For the young reader grappling with big family secrets and the thrill of unexpected discoveries, this adventure offers a quest for both treasure and belonging.
Reach for this book when your teen is exploring questions of identity and belonging, especially if they are fascinated by adventure and mystery. The story follows Rémy, a former jewel thief, on a thrilling airship expedition deep into the Indian jungle. While the crew hunts for a mythical treasure called the Sapphire Cutlass, Rémy is on an even more personal quest: to find the twin brother she never knew she had. This action-packed novel beautifully balances its exciting plot with deep emotional themes of family, bravery, and self-discovery. It is a perfect choice for readers transitioning from middle grade to young adult fiction who enjoy stories about finding your place in the world.
The protagonist grapples with loneliness and the emotional fallout of family secrets.
Sensitive Topics
The central sensitive topic is family secrets, specifically the discovery of a previously unknown sibling and the questions of parentage and identity that arise. The approach is direct and forms the emotional core of the protagonist's journey. The resolution is hopeful but ongoing, as Rémy's quest to connect with her brother is the main driver. The book also touches on feelings of loneliness and abandonment in a secular context, focusing on personal resilience and the creation of a 'found family'.
Ideal Reader
A 12- to 15-year-old who loves steampunk-lite fantasy and high-stakes adventure. This book is perfect for a reader who is beginning to grapple with their own identity, asking big questions about who they are outside of their family unit, or for a child who has recently learned a surprising piece of their own family history and needs a narrative to process those complex feelings.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware this is the second book in a series, following *The Ruby Airship*. While it can be read as a standalone, the character relationships and Rémy's emotional state will have more context if the first book is read. Be prepared for conversations about why parents might keep secrets and the emotional impact of such revelations. A parent has just shared a significant piece of family history with their teen, or they overhear their child saying something like, "I feel like I don't really fit in," or expressing a deep curiosity about their origins and extended family.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will be drawn to the fast-paced plot: the airship, the jungle adventure, and the mystery of the cutlass. An older reader (14-16) will more deeply connect with Rémy's internal conflict, the themes of found family versus biological family, and the complex journey of forging one's own identity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA fantasy quests focused on saving the world, this story's stakes are intensely personal. The blend of a classic adventure narrative (treasure hunting, exotic location) with a contemporary emotional core about a fractured family makes it unique. The Indian jungle setting and steampunk-lite elements also set it apart from typical European-inspired fantasy.
Read plot summary
This is the second book in the Ruby Airship series. Protagonist Rémy, an acrobat and former thief, joins the crew of the airship Ruby on a journey into the Indian jungle. Their official mission is to locate a missing crewmate, Desai, who is believed to be searching for the legendary Sapphire Cutlass. However, Rémy's secret, personal mission is to find the twin brother she only recently learned exists. The plot involves navigating jungle perils, clashing with rival treasure hunters, and uncovering clues about both the cutlass and her own hidden family history.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Rémy is searching for the Sapphire Cutlass with the crew, but her real mission is to find her brother. Do you think she was right to prioritize her personal quest? When is it okay to put your own needs before a group's goals?
2
The crew of the Ruby airship is a 'found family'. What does it mean to be a family? How does Rémy's relationship with the crew change as she searches for her biological brother?
3
The whole story is set in motion by a huge family secret. Why do you think Rémy's parents might have kept her twin brother a secret from her? Do you think secrets can ever protect people, or do they always cause more harm?
4
The Indian jungle is almost like a character in the book. How did the setting make the adventure more exciting or dangerous for Rémy and her friends? What was one description of the setting that made you feel like you were there?
