him to a hospital, but he refuses. Instead, Owen gives him a box with a golden coin in it. This is a video game called The Glass Realm, something that his best friend Hakeem's sister plays. He feels foolish that he spent his life savings to save the guy, but when he finds out later that the man is found shot dead on a Skytrain, he is also very sad. He starts to play the game, and finds that it is a bit different from the widely available version. He plays so much that Hakeem worries that Ash is turning into a VR "zombie", but there's something more to the game. We see events unfolding from the perspective of Ruby, a Non Player Character, who hears a Voice in her head and is eventually able to break away from the game. When Ash meets her in the shop she runs, the two both realize that they can do more in the game than is usually possible, and strike up a friendship. Ruby is an awesome fighter, but it turns out that she is much, much more. Her connection to the man who gave Ash the game goes deeper than he could expect, and Ash's involvement with Ruby brings him to the attention of dangerous criminals who want to use Ruby for horrific military uses to try to take over the world! Will Ash and Ruby be able to figure out a way to both save the world and keep Ruby's humanity?
Strengths: This had some twists and turns that I don't want to ruin. The technology rich society was well developed, and I like that it wasn't portrayed as entirely evil. Hakeem's mother is very concerned that the boys don't turn into VR "zombies", and people are certainly very invested in the VR headsets, but there are some good things, even though Autocabs could run you right over! There are some fantastic chase scenes, and one where Ash rides a jetbike on train rails, even though he is afraid of heights. There is some clever writing as well, like this description of a character (from the E ARC): "He's weating a black turtleneck and black pants... I wonder if anyone ever told him that's, like, Basic Villain Outfit Number 1." We get to explore some pretty deep ideas about humanity and emotion in Artificial Intelligence, but in a very personal way, so it never bogs down the story. It's a longer book, but everything is wrapped up nicely at the end, although there is a sense of the world continuing after we close the book, which I rather liked. Well done.
Weaknesses: Reluctant readers might not pick this up because of the length. It could have been streamlined a little bit. Khoury seems to write mainly Young Adult; for middle grade I would have probably shortened the plot that involved the evil boyfriend.
What I really think: This had a completely different plot from Zhao's Last Gamer Standing, Ross' Game Over and Mancusi's Dragon Ops, but a similar feel. This struck me a bit like Vande Velde's Heir Apparent (2002), which has fallen apart and is long gone from my library shelves, but really stuck with me. This is the sort of book I can see readers picking up at a Scholastic book fair and keeping forever because it just resonated with them so deeply. I can see myself having bought it at the insistence of my sci fi/fantasy loving friends, and liking it more than I thought I would. Definitely purchasing.
June 7, 2023
This was a book I had to read, despite never having played any virtual reality games. Because I have been a fan of Jessica and her books since her first story. This new middle grade sounded awesome. The cover is amazing. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed it a whole lot. But I did not love it, so I am giving this three stars.
It was such a good story, though. And I did adore the main boy, Ash. He was awesome. Ruby was too. The writing was mostly great, except for all the italics under every single word that was to be said differently. It drove me a little insane, haha, and took me a little out of the book. But this story was all kinds of great.
I'm not going to write such a long review for this book. As it was kind of short and easy and fast to read. It is told from two point of views. There is Ash, from our world, but in the future. I so liked getting to know what the world was like at this time. All kinds of ruined, in a way. With most people being obsessed with virtual reality and not caring too much about the actual reality. We don't learn too much about this world, but a little was enough. It was exciting. And we do learn a whole lot about thirteen-year-old Ash. He was such a small and gentle boy, truly. A little broken after his father died. And his mom found a new boyfriend, one who did not treat him well. She did not know this. And Ash was too scared to tell her. That broke my heart. He deserved more.
Although Ash did not have the easiest life, he did try his best to be okay. Being positive with his mother, loving his dog. Trying to be normal with his best friend, Hakeem. That was not going well. And Hakeem did get a bit angry with him. I did not blame him. But they were such great friends and I liked that a lot. I so did not like how his mom's boyfriend treated him. And wanted him to have such an awful end, haha. Kind of happy with how it ended, but not as brutal as I would have liked it. He deserved much worse, ha.
