What do you think?
Rate this book
Viral Nation #2
Rebel Nation
Sixteen years ago, a plague wiped out nearly all of humanity. The Company’s vaccine stopped the virus’s spread, but society was irrevocably changed. Those remaining live behind impenetrable city walls, taking daily doses of virus suppressant and relying on The Company for continued protection. They don’t realize that everything they’ve been told is a lie…
Clover Donovan didn’t set out to start a revolution—quiet, autistic, and brilliant, she’s always followed the rules. But that was before they forced her into service for the Time Mariners. Before they condemned her brother to death, compelling him to flee the city to survive. Before she discovered terrifying secrets about The Company.
Clover and the Freaks, her ragtag resistance group, are doing their best to spread the rebellion and stay under The Company’s radar. But when their hideout is discovered, they are forced, once again, to run. Only this time, The Company has special plans for Clover, plans that could risk her life and stop the uprising in its tracks…
Clover Donovan didn’t set out to start a revolution—quiet, autistic, and brilliant, she’s always followed the rules. But that was before they forced her into service for the Time Mariners. Before they condemned her brother to death, compelling him to flee the city to survive. Before she discovered terrifying secrets about The Company.
Clover and the Freaks, her ragtag resistance group, are doing their best to spread the rebellion and stay under The Company’s radar. But when their hideout is discovered, they are forced, once again, to run. Only this time, The Company has special plans for Clover, plans that could risk her life and stop the uprising in its tracks…
321 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
1731 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 29, 2014
**I received this book for free from NetGalley/Berkley Trade in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Post-Apocalyptic
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Shaunta Grimes has created a world that is interesting as well as dangerous. It is a world where a major plague nearly destroyed humanity. Now, the survivors, who live mostly within the confines of walled cities like Reno, are expected to get a daily dosages of a suppressant said to control the return of the plague. The Viral Nation series uses Time Travel as a way to control the populations safety, a kind of Minority Report, if you will. While the Viral Nation series is NOT filled with zombies, or maddening creatures that attack humans willy nilly, it does have a wonderful cast of characters that you can lean on in times of heart break and trouble.
Rebel Nation picks up several months after the end of Viral Nation. Rebel Nation has less time traveling, but with more emphasis on the growing rebellion against the Waverly-Stead Company, and the determination of one man to keep what he believes is his. In Viral Nation, readers learned the real truth about the suppressant the Company created, the cost to society, and how it there is an alternative. But, the question remains why The Company is so focused on 16-year old Clover Donovan that they would stop at nothing to control her, and keep her as one of the Time Messengers.
**Full Review Posted at Gizmos Reviews** Link Below! Thanks for your support!
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley* Published July 1st 2014 by Berkley Trade
*Genre* Post-Apocalyptic
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Shaunta Grimes has created a world that is interesting as well as dangerous. It is a world where a major plague nearly destroyed humanity. Now, the survivors, who live mostly within the confines of walled cities like Reno, are expected to get a daily dosages of a suppressant said to control the return of the plague. The Viral Nation series uses Time Travel as a way to control the populations safety, a kind of Minority Report, if you will. While the Viral Nation series is NOT filled with zombies, or maddening creatures that attack humans willy nilly, it does have a wonderful cast of characters that you can lean on in times of heart break and trouble.
Rebel Nation picks up several months after the end of Viral Nation. Rebel Nation has less time traveling, but with more emphasis on the growing rebellion against the Waverly-Stead Company, and the determination of one man to keep what he believes is his. In Viral Nation, readers learned the real truth about the suppressant the Company created, the cost to society, and how it there is an alternative. But, the question remains why The Company is so focused on 16-year old Clover Donovan that they would stop at nothing to control her, and keep her as one of the Time Messengers.
**Full Review Posted at Gizmos Reviews** Link Below! Thanks for your support!
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley* Published July 1st 2014 by Berkley Trade
July 3, 2014
I need book three, now!
July 9, 2014
**Find this and other reviews @ The Demon Librarian**
Absolutely AH-MAZ-ING
Last year, when I had the opportunity to read the first book in Shaunta Grimes' Viral Nation series, I knew I had found something special. It wasn't "just another" YA dystopian novel. It was truly and totally different, in the way we always hope books will be and so many, disappointingly, aren't. (You can read my review of book 1 HERE). So of course, when book 2 came along, I was all over it. Armed with high expectations, I dove in, fully prepared to have my socks rocked off.
Congratulations, Shaunta Grimes. You did it. I was even more impressed by book two than I was by book one.
In Viral Nation, the primary focus was on discovering the secrets the dreaded Waverly-Stead Company didn't want anyone to find out - proof that they'd been lying to everyone for years, following their own agenda and forging a new world where everyone is dependent on them and the supposed life-saving drugs they provide. In Rebel Nation, that focus changes a bit. It's no longer about finding out what the secrets are. It's about surviving them.
Clover is, hands down, one of the most unique and remarkable heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Her brilliance, her tenacious spirit, her determination to not be defined by her autism...no amount of praise I heap on her will come even close to doing her awesomeness justice. I will tell you this, though. I am consistently blown away by all the times Clover "rises above", as they say. All the times she has raised a defiant finger to adversity and somehow, some way, beaten the odds. Which is why, when the book ended on a sort-of cliffhanger for her, I didn't feel any fear or nervousness on her behalf. Because I know this girl. I know she will do exactly what she promised and find a way to prevail. She always does.
I ranted and raved a lot about Jude in my review of book 1, and I was sooo happy that he didn't lose any of his amazing-ness in book 2. I just adore him. Totally, completely, break-out-the-fangirl-t-shirt love his character. He is exactly the guy Clover needs by her side and I was beyond thrilled that their relationship had a chance to grow and deepen without any of that pesky angst getting in the way. They're just so beautiful together.
As for West....oh, West. I just want to hug him, because damn, if anyone could use a good hug in this book, it's him. He's under such enormous pressure in this book, but like his amazing sister, Clover, West may be down but he is never out. Over and over again, he is able to dig deep and find the strength to keep fighting another day. Even when it all seems impossible. Even when he's so tired and pulled in so many different directions, it feels like he will surely break.
Character love aside, for me one of the best things about this book was the tone. There's this intense, almost desperate feel to every situation and chapter. The struggles the characters are forced to endure, the sheer stress and strain they are all under, is contagious, and as a reader, I was completely infected by it. I was on edge almost the entire time, constantly waiting for the next bomb or axe to fall - and when it did fall, I was caught up in a whirlwind of frantic emotions, right along with the characters, as they tried to figure out how to deal with this new challenge that had come their way. It was crazy, and I loved every second of it.
