Review Briefs: Rebel Belle, Blackout, and All the Truth That's in Me

These really deserve their own reviews, but they're going to get brief versions instead...

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle, #1)Rebel Belle
(Rebel Belle #1)
by Rachel Hawkins
YA Paranormal
Hardcover345 Pages
April 8th 2014 by Putnam Juvenile

Summary

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.
   

My Brief Review

I really loved Hex Hall by this same author and so I was looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of Rebel Belle. Would it have the same spunk and humor? Would it have characters I would fall in love with and cheer on? Would it have some evil villains and some awesome magic? YES! I loved how even though Hex Hall and Rebel Belle have these similarities, they are vastly different books with very different plots and characters.

This book cracked me up so many times! I loved it! I loved the dialogue and all the characters. I loved that Harper feels authentic. Does she want the super strength and fighting skills, and to be someone's protector? No, she does not and she's pretty honest about it. I loved the romance. It didn't take over the story. I loved the setting and that feel of being in the South. I liked that I'm not sure exactly what will happen in the next book, but that this one left enough of a conclusion that I didn't feel like I'm hanging out there.

I would definitely recommend Rebel Belle to contemporary/paranormal young adult readers who enjoy stories such as Hex Hall and Beautiful Creatures


Content: Some language and innuendo.

Source: Purchased

Blackout (Blackout, #1)Blackout
(Blackout #1)
by Robison Wells
YA Dystopian
Hardcover432 Pages
October 1st 2013 by HarperTeen

Summary

Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.

Jack and Aubrey are high school students.

There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.
   

My Brief Review

My, oh my. This one was intense. It was also fairly violent. I liked most of the characters, disliked some, and loved a few. It was a very interesting premise and story-line that definitely engaged me and kept my interest. The writing was well done and I wasn't ever lost. It also had a continuous feel of suspense and danger, while also balancing some sweet moments and humor. I really enjoyed it and am curious what will happen in the next book.

Content: Quite a bit of violence, possibly some language.

Source: Library

All the Truth That's in MeAll the Truth That's in Me
by Julie Berry
YA Historical Suspense
Hardcover274 Pages
September 26th 2013 by Viking Juvenile

Summary

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

   

My Brief Review

This was such a unique story! I can't say that I loved it, because I didn't. It just wasn't my kind of story. Having said that, it was very, very well done. The characters, the plot, the ending being so up in the air and unsure until the story got there, the sweet moments, these amazing fleshed out characters... Definitely a book that raised all sorts of emotions for me. I really, really disliked some individuals and felt the unfairness of the situation. Thank goodness I loved the ending! :)

Content: Some violence and innuendo, attempted rape.

Source: Library


Which of these have/haven't you read? What do you think? Will you be reading any of these in the future?

6 comments

  1. Glad to read your thoughts about 'Rebel Belle.' Just recently got that from Amazon. Now, I'm doubly curious. :)

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  2. Rebel Belle has a fantastic cover!!! Great reviews! I am so far behind in my reading this month...shame on me ;)....hehe!

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  3. I loved Rebel Belle, I thought it was so much fun! Great dialogue, hilarious inner monologue. I read this one before reading Hex Hall and enjoyed it so much I then binge-read that series. Glad you liked it! ~Pam

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  4. It still cracks me up, makes me want to sigh, and leaves a smile on my face even thinking about it now. The dialogue was just great. I totally lol about her slapping that guy at the beginning to see if she could too. ;) I can't wait for the next book!

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  5. This summer has been so busy, so I'm surprised I've gotten as much reading in as I have. I think you'd really like this one.

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  6. I hope you enjoy it! There is some language but then the MC doesn't swear and has these fun replacement words and phrases and others start saying them too. It totally cracks me up!

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