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Crossroads Chronicles #3
Ruby Road
It had been thirteen years, but my heart skipped a beat. My brain was bursting with things I wanted to say—many of them contradictory—things I had thought I might say if I ever saw him again. So, I said nothing.
He pulled a leather bag out of an inside pocket of his cloak, opened the drawstrings, and turned it upside down over a display tray on the counter. A flood of rubies—smooth but uncut—poured out. “I need you. There’s probably a whole mountain full of them. But I can’t find the vein myself. Come with me, and we’ll split the take.”
What I had—what he wanted—was a talent for earth magic. I sifted them through my fingers. The quality was extraordinary, the feel of them electric as they touched my magic.
He pulled a leather bag out of an inside pocket of his cloak, opened the drawstrings, and turned it upside down over a display tray on the counter. A flood of rubies—smooth but uncut—poured out. “I need you. There’s probably a whole mountain full of them. But I can’t find the vein myself. Come with me, and we’ll split the take.”
What I had—what he wanted—was a talent for earth magic. I sifted them through my fingers. The quality was extraordinary, the feel of them electric as they touched my magic.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2023
272 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Kingsolver
40 books942 followersI made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.
As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
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As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
For special deals and news about new books, sign up for my newsletter.
http://brkingsolver.us1.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 20, 2023
It was a wonderful story that was over too fast!
I love BR Kingsolver's series and stories. This book, the third inits series, is not an exception. This series is a bit different. The individual stories don't exactly build on each other, but more incorporate the same... framework, i.e., the characters, relationships, etc. The main character experiences new adventures, bringing new characters and situations into the series. There are no cliffhangers, get I still can't wait for the next one in the series or the next book the author releases. I do with the Chameleon series would continue, though. Thank you for this wonderful book that helped change what would have been a very challenging afternoon/evening!
I love BR Kingsolver's series and stories. This book, the third inits series, is not an exception. This series is a bit different. The individual stories don't exactly build on each other, but more incorporate the same... framework, i.e., the characters, relationships, etc. The main character experiences new adventures, bringing new characters and situations into the series. There are no cliffhangers, get I still can't wait for the next one in the series or the next book the author releases. I do with the Chameleon series would continue, though. Thank you for this wonderful book that helped change what would have been a very challenging afternoon/evening!
February 19, 2023
Beware Wary of Old Lovers!
I truly, truly love this series! Diana is a no nonsense, fair dealing, lethal merchant whose loyalty to family, friends, and innocents is deep. Her mistake? Not seeing the truth about an ex. The result? Ambushes, lies, and treachery. Her response? Final.
What I love most about Diana and her siblings is their confidence, proactive natures, and loyalty to each other. I hope this series continues for a long time. If you like magic, the multiverse, action/adventure, and intelligent confident women, read on.
I truly, truly love this series! Diana is a no nonsense, fair dealing, lethal merchant whose loyalty to family, friends, and innocents is deep. Her mistake? Not seeing the truth about an ex. The result? Ambushes, lies, and treachery. Her response? Final.
What I love most about Diana and her siblings is their confidence, proactive natures, and loyalty to each other. I hope this series continues for a long time. If you like magic, the multiverse, action/adventure, and intelligent confident women, read on.
February 20, 2023
Yes! What a great addition to this series.
I loved this book! An awesome heroine, an antagonist you love to hate. Adventure, sword and sorcery, friendship. Combine all that with outstanding prose and an excellent plot and you have hours of reading enjoyment. This book is highly, highly recommended.
I loved this book! An awesome heroine, an antagonist you love to hate. Adventure, sword and sorcery, friendship. Combine all that with outstanding prose and an excellent plot and you have hours of reading enjoyment. This book is highly, highly recommended.
February 22, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the Crossroads Chronicles. B R Kingsolver has developed a well balanced intelligent and capable protagonist with Diana. She is good at decisive action and also compassionate. I enjoyed new characters like Lanya and characters from previous books like Diana’s family- and the author’s background comes through with the detailed world building of each world. I was impressed how she weaves in details about earth sciences, biology, economics, and smithing into the story without ever bogging down the story with too many details.
If you like intelligent urban fantasy with a great female lead you will enjoy this 3 book series (so far)
If you like intelligent urban fantasy with a great female lead you will enjoy this 3 book series (so far)
August 22, 2023
nice series. love a series with genuine, funny dialogue
Nice series. In this one not everything works out alll the time. People die, etc. I really do like the main character as well as her family it’s nice to have a series where the royals aren’t all completely selfish.
Anyway, read the series. It’s quite enjoyable. Love me some powerful, strong minded confident women who can stand on their own two feet! We don’t see that a lot, comparatively so I appreciate this one. Besides that, it hits on something I love in books and that’s characters that feel genuine with real personalities. They’re someone who’d share a drink and great conversation with a stranger, like one of us, in a bar and grill. and have great conversation that was genuine and funny. I appreciate the knack and true writing prowess it takes to get a convoluted bunch of characters that come across as real, while still getting the story across and delivered in all the right ways that not only has the reader coming back to the series for the next book, but, also has us looking for what else is in the author’s arsenal. I can also attest to some of those, as well, as I’ve read a few. Now I’m on to the next.
Question to author- what did happen to the country (in book 2) where the main character, Otomley and karena had gotten caught up in a civil war to overthrow the royal regime bleeding and starving it’s citizens to death? It never really gets talked about and from what she said in this book (#3), it seemed the same royals (or the governing system) was still the same, unless I missed something. Totally possible. 😉. If I didn’t miss it, would you think about clearing that up in the next book. Please.
Nice series. In this one not everything works out alll the time. People die, etc. I really do like the main character as well as her family it’s nice to have a series where the royals aren’t all completely selfish.
Anyway, read the series. It’s quite enjoyable. Love me some powerful, strong minded confident women who can stand on their own two feet! We don’t see that a lot, comparatively so I appreciate this one. Besides that, it hits on something I love in books and that’s characters that feel genuine with real personalities. They’re someone who’d share a drink and great conversation with a stranger, like one of us, in a bar and grill. and have great conversation that was genuine and funny. I appreciate the knack and true writing prowess it takes to get a convoluted bunch of characters that come across as real, while still getting the story across and delivered in all the right ways that not only has the reader coming back to the series for the next book, but, also has us looking for what else is in the author’s arsenal. I can also attest to some of those, as well, as I’ve read a few. Now I’m on to the next.
Question to author- what did happen to the country (in book 2) where the main character, Otomley and karena had gotten caught up in a civil war to overthrow the royal regime bleeding and starving it’s citizens to death? It never really gets talked about and from what she said in this book (#3), it seemed the same royals (or the governing system) was still the same, unless I missed something. Totally possible. 😉. If I didn’t miss it, would you think about clearing that up in the next book. Please.
August 15, 2023
I enjoy this author..
I have so far read the crossroads, the rift, and Rosie’s series by this author. The world built by BR is really good and not an overdone concept that a lot of writers have previously used, at least that I’ve read. BR doesn’t leave a story unfinished but in ways there are plenty of opportunities for her to continue in each of the three series I’ve read by her so far, either with the main characters or side characters. This particular series builds the characters enough that they feel well finished but also creates a chance for them to have their own stories. For instance her siblings have unique positions in their own worlds which leaves space to hear more about them or just see what kind of hijinks they can get into without going to crossroads. I plan to check out BR’s other stories and hopefully they are just as enjoyable. Easy to read and devoured each book within a day. I started with Rosie’s series and it’s still a favorite of mine. Give it a go and find your favorite BR series.
I have so far read the crossroads, the rift, and Rosie’s series by this author. The world built by BR is really good and not an overdone concept that a lot of writers have previously used, at least that I’ve read. BR doesn’t leave a story unfinished but in ways there are plenty of opportunities for her to continue in each of the three series I’ve read by her so far, either with the main characters or side characters. This particular series builds the characters enough that they feel well finished but also creates a chance for them to have their own stories. For instance her siblings have unique positions in their own worlds which leaves space to hear more about them or just see what kind of hijinks they can get into without going to crossroads. I plan to check out BR’s other stories and hopefully they are just as enjoyable. Easy to read and devoured each book within a day. I started with Rosie’s series and it’s still a favorite of mine. Give it a go and find your favorite BR series.
May 27, 2023
Third book featuring Diana Smith. Ex-lover Lannon comes into her shop at Crossroads with a bag of rubies. Those are just what ran off into the stream, with Diana's earth magic they'll be able to find the vein that would set them up for life. The [first] problem is that the rubies are located in a wild world several dimensions over. The first half of the book is traversing all of the dimensions to get to the rubies. There are dangers that they have to overcome at pretty much each world. Some from vicious fauna, some from enemies that Lannon has made.
It was getting pretty annoying thinking that this was just some sort of treasure hunt. It was interesting enough, but it was a treasure that Diana didn't need (her business was doing fine). Lannon is untrustworthy and she knows it, and the quest is putting her life in danger. The second half of the book produced a compelling story line. If it's what have you done for me lately--5 stars, overall it's 4.5 stars.
It was getting pretty annoying thinking that this was just some sort of treasure hunt. It was interesting enough, but it was a treasure that Diana didn't need (her business was doing fine). Lannon is untrustworthy and she knows it, and the quest is putting her life in danger. The second half of the book produced a compelling story line. If it's what have you done for me lately--5 stars, overall it's 4.5 stars.
February 26, 2023
Ruby Road
What a great third book in this series.
A handsome ex with a nefarious agenda, a king’s ransom of rubies and gemstones and enough intrigue and magic to fuel it all.
Diana and Landon had once been lovers but 13 years ago he had walked away.
Now he’s back because he needs Diana’s skills to find a fortune in gems in a wild world with only a number and no name.
What happens after that is cross and double cross, hurt feelings, new friends and a small war.
I don’t to spoilers as much as I can avoid it.
This series of three books was most enjoyable to read.
BRK series are becoming some of my favourites. Read from Book 1.
What a great third book in this series.
A handsome ex with a nefarious agenda, a king’s ransom of rubies and gemstones and enough intrigue and magic to fuel it all.
Diana and Landon had once been lovers but 13 years ago he had walked away.
Now he’s back because he needs Diana’s skills to find a fortune in gems in a wild world with only a number and no name.
What happens after that is cross and double cross, hurt feelings, new friends and a small war.
I don’t to spoilers as much as I can avoid it.
This series of three books was most enjoyable to read.
BRK series are becoming some of my favourites. Read from Book 1.
March 4, 2023
The Crossroads contain the largest market in the known multiverse, and Diana Smith is a jeweler/smith who has a stall/storefront there. "Ruby Road", like the first two books is a stand-alone novel, most of which takes place away from the Crossroads.
In this case, an untrustworthy old flame shows up with a small fortune in uncut rubies - and persuades Diana to help him find the mother lode. Diana has appropriate talents: She's a world-walker, she can sense minerals, she knows how to use magical and mundane weapons. She's also not too fussy about obeying inconvenient local laws.
It was a fun read.
In this case, an untrustworthy old flame shows up with a small fortune in uncut rubies - and persuades Diana to help him find the mother lode. Diana has appropriate talents: She's a world-walker, she can sense minerals, she knows how to use magical and mundane weapons. She's also not too fussy about obeying inconvenient local laws.
It was a fun read.
March 8, 2023
After reading this book I have no idea what the point was. Nothing really happened. It could be a travel journal for someone you don’t really care about. I would say that what was accomplished was that the main character was proven to be someone not to root for. She cheated a guy for her shop. She cares about more money over all else/right/sense. She is gullible and unprepared for things she does and wants others to get her out of it. Ugh, I’m out until there is a real plot and a just one character that is worth caring a damn for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
Ruby road...
This book had the love interest that the first books in the series missed. However I found I liked that. The first half of the book I debated finishing. Even as an ex boyfriend I couldn't stand him. Diana is strong capable and independent. She doesn't need a man.
I enjoyed the end portion of the book greatly. And overall the series, the world building. The characters. The adventure. It's still deserving of five stars.
And I'm eager to move on to another series by BR Kingsolver. I love a HEA and a kick butt heroine.
This book had the love interest that the first books in the series missed. However I found I liked that. The first half of the book I debated finishing. Even as an ex boyfriend I couldn't stand him. Diana is strong capable and independent. She doesn't need a man.
I enjoyed the end portion of the book greatly. And overall the series, the world building. The characters. The adventure. It's still deserving of five stars.
And I'm eager to move on to another series by BR Kingsolver. I love a HEA and a kick butt heroine.
February 27, 2023
Another winner from BR Kingsolver
With each book in each series the writing, characters and story rival any in this genre or any other. The Glory Road to riches is not well paved and potholes cause Diana much consternation as she travels to a wild world in a search for riches with her ex from years back. He turns out to be a from more so than a prince and Diana has to show him and his kin the meaning of power. I only wish it was longer.
With each book in each series the writing, characters and story rival any in this genre or any other. The Glory Road to riches is not well paved and potholes cause Diana much consternation as she travels to a wild world in a search for riches with her ex from years back. He turns out to be a from more so than a prince and Diana has to show him and his kin the meaning of power. I only wish it was longer.
March 6, 2023
I love this world and the main characters so much! Really beautiful writing has gone into these books and painted such a lively experience! I have one small issue with these last two books and it’s how the main character follows along with such little information in unsafe situations. It gets irritating that she’s often partnered with someone who’s lying to her and she just lets her asked questions go unanswered. Outside of that these books are phenomenal.
February 22, 2023
For love or money
Another world walking adventure that is impossible to put down. It you like magic, a bit of thievery and great characters and a tall tale, this story has it all. The book is very reminiscent of an Ilona Andrews tale with a strong, engaging, female main character and it is probably the best story in the series so far.
Another world walking adventure that is impossible to put down. It you like magic, a bit of thievery and great characters and a tall tale, this story has it all. The book is very reminiscent of an Ilona Andrews tale with a strong, engaging, female main character and it is probably the best story in the series so far.
March 2, 2023
Just D-lightful!
Kingsolver has a wonderfully twisty and creative imagination. All the books are good, in this series and in her others. Some series I have read/listened to several times. This series is the latest. I hope for several more books. Also, hope Audible records it soon. Enjoy!
Kingsolver has a wonderfully twisty and creative imagination. All the books are good, in this series and in her others. Some series I have read/listened to several times. This series is the latest. I hope for several more books. Also, hope Audible records it soon. Enjoy!
March 8, 2023
why isn’t it better?
The world building is good. The story lines are ok. The characters are interesting. I can’t put my finger on why the first description that comes to mind is flat. Like an interesting painting, painted in boring colors. I liked the book when she went to visit her mothers family, it was the most alive.
The world building is good. The story lines are ok. The characters are interesting. I can’t put my finger on why the first description that comes to mind is flat. Like an interesting painting, painted in boring colors. I liked the book when she went to visit her mothers family, it was the most alive.
April 8, 2023
Very good!
I read all three and while its not necessary to read them all, or in order, I highly recommend it, it just makes it easier to follow...and well worth it! I was so glad to see Diana's mother involved in this one and Kingsolver has a wonderful way of bringing the stories to life and the scenery painted with words, brings them to life! Excellent reading!
I read all three and while its not necessary to read them all, or in order, I highly recommend it, it just makes it easier to follow...and well worth it! I was so glad to see Diana's mother involved in this one and Kingsolver has a wonderful way of bringing the stories to life and the scenery painted with words, brings them to life! Excellent reading!
April 16, 2023
Another Installment in a Great Series
The further adventures of Diana Smith de Schlekek, elven blacksmith, goldsmith, Earth Mage, World Walker, and all around badass. This time she has partnered up with a former lover to find and extract the mother lode of rubies. Full of action and adventure. A very good read.
The further adventures of Diana Smith de Schlekek, elven blacksmith, goldsmith, Earth Mage, World Walker, and all around badass. This time she has partnered up with a former lover to find and extract the mother lode of rubies. Full of action and adventure. A very good read.
