Kira has always known that one day she would face the same fate as all citizens of Vita mandatory death at the age of sixty. But after falling in love with Will Foster, one of the city's revered Volunteers, and risking everything by fleeing the city, she starts to believe that she may have a chance at a different life.
With Will and Teddy by her side, she heads into the Unregulated Zone, hoping to find other survivors.
A place safe from the oppressive government of Vita Nova.
A place where everyone is free.
Along the way, they encounter Ghost, a mysterious man shrouded in secrets of his own. He is the leader of Haven, a secluded community in the Pennsylvania woods. But Haven holds many secrets, including ghosts from both Kira and Will's pasts.
Kira's newfound hope for a different life is shattered when a brutal attack leads to a deadly confrontation. With her heart torn between protecting her friends and securing her own future, Kira must discover what real sacrifice is.
Or become just another victim of Vita Nova's cruel justice.
Raena lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring historic battlefields (her kids always drag her up the tallest lookout towers), family movie nights that feature cheesy 80's and 90's action films, and daydreaming of expanding her backyard farm (goats are still under discussion). Her goal is to write stories that challenge, encourage, and remind readers that even in the darkness, when all hope seems lost, God is always in control.
4.25 stars! This book… goodness gracious, it was so good yet so immensely heartbreaking. I was not anticipating weeping through the last 25%, but I definitely ought to have had tissues on hand. The story and the writing completely envelops the reader, leaving you entirely enthralled as you walk along side these characters. Kira’s exploration of faith through the actions of others and their unwavering devotion is such a raw and honest narrative. They point her to God throughout as she wrestles with her newfound faith and belief in Him. Her mental questioning is something I believe most Christians have dealt with at some point in their faith journey, so to see it through a character was really moving. Each character— besides the dollar store men and Render and Devlin— are absolutely wonderful, and they all have so much genuine care for one another in their own unique ways. A truly special bond to see. Their slow growth (and occasional stumbles) gave a sense a realness to them, and the powerful forgiveness and grace is so quietly yet powerfully beautiful. And Kira and Will are just… 🥰💗🤭 Now, this series does handle a lot of heavier themes, however it is done very well (it isn’t overly graphic), and it makes the faith journey and the beautiful moments within shine all the brighter. God’s promise to us really does overcome all.
“God has a plan for you, even if it’s not clear yet.” —pg. 38
“We might be a dysfunctional family— a seriously dysfunctional family— but we’re still a family.” —pg. 203
“Yes. I have to follow God, no matter where He leads me. He never promised me a life free from suffering or death. In fact, true faith in Jesus always leads to suffering. It’s just part of the deal. But when the worst happens, He’s always there, giving us the strength to endure it. And if you keep pressing forward, He always brings good out of bad.” —pg. 259
Occasionally, I did find myself a little confused, just from the POV standpoint, but overall it was quite good. This is a clean book: no-spice (no-descriptive kisses only), no-swearing, and mild and infrequent innuendo (nothing graphic. Other content considerations: *fairly* non-graphic violence (including gun-shots, *planned* child death, a hanging, strangulation, deadly knife wounds, and hand-to-hand combat), planned suicide (does not occur), non-descriptive insinuation of attempted rape (never goes beyond the fighting), grief, murder, heat stroke, manipulation, and lying. Everything is NON-graphic, focusing more on the emotions than physical descriptions. But, do what is best for you and your personal situation. Christian content: themes of God’s goodness even in the darkness, the new covenant through Christ’s sacrifice, choosing faith, prayer, the promise of Heaven through belief and repentance made possible because of Jesus, that He has overcome the world, and hope. Overall, this was a truly phenomenal book, and I cannot wait to begin the next! I highly recommend if you enjoy Christian dystopian, YA, hope-amongst-darkness, found family, heartfelt, powerful, faith-filled, and heartbreaking reads. …just remember to have some tissues… Happy reading :)
I feel like a broken record when it comes to Raena Rood’s books because each one leaves me gushing! I can’t praise her work enough, and 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 is no exception.
𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 is the second book in the Reverence trilogy and is not a standalone. Make sure to read 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 first, as 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 picks up seamlessly where the previous book left off. This time, we gain more accurate insights into what lies beyond the walls of Vita Nova – the walled city supposedly protecting its residents from the horrors outside. However, Vita Nova is really only safeguarding those in power, and our young protagonist, Kira, is starting to realize this.
I adore Kira! She’s an incredible character – vulnerable yet strong, brave but scared, and confident yet uncertain. Her character’s variations are understandable and relatable, especially given the crazy, scary situation she’s in. Anyone in Kira’s shoes would be an emotional mess at times!
There is a new character in this book known as Ghost. There’s an amazing and heart-wrenching scene between Kira and Ghost that had me in tears! 😭
This story celebrates love, found family, friendships, security, and community, all while navigating a world filled with fear, confusion, violence, and lies. The mix of conflicting emotions and frightening situations makes this book a compelling and exciting read!
I highly recommend this book, as well as any of Raena Rood’s previous works. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
Kira and Will’s love makes this book impossible to put down. So beautifully written, so pure, and yet the story is filled with suspense. Kira’s character development is unmatched. I cannot wait for the next book.
RAENA, if you are reading this, please keep writing!!!! The two books in this series have become my favorite books! You have a gift and I want to thank you for sharing it through the books you write.
Rebellion is a masterpiece. I won't spoil it. Just read it!
The first book in this trilogy, Reverence, stuck with me long after I read it. Thus, I snagged Rebellion from Kindle Unlimited, if much later than the release date (the release kept being promised, but pushed back). As with many books like this, I found things to like. But the book overall turned out to be a mixed bag.
I loved reuniting with Kiera and seeing how she was coping after Vita Nova. More importantly, I enjoyed seeing her grow as a character. There are places within Rebellion where she faces legitimately deep questions and has to decide not only what she's going to do, but who she's going to be, in the moment. She faces some terrifying situations with incredible courage, but not the courage you might expect from a typical (stereotypical)? "strong heroine." Kira reads more as the "everywoman" here. She's timid. She doesn't always know what she's doing, or she does naive, sometimes just plain stupid things. But she puts others first. She sees the bigger picture and she fights for "better" for those she loves.
Kira is me, and I'd venture to say, she's a lot of people, women especially. None of us are invincible. In this context, none of us are super-Christians. We're just trying to make it. Sometimes we remember to lean on God, sometimes not. Raena captures that and in so doing, gives readers a compelling, if not always deep, human story.
I also appreciated that this time around, Kira and Will don't lean on or into each other quite so much. Here, they don't read as the couple who got serious after only a week (they're justified in that, but I've never been a fan of the trope, so that's on me). Here, they read as, "Okay, now we're somewhat safe. Now we've got to deal with life." And sometimes life is messy. Life will break your heart. Life demands more than human flesh can handle. Again, Raena got that.
Okay, so what's with the three-star rating? What did Raena not "get?" Well, before I answer, understand that Rebellion, like the rest of the trilogy, is a plot-driven book. If that's your style, you'll like Rebellion better than I did. I typically like deeper, character-driven books better, and I own that. That does not (really) factor into the rating.
What does is the *way* "plot-driven" is handled. Specifically, Kira, Will, Brack, Grace, and others spend so much time running, hiding, and "getting out," they don't have the time or inclination for anything else. That's fine; I'm recognizing it's somewhat Raena's style, her brand. The problem here is, I kept hearing and seeing echoes of the Subversive trilogy. Plus, Raena kept dropping plot clues, like who Ghost really was to Kira or what was ultimately going to happen to Teddy, and then...she never really picked them up. It started to feel like she was telling the same story over and over.
Additionally, some of these characters are just plain flat or annoying. Some of this is to be expected. For instance, I was a little annoyed at how flat Render was, but then again, he's a villain. I don't want or need to sympathize with a guy like him. Then again, Christian fiction, especially of the dystopian variety, crawls with Renders. Sometimes I feel like authors think Christians can't fight real evil, that we need cardboard persecutors or we can't cope. I don't agree with that direction in fiction, or what it says about real life.
Beyond Render, characters like Brack drove me nuts. I get he's an ally, I get that he's a big, tough guy. Again, that's fine. What's not fine is, he spends most of the book being disrespectful and rude to literally everyone, even and especially his wife. (I'm sorry not sorry: once I found out what a "tumblebug" was, I went, "Dude, seriously? There might be a cute explanation, but...what is your deal?") Ghost gave me a lot of the same vibes, especially considering he wouldn't tell Kira the truth for chapters on end. And when he did interact with her or the others, he was all, "This is my food, these are my rules, you will do what I say, shut up." Okay, I get it, we're in a dystopian setting, courtesy is secondary. At the same time, yeah, I admit it--I'd have pushed back. I mean, the guy was literally ready to take candy from a kid. (What can I say, I've got a "thing" about people who push kids around).
Couple that with some dystopian cliches such as the filthy, foul-minded guys in a bunker, the one "Haven" for miles where everyone is fairly cliche in their personalities, and again, the constant pressure of "getting out" and figuring out who is "useful" to the group, and I lost my taste for the rebellion, as it were. The last book looks far more interesting, so I'll try it, in hopes it's better paced and written overall. But this one... I can't recommend skipping it because you'll miss some important information, but you'd be safe skimming it.
Wow! Rebellion was even better than book 1! Kira & Will’s journey into the Unregulated Zone is suspenseful, and I couldn’t put it down. I immediately downloaded book 3 of the trilogy because this book ends on a cliffhanger.
This book had a pretty good continuation but it felt much shorter than the first one. Sometimes the religious aspects of it felt oddly forced but the rest of the book was okay. The FMC’s relationship with the MMC also felt really forced. Where the first book worked to build their relationship, this one didn’t really do it much justice.
I read book one two years ago when it was recommended to me in a book challenge and found myself really liking this story!
Rebellion is book 2 in this trilogy and continues from where we left off at book 1. Kira has escaped to the unregulated zone with Will and Teddy, and their search for other survivors continues.
I was already invested in the two main characters, so I couldn’t wait to see where their story went next — and this book delivered. I loved getting to follow their new adventure and meet some new characters along the way. There were definitely some emotional moments (yes, tears), some stressful “what is happening?!” scenes, and enough suspense to keep me up way too late because I had to know what happened next. One thing I really appreciate about this series is how it shows different stages of faith. The characters aren’t unrealistically perfect — they struggle, they’re scared, they question things — especially in a dystopian world. But they still lean on and trust God through it all, and that feels real. If you’re looking for a clean, faith-based story with adventure, intensity, and characters you actually care about, this one’s worth picking up.
Holy cow this book is insane. Absolutely 5/5 which is unusual because the previous book I rated 3.5/5 and it was good don’t get me wrong, I mean obviously it drew me in enough to continue the series but this one I quite literally read in less than a day. I couldn’t put it down at any point. I was always at the edge of my seat to know what was next. My heart stopped when I thought Will died and it stopped again finding out Teddy was taken and then Aunt Reeva was dead and when Render snook up on Kira. Also the civilization and the history between Ghost and Kira’s mom Madison. The way the storylines intertwine and bring to light this very complex history that was beyond Kira is so insane. Oh my I love this book, this may be my new favorite book. It’s so intriguing and if it weren’t 10:30 at night and I didn’t have work tomorrow at 7am I would absolutely read the next book right now. It’s so good and I need to know what happens. I love the themes of found family even if it’s just casually in the background, it’s so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've enjoyed the series so far. This book just seemed like nothing happened besides world building. The focus on religion didn't bother me too much until it got to the point where the whole book was about them praying for something or another. And the FMC is so wishy washy. Like girl, grow a backbone. 🙌
The series was amazing! As soon as I finished one, I couldn’t wait to start the next in the series! Beautifully written. You are drawn to the character and story line immediately! Can’t wait to read more from Raena Rood!
Filled with as much action, intrigue, faith and hope as the first book, and leaving you eager to know what happens next! There’s a lot of grief and sadness, but within it, something - someone - greater spurring Kira on. At first, she’s just eager for safety, a home with Will, and to forget everything she left behind. Stronger now, and more aware of the lies that shaped her, she’s eager to confront the truth and to protect an innocent soul. In the middle of adversity, despair and incredible odds, strength and purpose urges her forward towards her greatest mission. And the possibility of a knowledge that will change her fate forever. An incredible read that leaves you wanting more.
I am really enjoying this series! If you like romance lite with a post-apocalyptic/sci-fi survival this is a read for you! I'm happy to have found this writer. Romance is more than what happens in the bedroom. This book also speaks to the struggles to be a Christ follower, what that actually means, and finding hope in seemingly hopeless situations.
I wasnt going to write a review because I didnt really have much nice to say but when the author decided deleting comments that spoke about the issue on her facebook was acceptable I felt the need to come here and be honest.
This book doesnt say anywhere that it is religious in nature. Unless you spoil it for yourself by reading reviews or googling. I prefer to go into books blind by only reading the description given by the author. So imagine my surprise when I get into it and its extremely religious and has wording in it that basically say if God wills it you should die and be happy for it.
This book series should 100% have a disclaimer that says it is religious in nature and it feels extremely deceptive in nature that it doesnt. I feel as if the author did this purposely hoping people would read it knowing anyone who doesnt like a religious theme wouldnt pick these up.
The books themselves were not awful, they had a decent plot with okay characters. They did however feel a bit rushed and a little forced in some places.
I had so many emotions while reading this. It was sooooo good. I don't know what it is about Raena Rood's writing style, but I just devour it. I'm so glad I waited to read this until the third book was released, so I can start it immediately. Great, great book. I LOVE Will so much. He's just so sweet.
It is very profound when Will and Kira realize Teddy doesn't understand the significance of the Statue of Liberty. In such a controlled environment, Teddy and children like him never know what freedom really is, let alone why it is important, so it means nothing to them. He is instead conditioned to view death—and controlled death—as normal. This was a great book but it never quite went where I thought it would (which I suppose is a good thing for suspense). Kira learned a lot about love this time around and I hope she and Will find their way together. The story is super fast-paced and an easy pick for a dystopian tale, especially with how many parallels I can see with our own society in some ways (scarily true).
These books gently lead the reader to a deeper understanding of our various paths to salvation. The struggles, both physical and psychological, that we all endure in this life take us by the hand to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. No preaching or shoving the Word down throats is needed. Unconditional Love is the guide to faith. Much love & many Blessings to all, and thank you, Ms. Rood, for putting your words into stories ‘for the good of all’…
This is the second book in the Christian dystopian trilogy. The “Job” virus plagues the eastern US, wiping out cities and leaving the land desolate and “unregulated.” One city’s corrupt power puts people to death based on age and illness. People are encouraged to volunteer for assisted suicide to curb the population in the city to save resources. It’s an interesting and unique setup for this type of novel and an added bonus that it is Christian based!
3⭐️ We get introduced to a new character, Ghost, and I love his connection to Kira. This book is important because you get a lot more background about the Unregulated Zone and what life is like living outside of Vita Nova which I feel like is going to be important going into the final book. I’m really excited to see how it all ends!
The first book was interesting, but felt that the second book focused too much on religion and lost its way at some point and I found myself skimming just to get to the plot. While I finished the book, I will not finish the series.