A Book Review: The Rebellion

     Hi! Today I'm thrilled to be officially reviewing The Rebellion, the sequel to Livy Jarmusch's awesome book The Coronation and one of the books I've featured in a past #IMWAYR. Like I did for my first review of the book, I noted some of the issues that Lindsey from Books for Christian Girls put in her review, and mentioned them in my post too. 

    This review has no spoilers!

    (The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.)

(Note: Check out my review of the first book HERE, and my interview with the author HERE!)

Title: The Rebellion

Author: Olivia Lynn Jarmusch

Series: This is the second in a series about the royals of Tarsurella.

Targeted Age Range: 14+

Synopsis: Something is brewing. Like the far off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change? Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2)

Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?

Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation?

Language: A few "gosh"es , a "Thank God" and "oh my word", and several mentions of name-calling, including "stupid"s, "jerk"s, and "idiot"s.

Violence: The Rebellion includes mentions of a kidnapping and a scene where the characters involved are in mortal danger. There are some mentions of suicide and death, though non-detailed. Part of the plot deals with one of the characters being a federal criminal. Several times the hostage scenes from The Coronation are mentioned.

Romance/Sexual Stuff: Like in its predecessor, The Rebellion deals with the subject of romance. Many, if not most, of the main characters find themselves dealing with their feelings toward a character of the opposite sex. In this book one of the main characters (King Addison) aims to court a girl in a God-honoring way. There are several tense scenes between the "couples", as well as a few flirty exchanges.

Spiritual Elements: The Tales of Tarsurella is a Christian book series. Following God, praying, and reading the Bible are mentioned, as well as various Scripture passages and Biblical concepts.

Magic: None

References: There are references to Joanna Gaines, Justin Bieber, Narnia, Frankenstein, Starbucks, Hallmark movies, and Disney World, as well as various Disney characters and movies.

Other Issues: More than once in the story another character lies because they don't trust the person they're lying to, or they believe it'll protect them. One character is bullied. There are several scenes where the characters fight. Lighting cigars (as a way to welcome a guest) are mentioned.

Where To Buy: The Rebellion is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Abebooks, Book Depository, and Alibris.

My Age Range: I think kids aged 14 and up would enjoy this book the most.

Read Aloud: I think this book would be better read alone.

My Opinion: After reading and loving Livy's first book, I was more than ready to start reading its sequel, hoping to find out more about what happened in the wonderful world of Tarsurella. Jarmusch has a talent for creating lively, unforgettable characters and juggling all of their unique perspectives, and the way she stayed true to who they were the sequel did not disappoint!

    I found this book as a whole to be a fun, action-packed, and interesting read, buzzing with a not-so-new mystery that just got more and more complex. I thought introducing Jane Akerly's perspective was a fun and daring choice. Although I can't say she was my favorite character, I definitely empathized with her writing struggles, and wonder what else she'll do and be a part of in future books. I especially enjoyed reading more about Addison and Vanessa as they deepened their relationship, and would LOVE to see more examples of the way they pursued their relationship in the world today!

    If you've already read the first in the series, the second is a must-read. Not only does the plot itself get even more edge-of-your-seat, but since most of the main characters have already been introduced, the sequel gives you the opportunity to get to know them and their hearts even more. And like in the first book, Livy Jarmusch's writing continues to amaze!

Discussion Questions:

-Do you think The Rebellion continued what happened in The Coronation well? Why or why not?

-Do you agree with the decision and way Addison chose to court Vanessa? Why or why not?

-There were so many subplots in The Rebellion, including Chastity's complicated relationship with Hanson, Bridget struggling to trust Liam with her heart, Hope's interest in Luke and his perspective on the royals of Tarsurella, and Vanessa's worry that she wouldn't be good enough to be a potential future Queen. Which one of these connected with you the most? Why?

-What's your opinion on Asher? Do you believe he is truly trying to change? Can you give at least three reasons from the book that support your opinion?

-After reading, what is your favorite part of The Rebellion? Why did you choose that particular part?

-The articles published by Liberty Stone sparked public protests and opinions against Tarsurella continuing to be a monarchy. Do you agree with what most young students expressed: that Tarsurella should become a democratic nation? Or do you think, like Vanessa, that the kingdom would be better off remaining how it is? Do you agree or disagree with how many of the democracy-pushing people expressed their disapproval toward King Addison?

    Thanks for checking out The Rebellion with me! This was my first time reviewing a book that was the second in a series, and I enjoyed getting to share my thoughts on a sequel.

    Have you read The Coronation and/or The Rebellion? If so, what did you think about them? If you haven't read any of the books, would you want to? Let me know in the comments.

    If you have a book or series you'd like reviewed on here, check out my Review Policy, and then recommend it to me. I'd love to receive more requests, both for book posts and interviews with authors.

   Next week, join me for a look at an old Newbery winner...