Rachel Hawkins’s Rebel Belle is the first book in the Rebel Belle series. In the Southern town of Pine Grove, Harper Price is the person every middle and high schooler dreams of being. She is an active student in her school participating in cheerleading, student council, and a number of other extracurricular activities. She is smart, dedicated, and determined to succeed. At the long-awaited homecoming dance, her fate takes an entirely new route as she is endowed with the powers of a Paladin. With her newfound super strength and agility, comes responsibility. Harper must protect her worst enemy, a person whose destiny could spell the end of the world.
Harper Price is the kind of girl everyone wants to be. Along with being beautiful, popular, and intelligent, she is also hardworking and determined. She is involved in many clubs and AP classes to further herself and her school. Her schedule is packed with events and activities while somehow maintaining a social life. In all, Harper has got her life together. This all changes when she becomes a Paladin. The new obligations add to her already tight schedule. Her change in attitude, brought on by her new responsibilities put strain on her relationships. Harper must cope with all these new changes and Rebel Belle proves that it isn’t easy.
Rebel Belle is a fun book. Those who read Rachel Hawkins’s Hex Hall are in for a similar kind of story. Both are endlessly hilarious and gain momentum as the plot moves on. Rebel Belle finds that perfect niche between a fast-paced plot and a relaxing read. The book is full of action and exciting scenes, but develops at a comparatively slow rate. The plot’s progression feels natural, but never sluggish. Because Rebel Belle is neither a fast-paced nor sluggish plot, it makes it a great book to read when you’re busy. It doesn’t demand your time and attention, but provides a moving and fun story. The book was also hilarious. Harper is trying to balance her old life and her new burdens. Prepare to laugh as Harper attempts to navigate the awkward confrontations caused by her two worlds colliding. Despite all my praise, some of the secondary characters felt lacking. Many of them played small or flat roles in the plot. Hopefully, the will play bigger roles and become more fleshed out in future installments. Unfortunately, this book came at the wrong time for me, personally. I was in need of an enticing and attention-demanding novel. Sadly, Rebel Belle did not deliver. While it was a well written book, I do want to give a word of warning, “Do not read this book if you need an exciting thriller. This fun book will not be nearly as enjoyable if you do.” I give this 345 page book 4 stars.
Rebel Belle
Rebel Belle provides a slightly alternate version of history. While most Oracles are female, during the reign of Charlemagne, there was a male Oracle. This Oracle was weak at first, but soon gained great power. He created supernaturally gifted warriors to protect him. These warriors became known as Paladins. Now, once again, there is a male Oracle and a new Paladin to defend him.