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Timeslip #2
The Ruby Talisman
When Tilly's aunt tells her of their beautiful French ancestress, she shows Tilly a priceless heirloom. Tilly falls asleep wearing the ruby talisman, wishing she could escape to a more adventurous life... In 1789 Amelie-Mathilde is living in luxury at the opulent palace of Versailles - but her guardians want her to marry the horrible old Chevalier. Amelie-Mathilde falls asleep holding her own ruby talisman, wishing someone would come to her rescue.
Tilly wakes up beside Amelie-Mathilde. The timing couldn't be worse. Starving peasants are rioting across the country and the palace is in chaos. Tilly knows that Amelie and her cousin Henri must escape if they are to survive the Revolution ahead. But with mutinous villagers, vengeful servants and threats at every turn, there seems nowhere to run. Will they ever reach England and safety?
Tilly wakes up beside Amelie-Mathilde. The timing couldn't be worse. Starving peasants are rioting across the country and the palace is in chaos. Tilly knows that Amelie and her cousin Henri must escape if they are to survive the Revolution ahead. But with mutinous villagers, vengeful servants and threats at every turn, there seems nowhere to run. Will they ever reach England and safety?
First published July 2, 2010
9 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Murrell
43 books110 followersBelinda Murrell has worked as a travel journalist, technical writer, editor and public relations consultant. Her overseas adventures inspired her work as a travel writer for the West Australian newspaper and Out & About With Kids travel magazine. Her work has also appeared in the Sun Herald, Sunday Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald. While Belinda studied Children's Literature at Macquarie University, her passion for children's books was reignited when she had her own three children and began telling and writing stories for Nick, Emily and Lachlan. Belinda's books include the Sun Sword fantasy trilogy, Scottish timeslip tale The Locket of Dreams, French Revolution timeslip tale The Ruby Talisman Australian timeslip tale The Ivory Rose and Australian historical tales The Forgotten Pearl and The River Charm.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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March 20, 2022read this because primary school rose loved Belinda Murrell, after buying it from savers for $2.49
January 28, 2022
What a wonderful way to use this lively timeslip tale to learn about the lives of the aristocrats and peasants during the 1789 French revolution period. A delightful, well-paced story of a spunky Tilly meeting well-groomed Amelie some 200 years earlier. I was fascinated with the sharp contrast in their lives, clothes, marriage arrangements, violence, food availability and who got to eat what, plus expectations of women and their abilities. Certainly glad to be living today. Beautifully researched. 🌿
July 19, 2017
The Ruby Talisman took my interest out of all the Belinda Murrell books at my local library and I'm very pleased I chose this as my introduction to the author's diverse range of novels for early teens. This was an impressive timeslip tale of the fall of the French aristocracy in the reign of Louis and Antoinette. I loved the rich, historical setting and the page-turning drama in the cat and mouse adventure of Tilly and her distant ancestors escaping their enemies. A really fab history lesson for young readers without being at all didactic. This is the type of book that is likely to inspire a great interest in the French Revolution, one of the most fascinating periods in history. A great read!!
August 4, 2023
I have finally finished rereading all of the Timeslip Tale novels. The Ruby Talisman used to be my least favourite and scare me (I was 8!). It still makes me cry (if ykyk), but now I have finished it, it’s now one of my favourites. Rereading these books as a 16 year old, comparable to a 9 year old, I find myself amazed at how Belinda Murrell manages to create such relatable, complex main characters. I found myself in each girl. Combined with my love for history and Australia, I can’t get enough. I can’t put into words how much of an impact these books have had on my life, truly. Okay this is getting a bit cringe now but… v much recommend :)
January 30, 2011
Tilly appreciates her life more after living back-in time during the French Revolution. Good read with plenty of action and excitement. Learn a little of what life was like in the eighteenth century!
April 16, 2011
A great book i loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 16, 2025
Tilly was having a tough time in her life. She was often angry and her fencing coach was trying to get her to keep her temper under control. Her friends had grown distant. She was grumpy with her mum and brother, and very upset about her father leaving them to live with another woman and her children.
When her mother suggested they have a holiday, her brother Tim would stay with her father and the other family. Jacqueline, her mother, would have time for herself, and Tilly would stay with her aunt Kara.
