A Riddle in Ruby - Hardcover

Davis, Kent

3.73

275 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062368346 ISBN 13: 9780062368348

Publisher: Greenwillow, 2015

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Ruby is a thief-in-training and a keeper of secrets ones she doesn't even know herself. A Riddle in Ruby is the first book in a witty and fast-paced fantasy-adventure trilogy for fans for Jonathan Stroud, Septimus Heap, and The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates.Ruby Teach, daughter of a smuggler and pirate, has been learning how to swindle and steal and pick the most complex locks for as long as she can remember. But a collision with aristocratic young lord Athen sends her spinning into chaos. Little did she know that her whole life has been spent in hiding from nefarious secret societies and the Royal Navy . . . who are both now on her trail. In this debut middle grade adventure, Kent Davis weaves a rip-roaring tale through an alternate colonial Philadelphia. A world where alchemy that peculiar mix of magic and science has fueled the industrial revolution. With this highly original setting, a cast of fully rounded characters and rapid-fire, funny dialogue, A Riddle in Ruby will call to mind fantasy greats like Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett."

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Review:

This tale of revolutionary intent, self-discovery, and double-crossing cross-dressing is worth the trip. Sailors seeking espionage and a cast of characters who can t sit still should embark on this series maiden voyage. --Kirkus Reviews"

It s worth suspending disbelief to enjoy following this intrepid heroine and her companions, who are full of surprises themselves, on their swashbuckling journey. --Publishers Weekly"

The world-building is fascinating, the characters entertaining, and a sequel is assured by a cliffhanger. Good fun! --School Library Journal"

A staggeringly inventive thrill-ride of a book, filled with clever characters, delightful humor and ingenious plot twists. --Stuart Gibbs, author of the New York Times-bestselling Spy School saga"

Bound from one danger to the next with Ruby and pals, narrowly escaping bloodthirsty mechanical dogs; a terrifying, maniacal scarred man; and a haughty master of chemystry (to name just a few) Readers will happily jump on board the promised sequel. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

Davis debut novel promises adventure, magic, mystery, and alchemy, all of which it gleefully provides. Middle grade readers will love the magic of the Chemystral Age and will surely be on the hook for the next two books. --ALA Booklist"

"This tale of revolutionary intent, self-discovery, and double-crossing cross-dressing is worth the trip. Sailors seeking espionage and a cast of characters who can't sit still should embark on this series' maiden voyage."--Kirkus Reviews

"The world-building is fascinating, the characters entertaining, and a sequel is assured by a cliffhanger. Good fun!"--School Library Journal

"Davis' debut novel promises adventure, magic, mystery, and alchemy, all of which it gleefully provides. ...Middle-grade readers will love the magic of the Chemystral Age and will surely be on the hook for the next two books."--ALA Booklist

"It's worth suspending disbelief to enjoy following this intrepid heroine and her companions, who are full of surprises themselves, on their swashbuckling journey."--Publishers Weekly

From the Back Cover:

Ruby Teach is a thief

Well, a thief in training. And a pirate's daughter. A smuggler. A picklock. In a world ruled by alchemists who mix magic and science, Ruby has always relied on nothing more mysterious than her skill and her sneakiness. Swindling and stealing are straightforward.

At least they are supposed to be, until she bungles the robbery of a young aristocratic lord. Now Ruby's father has been captured, and she must flee deep into the heart of a city filled with characters both honorable and nefarious. The Royal Navy and the leaders of a notorious secret society are hot on her heels.

Because Ruby has a secret. One even she doesn't know.

The world is filled with those who would help her, and those who would use her to their own dark ends. Can Ruby trust anyone? Can she even trust herself?

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