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A Riddle in Ruby #1
A Riddle in Ruby
Ruby Teach is a thief-in-training and a keeper of secrets—ones she doesn’t even know of herself. She is the daughter of a smuggler and pirate, and has been learning how to swindle and steal and pick the most complex locks for as long as she can remember. But a collision with aristocratic young lord Athen sends her spinning into chaos. Little did she know that her whole life has been spent in hiding from nefarious secret societies and the Royal Navy . . . who are both now on her trail.
An adventure woven through an alternate colonial Philadelphia—a world ruled by alchemists who mix magic and science; a world filled with those who would help, and those who would use others for their own dark ends.
[A Riddle in Ruby is the first book in a trilogy.]
An adventure woven through an alternate colonial Philadelphia—a world ruled by alchemists who mix magic and science; a world filled with those who would help, and those who would use others for their own dark ends.
[A Riddle in Ruby is the first book in a trilogy.]
425 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
17 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Kent Davis
3 books55 followersKent Davis has spent most of his life making stories. He is a fantasy writer, game designer, actor, playwright, teacher, improvisational comedian, and vocation collector. A Riddle in Ruby marks his fiction debut.
He and Chris Organ are the two geekomatics behind the Epic RPG tabletop gaming system. Kent's theatrical, film, and television credits as a short, bald man include an array of concerned friends, overbearing flunkies, and odd-yet-amusing next door neighbors.
He's a member of SFWA and SCBWI. He lives with his stunningly brilliant wife and a bold, yet wily dog-ninja in the wilds of Montana.
He appreciates good food, good drink, and good stories. Especially if the stories have dragons. Or wendigo. Or elusive, brain-devouring fauna.
He and Chris Organ are the two geekomatics behind the Epic RPG tabletop gaming system. Kent's theatrical, film, and television credits as a short, bald man include an array of concerned friends, overbearing flunkies, and odd-yet-amusing next door neighbors.
He's a member of SFWA and SCBWI. He lives with his stunningly brilliant wife and a bold, yet wily dog-ninja in the wilds of Montana.
He appreciates good food, good drink, and good stories. Especially if the stories have dragons. Or wendigo. Or elusive, brain-devouring fauna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 11, 2015
((4.5 stars))
EXACTLY what I wanted, needed, and have been looking for in MG fantasy all year. Thank you, A Riddle In Ruby.
--
Thank you, A Riddle In Ruby, for bringing the magic back to middle grade fantasy. I've read a slew of MG fantasy this year, most with ships and pirates as is my thing, and they've all been pretty good. But not amazing. None of them had the spark for me, that magic I've been looking for.
This book did.
A Riddle In Ruby is a fun, high stakes adventure. It starts off on a ship (you know that's my jam) and moves onto an alternate history version of Philadelphi. Now I don't know much about American history or actual Philadelphia but I thought the setting was awesome, and wholly unique. There was a city on top of the city! Everything about this book felt indulgent, like Kent Davis had looked into my head and seen everything I wanted in a book and stuck it all in A Riddle In Ruby. Ruby, especially, stuck out to me. I loved her so much, and Athen too. Maybe the characters were the real magic I've been looking for.
My only niggle was that this book stuck to the thing where the MC is a young girl and follows a slightly older boy, who is more intelligent and worldly and knows all, where the MC is a silly little girl who needs help. I've read many MG that have this for some reason and I thought this book had given me the same thing that makes me feel awkward and uncomfortable. But nope. Everything I thought I knew was really a secret very cleverly concealed. So I actually love everything about this. It just feels fresh and it's compelling - the villain is interesting and doesn't fall into the same old villainous tropes, there are metal animals (!!!), dastardly sailors, and a very serious riddle in Ruby that I'd like to solve.
Do yourself a favour and read it.
(But what does the series name mean, and what's with the key on the cover? What am I missing? I'm so excited to get answers!!!)
EXACTLY what I wanted, needed, and have been looking for in MG fantasy all year. Thank you, A Riddle In Ruby.
--
Thank you, A Riddle In Ruby, for bringing the magic back to middle grade fantasy. I've read a slew of MG fantasy this year, most with ships and pirates as is my thing, and they've all been pretty good. But not amazing. None of them had the spark for me, that magic I've been looking for.
This book did.
A Riddle In Ruby is a fun, high stakes adventure. It starts off on a ship (you know that's my jam) and moves onto an alternate history version of Philadelphi. Now I don't know much about American history or actual Philadelphia but I thought the setting was awesome, and wholly unique. There was a city on top of the city! Everything about this book felt indulgent, like Kent Davis had looked into my head and seen everything I wanted in a book and stuck it all in A Riddle In Ruby. Ruby, especially, stuck out to me. I loved her so much, and Athen too. Maybe the characters were the real magic I've been looking for.
My only niggle was that this book stuck to the thing where the MC is a young girl and follows a slightly older boy, who is more intelligent and worldly and knows all, where the MC is a silly little girl who needs help. I've read many MG that have this for some reason and I thought this book had given me the same thing that makes me feel awkward and uncomfortable. But nope. Everything I thought I knew was really a secret very cleverly concealed. So I actually love everything about this. It just feels fresh and it's compelling - the villain is interesting and doesn't fall into the same old villainous tropes, there are metal animals (!!!), dastardly sailors, and a very serious riddle in Ruby that I'd like to solve.
Do yourself a favour and read it.
(But what does the series name mean, and what's with the key on the cover? What am I missing? I'm so excited to get answers!!!)
March 15, 2016
What I Loved:
While I was initially intrigued by the premise for A Riddle in Ruby, I did not expect to it to be so completely fascinating and cool. Alternate histories are an interesting concept, and I love the focus on colonial Philadelphia for this one. There are mixtures of the Royal Navy, pirates, magical chemistry (or chemical magic, depending on how you look at it), and societal struggles. Kent Davis does a masterful job at world building in this first book while still leaving more to be discovered in the next. The writing in general is so smooth and fast paced that I had a hard time putting this down.
The action is nonstop. It seems that Ruby can never find a fully safe place, one with answers and comfort, so her, Lord Athen, and Cram are continuously moving around, and none of them really have a solid idea of what everyone wants with Ruby. The mystery and suspense makes the plot go even quicker, and though this is a longer novel, it is easy to get lost in the pages, holding your breath until you find out if the characters are safe.
What Left Me Wanting More:
For the most part, I absolutely love this story. I love the fierce and questioning characters, the mixture of magic and science, and the unending adventure. However, there are one or two plot twists that feel a bit random (especially Lord Athen’s identity). Sometimes, the story would seem to hint at an issue or topic, but then it never resurfaced. Of course, this may be explained or examined further in the series, so this certainly didn’t stop my high praises.
Final Verdict:
Fast action, complex characters, and a dazzling and dangerous world make A Riddle in Ruby one of my favorite reads of 2015. Kent Davis writes remarkably, and I can’t wait to read more from this incredible author and discover the further riddles of Ruby Teach.
Review originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
While I was initially intrigued by the premise for A Riddle in Ruby, I did not expect to it to be so completely fascinating and cool. Alternate histories are an interesting concept, and I love the focus on colonial Philadelphia for this one. There are mixtures of the Royal Navy, pirates, magical chemistry (or chemical magic, depending on how you look at it), and societal struggles. Kent Davis does a masterful job at world building in this first book while still leaving more to be discovered in the next. The writing in general is so smooth and fast paced that I had a hard time putting this down.
The action is nonstop. It seems that Ruby can never find a fully safe place, one with answers and comfort, so her, Lord Athen, and Cram are continuously moving around, and none of them really have a solid idea of what everyone wants with Ruby. The mystery and suspense makes the plot go even quicker, and though this is a longer novel, it is easy to get lost in the pages, holding your breath until you find out if the characters are safe.
What Left Me Wanting More:
For the most part, I absolutely love this story. I love the fierce and questioning characters, the mixture of magic and science, and the unending adventure. However, there are one or two plot twists that feel a bit random (especially Lord Athen’s identity). Sometimes, the story would seem to hint at an issue or topic, but then it never resurfaced. Of course, this may be explained or examined further in the series, so this certainly didn’t stop my high praises.
Final Verdict:
Fast action, complex characters, and a dazzling and dangerous world make A Riddle in Ruby one of my favorite reads of 2015. Kent Davis writes remarkably, and I can’t wait to read more from this incredible author and discover the further riddles of Ruby Teach.
