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Ruby Redfort #6
Blink and You Die
Say goodbye to Ruby every smart kid’s smart kid. The mind-blowing conclusion to the thrilling series by award-winning author Lauren Child.
Ruby undercover agent, code-cracker and thirteen-year-old genius – you can count on her when the ice starts to crack.
All good things come to an end… Ruby Redfort is running scared, a whole bunch of people want her dead and worst of all one of them is on her team. But just who is this agent of doom?
You can run, Ruby, but you can’t hide…
Ruby undercover agent, code-cracker and thirteen-year-old genius – you can count on her when the ice starts to crack.
All good things come to an end… Ruby Redfort is running scared, a whole bunch of people want her dead and worst of all one of them is on her team. But just who is this agent of doom?
You can run, Ruby, but you can’t hide…
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2016
86 people are currently reading
1479 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Child
451 books837 followersLauren Child MBE is an English author and illustrator. She was the UK Children's Laureate from 2017-19.
Child grew up in Wiltshire as the middle child of three sisters and the daughter of two teachers. She has always been interested in the many aspects of childhood, from gazing into toy shop windows to watching American children's shows from the 1960s. After attending two Art Schools, she travelled for six months, still unsure about which career to embark upon.
Before writing and illustrating children's books Child started her own company 'Chandeliers for the People' making lampshades. It was only when she came to write and illustrate the book Clarice Bean, That's Me that she decided to devote her time to writing and illustrating books for children, which combines her fascination for childhood and her talent for designing and creating. Child gets her inspiration from other people's conversations or from seeing something funny happen.
Her book I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato won the 2000 Kate Greenaway Medal. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which comprised the shortlist for a public vote for the nation's favourite. It finished third in the public vote from that shortlist.
Child lives in North London.
Child grew up in Wiltshire as the middle child of three sisters and the daughter of two teachers. She has always been interested in the many aspects of childhood, from gazing into toy shop windows to watching American children's shows from the 1960s. After attending two Art Schools, she travelled for six months, still unsure about which career to embark upon.
Before writing and illustrating children's books Child started her own company 'Chandeliers for the People' making lampshades. It was only when she came to write and illustrate the book Clarice Bean, That's Me that she decided to devote her time to writing and illustrating books for children, which combines her fascination for childhood and her talent for designing and creating. Child gets her inspiration from other people's conversations or from seeing something funny happen.
Her book I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato won the 2000 Kate Greenaway Medal. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which comprised the shortlist for a public vote for the nation's favourite. It finished third in the public vote from that shortlist.
Child lives in North London.
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September 12, 2016I'm probably too old for these books now...
But I don't care. ✌
But I don't care. ✌
December 19, 2016
Ah, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby... we hardly knew you!
I can't believe this wonderful series has come to an end already! Honestly, I think the Ruby Redfort books are the best kids' books since Roald Dahl... and if you know how much I love Roald Dahl's books you'll know that's no faint praise!
This final instalment ties up all the dangling plot threads from the previous books, it's funny, action-packed, full of twists and surprises and even more than a little heartbreaking. What more could you want from a book about a junior secret agent?
I look forward to Lauren Child's next book with bated breath...
I can't believe this wonderful series has come to an end already! Honestly, I think the Ruby Redfort books are the best kids' books since Roald Dahl... and if you know how much I love Roald Dahl's books you'll know that's no faint praise!
This final instalment ties up all the dangling plot threads from the previous books, it's funny, action-packed, full of twists and surprises and even more than a little heartbreaking. What more could you want from a book about a junior secret agent?
I look forward to Lauren Child's next book with bated breath...
December 30, 2021
i'm going to be real honest here: i binge read the entire ruby redfort series in a week or two and i have no regrets.
i first heard about ruby redfort through an email from harper collins. i randomly requested blink and you die to review, and when i actually googled the book i thought i'd hate it. the author has written many children's books, and because of that, i assumed that the ruby redfort series would be to immature and i wouldn't like it. boy was i wrong. i haven't read such a good series in so long. i would like to personally thank kelly, from harper, for this book because damn. it's not everyday you read a book that has such an impact on you.
the first thing i'd like to point out in this review, that yes: this is a young adult series! just because the author mainly writes for children doesn't mean they can't branch out to older groups.
second, (and this one's very important okay): if you like ally carter's books then you should've read ruby redfort yesterday. no excuses. (seriously though, get on it already).
i rated this book 4 stars when i first finished it. it's been a week and i kinda want to rate it higher. like 10 stars higher. god bless good books.
blink and you die isn't the strongest book in the series. it was good, don't get me wrong. the plot was amazing, like always. it was complex, with many different twists. there are some mystery books where you figure out what's going to happen 100 pages before it does; then there's books like ruby redfort. and of course, anything by ally carter.
