Paranormal Fantasy YA Review: Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins (Rebel Belle #1)

bought

Synopsis fro Goodreads
Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more. 
 Amazon  US/UK | Amazon kindle US | The Book Depository

8.5/10

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This was fun, lighthearted, dynamic book which very much reminded me of perky Buffy Summers. I could hear her voice in Harper's.



Miss Price had guts and depth, so I wouldn't say that when she got her unexpected powers she went through a dramatic change. Not really. She drew on reserves she already had, and this is why she worked really well.

Despite references to Queen Bee, there is no maliciousness in this book, no bullying or backstabbing. I loved that this Southern small town had a strong sense of community, and the book itself felt kind. On the other hand, there was a lot of craziness going on which reminded me of Vampire Diaries as TV series.

David especially was a charmer, and I loved that Harper's boyfriend wasn't a walking and talking stereotype, and that the ending of this book created a unique situation for the trio.

I am struggling not to give you any spoilers, but suffice to say, any fan of Buffy should be able to enjoy this and relate. It has that type of humour and mood in it. Crazy aunts, cute coffee shops, Cotillion and overachieving perfectionists were a background to car chases and funky karate moves. Loved it, recommended!

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Эта книга заставила меня смеяться. Милая, добрая, смешная и сумасшедшая история героини, которая из королевы школы неожиданно превращается в супергероя, и пытается это тщательно скрывать, чтобы продолжать нормальную жизнь.

Харпер Прайс напомнила мне Баффи Саммерс свое блондинистой улыбкой и саркастичным чувством юмора. Несмотря на фон маленького южного городка в Штатах, героям удается избежать клише, за что автору большое человеческое спасибо. Особенно меня привела в восторг ситуация с бойфрендом Харпер в конце книги.

А так, никаких злых шуточек над несчастными школьниками, сильное чувство дружественного сообщества, внимательные родители, чудаковатые тётки, очаровательные кафешки... и всё это на фоне погонь в скоростных машинах и замудрённых драк в стиле кунг-фу. Веселье гарантировано, читайте!