Review- Rebels Rising by Shanna Swendson

Series: Rebel Mechanics 
Genre: Historical Fantasy 
Age Group: Young Adult
Paperback
Source: Overdrive 
Published 
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Rating: 4/5

The governor has disbanded the Colonial Assembly, removing the last shred of representative government from American shores. The Rebel Mechanics and their magister allies can’t let the Empire get away with that. The time has come to act.

But to truly start turning the wheels of revolution, they need popular support from ordinary laborers, housewives, students, and the middle class—people outside the rebel movements. That’s a job for Verity Newton, under the guise of her journalistic alter ego. As the rebel movement builds momentum, Verity must take a more public, open stand for the cause—a stand that could jeopardize her job, her home, and her place in society.

At the same time, a revolution is the only way Verity stands a chance of being with Lord Henry, since they’re divided by class and by the fact that he’s wanted for treason. It’s a risk she’s willing to take.

In the third installment of the Rebel Mechanics we are back with Verity and following her as she continues her work as a governess and spy. After the events of the last book, war seems like a real possibility. I loved the expansion of the world in this book and how we visited other cities. Verity continued to grow in her role and stayed true to herself as the world changed around her. I really enjoy the romance side of things in this series as well and would love if we had a chance to see the main leads interact even more. I swoon over this couple so hard. They are adorable. 

My last review: Ethan by Grace Burrowes

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.

Review - Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson

Series: Rebel Mechanics #1 

Genre: Alternate History/Urban Fantasy

Age Group: Young Adult

Paperback: 320 pgs

Published: Square Fish 
2016 

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Rating: 4/5

A sixteen-year-old governess becomes a spy in this alternative U.S. history where the British control with magic and the colonists rebel by inventing.

It’s 1888, and sixteen-year-old Verity Newton lands a job in New York as a governess to a wealthy leading family—but she quickly learns that the family has big secrets. Magisters have always ruled the colonies, but now an underground society of mechanics and engineers are developing non-magical sources of power via steam engines that they hope will help them gain freedom from British rule. The family Verity works for is magister—but it seems like the children's young guardian uncle is sympathetic to the rebel cause. As Verity falls for a charming rebel inventor and agrees to become a spy, she also becomes more and more enmeshed in the magister family’s life. She soon realizes she’s uniquely positioned to advance the cause—but to do so, she’ll have to reveal her own dangerous secret. 

Recently I feel like I'm using the word delightful to describe all the books I've been reading. However, I don't think I can use anything else to describe Rebel Mechanics. I loved this first book in this series and I'm so glad I took the plunge and picked this up.

Verity is a feisty character who I really enjoyed following through her adventures in this first book. She does what she thinks is right even though she knows she is risking her job. I like how she is unique and integral to the rebellion, but she isn't a "chosen one." Even though she can be a bit naïve about her new surroundings, Verity is smart and quick to figure out problems. She uses her knowledge and her skills to help her though. I love her as our main character and her journey through this book was fun to follow.

There are several threads of romance in this book as well, but none of them are the main focus of the novel. Romance takes a backseat to revolution and activism for the most part. The writing might be the weakest part of the novel. It is a tad immature even for a young adult novel and I’m hoping things will improve in the next two books. I’m very excited to see where the story goes in the future and how the author balances the plot and the romance.

Overall this was a strong start. Even though there are some parts that follow tropes and are predictable, it is very enjoyable and fun to read. I’m completely engaged and ready to read the next book. (Good thing I’ve already picked it up, huh?)

My Last Review ----> Prudence by Gail Carriger