The Ruby Moon

Thirteen #2

by Trisha White Priebe, Jerry B. Jenkins

In this delightful sequel to  The Glass Castle... Much is at stake while the kingdom enjoys the greatest games on earth. 

“Hello?” Avery called, carefully stepping into the darkness.
Suddenly the air grew colder and the scent of wet earth grew stronger as the ground beneath her formed steps—cold, jagged stairs carved into stone—though she had no idea how many there were or where they led. She steadied herself and descended carefully, sliding each slippered foot over the edge and holding her breath.
Everything told her to turn around and go back to her room to safety . . .

The castle is buzzing with excitement as preparations begin for the upcoming Olympiad. Everyone knows the queen is still on the hunt for the king’s rightful heir, as kids begin mysteriously disappearing from the castle. 
When Avery learns that a male runner is needed for an important race in the Olympiad, she volunteers so she can get close to the action. Will she be able to hide her true identity. . .or will she be discovered? One slip-up could mean a trip to the dungeon--or worse. 

The Ruby Moon is Book 2 in the Thirteen Series
Look for...
The Glass Castle - Book 1
The Paper Boat - Book 3

 

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Audiobook, Fiction, Christian Fantasy

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2016

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not.
Another.
Cliffhanger.
!!

About this book:

“In this delightful sequel to The Glass Castle, The Ruby Moon opens as preparations begin for the upcoming Olympiads. Join Avery as she learns that a male runner is needed for an important race and she volunteers so she can get close to the action. . . Can she hide her own identity? One slip-up could mean a trip to the dungeon--or worse. Much is at stake while the kingdom enjoys the greatest games on earth.”


Series: Book #2 in the “Thirteen” series. (Review of Book #1 Here!)


Spiritual Content- Going to chapels; A few Scriptures are quoted & remembered; Talks about God; Mentions of God & His favor; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of chapels & going to chapels.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘stupid’; Mentions of eye rolling; Mean girls/women & mentions of hateful attitudes and mean comments; Many mentions of killing, deaths, dying, illnesses & poison; Mentions of a fire, deaths & possible assassination attempt; Mentions of death sentences, hangings & gallows; Mentions of thieves, criminals & stealing; Mentions of kidnappings; Mentions of scars & injuries; Mentions of threats; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of gossip; Mentions of a dog killed by a knife (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a dead bird (barley-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of blood & bleeding someone out (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of lying.


Sexual Content- Avery & Tuck are sweet on each other (she says she loves him); Mentions of needing an heir (no details, of course); A few mentions of a wife & child who supposedly died in childbirth; A couple mentions of infants who died in the womb; A couple mentions of girlfriends & boyfriends;
*Note: A mention of man calling out (salty) comments to girls.

-Avery Godfrey, age 13
P.O.V. of Avery
Fantasy
238 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars
First off, let me just squee about the cover! At first look, I wasn’t sold on it. In person, though, it’s stunningly vivid and so pretty! I was so excited to read “The Ruby Moon” after the first book in the series left off in a cliffhanger; needless to say, I’m very eager to read #3 because this sequel’s cliffhanger was worse! Hahaha. Really, though, “The Paper Boat” is definitely on my Can’t-Wait-to-Read-it List for 2017! :)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not quite sure how to go about reviewing this one, it being a sequel and all. Since I don’t want to spoil anyone on the first book, I guess I must be vague. First of all, can we address the fact that it ended with a cliffhanger, AGAIN?!?! Yeah. Guess I know how I'm spending my second Audible credit of the month. XD All I know to say beyond that, without giving away plot details, is that I still like the character development, and the story still has me hooked. It's so mysterious and very exciting! I totally wasn't expecting one thing that happened...actually several things that happened...and I'm looking forward to seeing how things get wrapped up!


Content Advisory:

Violence: Brief mention of a bloody knife wound in the side of a dead dog. Brief mention a knife slicing an arm and brief mention of blood when a character is bled for medical purposes. Brief description of a dead bird. (No blood.) Fear of capture and execution hangs over the 13 year olds for much of the story. There are mentions of avoiding the "chopping block". There's fear that some characters may die of an illness. There's thought that one adult character might be poisoning another adult character. There's a big fire that kills some people, but the reader only learns about it after the fact.

Sexual/Romantic: There's brief mention of a man making salty comments toward some girls, but what exactly he says is not detailed.
Avery and Tuck share some sweet, innocent attraction for each other and Avery admits to someone that "I love him." Not really sexual, but it is mentioned that, before a race, some of the male runners strip their shirts off. Avery, who has disguised herself as a boy in order to participate in the race, makes the decision not to take her shirt off, for obvious reasons.

Spiritual: Just like in the first book, we have mentions of God, chapels, and prayer. Scripture is sometimes quoted. The king declares that if someone from his country wins an Olympic event that it will be an indication of God's favor on the king. (Some people disagree with that, or fear that if someone from their country doesn't win that the king will take it as a sign that God is unhappy with the kingdom.)

Other: As in the first book, not all of the 13 year olds are nice to each other. The mean girl is still often mean to Avery, and adults are not always kind to children.

[Angela Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely must read! You have to read the series in order.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in the first book, Avery and all the thirteen-year-olds live secretly in the palace. The queen sent out a decree that, because there is a missing heir who is thirteen, all the kids of that age are to be rounded up and ousted (or killed?) from the kingdom. The queen is the king's second wife and wishes her own, future child to be the heir. So the children watch and wait, work as servants in the palace, and try to stop the king's enemies from taking over the throne.

The plot moves quickly, the characters seamlessly adjusting to new situations in short periods of time. More clues are uncovered about Avery's mother, her brother, the late queen, and the missing heir. In the midst of it all, Avery struggles with her friendships, her pride, and her relationship with God. The Ruby Moon is a cute, middlegrade fantasy I enjoyed very much.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww... this audio book was just delightful. The characters are good friends of mine, there are plot twists, interesting settings, and just so much intrigue and mystery. I love it. I did rate the Glass Castle five stars, and this one would get the same rating except that this wasn't as heart-stopping... I suppose that's because I have experienced a lot more in books since I listened to the first one. So, four and a half stars! :D

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel to The Glass Castle. I look forward to reading the last book in this trilogy.

[Kerry Hedden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ruby Moon is the next book in the series that began with The Glass Castle. This is a book written for tweens and teens. It picks up right where they left off and has a few added twists; such as many of the teens that were kidnapped are disappearing with no signs whatsoever. As the remaining group tries to figure out where they are going a variety of storylines take shape.

Avery is now set to run in the race for the kingdom, there is a general understanding that they are no longer safe where they are and may need to move. Avery is also beginning to explore on her own and has quite an adventure and further learning of the truth on one such exploration. Kendrick has now trusted Avery with his secret and Avery learns some unforeseen truths about her mother.

The book moves the story along and has another twist at the end that you will not see coming. Overall I like the message of the book, I would have liked to see more overt messaging about God but the undertones are there. I am looking forward to the final installment, The Paper Boat, due out in the spring 2017 to see exactly how the whole story comes to an end.

This book was given to me by NetGalley in EBook format for my honest opinion. You can see all my reviews at Blessingsn N Bloggings

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge cliffhanger! So glad I have access to book three this week.

Okay.

There are still issues with inconsistencies and zero adults hearing a herd of raucous thirteen-year-olds…

But…

This was a very absorbing book. A bit too predictable at times. (I guessed the biggest secret before the halfway point.) Yet, there were enough surprises and interesting events and quirky characters that I couldn’t help but zoom right through the entire book in a single day.

And now I’m diving into book three…

Content: teen gambling, superstition

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was mildly disappointed with this second book. I am not sure what happened, but it was like all of the suspense that was built up in book one completely deflated within the first few chapters of this book. I was so curious about the tunnels that were beneath that castle and what Avery might find within them. But when I finally discovered their secrets, it was underwhelming and dull. The tunnels didn't end up leading to anywhere particularly interesting and the things that happened within them weren't all that great either.

The only things that felt like they were driving this book were the king's health, Kendrick's mysterious background and identity, and Kate's strange knowledge of the events that were taking place and the people involved in them.

The other thing that bothered me was how little Tuck was in this second book. In the first book, it was like he was practically ready to propose marriage to Avery and then all of that suspense and chemistry between them just sort of fizzled out. It was weird. Not that I expected such quick progression from thirteen year old's (who have their whole lives ahead of them). It was only because that's how the writer's presented the relationship in the first book that I found myself confused by the sudden change. This second book was like a drop off where nothing really happened between them and they were barely seeing each other. The relationship picked up again near the end of the book, but it was annoying to have them apart so much in this book. It felt less like it was a plot decision and more like it was to delay the inevitable and drag out the story.

I was disappointed with the Olympiad that occurred in this book. It didn't hold nearly as much fun and fanfare as all the hype surrounding it.

Once the kids moved to the tunnels, it was like the whole story froze and nothing was really happening.

I'm not sure if it's just because this is the middle book in the series or what, but it failed to impress me. I was disappointed with it. At times, it didn't hold much content or depth and the characters began to fall short because of that. The only question I had answered in this book from the first installment was to discover what was in the tunnels. But we were no closer to finding out where Avery's family disappeared to or who Avery was or who Kate was or anything. It was all still a mystery and unfortunately, because none of the questions I began with were answered, I started losing interest.

At the very least... I felt like Avery should have found her brother in this book. It would have added a new level of suspense in trying to keep him safe and also a new dynamic among the kids since her brother was much younger than thirteen. It would have been an interesting shift in the story and would have given Avery a reason to not be spending quite so much time with Tuck. But I suppose the toss up would have been less freedom for Avery to explore and discover new things... which probably would have ended up being a hindrance to her.

All things considered, I give it three stars. I was so excited to read this book and loved the first one so much... I was really expecting to like the sequel more than I did. Still, I am looking forward to reading the final book of the series and finding out how everything turns out for these characters.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another re-read from grade 6 and I love this book so much, it's very special to me. The series continues to improve in The Ruby Moon. Some of my favourite things about the book are;
💖 Characters; I adore the friendships/relationships in this series and they develop in this book. Avery is a wonderful main character, she is determined, strong, loving, brave and kind. She has a fierce passion for her family/friends and will do anything for them, even before considering the possible threats to herself. She is oblivious though! She grows and learns as she grows up, I love her!
💖 Plot; dangerous and magical, full of twists and royal secrets. The story of The Thirteen Series keeps unfolding and becoming more complex and captivating. I really loved the plot when I was first reading it, it was a great adventure and I still agree with this.
💖 Setting; The setting is in a huge castle, with secret underground tunnels, enormous servant quarters, grand throne rooms and many rooms filled with history, treasures and books! It's a very cool setting, great for dreaming of castles. Also at the time, The Olympiad (basically The Olympics for this world, with competitive events) is taking place and it has a carnival old-fashioned vibe.
💖 Some other things; I love the simple yet descriptive writing, I love the feeling of the story and my nostalgia makes it 100 times better, as I mentioned before, it's a special series for me. I think it's perfect for kids that are curious or even kids that don't like to read, they could easily get captivated by The Thirteen Series's action, allure and adventure. 📖☪💖

[Pufflekitteh · Rating 3 out of 5]

ISBN: 9781634099035. October 1st 2016. Shiloh Run Press. I received my Ecopy through Netgalley.

In this delightful sequel to The Glass Castle, The Ruby Moon opens as preparations begin for the upcoming Olympiads. Join Avery as she learns that a male runner is needed for an important race and she volunteers so she can get close to the action. . . Can she hide her own identity? One slip-up could mean a trip to the dungeon–or worse. Much is at stake while the kingdom enjoys the greatest games on earth.

I really rather enjoyed this book. The plot was fascinating, the characters likeable and the cover gorgeous.
As a big fan of YA/Teens books, this fitted in perfectly in the genre. It’s very well written in most places. Although I could see when each author wrote each bit in other places, and it threw me off a little. But this book was a very fast read so I didn’t mind too much. I know a few youngsters who might enjoy this so will be recommending it along with the first (Glass Castle) for them to read.

I give this a 3.5. out of 5 stars.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio. It is part 2 of a trilogy. Book One introduces the characters and the plot to the throne of a fictional kingdom. Book Two is read in under 4 hours and the narrator, Jamie Draper, keeps the listener on the edge of one's seat. The build-up of the Olympiad and the worry over the King's health questions whether or not Avery and the other orphans will ever make it out of the castle alive. Avery, Kate, Tuck, and Kendrick make a good leadership team. And then, there is Edward and his twin sister . . . . Avery becomes a student of the Bible and believes "do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good". No matter what or how the twins torture her thoughts, she responds with kindness and compassion. Like Book 1, this ends with a "cliffhanger" as well.

[Ayden Tilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I rather enjoyed this one slightly more than the last. It is very fast paced and exciting, and the authors wove sO many plot details and twists and storylines all throughout it, which is super impressive! But it got a little annoying actually, as every chapter had a new secret revealed or a new question arise, and I just wanted to actually learn some answers.
The authors did an amazing job of weaving Christianity through the book, without making it seem pushy.
Overall, I can still tell it is written for 12 year old girls, but it is still somewhat enjoyable to a 19 year old as well.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book continues where The Glass Castle left off. Avery is in the kings castle with a number of other 13 year olds. The queen seems to be out to get them. The story progresses as Avery explores the castle and looks for a way to save all of them.

[Tasha Sylvester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same as my review of the first book. Good story, fun to listen to- the audio recording his well done. But I hate how much I am left hanging at the end of the book. I don't want to keep reading the series because of it.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first book! The way the story continues, the more you find out about certain characters, the more the story unfolds.

I really enjoyed the second book in the ‘thirteen’ series. I love the story and the characters. And I love the crazy cliff hanger at the end!

[Anita M. Spoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Moon

Delicious reading and captivating excitement.
I am on to the final book but. I will be sorry when it ends!

[Beth Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again a fun and fast read. Does jump around and leaves lots of questions. Somewhat predictable with some plot holes but despite all that really fun to read.

[STACEY BOUDREAUX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many questions answered.

[Bcs (Sarah. B) · Rating 3 out of 5]

See Series Review at book one

[Siobhan O · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s quite interesting a little bit strange but overall good

[Cathy H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next one, youth fiction, enjoyable for all ages.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoil Alert!
Plot summary: This is the second book to the glass castle and Avery is about to walk into the tunnels. She knows it is forbidden but she needs to do this. It is not bad if it is for a good cause right. Avery opens the door to the tunnels and walks in. The candle she brought flickers and dies but she is determined. Little did she know that this decision would change her life and everyone she knew and loved. Later the king is hosting the annual celebration for everyone in the kingdom. There would be games and food for all but most importantly the race. Avery wanted to be in the race but if she lost she would be hung. If she won she would have a special meeting with the king! It was a risk she took to save her friends from the nasty castle they were trapped in.

Analysis: A character from the book that has no name met Avery in the tunnels and it was a strange woman who only said one sentence and then vanished. "leave and never return we know who you are and you do not belong down here." This obviously made Avery run for it and not look back. So this character brings fear into this book. It makes Avery frightened and the reader frightened as well. So in the end this character brings fear into the book very well!

Theme: One of the themes would have to be never give up on yourself. In this book there was very many times when Avery had to go through a lot of things but she did not loose hope. She raced for the celebration and she was trailing way behind one guy who was insanely fast. She felt like she was about to die but she pressed on and eventually she gained up and won the race. If she would have gave up when she felt dead she would have got killed. She chose to keep going and to never give up on herself even when it seemed impossible.

Opinion: I loved this book it was really good and I loved how intense it got and the romance. I would recommend it to anyone! It is perfect for teenagers but good for all ages. It ends on a cliffhanger and the third book has not come out yet so I would recommend you wait to read the series unless you like a long amount of anticipation! In conclusion this book was so great and I loved every minute I read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are well-developed, but some of the choices made by the protagonist seem unreasonable, such as sneaking out and back in repeatedly, each time with the drama-infused wording that "She would never see these people again." Ah Angst! Oh, never mind, she's back! :-)
My main problem with this book is the basic problem of fiction writing, such as "if this character would just tell that character what she knows, she could save him the trouble of ..." But that is how fiction is written, and one of the main reasons I don't think I could write it! :-)
I especially liked how the author wrapped up this story in a satisfying way, while leaving loads of opportunity for the sequel, which also did not disappoint. All I hope is that the next book comes out on time in April, because my 11-year old is already hounding me about it!

[Katharsys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher through Netgalley.

I think that quite a bit of this review is going to be reiteration of what I said about the first book. The Ruby Moon is the continuation of a great idea, but experiences the same problems that The Glass Castle did.

I sped through this book, seeing as it’s very fast-paced. I have to say that it makes total sense considering the book’s middle-grade audience. It’s probably great for middle-grade readers, but it just didn’t work for me. Honestly, I would put down these books as “not for me” if I hadn’t fallen in love with the idea and the atmosphere of the books. My biggest disappointment isn’t that these books are bad; it’s that there’s not enough.

We get to know Avery a bit more in this book, but there’s still quite a bit left to be explained. She seems like a sweet girl and her imperfection makes her more realistic, yet I’m still not connecting with her. Avery doesn’t seem to have those quirks that make her likable or relatable.

Again, The Ruby Moon ends in the middle of a scene. Neither of the books have any sort of climax or resolution. This bothered me in The Glass Castle, and it did not change in its sequel.

Overall, I think this whole series is great for young, middle-grade readers, whom the books are actually written for. I just really enjoy the world and would appreciate more from it. I’ll definitely be reading the last book, seeing as I’m curious as to how this series ends.

[Ally Camble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby Moon is very well written. It's fast pace and easy descriptions pull the reader along. I was always wondering what was next. Unfortunately, it pales beside The Glass Castle. While Priebe and Jenkins put the words together beautifully, the story feels haphazard. Things are happening all over the place but I couldn't find the string that held it all together. Avery and her friends make decisions that contradict each other and don't makes sense. Avery herself is so concerned with doing EVERYTHING that she does most of it poorly. Not to mention, she doesn't think things through. Why don't they cut her hair off for the race? Why does she think it's a good idea to be a lady in waiting a week after becoming a wanted 13-year-old? Why is Tuck's strongest argument against not letting her try for the role that he cares about her (as opposed to she will absolutely be recognized)? And why does she keep so many unnecessary secrets from her friends? It would be terribly helpful and encouraging to know their missing friends are okay. Avery is torn in so many directions and wants each thing put before her... until something else replaces it. Perhaps some of the messiness is accurate to what would happen it this was real life. As a story, though, it needs more cohesion. I hope the next book brings it all back together.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful series for tweens, young teens and adults. I enjoyed this book too even though the recommended ages are 10 to 15. Since it is Christian fiction, it doesn't contain the kind of material you really don't want to expose your children to. It's amazing what they put in books for this age group.

I did not think it worked well as a stand alone. I would recommend that you read the first book, The Glass Castle, before this one. Since I read the previous book months ago, I was a bit lost when I started reading this. Bits and pieces came back to me as I continued, and I was grateful for that; however, there isn't enough information if you begin with this one.

I appreciate how the authors incorporated prayer and faith into the story. The plot is one I enjoyed; however, the book ended in a mild cliffhanger, and I am looking forward to the next in this series.

I highly recommend this book.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE COVER. SGUJNLDSSEY. I CANT. ITS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE 💕

One blue eye, one brown eye. I love that idea that the authors had; it really was a good one.!The fact that Kate and Tuck didn’t notice…kinda hard to believe.

The ring. I’m not sure if there was even a mention in this book 😢

(not sure which book this was in but I’m adding it to this review!) ALL THE BOOKS BEING DESTROYED?! NO- MY LIFE, MY FRIENDS, MY WORLDS! NOT THE BOOKS!!!!!!


“because I love him.”

Haha, poor Kendrick. He was just like “oh.” So, that was kinda awkward. And honestly the whole scene just made me laugh. Ah, the good times.

Since this is a reread, I usually knew what was happening next, the ending, etc. but what I did forget was Tuck’s announcement, so that came as a surprise, although I did remember that Kendrick went instead.

READ THIS. EVEN IF ITS JUST FOR THE COVER. DO IT.

~happy reading~

[ally (ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!!

WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER?!

anyways, this was so so good😌

ONTO BOOK 3!!!

[Gail Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as good as the first one. I just wish there were more pages in each book and there wasn't a cliffhangar.