Then there was the other main character of this book. Ruby. I love how we got her point of view too. She was different. Not real. Yet not fully fake either. She starts out as a character in a virtual reality game Ash ends up getting from a guy he saves. But not a normal game character at all. And I so liked getting her view of things. It was a little weird but pretty awesome too. I do not play a lot of games like this, but I do play a little. And I liked the gaming parts of this book. Felt that it was written well and was pretty exciting.
I'm not going to say too much about the plot of this story. Only a little bit. Mostly this is a story about Ash and Ruby working together inside this game trying to figure out why she is different from other NPC in it. Why she can think for herself and what it all means. It was a small adventure and I so liked that. I did not fully love this book, sadly, as I was a little bored at times too. It felt a little too tame, somewhat. Even with the real life villains working on damaging the world. But I wanted even more danger and more adventure.
But despite this, I still liked this book a lot. It was exciting and I so enjoyed reading about Ash and Ruby and their growing friendship. They were pretty cute together. The book was a little too short, though. As I would have loved even more of them and even more of this world as well. Oh, there is a white fluffy cat. Like mine. I so adored it, ha. It had only a small part, but still. The Ruby Code was a great gaming book. With stunning friendships. I'm glad that I read it. Wish I had loved it more, but it was still pretty fantastic.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2023...
It was such a good story, though. And I did adore the main boy, Ash. He was awesome. Ruby was too. The writing was mostly great, except for all the italics under every single word that was to be said differently. It drove me a little insane, haha, and took me a little out of the book. But this story was all kinds of great.
I'm not going to write such a long review for this book. As it was kind of short and easy and fast to read. It is told from two point of views. There is Ash, from our world, but in the future. I so liked getting to know what the world was like at this time. All kinds of ruined, in a way. With most people being obsessed with virtual reality and not caring too much about the actual reality. We don't learn too much about this world, but a little was enough. It was exciting. And we do learn a whole lot about thirteen-year-old Ash. He was such a small and gentle boy, truly. A little broken after his father died. And his mom found a new boyfriend, one who did not treat him well. She did not know this. And Ash was too scared to tell her. That broke my heart. He deserved more.
Although Ash did not have the easiest life, he did try his best to be okay. Being positive with his mother, loving his dog. Trying to be normal with his best friend, Hakeem. That was not going well. And Hakeem did get a bit angry with him. I did not blame him. But they were such great friends and I liked that a lot. I so did not like how his mom's boyfriend treated him. And wanted him to have such an awful end, haha. Kind of happy with how it ended, but not as brutal as I would have liked it. He deserved much worse, ha.
Then there was the other main character of this book. Ruby. I love how we got her point of view too. She was different. Not real. Yet not fully fake either. She starts out as a character in a virtual reality game Ash ends up getting from a guy he saves. But not a normal game character at all. And I so liked getting her view of things. It was a little weird but pretty awesome too. I do not play a lot of games like this, but I do play a little. And I liked the gaming parts of this book. Felt that it was written well and was pretty exciting.
I'm not going to say too much about the plot of this story. Only a little bit. Mostly this is a story about Ash and Ruby working together inside this game trying to figure out why she is different from other NPC in it. Why she can think for herself and what it all means. It was a small adventure and I so liked that. I did not fully love this book, sadly, as I was a little bored at times too. It felt a little too tame, somewhat. Even with the real life villains working on damaging the world. But I wanted even more danger and more adventure.
But despite this, I still liked this book a lot. It was exciting and I so enjoyed reading about Ash and Ruby and their growing friendship. They were pretty cute together. The book was a little too short, though. As I would have loved even more of them and even more of this world as well. Oh, there is a white fluffy cat. Like mine. I so adored it, ha. It had only a small part, but still. The Ruby Code was a great gaming book. With stunning friendships. I'm glad that I read it. Wish I had loved it more, but it was still pretty fantastic.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2023...
August 15, 2023
Facing bullying at school from classmates and at home from his mother's boyfriend - who he is often left with while she travels, Ash's happy place is virtual reality. Each game is a chance to escape everyday life (and his house), be a hero, and save the world. So when he is unexpectedly given a copy of an old VR game - the Glass Realm - by a stranger he stops to help, Ash doesn't hesitate to try it.
The Glass Realm is a classic fantasy adventure with taverns, villagers, and troll kings. Nothing unexpected, except for a unique nonplayer character named Ruby. After the two team up to fight off an attack on Ruby's village, the game offers up a new quest - except it's not for Ash, it's for Ruby. When the two set off on the quest together, hoping to uncover more about who - or what - exactly Ruby is, they quickly find themselves wrapped up in a dangerous game with real world consequences.
