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This book was quirky, cute and fun. I wouldn’t expect anything less after reading Hawkin’s Hex Hall trilogy, which I also adore. Playing like an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (in more than one way), Rebel Belle is fast-paced and action-packed.
You can tell that Hawkins is a huge Buffy fan, not just because of the multiple references, but also because of this book’s plot: bitchy, popular girl turned kickass warrior overnight with a “destiny” involving saving someone and/or possibly the world. As an avid Buffy fan myself, I definitely got on board with this storyline. I love kickass heroines, especially snarky ones.
Harper Price is stubborn, dedicated and smart. She’s got to be number one – queen at the dance, valedictorian and so forth. She’s constantly competing and arguing with fellow student, David Stark. These two do not mix well. Harper tries to avoid David at all costs, until low and behold, the unbelievable happens. After witnessing the school janitor bleeding out, Harper is forcefully given the powers and responsibility thrust upon the ancient role of a Paladin. Paladins are basically super strong, agile and quick-thinking warriors, created to protect a certain type of charge. The charge in question? David Stark. Talk about cruel twists of fate!
One of things I liked most about Rebel Belle was that we jumped right into the action. Within a dozen pages or so, Harper gains her “powers” and new status as a Paladin. David also quickly finds out that he’s extraordinary. I was relieved that everyone was on the same page, sooner rather than later, because this story would have dragged if Harper continually had to hide her mission while protecting David.
Though not the cream of the crop, Rebel Belle was entertaining. In a lot of ways it reminded me of the funnier episodes of Buffy. People are in danger, but there’s still some fluff and humor to make the situation less serious.
There’s another somewhat funny twist of fate at the end of Rebel Belle, that is sure to draw out some dramatic and also funny story lines in book two.
