
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the feeling that everyone else seems to have the instruction manual for life while they are still figuring out the basics. As the second installment in the Ruby Red trilogy, Saphirblau finds Gwen navigating the high-stakes world of a secret time-traveling society while managing the very relatable pangs of a first major crush. It is an ideal pick for a child who feels like an outsider or is struggling to trust their own instincts in the face of peer pressure and family expectations. The story balances lighthearted humor with deeper themes of self-worth and discernment. While the setting is fantastical and historical, the emotional core is firmly rooted in the 12 to 18 age experience. Parents will appreciate how it validates the complexity of teenage emotions without being overly heavy, offering a fun yet meaningful escape for readers who enjoy mystery and romance.
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Sign in to write a reviewSword fighting and threats from a secret society.
A character accidentally drinks too much punch at an 18th-century party and becomes tipsy.
Gideon's loyalty and the intentions of the Lodge are constantly questioned.
The book deals with manipulation and gaslighting within a secret society. The approach is secular and metaphorical, using the 'Circle of Twelve' to explore how institutions can exploit young people. Resolution is realistic as Gwen begins to find her own voice and skeptically analyze the adults around her.
A 14-year-old girl who loves historical fashion and witty banter, but who also feels like the 'underdog' in her social circle or family.
Cold reading is fine. Parents might want to discuss the scene at the 18th-century party to talk about social pressures and drinking (Gwen gets accidentally tipsy). A parent might see their child suddenly becoming more private, or perhaps expressing frustration that they aren't being told the 'whole truth' about family matters or social situations.
Younger teens (12-14) will focus on the romance and the humor of Xemerius. Older teens (15-18) will better appreciate the political intrigue and the theme of female agency against a patriarchal secret society.
Unlike many YA fantasies, this series prioritizes humor and the 'un-glamorous' side of being a hero. Gwen's relatability and the addition of the snarky Xemerius provide a unique, comedic lens on the time-travel genre.
Gwendolyn Shepherd, the unexpected twelfth time traveler, continues her training with the secret Lodge. While traveling back to the 18th century, she must navigate complex social etiquette, dodging the manipulative Count Saint-Germain, and figuring out the true intentions of her partner, Gideon. She is assisted by her best friend Lesley and a new sidekick, Xemerius, a ghostly gargoyle demon only she can see.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.