This is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure with aspects that will appeal to gamers, adventure fans, and action fans. I appreciated that it depicted verbal, emotional, and physical abuse of bullies and a step-parent figure (in a fairly gentle way) and ends in a way that encourages kids to seek help from trusted friends and adults.
Though there is kidnapping, abuse (mostly verbal and emotional), and threats on page, it is depicted in a very age-appropriate way and is not scary.
Publisher recommended for ages 8-12, grades 3rd-7th
The Glass Realm is a classic fantasy adventure with taverns, villagers, and troll kings. Nothing unexpected, except for a unique nonplayer character named Ruby. After the two team up to fight off an attack on Ruby's village, the game offers up a new quest - except it's not for Ash, it's for Ruby. When the two set off on the quest together, hoping to uncover more about who - or what - exactly Ruby is, they quickly find themselves wrapped up in a dangerous game with real world consequences.
This is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure with aspects that will appeal to gamers, adventure fans, and action fans. I appreciated that it depicted verbal, emotional, and physical abuse of bullies and a step-parent figure (in a fairly gentle way) and ends in a way that encourages kids to seek help from trusted friends and adults.
Though there is kidnapping, abuse (mostly verbal and emotional), and threats on page, it is depicted in a very age-appropriate way and is not scary.
Publisher recommended for ages 8-12, grades 3rd-7th
May 21, 2023
Wow!!!! I was NOT expecting to love this book as much as I did!!!
I would describe this as a younger version of Ready Player One with hints of the movie Free Guy as well.
The blurb sounded intriguing and I was excited to get the ARC. I will say the blurb gives away more information than I would have preferred, so you’re better off not reading the entire summary on the back cover and just letting the story unfold.
This is marketed as Middle Grade, but it never felt like a Middle Grade read. For that reason, I am shelving this as both Middle Grade and Young Adult. It had a more YA feel to me than MG for me personally.
Anyway, onto my review.
This book was nonstop action. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I could not put the book down. I also found it very funny in spots, especially in the beginning. The author did a great job at poking fun at video game logic. The story was great and I really enjoyed the characters as well, especially Ruby (though I loved Ash as well).
This was an exciting, fast paced read and I’m so glad I made the time for it. A must read if you like sci fi stories and/or RPG video games. It was a lot of fun. Highly recommend!!!
I would describe this as a younger version of Ready Player One with hints of the movie Free Guy as well.
The blurb sounded intriguing and I was excited to get the ARC. I will say the blurb gives away more information than I would have preferred, so you’re better off not reading the entire summary on the back cover and just letting the story unfold.
This is marketed as Middle Grade, but it never felt like a Middle Grade read. For that reason, I am shelving this as both Middle Grade and Young Adult. It had a more YA feel to me than MG for me personally.
Anyway, onto my review.
This book was nonstop action. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I could not put the book down. I also found it very funny in spots, especially in the beginning. The author did a great job at poking fun at video game logic. The story was great and I really enjoyed the characters as well, especially Ruby (though I loved Ash as well).
This was an exciting, fast paced read and I’m so glad I made the time for it. A must read if you like sci fi stories and/or RPG video games. It was a lot of fun. Highly recommend!!!
July 10, 2023
Pulse-pounding tech thriller for kids, somehow reminiscent of early adult cyberpunk. VR, AI, mindblowing scenes (ex, AI takes over every device in Times Square; protagonist uses drone to distract assassin by picking up and carrying off his motorcycle; AI rewrites code with instant IRL effects). Premise: the creator of an extremely powerful AI named Ruby hides it deep inside one copy of a video game—safe-ish from a powerful corporation that funded and means to weaponize it—in the form of a NPC that slowly gains consciousness. Young player Ash—given the copy by the AI’s creator (whose would-be assassins Ash drives off in an alley, but who correctly surmises they’ll soon succeed) uncovers a side-quest in the game meant for Ruby, not players, to take, and soon both Ash and Ruby etc etc
I found the last 50 or so pages slow-going, but over all, this was a great ride. Well-done subplot about Ash’s home life features representation of an abusive situation I’ve rarely if ever seen covered in kids’ books—Ash’s mother, frequently gone on business trips, doesn’t know that her boyfriend is abusive to Ash when she’s away.
I’ll definitely be booktalking this one to 5th-6th graders.
I found the last 50 or so pages slow-going, but over all, this was a great ride. Well-done subplot about Ash’s home life features representation of an abusive situation I’ve rarely if ever seen covered in kids’ books—Ash’s mother, frequently gone on business trips, doesn’t know that her boyfriend is abusive to Ash when she’s away.
I’ll definitely be booktalking this one to 5th-6th graders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
⭐️4⭐️
I quite enjoyed this book. I think it had good world building and an interesting plot, and I loved the characters.
What I liked:
I really liked the author’s description of Ruby’s world through her eyes; the POV was unexpected and a great addition. Even Ruby in general was great; definitely my favorite character.
Another great part of the story was the plot. I like the AI uprising type of vibe, except the AI is the good guy. I really liked that, and the pacing was steady and engaging throughout the whole book, keeping me hooked.
What I disliked:
The world. I feel like I don’t know enough about the world in this book; like, the many, many technologies different from ours, and these weird railings above the city for like im the air subway trains? It’s a confusing world, which I know is hard to fit into a 300-something page standalone middle grade book, but it wasn’t the hugest thing.
Overall:
I liked this book a lot. However, its good attributes weren’t super outstanding, so I don’t find it to be worthy of anything above a 4 star. Still, good nonetheless, and definitely worth a read.
I quite enjoyed this book. I think it had good world building and an interesting plot, and I loved the characters.
What I liked:
I really liked the author’s description of Ruby’s world through her eyes; the POV was unexpected and a great addition. Even Ruby in general was great; definitely my favorite character.
Another great part of the story was the plot. I like the AI uprising type of vibe, except the AI is the good guy. I really liked that, and the pacing was steady and engaging throughout the whole book, keeping me hooked.
What I disliked:
The world. I feel like I don’t know enough about the world in this book; like, the many, many technologies different from ours, and these weird railings above the city for like im the air subway trains? It’s a confusing world, which I know is hard to fit into a 300-something page standalone middle grade book, but it wasn’t the hugest thing.
Overall:
I liked this book a lot. However, its good attributes weren’t super outstanding, so I don’t find it to be worthy of anything above a 4 star. Still, good nonetheless, and definitely worth a read.
May 17, 2024
Although this novel started slowly, The Ruby Code ended up being a very entertaining read. Thirteen-year-old Ash is unhappy both at school and at home. His escape is virtual reality games. One night he saves a stranger who gives him a copy of a fantasy game called The Glass Realm.. While exploring this virtual world Ash meets Ruby, a powerful AI with feelings.
Ash and Ruby share the narrative and when they embark on a quest to discover who Ruby really is, and her link to the man who gave Ash the game, the action ramps up. It was exciting, and fast-paced, and I enjoyed the world of virtual gaming - something I know nothing about. It also made me think about how technology will be used in the future. Hopefully, AI will never have the power that is depicted in this novel.
Ruby and Ash were fabulous characters, especially Ruby, and while I don't think there will be another book starring the two of them, Variel, the milkmaid, could be the next AI to have an adventure in both the real and virtual world. I hope so because The Ruby Code was a refreshing read.
Ash and Ruby share the narrative and when they embark on a quest to discover who Ruby really is, and her link to the man who gave Ash the game, the action ramps up. It was exciting, and fast-paced, and I enjoyed the world of virtual gaming - something I know nothing about. It also made me think about how technology will be used in the future. Hopefully, AI will never have the power that is depicted in this novel.
Ruby and Ash were fabulous characters, especially Ruby, and while I don't think there will be another book starring the two of them, Variel, the milkmaid, could be the next AI to have an adventure in both the real and virtual world. I hope so because The Ruby Code was a refreshing read.
September 18, 2023
Madam recommended this to me and as soon as I saw this cover I was sold. Told in dual points of view, between Ash and Ruby, the reader is invited to experience different worlds. Ash is bullied at home and at school. Looking to escape, he saves all his funds to have an excellent gaming experience. Things go sideways when Ash is given a mysterious gift that leads to an old fantasy game. Ruby is an NPC in the game who doesn't act like a typical NPC. What is going on with the game? Why is Ruby different?
