After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn’t what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren’s instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he’s underestimated Wren and Callum.
Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).
Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.
The perfect soldier is done taking orders.
ABOUT AMY
Hi! I’m Amy Tintera, and I write novels for young adults. I grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in journalism. After receiving a masters in film at Emerson College I moved to Los Angeles, where I promptly discovered I didn’t enjoy working in the film industry, and went back to my first love, writing.My debut, REBOOT, is out now from HarperCollins/HarperTeen, with the sequel to follow in 2014. Film rights have been optioned by Fox 2000. I am represented by Emmanuelle Morgen at Stonesong.
Jaime’s Thoughts
Rebel by Amy Tintera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rebel was the perfect end to a perfect series of books. I actually read this book months ago, but every time I opened a document to start typing up my review I found myself floundering. I always struggle to write reviews for the books that I love the most. I put too much pressure on myself to try and convey the perfection that I found and I fear I’ll never do it justice. If my review were gifs it would look like this:
But what can I possibly say about a book that I thought was exactly as I’d hoped it would be and more… except for just that?
From the plot to the characters to the writing style, every single thing worked for me, and Amy Tintera will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen to these amazing characters.
Rebel picks up shortly after Reboot ends … Callum and Wren have escaped HARC and have arrived at the reboot reservation. Only it’s not exactly what they were hoping for. They quickly meet Micah who is in charge, but his plans for the Reboots isn’t really something Callum and Wren can get on board with. I’m not going to rehash everything – You can and must read this one for yourself, but there are a couple reasons that I absolutely recommend this series to so many.
First, Tintera did a lot of world building in Reboot, so it’s not as necessary in this one. The stage is set and now more time can be spent building the arc of the story, and do that she does. This was fast-paced, non-stop action from page one and if you’re like me, you won’t be able to stop turning pages. While Wren is trying to figure out what she believes in and what she’s fighting for, Callum is determined to do what he knows in his heart is right.
These characters that Tintera has created are some of my all-time favorites…
Wren – I love Wren so much – She’s one of my favorite female characters and her growth from the start of book 1 to the end of book 2 was just so well-done. She knows who she is and she has accepted her past and she doesn’t deny who she was when she was a part of HARC and I admire her for that. There is one part when she’s talking to Callum and she says “Maybe you need to take a look at who I am, instead of who you wish I were.” It was a hard scene, but it absolutely was necessary for them to have this confrontation. And while Wren struggles with her humanity she has support and love from those closest to her.
Callum – OMG Callum is my favorite. He has to get a bit tougher in Rebel and he has to take charge and own up to leading even though he might be happy having anyone else do it. ALSO he’s the sweetest in the universe…
“I’m glad you’re here,” he said sleepily in my ear.
“Where else would I be?” I asked with a laugh.
He placed his palm flat against my back, sending shivers down my spine. “Nowhere. I just thought you should know. I’m always happy you’re here.”
And not only the main characters… In Rebel Tintera take the time to let us get to know some of our major secondary characters… from Micah and Addie and Riley to Callum’s family, all are layered and such a wonderful addition to this story.
And of course Tintera brings the swoon.
He ran his hand beneath my hair and tilted my head up, planting a soft kiss on my lips, and I took in a surprised breath.
“I was thinking tonight that maybe it’s unfair for me to tell you how to feel,” he said quietly.
I pressed my hand to his chest playing with the fabric of his shirt. I didn’t know what to say to that so I kept quiet. Maybe it was unfair.
“And I like you because you’re funny and strong and different and –“
“Stop,” I said, ducking my head closer to his chest as my cheeks started burning.
“You’re the one who accused me of not liking who you are,” he said with a laugh. “I’m listing what I like.”
If you’re looking for a wonderfully crafted story with amazing and layered characters… an action-packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next, then you absolutely need to read this duology from Amy Tintera. I can’t recommend it enough. I know I’ll be waiting to see what Tintera has in store for us next… meanwhile, I’ll be rereading this series for quite some time!
Thank you to Harpercollins for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts… special thanks to the lovely book_junkee for loaning me a copy too – AND if you want some more Amy Tintera info check out our interview posted HERE
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