Review originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
January 7, 2016
4.5 stars
My 8yr old munchkin and I both read A Riddle in Ruby. It was a fun read with action packed, suspenseful, intriguing storylines and well developed, fully fleshed out characters. Here is munchkins review:
A Riddle in Ruby was a fun reading experience for me. There were plot twists in the story that made it suspenseful and would make you want to read the book more! Ruby is curious, stubborn, and always ready for adventure. She is feisty and never backs down. Lord Athen is a good fighter, and he is bold and brave. He is sly and clever, and never gives up. Cram is really funny, and stuck with them. I enjoyed how they worked together. I found it very interesting how the book combined the real world and real history with a made up world. This book was challenging to read. There were a lot of difficult words and I had to spend a lot of time looking up words in the dictionary. I kept with it though, and I'm glad I did because it was a great book!
Parent Note: This book is marketed for grades 4-6 which I would agree with. It was a challenging read for munchkin (3rd grade but a strong reader). She could follow the plot well and understood what was happening, but the vocabulary in general was a bit advanced and throw in some "old timey" language because it is set in 1718, and made up words because it is set in an alternate history...this makes for a bit of a challenging read. The vocabulary wasn't a bad thing; it added to the intrigue of the world and setting. Challenging a reader, and having them experience a situation where they have to persevere a little bit is a good thing in my opinion. Riddle was great also in that it wasn't overly violent. Munchkin can be a bit sensitive to violence. She's young and an advanced reader and it can be very difficult to find books that are not too easy while remaining appropriate for her in their content. Ruby fit the bill perfectly. I enjoyed the book as well! Here's a little secret: I don't always want to read children's books. I read them of course :) we're building readers here! (well in this case she read her copy, and I read mine and we discussed) but I was as invested in the story, its world, and its characters as much as munchkin was. We look forward to the sequel!
My 8yr old munchkin and I both read A Riddle in Ruby. It was a fun read with action packed, suspenseful, intriguing storylines and well developed, fully fleshed out characters. Here is munchkins review:
A Riddle in Ruby was a fun reading experience for me. There were plot twists in the story that made it suspenseful and would make you want to read the book more! Ruby is curious, stubborn, and always ready for adventure. She is feisty and never backs down. Lord Athen is a good fighter, and he is bold and brave. He is sly and clever, and never gives up. Cram is really funny, and stuck with them. I enjoyed how they worked together. I found it very interesting how the book combined the real world and real history with a made up world. This book was challenging to read. There were a lot of difficult words and I had to spend a lot of time looking up words in the dictionary. I kept with it though, and I'm glad I did because it was a great book!
Parent Note: This book is marketed for grades 4-6 which I would agree with. It was a challenging read for munchkin (3rd grade but a strong reader). She could follow the plot well and understood what was happening, but the vocabulary in general was a bit advanced and throw in some "old timey" language because it is set in 1718, and made up words because it is set in an alternate history...this makes for a bit of a challenging read. The vocabulary wasn't a bad thing; it added to the intrigue of the world and setting. Challenging a reader, and having them experience a situation where they have to persevere a little bit is a good thing in my opinion. Riddle was great also in that it wasn't overly violent. Munchkin can be a bit sensitive to violence. She's young and an advanced reader and it can be very difficult to find books that are not too easy while remaining appropriate for her in their content. Ruby fit the bill perfectly. I enjoyed the book as well! Here's a little secret: I don't always want to read children's books. I read them of course :) we're building readers here! (well in this case she read her copy, and I read mine and we discussed) but I was as invested in the story, its world, and its characters as much as munchkin was. We look forward to the sequel!
December 23, 2016
This book is to be read over and over and over and savored. I couldn't get enough of it. It is a swashbuckling adventure that captivated me to the end.
The plot: Wow, the plot and the story itself are so complicated that I can't really tell you a lot about it! I can tell you the main theme is that Ruby's father's boat is captured, and her, Cram, and Athens are on the run.
Positive content: A very good book, and it has good lessons about family and friendship.
Negative content: Ruby isn't a saint. She lies, steals. and lock-picks. She is a pirate's daughter after all. The scene with Athens half naked could have been left out.
The plot: Wow, the plot and the story itself are so complicated that I can't really tell you a lot about it! I can tell you the main theme is that Ruby's father's boat is captured, and her, Cram, and Athens are on the run.
Positive content: A very good book, and it has good lessons about family and friendship.
Negative content: Ruby isn't a saint. She lies, steals. and lock-picks. She is a pirate's daughter after all. The scene with Athens half naked could have been left out.
