Helpful Score: 2
In Rebel Angels, Bray continues her story of Gemma Doyle, a young English lady-in-the-making at the turn of the century.
This series does a great job of crossing genres. It's fantasy, it's historical fiction, it's romance -- it refuses to be pigeonholed. In this installment, there's more magic than in the last. Gemma and her friends Ann and Felicity step out of their corseted lives in the "real world" to escape the Christmas ball season of high society London. Rather than accepting invitations for stuffy teas and afternoon calls with her grandmother, Gemma is focusing her attentions on what to do with her newly received magic, and how to best manage the growing unrest among the tribes of magical creatures she's encountered in the Realms.
Also new to the table is a new love interest, Simon Middleton, a dashing proper English lord. When pitted against her Rakshana protector, Kartik, Bray makes a great love triangle.
The historical notes continue to be interesting, particularly the in-depth exploration of Bedlam, a famed psychiatric hospital in turn of the century London. I learned a lot reading this book. However, the most important thing that I learned was that I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Sweet Far Thing to read the conclusion of Gemma's story.
This series does a great job of crossing genres. It's fantasy, it's historical fiction, it's romance -- it refuses to be pigeonholed. In this installment, there's more magic than in the last. Gemma and her friends Ann and Felicity step out of their corseted lives in the "real world" to escape the Christmas ball season of high society London. Rather than accepting invitations for stuffy teas and afternoon calls with her grandmother, Gemma is focusing her attentions on what to do with her newly received magic, and how to best manage the growing unrest among the tribes of magical creatures she's encountered in the Realms.
Also new to the table is a new love interest, Simon Middleton, a dashing proper English lord. When pitted against her Rakshana protector, Kartik, Bray makes a great love triangle.
The historical notes continue to be interesting, particularly the in-depth exploration of Bedlam, a famed psychiatric hospital in turn of the century London. I learned a lot reading this book. However, the most important thing that I learned was that I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Sweet Far Thing to read the conclusion of Gemma's story.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this book just as much as I liked the first one. I thought both were enjoyable but I wasn't falling out of my chair or anything. I think they read on a middle school level. If they were a little more advanced, such as on a high school level, they would be more intriguing. Great concept though!
Helpful Score: 1
Twists and turns galore, I think! Again, Libba Bray has captured my attention and made me feel as if I was a part of this story. Wanting things to happen, worrying, crying. Everything that makes a great book is here!
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this whole series! There were realistic characters with realistic problems... well, aside from the supernatural aspects. :o) The book was well written and enjoyable to read. Libba Bray is a great author!
