A Riddle in Ruby

June 29, 2015
It’s 1718, and alchemy has changed the course of history and ushered in the Chemystral Age. But all of this matters very little to Ruby Teach as she learns how to don disguises, pick locks, steal things, and evade capture while growing up on her pirate captain father’s ship. After the Royal Navy attacks their ship on its way to Philadelphi and takes her father and his men captive, Ruby must rely on her skills and help from some unlikely allies in order to rescue them. Along the way, she learns about secret societies, figures out whom she can trust, and uncovers family secrets that will place her right in the midst of a coming war. Debut author Davis doesn’t provide much background to explain the alchemical underpinnings of the alternate history he’s constructed in this trilogy opener, and getting acclimated slows an otherwise fast-paced adventure. However, it’s worth suspending disbelief to enjoy following this intrepid heroine and her companions, who are full of surprises themselves, on their swashbuckling journey. Ages 8–12. Agent: Susanna Einstein, Einstein Literary Management.

June 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-In this alternative history adventure, the year is 1718, and colonial Philadelphia is governed by Chemystry: a blend of magic, science, and mysticism. Boston is part of the Bradfordum Colony and "Philadephi" is part of Pennswood. Slightly steampunk elements, like "gearbeasties" and automatons that look like mice, are sneakily included in a narrative that races pell-mell through adventures that would be thrilling in any world. Aruba, better known as Ruby, is the daughter of Wayland Teach, the captain of a ship full of sailors who pretend to be a pirates for the entertainment of passengers-though they may be actual pirates after all. What is real and what is pretense is a theme that runs throughout this book. Ruby's gradual understanding of why everyone is chasing her and who her real allies are is topped only by the intriguing revelations that continually astonish, such as the configuration of Philadelphi: it has a lid on its "under town" that extends across the city and the "upper town" is built above the lid, which darkens and keeps out light below. Spunky and savvy, Ruby follows her mentor Gwath's maxims, which inevitably lead her from peril to temporary respite, only to be followed by even worse peril. VERDICT The world-building is fascinating, the characters entertaining, and a sequel is assured by a cliff-hanger. Good fun!-Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Sometimes the biggest threat and thrill is trying to blend in. However she's disguised, 13-year-old Aruba "Ruby" Teach is true to herself: she's the swindling daughter of a faux pirate. Groomed to pick locks and pockets, when Ruby pulls a knife on a dandy in a capsized, horseless barouche, she gets a slash of the sword and a warning to leave without loot. Back on the boat, Ruby is horrified to learn that the two new passengers who have chartered her father's ship are none other than the dandy, Lord Athen, and his footman. An attack from the Royal Navy soon forces Ruby, Athen, and his footman to hide while the crew surrenders. Why would they attack the ship? Why hasn't Lord Athen turned her in? Why is everyone suddenly so interested in capturing Ruby? In an alternate Colonial America where steampunk takes center stage, a war looms between governing powers and illegal alchemical practice. Though not starving for action, the narrative is initially made weighty by a barrage of nicknamed characters (Cram, Gwath, Skillet), and the establishing of period tone is so saturated with metaphors some sentences need to be triple sifted. Once readers have sailed through the introductory choppy waters, 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. (Steampunk. 10-13)

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July 1, 2015
Grades 4-7 In a mystical era where magic and technology mash up for unpredictable (and sometimes explosive) results, Ruby Teach is surviving by the skin of her teeth. An adventurer learning unladylike trades from her master, Gwath, she picks locks, thieves from noblemen, and is on the run from His Majesty's Royal Navy. When she gets caught up with Lord Athen and his assistant, Cram, her life becomes much more complicated, swinging her into a colonial-era war fought as much with iron-clawed mechanical beasts as with the wits of secret societies. Smugglers and swashbucklers are the order of the day here, with fun and danger around every corner. First in a planned trilogy, Davis' debut novel promises adventure, magic, mystery, and alchemy, all of which it gleefully provides. Ruby is a scrapper, the sort of thief you can't help but root for, even as she steals and swindles her way through her adventures. Middle-grade readers will love the magic of the Chemystral Age and will surely be on the hook for the next two books.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)