Now about the ending. OMG, the ending! I've been sucker punched in the feels by books before, and I've even been knocked out a few times, but the ending of Rebel Nation hit me so hard, so fast, I didn't even know what was happening until I heard myself make this weird, half-strangled noise and felt the burn of tears in my eyes. And it wasn't even a sad type of ending! But after everything that had happened, the relief I felt knowing there was even a tiny ray of light at the end of the tunnel was so overwhelming, it sent my emotions into immediate overload. I wanted to hug everyone. I wanted to scream. I wanted to hunt Shaunta Grimes down and demand she give me the next book, right effing now.
If you haven't read this series yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. Like, immediately. Because everything that I've said here? All the praise I've heaped on the book? It doesn't even come close to matching the awesomeness of the books themselves. You simply must read them.
Absolutely AH-MAZ-ING
Last year, when I had the opportunity to read the first book in Shaunta Grimes' Viral Nation series, I knew I had found something special. It wasn't "just another" YA dystopian novel. It was truly and totally different, in the way we always hope books will be and so many, disappointingly, aren't. (You can read my review of book 1 HERE). So of course, when book 2 came along, I was all over it. Armed with high expectations, I dove in, fully prepared to have my socks rocked off.
Congratulations, Shaunta Grimes. You did it. I was even more impressed by book two than I was by book one.
In Viral Nation, the primary focus was on discovering the secrets the dreaded Waverly-Stead Company didn't want anyone to find out - proof that they'd been lying to everyone for years, following their own agenda and forging a new world where everyone is dependent on them and the supposed life-saving drugs they provide. In Rebel Nation, that focus changes a bit. It's no longer about finding out what the secrets are. It's about surviving them.
Clover is, hands down, one of the most unique and remarkable heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Her brilliance, her tenacious spirit, her determination to not be defined by her autism...no amount of praise I heap on her will come even close to doing her awesomeness justice. I will tell you this, though. I am consistently blown away by all the times Clover "rises above", as they say. All the times she has raised a defiant finger to adversity and somehow, some way, beaten the odds. Which is why, when the book ended on a sort-of cliffhanger for her, I didn't feel any fear or nervousness on her behalf. Because I know this girl. I know she will do exactly what she promised and find a way to prevail. She always does.
I ranted and raved a lot about Jude in my review of book 1, and I was sooo happy that he didn't lose any of his amazing-ness in book 2. I just adore him. Totally, completely, break-out-the-fangirl-t-shirt love his character. He is exactly the guy Clover needs by her side and I was beyond thrilled that their relationship had a chance to grow and deepen without any of that pesky angst getting in the way. They're just so beautiful together.
As for West....oh, West. I just want to hug him, because damn, if anyone could use a good hug in this book, it's him. He's under such enormous pressure in this book, but like his amazing sister, Clover, West may be down but he is never out. Over and over again, he is able to dig deep and find the strength to keep fighting another day. Even when it all seems impossible. Even when he's so tired and pulled in so many different directions, it feels like he will surely break.
Character love aside, for me one of the best things about this book was the tone. There's this intense, almost desperate feel to every situation and chapter. The struggles the characters are forced to endure, the sheer stress and strain they are all under, is contagious, and as a reader, I was completely infected by it. I was on edge almost the entire time, constantly waiting for the next bomb or axe to fall - and when it did fall, I was caught up in a whirlwind of frantic emotions, right along with the characters, as they tried to figure out how to deal with this new challenge that had come their way. It was crazy, and I loved every second of it.
Now about the ending. OMG, the ending! I've been sucker punched in the feels by books before, and I've even been knocked out a few times, but the ending of Rebel Nation hit me so hard, so fast, I didn't even know what was happening until I heard myself make this weird, half-strangled noise and felt the burn of tears in my eyes. And it wasn't even a sad type of ending! But after everything that had happened, the relief I felt knowing there was even a tiny ray of light at the end of the tunnel was so overwhelming, it sent my emotions into immediate overload. I wanted to hug everyone. I wanted to scream. I wanted to hunt Shaunta Grimes down and demand she give me the next book, right effing now.
If you haven't read this series yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. Like, immediately. Because everything that I've said here? All the praise I've heaped on the book? It doesn't even come close to matching the awesomeness of the books themselves. You simply must read them.
Want to read
November 21, 2013Looking forward to reading this one. Viral Nation was great.
waiting very impatiently for Rebel Nation.
ARC where are you? I really hate waiting :(
waiting very impatiently for Rebel Nation.
ARC where are you? I really hate waiting :(
March 11, 2024
Comment, 2024:
Unfortunately, it really looks like this is going to be a forever unfinished series that ends on a cliffhanger. As I understand it, the author had planned this as a trilogy, but her publisher declined to publish the third book, leaving the entire series in a horrible limbo. I don't know if the author has the rights to publish sequels and isn't motivated to or if the rights to the whole series is tied up with her publisher. I really hope that eventually she has the rights and motivation needed to write and publish the third book to complete this story, because I really think it's a story that deserves to be finished. But I've checked in on this author's activity online over the years, and I haven't seen any sign that coming back to this series is anywhere in her hopes or plans. I hope one day that changes, but I just wanted to warn potential readers not to hold your breath for this ever being a complete story.
Review, 2014:
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. I really like the characters and their relationships. I particularly like that different family relationships are so important, and that the book includes adults as well as kids as major players (and not just the villain). Most YA books don't have adults who are actively involved in the action. I think in this case it works because the kids are older, basically adults in most cases, and the adults come into it later, after the kids are already the established leaders of the group. And because none of the adults are particularly responsible themselves (in the way that would make them naturally take charge of the situation).
Another reviewer said that not much happens and this book is mostly people going from one place to another. I can't really argue with that. But somehow it was still interesting to me, and I finished the book pretty quickly because it kept me engaged.
The ending kind of annoys me, though. It's the sort of ending that it feels like the author did because it has to set up events in the third book and not because it was the most logical thing for the characters to do. I wanted to yell at her, "He's the bad guy! He won't stop coming after everyone until you're all dead! You can't appease him!"
Speaking of which, the characters seem to make a lot of plans, then not follow through on them. They start going one place, then change their mind and go home. It's kinda weird. Not always, but multiple times in this book.
Still, the characters really engage me, and this is still the most believable (to me) dystopian YA that I've read yet, so I'm looking forward to the third book.
If you like your YA to be about more than the romance between the main character and her love interest (though that's certainly present) and enjoy stories about complicated yet loving family dynamics, you should definitely check this book out.