August 13, 2023
A bit darker than the other books I’ve been reading. It helps to have read the other books in the series. The main character is a strong female who is not looking for someone to complete her, in fact she is an independent business owner. The world traveling is interesting. I enjoy the dialogue in these books as well.
December 28, 2023
Boring
I almost couldn’t finish this one. It took 50% of the book for it to move beyond “we went here. It looked like this. Then we ate at this place.” It was going to be one star, but the second half of the book picked up after the obvious betrayal. Lanya was the only interesting character in the book, even more so than the very flat heroine.
I almost couldn’t finish this one. It took 50% of the book for it to move beyond “we went here. It looked like this. Then we ate at this place.” It was going to be one star, but the second half of the book picked up after the obvious betrayal. Lanya was the only interesting character in the book, even more so than the very flat heroine.
August 27, 2024
I have just finished the third Crossroads Chronicles book and have enjoyed them all
The main character Diana was an interesting and vibrant character. The situations that she finds herself in are interesting and the stories move right along. I didn't want to put it down until I finished. I will look for more from this author
The main character Diana was an interesting and vibrant character. The situations that she finds herself in are interesting and the stories move right along. I didn't want to put it down until I finished. I will look for more from this author
February 19, 2023
It just keeps getting better
Anything by her is a must-read, and I have never been disappointed. Adventure, intrigue, double crossing, this has it all. No spoilers but a great installment in the series.
Anything by her is a must-read, and I have never been disappointed. Adventure, intrigue, double crossing, this has it all. No spoilers but a great installment in the series.
February 20, 2023
The End?
I thought I read this would be a three book series. If so, I regret to see the end. I also see numerous spin offs available, such as a new"sister", A brilliant artist, who could also be a powerful battle mage. I do hope we are not bidding Dianne farewell.
I thought I read this would be a three book series. If so, I regret to see the end. I also see numerous spin offs available, such as a new"sister", A brilliant artist, who could also be a powerful battle mage. I do hope we are not bidding Dianne farewell.
February 21, 2023
a lovely side quest kind of book
The plot of this one felt like a side quest in Diana’s adventurous life rather than something momentous that makes progress in her core life story and plot line but it was still a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
The plot of this one felt like a side quest in Diana’s adventurous life rather than something momentous that makes progress in her core life story and plot line but it was still a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
February 22, 2023
Another Great Book
A great story told by an excellent storyteller. The crossroads chronicles series is just one of several series that Kingsolver has written that are very enjoyable.
A great story told by an excellent storyteller. The crossroads chronicles series is just one of several series that Kingsolver has written that are very enjoyable.
February 23, 2023
Worlds Galore!
Ms. Kingsolvers talent,mischievous imagination and female art of getting emotional justice is supreme.
Her different Universes open the back part of my brain to
either insanity or joyful ponderous.
Ms. Kingsolvers talent,mischievous imagination and female art of getting emotional justice is supreme.
Her different Universes open the back part of my brain to
either insanity or joyful ponderous.
February 24, 2023
Unexpected journey
Lots of excitement found on Diana's journey through the "wild" worlds. Great sense of imagination in the authors part. Really unexpected event about 2/3 through. Loved the parts her mother plays. Great adventure overall with some new characters!
Lots of excitement found on Diana's journey through the "wild" worlds. Great sense of imagination in the authors part. Really unexpected event about 2/3 through. Loved the parts her mother plays. Great adventure overall with some new characters!
February 24, 2023
Amazing story from an Outstanding Author
I loved the character, Diana and her family dynamics. She is kickass & just flawed enough to be sympathetic & believable. The world building and crossroads premise is unique and fascinating. I look forward to many more adventures.
I loved the character, Diana and her family dynamics. She is kickass & just flawed enough to be sympathetic & believable. The world building and crossroads premise is unique and fascinating. I look forward to many more adventures.
February 26, 2023
A very good read.
Once started I had to finish it. That is the mark of a good book. Our heroine shows that you can learn from previous mistakes and come out ahead. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Once started I had to finish it. That is the mark of a good book. Our heroine shows that you can learn from previous mistakes and come out ahead. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews