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Rebels
The world is on fire. From the ashes like a phoenix rises a new America, one that will save it all. Under one condition; absolute and complete surrender.
The world complies without question. Those who don’t are destroyed. It is in this world, John is born. His very name is treason.
If the New America, now known to everyone as the State, knew what John was, they’d kill him, but instead they give him a gift.
The world complies without question. Those who don’t are destroyed. It is in this world, John is born. His very name is treason.
If the New America, now known to everyone as the State, knew what John was, they’d kill him, but instead they give him a gift.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2013
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388 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 11, 2013
My Thoughts:
John Hancock Bates is 15 years old. His world is nothing like the world as we know it like today. From the outside, John and his family appear to be complying with with all that the State tells them to do, and it tells them what and when to do everything. Unbeknownst to the State however, John and his family still read a Bible they keep hidden in a secret compartment in their home, they pray from their hearts instead of the prescribed written prayers written by the State and John’s father has taught him the history of the United States before the world fell apart after the Great Fires. If the State knew these things about John and his family, they would be condemned to death.
John is part of the Young Army, and as such receives extra privileges such as extra food and clothing, copies of the missing pages in the textbooks. Life in this State is difficult and non-compliance results in swift punishment, often resulting in death.
The state of the world that John lives in and the poverty that surrounds him reminds me of the economic and social situation of Communist countries today.
I liked John and his family, because they stood up for what they believed. While the characters of his parents were not very developed, it was easy to see the influence they had on John character. I think that the belief that John’s father has about knowing where you came from will help you shape your future is an accurate one. I liked John’s belief system because he chose to care about others, and not just himself and his family.
There is a little bit of a sense that this could be where the world is heading as it all started with a world-wide economic disaster with governments going bankrupt. Right now it seems that our world governments are beginning to head down that road. This book is not the future we want to be living in.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and look forward to reading further about what happens to John. I am curious as to why the State has given him the augmented heart. I also suspect that there was really nothing wrong with the heart that he had. Perhaps we will find out in Book 2.
I did note that there were quite a number of proofreading and grammatical errors in the text, but I am also aware that one of the authors is plagued with dyslexia, and so I commend the author for pursuing a career where this disability has such an immense impact.
I gave this book a rating of four stars. I would highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not required to provide a positive opinion. All thoughts are my own.
John Hancock Bates is 15 years old. His world is nothing like the world as we know it like today. From the outside, John and his family appear to be complying with with all that the State tells them to do, and it tells them what and when to do everything. Unbeknownst to the State however, John and his family still read a Bible they keep hidden in a secret compartment in their home, they pray from their hearts instead of the prescribed written prayers written by the State and John’s father has taught him the history of the United States before the world fell apart after the Great Fires. If the State knew these things about John and his family, they would be condemned to death.
John is part of the Young Army, and as such receives extra privileges such as extra food and clothing, copies of the missing pages in the textbooks. Life in this State is difficult and non-compliance results in swift punishment, often resulting in death.
The state of the world that John lives in and the poverty that surrounds him reminds me of the economic and social situation of Communist countries today.
I liked John and his family, because they stood up for what they believed. While the characters of his parents were not very developed, it was easy to see the influence they had on John character. I think that the belief that John’s father has about knowing where you came from will help you shape your future is an accurate one. I liked John’s belief system because he chose to care about others, and not just himself and his family.
There is a little bit of a sense that this could be where the world is heading as it all started with a world-wide economic disaster with governments going bankrupt. Right now it seems that our world governments are beginning to head down that road. This book is not the future we want to be living in.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and look forward to reading further about what happens to John. I am curious as to why the State has given him the augmented heart. I also suspect that there was really nothing wrong with the heart that he had. Perhaps we will find out in Book 2.
I did note that there were quite a number of proofreading and grammatical errors in the text, but I am also aware that one of the authors is plagued with dyslexia, and so I commend the author for pursuing a career where this disability has such an immense impact.
I gave this book a rating of four stars. I would highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not required to provide a positive opinion. All thoughts are my own.
December 17, 2013
The premise of this book is really good. When I read the blurb I knew I wanted to read this book and I guess I sort of had high hopes for it. It has all the potential of being a fantastic book. The whole idea.
After reading the book I can still say that the concept and the whole premise of this book is still very intriguing to me. I told my family about the book because it really shows so much promise.
There are two main problems I have with this book though. First is the lack of emotion. I just didn't become emotionally involved. The story is told so factually and the little emotions that were displayed were just not enough. I never became invested emotionally.
The second problem I had is that John was supposed to be 15 years old. He did not sound, act or talk like any 15 year old that I have ever known. I think I got that John was mature beyond his years, and he was raised in a completely different kind of world but I didn't believe he was 15. Not once.
