I never read any of the Twilight series, but I think my feelings about the Ruby Red/Precious Gemstones trilogy are pretty similar to many of friends’ feelings about Twilight. The books aren’t good but I can’t stop reading them. I’m glad the series is over so I can’t keep shame-reading them.
Emerald Green is the final chapter of the Ruby Red/Precious Gemstones trilogy. Accidental time-traveler Gwyneth Shepherd and her on-again off-again boyfriend/time traveler companion Gideon de Villiers have been tasked by the Guardians and the evil Count Saint-Germain with closing the Circle of Twelve. The Count says closing the circle will cure all disease and save mankind, but Gwyneth doesn’t believe him since he telepathically choked her the first time they met. Gideon is also having doubts since rogue time travelers Lucy and Paul gave him some of the Count’s secret writings that suggest the Count wants to close the Circle for more selfish reasons. Gwen and Gideon are aided by Gwen’s best friend Lesley, Gideon’s brother Raphael, the demon ghost Xemerius, Gwen’s grandfather Lucas, and his butler Mr. Bernard.
The book was fairly fun and a quick read, but I didn’t find it as charming or compelling as the second book. Gwen’s character is confusing in this one; sometimes she is ingenious and other times she is impulsive and dumb. I liked Lesley’s character development and the addition of Raphael. Xemerius is a treat. I mean, I’m glad I don’t have a demon ghost constantly talking to me, but he often says what I’m thinking and he sounds awfully cute when curled up with his head on his paws.
My biggest complaint with the series is that the time travel aspect makes no sense. Why are there only twelve time travelers? Why did it suddenly start in two different English families a few centuries ago? Why is it suddenly stopping after twelve? The books claim there’s a time travel gene, but that’s not how genes work. And how did these two families find one another? How did the early time travelers convince people they really could travel through time? How’d they manage to form a huge secret society? How is the society funded? I’m willing to suspend disbelief but you’ve got to give me something.
If you like Young Adult fiction and can suspend disbelief, this series would make a great vacation read.
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