Her aunt wanted to spoil Tilly saying she'd take her shopping for new clothes. The daggy jeans and scruffy runners were pretty bad. Tilly said she had homework to do on the 'French Revolution.' Kara said they had an ancestor from that time, and that she had a piece of jewellery, that was 200 years old. The Ruby pendant was beautiful and Tilly went to sleep wearing it.
When she woke up the next morning, she was beside Amelie de Montjoyeuse, her ancestor, in a four-poster bed. The date was the 14th of July 1789, the first day of the French Revolution. Tilly and Amelie became friends and with Henri Amelie's cousin, they escaped Versailles and rode to Henri's home estate. The peasants were rioting and came as a mob to burn down the palace.
Paris was in great turmoil and although Henri believed they would be safe there, they soon discovered that aristocrats were being killed, hung, and displayed on trees, the peasants had been overtaxed for many years and starved. With pitchforks and garden implements they raided and killed homes and coaches of noblemen.
Tilly helped Amelie and Henri escape the tunnels under the city to travel on a barge down the Seine. Eventually, they arrived on the coast to look for passage to England. They only had some jewels to pay for passage. The servant who threatened to kill Henri at the palace found them and wanted to make good his threat. The three friends escaped. They boarded a ship with black sails to cross the channel. It was a smuggling ship.
In the safety of the Inn they ate, bathed, and slept knowing they were finally safe. She felt happy to have helped Amelie and Henri.
Tilly awoke at her Aunts' home, glad to be back in her own time. They went shopping together before her mother came to collect her. Tilly asked her mum if she could go with her to collect her brother from where her dad now lived. She had learned that she wanted to talk to her father without being angry. She greeted her mother with love and her brother with kindness.
Her assignment on The French Revolution got top marks. She passed her French Test well. Tilly recalled the horrors of her adventure, and she was glad to be home.
Again Belinda Murrel has written a wonderful time slip book. The Graphic history of the French Revolution related through the eyes of Tilly.
When her mother suggested they have a holiday, her brother Tim would stay with her father and the other family. Jacqueline, her mother, would have time for herself, and Tilly would stay with her aunt Kara.
Her aunt wanted to spoil Tilly saying she'd take her shopping for new clothes. The daggy jeans and scruffy runners were pretty bad. Tilly said she had homework to do on the 'French Revolution.' Kara said they had an ancestor from that time, and that she had a piece of jewellery, that was 200 years old. The Ruby pendant was beautiful and Tilly went to sleep wearing it.
When she woke up the next morning, she was beside Amelie de Montjoyeuse, her ancestor, in a four-poster bed. The date was the 14th of July 1789, the first day of the French Revolution. Tilly and Amelie became friends and with Henri Amelie's cousin, they escaped Versailles and rode to Henri's home estate. The peasants were rioting and came as a mob to burn down the palace.
Paris was in great turmoil and although Henri believed they would be safe there, they soon discovered that aristocrats were being killed, hung, and displayed on trees, the peasants had been overtaxed for many years and starved. With pitchforks and garden implements they raided and killed homes and coaches of noblemen.
Tilly helped Amelie and Henri escape the tunnels under the city to travel on a barge down the Seine. Eventually, they arrived on the coast to look for passage to England. They only had some jewels to pay for passage. The servant who threatened to kill Henri at the palace found them and wanted to make good his threat. The three friends escaped. They boarded a ship with black sails to cross the channel. It was a smuggling ship.
In the safety of the Inn they ate, bathed, and slept knowing they were finally safe. She felt happy to have helped Amelie and Henri.
Tilly awoke at her Aunts' home, glad to be back in her own time. They went shopping together before her mother came to collect her. Tilly asked her mum if she could go with her to collect her brother from where her dad now lived. She had learned that she wanted to talk to her father without being angry. She greeted her mother with love and her brother with kindness.
Her assignment on The French Revolution got top marks. She passed her French Test well. Tilly recalled the horrors of her adventure, and she was glad to be home.
Again Belinda Murrel has written a wonderful time slip book. The Graphic history of the French Revolution related through the eyes of Tilly.
August 23, 2017
I really loved the book, I liked how it was educational as well as interesting. I now know more about the french revolution. I know it is definitely not a really happy book but I liked it all the same. I am also french so I found it easy to read and there are not that many books that have french words in them so i give that four.