But, having said that, it was such an interesting idea. I was, and still am, curious about the plot. I want to become personally invested in this book. It was a clean read- no swearing, no sexual situations, which I really appreciated. I loved how John's parents taught him about the founding fathers of our nation. They never forgot what this country was built on. I wish we could all remember that today. It really is a plot that I can really get behind. I just needed more emotional connections and a more believable age for the main character. I'm hoping I get it in the next book. (which I will be reading)
After reading the book I can still say that the concept and the whole premise of this book is still very intriguing to me. I told my family about the book because it really shows so much promise.
There are two main problems I have with this book though. First is the lack of emotion. I just didn't become emotionally involved. The story is told so factually and the little emotions that were displayed were just not enough. I never became invested emotionally.
The second problem I had is that John was supposed to be 15 years old. He did not sound, act or talk like any 15 year old that I have ever known. I think I got that John was mature beyond his years, and he was raised in a completely different kind of world but I didn't believe he was 15. Not once.
But, having said that, it was such an interesting idea. I was, and still am, curious about the plot. I want to become personally invested in this book. It was a clean read- no swearing, no sexual situations, which I really appreciated. I loved how John's parents taught him about the founding fathers of our nation. They never forgot what this country was built on. I wish we could all remember that today. It really is a plot that I can really get behind. I just needed more emotional connections and a more believable age for the main character. I'm hoping I get it in the next book. (which I will be reading)
February 8, 2015
This is a short read of roughly a couple of hours, and is dystopian fiction. The premise is a good one, but unfortunately is let down in the delivery. The main character is unrealistic as a 15-year-old boy, who is portrayed as being mature beyond his years but also incredibly naive. Very little emotion is displayed, which makes it difficult to connect with the characters or the story. There is a lot of repetition throughout, and the tense is all over the place. Even within the same sentence, the writing switches between past and present tense. This makes for a very distracting read. It also has issues with grammar and punctuation throughout. Missing words occur, along with clumsy sentence constructions--for example: frequent use of "it is" in a sentence that needs a "which is" or a "that is" to make sense. The whole book reads as a lead up to the main story and action, which doesn't happen. The book finishes just when it feels like it is getting started. This, for me, is not a cliffhanger that would invite me to go and purchase the next in the series, but feels more as though the last part of the book is missing. The whole story is beginning ... with the middle (and, presumably) an end held over for the next book(s). The writing and the story premise both show great promise. However, a complete edit and proofread would enhance the book markedly. I give this a soft three out of five stars, and can see it achieving a higher rating with some further work.
July 27, 2017
I loved the story. The writing wasn't there. As one reviewer wrote, the authors told the story instead of allowing you to read it and get involved personally. As it is written , a good book for 12 to 16 year olds. I would have given 3 stars but gave it 4 because I liked the story.
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October 19, 2021I really liked it.
December 21, 2013
This is a book that I have a few issues with, but overall, I really did enjoy it. I love the idea and was excited to read it because it sounds like a book right up my alley. John Hancock Bates is 15 years old and lives in a society where the State tells everyone what to do. Freedom has been lost and the people aren't allowed to talk about society before they took charge (aka the Great Fires). His parents have taught him about the Constitution and the founding fathers and they read together from the Bible. John is also in the Young Army which gives them privileges so he has to walk that fine line. This part was difficult for me to believe. As a 15-year-old, I thought that he might be a little more confused than he is. He seemed pretty firm in his beliefs for someone that is being taught two different philosophies.
I also felt that the story was a bit factual and wanted to be shown more so I would have felt more emotionally involved. For the most part, though, I found the storyline realistic. The history of John's world was interesting and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I felt like most of the book was background and it wasn't until the end that something exciting happened. The ending definitely has me looking forward to book 2 and reading more of John's story!
One other note since I know this might bother some people. There are some editing and spelling issues with this book but I hope that doesn't make anyone stop reading it since it is a story worth reading.
Mel's Shelves
I also felt that the story was a bit factual and wanted to be shown more so I would have felt more emotionally involved. For the most part, though, I found the storyline realistic. The history of John's world was interesting and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I felt like most of the book was background and it wasn't until the end that something exciting happened. The ending definitely has me looking forward to book 2 and reading more of John's story!
One other note since I know this might bother some people. There are some editing and spelling issues with this book but I hope that doesn't make anyone stop reading it since it is a story worth reading.
Mel's Shelves
May 3, 2014
I have showcased Rebels many a few times on my blog, and having the privilege to review it, warrants having it showcased! I find novels that are written in first person, fascinating. I find myself connecting with the character on a more personal level. Rebels tells of what happens when the world is destroyed and the "state" becomes control of absolutely everything. This novel was a one-sit down-read for me, which only happens when the story draws me in immediately.
John whom is telling the first person account of what is happening, is only 15 years old. That is hard to keep in mind, considering the maturity that he displays. This adds a hidden element to me of, how young he is but he has had to adapt to a whole new world.