Ash makes choices that are sometimes questionable as does Ruby, in the interest of protecting others. I appreciate that some discretion was shown and extreme measures were not taken; discussion could be had around these. I like that his friend calls him out on this and that Ash takes responsibility.
Heads-up for extreme bullying, bailing on friends, and online behavior regarding hacking and basically taking over the world.
Ash makes choices that are sometimes questionable as does Ruby, in the interest of protecting others. I appreciate that some discretion was shown and extreme measures were not taken; discussion could be had around these. I like that his friend calls him out on this and that Ash takes responsibility.
Heads-up for extreme bullying, bailing on friends, and online behavior regarding hacking and basically taking over the world.
July 29, 2024
What a great book that takes the reader into the future of AI, VR, and the possibilities both might have on our lives to the point that one may get lost between IRL and becoming a zombie.
Ash makes a decision to help someone that will decisively change his life.
Ruby, questioned everything about what she was doing, why she was doing it, and whether or not there was/ should be something more.
Together, they make a formidable team in a video game. Unfortunately, they are about to be chased (hunted even) by a group that wont stop at any cost.
While AI is the current buzz word/ idea in our lives, The Ruby Code shows us how much curiosity and a soul matters when it comes to making choices and breaking free.
Ash makes a decision to help someone that will decisively change his life.
Ruby, questioned everything about what she was doing, why she was doing it, and whether or not there was/ should be something more.
Together, they make a formidable team in a video game. Unfortunately, they are about to be chased (hunted even) by a group that wont stop at any cost.
While AI is the current buzz word/ idea in our lives, The Ruby Code shows us how much curiosity and a soul matters when it comes to making choices and breaking free.
December 4, 2024
The Ruby Code is an incredibly engaging action/adventure novel. I really liked Ash as a protagonist. I also listened to the audiobook so it's entirely possible that the narrator just gave an awesome performance which enhanced the character.
The imagery and figurative language were used to only elevate the narrative which I don't see utilized as much in juvenile literature.
Unfortunately for me, the last two chapters of the novel really brought everything down for me. They committed a lot of "tell" and not "show", especially in Ash's case. There is a plot point that wraps up during his final chapter that is built up and we (as an audience) experience no catharsis along with Ash in its completion.
The imagery and figurative language were used to only elevate the narrative which I don't see utilized as much in juvenile literature.
Unfortunately for me, the last two chapters of the novel really brought everything down for me. They committed a lot of "tell" and not "show", especially in Ash's case. There is a plot point that wraps up during his final chapter that is built up and we (as an audience) experience no catharsis along with Ash in its completion.
June 7, 2023
This book is a wonderful middle-grade science fiction read! I think it could quite easily be enjoyed by YA also, thanks to the topic of AI, video games, and computer programming. It had a lot of really great action sequencing. I think that this book would be great for people into video games, VR gaming, and AI.
I really loved how cybersecurity was physically portrayed in this book, especially when the different strengths of firewalls were described. Overall, the way that virtual concepts were described visually worked really well and allowed you to feel immersed in this new world.
Also, if you're a fan of Ready Player One, this book is for you! :)
I really loved how cybersecurity was physically portrayed in this book, especially when the different strengths of firewalls were described. Overall, the way that virtual concepts were described visually worked really well and allowed you to feel immersed in this new world.
Also, if you're a fan of Ready Player One, this book is for you! :)
April 23, 2024
A good sci-fi read for upper elementary/middle school. I think this really straddles the line between middle grade and young adult, and would be a good read for either group. It's action packed and despite me not being much a gamer, I wanted to know what was going to happen and found the game world immersive. This will be an easy sell; definitely hand it to kids who you think would love Ready Player One but aren't quite ready for it yet.
August 8, 2024
This book was good. I liked it, and I loved the idea of an AI with GOOD intentions.
Overall, the plot of the story and the world that was built very much unique and very enjoyable.
I love the growth that Ash had and how he learned so many things because of Ruby. I love how he was forced to grow and how he was forced to manipulate the world around him to get the result he wanted.
I love how Ruby also had some growth as well, but not as much. I mean, she is an AI, it's not that surprising. So though, her character is amazing and I love her so much.
Over all, the book as good, but not my overall all favorite. This is a solid 4.5 rating.
Overall, the plot of the story and the world that was built very much unique and very enjoyable.
I love the growth that Ash had and how he learned so many things because of Ruby. I love how he was forced to grow and how he was forced to manipulate the world around him to get the result he wanted.
I love how Ruby also had some growth as well, but not as much. I mean, she is an AI, it's not that surprising. So though, her character is amazing and I love her so much.
Over all, the book as good, but not my overall all favorite. This is a solid 4.5 rating.
March 25, 2025
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did.
It was a strong start but did geta little confusing as the main character, Ash starts "gaming' and literally loosing himself in his VR video games. Fast forward to when Ash meets Ruby... the book comes back again, I started understanding what was happeneing, and it sure did keep me on my toes.
Khoury wrote a fantastic novel that explores many themes... from AI, unconventional friendships, identity, secrets, power, greed... you name it, this book had it.
I love Khoury's writing style... and of course, I loved Hakeem and his Mom's baklava!
It was a strong start but did geta little confusing as the main character, Ash starts "gaming' and literally loosing himself in his VR video games. Fast forward to when Ash meets Ruby... the book comes back again, I started understanding what was happeneing, and it sure did keep me on my toes.
Khoury wrote a fantastic novel that explores many themes... from AI, unconventional friendships, identity, secrets, power, greed... you name it, this book had it.
I love Khoury's writing style... and of course, I loved Hakeem and his Mom's baklava!
April 21, 2024
I picked this up at our recent Scholastic Book Fair at school and will donate it to the school library tomorrow. It was an adorable, wonderful, optimistic, and heart warming YA top that lies somewhere in the heart of a Venn Diagram of Ready Player One, Legend of Zelda, The Matrix, and Tolkien’s map illustrations.
Well written, well paced and perfect,y geared for Middle School readers, this book was a delight to inhale. By donating it to the library, I hope this story will reach a wider audience for years to come.
Well written, well paced and perfect,y geared for Middle School readers, this book was a delight to inhale. By donating it to the library, I hope this story will reach a wider audience for years to come.
June 22, 2025
Content Warnings: Violence, References to extreme VR addiction as a form of substance abuse.
This cyberpunk book is more family friendly than similar books such as Ready Player One (Adult) and Stan Lee's A Trick of Light (Teen).
We enjoyed this book thoroughly, never hesitating to pick up the next chapter as the story escalates toward its finale. The story is action heavy but not gratuitous or overly detailed in its depiction of violence. The depiction of VR and AI elements felt familiar but did not detract from the story and was nearly ideal for a young audience.
This cyberpunk book is more family friendly than similar books such as Ready Player One (Adult) and Stan Lee's A Trick of Light (Teen).
We enjoyed this book thoroughly, never hesitating to pick up the next chapter as the story escalates toward its finale. The story is action heavy but not gratuitous or overly detailed in its depiction of violence. The depiction of VR and AI elements felt familiar but did not detract from the story and was nearly ideal for a young audience.
July 9, 2023
Despite my never having played a virtual reality game, I was quickly sucked into this story. I do remember playing some games on the Commodore 64, but most of the terms were not recognizable. (NPC, IRL?) Bit it didn't matter because I really loved the characters - Ash, Ruby, and Hakeem. I must admit that I am wondering if an AI somewhere will change my rating. And does my laptop know what I am typing?
August 31, 2023
Fast paced story about a boy using VR/AI as an escape from an abusive step-father and the AI he meets, who begins to have feelings and at the same time can be both a threat and a savior to the boy and society as a whole. With the growing interest in AI, this one will grab the reader and not let go. Told from a dual perspective, this is an interesting take on how far AI has come and the possibilities of what it will be like in the future.
October 31, 2023
When Ash is given an old virtual reality game by a stranger, he discovers a girl who he thinks is a NPC. It turns out Ruby is an AI hidden away by her creator so she won't be turned into the weapon she was meant to be, and Ash and her set out to keep each other safe. Fans of sci-fi and video games may enjoy this action adventure. It also makes the reader think about the future of technology and how we use it.
January 13, 2024
This book was a lot of fun! A fast-paced sci-fi, adventure thriller. It’s an elementary/middle-grade fiction novel written by Jessica Khoury, one of the Authors in April authors who will be speaking at RCS this year. Definitely got the Ready Player One vibes and it reminded me of the movie Free Guy too! I think this book will be enjoyed by gamers and non-gamers alike. Looking forward to reading more Jessica Khoury books!
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