September 24, 2015
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 3 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
I LOVE this book!!! If you like fake pirates, impostors and people who turn in to objects, then you will also love this book!
My favorite part is when Ruby meets Lord Athen because she is scared that he will find out that she was dressed up as a boy and trying to rob him and he cut her under the eye.
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 3 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
I LOVE this book!!! If you like fake pirates, impostors and people who turn in to objects, then you will also love this book!
My favorite part is when Ruby meets Lord Athen because she is scared that he will find out that she was dressed up as a boy and trying to rob him and he cut her under the eye.
January 13, 2016
Three of many reasons to love this book: steampunk, an awesome protagonist, and a refusal to dumb down language for kids. I wish more books that used interesting and challenging vocabulary like this one were around when I was a kid reading juvenile literature. The world Davis creates is such fun to dive into and I will happily follow these quirky characters into the next two books. It also had me laughing out loud in places and, though it took me a few chapters to settle into its rhythm, I was definitely hooked by the end. Eagerly awaiting book #2!
January 6, 2016
I loved this book and would have given it more stars... except for one thing. There are three pages that focus on finding out the gender of one of the characters. Surely there is another way to figure that out without needing a semi-nude scene in the book. What kind of picture is this painting in a child's head? Completely unnecessary.
Conclusion: Good characters, character interactions, magic and world building. Unnecessary information and scene.
Conclusion: Good characters, character interactions, magic and world building. Unnecessary information and scene.
September 25, 2015
Wheeee! I enjoyed every minute of this adventure and am eagerly awaiting the sequel. A capable and relatable set of heroes, high stakes and mysteries around every corner makes this fabulous fun. I found myself laughing out loud as well as making my signature really-worried-face. Right up there in my favorites with The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place or Snicket's "All the Wrong Questions." Can't wait for book 2!
March 2, 2021
This was delightful! And I read it in such small and mixed chunks that I'm still not entirely sure what I think.
But: I love Athen. And Henry. I don't know why I like Henry so much, I just do.
Honestly, though
All the secret societies are MY JAM. Although I'm still confused about the difference between Tinkers and Chemysts (is there one? are they the same? am I mixing things up? (the answer to that last one is probably 'yes')).
The chemystry is cool! Although I was expecting a more logical sort of laying-out-of-concepts rather than, "Oh yes, this mysterious drawn-from-within chemical science can do everything from burning doors open to trapping people in huge slabs of a strange black substance."
There are SHIPS! I love ships.
I was a wee, wee bit irritated by the feminist streak (it's a very small feminist streak, but it still rubbed me the wrong way), because sure, it was hard to be a woman in those times, but women can still succeed at being awesome in Colonial-ish times in fantasy (like in Blackfoot by W. R. Gingell, which is a slightly different setting (*smirk*) but the female character succeeds in being highly instrumental in Everything without...y'know, the stuff that some of the female characters in this do.)
I think overall I'll give this 3.5 stars! (Rounded up to four for Goodreads...) A very fun romp through a compelling steampunk-y world. Thanks to MovieCritic for the recommendation!
But: I love Athen. And Henry. I don't know why I like Henry so much, I just do.
Honestly, though
All the secret societies are MY JAM. Although I'm still confused about the difference between Tinkers and Chemysts (is there one? are they the same? am I mixing things up? (the answer to that last one is probably 'yes')).
The chemystry is cool! Although I was expecting a more logical sort of laying-out-of-concepts rather than, "Oh yes, this mysterious drawn-from-within chemical science can do everything from burning doors open to trapping people in huge slabs of a strange black substance."
There are SHIPS! I love ships.
I was a wee, wee bit irritated by the feminist streak (it's a very small feminist streak, but it still rubbed me the wrong way), because sure, it was hard to be a woman in those times, but women can still succeed at being awesome in Colonial-ish times in fantasy (like in Blackfoot by W. R. Gingell, which is a slightly different setting (*smirk*) but the female character succeeds in being highly instrumental in Everything without...y'know, the stuff that some of the female characters in this do.)
I think overall I'll give this 3.5 stars! (Rounded up to four for Goodreads...) A very fun romp through a compelling steampunk-y world. Thanks to MovieCritic for the recommendation!