i can't believe ruby is only 13. i'm turning 21 soon and i'd never be able to do some of the things that she's doing.
at the start of the series, ruby is fairly immature. she's reckless and she doesn't think. (she actually thinks too much if you ask me, but she has no sense of safety). she just does things and hopes to not die. towards the end of the series, i respect her more. she realises the world doesn't revolve around her all the time (but it does like ninety two per cent of the time, you can count on that). she still takes a lot of things for granted, but she respects those around her a lot more.
hitch is one of my favourite characters. (i'm not going to lie here, i totally didn't think he was going to end up being a bad guy), (okay that's a lie. i suspected him at one point).
can we just stop and appreciate the male / female relationship that wasn't romantic!!!!!! clancy and ruby, the bestest of pals. they could go romantic in the future, but i loved how they were friends and that was that.
and. the parents?! ruby's parents are so bloody clueless, i love it. they don't know half of what's going on with their own daughter but they love her no matter what, and are so supportive of her. a lot of YA books completely neglect the parents, but i really enjoyed the family dynamic, including that with hitch and mrs digby. everyone's so kind to one another.
the ruby redfort series deserves more attention. i wish more people read these books. so. damn. good.
i first heard about ruby redfort through an email from harper collins. i randomly requested blink and you die to review, and when i actually googled the book i thought i'd hate it. the author has written many children's books, and because of that, i assumed that the ruby redfort series would be to immature and i wouldn't like it. boy was i wrong. i haven't read such a good series in so long. i would like to personally thank kelly, from harper, for this book because damn. it's not everyday you read a book that has such an impact on you.
the first thing i'd like to point out in this review, that yes: this is a young adult series! just because the author mainly writes for children doesn't mean they can't branch out to older groups.
second, (and this one's very important okay): if you like ally carter's books then you should've read ruby redfort yesterday. no excuses. (seriously though, get on it already).
i rated this book 4 stars when i first finished it. it's been a week and i kinda want to rate it higher. like 10 stars higher. god bless good books.
blink and you die isn't the strongest book in the series. it was good, don't get me wrong. the plot was amazing, like always. it was complex, with many different twists. there are some mystery books where you figure out what's going to happen 100 pages before it does; then there's books like ruby redfort. and of course, anything by ally carter.
i can't believe ruby is only 13. i'm turning 21 soon and i'd never be able to do some of the things that she's doing.
at the start of the series, ruby is fairly immature. she's reckless and she doesn't think. (she actually thinks too much if you ask me, but she has no sense of safety). she just does things and hopes to not die. towards the end of the series, i respect her more. she realises the world doesn't revolve around her all the time (but it does like ninety two per cent of the time, you can count on that). she still takes a lot of things for granted, but she respects those around her a lot more.
hitch is one of my favourite characters. (i'm not going to lie here, i totally didn't think he was going to end up being a bad guy), (okay that's a lie. i suspected him at one point).
can we just stop and appreciate the male / female relationship that wasn't romantic!!!!!! clancy and ruby, the bestest of pals. they could go romantic in the future, but i loved how they were friends and that was that.
and. the parents?! ruby's parents are so bloody clueless, i love it. they don't know half of what's going on with their own daughter but they love her no matter what, and are so supportive of her. a lot of YA books completely neglect the parents, but i really enjoyed the family dynamic, including that with hitch and mrs digby. everyone's so kind to one another.
the ruby redfort series deserves more attention. i wish more people read these books. so. damn. good.
January 5, 2025
I must begin by apologizing for the use of the word turgid in my earlier comment made when I was part way through the book. It was a crude expression and I cannot justify it. The plot was no more preposterous than most of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. episodes, and it owes quite a lot to such TV programmes from the 60s and 70s.
I used to love The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Back then I still lived with my parents and on M.F.U. night I would be sent out to the local chippy - the shop where you could buy fish and chips (fried fish in batter with french fries) and, if you wanted to show that you believed in a healthy diet, mushy peas (they were a greenish colour.) Everything liberally - not lightly - sprinkled with salt and splashed with a malt vinegar so strong its warm fumes could send an asthmatic into hospital for a week. As a family we would sit down and watch the outrageous silliness of it all.
The problem now is that I am much older, older than my parents were back then, and I have been reading a book very purposefully written for 9 to 13 year-olds. It is all action, much of it unbelievable, and empty of real characterization. Good guys are good, bad guys are bad, leaving only the almost compulsory traitor showing it is possible not to sit on a fence. The only character with a personality is Ruby's friend Clancy. He is foolish enough not to understand hanging out with a superhero is going to be dangerous, while remaining loyal enough to brush the problems aside when the going is tough and he has to act to try and save the girl he fancies - though it is quite likely that she will end up rescuing him.
