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.

July 1, 2018
Though finally reunited with her loved ones, Ruby cannot rest. A new danger that consumes people's souls emerges, and the threat of war looms closer in her alternate Colonial America. Tenacious as ever and with the newfound power to shape-shift, Ruby must figure out how to preserve everything that matters to her in this diverting and satisfying conclusion to the steampunky adventure trilogy.

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