Unfortunately, it really looks like this is going to be a forever unfinished series that ends on a cliffhanger. As I understand it, the author had planned this as a trilogy, but her publisher declined to publish the third book, leaving the entire series in a horrible limbo. I don't know if the author has the rights to publish sequels and isn't motivated to or if the rights to the whole series is tied up with her publisher. I really hope that eventually she has the rights and motivation needed to write and publish the third book to complete this story, because I really think it's a story that deserves to be finished. But I've checked in on this author's activity online over the years, and I haven't seen any sign that coming back to this series is anywhere in her hopes or plans. I hope one day that changes, but I just wanted to warn potential readers not to hold your breath for this ever being a complete story.
Review, 2014:
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. I really like the characters and their relationships. I particularly like that different family relationships are so important, and that the book includes adults as well as kids as major players (and not just the villain). Most YA books don't have adults who are actively involved in the action. I think in this case it works because the kids are older, basically adults in most cases, and the adults come into it later, after the kids are already the established leaders of the group. And because none of the adults are particularly responsible themselves (in the way that would make them naturally take charge of the situation).
Another reviewer said that not much happens and this book is mostly people going from one place to another. I can't really argue with that. But somehow it was still interesting to me, and I finished the book pretty quickly because it kept me engaged.
The ending kind of annoys me, though. It's the sort of ending that it feels like the author did because it has to set up events in the third book and not because it was the most logical thing for the characters to do. I wanted to yell at her, "He's the bad guy! He won't stop coming after everyone until you're all dead! You can't appease him!"
Speaking of which, the characters seem to make a lot of plans, then not follow through on them. They start going one place, then change their mind and go home. It's kinda weird. Not always, but multiple times in this book.
Still, the characters really engage me, and this is still the most believable (to me) dystopian YA that I've read yet, so I'm looking forward to the third book.
If you like your YA to be about more than the romance between the main character and her love interest (though that's certainly present) and enjoy stories about complicated yet loving family dynamics, you should definitely check this book out.
June 24, 2014
4.5 stars
Find original review and giveaway at Reading with ABC
Last year I participated in the blog tour for Virus Nation, I really loved it because it’s very different. I was dying to read Revel Nation and it didn’t disappoint at all.
One of the things that makes this book different is the plot development. It is so unpredictable and I find it fascinating. Every time that I think I know what’s going to happen, the complete opposite ends up happening! The story picks up a couple of months after the ending of Virus Nation and follows our favorite characters in their fight against The Company.
The second thing that makes this series so good are the characters. Clover is autistic and she’s amazing. She’s smart, loyal, logical, and tries her best to overcome her limitations to help others the best way she cans. Jude is so understanding, and tender with Clover and their relationship is so sweet. I love them both and I hope it all works out. West is so endearing, he’s only 20 but has the weight of a big group of people to take care of. He’s full of doubts, but does what needs to get done without question and tries to be the leader that the Freaks need. These are the main players in the resistance. Go Freaks!
“He looked at the pallet he’d made on the floor out of the sofa cushions and started to ease away from Clover.
“Just say,” she murmured.
He slipped down so he was lying next to her and she curled against him, her head on his chest. How was he ever going to keep her safe?”
The main freaks that we met in the previous book, Christopher, Phire, Marta and Emmy are all there. Also Isaiah, James, and Leanne, join them, even if they are not exactly willing at the beginning. It is also interesting that we now get to see how other live outside of the walled cities and the possibilities. As bad guys go, Bennet is one of the absolute worse. I’m not even sure that we know the extent of his madness and his obsession, but I have a feeling that we will know soon enough.
The story is told in the third person from multiple points of view, mainly from Clover, Jude, West, James, and Bennett. I know it is a bit unusual for YA books to do this, but it works perfectly, in the story. Revel Nation expands on the world building that stared in the first book. This is a dystopian that starts in an undetermined future when a virus and wars decimated most of the population in the US. The cure was achieved because someone found a portal to travel to the future and brought the ‘cure’ over to the present. The world changed a lot during that time. Not regressed, but most survivors live within walled cities and don’t have access to things that we take for granted, like electricity, phones and internet. Except, of course, if you work for The Company. So… no zombies or mutations, but instead a lot of discontent and political turmoil. The writing is so good! I loved how easy it is to understand and follow.
“Virginia City was like something out of one of the old Western movies they sometimes played at the library. “City” was a little ambitious, Clover though, but guessed that when it was built, the name fit.”
Holy cliffhangers Batman! What was that? The wait for the conclusion of the series will be torturous at best.
Find original review and giveaway at Reading with ABC
Last year I participated in the blog tour for Virus Nation, I really loved it because it’s very different. I was dying to read Revel Nation and it didn’t disappoint at all.
One of the things that makes this book different is the plot development. It is so unpredictable and I find it fascinating. Every time that I think I know what’s going to happen, the complete opposite ends up happening! The story picks up a couple of months after the ending of Virus Nation and follows our favorite characters in their fight against The Company.
The second thing that makes this series so good are the characters. Clover is autistic and she’s amazing. She’s smart, loyal, logical, and tries her best to overcome her limitations to help others the best way she cans. Jude is so understanding, and tender with Clover and their relationship is so sweet. I love them both and I hope it all works out. West is so endearing, he’s only 20 but has the weight of a big group of people to take care of. He’s full of doubts, but does what needs to get done without question and tries to be the leader that the Freaks need. These are the main players in the resistance. Go Freaks!
“He looked at the pallet he’d made on the floor out of the sofa cushions and started to ease away from Clover.
“Just say,” she murmured.
He slipped down so he was lying next to her and she curled against him, her head on his chest. How was he ever going to keep her safe?”
The main freaks that we met in the previous book, Christopher, Phire, Marta and Emmy are all there. Also Isaiah, James, and Leanne, join them, even if they are not exactly willing at the beginning. It is also interesting that we now get to see how other live outside of the walled cities and the possibilities. As bad guys go, Bennet is one of the absolute worse. I’m not even sure that we know the extent of his madness and his obsession, but I have a feeling that we will know soon enough.
The story is told in the third person from multiple points of view, mainly from Clover, Jude, West, James, and Bennett. I know it is a bit unusual for YA books to do this, but it works perfectly, in the story. Revel Nation expands on the world building that stared in the first book. This is a dystopian that starts in an undetermined future when a virus and wars decimated most of the population in the US. The cure was achieved because someone found a portal to travel to the future and brought the ‘cure’ over to the present. The world changed a lot during that time. Not regressed, but most survivors live within walled cities and don’t have access to things that we take for granted, like electricity, phones and internet. Except, of course, if you work for The Company. So… no zombies or mutations, but instead a lot of discontent and political turmoil. The writing is so good! I loved how easy it is to understand and follow.
“Virginia City was like something out of one of the old Western movies they sometimes played at the library. “City” was a little ambitious, Clover though, but guessed that when it was built, the name fit.”
Holy cliffhangers Batman! What was that? The wait for the conclusion of the series will be torturous at best.
September 14, 2014
"Rebel Nation" is the second book in a riveting dystopian series that began with " Viral Nation". Shaunta Grimes has set the stage sixteen years after a plague devastated most of humanity. The Company devised a vaccine that stopped the virus's spread, but quickly the populace became addicted to the suppressant. What those living within the city walls don't realize is that their protection costs lives, and that they're being controlled by the Company.
In this story Clover Donovan has escaped the confines of the city with Jude Degas and several children from Foster City before Langston Bennett can force her back into service with the Time Mariners. If her plan is successful she wants to join the resistance group lead by her brother, a man thought to be dead and to continue the hunt for Waverley's notes which she suspects are hidden in Washington DC. But Langston is not about to let Clover escape his clutches. With the help of the Headmaster of the Academy where Clover went to school he intends to hunt the fugitives down, destroy the resistance and utilize her ability to travel through the time portal.
The plot is fast-paced and action-packed especially when Clover and Jude are being hunted by Langston's guard. As events unfold, the storyline begins to twist and turn as enemies suddenly become friends and those who are disloyal are faced with death. The heart of this story is centered on the growing rebellion as dissent spreads; the Freaks finding small pockets of resistance emerging.
The main characters have begun to mature in the face of danger, becoming stronger and more resilient. Clover Donovan the highly intelligent teen with an acute memory is honest, committed, self-sacrificing and reckless. Because of her autism which is valuable to the Company's Time Mariner program, she suffers from panic attacks, her only salvation the stabilizing effect of Mango, her devoted bulldog and the calming effect of Jude Degas. Although she hates to be touched Clover desperately tries to overcome her aversion, and has finally yielded to Jude's affection which can be overpowering at times. Scarred by an abusive foster father the amiable and clever Jude has become more demanding and overly sensitive to the moods of the young woman he loves.
West Donovan, Clover's brother struggles with the weight of responsibility, making reckless decisions at times. He's caring, over-protective and selfless Shattered by the death of his wife and trying to be of service to his city, James Donovan's belief in the Company has begun to crumble. He takes a courageous and momentous step that could save the life of the loyal and brave Time Mariner trainer Leanne Wood. In this storyline Langston Bennett has become even more despicable with his heartless murders and his insatiable need to capture Clover. All these characters and more add to the passion, drama and energy of this emotionally-charged story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the series and can't wait to see what happens after the shocking cliff-hanger. I'd rate it 3.5 but will give a 4.0.
In this story Clover Donovan has escaped the confines of the city with Jude Degas and several children from Foster City before Langston Bennett can force her back into service with the Time Mariners. If her plan is successful she wants to join the resistance group lead by her brother, a man thought to be dead and to continue the hunt for Waverley's notes which she suspects are hidden in Washington DC. But Langston is not about to let Clover escape his clutches. With the help of the Headmaster of the Academy where Clover went to school he intends to hunt the fugitives down, destroy the resistance and utilize her ability to travel through the time portal.
The plot is fast-paced and action-packed especially when Clover and Jude are being hunted by Langston's guard. As events unfold, the storyline begins to twist and turn as enemies suddenly become friends and those who are disloyal are faced with death. The heart of this story is centered on the growing rebellion as dissent spreads; the Freaks finding small pockets of resistance emerging.
The main characters have begun to mature in the face of danger, becoming stronger and more resilient. Clover Donovan the highly intelligent teen with an acute memory is honest, committed, self-sacrificing and reckless. Because of her autism which is valuable to the Company's Time Mariner program, she suffers from panic attacks, her only salvation the stabilizing effect of Mango, her devoted bulldog and the calming effect of Jude Degas. Although she hates to be touched Clover desperately tries to overcome her aversion, and has finally yielded to Jude's affection which can be overpowering at times. Scarred by an abusive foster father the amiable and clever Jude has become more demanding and overly sensitive to the moods of the young woman he loves.
West Donovan, Clover's brother struggles with the weight of responsibility, making reckless decisions at times. He's caring, over-protective and selfless Shattered by the death of his wife and trying to be of service to his city, James Donovan's belief in the Company has begun to crumble. He takes a courageous and momentous step that could save the life of the loyal and brave Time Mariner trainer Leanne Wood. In this storyline Langston Bennett has become even more despicable with his heartless murders and his insatiable need to capture Clover. All these characters and more add to the passion, drama and energy of this emotionally-charged story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the series and can't wait to see what happens after the shocking cliff-hanger. I'd rate it 3.5 but will give a 4.0.
July 20, 2014
It’s not all that easy these days to come up with a fresh idea in dystopian fiction but, in Viral Nation, Shaunta Grimes did just that and has now followed it up with a nicely done sequel, Rebel Nation. In this second of the trilogy, the reader becomes re-acquainted with Clover Donovan, an autistic teen who happens to be of serious interest to the government specifically because of her autism. It’s possible that other books have been written with an autistic protagonist in a dystopian world; if so, I don’t know of them and I think it would be difficult to find a better characterization of how such a child might fit in. I don’t know a lot of details about the spectrum but I believe Clover would be deemed high-functioning in today’s reality.
Clover is a unique protagonist and is written so well that she came alive for me on all levels. I appreciated the author’s depictions of Clover’s awareness of those times when her behavior is not quite appropriate and her determination to contain herself. At the same time, we can see that she needs a special sort of assistance which she gets from her loyal and loving service dog, Mango. Her relationship with the very admirable Jude is another highlight of the story and his devotion to her, even when faced with her reactions to certain stimuli, is *so* much more believable than the all-too-frequent romances we find in Young Adult fiction. Jude is the young man I would want on my side if I were Clover.
There are plenty of villains in Rebel Nation but none quite so despicable as Bennett and his single-minded determination to make use of Clover’s abilities comes across loud and clear. Whether Clover and Jude, along with the rest of their ragtag group, could stay out of his clutches and spread the rebellion against The Company kept me reading all night and I didn’t regret a moment of my lost sleep. The Freaks are a resistance group that shoulders a great weight and I really wish I could continue the story now, especially since Ms. Grimes has left us with a humdinger of a cliffhanger. There’s a prequel novella coming out soon—I guess that’ll have to tide me over till the third book ;-)
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, June 2014.
Clover is a unique protagonist and is written so well that she came alive for me on all levels. I appreciated the author’s depictions of Clover’s awareness of those times when her behavior is not quite appropriate and her determination to contain herself. At the same time, we can see that she needs a special sort of assistance which she gets from her loyal and loving service dog, Mango. Her relationship with the very admirable Jude is another highlight of the story and his devotion to her, even when faced with her reactions to certain stimuli, is *so* much more believable than the all-too-frequent romances we find in Young Adult fiction. Jude is the young man I would want on my side if I were Clover.
There are plenty of villains in Rebel Nation but none quite so despicable as Bennett and his single-minded determination to make use of Clover’s abilities comes across loud and clear. Whether Clover and Jude, along with the rest of their ragtag group, could stay out of his clutches and spread the rebellion against The Company kept me reading all night and I didn’t regret a moment of my lost sleep. The Freaks are a resistance group that shoulders a great weight and I really wish I could continue the story now, especially since Ms. Grimes has left us with a humdinger of a cliffhanger. There’s a prequel novella coming out soon—I guess that’ll have to tide me over till the third book ;-)
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, June 2014.
June 29, 2014
Even more twisted and survival based than Viral Nation! This series keeps getting better and better with every book.
Rebel Nation seamlessly wove the story from Viral Nation (book 1) and reminded us readers of the main story developments from book 1 but without overkill - an element not usually done so efficiently, well done Grimes! I did however miss the time travel element from book 1 but I do fully understand and appreciate its non-existence due to the focus of the Freaks in the present and concentrating on rooting themselves for the Winter months as well as escaping Bennett's grasp.
Bennett's character in Rebel Nation was even more evil than book 1 - a task I didn't think possible! There was one scene in particular that was so craftily written by Grimes that I thought I knew what Bennett had done, but I wasn't sure - I was also hoping he hadn't - and it turned out he did! I still can't believe it! He's so evil!
I further continued to enjoy Clover's character in Rebel Nation, as I did in Viral Nation, and continued to feel that her autism made her character more interesting and her behaviour in certain situations added to the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world and the dystopian theme. Mango, Clover's dog companion, again was my favourite character, he didn't get as much focus in Rebel Nation but he continued to understand and help Clover's behaviour and thoughts. She's certainly building herself a good support system now with Mango, West and Jude - there was more development of the Clover and Jude relationship in Rebel Nation too which was sweet.
Overall Rebel Nation did not disappoint with its dystopian content, more details were presented about the Company and their evil doings, the Freaks rebellion as well as the world outside of Reno and other survivor settlements. This rebellion has officially kicked off and I guess we'll now have to until Book 3 to see how it all continues. Once again I've been left wishing I had the next book. Grimes writes a superb cliffhanger again!
Rebel Nation seamlessly wove the story from Viral Nation (book 1) and reminded us readers of the main story developments from book 1 but without overkill - an element not usually done so efficiently, well done Grimes! I did however miss the time travel element from book 1 but I do fully understand and appreciate its non-existence due to the focus of the Freaks in the present and concentrating on rooting themselves for the Winter months as well as escaping Bennett's grasp.
Bennett's character in Rebel Nation was even more evil than book 1 - a task I didn't think possible! There was one scene in particular that was so craftily written by Grimes that I thought I knew what Bennett had done, but I wasn't sure - I was also hoping he hadn't - and it turned out he did! I still can't believe it! He's so evil!
I further continued to enjoy Clover's character in Rebel Nation, as I did in Viral Nation, and continued to feel that her autism made her character more interesting and her behaviour in certain situations added to the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world and the dystopian theme. Mango, Clover's dog companion, again was my favourite character, he didn't get as much focus in Rebel Nation but he continued to understand and help Clover's behaviour and thoughts. She's certainly building herself a good support system now with Mango, West and Jude - there was more development of the Clover and Jude relationship in Rebel Nation too which was sweet.
Overall Rebel Nation did not disappoint with its dystopian content, more details were presented about the Company and their evil doings, the Freaks rebellion as well as the world outside of Reno and other survivor settlements. This rebellion has officially kicked off and I guess we'll now have to until Book 3 to see how it all continues. Once again I've been left wishing I had the next book. Grimes writes a superb cliffhanger again!
July 5, 2017
Three and a half stars.
Not quite as good as the first installment. Again the book leaves off with the story not complete. This book felt like a little more revision or editing was needed, a few places where it was unclear who was talking, saying "he" with a room of males doesn't help. Most of the story again takes place in dialogue, but some of the back and forth was repetitive. Overall a quick read and enjoyable enough that I could recommend reading it, just not heartily. Hopefully with the next book the writing is a little better.
Since I received this book free (Thank you Penguin!!) I read the first Viral Nation in the series. It has been worth my time for both books, but not sure how hard I'll look for the next one in the series. Will have to wait and see as this one just came out.
Not quite as good as the first installment. Again the book leaves off with the story not complete. This book felt like a little more revision or editing was needed, a few places where it was unclear who was talking, saying "he" with a room of males doesn't help. Most of the story again takes place in dialogue, but some of the back and forth was repetitive. Overall a quick read and enjoyable enough that I could recommend reading it, just not heartily. Hopefully with the next book the writing is a little better.
Since I received this book free (Thank you Penguin!!) I read the first Viral Nation in the series. It has been worth my time for both books, but not sure how hard I'll look for the next one in the series. Will have to wait and see as this one just came out.
July 14, 2014
One of my favorite things about this book is that the romance and the small little love triangles don't over shadow the plot. The characters aren't turned into love sick morons, and that is so hard to find in YA books.
My only complaint about this book is Jude constantly being so protective of Clover is a bit annoying at times BUT as I'm feeling this annoyance, I can see why he would be and I can see that Clover doesn't mind, so it all evens out.
I recommend Viral Nation and Rebel Nation to everyone who asks me for book recs!
I need the next book. And a movie series.
My only complaint about this book is Jude constantly being so protective of Clover is a bit annoying at times BUT as I'm feeling this annoyance, I can see why he would be and I can see that Clover doesn't mind, so it all evens out.
I recommend Viral Nation and Rebel Nation to everyone who asks me for book recs!
I need the next book. And a movie series.
July 30, 2014
It seems that with this one the rebellion is a growing. I find it funny how kids are the start of it. I do like how they all see things need to change, mostly because of how they are treated. And being kids they don't have the mind set of "it could never happen". I like how Clover sees things and manages to get people to see her side of things. I don't agree with her choice at the end, but I love what West and his band of motely crew find when they make their choice. No longer will they be easy prey. I also loved how Clover encountered at the end, it almost makes up for her bad choice.
July 2, 2014
Hot damn she's done it again! This was ever bit as good as the first and even better than the first in a lot of ways. Kinda hard to review this one without spoiling it! I would of easily read this in one sitting if it hadn't of been for RL. It was pretty cool to see he characters grow into their roles more and there were some "I didn't see that coming" moments! With the way it ended i can't wait to see where Ms. Grimes takes the third book!
August 23, 2014
306 pages and almost nothing happens. I was looking forward to this second book in the series, but became quite frustrated and irritated by the lack of plot development. The majority of the book does little more than have the characters leave and return to various locations, over and over again. The characters change their minds too often to count, but none of the changes result in advancing the plot. A true disappointment.
Want to read
February 4, 2014These books have the most badass covers.
July 7, 2014
This book is clearly setting up for a really killer end to the trilogy. Now I have to wait ANOTHER year for the next one.
July 23, 2014
I can not wait until the next one!!!
December 15, 2022
*longest "oh boi" ever* and "Watch how hard I can cry!! *SOBS AGRESSIVELY*".
I found this book in a "fill a bag of books and pay almost nothing"-thing at a second hand store, and because this is the SECOND book of a series, I will now have to spend absolutely forever trying to hunt the other parts down to fill in the gaps this left me.
Because I never read the first part of this series, a lot of backstory and history of the world was lost on me/very confusing, even though I feel like I semi-got it eventually. It has a lot of interesting characters with different motivations and experiences, and it really shows in the absurd amount of stressful descisions they are forced to make. Also, I figured out after a while that Bennet reminded me of Azula from ATLA a lot when she finally went off the rails, and even tho we don't meet Bennett all that much in this book (and I had no idea of what he did in the first book), he still managed to scare the absolute bejeezus out of me just by his lack of self-control, and the fact that you never know how close he is to snapping completely.
I feel that I, (as a white, neurotypical european) shouldn't and can't rate the portrayal of the poc and people with diabilities in this book, but I can say that there are a lot of them in there. Clover has autism and from the people I've met in my job with neurodivergent kids, I feel like a lot of it makes sense and feels realistic. I'll leave the proper rating to people who experience it themselves tho.
The relationships felt natural, and even tho I bet a lot of it/at least some of it was pure trauma bonding, I want the best for these characters. They DESERVE IT! 😭
The thing that knocks this book down from a five to a four is partly my own fault of not looking up the first book first, but also the super generic names for things such as "The Kill Room" or "The Company". I feel like it would have been way more impactful? Realistic? if the Company had a lil more flowery (or name-generator) names, it would've been cool.
This book also felt more like a filler/buildup to the big rebellion/takedown of Bennet and the Company (I'm assuming), and even tho not a lot happened, I binged through the last HALF of the book in one go when things took multiple turns for the even worse. 👌👌 good shit !
(Edit: I just found out that this book was published in 2014 ?? And there is no book AFTER THIS ??? WITH THAT CLIFFHANGER??? 😭😭 I'm gonna go cry even harder now thank you)
I found this book in a "fill a bag of books and pay almost nothing"-thing at a second hand store, and because this is the SECOND book of a series, I will now have to spend absolutely forever trying to hunt the other parts down to fill in the gaps this left me.
Because I never read the first part of this series, a lot of backstory and history of the world was lost on me/very confusing, even though I feel like I semi-got it eventually. It has a lot of interesting characters with different motivations and experiences, and it really shows in the absurd amount of stressful descisions they are forced to make. Also, I figured out after a while that Bennet reminded me of Azula from ATLA a lot when she finally went off the rails, and even tho we don't meet Bennett all that much in this book (and I had no idea of what he did in the first book), he still managed to scare the absolute bejeezus out of me just by his lack of self-control, and the fact that you never know how close he is to snapping completely.
I feel that I, (as a white, neurotypical european) shouldn't and can't rate the portrayal of the poc and people with diabilities in this book, but I can say that there are a lot of them in there. Clover has autism and from the people I've met in my job with neurodivergent kids, I feel like a lot of it makes sense and feels realistic. I'll leave the proper rating to people who experience it themselves tho.
The relationships felt natural, and even tho I bet a lot of it/at least some of it was pure trauma bonding, I want the best for these characters. They DESERVE IT! 😭
The thing that knocks this book down from a five to a four is partly my own fault of not looking up the first book first, but also the super generic names for things such as "The Kill Room" or "The Company". I feel like it would have been way more impactful? Realistic? if the Company had a lil more flowery (or name-generator) names, it would've been cool.
This book also felt more like a filler/buildup to the big rebellion/takedown of Bennet and the Company (I'm assuming), and even tho not a lot happened, I binged through the last HALF of the book in one go when things took multiple turns for the even worse. 👌👌 good shit !
(Edit: I just found out that this book was published in 2014 ?? And there is no book AFTER THIS ??? WITH THAT CLIFFHANGER??? 😭😭 I'm gonna go cry even harder now thank you)
August 11, 2022
Why isn't there a third book???
In case you're just getting into this "duology" I want to warn you, it is an unfinished series as far as I can tell. I really really enjoyed Viral Nation and just finished Rebel Nation which I also loved! BUT I *knew* that it should have been a series. A third of the way into Rebel Nation, I wished it were at least a trilogy because I thought there was enough content to at least warrant a third book. At that time, though, I had no doubt things would get wrapped up in this book. Fast forward to about 50 pages from the end and I was getting worried. 30 pages. 25. No way it can get wrapped up with what's happening, right? A chapter and a half left. I had to put the book down for a solid 20 minutes cause I knew this couldn't be the end, but I was (and am) also pretty sure there's no other book (except the free short story Broken Nation which is a PREQUEL and not what I want, though I'm still gonna read it). I eventually finished it. And I was right. There is no way this was supposed to be the last book. So now I am immensely sad and disappointed and I needed to rant. If you have also just completed this unfinished series, mourn with me. I'd love to chat about our shared sadness.
In case you're just getting into this "duology" I want to warn you, it is an unfinished series as far as I can tell. I really really enjoyed Viral Nation and just finished Rebel Nation which I also loved! BUT I *knew* that it should have been a series. A third of the way into Rebel Nation, I wished it were at least a trilogy because I thought there was enough content to at least warrant a third book. At that time, though, I had no doubt things would get wrapped up in this book. Fast forward to about 50 pages from the end and I was getting worried. 30 pages. 25. No way it can get wrapped up with what's happening, right? A chapter and a half left. I had to put the book down for a solid 20 minutes cause I knew this couldn't be the end, but I was (and am) also pretty sure there's no other book (except the free short story Broken Nation which is a PREQUEL and not what I want, though I'm still gonna read it). I eventually finished it. And I was right. There is no way this was supposed to be the last book. So now I am immensely sad and disappointed and I needed to rant. If you have also just completed this unfinished series, mourn with me. I'd love to chat about our shared sadness.
March 31, 2018
Seriously when is the next book coming out!! This is a great book, and what makes it amazing is that it's set in a place that is no more than a 3 hr drive from me! In the future our world is plagued with a deadly illness that kills most of the population. In swoops a Company that brings the "vaccine." What follows is a nail biting tale of how a few teenagers and adults turn this company upside down. The main character is a 16 year old Autistic girl who is brave, smart, and down right killer! I can't say much or I'd give out spoilers which I don't! So go grab this book! If you haven't read the first one go grab that one and this one! I know you won't be able to put them down! Happy reading my friends.
