Review - Rebel Magisters by Shanna Swenson

Series: Rebel Mechanics #2

Genre: Historical Alternate History
Age Group: YA
Paperback - 336 pgs
Source: Purchased
Published: 2016
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Rating: 4/5

Tea, Love ... and Revolution!

The Rebel Mechanics aren’t the only group plotting revolution against the magical British Empire. There are rebel magisters, as well, and Verity Newton and her magister employer, Lord Henry, know that the only way for the revolution to succeed is if both groups work together. A diplomatic mission seems like the perfect opportunity for them to meet with rebels in other colonies and gather support—right under the governor’s nose.

From drawing rooms, ballrooms, and the harbor in Boston to the streets of Charleston, Verity and Henry find themselves up against stubborn factions of both magisters and Mechanics and increasingly aware that they can only really count on each other as their relationship deepens. It may take a real crisis to unite the rebel movements and rally them to the cause—but could such a crisis also tear them apart?

What I really love about this series is how fun it is. The story is fast paced and action packed. There are very few dull moments, but the action is different in every scene. Verity may be working her spy skills or they may be running down an ally from police! The story is exciting and I have a hard time putting this series down.

Verity continues to be resourceful and clever. She doesn't back down from a challenge and even when she doubts herself she stays focused on her mission and the revolution. She gains even more confidence and I really enjoy her story arc so far. I hope she continues to grow in the next book. There is a romance but it doesn't take up a lot of page time. It is a slow burn that it extremely sweet. I really enjoyed how both characters involved cared about one another without it being hot and steamy. Their relationship is focused on trust and I love both characters a lot.

Even though the big plot points in this story are a little predictable, how those events play out is very interesting and original. I like how charming this series is and Swenson builds up the duel revolution in a believable way. I wish magic was more of an essential part of the story rather than something that feels thrown in when our protagonists get in trouble. This element improved in this book since we were dealing with Magisters rather than Mechanics, but there is still room for this part of the world to grow.

I'm excited for the next book in the series and hope that the third isn't the last. I really enjoy these characters and I could spend a lot of time in their world.