October 29, 2021
Summary
Ruby is a thief in making. Her father owns a ship which he uses to export and import the illegal or legal things. Life was going well. Until a master and his servant board the ship, and soon their ship is being chased by assassins, thieves and what not. Ruby's life is changes forever as she starts uncovering secrets about her family, her friends and her whole life. And she is left confused with a simple thought 'Was her whole life a lie?'
My Thoughts
Plot : The book starts with an interesting scene and had me hooked from the very first page.
Having said that the first half of the book was difficult to read for me as there were a lot of things going on at once. Maybe it felt that way because I am new to steampunk genre.
This book is action packed and has a good mysterious plot filled with small achievements, which I hope will continue in the following books so, I am obviously reading the next book!.
Pacing : Although the pace was same through out, the first half of the book read very slow because it had a lot of things going on and that took me several tries to understand.
World Building : Being new to steampunk I felt the world building was cool and interesting. The machinery and tinkering are explained well but I hope it will be more explained and expanded upon in the following books.
Characters : What I loved best was the characterisation, I was rooting for the characters all the time. The main character, Ruby, is smart, relatable and satisfyingly behaves her age (which is missing in many of the books). Rest of the cast's character arcs is done well too, which makes you personally involved in their future.
Twists : It was action packed and there were very interesting twists through out this book and also it ends on a cliff hanger.
Anyone with an interest in an action packed steampunk genre can read this, both adults and kids alike!
Ruby is a thief in making. Her father owns a ship which he uses to export and import the illegal or legal things. Life was going well. Until a master and his servant board the ship, and soon their ship is being chased by assassins, thieves and what not. Ruby's life is changes forever as she starts uncovering secrets about her family, her friends and her whole life. And she is left confused with a simple thought 'Was her whole life a lie?'
My Thoughts
Plot : The book starts with an interesting scene and had me hooked from the very first page.
Having said that the first half of the book was difficult to read for me as there were a lot of things going on at once. Maybe it felt that way because I am new to steampunk genre.
This book is action packed and has a good mysterious plot filled with small achievements, which I hope will continue in the following books so, I am obviously reading the next book!.
Pacing : Although the pace was same through out, the first half of the book read very slow because it had a lot of things going on and that took me several tries to understand.
World Building : Being new to steampunk I felt the world building was cool and interesting. The machinery and tinkering are explained well but I hope it will be more explained and expanded upon in the following books.
Characters : What I loved best was the characterisation, I was rooting for the characters all the time. The main character, Ruby, is smart, relatable and satisfyingly behaves her age (which is missing in many of the books). Rest of the cast's character arcs is done well too, which makes you personally involved in their future.
Twists : It was action packed and there were very interesting twists through out this book and also it ends on a cliff hanger.
Anyone with an interest in an action packed steampunk genre can read this, both adults and kids alike!
September 16, 2017
Move over, Harry Potter. There's a new kid in town: Aruba Teach.
In "A Riddle in Ruby," Kent Davis creates a world that one ups JK Rowling's Harry Potter. If you doubt it, read this book and find out for yourself.
A deliciously surprising, stunning page-turner set in an alternate-history 1700's. The Revolutionary War is turned on its head here: not as we know it but between warring powers of a very different kind. Gear beasts, sea scapes, heroes and heroines, mice & cheese (!), and an underground magic school all feature here, in masterful strokes of genius.
This book is highly readable, action packed, and laugh-out-loud funny. With rich settings, well developed characters, plot surprises + cliff hangers, you can't help but continue reading the next page, chapter, book. This should be a best seller, it should be made into a movie, it should be championed by teachers & librarians everywhere. It is absolutely worthy of it.
Recommended for 6-9 graders and adults of all ages.
Note: This is book #1 of 3 in a series.
In "A Riddle in Ruby," Kent Davis creates a world that one ups JK Rowling's Harry Potter. If you doubt it, read this book and find out for yourself.
A deliciously surprising, stunning page-turner set in an alternate-history 1700's. The Revolutionary War is turned on its head here: not as we know it but between warring powers of a very different kind. Gear beasts, sea scapes, heroes and heroines, mice & cheese (!), and an underground magic school all feature here, in masterful strokes of genius.
This book is highly readable, action packed, and laugh-out-loud funny. With rich settings, well developed characters, plot surprises + cliff hangers, you can't help but continue reading the next page, chapter, book. This should be a best seller, it should be made into a movie, it should be championed by teachers & librarians everywhere. It is absolutely worthy of it.
Recommended for 6-9 graders and adults of all ages.