The plot of Blink and You Die is all about codes, understanding them, breaking them, or preserving them from enemy hands. It was nice to see a note at the end from Marcus du Sautoy explaining it all. Ruby goes through all manner of trials and displays all manner of dazzling skills: long distance open sea swimming, parachuting, cross-country skiing, climbing up the side of an office building on a freezing January night. Her enemies are devious, cunning and prepared to kill. Can a thirteen year old win the day and receive a shiny medal at the end? If I had been Ruby I would have told LB where to put it and demanded a substantial cheque instead.
It's a great read if you are the right age. A little pointless when you are too old.
I used to love The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Back then I still lived with my parents and on M.F.U. night I would be sent out to the local chippy - the shop where you could buy fish and chips (fried fish in batter with french fries) and, if you wanted to show that you believed in a healthy diet, mushy peas (they were a greenish colour.) Everything liberally - not lightly - sprinkled with salt and splashed with a malt vinegar so strong its warm fumes could send an asthmatic into hospital for a week. As a family we would sit down and watch the outrageous silliness of it all.
The problem now is that I am much older, older than my parents were back then, and I have been reading a book very purposefully written for 9 to 13 year-olds. It is all action, much of it unbelievable, and empty of real characterization. Good guys are good, bad guys are bad, leaving only the almost compulsory traitor showing it is possible not to sit on a fence. The only character with a personality is Ruby's friend Clancy. He is foolish enough not to understand hanging out with a superhero is going to be dangerous, while remaining loyal enough to brush the problems aside when the going is tough and he has to act to try and save the girl he fancies - though it is quite likely that she will end up rescuing him.
The plot of Blink and You Die is all about codes, understanding them, breaking them, or preserving them from enemy hands. It was nice to see a note at the end from Marcus du Sautoy explaining it all. Ruby goes through all manner of trials and displays all manner of dazzling skills: long distance open sea swimming, parachuting, cross-country skiing, climbing up the side of an office building on a freezing January night. Her enemies are devious, cunning and prepared to kill. Can a thirteen year old win the day and receive a shiny medal at the end? If I had been Ruby I would have told LB where to put it and demanded a substantial cheque instead.
It's a great read if you are the right age. A little pointless when you are too old.
November 14, 2016
With the final installment of Ruby Redfort comes the end of an era for me - this series has taken me from my days of sitting in the playground in grade four reading the first book to me now sitting and reading it all in pretty much 24 hours even though I should be studying and doing assignment work...
Perhaps it was the uber cool characters who I always wanted to be, perhaps it was because it was set in the 70's or perhaps it appealed to the side of me that always wanted to be a coding expert and secret agent, but Ruby Redfort really has been a bit of an idol for me, and I doubt I'll ever be able to rid myself of my deep desire to be just like her! (what I would do to be able to ride my bike around town and eat donuts for breakfast before solving codes straight away and being a straight up genius...)
Anyway, the final installment was all I had ever hoped for, and while it left me rather nervous at times, it never disappointed. All my favourite characters, Mrs Digby, LB, Hitch etc., got a happy ending and it gives me peace of mind to know that Bug is still up and at it, helping solve mysteries! I find it amazing that a book meant for younger children and tweens can be so enthralling and gripping throughout, and even though the writing is pretty easy to read, the plot couldn't be more perfect. And there's something for the older reader, with the codes becoming a mind-boggling yet interesting component throughout the whole series.
Unfortunately, I've got to bid adieu to this amazing series that saw me through some of my most awkward years (god damn you grade 5), but I think I'll always love the Twinford I've gotten to love!
Perhaps it was the uber cool characters who I always wanted to be, perhaps it was because it was set in the 70's or perhaps it appealed to the side of me that always wanted to be a coding expert and secret agent, but Ruby Redfort really has been a bit of an idol for me, and I doubt I'll ever be able to rid myself of my deep desire to be just like her! (what I would do to be able to ride my bike around town and eat donuts for breakfast before solving codes straight away and being a straight up genius...)
Anyway, the final installment was all I had ever hoped for, and while it left me rather nervous at times, it never disappointed. All my favourite characters, Mrs Digby, LB, Hitch etc., got a happy ending and it gives me peace of mind to know that Bug is still up and at it, helping solve mysteries! I find it amazing that a book meant for younger children and tweens can be so enthralling and gripping throughout, and even though the writing is pretty easy to read, the plot couldn't be more perfect. And there's something for the older reader, with the codes becoming a mind-boggling yet interesting component throughout the whole series.