June 8, 2020
So...I loved these books and read straight thru both. However, it's been 6 years since this 2nd book was written and I don't see a 3rd or plans for the 3rd to come out.. if that's really the case then I will definitely be changing my rating bc that's just not cool.
The books end on cliff hangers and the problem is never solved in either. I just can't handle that if there's not gonna be an end to this series ever
The books end on cliff hangers and the problem is never solved in either. I just can't handle that if there's not gonna be an end to this series ever
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2018
A little bit less well-paced than the first one, but still very fun, with good twists and turns. We get to see more of characters I love, like Clover (and Mango!) and Leanne. It was a bit annoying how West and Jude were so overprotective of Clover, but I like that she took her agency in her own hands several times. Overall, a good addition to the series, and I'll be sure to check out book 3.
June 8, 2017
This ending left me with one disappointment. The story ending makes another sequel almost a promise but as this volume was released in 2014 and volume 1 was released in 2013, and it is currently 2017, it appears the promised sequel isn't coming. The story is not over. Please, I want some more!
March 19, 2021
So the the first book didn't really have an ending which forces you to read the second book. Well, this one didn't resolve the story either. Considering it was written in 2014 and the author has written other books since then, I'm suspecting it won't have a concluding chapter.
May 19, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A fast paced follow-up to Viral Nation that proved to be highly enjoyable, even though it at times felt like nothing much was happening.
Opening Sentence: The Kill Room smelled of mildew.
The Review:
It’s been a few months since Clover Donovan first discovered the truth behind the Company. She’s back in the city with Jude, who’s continuing to try and help the Foster City kids, and only has brief contact with her brother – who the Company believes is dead – via computer. Everything changes when she discovers that Langston Bennett is planning on forcing her to work for him again. All of a sudden, she and Jude are faced with having to escape the city again. Escaping is only the beginning of their problems though. Langston has discovered where all the Freaks were hiding. Now, they have to find a new home before it’s too late. Will the rebellion end before it even has the chance to get started?
I enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed. This installment seemed to move just as fast as the first one and was very hard to put down. Despite that fact, as I look back on it, it really doesn’t seem like much happened in this one. It seemed to really serve more as filler and as a build up to the next book. I’m still giving it a high rating though because I easily found myself caught up in the world building, and I absolutely love some of the characters.
While we get perspectives from many characters throughout the book, I would still say Clover is meant to be the main character. As with the first book, I thought the portrayal of Clover’s autism felt true to life (although I admittedly have no experience with the condition, so take my word with a grain a salt). It was very interesting to see her navigating her relationship with Jude and adapting herself to it. While I didn’t always agree with some decisions she made, I could understand why she made them, rather than being annoyed at the decision, like I sometimes am with other heroines.
As much as I like Clover, I find myself most interested in the character of her father, James. He’s a very hard character to like, knowing how he’s been a completely absent father over the years. But I find mysel f really liking this path of redemption he seems to be on. I hope it continues in the third book!
There wasn’t any time travel in this one, which I kind of appreciated, since for some reason, trying to figure out time travel and all of its ramifications sometimes gives me a headache. I’m guessing that it will be back in the next book though, so I’m going to mentally prepare myself now.
All in all, this was a fast, entertaining read, even though it felt a little like filler. I love the characters, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with them again in the third book. Fans of the first book will definitely not be disappointed!
Notable Scene:
The Gun Room was already silent, but the quiet took on a different quality. What makes a girl kill her own father? James could hear the question in each man’s head.
“Jesus,” Ross whispered.
Where was the bell?
“You don’t know what you’re doing.” Her voice was stronger, less scared. “I wouldn’t have to kill him, if you did your job!”
Still no bell. How long had it been?
James kept his eyes on the girl’s red X. It was the same color as Jane’s old high-top sneakers, the pair Clover wore nearly every day, as if by doing so she could hold on to part of the mother she never knew.
No. This convict was a killer, no matter what she said her father deserved. She was not Clover. She was a monster, and it was his job to slay monsters when they ended up in his Kill Room. If the door didn’t open, and the warden didn’t give her pardon, then she was guilty. Beyond even the shadow of a doubt.
That was the system, and he believed in it even if he’d been temporarily blinded when it came to his son.
Christian shifted in his seat. “What do you think he did to her?”
“Shut up!” Mason said.
“But what if he-”
“No.”
The bell finally rang and all five of them set their guns, responding like Pavlov’s dogs.
“I don’t like this,” Christian said, even though his gun was at the ready.
“I swear to God, you’re next if you don’t stop,” Mason said.
“She’s a kid,” Ross said. “Maybe Christian is right.”
“Do your damn job.”
“But don’t you ever wonder?”
“Will you both just shut it!” James had never heard any of his crew bicker like this. Not about the morality of their work, anyway, and certainly not seconds before firing their weapons.
The girl still looked at his window. Her breaths came fast, her chest heaving now that only one bell stood between her and her death. “Please,” she said. Cole made a soft noise next to James.
James didn’t realize that he was holding his breath and waiting for the Kill Room door to open again until he was forced to exhale.
The door didn’t budge.
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Rebel Nation. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A fast paced follow-up to Viral Nation that proved to be highly enjoyable, even though it at times felt like nothing much was happening.
Opening Sentence: The Kill Room smelled of mildew.
The Review:
It’s been a few months since Clover Donovan first discovered the truth behind the Company. She’s back in the city with Jude, who’s continuing to try and help the Foster City kids, and only has brief contact with her brother – who the Company believes is dead – via computer. Everything changes when she discovers that Langston Bennett is planning on forcing her to work for him again. All of a sudden, she and Jude are faced with having to escape the city again. Escaping is only the beginning of their problems though. Langston has discovered where all the Freaks were hiding. Now, they have to find a new home before it’s too late. Will the rebellion end before it even has the chance to get started?
I enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed. This installment seemed to move just as fast as the first one and was very hard to put down. Despite that fact, as I look back on it, it really doesn’t seem like much happened in this one. It seemed to really serve more as filler and as a build up to the next book. I’m still giving it a high rating though because I easily found myself caught up in the world building, and I absolutely love some of the characters.
While we get perspectives from many characters throughout the book, I would still say Clover is meant to be the main character. As with the first book, I thought the portrayal of Clover’s autism felt true to life (although I admittedly have no experience with the condition, so take my word with a grain a salt). It was very interesting to see her navigating her relationship with Jude and adapting herself to it. While I didn’t always agree with some decisions she made, I could understand why she made them, rather than being annoyed at the decision, like I sometimes am with other heroines.
As much as I like Clover, I find myself most interested in the character of her father, James. He’s a very hard character to like, knowing how he’s been a completely absent father over the years. But I find mysel f really liking this path of redemption he seems to be on. I hope it continues in the third book!
