Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
♦publisher: Putnam Juvenile
♦release date: April 8th, 2014
♦hardcover, 384 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦series: Rebel Belle, book 1
♦source: from publisher for honest review
Harper Price, peerless
Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a
strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities,
Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a
Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super
strength and lethal fighting instincts.
Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.
With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.
Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.
With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.
Review: With Rebel Belle, Rachel Hawkins kicks off another fantastic series full of kick-butt action and characters to completely win me over. I was so sad when the Hex Hall series ended and even sadder when we were teased with School Spirits, only to discover it would be a stand-alone. So Rebel Belle has been at the top of my anticipation list for what seems like forever now. And I can giddily say that there was not even the tiniest bit of disappointment.
At her recent book signing, Hawkins admitted to wanting these new characters to be as far from Hex Hall’s Sophie and Archer as possible…and she definitely accomplished that. Rebel Belle introduces us to Harper Price, homecoming queen and over-achieving valedictorian hopeful, and also to David Stark, seemingly ruthless school reporter, constantly disheveled without a lick of fashion sense, and Harper’s biggest academic competition. They’ve been at each other’s throats since grade school, never a kind word between them. Suddenly Harper has the powers of a Paladin literally “thrust” upon her, which involve crazy ninja fighting skills and an undeniable instinct to protect one being, an Oracle…who just happens to be David.
Mostly the story deals with Harper’s challenge in facing this new crazy life while trying not to lose the whole life she’d built for herself before. She has great friends, a sweet romantic boyfriend, loves her family (especially her rambunctious aunts) and her town. She fears putting her life in danger because her parents have already suffered the loss of one child. How can she be willing to lay down her life as a Paladin without losing everything else she holds dear?
One more thing Rachel Hawkins just seems to excel at is giving her main character the most awesome best friends. This time around, we have Bee---I seriously wanted to hug this girl a few times throughout the story. There was one moment where Harper gets cruelly “kicked while she’s down” and Bee is right there, not with fists but with her sharp Southern sass and a look that could kill, putting Harper’s attacker right back in her place, and I literally wanted to cry out of love.
This story takes mythology, assassins, tiaras, southern manners, head-butting, cotillions, and romance and mashes it up into one big fun, action-packed, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartfelt read. I can’t recommend it, or any other of Rachel Hawkins’ books, enough!
Purchase Rebel Belle: Amazon • BookDepository • Indiebound
Aww! Amazing review :D I'm glad you loved this book. <3 I think it sounds amazing as well. I hope to read my copy of it soonish :) Thank you for sharing. <3
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, too, Carina!
DeleteThis sounds like a book I should consider reading. I keep hearing how it's Buffy meets Veronica Mars, but not even that slogan got my attention. After reading your review though, I'm going to have to change my mind. I just hope I can get a copy soon! I also want to see why Bee deserves a hug :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't tell you if it matches up to those shows, I haven't seen Buffy and Veronica Mars is on my to-start-soon list! But it's definitely a fun read!
DeleteI love the sound of them being at each other's throats. Glad to see you liked it!
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty funny to watch them at each other! And it was awesome to meet you at the signing, Tabitha!!
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this one. I always feel a bit weary starting an author's new series. That's silly, I know. I did enjoy this one--it was the first book I've read by the author although I've been meaning to pick up the Hex Hall series--but I felt kind of disappointed in the ending. I was expecting something more to happen after all the build-up only to have it be a set-up for the next book. I definitely intend to continue with the series and really liked both of the main characters, though. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, completely! As much as I adored Kelley Armstrong's previous series, I find I'm avoiding starting her new one! But Rachel Hawkins books are always so fun---I couldn't resist! And she is notorious for those wild cliffhanger endings!
DeleteOoh, yay! I've actually only read Hex Hall from Rachel Hawkins, but I really enjoyed it and always plan on continuing with the series. I'm so glad this one is good, though! The idea behind it is so interesting, and the cover is pretty fantastic. :D Great review Becky!
ReplyDeleteI loved Hex Hall series all the way through, I definitely recommend continuing! This one was not as funny as Hex Hall, had a way different feel, but was another great series kick-off!
DeleteWhen I first saw the cover, I thought she was going to write a contemporary. I'm so happy it turned out to be another book with special powers :D I love the sound of Harper and the blend of different aspects. Assassins!
ReplyDeleteI love the Hex Hall series so much - I really hope this makes it over to the UK!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the Hex Hall series yet but most of my friends loved it!! This one sounds awesome too and it's great to see that the MC has a "real" best friend instead of the fakes we see so often in books nowadays.
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