I think that this book was a complete hit with me, because of the "truth" that came out of it. The world being controlled in this manner is a reality that could happen at any moment. This fear is what kept me engaged within the story. Can you imagine being told what to eat, when to eat, what you can or cannot have, or even when and how you can laugh?
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading books that include action, personal accounts {first person story telling}, and the possible "reality" story-lines. Rebels is something much more than a "story" being told, it also gives you things to think about. The what would you do? Could you adapt? How could or would you survive? It leaves readers with a tinge of fear that will last, especially if you begin paying close attention to any local & world news reports
John whom is telling the first person account of what is happening, is only 15 years old. That is hard to keep in mind, considering the maturity that he displays. This adds a hidden element to me of, how young he is but he has had to adapt to a whole new world.
I think that this book was a complete hit with me, because of the "truth" that came out of it. The world being controlled in this manner is a reality that could happen at any moment. This fear is what kept me engaged within the story. Can you imagine being told what to eat, when to eat, what you can or cannot have, or even when and how you can laugh?
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading books that include action, personal accounts {first person story telling}, and the possible "reality" story-lines. Rebels is something much more than a "story" being told, it also gives you things to think about. The what would you do? Could you adapt? How could or would you survive? It leaves readers with a tinge of fear that will last, especially if you begin paying close attention to any local & world news reports
December 9, 2013
This first person narrative of John Hancock Bates was an interesting read. The story is set in the New America after everything has been destroyed and chaos reigned for a time. When the new government emerges, it promises to save the world under one condition...complete surrender.
John grows up in this new world, not remembering any other way of life. His parents, however, have secretly taught him of the Bible and about how things were before the State took control over everyone’s lives and choices. The seed of rebellion is planted in his young heart, and even though he is helpless to change his circumstances, I could tell as I read that he is a waiting time bomb.
The world John lives in is a scary place full of hunger, poverty, and absolute submission to the State by the populace. John goes along with it and joins the youth military organization to get extra food rations and privileges only granted to those who sustain the State. But his very name (John Hancock) is treason, and if the State knew what John was, they’d kill him...but in the end they give him a gift.
I enjoyed this story even though it was on the darker side. It made me think about issues we deal with in the world today...and what would happen if we gave up our freedoms to let the State take care of us. Scary thought. This story ends with a nice setup for a sequel.
John grows up in this new world, not remembering any other way of life. His parents, however, have secretly taught him of the Bible and about how things were before the State took control over everyone’s lives and choices. The seed of rebellion is planted in his young heart, and even though he is helpless to change his circumstances, I could tell as I read that he is a waiting time bomb.
The world John lives in is a scary place full of hunger, poverty, and absolute submission to the State by the populace. John goes along with it and joins the youth military organization to get extra food rations and privileges only granted to those who sustain the State. But his very name (John Hancock) is treason, and if the State knew what John was, they’d kill him...but in the end they give him a gift.
I enjoyed this story even though it was on the darker side. It made me think about issues we deal with in the world today...and what would happen if we gave up our freedoms to let the State take care of us. Scary thought. This story ends with a nice setup for a sequel.
January 3, 2015
This was a very short quick read for me that was just average. It follows a male protagonist, John and the world that he lives in, which is controlled by the government. John is conflicted about the world, wanting to do the right thing to provide for his family, but also wanting to rebel agains the government. This book at times was repetitive and it also had a Catholic aspect to it, that I didn't know about going into reading it. The ending had a cliffhanger, but I'm not really vested in the characters or the story to continue with the next book. 2.75 out of 5 stars
November 1, 2014
This book took me by surprise, I felt everything John was describing and found myself rooting for him throughout the story! He is not like other teens and he is so smart. Loved reading about his family, his faith, and his courage. I hope he makes it, but he is definitely capable of anything and a worthy hero.
August 9, 2016
Book was ok, but not much action. Kept repeating things over and over which drove me nuts. I think this book has real potential and will definitely read the next one when it comes out. But this was a short, almost novella, book and I wish it had actually been a full length novel.
January 16, 2014
Fast paced, enjoyable read. Want the second in the series.
December 5, 2014
Dystopian
August 11, 2016
Rebels review
Rebels is the first book in the John Bates series written by authors Scott and Judith Powell. Dystopian America in the future.
Rebels is the first book in the John Bates series written by authors Scott and Judith Powell. Dystopian America in the future.
August 16, 2016
Interesting story
I enjoyed the 1st book in this series. Good futuristic account of what the world may look like. Interesting characters and storyline.
I enjoyed the 1st book in this series. Good futuristic account of what the world may look like. Interesting characters and storyline.
November 12, 2016
Rebels
Interesting, good main character, but the repetitions of words and phrases from paragraph to paragraph over and over until I wanted to return this book without finishing it.
Interesting, good main character, but the repetitions of words and phrases from paragraph to paragraph over and over until I wanted to return this book without finishing it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews