Ruby's Fire

Fireseed #2

by Catherine Stine

If everything about you changes, what remains?

Seventeen year-old Ruby, long-pledged to the much older Stiles from the Fireseed desert cult, escapes with only a change of clothes, a pouch of Oblivion Powder and her mute little brother, Thorn. Arriving at The Greening, a boarding school for orphaned teens, she can finally stop running. Or can she? The Greening is not what it seems. Students are rampaging out of control and as she cares for the secret Fireseed crop, she experiences frightening physical changes. She’s ashamed of her attraction to burly, hard-talking Blane, the resident bodyguard, and wonders why she can’t be happy with the gentler Armonk. She’s long considered her great beauty a liability, a thing she’s misused in order to survive. And how is she to stop her dependence on Oblivion to find a real beauty within, using her talent as a maker of salves, when she has nightmares of Stiles without it?

When George Axiom, wealthy mogul of Vegas-by-the-Sea offers a huge cash prize for the winner of a student contest, Ruby is hopeful she might collect the prize to rescue her family and friends from what she now knows is a dangerous cult. But when Stiles comes to reclaim her, and Thorn sickens after creating the most astonishing contest project of all, the world Ruby knows is changed forever. This romantic fantasy set in 2099 on earth has a crafty heroine in Ruby, and a swoonworthy cast, which will surely appeal to the YA and new adult audience.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance, Futuristic, Ebooks

264 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Catherine Stine is a USA Today bestselling author of urban, paranormal and historical fantasy. Her novels have earned Indie Notable awards and New York Public Library Best Books. Catherine's newest historical fantasy, Witch of the Wild Beasts, was a second prize winner in the Romance Writers' Sheila Contest.

She loves spending time with her beagle, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening on her deck, and meeting readers at book events. Catherine suspects her love of dark fantasy came from her father reading Edgar Allen Poe to her when she was a child.

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Red Stars

You can definitely read this book as a standalone without having to read the first one ahead of time.

A fun story that isn't deep which you can get through in a sitting. The characters sometimes will have you shaking your head, especially Ruby with her constant "oh, I wish I wasn't so beautiful"

I ended up enjoying the book and may even end up purchasing the next one in the series!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This review will be available on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl in August).


You know when you get a book, and it's much better than you thought it was going to be? Well, Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine was definitely one of those books! I absolutely loved it, and it's definitely one of my favorite books that I've read in 2013!

Ruby is a 17 year old girl who, with her 8 year old brother Thorn, escapes from a cult which pairs young girls with much older men. Ruby and Thorn arrive at a school known as The Greening. Here she meets a whole cast of characters. When an act of bullying goes horribly wrong, Ruby and her brother Thorn are left with extreme changes that alter their DNA. When a contest in announces with a prize of a hefty cash sum, all the students are The Greening are excited! However, this competition reveals that all is not what it seems.

I do like the title, and I find it very interesting! However, I don't really get the meaning of it. Maybe I'm just being thick, but it makes no sense to me.

I think the cover does an amazing job at depicting the plot of the book. In fact, this is one of the best book covers I've ever seen that is actually relevant to the book. Whoever came up with this idea for the cover is a genius!

I enjoyed the setting of this book very much! I like the futuristic/dystopian world that Stine has created. Catherine Stine does an awesome job at making this world come alive. The world in which Ruby lives has become unbearably hot, and people must wear masks and burn suits if they don't want to burn. The author paints a vivid picture of this throughout the book. I can very much see this happening in the future.

The pacing was done really well! Not once in the book did I feel like the pacing was going too slow or too fast for my liking. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. If it was possible to eat books by reading them quickly because they are amazing, this would would've been gone in flash!

What an amazing plot! Besides the main plot, there were lots of sub-plots! Will Ruby figure out what is wrong with her and Thorn? Will she choose Armonk or Blane since she cares for both? Can she escape her past? That's just some of the questions answered in the book. Also, there is a fantastic plot twist that I didn't see coming!

All of the characters were written superbly! I loved Ruby and how willing she was to take care of her little brother. Ruby was a very down to Earth character who had went through a lot of hardships. I believe this made her a better person. What I didn't like about her was the fact that she kept going on about how beautiful she was. However, this is probably just a personal thing. I found Thorn to be so cute!! It would've been interesting to see things from his point of view as the book is told from Ruby's point of view. Armonk seems like such a sweet guy, and I loved how he was willing to defend his friends. I feel like Armonk was an all around nice guy. I really loved Blane! I like how he grew as a person going from a mean brute to a gentle warrior. It was nice to see this change in him. Like Armonk, I loved how he was willing to protect his friends at all cost.

The dialogue was fantastic! It is told in a first person point of view with Ruby being the narrator. I usually don't enjoy first person reads as much as third person ones, but this one was done fantastically! Some books that take place in the future have really cheesy dialogue, but Ruby's Fire wasn't one of those books. The dialogue was also easy to understand with no futuristic terms getting in the way. There are a few swear words though.

Overall, Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine is such an amazing and interesting read! While it is a part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I usually don't read books out of series order because I feel like I'll miss so much information, but this book can actually be read as a standalone without missing much. (The first book in the series talks about a minor character in this book).

I'd recommend this book to those aged 14+ who want some adventure in their life!

I'd give Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine a 5 out of 5.


(I received a free paperback copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review).

[Lee (Rally the Readers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also posted on Rally the Readers.

* A copy was provided for review for a blog tour.

Having been quite impressed with the futuristic world Catherine Stine created in Fireseed One , I was eager to revisit it in Ruby’s Fire. Picking up ten years after the events in Fireseed One, Ruby’s Fire features new characters and a stand-alone plot, so you’re fine reading this if you haven’t read Fireseed One. Stine does an excellent job of filling newcomers to the series in on the details of the world without rehashing too much information for readers who are already familiar with it.

I was looking forward to reading from the perspective of Ruby, a young woman who’s grown up in a cult that worships Fireseed, a genetically engineered plant with a multitude of uses, including as a food source. Varik Teitur, the son of the scientist who created Fireseed, had an unpleasant run-in with the cult in the previous novel, and this group and their fanaticism were really, really creepy. We learn firsthand from Ruby how insane some of these people are; she herself is on the verge of running away from them along with her younger brother, Thorn, when the novel opens.

