Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Rebel Unbound: First Book of the Promissa Trilogy

Rate this book
2213. After decades of war, the city of Promissa is under the rule of the New World Government, which controls every aspect of the citizens’ lives by restricting resource distribution.Abigail is hurled into this world of brutality and despair and loses hope as loneliness and misery swallow her whole. Little does she know that her family searches for her to bring her into the rebellion against the tyrannical government.Davon lives to make up for the sins of others. His sense of justice brought him into the People’s Revolutionary Front, a group of insurgents who resist the system and live off the grid with only one purpose in to take back their city.When Davon locates Abigail deep within the wasteland, they travel to the rebel base and develop a bond far deeper than either of them could have imagined. But as their pasts and worlds collide, an unavoidable threat seeks to destroy everything they have come to cherish.An oppressive government.A broken society.An unknown enemy.An impossible rescue.A dangerous romance.Determined to regain Promissa’s freedom, Abigail becomes a rebel unbound.

412 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2024

13 people are currently reading
52 people want to read

About the author

E.R. Phoenix

4 books21 followers
E. R. Phoenix is a full-time novelist born and raised in Puerto Rico. She's enthusiastic about the environment, freedom, human rights, and societal justice.

Dystopian fiction is her favored reading and writing genre. She combines this with romance, particularly when love appears suddenly in a dangerous setting and is impossible to resist. Her tales are filled with action, danger, suspense, steamy romance, and individuals who would stop at nothing to defend their cause.

She's worked as a middle/high school science teacher and as a personal trainer. When she's not writing, she spends most of her time reading and being with her family. She loves dancing, hiking, watching anime, going to the beach, and playing videogames.

E.R. Phoenix is best known for her Promissa Trilogy books.

She currently lives in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.

Keep in touch with E.R. Phoenix via the web at:

https://amazon.com/author/erphoenix

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

https://www.facebook.com/erphoenixaut...

https://www.instagram.com/e.r.phoenix/

https://www.tiktok.com/e.r.phoenix/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
28 (70%)
4 stars
9 (22%)
3 stars
3 (7%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Soleil🌞.
103 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2025
4 ⭐️
This is kind of the first dystopian book that I read who is also written by a puerto rican and I liked a lot. The book is in English but that wasn't an issue for me. The story felt realistic and raw when it came to feelings, decisions etc, the way the book is written it feels like a real setting, like something that can happen in real life and Matt yeah that's my favorite gay character we all love Matt and YOU will love Matt. Hoping to read the second book soon.
Profile Image for Molly Macabre.
Author 4 books113 followers
April 8, 2025
Dystopian novels have a way of disrupting our idea of the world. Our everyday routines and luxuries have become common normalities—expected. But the thought of a significant event or several societal upsets destroying what we take for granted gets the gears in the mind turning. This novel capitalizes on those fears.

Rebel Unbound is not a horror novel, though the circumstances that Phoenix presents in the world are frightening. We have a world torn apart because of war. The New World Government has taken control of the people. From assigning people careers to indoctrinating children, the NWG is reminiscent of the most dominating of governmental bodies.

Then we have the opposition. The People’s Revolutionary Front formed, and its sole purpose is to grow its numbers and take down the NWG. This rebel group, created by the main character’s sister, has set up safe houses and checkpoints surrounding the city of Promissa, where the NWG is headquartered.

The main character, Abi, runs away just before she turns eighteen to avoid entering the NWG’s system. She spends many years surviving on her own before being found by PRF soldiers Davon and Matt. The situations she endures are horrible and traumatic. She loses friends, hardly finds enough to eat, and suffers the abuse of NWG guards.

When Abi is rescued by Davon and Matt, she is brought into the underground compound that the PRF uses as their headquarters. This is a thriving community with people of various expertise ready to use their skills to combat the NWG.

So right from the start, Phoenix delivers a loveable cast of main characters that have suffered because of the state of the world. Abi has been through many relatable things. Davon is headstrong and determined to bring down the NWG. Matt is adorably funny and helps break up the tension when things look bleak.

Then, there is the fire that exists between Abi and Davon. From the moment they meet, there is attraction and chemistry that works so well. The book jumps back and forth between Abi and Davon’s points of view, offering different perspectives and experiences throughout the story.

As things heat up between Abi and Davon, the turmoil around them ramps up. The NWG is aware that rebels are trying to break down what they have built. Their soldiers are gaining intel and ground in finding where the PRF’s main building is. Abi’s family is in danger, and she is adamant about helping to take the NWG out.

