📖 Overview
Kerstin Gier is a German author best known for writing young adult fantasy fiction and contemporary romance novels. She achieved international recognition with her Ruby Red (Precious Stone) trilogy, which was translated into over 30 languages and adapted into a series of German films.
Originally working as a translator and communications specialist, Gier began her writing career in 1995 with adult contemporary romance novels. Her early works were predominantly published in German, building a steady following in German-speaking markets before breaking through internationally.
The Ruby Red trilogy, published between 2009-2010, marked her transition into young adult fantasy and established her trademark blend of time travel, romance, and historical elements. Following this success, she wrote the Silver Trilogy (also known as Dream Jumper series), which further cemented her position in the young adult fantasy genre.
While maintaining an active writing career, Gier has continued to reside in Germany, where she regularly tops bestseller lists with both her adult and young adult titles. Her work is characterized by strong female protagonists and the integration of supernatural elements with contemporary settings.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect with Gier's humor, romance elements, and fast-paced plotting. The Ruby Red trilogy earns particular praise for its time travel mechanics and historical detail. Multiple reviews highlight the natural dialogue and relatable teen characters.
Readers liked:
- Balance of light humor with action
- Chemistry between main characters
- Historical research and period details
- Quick pacing that maintains interest
- Original take on time travel concepts
Common criticisms:
- Some translations feel stiff or lose nuance
- Later books in series can become repetitive
- Young adult tropes and predictable plot points
- Romance sometimes overshadows other story elements
Ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: Ruby Red 4.1/5 (200,000+ ratings)
- Amazon: Ruby Red 4.5/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Silver Trilogy averages 4.0/5 across platforms
Reader quote: "The time travel mechanics make sense and the historical details feel authentic without bogging down the story" - Goodreads reviewer
Criticism quote: "The German charm doesn't always survive translation" - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by Kerstin Gier
Ruby Red (Book 1 of Ruby Red Trilogy)
Sixteen-year-old Gwyneth discovers she inherited her family's time-traveling gene instead of her cousin, leading to dangerous adventures through London's past centuries.
Sapphire Blue (Book 2 of Ruby Red Trilogy) Gwyneth continues her time-traveling missions while uncovering secrets about the mysterious Count Saint-Germain and developing feelings for her time-traveling partner Gideon.
Emerald Green (Book 3 of Ruby Red Trilogy) Gwyneth races to complete her mission in time while questioning whom she can trust as she learns the true purpose of the time travelers' secret society.
Silver: Dream Door (Book 1 of Silver Trilogy) A teenage girl discovers she can enter other people's dreams after moving into an old London apartment building filled with mysterious residents.
Silver: Dream Master (Book 2 of Silver Trilogy) Liv delves deeper into the dream world while confronting dark forces threatening both her dream and waking life.
Silver: Dream Travelers (Book 3 of Silver Trilogy) Liv must face the ultimate battle in the dream world while protecting those she loves from a growing danger that bridges both realities.
Sapphire Blue (Book 2 of Ruby Red Trilogy) Gwyneth continues her time-traveling missions while uncovering secrets about the mysterious Count Saint-Germain and developing feelings for her time-traveling partner Gideon.
Emerald Green (Book 3 of Ruby Red Trilogy) Gwyneth races to complete her mission in time while questioning whom she can trust as she learns the true purpose of the time travelers' secret society.
Silver: Dream Door (Book 1 of Silver Trilogy) A teenage girl discovers she can enter other people's dreams after moving into an old London apartment building filled with mysterious residents.
Silver: Dream Master (Book 2 of Silver Trilogy) Liv delves deeper into the dream world while confronting dark forces threatening both her dream and waking life.
Silver: Dream Travelers (Book 3 of Silver Trilogy) Liv must face the ultimate battle in the dream world while protecting those she loves from a growing danger that bridges both realities.
👥 Similar authors
Cassandra Clare writes young adult fantasy featuring supernatural elements in modern settings with strong romantic subplots. Her Mortal Instruments series combines historical elements with contemporary urban fantasy, similar to Gier's approach to blending timelines.
Alexandra Bracken creates time travel narratives with complex female protagonists navigating historical periods. Her Passenger series focuses on time-traveling families and inherited abilities, incorporating romance with historical adventure.
Cornelia Funke produces German-translated fantasy works that bridge contemporary and magical worlds. Her stories often feature young protagonists discovering supernatural abilities while dealing with both modern and historical elements.
Michelle Harrison crafts fantasy novels centered on magical objects and family secrets across generations. Her 13 Treasures series combines contemporary settings with supernatural elements and historical mysteries.
Rachel Hawkins writes paranormal young adult novels featuring female leads discovering inherited powers. Her Hex Hall series incorporates romance, supernatural elements, and family legacies in ways that mirror Gier's storytelling structure.
Alexandra Bracken creates time travel narratives with complex female protagonists navigating historical periods. Her Passenger series focuses on time-traveling families and inherited abilities, incorporating romance with historical adventure.
Cornelia Funke produces German-translated fantasy works that bridge contemporary and magical worlds. Her stories often feature young protagonists discovering supernatural abilities while dealing with both modern and historical elements.
Michelle Harrison crafts fantasy novels centered on magical objects and family secrets across generations. Her 13 Treasures series combines contemporary settings with supernatural elements and historical mysteries.
Rachel Hawkins writes paranormal young adult novels featuring female leads discovering inherited powers. Her Hex Hall series incorporates romance, supernatural elements, and family legacies in ways that mirror Gier's storytelling structure.