Read: January 2010
I had wanted to read this book since I heard that there was a TV adaptation of it a few years ago. I really loved His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman and knew that his other books had good reviews although they were more aimed at a younger audience.
The Ruby in the Smoke was aimed at a younger audience than His Dark Materials, and didn't have the different levels of meaning, but it was still a good, fast paced adventure story.
In a way it is a classic story of making friends, solving mysteries and battling evil, but the protagonist, Sally Lockhart is a plucky young girl which makes this a good book for girls to read. You don't often get a female protagonist who is more about friends and courage than boyfriends and looking good. Sally shows that it's not traditional skills that get her ahead in this world.
Although it has classic themes, the setting of the book around trade routes and opium dens is a good choice - giving the reader something new to try and puzzle over.
A great book for teenagers to read and fun for a quick adult read, but never the classic of HDM.
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