The love story here is prominent and delicate. Abi’s past makes her hesitant to trust anyone. Davon’s present makes getting close to anyone dangerous. But this makes their romance powerful and hopeful. Phoenix creates moments of tension between them that are to die for.

Rebel Unbound takes a love story between people with difficult pasts and drops it into the carnage and chaos of political war. The action is tight. The characters are loveable. The romance is intense. The prose is to the point. The book does end on a huge cliffhanger, but lucky for readers, book two is out, and book three is in the works.

A FanFi Addict Review
Profile Image for Nubecita Venus.
2 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2024
Abi es una protagonista muy fuerte. Hay escenas que te hacen sentir mucha impotencia pero son tan crudas como lo es la realidad. La evolución de los personajes puedes notarla mientras lo lees…

Todos queremos un Davon en nuestra vida junto a unos amigos tan loco como Matt y tan centrado como Aoki.

Sinceramente no pude dejar de leer hasta terminarlo, espero con ansias la continuación. El mundo esta hecho de una forma que quieres unirte con los rebeldes a pelear jajaja…


**** Spoiler Alert****
La escena de Bonnie y Jacob es algo que marca todo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gretchen BM.
5 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2025
By puerto rican author E.R. Phoenix!

This book surprised me in the best way. Set in a dystopian future ruled by control and oppression, it delivers in character development, an engaging plot, and the harsh realities of tyranny. The world feels both brutal but, with hope of reclaiming what was lost. I really like Abigail's character and her journey, her life changes overnight as she joins the rebellion. There is secrecy in families and alliances that lead to a bretrayal to uncover.

Picking up Book 2 to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Natalie Vazquez Rosa.
189 reviews10 followers
August 26, 2025
4.5 stars

I really enjoyed diving into the world and following the characters’ journey—it felt both fresh and familiar at the same time. The pacing kept me engaged, with enough twists to make me want to keep reading late into the night.

What stood out to me most was the balance between action, character development, and emotion. The characters felt layered, and I liked how their stories intertwined in ways that made the world feel alive. The writing flowed well, and I never felt like the story dragged.

There were a few small moments where I wanted even more depth or exploration, but overall this was a very strong read and I’m excited to see where the series goes next. A solid and captivating story that left me eager for more!
1 review
September 1, 2024
I read this book over summer and it was amazing. I love reading but this only the second book i read of this kind. The way that the chapters are organized based on the main characters' perspective is really nice. The story line is very interesting too as sometimes we might wonder what the future could hold. The love story between Abby and Davon is well developed and you fall in love with them and you suffer with them too. I'm really looking forward to the second book.
Profile Image for Amanda Santiago.
34 reviews
September 3, 2025
Rebel Unbound is a fast-paced dystopian novel that hooked me right away. The world has that tense, dangerous atmosphere reminiscent of The Hunger Games. Abigail Davis reminds me of Katniss and Davon reminds me of Xaden, a fierce, edgy, determined couple (great combination if you ask me!). The pacing kept me engaged, with plenty of action and drama.

Starting book 2 right now*
4 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2024
Excellent story! A marvelous tale of courage, bravery, resilience and hope. Beautifully written and loved the importance given by the author to friendships and connections. Can’t help but connect and sympathize with so many good characters. The romance between Abi and Davon provides an additional, addictive plot that makes this novel a must read. I really enjoyed! Can’t wait to read the second establishment of this fascinating series!
Profile Image for Frances Torres.
94 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2025
When I started reading in my teenage years, my favorite books were The Hunger Games, Divergent and The 5th Wave. I loved to lose myself in those futuristic/ dystopian worlds full of oppression, rebellion... and hope.

I hadn't come across a story for YEARS that gave me back that emotion... until I read Rebel Unbound by the Puerto Rican author E.R. Phoenix And let me tell you... I devoured it. 🖤

📖 Here we follow the story of Abi, who at the age of 18 has to enter one of the facilities of the New World Government. A controlled, dehumanizing system, where people have lost even the most basic: resources, their freedom, their own free will.

But Abi is forced to escape and live outside, facing dangers she never imagined. That's where she meets Davon, our rebellious protagonist who is determined to amend his father's mistakes by joining the People's Revolutionary Front... an insurgent group willing to do EVERYTHING to recover his city.

