Rebel Angels

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Rebel Angels is the sequel to the Libba Brays amazing A Great and Terrible Beauty. It is just as good, if not better, than the first.

Things seem to be going well at Spence despite the death of a well loved friend, Pippa. Christmastime is approaching, and soon the girls will go home to their families to celebrate, with the exception of Anne, who must stay at Spence for the duration of the holiday.

But Felecity manages to weave a new story for Anne, who then comes to stay with Fee for the holiday. Gemma is compelled to do a work of good service for a snarky comment she made, and she finds herself talking with Nell, who is a patient in the asylum where her brother Tom works. Nell isnt completely there, and she gives Gemma cryptic messages about the realms, as Nell used to be able to enter them.

There are new characters and struggles introduced. The first is Mrs. McCleethy, who is the teacher who takes over for Mrs. Moore. Gemma and her friends are mistrustful of Mrs. McCleethy and fear that she is one of their enemies concerning the realms. Then there is Simon Middleton, the well-to-do son of a rich family who has taken a fancy for Gemma. There are more visits to the realms, and the magic is taken out and used in Gemmas world. But the most difficult part is that its Gemmas job to find the source of the magic and bind it before Circe finds it first.

Just as I loved the first book in the trilogy, I loved the second. Libba Brays characters are so realistic, and so is the story even though it contains elements that could not be possible in real life. I recommend this wonderful trilogy to all teenage girls out there.

Reader reviewed by Kayla

Rebel Angels is the sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. This book follows the continuing adventures of Gemma Doyle as she pursues her recently discovered role in the Order.

Gemma must search for clues to the whereabouts of the elusive lost Temple, where she must bind the magic that is now running amuck in the realms. Gemma also has to discover the identity of the evil Circe.

This book is a great addition to the series. You will be kept guessing, especially on the subject of Circe. This book also tells more about her three friends lifes.

Reader reviewed by Janine

I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book!! I thought the first one was great but this one had so many new things, it just blew my mind. When Gemma went to the pschiatric ward where her brother worked, it was really cool. It made you think. That riddle that the girl gave at the ball there was really cool. I'm glad Gemma didn't go that other guy, I like Kartik, but it was nice seeing her getting involved with someone

What really surprised me was that secret about Felicity. It was something so unexpected. And what happened to Pippa by the end was kind of sad. But I had a feeling that would happen since the beginning. The visions were cooler in this one too. I just can't wait until the next book.

Wonderful, wonderful book! Such a great sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. I love how Libba Bray continues to develop her characters, including the Realm, even after we think we know all there is too know! The ways in which she slowly divulges the back story belonging to Gemma and her friends is a wonderful lure that pulls you through the book.

The only negative aspect that I found in this novel is that, sometimes, Bray spends too much time describing things that feel trivial. For example, at this point, her long descriptions of the realm make the story drag as do the constant reminders of the unpleasant aspects of her family and their habits and attitudes.
I enjoyed the addition of Lord Denby to the story, even though I didn’t find him overly likeable. In addition, although I know the secondary story about Ann and the theater are intended to make you like Ann more and understand her plight and woes, it mostly just annoyed me.

The mystery surrounding Circe unfolded in a way that I did not expect and was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t figure it out until the main characters did.

Reader reviewed by Emily H.

Wonderful, wonderful book!
Such a great sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. I love how Libba
Bray continues to develop her characters, including the Realm, even
after we think we know all there is too know!

Reader reviewed by Vicky

This book is an astounding book that provides a mixture of fantasy and friendship, adding just a speck of romance to complete it.

Gemma is just now realizing her true powers, and the extent of them. They have all lost their dear Pippa, and her friends are now urging her to go to back to the Realms. But Christmas break is fast approaching, and a lie is formed so that her friend, Ann, may have a very merry Christmas indeed. But will it last?

As Christmas continues to come closer, Felicity, Gemma, and Ann all reunite to fight the evil in the Realms. They have to find the temple where the magic is, while having to stay on the path. In this story, Gemma goes on an adventure of a lifetime, one that she will endure with old friends, while making some unlikely new allies along the way. Can she find the temple? And if so, will she be able to bind the magic without losing some of her closest friends?

This novel is a great read for girls who like fiction. A bestselling book that has you reading until the end, it provides you with a sense of adventure, and many lessons that apply to life.

This book was a very good one for my tastes, and I hope you enjoy it too. I long await the next book, which comes out soon after Christmas.

Reader reviewed by two sided freek

Another exceptional book from Libba Bray that has you itching to read it over and over again. The story continues on as Gemma in this book meets Simon and the sexy kartik starts to get a little jealous. Gemma will have to face her mother's childhood friend whose now Gemma enemy. A revelation that startles me (or I might be dumber than I think) has me flipping through the pages anxious to finish the book and itching at my collar at the revealing of the next book. a definite one to read but don't forget to read A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY first.

Reader reviewed by #i fan

THis book kept my interest for a week. It was unbelievable and the in depth characters stole my heart. I could not stop thinkng about this book for about a week after finishing it. It will be the metre stick for all other books i will read.

Reader reviewed by Manda Kay

This second installment of the Gemma Doyle Series, by Libba Bray, is just as great, if not better, than the first.  Having already become enthralled by her writing, Bray has astounded me once again.  In Rebel Angels, Gemma continues on her quest to find the Temple and bind the magic in the Realms.  She also is looking for the woman known as Circe.  Will she find the Temple and protect the magic? Will she find and conquer Circe?  Will everything not be what it seems?  These are all questions that will be answered when you read Rebel Angels for yourself.  If you read A Great and Terrible Beauty and loved it, you will love Rebel Angels even more.  Bray continues this series with another amazing installment.  You will again feel what Gemma is feeling and be enthralled by the good and the bad that ensues.  There is romance, betrayal, and even action and suspense that will keep you riveted. I can officially say, after reading Rebel Angels, I am impressed with Libba Bray and I can't wait for to read the next installment in this series. 

Reader reviewed by Sarah

Rebel Angels was a great sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. In this book, Gemma is going home for the holidays, and has a new mission: to find the "Temple" and bind the magic. Gemma is aided by her friends as she searches the realms for the Temple, and she is also surprised to see Pippa, as beautiful as ever, in the realms. But Gemma doesn't know who to trust. She has visions of three girls in white, who keep trying to tell her something. But can Gemma trust them?

I found this book scarier than the first, and just as exciting. I love this book, and it's one that people will want to buy.