Unfortunately, I've got to bid adieu to this amazing series that saw me through some of my most awkward years (god damn you grade 5), but I think I'll always love the Twinford I've gotten to love!
July 16, 2019
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that’s so enthralling, so perfectly a mixture of everything that makes a book good, that I can’t put it down. Let me tell you, the sixth Ruby Redfort book checks ALL the boxes.
First of all, the characters are just as entertaining and well developed as they have been from the very first book. The characters can make or break a book, and this is definitely a case of the former. We have Ruby, who we all know and love as an absolute bomb protagonist. Then there’s Clancy who is literally the best friend Ruby could ask for, and one of the best characters a reader could ask for. The villains are enticing and mysterious, keeping you reading just to figure out what on earth is happening and who on earth is behind it. Props to Lauren Child for writing characters that keep the reader in love with the world and the universe of Ruby Redfort.
Next, the plot. Literally the best.
The other Ruby Redfort books were so, so, so good and the plot kept me invested in all of them. But this book goes HARD. The plot twists are absolutely off the rails and the mystery is so intriguing that the reader can’t help but try and solve it right along with Ruby Redfort. I was so shook this whole book (anyone around me while I was reading it can attest) and I literally could not put it down, even though it was 5AM and I hadn’t even gone to sleep yet. It’s also incredible exciting to see how everything, from the very first page of the very first book, has connected to accumulate into this book. It’s absolutely crazy.
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think, and it made me realize that this is quite possibly the best book I’ve ever read. It’s so adrenaline inducing without being “too much” in that there are still plenty of lighthearted and wholesome moments that make the reader smile and laugh in between the crazy spy happenings.
I would seriously recommend reading this book or even starting the Ruby Redfort series just to see the way everything pans out in terms of amazing characters, a complex but comprehendible plot, and events that will leave you reeling: trust me, it’s worth it.
First of all, the characters are just as entertaining and well developed as they have been from the very first book. The characters can make or break a book, and this is definitely a case of the former. We have Ruby, who we all know and love as an absolute bomb protagonist. Then there’s Clancy who is literally the best friend Ruby could ask for, and one of the best characters a reader could ask for. The villains are enticing and mysterious, keeping you reading just to figure out what on earth is happening and who on earth is behind it. Props to Lauren Child for writing characters that keep the reader in love with the world and the universe of Ruby Redfort.
Next, the plot. Literally the best.
The other Ruby Redfort books were so, so, so good and the plot kept me invested in all of them. But this book goes HARD. The plot twists are absolutely off the rails and the mystery is so intriguing that the reader can’t help but try and solve it right along with Ruby Redfort. I was so shook this whole book (anyone around me while I was reading it can attest) and I literally could not put it down, even though it was 5AM and I hadn’t even gone to sleep yet. It’s also incredible exciting to see how everything, from the very first page of the very first book, has connected to accumulate into this book. It’s absolutely crazy.
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think, and it made me realize that this is quite possibly the best book I’ve ever read. It’s so adrenaline inducing without being “too much” in that there are still plenty of lighthearted and wholesome moments that make the reader smile and laugh in between the crazy spy happenings.
I would seriously recommend reading this book or even starting the Ruby Redfort series just to see the way everything pans out in terms of amazing characters, a complex but comprehendible plot, and events that will leave you reeling: trust me, it’s worth it.
October 24, 2016
Omggggggg Ahhhh that was such an amazing last book! When I was younger, I loved the Clarice Bean novels by Lauren Child & on my 11th birthday I received this brand new book: 'Ruby Redfort: Look into my Eyes'. Ever since I have read the books as they came out, Ruby, Clancy, Hitch, Mrs Digby heck even Ruby's parents and LB became apart of my childhood. I'm 17 this year and it was so excited when I saw the new book. I literally read this book over 2 days, it was so good, so nail biting I had anxiety in the pit of my stomach the entire time.
SPOILERS
I loved meeting Bradley Baker, it was so nice and of course I cried when he died again, and we even got to see LB soften up, their kiss before he died killed me. I loved the entire plot, every twist and turn. The only negatives I'd say is I wish the final reveal of Buzz was more dramatic and unexpected, the tossing and turning with Hitch kind of got in the way- like you were given time to absorb it. Also I wish I had more time to say goodbye to Ruby and her family. One more moment, of them doing something normal together & her and Clancy. The pictures included at the back of the book were such a great addition! Of course most of them didn't quite match my imagining of the characters, but some hit the nail on the head. I was so happy when I read that LB was inspired by Lauren Bacall one of my favourite actresses- duh LB- and I can totally see it.
