{REVIEW} Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

Title: Emerald Green

Author: Kerstin Gier

Series: Precious Stone Trilogy

Book: 3
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance 

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads: 

Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is. She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along. Emerald Green is the stunning conclusion to Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red Trilogy, picking up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate. 

My Reaction/Thoughts: 

Oh this was just as much fun!! I had a lot of fun reading this series and I can't believe it's over already! This book was filled with even more fun time traveling and fancy dresses and mysteries. I am so glad we finally got some answers though because the suspense was killing me! Though it was a tad predictable because all my theories were correct. However! I'm so glad there was a twist that I did not see coming concerning the count! I found the whole storyline with him to be so interesting, though a bit confusing at times because I don't quite understand all the scientific principles that go into time travel. But nevertheless, I had fun! 

The plot really pulled through with this installment. There were twists and turn and a much more satisfying climax then the previous two novels. We got a lot of answers to those prophesies that seemed rather simple if you ask me so I really don't know how Gwen and company really didn't put two and two together sooner. However, the "magic of the raven" was surprising and I was shocked to learn of what Lucy and Paul had planned for Gideon. IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY! I love happy endings! 

I am beyond excited that Gideon finally admitted his feelings for Gwen and we were able to see some cute scenes with Gwen and Gideon. I was so frustrated the first 100 pages or so that Gwen was avoiding Gideon like the plague because she was so hurt! But it's okay because we got a whole lot of cute! I am more than satisfied!! 

Gwen stayed the silly, snarky girl that I loved since Ruby Red and I am glad of it. I am glad that she was a little sassy and didn't back down to anyone. I enjoyed her more in the book and Lesley as well. I loved seeing how many people cared about Gwen and wanted to help her. Even Xemerius was looking out for her best interests and wanted to stay by her side when she was scared. He was still the cute little riot that I love. I enjoyed his snarky comments and how much he looked after Gwen. I especially loved how Mr. Bernard helped Gwen out and worked to keep Charlotte from snooping around Gwen's room. (Now we know why after that prologue!)

Speaking of the prologue...OMG! I LOVED IT! It is so touching to see Lucy and Paul get their happily ever after and their relationship with Gwen grow! *happy sighs*

The philosopher's stone just reminded me so much of Harry Potter so I knew right away that the evil count just wanted to make himself immortal. I wondered if why only Gwen had a prophesy that was spoken of and not the other travellers? Were they not as important? Was their only role to provide their blood to the chronograph? It would have been nice to get to know a little bit about them as well, but that's just me being greedy I guess.  I do wish these book were a bit longer so that I could have learned more, but alas I'll take what I am given. 

I recommend this series over and over. It's so easy to read and such a fun time. I do admit I got a little confused here and there, but I just went with the flow and everything made sense in due time. It's worth the read.

Happy reading!

{REVIEW} Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Title: Sapphire Blue
Author: Kerstin Gier
Series: Precious Stone trilogy
Book: 2
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance
Rating: ★★★★

Blurb 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.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

This book was even better! Although rather frustrating to no end! I didn't get any of my questions answered, but instead gained even more! Gwen is still trying to learn more about her special gene that allows her to time travel and what role she plays specifically in "closing the Circle." However, no one still won't tell her a single thing!They expect to just do what she's told and not ask any questions. Um, I'm sorry but that's just don't work for me! I am just waiting for her to elapse into a time where she can run into Paul and Lucy so hopefully they can answer her questions because I am getting rather annoyed! However, I still had a load of fun reading this! I enjoyed all the kissing between Gideon and Gwen!! Oooh la la!

I think my new favorite character that was introduced in this book was the little gargoyle Xemerius that follows Gwen around. This little guy is an absolute riot! I loved all his commentary he would give about Gwen's friends, especially about Charlotte and Gideon. He was so fun and added a good amount of comedic relief. 

Speaking of Charlotte. OMG. Can Gwen just shut her down already?! I cannot wait until she gets her piece of karma. This girl is the absolute worst! I hate the way she talks to Gwen and what she says about her! She is so full of herself and I just wish she would go away. I could not believe she would go talk so ill about Gwen to Gideon! As if that would made Gideon not like Gwen any less. Charlotte is so immature and it's rather cute how she thinks she is above everyone else. Oh sweetie, you're delusional.

Gideon, however, oh dear Lord. This book can stop giving me whiplash anyday now! He runs so hot and cold that I think Katy Perry wrote her song with him in mind! Gideon is really making it hard to love him, but I shall anyhow! I really wish he would stop spending so much time with Charlotte though because he's just feeding her ego! Bleh!

I wanted to scream so much when we finally get a declaration of love from Gideon only to have the stupid count tell Gwen that females are easier to control when they are in love with you so Gideon was just manipulating her (not that he had to use much effort) UGH!

What I really liked about this book and I hope I see more in Emerald Green are the scenes where Gwen elapsed and saw her grandfather when he was younger. I thought this was so touching considering he's dead in the present and she didn't get to see him as much. I loved that he is there to help her. It's so cute. I loved how at the end of one of their times together Gwen tells him to save his awful mustache because it really doesn't suit him well. hahaha awe! *hugs self* 

I love the direction the story is going though. We are finally getting somewhere. We learn a little about the Florentine Alliance and its rivalry with the creepy Count Saint-Germain. I am looking forward to learning more about the prophesies surrounding Gwen and Gideon and what is exactly going to happen when the Circle closes. I have my theories, but I shall see once I read the last book! I can't believe I was skeptical to read these books because they are great! I am having so much fun and I'll say if you are doubting whether you should read them yourself to go ahead and just do it! Give them a chance! 

Now I am off to punch Gideon if he doesn't tell Gwen he loves her! 

{REVIEW} Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Title: Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier
Series: Precious Stony Trilogy
Book: 1
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance
Rating: ★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!


Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

I thought this was a really fun book to read. It's fairly simple to read and easy to get into. At first it can be a bit slow, but that is too be expected because so much information is thrown at you and we are learning everything just as Gwen is learning (whilst annoyingly being kept in the dark!) But I had a lot of fun reading this. I didn't think I would just because I wasn't too sold on the whole concept of time-travel, but I have to admit that I am so interested and can't get enough of this story. I love that these books are translated from German as well. I don't think I really ever read a book that translated to English before? At least in Young Adult. So I just find that so fascinating!

The plot was really entertaining and I enjoyed myself. I started to feel badly for poor Gwen when everyone just kept putting her down all the time! It's not her fault she wasn't properly trained! No one can be as annoyingly perfect as the wretched Charlotte! I think Gwen did rather well considering she was learning how to talk and act in the eighteenth century in a matter of days! It definitely made me realize how much more work it would be to actually time travel. However, this book was so short! I felt like it went by so fast and so little happened and right as I was really getting into it IT ENDED!

And can we just talk about that epilogue?!

The romance: it's seriously lacking in this book. I know Gideon and Gwen just met a few days ago, but if I have to suffer through more scenes of Gideon with Charlotte I might scream. I can't stand it! I don't want it! Give me Gideon and Gwen now! Please!!

Overall, this book was a lot of fun. It was simple, quick, and quite entertaining. I can't wait to find out more about Lucy and Paul more about Gwen because questions! So many questions!