Mundie Moms

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

THESE REBEL WAVES by Sara Raasch / Book Review #TheRebelWaves


By: Sara Raasch
Published by: Epic Reads
Released on: August 7th, 2018
Series: Stream Raiders #1
Purchase from: Harper Collins | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound   
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 stars 
Thank you to the publisher for providing an arc/copy of the book in exchange for my honest review


A thrilling new fantasy series—full of deadly magic, double crosses, and a dangerous quest in a new world—from Sara Raasch, the New York Times bestselling author of the Snow Like Ashes series.
Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Agrid, a country ruled by religion.
But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something dangerous is at work.
Devereux is a pirate. As one of the stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he scavenges the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.
Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.
As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

The first book in a brand new series from one of my favorite fantasy series authors, These Rebel Waves is an introduction to a new series full of magic, danger, betrayal, twists and turns, family loyalty and mixed with a bit of the character chemistry I love. Beginning with rich world building, and slower in plot pace, gives way to a second half that is a fast paced, action packed, and full of deadly twists and turns. Told in three alternating points of views, this story is full of surprises, suspense and in the end will leave you wanting more. 

Adeluna (Lu) is the kind of heroine I loved rooting for. She's a solider and the former rebel spy. She's an excerpt when it comes to magic, and getting herself out of tough situations. She's quick thinking, an over all bad a, and one tough character who was easy to cheer on. She definitely meets her match with Vex. 

Devereux (Vex) is the resident bad boy in this book. He's a pirate / Stream Raider, and captain of his band of misfits. He's a smooth talker, a fighter, and while he's rough around the edges, there's a lot more to this character than meets the eye. I enjoyed getting to know him along side Lu. 

Benat (Ben) is the crown Prince of Argrid. He's a heretic, harbors a secret that could get him killed, and what you could say is a huge science nerd. Like Lu, he understands a lot about the magic. Lu and Vex are street smart characters, Ben is definitely more of the book nerd type. He's also the character I felt I understood the least until the very end of the book. His points of views weren't nearly as interesting as Lu and Vex's, though Ben's set up the more political and religious side of the story.

Vex and Lu have a chemistry that can definitely ignite the scenes they're in. They both know how to get out of impossible situations, and may even use that against each other a time or two. There's definitely no escaping the effects they have on each other. Their scenes made for some swoon worthy moments, as well as some laugh out loud ones. They definitely know how to get under each other's skin.

This book's world is complex, and dangerous. The world itself is one that is vividly detailed, and well explained. In understanding the world, readers than understand the choices the characters are making, and the consequences they've suffered through out the book. There is both a magical system and a darker political one in this story. When at odds with each other, it creates a deadly, dangerous world. I loved seeing the mix of fantasy, and science in this book. 

These Rebel Waves is a thrilling first book and great introduction to a new series. This book is full of rich details that make this world visually come to life. In the beginning of the story it definitely felt like a lot of information, but in the end, it gives way to plenty of action, deadly twists, shocking betrayal, and an unforgettable adventure. That cliffhanger ending will leave you wanting more, and will make you wish the sequel was already out. 

*There is some mild language in this book, including the use of the f-word, that may not be suitable for younger YA readers. 

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