Helpful Score: 9
I really liked this book, the whole trilogy really. It is a little depressing and violent, but it has a lot of good points and morals.
Helpful Score: 6
My second Philip Pullman read, and I enjoyed this one the best so far. Didn't even know it was considered a "young adult" book when found this brand new looking book at local swap. A thorough story with engaging characters. Loved the different personalities. Actually looking forward to continuing the Sally Lockhart trilogy.
Sarah P. (leSahraBird) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
An OK read. None of the depth and intrigue of His Dark Materials, though.
Joseph K. (wiseowl411) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Sally Lockhart is 16, her father has just died over seas. She soon learns it was MURDER and she is going to find out why he died. Book has everything!
Helpful Score: 2
Not a bad mystery; kind of in the English model, not much gore, emphasis on the mystery.
Says "young adult" but grown-ups who enjoy who-dun-its will not be disappointed.
Says "young adult" but grown-ups who enjoy who-dun-its will not be disappointed.
Helpful Score: 2
Now, this was a good book! Had to read it in one sitting! Although marketed as a YA novel, the gloves are off - it's a gritty, realistic murder-mystery adventure. Our heroine, recently orphaned Sally Lockhart is a very mature, feisty and self-reliant 16, and the villainous characters she encounters while trying to unravel the cryptic clues she receives regarding her father's death and the whereabouts of a fabulous ruby are truly malevolent.
Lisa R. (lisareinke) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 123 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I listened to the audio book version and enjoyed it very much. It is the kind of mystery that fires a child's imagination. Adults can sit back and just enjoy the story.
Terrence W. (770days) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 58 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Nothing as spectacular as THE GOLDEN COMPASS and the rest of "His Dark Materials" trilogy, but a good young adult story.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good series for young readers. I enjoyed them as a child.
Joseph K. (wiseowl411) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Even in today's modern society boys and girls are separated by norms. Boys are told they should play physical sports and girls are told they should take dance classes. Yet, we have great male dances and wonderful female athletes.
In Victorian England it was much worse for girls than it is today, and Sally Lockhart had it very bad indeed. Her father had raised her a strong independent young lady who could handle an office of a major international shipping company, but couldn't by a proper lady for a gentleman of those days. When her father was killed in a ship wreck, Sally was placed in the trust of her aunt that treated her very poorly and made it clear Sally had no future.
The Warning
Sally receives a warning and goes to investigate it, leaving behind her first of many dead bodies. Sally is fortunate that her father taught her to use a pistol, for by the end of the novel it will have saved her life. Sally picks up her first new friend Jim a young boy that reads pennies. Pennies are junk novels of the time and of course cost a penny. To put this in modern tern Jim is the equivalent of a young boy that stays up late at night watching old movies on UHF channels.
Sally's first death does not go unnoticed and events start to unfold that will put Sally in mortal danger.
Sally uses her ability to solve problems
Sally taught and loved helping her father handle the books of this shipping firm, yet as a girl and a 16 year old at that her employment opportunities were limited and it was no longer safe for her to stay with her Aunt. So she went for help. The help was in the lines of a photographer she met and lent her a helping hand. She discovered he needed bookkeeping help and she offered it for room and board. With the photographer and Jim in hand she is no able to solve the mystery of her fathers death.
Much Blood and Drugs follow
This novel does talk about the Opium wars and the evil of Opium but it also has Sally using Opium in order to solve the mystery of her fathers death. Besides Opium there is murder, bad guys die as well as good guys. Plus their is lots of pain suffered by the goods.
As a read of 24 years of age, I didn't find any of this questionable but I would encourage a parent to read this book BEFORE giving it to a child if they are not sure the material is suitable.
Pullman's other books
This book is very hard to find, I had to special order it from Barnes and Nobles in New York City, but other Pullman books The Golden Compass can be found ANYWHERE, including the airport book stores.
In Victorian England it was much worse for girls than it is today, and Sally Lockhart had it very bad indeed. Her father had raised her a strong independent young lady who could handle an office of a major international shipping company, but couldn't by a proper lady for a gentleman of those days. When her father was killed in a ship wreck, Sally was placed in the trust of her aunt that treated her very poorly and made it clear Sally had no future.
The Warning
Sally receives a warning and goes to investigate it, leaving behind her first of many dead bodies. Sally is fortunate that her father taught her to use a pistol, for by the end of the novel it will have saved her life. Sally picks up her first new friend Jim a young boy that reads pennies. Pennies are junk novels of the time and of course cost a penny. To put this in modern tern Jim is the equivalent of a young boy that stays up late at night watching old movies on UHF channels.
Sally's first death does not go unnoticed and events start to unfold that will put Sally in mortal danger.
Sally uses her ability to solve problems
Sally taught and loved helping her father handle the books of this shipping firm, yet as a girl and a 16 year old at that her employment opportunities were limited and it was no longer safe for her to stay with her Aunt. So she went for help. The help was in the lines of a photographer she met and lent her a helping hand. She discovered he needed bookkeeping help and she offered it for room and board. With the photographer and Jim in hand she is no able to solve the mystery of her fathers death.
Much Blood and Drugs follow
This novel does talk about the Opium wars and the evil of Opium but it also has Sally using Opium in order to solve the mystery of her fathers death. Besides Opium there is murder, bad guys die as well as good guys. Plus their is lots of pain suffered by the goods.
As a read of 24 years of age, I didn't find any of this questionable but I would encourage a parent to read this book BEFORE giving it to a child if they are not sure the material is suitable.
Pullman's other books
This book is very hard to find, I had to special order it from Barnes and Nobles in New York City, but other Pullman books The Golden Compass can be found ANYWHERE, including the airport book stores.
Helpful Score: 1
Well crafted intrigue in a mystery, adventure novel that barely pushed the limits of the imagination. Entertaining; childish yet captivating, this book was certainly a fun read but it didn't inspire me to order the second book.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed both mysteries but I must admit it was one confusing story. Lots of characters with seemingly unrelated happenings that somehow blended together in the end. I especially liked Sally, Frederick, Jim and Adelaide.
Well put together with a surprise ending. This is the first in the series. [book:The Shadow in the North|210919], [book:The Tiger in the Well|210918], and [book:The Tin Princess|87273].
Well put together with a surprise ending. This is the first in the series. [book:The Shadow in the North|210919], [book:The Tiger in the Well|210918], and [book:The Tin Princess|87273].
Rachel A. (richlayers) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
I read this ages ago, and it's just been hanging around my collection for ages. I do remember having a very favorable impression of the book, and think it would be enjoyable for any young adult reader interested in this genre (mystery/Victorian period).
The first in Pullman's 'Sally Lockhart Trilogy' this book captivated me from the opening chapter. Sally is a non-traditional young woman of her time -- the type of woman I imagine I would have liked to have been if I lived then. It's an engaging story and (in my opinion) much more enjoyable than Pullman's more popular 'His Dark Materials' books.
Sheryl O. (Everett-Reader) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 216 more book reviews
First book in the Sally Lockhart Trilogy. I didn't like this trilogy as much as His Dark Materials, but Philip Pullman is a terrific YA author and this series is a fine one too.
Linda L. (angelstar) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 96 more book reviews
This is an excellent for young adults as well as, I believe, grown adults.
It is kind of dreary/dismal in parts and the second book is even more dismal. It was a good read though.
I don't think I will give anything away by saying, my favorite parts are that stereograms are used by some of the people in this book and that the main group of characters treat each other with respect and equally.
I love Stereograms!
It is kind of dreary/dismal in parts and the second book is even more dismal. It was a good read though.
I don't think I will give anything away by saying, my favorite parts are that stereograms are used by some of the people in this book and that the main group of characters treat each other with respect and equally.
I love Stereograms!
Katrina K. (trinker63) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
These books are my guilty pleasure. YA titles, but I'm 45 and my inner 12 year old loves them. I also suggest The Tin Princess. For some reason some editions of these books have horrible covers reminiscent of romance novel covers. YUCK! I don't know why the publishers chose these, but they were a mistake. Do not judge these books by those covers.
Cherryl M. (drummergirl) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 175 more book reviews
Initially read Pullman's His Dark Materials series, soon to be a major motion picture, and was hooked on this man's writing style. TRITS is not my type of book, but Pullman did it again, making it hard to put down and hit the hay. Recommended reading if you are looking for a quick fun exciting read. This is highly recommended for youngsters, pre-teen - college. After this book you will be ready for the next two. Go on and read the HDM series too. You will be amazed! If you are college level or higher, suggest you also check out the philosophical books on Pullman's writing. Some of it's heady, but it fullfills your need for more of him.
Leslie W. (lilacluvr) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Exciting book!
I know that Pullman is most famous for his DARK MATERIALS books, but actually, I prefer this series. Perhaps you will, too . . .
From back cover: "Beware the seven blessings" When she first utters there words, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart doesn't know their meaning. But when an employee of her late father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins Sally's terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Victorian London, in search of clues that will solve the puzzle of ther father's death. Pursued by villains and cutthroats at every turn, she at last uncovers two dark mysteries. One involves the opium trade; the other, a stolen ruby of enormous value. Sally soon learns that she is th the key to both- and that it's worth her very life to find out why.
From the award-winning author of HIS DARK MATERIALS comes a feverishly paced Victorian thriller--and the acclaimed debut of an unforgettable young heroine.
From back cover: "Beware the seven blessings" When she first utters there words, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart doesn't know their meaning. But when an employee of her late father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins Sally's terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Victorian London, in search of clues that will solve the puzzle of ther father's death. Pursued by villains and cutthroats at every turn, she at last uncovers two dark mysteries. One involves the opium trade; the other, a stolen ruby of enormous value. Sally soon learns that she is th the key to both- and that it's worth her very life to find out why.
From the award-winning author of HIS DARK MATERIALS comes a feverishly paced Victorian thriller--and the acclaimed debut of an unforgettable young heroine.
Pursued by villains and cutthroats at every turn, Sally Lockhart uncovers two dark mysteries that may lead to some answers about her father's death overseas. One involves the opium trade; the other, a stolen ruby of enormous value. Sally learns that she is the key to both - and that it's worth her very life to find out why.
Very good read.
Interesting kid's book.
What a great read. Can't believe I missed this series the first tine around.
"Beware the Seven Blessings..." When she first utters these words, sixteen year old Sally Lockhart doesn't know their meaning. But when an employee of her later father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins Sally's terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Victorian London in search of clules that will solve the puzzle of her father's death. Pursued by villains and cutthroats at every turn, she at last uncovers two dark mysteries. One involves the opium trade; the other, a stolen ruby of enormous value. Sally soon learns that she is the key to both - and that it's worth her very life to find out why.
"Beware the Seven Blessings..." When she first utters these words, sixteen year old Sally Lockhart doesn't know their meaning. But when an employee of her later father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins Sally's terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Victorian London in search of clules that will solve the puzzle of her father's death. Pursued by villains and cutthroats at every turn, she at last uncovers two dark mysteries. One involves the opium trade; the other, a stolen ruby of enormous value. Sally soon learns that she is the key to both - and that it's worth her very life to find out why.
Historical fiction for teens.
"Beware the Seven Blessings..." When she first utters these words, Sisteen-year- old Sally Lockhart doesn't know their meaning... but others do.
Best writer of sci fi around these days.
Susan D. (dougbrimor) reviewed The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, Bk 1) on + 237 more book reviews
When she first utters these words, sixteen year old Sally Lockhart doesn;t know their meaning. But when an employee of her late father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins, Sally's terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Vistorian London, in search for clues that will solve the puzzle of her late father's death