Ruby is one of my favourite characters of all time and this is one of my favourite series, thank you Lauren Child! :)
SPOILERS
I loved meeting Bradley Baker, it was so nice and of course I cried when he died again, and we even got to see LB soften up, their kiss before he died killed me. I loved the entire plot, every twist and turn. The only negatives I'd say is I wish the final reveal of Buzz was more dramatic and unexpected, the tossing and turning with Hitch kind of got in the way- like you were given time to absorb it. Also I wish I had more time to say goodbye to Ruby and her family. One more moment, of them doing something normal together & her and Clancy. The pictures included at the back of the book were such a great addition! Of course most of them didn't quite match my imagining of the characters, but some hit the nail on the head. I was so happy when I read that LB was inspired by Lauren Bacall one of my favourite actresses- duh LB- and I can totally see it.
Ruby is one of my favourite characters of all time and this is one of my favourite series, thank you Lauren Child! :)
April 12, 2019
It's sad cause I've realised that I have just finished the series of Ruby Redford and I still haven't read the first one 😆 but I would still give it 5 stars cause it was sooooooooo good 😊!!!!! It was so mysterious and made me want to read it all over again. It was also a bit sad and funny 😂 but overall AMAZING!!!!!!!
Recommend it to all!! 😜
Recommend it to all!! 😜
Read
March 22, 2023so ein mega gutes finale, hab’s sehr genossen, die reihe zu rereaden<33 comfort pur
March 19, 2025
Ich habe es geliebt; es war echt spanned!!
December 12, 2016
When I began reading this book series, as a present from my mother, I never believed that I would fall in love with the characters and the plot. I was like: meh, just another book. Not only the series was amazing, the finale was out of this world!
The whole book keeps you at the edge of your seat, and you can't put it down till you finish the very last page! The fascinating journey of Ruby Redfort comes to an end with fascinating plot twists, mystery and suspense! Lauren Child has the admirable ability of writing in a so simple language, yet being an awesome author!
I'd totally recommend this to everyone, not only girls or teenagers. It is seriously worth it! Who doesn't love a spy book series with a code cracking teen anyways?
The whole book keeps you at the edge of your seat, and you can't put it down till you finish the very last page! The fascinating journey of Ruby Redfort comes to an end with fascinating plot twists, mystery and suspense! Lauren Child has the admirable ability of writing in a so simple language, yet being an awesome author!
I'd totally recommend this to everyone, not only girls or teenagers. It is seriously worth it! Who doesn't love a spy book series with a code cracking teen anyways?
November 11, 2016
This book was so gripping- I couldn't do anything else until I finished it! A great ending though I feel like it went so quick that I didn't absorb it all properly and am left a bit reeling. I was glad that so many questions were answered at last! (though still a few loose ends i would like to have seen what happened to i.e. the Count). I would definitely read the next book if one was to come out. There were so many great plot twists that surprised me (BB) and I liked all the links that were made. Overall a great, very interesting book!
October 3, 2021
THIS WAS SOOO GOOD!! I just loved all those shocking twists, I could have never guessed even a single one of them!!❤️❤️
I just loved Ruby, Hitch and Clancy!! My three favourite charcters💕💕 They were sweet, funny and smart!! This one was way too funny😂 And I loved every single part of this!!❤️❤️ Lauren Child has done a really great work writing this!!❤️❤️ And I really loved this series!! And in this one, there were a whole lot of shocking, unexpected, unpredictable twists which I ofcourse loved!!!❤️
I loved it!!❤️❤️
I just loved Ruby, Hitch and Clancy!! My three favourite charcters💕💕 They were sweet, funny and smart!! This one was way too funny😂 And I loved every single part of this!!❤️❤️ Lauren Child has done a really great work writing this!!❤️❤️ And I really loved this series!! And in this one, there were a whole lot of shocking, unexpected, unpredictable twists which I ofcourse loved!!!❤️
I loved it!!❤️❤️
May 22, 2021
Ruby Redfort was one of my favourite series and 5 years later this was just as good as I remembered.
All the loose ends from the past 5 books tie up together for the big reveal behind all the missions Ruby has undergone whilst in spectrum.
Ruby was intelligent and as funny as always in this clever, gripping, yet tense book!
All the loose ends from the past 5 books tie up together for the big reveal behind all the missions Ruby has undergone whilst in spectrum.
Ruby was intelligent and as funny as always in this clever, gripping, yet tense book!
Read
November 3, 2016This book is awesome I cannot believe that buzz is the mole
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2017
This was the best book ever! Loved it.
August 10, 2023
Genuinely such a masterpiece. I need to know how Lauren Child constructed this so perfectly. The plot goes CRAZY and the twists?!?! Impeccable. It's a long book but she keeps the entire thing fast-paced and suspenseful. The rising paranoia is SO good. And at the heart of the whole book & series are the characters and all of their well-developed relationships. ruby and clancy u are forever my beloveds <3
May 8, 2022
If you have read my other reviews on this series, then you will have known that I love them immensely, but I can clearly say this book was my favourite. I tied up any questions and loose-ends while still making it page-turning and funny. Even after my third time reading it, I'm still laughing at some of the jokes in it. If you haven't read it... READ IT!!!
March 1, 2021
Read this series a few yrs back - Middle school me loved it!
April 2, 2023
So sad my journey has come to an end in this series😓I would recommend this to anyone, these books are such a good read. This last book was craaazy and I loved it
February 15, 2023
super good final book to the serise. :)) def recommend
Want to read
May 12, 2019DNF at like, 18 percent. i never got my time to read this and the libary needed it back so never finished it. couldnt say i was intrested in it too much either.
cant even tell you the story since i didnt even get near the good part.
i dunno what else to say.
should i feel bad or what?
cant even tell you the story since i didnt even get near the good part.
i dunno what else to say.
should i feel bad or what?
December 16, 2021
It's always a bittersweet thing to finish a series you love. On the one hand I loved rereading the series and seeing it to its completion, but on the other hand...now I'm done. I wish I could never leave this world because I love this series so much. It's one of my absolute favorite series ever, and there can never be another like it.
Even though I'd read this book before, I was still on the edge of my seat for all the intense parts. At one point after I had screeched and gasped at THE huge revelation of this book, a nearby family member said to me, "Haven't you already read this book before and know what happens?", and yes. The answer is yes. But that's what makes these books so special is that you can read them over and over and over (which, believe me, I've done) and still feel each impactful moment like it's the first time.
In fact, this book even brought me to tears this reread, which it's never done before.
All in all, it's an absolutely wonderful series, and I can't wait for my next reread!
Even though I'd read this book before, I was still on the edge of my seat for all the intense parts. At one point after I had screeched and gasped at THE huge revelation of this book, a nearby family member said to me, "Haven't you already read this book before and know what happens?", and yes. The answer is yes. But that's what makes these books so special is that you can read them over and over and over (which, believe me, I've done) and still feel each impactful moment like it's the first time.
In fact, this book even brought me to tears this reread, which it's never done before.
All in all, it's an absolutely wonderful series, and I can't wait for my next reread!
January 14, 2022
I promise I’ll stop reading childhood book series soon.
July 15, 2019
What a brilliant end the the Ruby Redfort series! It is hilarious, addictive, and I must admit a few times it nearly made me cry on public transport. So many things are revealed, we see so many people in a different light (and maybe even the wrong light).
What I love is that there is such a satisfying tying up of ends, but I wanted the series to be longer! I kind of regret that I read the climax on a bus, as I couldn’t experience the emotion as much with all that background noise (plus the uncomfortable chairs).
I think it’s so clever that Lauren Child has (I think on purpose) assigned a sense to each of these books. The first sight, then hearing, smell, touch, taste, and, finally, the sixth sense... The thing is I sort of don’t get the motives of the ultimate ‘bad guy’ and why they wanted what they did. Could someone explain?
Also, make sure you READ ALL OF THE PREVIOUS BOOKS, or you will not get a thing. Overall, I love the way this book had me reading all the time, and kept me guessing until the last (proper) chapter. I would recommend to ANYONE!
P.S. There is a fly walking around on my bookcase as I write this. Is that you Spectrum?
What I love is that there is such a satisfying tying up of ends, but I wanted the series to be longer! I kind of regret that I read the climax on a bus, as I couldn’t experience the emotion as much with all that background noise (plus the uncomfortable chairs).
I think it’s so clever that Lauren Child has (I think on purpose) assigned a sense to each of these books. The first sight, then hearing, smell, touch, taste, and, finally, the sixth sense... The thing is I sort of don’t get the motives of the ultimate ‘bad guy’ and why they wanted what they did. Could someone explain?
Also, make sure you READ ALL OF THE PREVIOUS BOOKS, or you will not get a thing. Overall, I love the way this book had me reading all the time, and kept me guessing until the last (proper) chapter. I would recommend to ANYONE!
P.S. There is a fly walking around on my bookcase as I write this. Is that you Spectrum?
September 22, 2019
I really love the Ruby Redfort series, as I love the action and adventure sort of genre. I also like secret agent type books. Blink and you die is the final book in the series and I honestly love it. There are so many loose ends which are ties up in this one book and the reader feels the sense that everything is connected. The plot twists and throwbacks which come up throughout the storyline are phenomenal. I especially like the way that things from the first book which are left unanswered are explained and solved in this book. This is one of my favorite book series, it has lots of action and I really recommend it to anyone who enjoys genres which are similar to action and adventure.
May 27, 2018
I LOVE Ruby Redfort, and I want everyone to read this series. Such a fantastic ending that kept me on my toes!
Review to come.
Review to come.
June 1, 2020
I think it's great that girls have a role model like Ruby, who is this ridiculously cool thirteen year old spy.
September 5, 2020
Honestly 12 year old me and 20 year old me are so content rn.
August 31, 2017
Oh my goodness. Where do I begin?
Ruby Redfort first appeared (to me) in one of the Clarice Bean books I was reading. I thought "wow, she sounds cool". A little while later, a younger sister of one of my friends recommended it to me. "You'll love it - it's SO GOOD". I smiled and said "yeah? Maybe I'll read it."
It took me a little while to get round to it.
I don't know why I didn't read them sooner, because they would have been perfect for me; I loved to imagine that I was a spy throughout all of primary school, and would always come up with far-fetched theories about teachers being master criminals! On second thoughts, perhaps it was sensible to let that die down before exposing me to the wonderful world of Twinford. Good one, parents. That was the right call.
I received the first two later for my birthday before moving up to secondary school. I DEVOURED them. I was not a bookworm. I was a bookLION. I also love acting, and can confirm that I have previously spent MANY hours acting out Ruby's lines with invisible Twinford citizens. It made me really sad the other day realising that now I'm fifteen I might be too old to one day play her in the Ruby Redfort TV show I dreamed about. Especially as she's small. I'm a tall person.
The brilliant thing about Ruby is that she is totally nonplussed when it comes to what other people think. She's a no-sweat, intelligent and witty character who, despite being slightly rude at times (*cough* sorry Quent *cough*), always seems to be the good guy. She has flaws - she's reckless, and a bit big-headed - but overall none of it matters because she effortlessly wins your heart. She cycles around Twinford solving crimes, eating donuts and sharing fast-paced banter with the diverse and colourful people she meets. The villains in this story also make it fantastic. Very good villains.
But this last book shot high above all of my expectations. Firstly, the map. 1974. I'd always had an inkling that Ruby wasn't set in the 21st Century, because of how she has a lot of landlines all around her house instead of one mobile phone. I thought that if she was rich, then she would have one, right? I kind of wanted it to be in the seventies. It made it feel even more special.
I studied those maps. If there was mention of Ruby travelling to different shops I would flick to the front of the book and follow her route, feeling really clever. I know, it may not sound exciting, but it's the little things in life that thrill me. Like maps in books. Glorious inventions.
It all made sense. It didn't feel made up on the spot. It felt as if it had been planned from the start. Everything feel into place so well! Not to mention the brilliant new scenes to act out between LB and Ruby. Ruby's evolution through the series was subtle, yet really obvious. I feel like in the last book we saw Ruby really show a more human side to her - the complete uncertainty of who to trust had shaken her, and her cool and chilled out way of life sort of shifted to reveal a lot more beneath it. The discovery and death of Bradley Baker was heartwarming (his reunion with LB and the similarities between him and Ruby) and heartbreaking (his last words to Ruby... they were really good to act out...). Her dilemma with Hitch and Buzz near the end of the book satiated something inside me that I think had been left dissatisfied for a while; Ruby got ANGRY. I might have forgotten something, because there was a large gap between me ready the first five and the last book, but I thought it was about time that Ruby got properly mad. She was so casual all the time, and it was good that she gave that a break. You shouldn't keep it all bottled up, after all. It's not very healthy...
I treasured reading this book, knowing it was the last of the series. I would have to step out of Twinford, with its unrealistic but entertaining goings-on, and step back into my tent (I was camping while reading this).The drawings by Lauren Child at the end were thoroughly enjoyable. I pored over the characters, deciding whether or not I had envisioned them like that. I compared my own face to Ruby's pencilled face ("Mummy, how old do I look?"-"I know you want me to say thirteen."-"I want you to be honest!"-"You look fourteen."-"But do you think I COULD look thirteen? If I tried?") and spent a few moments casting the characters in my head (what do you think about Dwayne Johnson playing Hitch? This was a consideration).
I recommend following Ruby's story in order. The stories could be read individually or out of order, I suppose, but I think you'd get confused. I got a little confused at some points when I couldn't remember what had happened in the last book because it had been a while ago. As the books go on they make more references to the past events, so yeah, following the order would be best.
Overall, the book was everything I wanted it to be. Brilliant, funny, dramatic. Hats off to Lauren Child, everyone.
And the coding dude, Marcus du Sautoy. Understanding the codes made me feel like a genius.
Also, I still hold onto the hope of looking young enough to be a thirteen year-old secret agent who wears black t-shirts that say "bozo" on them and always has a quick-witted comeback to bring potatoheads back down from their pedestals. *sigh* Maybe one day.
^^^Ruby would probably think this review was as dull as the Humberts, and that whoever wrote it has too much time on their hands. But I stand by everything written. She is great.
Ruby Redfort first appeared (to me) in one of the Clarice Bean books I was reading. I thought "wow, she sounds cool". A little while later, a younger sister of one of my friends recommended it to me. "You'll love it - it's SO GOOD". I smiled and said "yeah? Maybe I'll read it."
It took me a little while to get round to it.
I don't know why I didn't read them sooner, because they would have been perfect for me; I loved to imagine that I was a spy throughout all of primary school, and would always come up with far-fetched theories about teachers being master criminals! On second thoughts, perhaps it was sensible to let that die down before exposing me to the wonderful world of Twinford. Good one, parents. That was the right call.
I received the first two later for my birthday before moving up to secondary school. I DEVOURED them. I was not a bookworm. I was a bookLION. I also love acting, and can confirm that I have previously spent MANY hours acting out Ruby's lines with invisible Twinford citizens. It made me really sad the other day realising that now I'm fifteen I might be too old to one day play her in the Ruby Redfort TV show I dreamed about. Especially as she's small. I'm a tall person.
The brilliant thing about Ruby is that she is totally nonplussed when it comes to what other people think. She's a no-sweat, intelligent and witty character who, despite being slightly rude at times (*cough* sorry Quent *cough*), always seems to be the good guy. She has flaws - she's reckless, and a bit big-headed - but overall none of it matters because she effortlessly wins your heart. She cycles around Twinford solving crimes, eating donuts and sharing fast-paced banter with the diverse and colourful people she meets. The villains in this story also make it fantastic. Very good villains.
But this last book shot high above all of my expectations. Firstly, the map. 1974. I'd always had an inkling that Ruby wasn't set in the 21st Century, because of how she has a lot of landlines all around her house instead of one mobile phone. I thought that if she was rich, then she would have one, right? I kind of wanted it to be in the seventies. It made it feel even more special.
I studied those maps. If there was mention of Ruby travelling to different shops I would flick to the front of the book and follow her route, feeling really clever. I know, it may not sound exciting, but it's the little things in life that thrill me. Like maps in books. Glorious inventions.
It all made sense. It didn't feel made up on the spot. It felt as if it had been planned from the start. Everything feel into place so well! Not to mention the brilliant new scenes to act out between LB and Ruby. Ruby's evolution through the series was subtle, yet really obvious. I feel like in the last book we saw Ruby really show a more human side to her - the complete uncertainty of who to trust had shaken her, and her cool and chilled out way of life sort of shifted to reveal a lot more beneath it. The discovery and death of Bradley Baker was heartwarming (his reunion with LB and the similarities between him and Ruby) and heartbreaking (his last words to Ruby... they were really good to act out...). Her dilemma with Hitch and Buzz near the end of the book satiated something inside me that I think had been left dissatisfied for a while; Ruby got ANGRY. I might have forgotten something, because there was a large gap between me ready the first five and the last book, but I thought it was about time that Ruby got properly mad. She was so casual all the time, and it was good that she gave that a break. You shouldn't keep it all bottled up, after all. It's not very healthy...
I treasured reading this book, knowing it was the last of the series. I would have to step out of Twinford, with its unrealistic but entertaining goings-on, and step back into my tent (I was camping while reading this).The drawings by Lauren Child at the end were thoroughly enjoyable. I pored over the characters, deciding whether or not I had envisioned them like that. I compared my own face to Ruby's pencilled face ("Mummy, how old do I look?"-"I know you want me to say thirteen."-"I want you to be honest!"-"You look fourteen."-"But do you think I COULD look thirteen? If I tried?") and spent a few moments casting the characters in my head (what do you think about Dwayne Johnson playing Hitch? This was a consideration).
I recommend following Ruby's story in order. The stories could be read individually or out of order, I suppose, but I think you'd get confused. I got a little confused at some points when I couldn't remember what had happened in the last book because it had been a while ago. As the books go on they make more references to the past events, so yeah, following the order would be best.
Overall, the book was everything I wanted it to be. Brilliant, funny, dramatic. Hats off to Lauren Child, everyone.
And the coding dude, Marcus du Sautoy. Understanding the codes made me feel like a genius.
Also, I still hold onto the hope of looking young enough to be a thirteen year-old secret agent who wears black t-shirts that say "bozo" on them and always has a quick-witted comeback to bring potatoheads back down from their pedestals. *sigh* Maybe one day.
^^^Ruby would probably think this review was as dull as the Humberts, and that whoever wrote it has too much time on their hands. But I stand by everything written. She is great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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