Click on the Google Preview image above to read some pages of this book!
A ruby talisman is the key to entering a thrilling adventure in this timeslip tale that takes readers into one of the most dangerous periods in history: the French Revolution.
When Tilly's aunt tells her of their ancestress who survived the French Revolution, she shows Tilly a priceless heirloom. Tilly falls asleep wearing the ruby talisman, wishing she could escape to a more adventurous life . . .
In 1789, Amelie-Mathilde is staying at the opulent palace of Versailles. Her guardians want her to marry the horrible old Chevalier to revive their fortunes. Amelie-Mathilde falls asleep holding her own ruby talisman, wishing someone would come to her rescue . . .
Tilly wakes up beside Amelie-Mathilde. The timing couldn't be worse. The Bastille has fallen and starving peasants are rioting across the country. The palace is in chaos.
Tilly knows that Amelie and her cousin Henri must escape from France if they are to survive the Revolution ahead. But with mutinous villagers, vengeful servants and threats at every turn, there seems nowhere to run. Will they ever reach England and safety?
About The Author
Belinda Murrell has worked as a travel journalist, technical writer, editor and public relations consultant. Her overseas adventures inspired her work as a travel writer for the
West Australian newspaper and
Out & About With Kids travel magazine. Her work has also appeared in the
Sun Herald, Sunday Telegraph and
Sydney Morning Herald. While Belinda studied Children's Literature at Macquarie University, her passion for children's books was reignited when she had her own three children and began telling and writing stories for Nick, Emily and Lachlan. Belinda's books include the SUN SWORD fantasy trilogy, Scottish timeslip tale
The Locket of Dreams and French Revolution timeslip tale
The Ruby Talisman.
Reviewed By Amelia Vahtrick, Kids Buzz Editor
When Tilly has a school assignment studying the French Revolution, she can't imagine anything more boring. But then her aunt Kara shows her a beautiful ruby pendant and tells her it belonged to her ancestor, Amelie-Mathilde, who survived the French Revolution. Tilly goes to sleep that night clutching the ruby talisman and thinking about her ancestor long ago. Imagine her surprise when she wakes up in the Palace of Versailles, 1789! Amelie-Mathilde was a bit shocked as well to find a strange girl in pink pyjamas and rainbow socks in her bed. She too had worn her ruby necklace to bed, wishing for someone to come save her from her arranged marriage.
I've got to tell you - I was won over to Tilly completely during her first conversation with Amelie (who is moaning about needing a savior to come rescue her), when she exclaims "But who says you need a prince to rescue you? I think you look perfectly capable of saving yourself." I just love a good strong heroine!
Now aside from the fact that Tilly has woken up a few hundred years in the past, she also has to deal with the terrifying news that it is July the 14th, just hours away from the attack on the Bastille and the beginnings of the French Revolution. Tilly has to convince Amelie that Versailles is not safe and somehow find her way back to the 21st Century. This timeslip adventure is great fun for girls aged 9 and over - and if you don't know what timeslip is, take a look at the quick Q and A I had with author Belinda Murrell.
In The Press
PRAISE FOR THE RUBY TALISMAN
'This tale of two 12-year-old girls is woven together brilliantly . . . THE LOCKET OF DREAMS is a wonderful modern day fantasy that young girls, and boys, will enjoy reading. And maybe they will look a little into their own family history, searching for mystery, adventure and treasure.' THE READING STACK
'An exhilarating tale, with plenty of lush descriptions . . . Murrell successfully creates a grand adventure . . . It's an intriguing, time travelling yarn. Recommended for ages 9 and up.' Oliver Phommavanh, BOOKS BUZZ
'This is a well-told story that evokes the rugged beauty of both Scotland and outback Australia in the 1850's. With each visit to the past, Sophie and the reader are drawn further into the unfolding mystery of Charlotte's life.' Deborah Abela, ABC 702 Sydney
'Recommended especially for upper primary girls . . . it's a delightful read.' READPLUS
'A magical adventure that inspires children to dream and create . . . [A] beautifully written tale for readers 9 years and older.' www.girl.com.au
