Synopsis
Harper Price, a flawless Southern belle, has always dreamt of wearing the Homecoming tiara. However, a bizarre encounter at the dance gives her extraordinary powers. Harper finds out she’s a Paladin, part of an ancient group of guardians with agility, super strength, and deadly combat skills. Things get even crazier when she learns her mission is to protect David Stark, the school reporter who she can’t stand. But as she begins to fall for him, Harper realizes David might be the key to Earth’s destruction. This new young adult series by bestselling author Rachel Hawkins is filled with witty banter, cotillion dresses, nonstop action, and a sprinkle of magic. It’s set to leave readers begging for more.
Rebel Belle Review
Books often fall into familiar categories, invoking nostalgia or reminding readers of favorite movies. “Rebel Belle,” however, stands out as a distinct tale in its own right. The story kicks off with a bang, delivering excitement right from the start with two casualties and a Southern Belle suddenly acquiring superpowers. Initially, it grabs your attention, but the narrative soon slows down as Harper tries to understand her new reality. It’s understandable she would have questions, given the circumstances, but this part drags a bit.
However, as Harper starts embracing her new identity and cooperating with David, the boy she must protect, the story picks up again. The histories of the ancient prophecies and the timelines of different groups – Ephors, Mages, Oracles, and Paladins – are fascinating, though the book doesn’t explore these aspects deeply, which might actually be a plus. Harper’s distaste for the F-word, swapping it out for “effing,” is a quirky character trait intended to highlight her Southern gentility. It’s funny at first but feels overused as the story progresses, especially with Harper’s frequent internal comments about it.
Ultimately, “Rebel Belle” is a funny and entertaining read. Some might compare it to a mix of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Veronica Mars,” though the supernatural elements make it uniquely its own. The characters evolve as the story moves forward, suggesting that the sequel, “Miss Mayhem,” will bring further development. Harper’s feisty nature and her efforts to uphold a noble path are endearing. This rebellious spirit makes the book a delightful read.
Adaptation Recommendation
Comparing “Rebel Belle” to other stories is tricky. Harper’s pre-Paladin life somewhat resembles the vibe of “Hart of Dixie,” but the supernatural elements also bring to mind “I Am Number Four,” albeit from the protector’s viewpoint rather than the one being protected. Whether as a film or TV series, an adaptation would be intriguing.
Overall Rating
Hello Gorgeous!
Book Info
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Putnam
Genre: Young Adult Supernatural/Fantasy