October 23, 2010
If you like French History or you are curious about what it might have been like for Aristocrats during the French Revolution The Ruby Talisman is the book for you.
Often you find fiction books based around the French Revolution to be romanticized and it barely touches upon the nitty, gritty often bloody facts that surround that era. Not this book, Paris wasn't always the city of love. But what happens when there is no dashing hero to help save the day???
Tilly is a average teenage girl dealing with the divorce of her parents with the usual teen angst. Her mother, clutching her last straw & unable to cope with her daughter's attitude anymore, sends Tilly to her Aunt Kara for the weekend. Here Tilly is shown a priceless family heirloom, a gorgeous gold & ruby necklace, that had once belonged to her french ancestress Amelie-Mathilde-Louise de Montjoyeuse.
When Tilly falls asleep with the necklace on she wakes to find herself transported back in time to the side of Amelie, a young naive girl living as lady in decadent luxury & in sore need of a friend. Unaware that she is about to witness a country at the brink of civil war, everything Amelie has ever known will change forever and Tilly, using every scrap of information she learned in school about the french revolution, must find a way to save Amelie or risk losing everything herself.
Drawing inspiration from Madame Campan's Memoirs of the Private Life of Marie Antoinette (1818) and Antonia Fraser's Marie Antoinette: The Journey (2001), this book has bloody murders, angry crazed mobs, sword fighting and even a chance meeting with the legendary tragic Queen herself. Not to mention the author has also included a translation of french words used in the book at the beginning and interesting facts about French History at the end of the book, so you are bound to learn something new. An interesting read but definitely not a lighthearted story for little kids.
Often you find fiction books based around the French Revolution to be romanticized and it barely touches upon the nitty, gritty often bloody facts that surround that era. Not this book, Paris wasn't always the city of love. But what happens when there is no dashing hero to help save the day???
Tilly is a average teenage girl dealing with the divorce of her parents with the usual teen angst. Her mother, clutching her last straw & unable to cope with her daughter's attitude anymore, sends Tilly to her Aunt Kara for the weekend. Here Tilly is shown a priceless family heirloom, a gorgeous gold & ruby necklace, that had once belonged to her french ancestress Amelie-Mathilde-Louise de Montjoyeuse.
When Tilly falls asleep with the necklace on she wakes to find herself transported back in time to the side of Amelie, a young naive girl living as lady in decadent luxury & in sore need of a friend. Unaware that she is about to witness a country at the brink of civil war, everything Amelie has ever known will change forever and Tilly, using every scrap of information she learned in school about the french revolution, must find a way to save Amelie or risk losing everything herself.
Drawing inspiration from Madame Campan's Memoirs of the Private Life of Marie Antoinette (1818) and Antonia Fraser's Marie Antoinette: The Journey (2001), this book has bloody murders, angry crazed mobs, sword fighting and even a chance meeting with the legendary tragic Queen herself. Not to mention the author has also included a translation of french words used in the book at the beginning and interesting facts about French History at the end of the book, so you are bound to learn something new. An interesting read but definitely not a lighthearted story for little kids.
April 23, 2011
Historical fiction time slip where Tilly from the present and experiencing a recent family breakup spends the weekend with her aunt. On putting on a ruby necklance which is a family heirloom in the keeping of her aunt,Tilly travels back in time to assist her namesake from the past to evacuate from the trouble torn French Revolution.
No knights in shining armour here to rescue the damsels. The escape to England is due to the resourcefulness and bravery of Tilly. She returns to the present a more conciliatory and wiser girl for the experiences.
The story provides insights into life and attitudes of the times and is suitble for the 11 - 14 year old. Probably more suited to girls with the female protagonist and a female point of view in the telling.
No knights in shining armour here to rescue the damsels. The escape to England is due to the resourcefulness and bravery of Tilly. She returns to the present a more conciliatory and wiser girl for the experiences.
The story provides insights into life and attitudes of the times and is suitble for the 11 - 14 year old. Probably more suited to girls with the female protagonist and a female point of view in the telling.
September 22, 2016
This is supposed to be a young adult's read, ideally for a teenager, or an older child. I do not quite fit that category, but loved it, all the same. Yes, the main characters are teenagers. but so what? I still enjoyed it immensely, as many people enjoyed the Harry Potter books, which were also, presumably for teens?
The historical research was impeccable, the descriptions of dress and food brought the visions of seventeenth century France to life, and the whole book was a page turner.
This is a time slip novel, and the main character is taken back to France, during the French Revolution.
Great book, highly recommended to historical novel/adventure fans.
The historical research was impeccable, the descriptions of dress and food brought the visions of seventeenth century France to life, and the whole book was a page turner.
This is a time slip novel, and the main character is taken back to France, during the French Revolution.
Great book, highly recommended to historical novel/adventure fans.
October 5, 2013
Tilly is an Australian teenager struggling to come to terms with her parents' divorce. While staying with her aunty, she is shown a family heirloom, a ruby talisman, and told the tale of an ancestress, an aristocrat who fled France during the revolution. Through the talisman, she slips back in time to help her ancestress escape to England.
It has lots of references to jewelry, fashion, horses, other animals and an 'annoying' younger brother, so I think this book should appeal to many girls. Overall, this is a good Australian 'timeslip' novel for girls aged between 10 and 14.
It has lots of references to jewelry, fashion, horses, other animals and an 'annoying' younger brother, so I think this book should appeal to many girls. Overall, this is a good Australian 'timeslip' novel for girls aged between 10 and 14.
January 23, 2016
This was a beautiful book! It's more for people who indulge in historical fiction (like me). Tilly's adventures are just captivating. I couldn't put this book down! The great thing about this is that it has a glossary/translation of French words that are used in the book, which not only makes it easier to read this book, but you even learn something!
Belinda M. usually has this translation whenever she writes a book that includes a different language, so it's alright for everyone! There is a plot twist, which left my mouth open! You will definitely enjoy it!
Happy Reading!
Belinda M. usually has this translation whenever she writes a book that includes a different language, so it's alright for everyone! There is a plot twist, which left my mouth open! You will definitely enjoy it!
Happy Reading!
April 9, 2012
This book was fantastic! It was perfect exactly what I wanted! I was walking past the book area in the shops and when I saw this book I just felt so intrigued before I even read the blurb! I bought it straight away and read it the second I got home. The plot, characters, everything about this story was amazing!! I have also always love the French and their language so that made me love this book even more.
Wonderful book by Belinda murrell
Wonderful book by Belinda murrell
March 4, 2022
The Ruby Talisman takes readers back in time on a hectic journey through France in the days following the storming of the Bastille. It leans into the excitement and quirks of the time, but also makes sure to articulate the emotions and experiences that drove the revolution. Not my favourite in this series, but solid.
June 26, 2012
This is the book that opened my eyes to a whole other, wonderful novel genre: Historical fiction. This is also the book that led to my love of the French Revolution, or studying it, rather. Just read it, I promise you won't regret it.
P.S: It is a very short read though :(
P.S: It is a very short read though :(
March 27, 2013
I loved this book. It was this book that made me realise i love historical fiction. It is a great read for anyone who is not afraid at a bit of gore of being chased by bad people who want to kill you. It was a good change for me to read and i thoroughly enjoyed it.
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October 26, 2016I loved this book! It was the perfect contrast between history, and fiction! It was very gripping and intense, and made you feel upset when Juju, Henri's faithful dog, died. I thought that it deserved to be made into a series, I loved it so much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2011
Really enjoyed it - and learned things too about the French Revolution.
Want to read
July 20, 2011well good for me but dont now yous
August 8, 2011
A really interesting story, thoroughly enjoyed it. Very easy to read.
October 23, 2012
This book is amazing and if you like a bit of history this book is great!!!
I enjoyed this book very much and Belinda Murrell's other books are also amazing!
I enjoyed this book very much and Belinda Murrell's other books are also amazing!
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March 13, 2013i think that this was an entertaining book that helped us to see what a horrible time the french revelution acctually was
June 8, 2013
FANTASTIC book. Love the twists in time, the bloodiness; EVERYTHING. When I first received this book I wasn't interested in it, but when I tried it I was caught up in the plot. Five stars!
May 6, 2013
A great book full of twists and turns this book was highly recommended to me by a friend and I thank her for it.
July 3, 2016
This was an enjoyable little introduction to the French Revolution for younger teens.
Want to read
March 29, 2013This book is a really great book you should read it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews