Tribulations

The Gem Keepers Saga

Fiction - Science Fiction
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 07/10/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tribulations, the second book in The Gem Keepers Saga by Timothy David, is a gripping science fiction novel that delves deeper into the ongoing story of Emma and her fellow Gem Keepers. Set in a future where new technologies and global agreements have reshaped society, the peace on Earth contrasts with the looming war against the Dark Ones. Emma faces harrowing trials, testing her resolve, loyalty, and courage as new allies and enemies arise. The novel explores themes of survival, loyalty, and sacrifice, as Emma is pushed to the brink in a world where love and resilience are her only hopes for survival.

Author Timothy David excels in constructing a futuristic world where advanced technology and international peace coexist with darker, more menacing forces, making the setting both believable and immersive with the level of detail and a confident narrative tone. Emma’s struggles have a poignant intensity, narrated with close attention to her emotional reactions to the trials of the plot, capturing the reader’s empathy and engagement as they navigate fear, loss, and love with her. Tackling difficult subjects like human trafficking and violence is no mean feat to weave into a science fiction plot, but David handles these with sensitivity and nuance, adding gravitas to the novel without ever overwhelming the story’s core excitement. This is also intensified by the ever-increasing pace of the plot, making the story impossible to put down as the stakes ramp up higher at every seemingly hopeless turn. Overall, Tribulations is a fantastic continuation of a thrilling sci-fi series, and I’d certainly recommend it.

Rabia Tanveer

Tribulations is the second book in The Gem Keepers Saga by Timothy David. Meant for young adults, the story continues the trials and tribulations of Emma and her fellow Gem Keepers who have some new challenges to face. The world, as she knew it, had changed. There was an international agreement in place to protect peace on Earth, and new technologies made life easier. While the war was over, Emma knew this peace was short-lived, and it is up to her and her fellow Gem Keepers to protect the world from the Dark Ones. However, that is not all. Emma has to deal with her fears, her challenges, and the chaos around her to protect those she loves the most. Can she do it?

Author Timothy David expertly created the perfect narrative style to fit the fast-paced action of this story without overwhelming the reader. Tribulations is a great novel with a sharp-minded protagonist and a fantastic storyline. The pace is well-balanced and seamlessly blends intense action with character-driven scenes that are my absolute favorites. I loved how the author developed the characters and made it possible for them to grow and evolve in a steady, realistic manner. I loved Emma’s journey and her character development. I enjoyed how she handled the chaos around her and the tough choices she had to make. I really enjoyed how the author tactfully addressed serious issues such as sexual assault and human trafficking with utmost respect while using these themes as a tool to further the plot. This is a well-written, well-thought-out story, and I highly recommend it.

Emma Megan

Tribulations is the second book in The Gem Keepers Saga by Timothy M. David. It follows the Gem Keepers and their battles against the Stone Keepers. The main focus is on the true keeper's role in ending the war, restoring balance to the universe, and preventing life from being consumed by the stones. The Gem Keepers are even stronger as a team than they were in their last battle with the Dark One. They keep learning new fighting skills while protecting the world and the people from threats. Emma feels the darkness inside her slowly consume her thoughts. She doesn't want to hurt or cause Natalie or her friends pain again. Emma promised to never give up on anyone, yet she finds herself on the verge of breaking that promise. As more great dangers come their way, Emma feels even more overwhelmed. Will she embrace her darkness and let it consume her? Will the Gem Keepers defeat the Dark Ones?

Timothy M. David has created another magnificent, engaging, and captivating science fiction novel filled with raw emotions, danger, action, romance, and intense fight scenes. Tribulations is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of friendship and teen lesbian relationships. It is sharply written and perfectly captures the ugly part of being a hero: you can't help everyone, traumatic incidents deeply impact you, you feel overwhelmed, and you sacrifice a lot. This superhero book featuring six female leads is a must-read. It nicely blends personal struggle, cool technology, teenage romance, and superpowered fights. I highly recommend this fantastic sci-fi superhero action series.

Miche Arendse

Tribulations: The Gem Keepers Saga by Timothy David follows the Gem Keepers as their battle against the Stone Keepers persists. With all six Gem Keepers, the universe seems to stand a chance. In addition, developments on Earth have revolutionized humans' way of living while ensuring the well-being of the planet. All seems to be going well but the previous battle against the Dark Ones was only the beginning. The Gem Keepers will have to face foes unlike those they have faced before. Trials and tribulations await them.

Tribulations by Timothy David is the second book in the Gem Keepers saga and to say this book matched the first is an understatement. Timothy went all out in this novel, not only expanding on previous concepts from the first book but completely changing the world in the second. I really enjoyed the advancements that came about in this narrative and I felt that this also raised the stakes. Having corrected many wrongs on Earth and almost creating a perfect world made it that much more imperative to protect everything they had worked so hard for against the Dark Ones. I also enjoyed seeing how all the girls developed and learned to use their powers in new ways. The bonds that were forged in the first book are stronger than ever and we see how those bonds are tested in full force. Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend not only this one but the first book as well. This series is definitely worth keeping tabs on.

Carol Thompson

Tribulations, the second book in The Gem Keepers Saga by Timothy M. David, offers readers a journey into a universe filled with cosmic powers, high-stakes battles, and emotional complexity. This sequel follows the Gem Keepers—Emma, Natalie, Kristen, Sarah, Dakota, and Chloe—who wield otherworldly abilities to protect the Earth from powerful enemies, including Dark Ones and an array of mysterious, dangerous creatures. Their journey is not just one of physical survival but also emotional endurance as they face the weight of their responsibilities and the toll their powers take on their lives.

One of the book's strongest aspects is its impeccable world-building. Timothy M. David creates a vivid, expansive universe where cosmic entities, superhuman abilities, and alien technology collide. Readers are introduced to new characters and threats that continually expand the scope of this intricate world. From detailed descriptions of Gem Keeper abilities to the dangerous presence of Lightning Dragons, the attention to setting and lore enriches the story. Each new element, like the technology that reshapes daily life, is thoughtfully integrated into the narrative. However, this richness comes with a challenge. The large number of characters adds layers of complexity that require close reader attention. Yet this complexity also gives the story depth and allows the author to explore numerous emotional and psychological arcs across his characters. Tribulations is an immersive addition to The Gem Keepers Saga, blending fast-paced action with deeply human emotions. The story's emotional core shines through, leaving readers eager for what comes next.