Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2) by Moira Young

book cover of Rebel Heart by Moira Young

Title: Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2)
Author: Moira Young
Release date: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher
Reading level: YA

It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.

Rebel Heart is a surprisingly strong follow up to Blood Red Road. Moira Young has done it again. This is one book that definitely does not fit the standard of crappy follow-up novels. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. I cannot wait for the final book in this trilogy!
Saba is not the same girl as in the first book. The events of Blood Red Road (especially what happened at the end) have changed her, made her much harder, and left her very damaged. She is even more unwilling to trust people and she relies much too heavily on herself. She is not the only one who was severely messed up by what happened in the first book. Jack is very torn up by what happened with Ike. The first part of the book is told from his point-of-view (not enough of his point-of-view, in my opinion) and it’s really clear how much he cared for Ike and how much he cares for Molly. He’s still an amazing guy but he is definitely very different and I found myself questioning him throughout the book. Then there are Lugh, Tommo, Emmi, DeMalo, and some new characters. We still don’t know what exactly happened to Lugh before Saba rescued him but he is very damaged and kind of hot tempered because of what happened. I really want to know what went down with him in the first book. Tommo and Emmi don’t have huge roles in this book but they have both developed quite a bit since the first book and not always in the best ways. As for DeMalo, I’m not quite sure what to think of him anymore. He’s kind of turned into one of those villains that you could really love. He’s a very well-rounded character that I can’t wait to find out more about.
The story is a little slow but I really expected that from Blood Red Road. It really takes most of the book for things to pick up and get interesting but it’s so worth the wait. The beginning is really a lot of build up that doesn’t really come into play in this book but I think it will really matter when it comes time for the final book. And let me tell you, once this one picks up, it never slows down. The second half of this book had me on the edge of my seat and I found myself crying more than once. This book seriously made me feel every emotion! I need the final book now!
Overall, Rebel Heart is one of the strongest follow-up books I have ever read. I was not disappointed by it at all and I don’t think any reader will be. You guys need this book in your life like now! Get a copy!
Looking for more reviews of Rebel Heart?
Series:
Rebel Heart (#2)
Untitled (#3) – Jan. 2014
EMAIL
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
INSTAGRAM
RSS
LINKEDIN
Share

Leave a Reply

30 comments

  1. I’m so glad to hear Rebel heart lived up to all of the hype. Blood Read Road was one of my favorite reads last year, and it would be such a bummer if this book wasn’t as good.

  2. I think I expected Saba to change. I really liked the first book and have been anxiously awaiting this one. Thanks for your thoughts! I’m glad to hear you loved it!

  3. It’s always good to find a sequel that lives up to the first book. I borrowed Blood Red Road from the library but had to return it before I got very far. Now I’m anxious to read both! Thanks for your review and your offer!

  4. I still haven’t read Blood Red Road, but now I really want to just so I can read the follow-up! I love books with strong well written characters, and it seems from your review that Moira Young has that in spades!

    I’m glad this held up against the first book because it is so disappointing when second books are crap.

    Thanks for the chance to win by the way!

  5. I loved blood read road. definately looking forward to picking this one up. I’ll probably be getting the kindle edition though, because i’m seriously pissed they changed the covers on me. 🙁 I loved the first cover.

  6. I’m glad that the slowness of the storyline did not diminish the quality of the work! I haven’t read the first yet but sometimes its nice to know that you’re not starting a series that ends up being crummy!

  7. This is awesome that the sequel is a wonderful continuation of the series, that has merit!

    Love how you really connected:)

  8. I cannot wait to read this series! Your reviews make me so giddy and excited to read these books! Need to get my hands on this series soon.

    PS: thanks for not spoiling the series for me because I cannot wait to read them!

  9. I loved Blood Red Road. Just reading the review made me a little bit teary about the characters, an how much hurt they have to carry in their hearts . . . (Was someone chopping onions around here?) I need to pick up Rebel Heart soon!

    Grace
    Lust For Stories

  10. Oh no if anyone cried reading this book, I am for sure going to cry. Thanks for the review. This book sounds like a great read and page turner. I have to catch up and read the first. Thanks.
    -Maritza R

  11. I havent had the chance to read this series yet but Ive heard nothing but good things about it! I like what you said in your review that Rebel Heart is one of the strongest follow-up books that you have ever read! That makes me really excited to read this series because it hard to find a series with a secound book that you like just as much as the first one if not more! so thanks for the review, I cant wait to read it!

  12. Oh this sounds good! Love that there are lots of characters but you connected and cared for them all.

    I don’t mind that kind of pacing at all, and I think it gives characterization a chance to shine through and take the limelight 🙂

    Lovely review 🙂