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Ruby Redfort #2
Take Your Last Breath
This is an adventure on the wide open ocean, and Ruby is all at sea. Can she crack the case of the Twinford pirates while evading the clutches of the evil Count von Viscount? Well, you wouldn't want to bet against her.
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
214 people are currently reading
1971 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Child
451 books842 followersLauren Child MBE is an English author and illustrator. She was the UK Children's Laureate from 2017-19.
Child grew up in Wiltshire as the middle child of three sisters and the daughter of two teachers. She has always been interested in the many aspects of childhood, from gazing into toy shop windows to watching American children's shows from the 1960s. After attending two Art Schools, she travelled for six months, still unsure about which career to embark upon.
Before writing and illustrating children's books Child started her own company 'Chandeliers for the People' making lampshades. It was only when she came to write and illustrate the book Clarice Bean, That's Me that she decided to devote her time to writing and illustrating books for children, which combines her fascination for childhood and her talent for designing and creating. Child gets her inspiration from other people's conversations or from seeing something funny happen.
Her book I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato won the 2000 Kate Greenaway Medal. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which comprised the shortlist for a public vote for the nation's favourite. It finished third in the public vote from that shortlist.
Child lives in North London.
Child grew up in Wiltshire as the middle child of three sisters and the daughter of two teachers. She has always been interested in the many aspects of childhood, from gazing into toy shop windows to watching American children's shows from the 1960s. After attending two Art Schools, she travelled for six months, still unsure about which career to embark upon.
Before writing and illustrating children's books Child started her own company 'Chandeliers for the People' making lampshades. It was only when she came to write and illustrate the book Clarice Bean, That's Me that she decided to devote her time to writing and illustrating books for children, which combines her fascination for childhood and her talent for designing and creating. Child gets her inspiration from other people's conversations or from seeing something funny happen.
Her book I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato won the 2000 Kate Greenaway Medal. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which comprised the shortlist for a public vote for the nation's favourite. It finished third in the public vote from that shortlist.
Child lives in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
October 13, 2012
I found that the second book in the Ruby Redfort series wasn't as good as the first, but it slowly got better and better until the end, when it left me wanting more. I loved how in this book, the reader learned more about the characters and you could see their personalities a bit more than in the first. Like in Look Into my Eyes, I loved hearing about the codes that were featured and seeing how they worked. I must say I'm very frustrated though because I still can't figure out what Ruby and Clancy's new codeword is. I liked how the book was always exciting and how everything came together piece by piece. Definitely another one of my favourites! I can't wait for the third book! :)
July 21, 2023
another day another slay
February 6, 2014
Love me some Ruby Redfort. The wildly clever and intelligent teen does it again. I love decoding the codes in the book and I concure with Ruby that "raisins have no business being in breakfast cereal." I am on my way to reading the third installment of the Ruby Redfort series.
Notes and quotes:
p. 160 "Jeepers, Froghorn, did your mommy not love you enough? You got some serious ego issues, man."
p. 203 "She remembered reading an article about something, something that might help her chase down the thought she couldn't catch." -- I LOVE this line. I'm constantly referencing my mental rolodex trying to remember where I saw this or read that and connecting to some current random thought.
RULE #12: ADJUST YOUR THINKING AND YOUR CHANCES WILL IMPROVE.
RULE #36: ALWAYS COME UP WITH A PLAN BEFORE YOU HAVE EMBARKED ON PLAN A.
RULE #21: DON'T THINK BACK; DON'T THINK AHEAD; JUST THINK NOW.
RULE #32: TELL ONE LIE AND GET READY TO TELL A WHOLE LOT MORE.
Notes and quotes:
p. 160 "Jeepers, Froghorn, did your mommy not love you enough? You got some serious ego issues, man."
p. 203 "She remembered reading an article about something, something that might help her chase down the thought she couldn't catch." -- I LOVE this line. I'm constantly referencing my mental rolodex trying to remember where I saw this or read that and connecting to some current random thought.
RULE #12: ADJUST YOUR THINKING AND YOUR CHANCES WILL IMPROVE.
