Ruby Red Trilogy by Kerstin Gier – A Complete Summary, Pilot, Characters & Similar Books
Kerstin Gier’s Ruby Red Trilogy—consisting of Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, and Emerald Green—is a YA time travel fantasy that combines romance, historical mystery, and supernatural elements. Originally written in German (Rubinrot, Saphirblau, Smaragdgrün), the series has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide with its engaging plot, charming characters, and intricate time-travel logic.
If you’re curious about whether this series is for you or want a deeper understanding of the trilogy before diving in, this in-depth guide breaks down everything—plot, pilot, characters, themes, and similar books you might enjoy.
Ruby Red Trilogy Synopsis
At the heart of the Ruby Red Trilogy is Gwyneth Shepherd, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl living in contemporary London—until she discovers that she has inherited a rare gene that enables her to travel through time. This revelation throws her into a centuries-old mystery involving a secret society, hidden prophecies, and a countdown to a potentially world-changing event.
As the last in a line of time travelers, Gwyneth becomes entangled in secrets, lies, and a dangerous mission to complete a mystical circle using the blood of all twelve time travelers. Alongside the dashing (and initially arrogant) Gideon de Villiers, she navigates through London’s historical landscapes while trying to uncover the truth about her destiny.
Book-by-Book Summary
Ruby Red (Book 1)
Release Year: 2009 (Germany), 2011 (English)
The story begins with Gwyneth living in a family that has long believed her cousin Charlotte to be the time traveler of the generation. Charlotte has been groomed and trained for this destiny her whole life. But in a twist of fate, it’s Gwyneth who starts involuntarily traveling through time.
Thrown into a world of hidden agendas and cryptic orders, Gwyneth is forced to team up with Gideon de Villiers, another young time traveler from a similarly distinguished family. As the two jump through different eras, she discovers the existence of the Chronograph—a mysterious device that controls time travel and requires the blood of all twelve time travelers to activate something unknown and potentially dangerous.
By the end of Ruby Red, Gwyneth finds herself both emotionally and literally stuck between time periods, trying to figure out who she can trust.
Sapphire Blue (Book 2)
Release Year: 2010 (Germany), 2012 (English)
Sapphire Blue picks up where the first book left off. Now that Gwyneth is officially acknowledged as the final time traveler—known as the “Ruby”—she’s pulled deeper into the circle of the time-traveling secret society.
The romantic tension between her and Gideon intensifies, even as secrets about his allegiance and true feelings come to light. Gwyneth starts seeing ghosts and discovers she may have special abilities that go beyond time travel. A deeper conspiracy within the Order (the time-traveling secret society) begins to unravel, revealing betrayal and manipulation from those closest to her.
The plot thickens as Gwyneth and Gideon seek out Lucy and Paul—two rogue time travelers who previously escaped with the original Chronograph—to uncover the true purpose of the time-travel experiments and what will happen if the circle is closed.
Emerald Green (Book 3)
Release Year: 2010 (Germany), 2013 (English)
In the thrilling conclusion to the trilogy, Gwyneth is reeling from heartbreak and betrayal. Her trust in Gideon is shattered, and the secret society continues to manipulate her actions. However, she begins to forge her own path, discovering the true prophecy and her unique role as the Ruby.
Lucy and Paul reveal that the prophecy is a dangerous lie created by Count Saint-Germain, a time-traveling aristocrat from the past with sinister motives. The closing of the circle would grant him eternal life and unprecedented power, not peace as the Order believes.
With the help of her friends—including the quirky ghost James, her best friend Lesley, and an unexpected ally in Gideon—Gwyneth sets out to stop the final bloodletting and destroy the Chronograph before Count Saint-Germain can succeed.
The trilogy ends with Gwyneth reclaiming her agency, uncovering her full power, and rewriting the fate that others had planned for her.
Pilot Overview (Ruby Red – Book 1)
The opening of Ruby Red is intriguing and whimsical. It introduces us to Gwyneth’s eccentric family, particularly the dynamics between her and Charlotte. The first act builds up the mystery of time travel with suspense and a sense of misdirection.