Note: This is book #1 of 3 in a series.
January 31, 2021
This was the book that made me realize that I love steampunk. I will gobble it up! Truthfully, the books in this series are the only steampunk that Iʼve read so far, but the concept is beyond awesome. I want to explore this genre more. A really crazy and exciting ride to open a trilogy!
Full review here: http://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/2...
Full review here: http://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/2...
February 10, 2017
I enjoyed the idea of this book, I just felt that it was a little bit confusing because the author kept switching perspectives. I didn't realize this until later on in the book, so that was probably why it was slightly confusing.
May 17, 2017
Adorable little alchemic alt history adventure, though sometimes there's not quite enough description and I get a bit lost, esp with the cross-dressing and confusion of pronouns.
December 12, 2015
Synopsis- Ruby Teach is a thief [in training]. Her tutor is a master of disguise. Her father is a pirate. They all live [part-time] on a ship with her father’s crew, giving rides to rich people while transporting cargo. (They are fake, “for show” pirates.) But when young Lord Athen Boyle comes aboard, he isn’t looking for a good time. He’s looking for a fast ship. At sea, though, they realize that they aren’t fast enough when a royal ship overtakes them. Ruby, Lord Athen, and his serving-boy are hidden in a room during the encounter.
Ruby’s father gets taken aboard the ship, and it all seems to be Lord Athen’s fault. That seems fair to Ruby. But as a mysterious plot unfolds, and more events occur, it seems to point to Ruby at the center…
What I Thought- I really like the idea of this book. It seems to take place in the 1700’s (but maybe later?), because there are still the thirteen colonies of America (under British Rule). What’s different though, is the fact that it is a heavily steampunk-influenced society, that has a slight use of science spiced with magic in it. It’s really interesting. Needless to say, I was enthralled by this book. Ruby is a spirited main character that keeps you on your toes. Athen Boyle is an intriguing character also. I enjoyed the cast of characters in the book, each with a memorable personalities. I like the world that Mr. Davis has created. I cannot wait for book two, as there should be second one coming (judging by the cliffhanger).
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Ruby’s father gets taken aboard the ship, and it all seems to be Lord Athen’s fault. That seems fair to Ruby. But as a mysterious plot unfolds, and more events occur, it seems to point to Ruby at the center…
What I Thought- I really like the idea of this book. It seems to take place in the 1700’s (but maybe later?), because there are still the thirteen colonies of America (under British Rule). What’s different though, is the fact that it is a heavily steampunk-influenced society, that has a slight use of science spiced with magic in it. It’s really interesting. Needless to say, I was enthralled by this book. Ruby is a spirited main character that keeps you on your toes. Athen Boyle is an intriguing character also. I enjoyed the cast of characters in the book, each with a memorable personalities. I like the world that Mr. Davis has created. I cannot wait for book two, as there should be second one coming (judging by the cliffhanger).
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 11, 2016
This wasn't an enjoyable reading experience. I didn't like the main character. I know she's only thirteen, but she didn't have much common sense. I did like Lord Athen. The surprises involving this character were nice, but I should have seen them coming. I was disappointed that more of the story didn't take place at the Invisible College. That was an interesting setting, and it's the best part of the book, in my opinion.
June 19, 2015
I liked it. A grand adventure on the high seas and through an alternate Philadelphia. Friendships are formed and tested. Cool gadgets are used.
that said ... it's a little long. More kids would be as to get through it if 25% were cut and I don't think the storytelling or world building would have suffered over much.
So ... four stars for me. Three for the kids.
that said ... it's a little long. More kids would be as to get through it if 25% were cut and I don't think the storytelling or world building would have suffered over much.
So ... four stars for me. Three for the kids.
February 18, 2016
This was an entertaining book. A little thick on the suspension of disbelief at times, but overall fun. It was very refreshing to read a book intended for a younger audience (early teens) that does not treat the audience as stupid.
Read
March 12, 2015Indies Introduce New Voices nominee. Withholding review until April 2015.
September 15, 2019
extremely exciting and a very good book. there better be a second book.
July 8, 2020
Ruby's little better than a street urchin when she's dockside, pick-pocketing and swindling marks with Gwath, her favorite member of her father's ship crew.
But her mother, who she can barely remember, left her a legacy she must unravel, once others begin to seek it -- and her, as its keeper -- out.
In a world with alchemical magic, called chemystry, she quickly gains a protector -- Lord Athen, who is anything other than what he seems.
But he's no match for the Royal Navy and their automaton creatures, which chase down her father's ship, the Thrift. Her father and his crew are taken prisoner, all but Gwath, who shapeshifts into a barrel, and Ruby's thinks she's escaped.
She'll just swindle the grungy-looking tug boat operator. She quickly learns he's no ordinary seaman. He's a Reeve, none other than His Majesty's Lord Wisdom Rool, who uncannily somehow reminds her of Gwath. He's a formidable opponent and darn-near impossible to defeat or slip past. Gwath fights to free Ruby and is seemingly killed, and Ruby slips onto shore, Rool hot on her heels.
She escapes Rool and bounces from custody in a mystical society to the strange, introverted wizard Fermat. Through it all, Ruby's looking for help, but she keeps encountering a hunger for her mother's secret -- whatever that is.
By the end, she and the rag-tag group of followers she's picked up along the way try to rescue her father from the Royal Navy-- Lord Athen and her man, Cram, and Fermat's chemystry apprentice, Henry.
And it might've worked, if Rool hadn't stepped into the picture. In the end, Ruby saves them all -- but I won't spoil the ending and tell how. Just know, Ruby still hasn't discovered her mother's secret.
Enjoy!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
But her mother, who she can barely remember, left her a legacy she must unravel, once others begin to seek it -- and her, as its keeper -- out.
In a world with alchemical magic, called chemystry, she quickly gains a protector -- Lord Athen, who is anything other than what he seems.
But he's no match for the Royal Navy and their automaton creatures, which chase down her father's ship, the Thrift. Her father and his crew are taken prisoner, all but Gwath, who shapeshifts into a barrel, and Ruby's thinks she's escaped.
She'll just swindle the grungy-looking tug boat operator. She quickly learns he's no ordinary seaman. He's a Reeve, none other than His Majesty's Lord Wisdom Rool, who uncannily somehow reminds her of Gwath. He's a formidable opponent and darn-near impossible to defeat or slip past. Gwath fights to free Ruby and is seemingly killed, and Ruby slips onto shore, Rool hot on her heels.
She escapes Rool and bounces from custody in a mystical society to the strange, introverted wizard Fermat. Through it all, Ruby's looking for help, but she keeps encountering a hunger for her mother's secret -- whatever that is.
By the end, she and the rag-tag group of followers she's picked up along the way try to rescue her father from the Royal Navy-- Lord Athen and her man, Cram, and Fermat's chemystry apprentice, Henry.
And it might've worked, if Rool hadn't stepped into the picture. In the end, Ruby saves them all -- but I won't spoil the ending and tell how. Just know, Ruby still hasn't discovered her mother's secret.
Enjoy!
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November 27, 2016
Davis, Kent A Riddle in Ruby, 425 pgs. Green Willow (Harper Collins), 2015. $17.99. Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (gender bending) Violence: PG (fighting scenes)
Ruby is a young girl who is learning to be a thief, natural for a daughter of a pirate. When her father goes missing she goes searching for him, but her city isn’t the colonial Philadelphia we are familiar with, in her world there is an type of magic called Alchemy. She meets a young Lord name Athen, who has a big secret. Also everyone is trying to capture her because Ruby because she has a secret she doesn’t know about, although everyone else seems to.
I have been trying to finish this book for a year, having never engaged with the content. I found the main character boring, the plot stilted and off kilter, and the map cap adventures odd but not in a fun way. I found the world claustrophobic and didn’t want to continue reading this book, especially a very long 425 pages of it. I am not sure if students readers would like it, but I can think of 100 books I would rather recommend.
EL – NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Ruby is a young girl who is learning to be a thief, natural for a daughter of a pirate. When her father goes missing she goes searching for him, but her city isn’t the colonial Philadelphia we are familiar with, in her world there is an type of magic called Alchemy. She meets a young Lord name Athen, who has a big secret. Also everyone is trying to capture her because Ruby because she has a secret she doesn’t know about, although everyone else seems to.
I have been trying to finish this book for a year, having never engaged with the content. I found the main character boring, the plot stilted and off kilter, and the map cap adventures odd but not in a fun way. I found the world claustrophobic and didn’t want to continue reading this book, especially a very long 425 pages of it. I am not sure if students readers would like it, but I can think of 100 books I would rather recommend.