There wasn’t any time travel in this one, which I kind of appreciated, since for some reason, trying to figure out time travel and all of its ramifications sometimes gives me a headache. I’m guessing that it will be back in the next book though, so I’m going to mentally prepare myself now.
All in all, this was a fast, entertaining read, even though it felt a little like filler. I love the characters, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with them again in the third book. Fans of the first book will definitely not be disappointed!
Notable Scene:
The Gun Room was already silent, but the quiet took on a different quality. What makes a girl kill her own father? James could hear the question in each man’s head.
“Jesus,” Ross whispered.
Where was the bell?
“You don’t know what you’re doing.” Her voice was stronger, less scared. “I wouldn’t have to kill him, if you did your job!”
Still no bell. How long had it been?
James kept his eyes on the girl’s red X. It was the same color as Jane’s old high-top sneakers, the pair Clover wore nearly every day, as if by doing so she could hold on to part of the mother she never knew.
No. This convict was a killer, no matter what she said her father deserved. She was not Clover. She was a monster, and it was his job to slay monsters when they ended up in his Kill Room. If the door didn’t open, and the warden didn’t give her pardon, then she was guilty. Beyond even the shadow of a doubt.
That was the system, and he believed in it even if he’d been temporarily blinded when it came to his son.
Christian shifted in his seat. “What do you think he did to her?”
“Shut up!” Mason said.
“But what if he-”
“No.”
The bell finally rang and all five of them set their guns, responding like Pavlov’s dogs.
“I don’t like this,” Christian said, even though his gun was at the ready.
“I swear to God, you’re next if you don’t stop,” Mason said.
“She’s a kid,” Ross said. “Maybe Christian is right.”
“Do your damn job.”
“But don’t you ever wonder?”
“Will you both just shut it!” James had never heard any of his crew bicker like this. Not about the morality of their work, anyway, and certainly not seconds before firing their weapons.
The girl still looked at his window. Her breaths came fast, her chest heaving now that only one bell stood between her and her death. “Please,” she said. Cole made a soft noise next to James.
James didn’t realize that he was holding his breath and waiting for the Kill Room door to open again until he was forced to exhale.
The door didn’t budge.
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Rebel Nation. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
January 28, 2018
Maybe if I would've read the first book in this series I might like this book better. It seemed boring. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, to hold my interest.
June 11, 2021
Interesting.
January 20, 2023
... where's the 3rd book?
December 29, 2024
I'm glad I read this after getting my COVID vaccine. Otherwise, I might have suspected the government of nefarious doings.
June 23, 2014
Last year, Shaunta Grimes captivated and greatly impressed me with Viral Nation and its unexpected, yet totally awesome heroine, Clover, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting its sequel, Rebel Nation, since then...and I’m so pleased to report that not only did this sequel meet my high expectations, it surpassed them!
Picking up several months after the events in Viral Nation, brilliant, autistic Clover, her brother West, and the Freaks, find themselves on the run and in the line of deadly fire. The nefarious Company has plans for Clover and, desperate to use her as a Time Mariner, they will stop at nothing to have her. Clover, West, and the rest of the Freaks must build up the Resistance and spread their rebellion, and get help from several unexpected people along the way.
In Rebel Nation, Shaunta Grimes deftly continues the heart-stopping story she began in Viral Nation and further expands and explores this smartly crafted world and its excellent characters. With addicting prose and an electric premise, Rebel Nation is an impossible-to-put-down book. This post-apocalyptic/dystopian world continues to shock, fascinate, and thrill me with its complex structure and frightening possibilities. Every aspect of this world is so utterly thought-provoking. The Company, and its many facets; secrets; and plans, and the intricacies of the Time Mariners program, are further laid out in this sequel, creating such a multiplex and imposing antagonist.
As excellently crafted as this world and its many elements are, it is Grimes’ characters that truly shine in this series! In Viral Nation, I instantly connected with Clover and have enjoyed every moment with this intelligent, brave, autistic heroine. She is one of the most authentic, real characters I’ve ever come across. And while Clover’s autism does not define her, through her, Grimes has given readers like her such a beautiful voice and wonderful representation. Clover’s relationships with her brother West and beloved service dog Mango continue to move and inspire me. I found myself so proud of this girl as she overcomes so much and especially as she develops relationships outside of West and Mango (hello, Jude!!).
Plenty of twists and turns, explosive revelations, and heart-stopping choices abound in Rebel Nation! This sequel had me hanging on its every word until the shocking end, and I’m excited (and mildly terrified) to see what happens next!
My Final Thoughts: Full of exceptional, exciting storytelling, wonderful characters, and a lot of heart, Rebel Nation is an awesome sequel in a smart, innovative series with an enthralling, thought-provoking premise and a unique, unforgettable heroine!
Picking up several months after the events in Viral Nation, brilliant, autistic Clover, her brother West, and the Freaks, find themselves on the run and in the line of deadly fire. The nefarious Company has plans for Clover and, desperate to use her as a Time Mariner, they will stop at nothing to have her. Clover, West, and the rest of the Freaks must build up the Resistance and spread their rebellion, and get help from several unexpected people along the way.
In Rebel Nation, Shaunta Grimes deftly continues the heart-stopping story she began in Viral Nation and further expands and explores this smartly crafted world and its excellent characters. With addicting prose and an electric premise, Rebel Nation is an impossible-to-put-down book. This post-apocalyptic/dystopian world continues to shock, fascinate, and thrill me with its complex structure and frightening possibilities. Every aspect of this world is so utterly thought-provoking. The Company, and its many facets; secrets; and plans, and the intricacies of the Time Mariners program, are further laid out in this sequel, creating such a multiplex and imposing antagonist.
As excellently crafted as this world and its many elements are, it is Grimes’ characters that truly shine in this series! In Viral Nation, I instantly connected with Clover and have enjoyed every moment with this intelligent, brave, autistic heroine. She is one of the most authentic, real characters I’ve ever come across. And while Clover’s autism does not define her, through her, Grimes has given readers like her such a beautiful voice and wonderful representation. Clover’s relationships with her brother West and beloved service dog Mango continue to move and inspire me. I found myself so proud of this girl as she overcomes so much and especially as she develops relationships outside of West and Mango (hello, Jude!!).
Plenty of twists and turns, explosive revelations, and heart-stopping choices abound in Rebel Nation! This sequel had me hanging on its every word until the shocking end, and I’m excited (and mildly terrified) to see what happens next!
My Final Thoughts: Full of exceptional, exciting storytelling, wonderful characters, and a lot of heart, Rebel Nation is an awesome sequel in a smart, innovative series with an enthralling, thought-provoking premise and a unique, unforgettable heroine!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews