Review: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Book Two of the Edelstein Trilogie

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Publication Date: October 30, 2012

Rating: 4 stars
Source: Public library

Summary (from Goodreads):

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

What I Liked:

Oh, how I loved this sequel! I'm always fearful of sequels (second in the series), because many times, they are not as good as the first book. But this book was an excellent continuation of the series. I would say that the first book, Ruby Red, is overall better than this one, but this book is still really good.

Once again, Gwen shows us that she is a fantastic protagonist. She is neither weak or passive, and she does like give up without a fight. She is not necessarily feisty, in the way that we like to think of most YA heroines, but she has spunk. I love her insecurity, her humor, and her kindness towards others. This book continues Gwen's character development in a very good way.

I love the introduction of the new characters, especially Xemerius, a gargoyle demon, and Gideon's brother, Raphael. Xemerius is awesome! I distinctly remember this scene in which hre saves Gwen from humiliation in front of Chartlotte, when he describes to Gwen what a reticule is. And Raphael... I am excited to see where his interactions with Lesley will lead!

No love triangle. Unless you count Gideon and Charlotte. Which is not a love triangle, because Gideon does not reciprocate. It's more like Gideon and Gwen, with Charlotte trying to butt her way in. So not going to happen, Charlotte.

I love that Gwen's relationship with Gideon is fleshed out a little more. If you are thinking that they get it on, or some crazy action happens, get that out of your head right now. By the way, I am referring to "their relationship" as in, their interactions. In this book, they have no label, like "boyfriend" and "girlfriend". They skirt around each other a lot. Anyway. Gwen and Gideon both realize that they have strong feelings towards each other. Both handle this in different ways. Gideon is still hot and cold, sometimes leaving Gwen breathless, other times leaving her furious. 

BUT. The ending is INSANE, in terms of their relationship. Gwen thinks one thing, and so do the readers. But, if readers keep going to the epilogue... they will see something that Gween does not know, but Gideon does (well, he is the one that discovers things, and reveals things, but not to Gwen).

The ending. I know, I am leaving out a lot of things that I would usually discus. But that ending. It. Is. CRAZY. Or insane, I think I said above. I love it so much, but then, as I said above, Gwen does not know things that Gideon and the readers do! So, it is really heartbreaking, but I have faith in the final book, Emerald Green. I cannot wait to see who has been messing with time, and what Paul and Lucy have been doing, and what Gwen and Gideon are going to do about the time-travel problems, and their own problems.

What I Did Not Like:

I feel like this book moved very slowly compared to the first book. No slow enough that made me finish the book slower (because I DEVOURED this book!), but slow enough that I noticed. The climax of the story was excellent, but I feel like the events leading up to it occurred too slowly. This is really my only complaint.

Would I Recommend It:

YES!!!!! I said this about the first book: I usually do not like time-travel books, but this series is so, so good. Try these books! BRITISH HOTTIES EVERYONE! (kind of)

Rating:

4 stars. I need Emerald Green! I may have to order a foreign version, just so I will know months before! I have been learning Spanish in school for years...

Author Blog | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!