February 1, 2015
In this sequel to Rebel Belle (2014), the new romance between Harper and David is threatened by their supernatural abilities. Harper has become a Paladin with a mission to protect David, the first male Oracle in a long line that have served the Ephors, a shadowy group that has survived from ancient Greece. Harper learns from the Ephor Alexander that she must pass three trials known as the Peirasmos. If she fails a test, she dies, and another Paladin will take her place to protect David. Meanwhile, her previous boyfriend, Ryan, has become the Mage who will aid Harper and David by casting spells and placing protective wards around their small town. As Harper goes about her daily routine, she encounters her first trial, at which she succeeds. The second trial seems murkier, with no discernable outcome, and for the third, readers will have to pay attention. While Hawkins sets up the premise nicely, she leaves part of her story unresolved, simply dropping certain elements of the plot. She also deviates from the standard paranormal formula; readers probably won't see the end coming but may find it satisfying. The usual passionate scenes plop themselves into the plot throughout, with satisfying kisses and burning touches, so fans will have no trouble finding what they seek in the romance subplot. It all seems quite ordinary supernatural stuff until it isn't. (Paranormal romance. 12-18)
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March 1, 2015
Gr 7 Up-Harper Price is back in this sequel to Rebel Belle (Putnam, 2014). She continues in her role as a Paladin, sworn protector of the Oracle, her boyfriend, David Stark. In this installment, Harper and her friends are positioned for an epic battle with the Ephors, legendary killers of the Oracle. The Ephors change the rules of the game this time: David will be trained to help them, and Harper will have to complete trials known as the Peirasmos if she wants to continue as his protector. As in the previous volume, each of these three trials will unfold in ways that threaten all that Harper holds dear. Hawkins's sophomore effort in this series sees the return of the main characters introduced in the first book, though their relationships are increasingly complex, which overshadows what should be the main conflict: the battle between the Ephors and the Paladin. Still, fans won't mind. VERDICT Overall, this title provides a satisfactory continuation of the "Rebel Belle" series.-Colleen S. Banick, Westport Public Schools, CT
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2015
Grades 8-11 They're back! Paladins, Oracles, Ephorsthe paranormal universe doesn't retreat just because Harper has to finish high school and maintain her position as alpha girl. Rebel Belle (2014) fans will eagerly follow the adventures of Harper in her death-defying role as guardian to the supremely important Oracle. Said Oracle is none other than her boyfriend, David, of course, and therein lies the dilemma. How can she protect him so he is safe enough to be her boyfriend in the normal universe? The Ephors are trying to use David's predicting-the-future abilities for their own purposes and waging a deadly war against Harper to test her strength. Then some more unearthly powers get in on the act by trying to control David, further complicating the plot. Suffice it to say Harper's signature wit punctuates the action, balancing snappy satire of the Pine Grove community and its beauty pageant with the edgy suspense of the Ephors' ever-looming next attack. For readers who like their paranormal action swirling with humor, pathos, dark arts, and fashion commentary. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: With the Hex Hall series and Rebel Belle, Hawkins made herself a best-selling satirist, and this series extension is scheduled for major promotion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2015
Hawkins's series about a Southern high school overachiever balancing beauty pageant rehearsals with supernatural powers continues. This time, Harper (Rebel Belle) must undergo three trials to prove her worth to serve as Paladin and protector to her boyfriend, David, the Oracle. Deceptions complicate the plot and lead to an unexpected--and unpersuasive--ending, but fans of Harper and David will enjoy their return.
(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)