RULE #36: ALWAYS COME UP WITH A PLAN BEFORE YOU HAVE EMBARKED ON PLAN A.
RULE #21: DON'T THINK BACK; DON'T THINK AHEAD; JUST THINK NOW.
RULE #32: TELL ONE LIE AND GET READY TO TELL A WHOLE LOT MORE.
May 8, 2022
I have read this book three times and haven't gotten bored. Ruby is some I admire and her witty comebacks are hilarious! She has confidence I wish I had and this story is both action-packed and funny at the same time! I can't say anything wrong with it.
February 4, 2025
the ruby redfort sweep CONTINUES !!!!!!!!!!!!! this one is a little slower than the first but oh what could i complain about I STILL LICKED THE PLATE !!!!!! the code in this one is one of my favourites in the whole series and i always enjoyed how absolutely straight the sea monster thing is played like yeah it’s just there and no one knows why and also it’s ink is invaluable 👍 cool thank you!
it’s interesting on this 2025 reread to compare how ruby comes off to me now to how i used to think of her back in the 2014 day (ELEVEN YEARS AGO NOW. EXCUSE ME) because now it is kind of hilarious how she has managed to be At The Devil’s Sacrament for nearly every single event that has relevance years down the line, like she really IS the most special girl in the whole entire world AND YOU KNOW WHAT? GOOD!!!!!
ruby IS hitting the Mary sue sauce (at least for the first two books, in the next she does actually manage to be bad at something) and i was momentarily inclined to take umbrage with that, BUT I realised it’s really only because i am no longer seeing her as a role model (see: the fact I’m 22 and this is a 13 year old character). when i was 11/12/13 I LOVED ruby because she was a very confident character at an age where you are not massively likely to have any confidence in yourself at all, and i took a lot of inspiration from that to be a presumptuous twat and have an absolutely excellent time with it!!!!!!!! the urge i have now to look down upon that kind of characterisation is just born from my disconnect with the series’ actual intended audience. I am now 22, the world is small and disappointing, i cannot sneak out of my house down the laundry chute and i cannot crack genius-level codes at the spy agency for which i work. but for four years in my youth, I felt that i could!!!!!!! I am gripped by the nostalgic paralysis of my dear ruby sue!!!!!!!! How have i continued your legacy? How will i continue it now?
it’s interesting on this 2025 reread to compare how ruby comes off to me now to how i used to think of her back in the 2014 day (ELEVEN YEARS AGO NOW. EXCUSE ME) because now it is kind of hilarious how she has managed to be At The Devil’s Sacrament for nearly every single event that has relevance years down the line, like she really IS the most special girl in the whole entire world AND YOU KNOW WHAT? GOOD!!!!!
ruby IS hitting the Mary sue sauce (at least for the first two books, in the next she does actually manage to be bad at something) and i was momentarily inclined to take umbrage with that, BUT I realised it’s really only because i am no longer seeing her as a role model (see: the fact I’m 22 and this is a 13 year old character). when i was 11/12/13 I LOVED ruby because she was a very confident character at an age where you are not massively likely to have any confidence in yourself at all, and i took a lot of inspiration from that to be a presumptuous twat and have an absolutely excellent time with it!!!!!!!! the urge i have now to look down upon that kind of characterisation is just born from my disconnect with the series’ actual intended audience. I am now 22, the world is small and disappointing, i cannot sneak out of my house down the laundry chute and i cannot crack genius-level codes at the spy agency for which i work. but for four years in my youth, I felt that i could!!!!!!! I am gripped by the nostalgic paralysis of my dear ruby sue!!!!!!!! How have i continued your legacy? How will i continue it now?
June 10, 2019
I have come to the conclusion that I cannot be a secret agent for these reasons:
1. I wouldn't have time to read
2. I wouldn't have time to sleep
3. It requires exercise
1. I wouldn't have time to read
2. I wouldn't have time to sleep
3. It requires exercise
November 12, 2017
Este es el segundo libro de la saga Ruby Redfort y aunque a mi parecer le faltó un poco en la trama no decepciona pues mantiene la esencia del primer libro.