🔥 This book has EVERYTHING:

✅ Action

✅ Romance

✅ And a plot that makes you question EVERYTHING

👀 Of course, before starting, check the trigger warnings. The story touches on strong, but necessary themes.

If you loved The Hunger Games, the series The 100 or the stories of rebellion with heart... this book is for you. The second book is already available and the third book will be published on September of this year 🔥
4 reviews
July 15, 2025
I don’t usually read dystopian novels, but Rebel Unbound surprised me with its perfect balance between romance, mystery, and rebellion. Set in the year 2213 in the city of Promissa—ruled by the controlling and oppressive New World Government—the story pulls you in with its dark, post-war atmosphere and doesn’t let go.

The heart of the book lies in its characters. Abigail, lost and hopeless in a world of control and despair, and Davon, a member of the People’s Revolutionary Front trying to right the wrongs of the past, are both complex and emotionally grounded. As they navigate a dangerous wasteland together and form an unexpected bond, you journey with them—unraveling secrets, uncovering the truth about a mysterious enemy, and rooting for their survival and their love.

What makes this book stand out is how deeply you get to know the characters. Every side character feels real and important to the story. You care about them. You worry for them. And that emotional connection makes every twist hit harder.

With thrilling tension, a romance that feels genuine, and a rebellion you can believe in, Rebel Unbound is a gripping dystopian tale that’s as heart-pounding as it is heartfelt.
Profile Image for Alberto Perez.
Author 4 books17 followers
May 19, 2025
Excellent storyline. Got to admit when I start reading the novel. It caught me off guard in the first chapters. The story is intense and the characters are interesting enough to fall in love with them and hope they don’t die in the darkest time as they fight for their freedom.
Profile Image for Ashley .
4 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Easy to read. Perfectly paced. I grew attached to the characters. Full of emotion. I immediately started book two and equally loved it and am anxiously awaiting book 3 and already sad that it’s over after that.
Profile Image for Maria del Mar Roman.
84 reviews
March 31, 2025
Never imagined that I would love this book!... it put me through all the emotions
I really enjoyed it
Profile Image for Karina Cuevas.
1 review
October 16, 2024
This novel is captivating, with a lot of action and romance. The story was written in a very vivid way, as if I was seeing it happen in front of my eyes. Looking forward to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Heather Theresa Santiago Dominguez.
34 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2025
This book reminded me why dystopias are my favourite genre. The author creates a dark, cruel and oppressive world that makes you uncomfortable, makes you reflect and at the same time does not let you go at any time. From the first page he caught me.

What I liked the most is that we not only see one side of the story, but several perspectives: the revolution, the regime and even that limbo in the middle when Abi disappears for years. That gives it a realism and a rawness that I loved.

Abi and Davon are two characters who carry deep scars and still find in the other a spark of light. Their relationship is intense, complicated and beautiful, one of those that keep you on the edge of the page.

The secondary characters also shine (Matt and Aoki deserve more love 💜) and balance the darkness of this world.

The construction of the world is incredible: you feel the weight of the rules, the injustice and the coldness of the system. And yes, if a dystopia makes you uncomfortable and question your environment, it means that it is doing an excellent job.

✨ In conclusion: Rebel Unbound was an intense, exciting and very thoughtful reading. E.R. Phoenix managed to catch me from start to finish, and I need to continue with The Promise Trilogy. I'm going to start with Rules of the Elites to be ready for Breaking the Regime.
Profile Image for AMANDA AGRAIT.
5 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
La autora E. R. Phoenix hizo un trabajo excelente con este libro espectacular.

En este mundo distópico donde se desarrolla la novela, vemos cómo Abi trata de mantenerse sana y cuerda a pesar de todo lo que ha pasado en su corta vida. Estuvo años tratando de sobrevivir sola en un mundo cruel donde el gobierno oprime a la clase “baja y trabajadora” recortando los recursos importantes y privándote de tu derecho. Vio injusticias con sus amigos y hasta con ella misma pero en vez de derrumbarse, eso le hizo ser más resiliente hasta lograr conseguir su “salvación”. Ahora no solo lucha por su seguridad sino por un mundo libre de opresión.

Rebel Unbound es de estos libros que no puedes dejar de leer porque cada capítulo (Gracias E. R. por hacerle DPOV) te deja entender el desarrollo del FC y MC a través del tiempo y hasta te molestas con otros. Ríes, lloras, te enamoras lentamente, te sacude el alma y te hace pensar que n muchas cosas que pasan hoy día.

Excelente lectura y slow burn 😍💋
Profile Image for Ashley.
110 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2025
From the first page, the story grabs you and doesn’t let go. The pacing is relentless yet never rushed. Abigail’s journey, from despair in the wastelands to finding purpose among the rebels, is emotionally gripping and beautifully layered. Her bond with Davon, adds a powerful emotional core that pulses through the chaos.

The political system is intense and eerily plausible, with layers of secrecy, betrayal, and resistance that keep you guessing. The character development… Top tier! Abigail and Davon are complex, flawed, and unforgettable.

E.R. Phoenix crafts a world that’s both terrifying and hopeful, with prose that’s sharp and evocative. If you loved The Hunger Games or The 100, this is your next obsession.
Profile Image for Chikielau.
39 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2025
Rebel Unbound pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. This raw and gripping dystopia blends oppression, rebellion, and hope into a story that feels both futuristic and eerily relevant.

Abigail is a resilient, relatable protagonist whose journey is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. The slow-burn romance is beautifully done, subtle yet powerful, and characters like Matt and Aoki bring warmth and depth to the story.

With pages that will break your heart and others you’ll never forget, this is a must-read for fans of emotional dystopias with richly developed characters and love that grows against all odds.
Profile Image for Yoely.
223 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

When I started this book and began to learn more and more about the regime, I was so shocked in how the government controlled every aspect of the citizens. Abi's journey was very raw and human. She's an example about absolut resilience even when she thought everything could fall apart.

There were parts in the story that I felt the pace slowed down for my liking. I have to read the next book to see if my theories of who's behind some of the events that happened are true.

If you like dystopian novels, you should definitely read this book.
Profile Image for Liliz Black.
Author 7 books1 follower
September 14, 2025
I think it is the second dystopian book I’ve read (The rule of three). I did enjoy the pacing, the character and even the writing style. It was quick, precise and good for fast readers. Im more of a bit more descriptive and a little poetic but it was refreshing. Im definitely getting the second because the plot really keeps you thinking.
Profile Image for Nicole Marie - theworldisyourlibrary.
250 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2025
3.75–I enjoyed reading this book—it was an entertaining read, and the world-building was well done. I got fully immersed in the setting, and it delivered all the classic dystopian vibes, reminding me of Divergent and Uglies. However, a few things kept it from being a solid four-star read for me.

The protagonist, Abi, often frustrated me—her behavior felt more like that of a 15- or 16-year-old rather than someone in their early 20s. That, along with some minor plot holes and inconsistencies in pacing (sometimes too fast, sometimes dragging), made the reading experience uneven.

If this had been my first dystopian read, I probably would have rated it higher. But having read Divergent and The Hunger Games and seen The Uglies movie, parts of the plot felt predictable.

Still, the story kept me engaged, and the ending left me intrigued enough to continue the series and see what happens next in this world—just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Profile Image for Alejandra Zapata.
7 reviews
July 18, 2025
Me encantó este libro. Me mantuvo atrapada desde el inicio. La manera en que la historia se desenvuelve te deja con ganas de más! Sin duda no puedo esperar para seguir leyendo de esta autora!
Profile Image for Agnes Martir.
4 reviews
September 4, 2025
Abi’s story is gut-wrenching but so powerful. Loved the tension and the spark of hope shining through. The book was dark, fast-paced, and emotional—exactly what I wanted from a dystopian read.
Profile Image for Yarelis Rivera.
106 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2025

The first book of this dystopian trilogy is fast paced with amazing character development .
I devoured this book. The storyline, the characters, the romance. It has everything to keep you on your toes without wanting to put the book down. It has me suspecting of all the characters and their intentions.
Profile Image for Xanna.
69 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Rebel Unbound de E.R. Phoenix fue una grata sorpresa. Entré a esta lectura con dudas porque era la primera vez que probaba un género como la distopía, y pensé que no sería lo mío. Sin embargo, la historia me atrapó por completo.

Hubo momentos en los que sentí esa vibra intensa de The Hunger Games, con escenarios hostiles, tensión constante y personajes que luchan por sobrevivir. El desarrollo fue excelente, lleno de giros que te mantienen pegado a las páginas, y la conexión emocional con los protagonistas se siente muy real.

Sinceramente, terminé amando esta lectura. Es un libro que recomiendo tanto a quienes ya disfrutan de la distopía como a los que, como yo, apenas se animan a probarla. Fue una experiencia única y definitivamente quiero seguir con esta trilogía.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.