The harsh life she’s had with the cult has taken its toll on Ruby. It was hard seeing her believe that using her feminine wiles was the only way to get what she wanted because that’s what had worked for her when she was with the cult. She’s also a drug addict, dependent on her homemade Oblivion Powder to make her forget her nightmares. The world outside of the cult is alien to her, and her adjustment to life at The Greening, a school that takes her and Thorn in, is bumpy at the start. I didn’t always like how Ruby acted, but I had to cut her some slack and keep reminding myself of how negatively the cult had shaped her life. She does grow a lot throughout the book, too, which helped me form a better opinion of her by the end of it.

Armonk, one of the students at The Greening, had a small but memorable appearance in Fireseed One, and I was thrilled to see him here. Unlike the others, he doesn’t judge Ruby because of where she came from, and he’s a steadfast friend to her. It took me a while to warm up to some of Ruby and Armonk’s other classmates, like Blane and Bea, but they, like Ruby, demonstrated significant character growth as the novel went on, Blane in particular.

Normally, reading about plants does not interest me at all, but Fireseed is a very special case. Its origin is fascinating, and Stine writes about it in a manner that treats it more like a character than a mere plant. I really liked the Fireseed contest story line, in which students from different schools, including The Greening, competed to find new applications for Fireseed. I found myself intrigued by the students’ projects and discoveries, and it was Blane’s brilliant presentation at the event that really changed my perception of him.

As she did with Fireseed One, Catherine Stine has once again written a compelling story set in a highly imaginative world. Ruby’s Fire is a great complement to Fireseed One, but even if you haven’t read the latter, this is an absorbing novel all on its own.

[LiLi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nothing like what I was expecting. It was a really interesting and entertaining combination of dystopian with science fiction/supernatural.

Young Ruby Fireseed grows up in the blazing hot desert in the natural-disaster-ravished future where going outside without full body protection can be fatal. She is desperate to escape the cult-like society in which she lives, so she works out a plan to do just that, bringing her young, mute brother with her.

After her escape, Ruby comes across a small group of people her own age with whom she finds refuge and a chance at a new life.

Within that group are two young men, Armonk and Blane, who both grow fond of Ruby and eventually become the other two sides of what turns out to be a very disappointing love triangle. I initially enjoyed the love story, but I ultimately found its progression to be very poorly played out. I feel it just evolved much too slowly to begin with and then made an almost instantaneous turn into a "decision." Out of the blue, really.

While the love story left a lot to be desired, I quite enjoyed the development of the world building in this story. I found the future America described in Ruby's Fire to be intriguing and rather unlike anything I have yet read. In addition to the world-building, I likewise enjoyed the unravelling of the story in the book. It progressed at a mostly steady pace and continued to evolve in a way that made it almost as though mysteries were being revealed.

On a similar note, though, some of these revelations often grew to become a rather strange stretch on the science fiction side of the story. I really think the story could have done without some of these more extreme stretches. For example, a human turning into half plant after snorting the pollen of a human-DNA genetically engineered plant. And a plant that has feelings at that . Granted, these extremities made for a story very unlike any other I have read before and one that I never found myself bored with. So, ultimately, the very things that turned me off of this book were the very ones that turned me on to it.

[SARIT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Futuristic world where the temperature gets close to 200 degrees and people have to wear protective clothing- The Hotzone (once known as the United States). If you live in the Hotzone, it's a tough life. Daytime temperatures can kill you and also sand storm and radiation. The Hotzone residents must ware a special suits (burn suits) and masks or stay indoors and come out at night. when the children forage for beetles with long sticks, and insect meat loaf is the result. It's alleged to be delicious once you get used to the idea. Hotzone residents who try to escape to the North had earned the derogatory nickname "refs," not only for themselves but for all Hotzone residents.Varik's father an genius inventor succeed to create an hybrid between Agar plant and Fireseed and this hybrid used as food source all over the Hotzone.

**Unfortunately I didn't read the 1st book, so all my knowledge is based on tide bites along the 2nd one... but I still think that the 2nd book can stand all by itself as the characters are the next generation and have their story to tell. What we have now?
- the Fireseed desert cult - A cult of crazies who believe that the Fierseed is a god. In this cult the young daughters pledged, from a very young age. The problem is that age difference is not a factor in the equation and to the parents there is no saying in this matter.
- According to this - for Seventeen year-old Ruby, long-pledged to the much older Stiles from the the only chance to evade this destiny, is to escapes with only a change of clothes, a pouch of Oblivion Powder and her mute little brother, Thorn leaving he mother behind. The perfect time to this is when the moon is full and Stiles who is going claim her plan to execute the match (every full moon 2 girls had to go through this process).... later Ruby will learn that the name to this assault is rape.
- She don't know much about the world outside the cult beside the frightening stories that the elders use to tell, but in her escape they caught a ride with a corrupt glider driver and trying to escape from him they Arrived at The Greening, a boarding school for orphaned teens, she can finally stop running.
and how is she going to stop her dependence on Oblivion, when she has nightmares of Stiles without it?
- The Greening is not what it seems. there she meet Nevada who running the place and the other students (Blane, Bee, Jan, Radius, Vesper and ans another outsider like her but a one that share an history with Nevada - Armonk). Each of those students has a troubled history behind him that can explain his behavior. When Students are rampaging out of control they cross some lines and, Ruby and her brother experienced a frightening physical changes.
- Romance - Love triangle? Ruby long considered her great beauty a liability, a thing she’s misused in order to survive. She’s ashamed of her attraction to burly, hard-talking Blane, the resident bodyguard, and wonders why she can’t be happy with the gentler Armonk.
- George Axiom, wealthy mogul of Vegas-by-the-Sea come and convince the to take a part in a student contest to develop something based on the Fierseed plant. He offers a huge cash prize for the winner. each of the students has his own project, even her brother Thorn and Ruby is hopeful she might collect the prize to rescue her family and friends from what she now knows is a dangerous cult by using her talent as a maker of salves.
- Thorn - Ruby's brother don't talk at all. According to Ruby in the cult burned the words out his mouth. No one was sure if he is smart or not. with Ruby he could communicated sometimes with few words and she had to interpret the meaning all by herself. I must admit that here the author weren't clear enough and I couldn't understand what happened to him and why he had to behave as he behaved. Anyway, his project was the best one. So best that somebody try to steal it out of his head..... here I must stop the reader have to read this by themselves.

***Anyway - I liked the plot very much because, the main idea of it, place the book in the world of the classical sci-fi and remind somewhat of Arthur C. Clark. Well once Biologist always biologist - Give me science, plants and genetics to dwell on, and I'll be happy. But really, you don't have to be bio. to love it so I can recommend it with all my heart <3.

[Clare dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If everything about you changes, what remains?

Seventeen year-old Ruby, long-pledged to the much older Stiles from the Fireseed desert cult, escapes with only a change of clothes, a pouch of Oblivion Powder and her mute little brother, Thorn. Arriving at The Greening, a boarding school for orphaned teens, she can finally stop running. Or can she? The Greening is not what it seems. Students are rampaging out of control and as she cares for the secret Fireseed crop, she experiences frightening physical changes. She’s ashamed of her attraction to burly, hard-talking Blane, the resident bodyguard, and wonders why she can’t be happy with the gentler Armonk. She’s long considered her great beauty a liability, a thing she’s misused in order to survive. And how is she to stop her dependence on Oblivion to find a real beauty within, using her talent as a maker of salves, when she has nightmares of Stiles without it?

When George Axiom, wealthy mogul of Vegas-by-the-Sea offers a huge cash prize for the winner of a student contest, Ruby is hopeful she might collect the prize to rescue her family and friends from what she now knows is a dangerous cult. But when Stiles comes to reclaim her, and Thorn sickens after creating the most astonishing contest project of all, the world Ruby knows is changed forever. This romantic fantasy set in 2099 on earth has a crafty heroine in Ruby, and a swoonworthy cast, which will surely appeal to the YA and new adult audience.

OK! First THE PLAYERS:
1. Ruby Fireseed- daughter , sister, one time cult member, beautiful , blonde, blue eyed, curvaceous , confused , lead point of view
2. Thorn Fireseed- Ruby's younger brother, brilliant from birth, rarely speaks, lovely child of 8 years old
3.- Fireseed cult- The cult that worships the Fireseed plant, rapes and abuses it's members, completely patriarchal governing
4. Armonk- dreamy, long black hair, fierce with his bow and arrows, disabled but not stopped by a partial prosthetic limb, kind to Ruby and Thorn, son of Rain, part of the "Blackwater Sector"
5. Nevada Pilgrim- part of a rebel group called the Z.W.C. rescued Dr. Varik
6. Dr. Varik, son of Professor Teitur
7. Professor Teitur- created the Fireseed Plant that not only could live in "Hot Zone" but is sentient and when merged with human D.N.A. turns humans into "Chimera" part human part plant, needing food and light to exsist.
8. The Greening & students- a school for Orphaned children run by Nevada Pilgrim / students, Blane, Jan, Radius, Bea, Vesper, Ruby, Thorn.

Book Rating: 4 Stars!
Genre: dystopian, sci/fi/ YA/ coming of age

This tale is told through the eyes of Ruby Fireseed. Ruby, Thorn, and her mother are part if a fanatical cult that worships the Fireseed Plant as a God. On what they refer to as "Founders Day" when a women comes of age a creepy old crazie ( that claims a girl as a child) honors their god by having a ceremony under the full moon in the desert and letting the gross old men have their way with the young women. It is this event that starts Ruby's journey to freedom and self - discovery.
Escaping the cult Ruby & Thorn make their perilous way to "The Greenery". Nevada Pilgrim runs a school there for orphaned kids and allows Ruby and Thorn to stay. There is more at that school than just books, food, and friends.
An opportunity arises due to a precious crop of the Fireseed Plant that Nevada Pilgrim has taken great care and risk to grow. The students from the Greenery are given expensive equipment and are entered in a contest to see who can create the most useful, beneficial , or downright miraculous project from the Fireseed Plant.
There are hidden agendas, love triangle's, good old fashioned jealousy, and a stunningly imaginative chain of events .
I enjoyed this book. "Ruby's Fire" starts with a bang and just keeps going. You'll hate certain characters, love others , suspect, be right, wrong, then OMG! It's that kind of story. I really enjoyed it. Check out "Ruby's Fire" by Catherine Stine.

[Cyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

GENRE: Young Adult Science Fiction
THEME: Romance, Adventure
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
This being the second book in the series I wasn’t sure if I’d be lost, which happily I wasn’t. I was able to dive into this unique world and memorable characters easily without feeling lost. But after finishing and enjoying this story I really want to read the first book called Fireseed One to see how it all began.

Ruby’s Fire follows Ruby a young girl who has grown up knowing her life was pledged to the horrible and much older Stiles. But on the night of her ceremony she decides to change her life and runs away with her brother Thorn. They end up in a place called The Greening where a woman named Nevada and the teens she teaches take them in to their home. Ruby and Thorn soon discover their Fireseed God and plant is grown and near Nevada’s home. When their school is entered in on a contest to discover new ways to use Fireseed, Ruby’s life is forever changed; she and her new friends are about to discover the great possibilities that Fireseed can do.

Ruby is a strong female lead that is determined to have a better life; she escapes knowing that she and her brother could eventually be found. But nonetheless try to live a new life with Nevada and the other teens at her school. Ruby has a lot to learn now that she’s outside of her community, learning that the place she lived was known as a cult. As well as discovering what life is like for the people in the world she’s now living in. She has a special bond with her brother Thorn since loosing his ability in wanting to speak. She is his main communication. Ruby is put in some challenging situations among the new teens she’s living with, not everyone gets along and she is put in danger constantly. But even with all the danger she has friends she can rely in Armonk, Bea and even the tough Blane.

It’s hard to just mention one of the main guys since they both have something special. Armonk is a calm and pretty much down to earth good guy. He is the first to meet Ruby and to befriend her, as well as becoming friends with her brother Thorn. Blane is a hard character to connect to at first with his hard demeanor and foul treatment of Armonk. But the readers soon learn a bit about his past that opens up a softer side to this tough guy. Both each become someone important to Ruby and help here discover the truth behind what the Fireseed can do and the dangers that follow.

I can’t forget about Thorn, Ruby’s brother but I also don’t want to spoil too much on him because he’s such an important character. He knows things before really anyone else can even grasp at what’s going on. He’s super smart and discovers something amazing with the Fireseed.

Overall this was a fast paced story, with a tone of adventure and great world building. I was easily drawn into this fantasy world, with unique medicines, creatures, futuristic technology and a whole history that changed the planet. There is lots of romance, betrayal, secrets and challenges for each character that all surround Ruby. The villains were a bit predictable, but some twist that came along were a great addition to keep the pace going strong. I enjoyed the science tidbits, which really made me think what more is out there to discover. In the end I can’t wait to read more from Stine, she created a very original world with so much detail that easily hooked me into the story.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult science fiction story with a lot of adventure and discovery. Fans of Partials by Dan Wells and Unraveling by Elizabeth Norri’s will enjoy Ruby’s Fire by Catherine Stine.

[Fly To The Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review first appeared on my blog, Read Books and Live Green

So what first caught my eye about the book, the cover! It looks so cool! But there was so much more to the book than the awesome cover!! (Obviously!)

To get this out of the way: I read this book as a stand alone. (Because let's face it this book sounds really good...) BUT in retrospect I think that I should have read the first book before I read this one. Simply because there was so much information and the book referred to the main characters of the first book often without giving much background information.
And now that I have read this companion novel I'm not sure I would want to go back and read the first purely because I hate going into a book knowing how it will end.

Moving past that this was a really good book. Within the first few pages I knew I was going to like Ruby. I didn't really like how she went on about how her beauty was terrible and how she didn't know how to act around people without acting like a flirt. That part bothered me, but beyond that I loved her character. She dealt with so much and was till so strong. She was great.

I also really liked her little brother Thorn. He was such an interesting and mysterious character and I wanted to know more about him. My one thing about Thorn that bugged me was Ruby's lack of concern about him. I mean I know she cared and tried to always make sure she was there for him. But a lot of times he was wandering around getting into trouble and she had no idea. As an older sister I would definitely want to keep a close eye on my brother especially if we were surrounded by people who might potentially try to kill us or at least try to hurt us....

I was a little lost at first about Ruby's love life. I thought for sure there was going to be this huge love triangle that was totally stab worthy. BUT thankfully that was so not the case. I would be hesitant to call it a love triangle. I think that she thought she liked two guys but in reality she didn't understand her feelings. I also at first hated the main love interest and I was not happy about their relationship. Shockingly though he grew on me. (Which is a good thing! I can be extremely picky about my love interests!!)

And then there was Bea. Once again I was under the false impression that I would hate her.... I really need to reserve judgment because once again I was proven wrong. Bea was a great character and friend!!! :)

On that note the illustrations were great!! Even on my small little screen on my kindle they were beautifully done and I am a sucker for great pictures! They made me really want to buy the actual physical copy!!!

I have to say that the ending felt rushed but at the same time really exciting. Still I would have liked a bit more foreclosure.

I have to say that this book was really enjoyable!!! I happily give it a solid FOUR STARS!!! I can't wait to read more by this author!!! =D And with any luck she'll write even more about the Fireseed world!!

WOULD I READ THIS BOOK: YES!!!
WOULD I BUY THIS BOOK: YES! Definitely considering a physical copy!
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK: YES! Ruby's world was so fun to read about this and so unique!!
WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR: YES!!!
WILL I READ THE NEXT BOOK: if there's another I'll definitely check it out!!

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine is a young adult novel. This science fiction story is a companion story to Fireseed, which was published in 2010. I did not read the companion book and felt that Ruby's Fire works just fine as a stand alone novel. Ruby is a resident of the Fireseed desert cult. To escape a ceremonially 'pledging' to a much older man named Stiles, whom Ruby uses her herbal knowledge to drug and flee. All she can carry with her is a change of clothes, a pouch of Oblivion Powder and her mute little brother, Thorn.When she arrives at a school called The Greening Ruby thinks she just might be safe. However, things are not quite what they seem. Personality disputes, territorial posturing, threats to the secret Fireseed crop, and Ruby's dependence of her Oblivion powder for a good nights sleep are only the start of the problems she must face. When George Axiom, wealthy mogul of Vegas-by-the-Sea offers a huge cash prize for the winner of a student contest, the stakes and danger become even greater. Ruby, Thorn, and the rest are all eager to win the grand prize, but attractions and treachery make themselves known as the competition and their struggles to survive take unexpected turns.

Ruby's Fire is a book can be described as a dystopian novel, a coming of age tale, science fiction, a quest, or even a romance. However, to let those that are fed up with the romance blended with their other genres for the young and new adult selections do not worry, the romance is not a large part of this story. The year is 2099 and the world is dry and the sun can burn in mere moments. Fireseed is the main source of food, and one of the few things that can grow. Ruby is a smart girl, her father has taught her how to make medicines and drinks with the ingredients from local animals and plants. Her younger brother Thorn is smart, but does not often speak, instead he often communicates with Ruby via non verbal cues. Their home is a cult that worships the Fireseed plant itself. The young girls are claimed by elder men at a young age and molded to fit their desires, and punished as they see fit, until they are officially given to those men to use. Her escape with Thorn is dangerous and just in time.

When she reaches The Greening Ruby must face new dangers, and not just the struggle to fit in and prove her worth to people that do not seem to want her there. She must protect Thorn, deal with the physical changes she has to face, and deal with the threat of being reclaimed by Stiles when some of her classmates just might sell her out. The addition of the contest for an invention using the Fireseed plant increases the tension and possibilities for everything to go completely wrong. The story is actually much more nuanced and complicated then I layed out here, but half the fun of reading the story is discovering that for yourself.

Ruby's Fire is a science fiction novel that I would recommend to the young and new adult groups. I think it would appeal to readers that enjoy science fiction or fantasy novels, as well as those that enjoy reading about a young person coming into their own and recognizing their own worth. The world and character building are very well done, and I hope to see a book to continue Ruby's story, and that of The Greening, in the near future.

[Paige Bradish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Ruby’s Fire by Catherine Stine from the author, and this is my honest review.

Ruby’s Fire is the highly anticipated (for me anyways) sequel to Fireseed One, In book two we meet the main character Ruby, it takes place many years after book one and Ruby is determined to escape from her homeland with her little brother Thorn. Together they come across a school that they didn’t know existed and the owner Nevada decides to take the siblings in. From there things get crazy.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the sequel because I knew it was more of a companion novel to book one rather than a sequel, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I loved meeting all the new characters and going through the motions with them. Ruby is a strong character who's been through a lot. She feels unsafe with her life so she takes her little brother and escapes, which shows major bravery because what she ran away from was intense. Thorn was such a cutie! He didn’t talk much in the book but thats what made me like him because he was so unique and he chose to communicate only with his sister in his own ways. There brother-sister relationship was just one of the cutest I’ve seen so far.

When these two arrived at the school they met a fellow traveler named Armonk who at first they thought was a threat but he turned out to be a great friend to both Ruby, and Thorn. I loved Armonk’s character as well because he was so determined nothing could bring him down, that’s definitely the way to be.

Then there are the other students at the school, at first all of the students were territorial and very very rude which I hated. But I gave it time and I’m glad I did because some of the students started to warm up to the new comers and some didn’t. I’m glad though that not all the students warmed up because if everyone was all friendly and stuff the story would have been quite boring.

The setting is one of my favorite parts of these books because it’s set in the desert in the future. So everything they’re used to is so different from what we’re used to know. Like these characters absolutely cannot go outside without a burn suit or else the sun will burn them to a crisp. Imagine what that would be like not being able to go out and feel the warm sun on your face or back? I liked how Stine added in Ruby and Armonk finding an old house because they found things that connect to how we live our lives today and they were so fascinated by everything so I thought that was cool.

The only thing that I was a little disappointed about was there wasn’t many appearances from the characters in book one. We got to see Dr. Varik a little bit but nothing of his story was really referenced other than his amazing creations. I was hoping to see how him and Marisa were doing and there was only a minuscule mention of their relationship but all in all the book was great.

With the ending of this book, I’m not sure if there will be a sequel but that was my feelings at the end of Fireseed One as well and I got a sequel that I pretty much loved so I’m excited to see what else Catherine Stine has in store! Everybody should check out this series both books are definitely 5 out of 5 stars!

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding futuristic adventure filled with inspired ideas and remarkable creative vision.

“Ruby’s Fire” (the second Fireseed novel) greatly impressed me with its distinct originality, like nothing I have ever encountered before. Standing-out within a highly competitive, popular genre this is a noteworthy sequel set within an extraordinary world. Catherine Stine’s world-building was a little confusing at first, no doubt because I haven’t read book 1, however after several chapters I found myself drawn into this compelling read. What captivates you are the memorable characters and the heroic main protagonist, Ruby, whose personal journey is one of sincerity and hope. The Founder’s Ceremony and Ruby’s journey to ‘The Greening’ was tough, professing that life is not always easy or fairytale like. Intensely gripping and addictive, I found myself unable to put this book down which I read in one day! Taken on an unforgettable rollercoaster of a ride which touched me inwardly with such truth-drawing realism, ‘Ruby’s Fire’ is a book that deserves high acclaim.

Ruby (a Fireseed Cult) and her un-talkative brother Thorn escape during the Founder’s ceremony to a safe haven. At her new school Ruby learns that flirting and being suggestive is not the key to a man’s heart…for there are two guys in rivalry for hers. I was convinced throughout the story whom Ruby would end up falling in love with, but I wasn’t prepared for the shock I had! The love triangle between her and the confrontational, fiery Blane and kindhearted Armonk was intriguing. This is a sci-fi/ fantastical tale with an underlayer of teenage romance and soul-searching, which highlights the true meaning of life and how precious it is. Full of vibrancy, exquisite imagery and the most astonishing creatures ever imagined I felt like I had plunged into the most exciting dream ~ one which I did not want to awaken from.

Full of drama and danger the world that Catherine has created is mesmerizing; steeped in advanced technology and plant life. With a darkly sinister undertone with some parts almost disturbingly creepy, I was lost within the pages which conveyed so much meaning and thought behind every event. Ruby, Blane, Armonk, Bea and Thorn are all magnificent characters that I shall never forget in addition to Stiles and Nevada Pilgrim. This cleverly crafted mystery keeps you guessing right to the very end…

"It makes sense that I ended up with the one who was a brute, yet blossomed into a sensitive, smart man. After all, I started as a drug-addled tease, whose method of connection was manipulation and seduction. You start with the tools you have at hand, but you don’t have to end up using those same tools. We both transformed, not only our personalities, but through and through, as hybrids."


*I won a copy of Catherine Stine’s second novel of Fireseed “Ruby’s Fire”, through a Goodreads first-read giveaway*

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction

NOTE: Ruby's Fire is a standalone sequel to Stine's Fireseed One, which was published in 2011. While the book could certainly be read on its own, I thought that reading Fireseed One first really enhanced my reading of Ruby's Fire, so you might want to check it out!

This book centers around a girl named Ruby who escapes the cult she has been raised in only to find herself faced with new dangers outside in the hostile world she lives in. When she and her younger brother find themselves at a boarding school for teens, they aren't exactly welcomed with open arms and Ruby wonders if they are truly safe anywhere. Then, a competition is announced - the students need to find an innovative new use for Fireseed, the life-changing plant that Ruby also worships as a God. Soon, she finds that her connection to the plant is becoming more and more strange and she doesn't know whether to be happy or scared.

The negatives:
The love triangle.
I didn't quite buy in to the love triangle in this book. It was hardly a triangle at all - I didn't get the sense that Ruby was really all that into either guy until the last third or so of the book. This would be fine, except that it just made the triangle feel like a plot device (something thrown in to fit the YA mold) rather than a true romantic storyline. However, the romance element of this book did not take front and center, so this was a small issue overall.

What I loved:
The world building.
I talked a lot about the world building in my review for Fireseed One and it's no less interesting in Ruby's Fire. I absolutely love the Hotzone and how vividly Stine paints the Fireseed plants and the world around them. It's really interesting to imagine this amazing plant and all of the different uses for it that the students come up with in their contest too! Stine is so inventive as a writer and she has created an intriguing fantasy world. (I would recommend reading Fireseed One for even more unique world building!)

The hybrids.
I don't want to give too much away, but there are some really unique hybrids that are created in the book and I loved all of the different forms that these hybrids took!!

Ruby and Thorn.
I really connected with Ruby and I loved her little brother Thorn. Their relationship was a highlight of the book for me. Ruby is fiercely protective of Thorn and she understands him better than anyone else in the world. I loved trying to figure out what Thorn was doing and thinking (he mostly doesn't talk). He was a great character!

I thought that Ruby's Fire was an excellent YA fantasy book and would highly recommend it! 4/5 Stars.

[Erleen Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With an astounding creativity and unique world-building, Catherine Stine created a futuristic adventure that will surely keep you turning the pages until you beg for more."


Ruby’s Fire was set ten years after what happened in Fireseed One and in this story we will meet again a few familiar faces, a new cast of characters and introduce us to an awesome new heroine. After escaping from one of the Founders of the Fireseed Cult, Ruby along with her brother, Thorn, left the Fireseed Cult with only a pouch of her Oblivion.

And in their search for shelter and possibly, food, they reached the Greening led by Nevada Pilgrim where they found a secret plantation of Fireseed, a super hybrid-plant which the Fireseed Cult worshipped. There they met a few other kids who, like them, were dreaming of having a better future. A Dominion-wide competition will be their stepping stone toward those dreams. And everyone was determined to win it, to the point of deception.

Ruby's character was already strong to begin with. She knew how take care of herself and she knew how to fight especially when she's aggravated. She loves her brother so much and she would do whatever she can to give him a better future away from the Fireseed Cult who abused them.

She, among with Thorn and Armonk, were bullied by the other students for being different. They experienced every form of bullying like calling them names and even physical bullying. But Ruby is a strong girl and she's a fighter. She wouldn't let a few insecure kids stopped her from achieving her dreams. And at the end of the day, she earned the respect that she deserved and she also learned what true friendship and love was all about.

Catherine Stine continued to amaze me with her futuristic world. She made me believe that it's all real and that hybrid-species were possible. I really enjoyed her characters especially Thorn. He's such an intelligent little kid whose heart is bigger than himself. Also, if I could have my own friendly Red, I would be the happiest person ever.

Overall, Ruby's Fire is an exciting sci-fi novel that you should definitely check out. Highly recommended to sci-fi and post-apocalyptic lovers out there.

[CeCe · Rating 4 out of 5]

: 3.5 out of 5 Stars: The reader immediately learns the situation that Ruby is in. The story starts from page one.
Ruby is part of a “mating” ceremony with a man who is 14 years older than her, Stiles. She successfully “drugs” him and is able to run away with her brother from the “cult.” She finds herself able to escape to The Greening, an orphaned school for teens. From there the story begins.
Did I feel connected to the characters? Ruby is so smart and strong. She is only 17 years old and yet her actions in this boos amazed me. She still does some “girl” stuff like have feelings for Blaine, but how could you not? I love how she took care of her brother.

Pace of the story: Good. I loved the first few chapters. Some parts of the book I felt dragged, but then the story would pick up

Positives: The story itself never got boring. The reader is introduced to a lot of different characters. I loved reading about this fantasy/dystopian United States.

Negatives: In the beginning there is a lot to remember. It took me a while to get used to all the information in the story about the flower and what they believed. A lot is given to the reader very early on. My disappointment was that it wrapped up quickly. I am big on endings so I was a little disappointed.

Do I recommend? Glad I read this book. Catherine Stine has a great imagination.

Book Format Read: A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really had my eyes opened recently with the YA science fiction genre. I honestly didn’t think I would like the genre as much as I do! Ruby’s Fire, though the second in a series, can be read alone. I didn’t even realize it was the second in the series until after I’d already started reading it.

I don’t want to give too much away with my review…Ruby Fireseed and her brother, Thorn Fireseed, are desparate to escape the group of people they live with. When they finally make their daring escape, they come upon a group of teenagers and a woman in her late 20s who is the teacher of this small home/school they call The Greening. They have lots of trouble fitting in because they’re so different.

In order to win a trip to Vegas-by-the-Sea (Las Vegas in the future, after California has been wiped off the map), each of the students begins working on a secret project centered around the fireseed plant. Four finalists are chosen from each competing school and go to Vegas-by-the-Sea to present their projects. It was so fascinating to read about the science the kids were applying in their work. Of course, there’s also money and greed involved with this contest, as the kids discover that some people are willing to stop at nothing to harvest information…

This was an exciting YA book. I couldn’t turn the pages on my Kindle fast enough. I’m planning to go back and read the first book in the series now. :) 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

[Kd]

Enjoyable story with enough surprises to keep me interested. I knew I was caught by the story when I kept wanting more - more about her life with the cult, more about the escape, more about her transformation. The one drawback is that it seems heavy handed at times. The author doesn't trust the reader enough to just infer some details instead of just baldly stating them (a hard balance to achieve in YA books anyway). I will look at her future works.

[Rachel Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not really much of a futuristic thriller reader. I mean, I like dystopia novels and stuff, but Science Fiction is not really my thing. However, I did enjoy this book a lot. It was captivating from the beginning, holding my attention throughout and making me want to know what would happen next.

Ruby lives in a cult with her brother and her mother. She has been pledged to a creepy old dude, and on the night of her..."pledging" decides to run away with her brother, Thorn. They stumble upon a school, The Greening, and a secret crop of Fireseed, and realize that everything they've been taught is wrong.

I think the aspect of the cult was a nice addition to the story. It was interesting to see the things Ruby was taught contrast with reality. It made for an interesting premise as she had to relearn a lot of things, but also because it meant she here and Thorn were the only ones who believed in the power of Fireseed. Coming from a place that worships Fireseed as a god, and then going to a place that tells you it's just a plant must have been tough, but they never gave up on it (and it paid off in the end).

Ruby and Thorn are not having a great time at the school either. The other kids, except for Armonk, resent them. They try to ruin their lives. The only thing Ruby has really known is how to use her beauty to get away with things, but she can't really do that here. In fact, doing so would only make them dislike her more. Not to mention, being hooked on Oblivion powder doesn't help matters. But slowly, Ruby realizes how to use her real talents of mixing potions and how that can help her. Until...Ruby and Thorn start mutating.

Then, this dude comes by. George Axiom is his name. And he has a contest for the kids. The kids are to create something from the Fireseed plant, and the top three will go on to the competition in Vegas-by-the-sea. While preparing for this competition, Ruby and Thorn realize that the Fireseed is so much more than the other's think, and that Thorn, although he may not speak, is not stupid at all. In fact, he may be smarter than the rest. With the help of someone thought to be long gone, Ruby and Thorn (and sometimes Armonk) start realizing the true potential of the Fireseed plant, as well as what is happening with Ruby and Thorn.

But their discoveries don't go over well with some of the judges, and in Vegas, they realize that some of the judges have their own agendas. With the help of Blane, who Ruby has fallen in love and has turned out to be not that bad after all, and some of the other students, they set to uncovering the truth. But they won't like what they uncover. Someone in their own school has betrayed them, and something terrible has happened to the one who helped them.

Not going to lie, I was more of an Armonk fan than a Blane fan. What can I say? Although, I didn't feel that Blane and Ruby's relationship progressed too quickly or too unrealistically, which is something I hate. Nor did the romance take away from the main plot of the book.

This book did capture my attention throughout, as I couldn't wait to figure out what happened, who was behind everything, etc. The plot twist, while not unpredictable, was very well executed. The story was very well written, and the characterization was very well-done as well. (Thorn was my favorite though, you can't help but love the little guy :P).

I think setting this still in America, albeit way in the future and after a lot of it has changed, lent itself to the story as well. The world-building of this novel was probably the best part, as it was very thought-out. It was explained very well without being so over-detailed that it took away from the plot.

All-in-all, this was a good book that I would definitely recommend to futuristic thiriller/SciFi lovers. Even those who may not particularly love those genres, like me, would like this book too, so I would encourage you to give it a try.

*Although this is technically a "Fireseed Novel", it can be read on its own without reading Fireseed One, the first Fireseed novel. Nothing is taken away from this novel if you choose to read it by itself, or first.*

I received a copy from the author, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads

[Julie Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby is 17 years old and has already been promised to an older man in her cult, Fireseed, since she was just a child. On the night when she is to consummate that promise, she grabs her little brother and goes on the run. She ends up at a school for orphaned teens in the middle of nowhere and thinks that finally she and her brother are safe. As you can imagine, things rarely go according to plan, and Ruby is no different.

The world building in this book was done very well, the characters were likeable, and the plot was interesting and kept me engaged until the very end. This was the second book in the Fireseed series but could be read as a standalone and easily followed.

Recommended.

4/5 stars.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free via First Reads.

While Ruby's Fire is the second book in the FireSeed series, I decided to read it without having read the first book, as other reviewers said that it could stand on its own. They were right, although, in hindsight, I would have preferred to read the first one, just to get a better feel for the world of the story.

First, I'll address the technical aspects. There were a few typos (i.e. "forth," instead of "fourth"), and one instance of the narrator referring to another person in her thoughts by their name, when she hadn't learned what it was, yet. These were VERY minor, and had absolutely zero impact on my enjoyment of the book. The only technical aspect that bothered me was the book's cover. The art seems to be computer generated, and Ruby (who is featured on the cover) has the dead, soulless eyes that I tend to associate with CG work. Also, we are told very early in the story that she has three missing fingers on her right hand. On the cover, her hand appears to be fully formed, with her thumb and three fingers visible, and the fourth finger implied. Maybe I'm nit-picking, but shows that the artist either didn't read the book before creating the cover art, or just wasn't paying attention. That sort of thing bugs me.

Now, onto the actual story. The first few chapters seemed to drag a little, and I began to get discouraged. However, it's pretty difficult to make me abandon a book, once I've started it, so I soldiered on. It was a smart decision, as, when the plot began to develop, the story really started to move along swiftly. The characters, while a bit on the archetypal side, were fairly well fleshed-out, and I found myself able to relate to them, and to feeling towards them the way I'm pretty sure the author meant me to feel. The plot itself was interesting, dealing with issues both practical and ethical, though I think the ethical parts could have used a bit more discussion. My biggest concern was with the ending. It's not that I disliked it, just that it seemed to wrap up to quickly and neatly. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'll put it this way: we get twenty-eight and a half chapters of build, followed by one and a half chapters of climax, one chapter of resolution, and one that serves and an epilogue. I wanted more, especially considering the complexities and implications of the plot.

In conclusion, I found Ruby's Fire to be an enjoyable sci-fi/fantasy book. It will never be considered a piece of classic literature, but I don't think that that was the author's intent. I would recommend reading the first FireSeed book, FireSeed One, before reading this one, though you don't lose anything by not doing so. If you're looking for a deep, thought-provoking, epic fantasy novel, I'd look elsewhere, BUT, if you're more in the mood for quick, easy-to-read jaunt through an interesting, dystopian (but not depressing), future Earth, then Ruby's Fire might be a good choice for you.

[Deneale Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Guest Blogger: Drema June Williams

My mother, Deneale won this book “Ruby’s Fire” from Ms. Stine in a facebook party for me. I am lucky enough to have received a signed copy of this and another book as well, and they are my very first autographed books that I own! And to that, I owe a big thank you to Ms. Stine and my mom.

So here is my first review, I just hope that I don’t let anyone down:

This book, “Ruby’s Fire” is set in the year 2099. Ruby is dependent on Oblivian Powder, (which is a drug) and she is seventeen years old, and has a little brother named Thorn and he is mute.

The Greening which is a boarding School for orphan teens, is where Ruby hopes she can stay and finally stop running. Unfortunately, this boarding school is not what it is cracked up to be.

Ruby starts experiencing her physical changes, all in the midst of students who are typical out of control teens. This doesn’t help her feel any more comfortable, going through her own changes, and dealing with troubled teens.

Blane is a resident body guard and Ruby is attracted to him, but also ashamed of her new found attraction. She doesn’t understand why she can’t be satisfied with Armonk. She doesn’t understand why her needs must be so difficult.

Ruby wants to stop her dependence on Oblivion, all while working on her inner beauty. She feels that she needs to get her life straightened out, and become stronger, and better. But all the while, as she is reclaiming her life, Stiles comes back to reclaim Ruby. This was not part of her plan.

Ruby see’s a way to rescue her family from the dangerous cult, through George Axion. He is a rich Vegas-by-the-Sea, style entertainer. And George is running a contest which entails a cash prize for the winner of a student contest. But to everyone’s surprise-Thorn is the one who managed to create the most astonishing contest project of all!

I found this book to quite entertaining, and well worth the read. I enjoyed immensely, and give this book “Ruby’s Fire” five stars, because I think everyone should enjoy a book that makes you feel like a part of the fantasy. Any book that pulls you out of the real world and into another, makes it well worthy of the read!

[Kanta Bosniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Stine's new book, "Ruby's Fire" just wowed me! A master or world-building and suspenseful story-telling, she also has created fully realized and compelling characters, satisfying character growth, and an enjoyable love story. It was good to see Ruby mature and come into her own as a resourceful young woman.

What I like most of all about this book is that that it did the things my favorite books and films do, and in such a sophisticated and intelligent way. It offers interesting ideas, asks good questions, explores relevant themes, invites high-level creative problem-solving, and calls up a sense of reverence for life, while letting the protagonist and her story take the lead.

SciFi fantasy master and "Dune" author Frank Herbert said, "I think science fiction does help, and it points in very interesting directions. It points in relativistic directions. It says that we have the imagination for these other opportunities, these other choices... Humans tend not to see over a long range. Now we are required, in these generations, to have a longer range view of what we inflict on the world around us. This is where, I think, science fiction is helping."

A lifetime's experience of offering change support through imagery has taught me this and confirmed it, over and over. Storytelling is one of the very best ways into that imaginative and intuitive part of ourselves from which we can solve problems at a higher level (paraphrasing Dr. Einstein) than the one from which we created them. But to work effectively, storytelling can't be preachy and it can't deliver the answers; it has to evoke them. I greatly admire this author's ability to do just that, which to me, sets aside the good books from the great ones. I highly recommend!

[C. McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby and her younger, mute brother, Thorn, are children of the post apocalyptic future—long after quakes have shifted earth’s geography and separated people into isolated regions. Each living group has its issues and beliefs, but one thing they share is an abundance of heat, so much that they can only venture outside with special heat protective gear. There’s little animal life and the only plant is the sacred Fireseed that thrives in the desert the world has become.

When Ruby’s driven to flee from the safety of her house in order to escape an unwanted relationship, she and Thorn risk death, but find a safe haven at a school instead. Only there are dangers there, too. Not everyone welcomes the newcomers.

Then an urbanized settlement holds a contest to see who can develop a use for the Fireseed that’s the most beneficial to mankind. Ruby and all the others at the school see it as a chance to improve their lives and perhaps the lives of others in their own regions.

As the characters work on their projects for this contest, the talents of some of these young refugees are revealed. At the same time the ugliness of others, including the creators of the contest come to light. This contest also alters Ruby’s and Thorn’s lives forever.

I enjoyed discovering the world of Fireseed, its desolation, and then the promise of life’s slow return to earth. It would be a different kind of life, but it was exciting in its possibilities.

For me the story kicked in after Thorn attempted to “heal” the Fireseed with sun. From then through the contest and into the final scene, I needed to read. That meant I was truly engaged in the book.

[Beverly McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if plants were more than just plants? What if they did more than provide you with food? What if they could talk to you and you to them? Imagine the excitement such a plant would create in our world.

Author Catherine Stine’s latest science fiction novel, RUBY’S FIRE, takes the reader to a futuristic world where seventeen-year-old Ruby and her younger brother, Thorne, have fled from their home to escape Stiles, the man that claimed Ruby when she was a child and who she fears will kill her. As Ruby and Thorne seek a new place to live, they meet others their age and soon are caught up in a life Ruby never had imagined. The author describes their world in such detail that I could feel the heat of the land. (And I thought Texas was hot.) I could picture the fields of Fireseed and hear their whispers as the plants talked to Ruby and Thorne.

The relationship between Ruby and her brother is one of the most beautiful parts of the story. She’s so gentle and caring with him, and, even though he seldom speaks, he clearly loves her. And he knows things about the Fireseed others do not know. As Ruby struggles to keep them safe, she faces one challenge after another, not knowing who to trust. She’s also falling for one of the young men she’s met at the school where she and Thorne have been taken in. RUBY’S FIRE is a story about greed and evil. It’s also a story about friendship and love. I highly recommend it for science fiction lovers and for readers who enjoy a good story with characters that make you hope their lives have happy endings.
###

[Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I enjoy this book: Yes.

There were several grammatical issues, and though I’m fairly certain most of them were style choices, they still gave me a slight case of the hiccups. Overall I enjoyed Ruby’s story, appreciated her nuances, and was excited to keep reading. Unfortunately, the language choices were just obvious enough to distract from the story; I’d recommend another round of editing. I’d also recommend that the author remove the illustrations… they just weren’t good, and they detracted from the story instead of enhancing it.

Now. On to the good bits. The storyline is neat – a bunch of ragtag teens in a post-apocalyptic America grow genetically enhanced plants that provide food, clothing, and so much more. How cool is that? It gets better, too. There’s a breeding experiment, a fashion show, some serious teen angst, and, of course, a love story. The characterization is EXCELLENT – the characters are complicated, unpredictable, and, well, utterly human (my favorite is Thorn… love that little guy!). I enjoyed the book.

Would I recommend it: I don’t think so; this is one of those books I’d recommend after some serious editing, but the problems were just big enough to deter me from doing so now.

Will I read it again: Nope. Sorry.

As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.

(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

http://everyfreechance.com/2013/08/bl...

[Megan Green politte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book VERY much!! At first I found it slightly odd since I'm more of a paranormal lover and not futuristic. However, I was quickly roped into this one! The story with Ruby and her little brother was so good you couldn't help but love it! I really hope Ms. Stine writes another book in this series!

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby's Fire

Ruby and her brother Thorn escape from the clutches of their clan. Or cult as others call them. Now at a school ran by Nevadea they can get a real education and life skills. But will the other kids let them? Or will they be driven out? Will the contest be their salvation or will it be their down fall?

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 30%. I wanted to like this book but I couldn't connect with the characters or story itself

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read.