EL – NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
November 22, 2016
Actual rating: 4.5.
Well written, with refreshingly new and intriguing world building. The writing demonstrates command of the world the story creates and deftly weaves a the tale into it. Very interesting.
Quotes:
“Sparking fire. The wheel. The written word. Each changed the rules of our world forever. I have newly met a sister to these titans. Her name is chemystry. —Sir Francis Bacon, 1626, Invisible College, London”
“The practice of chemystry is not all sprays of fire and ripping of battlements from the unsuspecting earth. Much of it is simply understanding the properties of the world around us and employing them creatively.”
“The best bait for a quick mind is to present an obvious solution to a seemingly difficult problem.”
“The lesson is not ‘Take great care.’ The lesson is ‘Assume not that you understand the problem.’ ”
Well written, with refreshingly new and intriguing world building. The writing demonstrates command of the world the story creates and deftly weaves a the tale into it. Very interesting.
Quotes:
“Sparking fire. The wheel. The written word. Each changed the rules of our world forever. I have newly met a sister to these titans. Her name is chemystry. —Sir Francis Bacon, 1626, Invisible College, London”
“The practice of chemystry is not all sprays of fire and ripping of battlements from the unsuspecting earth. Much of it is simply understanding the properties of the world around us and employing them creatively.”
“The best bait for a quick mind is to present an obvious solution to a seemingly difficult problem.”
“The lesson is not ‘Take great care.’ The lesson is ‘Assume not that you understand the problem.’ ”
March 16, 2017
The setting of the book is important because it is a main part of whats going on. The setting is crucial to understanding the book; without the setting the book is gibberish. I can't figure out the setting so I can't figure out whats going on. It leaves me confused on whats happening.
When I read this book I feel puzzeled. The book doesn't convey ideas that well. I am very confused on what was happening. I also feel it is a good book but I don't know whats happening. I am quiting this book because i feel clueless.
When I read this book I feel puzzeled. The book doesn't convey ideas that well. I am very confused on what was happening. I also feel it is a good book but I don't know whats happening. I am quiting this book because i feel clueless.
April 1, 2021
I don’t know why I didn’t rate this book sooner, this is my favorite book of all time. I have read it far to many times to count! I love the suspense of the different villains trying to capture Ruby. I am in awe with all the characters and love the way they are written with their depth and description. Although it was a little hard to understand it at first, once I got into the book things started to come to light. The entire books deals with friendship and betrayal and the entire book goes into deal emotional deeply with the characters and story line.
November 29, 2016
Ruby lives on a fake pirate ship on the coast of colonial America, in an age ruled by Tinkers and Chemists and their astonishing devices. She's also an apprentice thief, but even her considerable lock-picking skills aren't enough to save her when the Crown captures the ship, and absolutely no one on board turns out to be what they seem. Ruby and her tenuous allies are very interesting characters, and their well-drawn world is fascinating. I look forward to learning more about Ruby's riddles.
September 19, 2017
I thought this book was really confusing. So many unanswered questions! What is Ruby good at? Why is England after her? Why did Athena ditch the Grocers? Why did Ruby leave the Grocers? What does Henry Collin's society do? The only reason I kept reading was that I thought that my questions would be answered. They were not, which was a great disappointment. I will not be reading the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2018
2.5 stars. I don't read middle-grade fiction as often as I used to. A Riddle in Ruby was a leap for me - and while it was not a bad book, it just wasn't for me. Filled with pirates, steampunkism, mystery, adventure, and capped off with a headstrong heroine, it would appeal to anyone. The prose is thick with complicated words and phrasing. There are twists and turns. I can even say it's well-written...
Well-written, clean, but not my type.
Well-written, clean, but not my type.
May 22, 2019
After her father is arrested and his crew eliminated, Ruby reluctantly teams up with an arrogant young Lord and his servant to figure out just what the law is looking for, and how it all relates to an apparently powerful secret she holds - one she is completely unaware of. Davis is sure to draw in fans of mystery with this witty adventure. Just what is it about Ruby that has everyone seeking high and low for her?
July 25, 2017
First off, the world is captivating. That's about the only thing I liked about this novel. The characters all fell flat for me, especially the main character, Ruby. The plot was very slow and not much actually happened. Although I did not particularly enjoy this book, I do have to say that the last 120 pages were better than the first 300.
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