Book Review: “Rebel Belle” (Rebel Belle #1) by Rachel Hawkins

“Rebel Belle” (Rebel Belle #1) by Rachel Hawkins (2014)

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Contemporary, Fiction

Page Length: 345 pages (paperback edition)

Synopsis:

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. (description from Goodreads)

Review:

“Rebel Belle” is a fun, easygoing YA read. Through it’s a bit predictable in terms of storyline and plot, it’s still a very enjoyable book. We as readers follow in the footsteps of Harper, our know-it-all/overachiever protagonist. She is involved in so many school activities it’s no wonder this girl is so high strung all the time.

While overworking herself to be the “perfect” student she runs into a mysterious incident and ends up becoming a Paladin who has to protect her school enemy, David Stark. The two end up putting aside their differences to focus on the matter at hand, saving the world before bedtime.

Hawkins does a nice job creating the realm in “Rebel Belle”, giving cool fantasy elements to our “real world”. The book has lots of action to keep readers entertained as well as many sassy one liners from our protagonist, bringing the humor element to the novel. There is also a little drama in parts of the story as well as some cute romance going on.

Final Verdict:

Though the story isn’t entirely unique, I really enjoyed this novel. I had lots of fun reading the dialogue between characters and the action that occurs throughout the entire book. Recommended for fans of YA or contemporary style novels with a hint of fantasy. 4 out of 5 stars! I look forward to reading book two!