Continuamos la historia un par de semanas después del primer libro y seguimos a Ruby Redfort la recién reingresada agente de SPECTRUM. La pobre tiene dificultades en compaginar su vida como una chica de 13 años con escuela y amigos, y la vida como agente secreta.
En este libro el misterio a resolver tiene que ver con el océano, monstruos marinos, piratas, tesoros perdidos y un viejo enemigo.
La trama es sencilla y agradable pues deseas saber más de cómo resolverá Ruby el misterio que le rodea. Me gusta mucho que la historia sea sencilla pero entretenida. Y aparte te hace pensar con los códigos secretos entre Ruby y Clance.
Ahora viene la parte mala de esta historia, por lo menos para aquellos que leemos en español.
Verán estos libros yo los encontré por casualidad en remate en una feria del libro, como las portadas me llamaron mucho la atención ls compre sin saber de qué se trataba la historia,pero como lo he dicho es buena la historia.
Ahora bien cuando empecé a investigar sobre la saga descubrí que en español solo están publicados estos dos títulos pues la editorial que sería Molino o RBA dejó de publicarlo no sé si la editorial quebró o qué pasó. (Esta editorial me quedo mal anteriormente con la saga La chica Dragón de Licia Toisi la cual también dejó de publicar)
No se Uds. Pero para mi es molesto que comiencen a publicar libros de sagas y los interrumpan por x motivo y a uno como lector nos dejan en ascuas por conocer la historia completa, yo creo que el problema es que no tienen las ventas esperadas y lo interrumpen, pero pues si no le hacen publicidad a su catálogo cómo esperan que los lectores compren libros con temáticas diferentes a lo que la tendencia marca. Lo malo es que son libros con potencial.
Ahora bien pensé en buscar la obra original, muy difícil conseguir en físico, y en kindle mi economía no es apta para comprar los 5 libros restantes, lo cual es molesto.
Siempre he escuchado que se quejan en el caso de mi país México , que no es un país lector, o que los jóvenes no nos gusta leer, pero para mi ese no es el motivo. El problema está en que un libro es muy caro y en ocasiones no te alcanza para comprarlo aunque uno quiera. O no todos tenemos acceso a tabletas como por ejemplo la Kindle. A eso hay que sumarle que las editoriales no promocionan sus catálogos como es debido.
En fin si alguien tiene la oportunidad de encontrar estos libros se los recomiendo, pues a pesar de ser lectura infantil-juvenil, la trama es muy buena .
Continuamos la historia un par de semanas después del primer libro y seguimos a Ruby Redfort la recién reingresada agente de SPECTRUM. La pobre tiene dificultades en compaginar su vida como una chica de 13 años con escuela y amigos, y la vida como agente secreta.
En este libro el misterio a resolver tiene que ver con el océano, monstruos marinos, piratas, tesoros perdidos y un viejo enemigo.
La trama es sencilla y agradable pues deseas saber más de cómo resolverá Ruby el misterio que le rodea. Me gusta mucho que la historia sea sencilla pero entretenida. Y aparte te hace pensar con los códigos secretos entre Ruby y Clance.
Ahora viene la parte mala de esta historia, por lo menos para aquellos que leemos en español.
Verán estos libros yo los encontré por casualidad en remate en una feria del libro, como las portadas me llamaron mucho la atención ls compre sin saber de qué se trataba la historia,pero como lo he dicho es buena la historia.
Ahora bien cuando empecé a investigar sobre la saga descubrí que en español solo están publicados estos dos títulos pues la editorial que sería Molino o RBA dejó de publicarlo no sé si la editorial quebró o qué pasó. (Esta editorial me quedo mal anteriormente con la saga La chica Dragón de Licia Toisi la cual también dejó de publicar)
No se Uds. Pero para mi es molesto que comiencen a publicar libros de sagas y los interrumpan por x motivo y a uno como lector nos dejan en ascuas por conocer la historia completa, yo creo que el problema es que no tienen las ventas esperadas y lo interrumpen, pero pues si no le hacen publicidad a su catálogo cómo esperan que los lectores compren libros con temáticas diferentes a lo que la tendencia marca. Lo malo es que son libros con potencial.
Ahora bien pensé en buscar la obra original, muy difícil conseguir en físico, y en kindle mi economía no es apta para comprar los 5 libros restantes, lo cual es molesto.
Siempre he escuchado que se quejan en el caso de mi país México , que no es un país lector, o que los jóvenes no nos gusta leer, pero para mi ese no es el motivo. El problema está en que un libro es muy caro y en ocasiones no te alcanza para comprarlo aunque uno quiera. O no todos tenemos acceso a tabletas como por ejemplo la Kindle. A eso hay que sumarle que las editoriales no promocionan sus catálogos como es debido.
En fin si alguien tiene la oportunidad de encontrar estos libros se los recomiendo, pues a pesar de ser lectura infantil-juvenil, la trama es muy buena .
August 20, 2021
Ohhh boy it was sooo good!!!!! I am in love with this series and every single character in it!!❤️😂
So I had huge expectations from this one because I loved the first book!!! Well, to be honest, this was not as awesome and thrilling as the first one, but still, this was worth reading and the last minutes “twists” (there were many) were shocking!!! I didn’t guess even a single one💔Some parts of this one were boring but the ending was “perfect”!❤️
Hitch , one of my favourites charcaters was not in many parts if this book😭 But I loved Ruby and Clancy’s parts!! I can’t get it who is more funnier, Ruby or Clancy?😂 Clancy was want getting so scared of sharks, those scenes were halirious!!❤️ And Froghorn, HAHA , he is one of the funniest chacracters as well!! I love how much he hates Ruby!!!😂
This book is about sea monsters, pirates and villians💕 I was laughing out loud during those pirate parts😂 I can’t wait to continue this series!!!❤️
I LOVED IT!!💕💕
So I had huge expectations from this one because I loved the first book!!! Well, to be honest, this was not as awesome and thrilling as the first one, but still, this was worth reading and the last minutes “twists” (there were many) were shocking!!! I didn’t guess even a single one💔Some parts of this one were boring but the ending was “perfect”!❤️
Hitch , one of my favourites charcaters was not in many parts if this book😭 But I loved Ruby and Clancy’s parts!! I can’t get it who is more funnier, Ruby or Clancy?😂 Clancy was want getting so scared of sharks, those scenes were halirious!!❤️ And Froghorn, HAHA , he is one of the funniest chacracters as well!! I love how much he hates Ruby!!!😂
This book is about sea monsters, pirates and villians💕 I was laughing out loud during those pirate parts😂 I can’t wait to continue this series!!!❤️
I LOVED IT!!💕💕
March 24, 2021
Tak, zdecydowanie jestem fanką Ruby Redford.
May 18, 2023
Aaaaah another amazing book in the Ruby Refort series! I can't wait to read the next one! <3
August 5, 2018
I read this book before I read the first. I was a bit confused at first, but then I understood the gist. I enjoyed it so much that I really, really want to read the rest of the series!!
October 3, 2019
This series is really good so far
September 22, 2022
This was … not for me. I knew there was a chance this would happen, not necessarily because this is a middle grade book, but because the use of language put me off from very early on in this 400+ page tome. Yes, I thought this book was also way too long for the story in it. I thought early on in my read that my 12-year-old self might have enjoyed this, but now I am not so sure that I would have had the patience even back then to put up with a plot that drags quite a bit – there are chapters where nothing happens – and with turns in the story that aren’t really described or explained.
For sure, the use of language I mention would have put me off. What language?
Child makes her dialogues sound like they have been taken from Dashiel Hammet, so we have a bunch of 13-year-olds talking like Bogart in the Maltese Falcon… and I’m not keen on this kind of noir-speech at the best of times. At the worst of times – looking at you here, Ellery Queen – it makes me disengage with the book simply because there is no discernible meaning conveyed in the dialogues. If you haven’t noticed by now, this way of writing really grinds my gears.
I did like that Ruby’s best friend and side-kick is called Clancy Crew and that Ruby got to learn about diving and wildlife but other than that … I’m sure a MG or YA version of James Bond can be executed better.
For sure, the use of language I mention would have put me off. What language?
Child makes her dialogues sound like they have been taken from Dashiel Hammet, so we have a bunch of 13-year-olds talking like Bogart in the Maltese Falcon… and I’m not keen on this kind of noir-speech at the best of times. At the worst of times – looking at you here, Ellery Queen – it makes me disengage with the book simply because there is no discernible meaning conveyed in the dialogues. If you haven’t noticed by now, this way of writing really grinds my gears.
I did like that Ruby’s best friend and side-kick is called Clancy Crew and that Ruby got to learn about diving and wildlife but other than that … I’m sure a MG or YA version of James Bond can be executed better.
February 21, 2021
3.5 stars.
There's some unpinpointable factor of this book that makes it a bit... dull. I went through it quite quickly anyway though. This edition to the Ruby Redfort series is different than the rest, maybe it has something to do with, I don't know, the giant SEA MONSTER? The rest feel so factual that this one seems oddly out of place.
There's some unpinpointable factor of this book that makes it a bit... dull. I went through it quite quickly anyway though. This edition to the Ruby Redfort series is different than the rest, maybe it has something to do with, I don't know, the giant SEA MONSTER? The rest feel so factual that this one seems oddly out of place.
December 8, 2021
I forgot just how good this book was! The first one, I've reread so many times that I knew the whole thing, cover to cover, but this one I had forgotten some small details of, which made for a really fun reread!
Also I love the part at the end where Ruby drank some truth serum. So funny!😂
Also I love the part at the end where Ruby drank some truth serum. So funny!😂
February 18, 2016
Slow start. Built gradually. I want more from this story like book 1.
January 4, 2017
I couldn't get enough of Ruby Redfort. Love the writing style and the humor. Sabina Redfort, Mrs Digby especially they are so funny
December 19, 2022
I have read aggtm and that was the best book because it kept me hooked and made me flip every page.Compared to that this book is okk its not phenomenal but I was a real page turner and it had a good plot twists and the way that Ruby discovered the culprit was good.Her friend made a good side kick and it was good to see their friends ship evolve.The book is about an agent Ruby redfort who is in a secret spy company spectrom.She takes underwater training which lays the scene that the book is about under water.There is some serious motion in the water with there being no fish and stuff. then the pirates "kill" her parents but they come back alive again.Ruby goes to her local museum and reads all about the rocks and the secret moster.A man is following her through this time.Then she finds out when they go an investigate in the tower that you can only hear one radio station and that sends secret messages.They worked out the secret messages.She went with her best friend to go investigate and then they fight with count but they win and come back alive.This is a bit of a cliche story because she comes back alive no matter what and there is the same villain from the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
I would of given it a 3.5 stars. It wasn't what I was expecting but near the middle it got a bit boring. The thing I love the most in it is the codes and puzzles because it is very cleverly made. It goes well with the story as well.
May 24, 2020
This is such a fantastic series! 'Take Your Last Breath' is full of life, charm and character.
I adore Ruby and the other characters as well as the interactions between them.
Such a fun read with plenty of action, code-breaking and friendship.
I adore Ruby and the other characters as well as the interactions between them.
Such a fun read with plenty of action, code-breaking and friendship.
July 14, 2025
All the best vibes. It started off slow, much slower than book1 but an absolute blast by the end. Im not really going to type much more because the review shouldn't be complicated. I loved thisbbook and loving this series!
May 3, 2020
It was GREAT!
August 26, 2020
The series reread continues. Solid 5 stars all the way.
May 11, 2021
Amazing! One of my favourite series. I love the way it's quite funny as otherwise I lose interest after a page. Would definitely recommend.
November 16, 2022
i remember this as being my least favourite of the ruby redforts
April 11, 2025
So great could be fav in the series I love how’s it’s set in the ocean
October 18, 2024
It was fun and I love all the ocean facts, but it’s not as successful as the first one. However. Love how much Clancy Crew was in this one and also love a giant octopus.
March 13, 2021
Incredibly popular at school I thought I would try a Ruby Redfort that I picked up at a church fete.
Reached page 220 and am giving up. I can see its appeal but not for me.
Reached page 220 and am giving up. I can see its appeal but not for me.
September 25, 2024
continuing my ruby re-read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews