LIBBA BRAY; Rebel Angles

Author: Libba Bray
Novel: Rebel Angles
Release date: 2005
Category: Gothic, historical fantasy

Blurb: Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain. . . . 
The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship. 
But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

Review: Spoiler Warning–this review may contain plot spoiler for book 1 A Great and Terrible Beauty!!

I was surprised, I didn’t think that Libba could do it. I thought that her first novel, A Great and Terrible Beauty, was dark and scary but Rebel Angles was even more so. I managed to read this novel in one day (it was exhorting) and I had nightmares all the following night.

I think I find it so scary because even though it is historical fantasy it seems so real. I get so caught up in the lives of Gemma, Felicity, Ann and Pippa that I can’t concentrate on anything else, to the extreme that I didn’t even get motion sickness when reading in the car for over an hour. That’s how focused I was! This novel will draw you in like nothing ever has before, especially if you are a female and have experienced or are experiencing your teenage years of rebellion and self discovery.

The ending, you will be pleased to know, was worth even moment. I didn’t guess what was going to happen, although I did have my suspicions. There are clues and red herrings the whole way through and the ending tired everything together, leaving me satisfied but still wanting more.

5 Stars!!

The third and final installment in The Gemma Doyle Series is sitting on my bedside table and I intend to start reading as soon as work allows me to.