Review: Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
352 Pages
Release Date: April 8th, 2014
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Genre: Paranormal
Level: YA
Rating: 4 STARS

Goodreads Summary:
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.

MY THOUGHTS:
   
       Witty and full of Southern craziness, Rebel Belle was a fun book to read. I will say that the beginning (the first 2 chapters or so) wasn't the most appealing. Harper was a character that I knew I would be irritated by if she stuck with that attitude. Luckily I stood my ground and continued hoping to see that she wouldn't be having the same attitude for the rest of the book, which she didn't. Basically, just stick through it and you'll see Harper's awesome character emerge. I lovelovelovelove the idea and concept of Paladins and the way they did in a way relate to history. It was great seeing this original, fresh, and pretty light paranormal book with new elements that aren't repeated or seen from other books.

      If there are any Hart of Dixie lovers out there, Harper is a lot like Lemon. She's a Southern belle, been raised part of this small community, has this loving and hot boyfriend, a bit bossy, and full of wit (especially when it comes to David). Being part of the Southern belle life I think it something that takes time absorbing or getting used to because lets face it who even goes to cotillion or a debutante ball in high school? As I mentioned before I was pretty iffy about Harper but she actually wasn't this huge spoiled belle. I mean she didn't go directly from one person to this whole different person but there was a change as she goes from the dance to school. She was pretty determined and I loved how she researched and tried to get as much information as possible about what Paladins were. She didn't necessarily freak out or break down, she just easily adapted and was able to put all the dots together fast.

     David and Harper's relationship was the best :P I laughed at all their conversations and just so much tension sizzling between them. It was also cool to see that David was in the dark about the whole thing and became introduced to the new world at the same time as Harper. They were both able to understand each and connect. I also do like there was a reason for their unsteady and enemy like relationship ever since they were kids. And it wasn't like they were enemies for no reason as they started growing up. I mean I was pretty mad at David when he published that article. Of course I have to applaud and acknowledge David's sense of style which I think only he would be able to pull off

     Overall, I think it didn't have enough emotions and feels for me to give it a 5 star but it did have great characters and that ending ensures the high expectations I have for the next book :D Recommended to paranormal, fantasy, and contemporary lovers. While it did have the magic element to it, it also gave off a contemp feel as well :) Happy Readings!
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