3.77
Part of "Sally Lockhart Trilogy" series
"The Ruby in the Smoke" by Philip Pullman is a thrilling and engaging young adult novel that combines elements of mystery, adventure, and historical fiction. Set in Victorian London, the story follows Sally Lockhart, a strong-willed and intelligent 16-year-old girl who is left to fend for herself after her father's untimely death at sea. When Sally receives a cryptic letter from her father, warning her of a dangerous ruby and the evil forces that seek to possess it, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. With the help of a cast of colorful characters, including a photographic artist, a street urchin, and a mysterious fortune teller, Sally embarks on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth about her father's death and the curse of the ruby. Pullman's writing is rich and atmospheric, transporting readers to the foggy streets and bustling markets of Victorian London. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. One of the strengths of "The Ruby in the Smoke" is its exploration of themes such as identity, independence, and the role of women in society. Sally Lockhart is a refreshingly strong and capable heroine, who refuses to be defined by the limitations placed upon her gender. She is a role model for young readers, demonstrating the power of determination, intelligence, and courage. Overall, "The Ruby in the Smoke" is a captivating and exciting read that will appeal to both young adults and adult readers. Its intricate plot, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout addition to any library or bookshelf...
Cornelia Funke
The Thief Lord
Fans of 'The Ruby in the Smoke' will appreciate the adventurous spirit and historical setting of 'The Thief Lord'. In this novel, two orphaned brothers run away to Venice and join a gang of thieves led by a charismatic and enigmatic boy known as the Thief Lord. When the siblings become entangled in a dangerous plot involving a wealthy baron, they must use all their cunning and courage to survive.
Learn MoreJohn Connolly
The Book of Lost Things
If you enjoyed the dark and mysterious tone of 'The Ruby in the Smoke', you'll love 'The Book of Lost Things'. In this novel, a young boy named David is grieving the loss of his mother when he discovers a portal to a world filled with fairy tales and folklore. As he navigates this strange and dangerous land, he must confront his deepest fears and learn the true meaning of courage and sacrifice.
Learn MoreErin Morgenstern
The Night Circus
Fans of 'The Ruby in the Smoke' will appreciate the enchanting and atmospheric setting of 'The Night Circus'. In this novel, two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are bound together in a magical competition that takes place within the confines of a mysterious and magical circus. As they fall in love and work to uncover the secrets of their competition, they must confront the dangerous consequences of their actions.
Learn MoreStieg Larsson
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
If you enjoyed the thrilling and suspenseful plot of 'The Ruby in the Smoke', you'll love 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. In this novel, investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist teams up with computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to solve a decades-old missing persons case. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of corruption, violence, and deceit that threatens to destroy them both.
Learn MoreDonna Tartt
The Secret History
Fans of 'The Ruby in the Smoke' will appreciate the complex and morally ambiguous characters of 'The Secret History'. In this novel, a group of classics students at a small liberal arts college become embroiled in a dangerous and deadly plot involving drugs, murder, and ancient rituals. As they struggle to keep their secrets hidden, they must confront the consequences of their actions and the true nature of their friendship.
Learn MoreUmberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
If you enjoyed the historical setting and intellectual intrigue of 'The Ruby in the Smoke', you'll love 'The Name of the Rose'. In this novel, a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice investigate a series of mysterious deaths at a medieval monastery. As they uncover a web of intrigue involving heresy, blasphemy, and forbidden books, they must confront the dangerous consequences of their investigation.
Learn MoreCaleb Carr
The Alienist
Fans of 'The Ruby in the Smoke' will appreciate the thrilling and suspenseful plot of 'The Alienist'. In this novel, a criminal psychologist, a newspaper illustrator, and a police secretary team up to investigate a series of gruesome murders in 1890s New York City. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of corruption, violence, and deceit that threatens to destroy them all.
Learn MoreSarah Perry
The Essex Serpent
If you enjoyed the atmospheric and gothic tone of 'The Ruby in the Smoke', you'll love 'The Essex Serpent'. In this novel, a young widow named Cora Seaborne moves to a small village in Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent that has been blamed for a series of mysterious deaths. As she uncovers the secrets of the village and its inhabitants, she must confront her own demons and the true nature of love and loyalty.
Learn MoreMichel Faber
The Crimson Petal and the White
Fans of 'The Ruby in the Smoke' will appreciate the rich and detailed historical setting of 'The Crimson Petal and the White'. In this novel, a young prostitute named Sugar rises through the ranks of Victorian London society, using her intelligence and cunning to manipulate the men around her. As she becomes embroiled in a dangerous and deadly plot involving blackmail, murder, and forbidden love, she must confront the true cost of her ambition and the consequences of her actions.
Learn MoreBarbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
If you enjoyed the complex and morally ambiguous characters of 'The Ruby in the Smoke', you'll love 'The Poisonwood Bible'. In this novel, the wife and daughters of a Baptist missionary in the Belgian Congo struggle to come to terms with their husband and father's increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior. As they become embroiled in the political turmoil of the country, they must confront the true nature of their faith, their family, and their own identities.
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