Power-hungry dragons, determined maidens, and a storyline that spans decades, centuries and pivotal moments in time. The Ruby Cradle is a historical fantasy novel you’re not going to want to miss! The second book in The Gemstone Series by critically acclaimed multi-genre author James L. Hill, The Ruby Cradle, will grab you and sweep you away before you know it. If you are a reader who enjoys a riveting historical fantasy novel, then this is one that you’re going to want to snatch up and dive into.
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The Ruby Cradle draws the eye of readers with a multi-layered cover. One of many elements readers will notice is an image of a young woman. With long flowing dark hair, and dark eyes, she appears to be looking out at readers with what could be interpreted as a look of concern in her eyes.
In the over-arching background, the sky gives the impression of a sunset or being lit aflame as a dragon darkens the skies. Below the dragon is a castle standing tall on a cliff, while mountainous peaks and cliffs surround it. This image gives the impression of an isolated location that would be ideal for a warlord determined to hold the high ground or a dragon to watch imperiously for interlopers.
As The Ruby Cradle opens, readers are dropped into a world torn apart by war. Soldiers are dead or dying on the battlefield. Aberash, a “maiden”, braves the war torn field in search of any left alive. She’s not alone as her sister works with her alongside human women. Time is of the essence, for when nightfall comes, a dragon will descend upon the field to eat his fill of those still clinging to life. These “lost souls” will fuel his power, and make him all the more powerful. It’s a threat that they wish to negate in an attempt to save as many future lives as they can.
This opening salvo of The Ruby Cradle will draw you in from the first page. A bloody war pushed forward by a dragon greedy for the taste of life and death. Author Hill weaves an opening chapter that tempts readers deeper into his novel with the promise of elements that will keep you digging for more.
Looking for the dragons? Well, you don’t have to wait long. Author Hill is intent on readers engaging with the dragons as soon as possible. It makes sense, especially in light of the fact that the dragons are the ones responsible for the current on-going Crimean war. All of the death and destruction is at their behest and influence. The minds of men are easily manipulated, especially when dragons play on their greed and lust for power.
Author Hill creates an interesting story that depicts wars across decades and eras. It’s revealed in The Ruby Cradle that Aberash is responsible for the unleashing of the dragons on the world again. Why would she do this you ask? Well, the answer is simple…it’s tucked into the story. The past holds the truth of why Aberash made the choice that she did. Trust us when we say…it wasn’t an easy decision for her to make.
While Aberash starts The Ruby Cradle off, it is her daughter, Zabella, who will become the one that the story directs readers to. Her importance to the future of the world is paramount. So, it will be that author Hill orchestrates Zabella going and being introduced to her exiled grandmother, Rehema.
It’s safe to say that while you delve deep into the past through Rehema’s memories you’re going to forget that that Zabella is simply gathering information meant to help her in the fight against the dragons who are ravaging the world.
But it’s not just dragons that you will discover in The Ruby Cradle. The “maidens” aren’t just young women. No, author Hill has taken mermaids and made them something more. In this novel, mermaids and dragons are enemies. While the dragons rage wars and negatively influence men, the mermaids try to bring the dragons to heel with the help of champions. Due to the dragons strong influencing capabilities it’s not easy finding a suitable champion.
But the mermaids aren’t the only unique creatures/beings in this story. The dragons have their “guards” but these creatures are more than they seem. The Ruby Cradle has many unique elements that help set it apart from other historical fantasy novels. One such element is when and where author Hill takes readers back in time.
Author Hill transports readers from the 19th century all the way back to 1000 A.D. 1000 A.D. is where the First Split takes place. The dragons unleashed on the world, and wars spreading across the globe. Author Hill entrances readers with historical moments and familiar names given new life and new meaning.
Familiar places and names are given new life with dragons woven into the storyline. Historical names are given a twist as they rise to fame and power through the conquering of dragons. Author Hill will keep you in suspense as the drama plays out on the page. Will the characters put in difficult situations survive? Will they make a wrong decision that will doom those who follow them?
The Ruby Cradle is riveting and draws you into the story very quickly. This historical fantasy novel moves quickly but not so fast that you are left confused as to what is going on. While this story isn’t heavy on the details author Hill gives you just enough to conjure up images of what’s taking place on page.
One of our favorite things about The Ruby Cradle is author Hill’s imagination. Author Hill creates such an intriguing storyline that you’re inclined to forget the original storyline that you start out with. You’ll find yourself so engrossed with the story that takes place in the past that when author Hill brings you back to the “present” time with Zarabella where you’re reminded…this is where the story’s focus really is.
The Ruby Cradle is the second book in The Gemstone series. While we recommend that you read the first book, The Emerald Lady first, it’s not too difficult to get swept away with this addition to the series. Though we have to warn you…if you’re adverse to cliffhangers…The Ruby Cradle has a big one. While it did make us howl…it definitely left us eager for the next book in the series. So, it’s definitely worth it at the end of the day! LOL!
So, if you’re a reader who enjoys taking the plunge into historical fantasy novels then The Ruby Cradle is a book that you’re not going to want to miss. Author Hill blends together dragons with historical figures and familiar scenes. He works to create a story that you’ll find hard to put down, and if you haven’t read the previous book…you’ll be eagerly reaching for it to have the full experience.
One thing is for sure, we’re looking to finding out what happens next.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline
- Unique and familiar historical figures
- Realistic historical elements woven into the storyline.
- Page-turner
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 