When Gwyneth first time-travels—completely untrained and unprepared—readers are thrust into the chaos of time jumping, secret societies, and intergenerational feuds. This disorientation mirrors Gwyneth’s experience and quickly hooks the reader.
The pilot works wonderfully as a YA fantasy opener: fast-paced, character-driven, and filled with curiosity.
Main Characters
Gwyneth Shepherd
- Role: Protagonist, final time traveler (the Ruby)
- Personality: Witty, brave, skeptical, often underestimated
- Arc: Transforms from a confused teen into a powerful time traveler who takes control of her destiny.
Gideon de Villiers
- Role: Male lead, time traveler, love interest
- Personality: Smart, charming, initially cold and loyal to the Order
- Arc: Struggles between loyalty to the Order and his growing feelings for Gwyneth. Eventually sides with her against the system.
Charlotte Montrose
- Role: Cousin who was believed to be the time traveler
- Personality: Ambitious, jealous, proud
- Arc: A minor antagonist; her feelings of betrayal and loss define her bitterness throughout the series.
Count Saint-Germain
- Role: Antagonist
- Personality: Manipulative, cold, brilliant, and power-hungry
- Arc: The mastermind behind the prophecy who seeks immortality.
Lucy Montrose & Paul de Villiers
- Role: Gwyneth’s true parents, rogue time travelers
- Arc: Originally thought to be traitors, they are revealed as heroes trying to stop Count Saint-Germain.
Lesley Hay
- Role: Gwyneth’s best friend
- Personality: Loyal, funny, tech-savvy
- Arc: Though she doesn’t travel through time, Lesley helps decode clues and remains a crucial support system.
James August Peregrin Pimplebottom
- Role: Ghost of a former student
- Arc: Offers comic relief and occasional assistance with historical knowledge.
Themes & Symbolism
- Time as a Trap: The trilogy shows how history can be manipulated and how destiny isn’t set in stone.
- Love vs Duty: Characters must often choose between love and loyalty to their causes.
- Female Empowerment: Gwyneth’s journey reflects a growing self-empowerment narrative, challenging the patriarchal systems around her.
- Legacy & Heritage: The inherited nature of time travel is both a gift and a burden.
Writing Style & Tone
Kerstin Gier’s writing (and Anthea Bell’s excellent English translation) is humorous, fast-paced, and conversational. Despite the complex premise, the tone stays accessible for YA readers. The historical references are light enough not to feel academic, yet intriguing enough to inspire curiosity.
Books Similar to Ruby Red Trilogy
If you loved Ruby Red, these books are likely to be your next obsession:
1. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- A more adult take on time-travel romance.
- Emotional, deeply romantic, and complex.
2. Tempest by Julie Cross
- A male protagonist with time-travel abilities.
- Espionage and science-fiction twist.
3. The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
- Time travel via ship across maps—historical and fantastical.
- Diverse cast and layered storylines.
4. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
- A violinist gets swept into time travel through bloodlines.
- Rich historical details and a slow-burn romance.
5. Timeless by Alexandra Monir
- Set in New York, where a teen finds love in the past.
- Combines mystery, music, and historical drama.
6. Hourglass by Myra McEntire
- A boy and girl see ghosts and manipulate time.
- Romantic and mysterious with Southern charm.
Why Readers Love the Ruby Red Trilogy
- Accessible Time Travel: The rules are complex but easy to grasp.
- Romantic Drama: The love story is angsty and satisfying.
- Relatable Heroine: Gwyneth’s snark and normal-girl background make her easy to connect with.
- Mystery & Suspense: There are enough twists to keep readers hooked through all three books.
- Historic Vibes: London in different eras adds an exciting aesthetic.
Conclusion
The Ruby Red Trilogy is a gem for fans of YA fantasy, time travel, and romance. With a relatable heroine, historical adventures, and a high-stakes plot, the books offer a satisfying blend of thrill and heart. Whether you’re into unraveling mysteries, watching slow-burn romances bloom, or simply want to time-hop through London’s past, this series deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
If you’re done reading this trilogy and wondering what’s next, check out the similar books listed above to keep your time-traveling heart racing.
