Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The setting of this novel is very unique, giving it an edge that is hard to find in many novels. I think Shadow and Bone will be easy to remember its details when reading the second book because I dont recall ever reading a book with a similar theme. I think that’s what stood out for me.

Of course there were parts that I wanted to skip but they were necessary to understand the details of this world. At the same time, I wished there were more history given to us and more about the ruling structure in this world. That would have been great. But I think the world will be clearer in the second book (I hope so!). That is why I am so eager to read the second book.

I didn’t feel the romance between Alina and Mal. I saw them as siblings more than anything else. That’s why I had hard time getting into them. However what happened between them towards the end of the novel-the sacrifices-might had convinced me, a little, of their love. But, still, I need more.

The cover is iconic. I mean I am pretty sure you've noticed it in the bookstores. You probably stopped, picked it and read the synopsis. Its stands out which makes it the perfect cover for this book to sell and become more marketable.

Overall, it was a great book but it would have been perfect if extra details were incorporated throughout the novel. And if the love between Alina and Mal was given more time to develop because I felt like it was rushed. I needed more time to understand and feel the romance aspect of the novel.   

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

I need the third book of the series now. (Note this review was written in May)

Ever since I read Ruby Red in 2011, it left me with this love/pain. I kept thinking about Gwen. And how I just rooted for her and completely loved this main character. I wanted her to win, to be the best. I easily felt sorry for her. And I wanted nothing but happiness for her. The author had created a very smart and witty character and she makes her sound like a teenager. Taking references from the trendy pop culture and the way Gwen invoice her thoughts makes her real.

I dont know how the author did this. But she skilfully made this book sound and feel so real to me. It was not just ink on paper. It was real. I could feel myself.

The second book came with awesome-packed stuff. The events Gwen attended. All this time travelling made me think...is it really possible to travel through time and space? How? And the author here gives you the time and space to think about it but at the same time, makes it seems like every day science.

Now onto my favorite part, Gideon. I love him. He is the best male character. Again, I cannot stop thinking about him since book 1. And in book 2, the author just gives me all I need. His so many sides and angles. He is simply a human being (in terms of making mistakes). And every time Gwen fights with him, I just go to Switzerland. And that last scene kills me every time I think about it.

I love this book. Beautiful. And I really wished all of Kerstin Gier's books got translated because I would like to read everything she had written so far.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Release Date: May 10^th 2011

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 324 pages

Source: Library

Series: Book 1

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.

I really like this book. I really did. Well, first off, I was excited for this book because it's translated from the German language. It makes me seem knowledgeable and smart. So yea! Reading this book made me feel good. But even though it was translated from German, it was set in London which adds to the awesomeness.

The whole concept behind a girl finding out that she is a time traveller is just fascinating. Gwyneth is a great protagonist. She is strong, independent and that's always good. She is very memorable and defined. I could actually picture her. She is just wonderful. 

Gwyneth gets to learn about her family's history along with Gideon. Oh! I am glad I mentioned Gideon! So he's that already time traveller. He is annoying and gets on Gwyneth's nerves all the time. But hey! I loved that. It didn’t stay for long though.

The fact that we kept going back in time was adventurous. To the 18^th century from the present à get the drill. Sometimes it was like a historical fiction to me.

Ohh something else!! There is a mystery. This mystery is making me wait for the next book like crazy.

Read this book. It is unique and GERMAN!!