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Train Hoppers #3
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom
"Multiple story lines are skillfully intertwined into a complex tale of survival.” –Gary Gerlacher, author of the AJ Docker series
After a harrowing journey to Canada, Elsa and her friends are safe, but the need to free their homeland from GreenCorps domination forces them back into danger.
With renewed hope, they return to join the rebels. Some sneak into SoCal to free Elsa's family, others lead teams to collect seeds from the bunkers, and others bring hope to the populace and free the downtrodden.
Like Elsa, Janna grew up in SoCal, but instead of escaping, her brother sold her as a prostitute. Liberated by the rebels, she plans to fight alongside them.
Clark grew up in rebel Utah and, one by one, has lost his family to GreenCorps. Broken, he hides among the neutral Saints, taking refuge and avoiding his problems—until he meets Janna.
Though cracks have appeared in the Greencorps stranglehold, it will take everyone working together to break them apart. Without them, the rebel cause will fail and the corporatocracy will once more prevail.
Grab your copy of Rebels and Catching Freedom, the action-packed conclusion to the Train Hoppers series.
After a harrowing journey to Canada, Elsa and her friends are safe, but the need to free their homeland from GreenCorps domination forces them back into danger.
With renewed hope, they return to join the rebels. Some sneak into SoCal to free Elsa's family, others lead teams to collect seeds from the bunkers, and others bring hope to the populace and free the downtrodden.
Like Elsa, Janna grew up in SoCal, but instead of escaping, her brother sold her as a prostitute. Liberated by the rebels, she plans to fight alongside them.
Clark grew up in rebel Utah and, one by one, has lost his family to GreenCorps. Broken, he hides among the neutral Saints, taking refuge and avoiding his problems—until he meets Janna.
Though cracks have appeared in the Greencorps stranglehold, it will take everyone working together to break them apart. Without them, the rebel cause will fail and the corporatocracy will once more prevail.
Grab your copy of Rebels and Catching Freedom, the action-packed conclusion to the Train Hoppers series.
349 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2025
31 people are currently reading
2167 people want to read
About the author
Lena Gibson
8 books254 followersAward-winning author Lena Gibson is a storyteller as an elementary school teacher and keeper of the family lore. As someone with autism, she often creates characters that reflect this experience.
A voracious reader from childhood onward, Lena seeks wonderful books in which to escape. She loves interesting characters and fast-paced, emotional narratives, leading her to write genre-defying stories in multiple categories. While her books are disaster romance, time slip, dystopian adventure, and sports romance, all are about love, resilience, and hope.
When Lena isn't writing, she reads, practices karate, and drinks a ton of tea. She resides in New Westminster, Canada, with her family and their fuzzy overlord, Ash, the fluffiest of gray cats.
https://linktr.ee/LenaGibsonAuthor
A voracious reader from childhood onward, Lena seeks wonderful books in which to escape. She loves interesting characters and fast-paced, emotional narratives, leading her to write genre-defying stories in multiple categories. While her books are disaster romance, time slip, dystopian adventure, and sports romance, all are about love, resilience, and hope.
When Lena isn't writing, she reads, practices karate, and drinks a ton of tea. She resides in New Westminster, Canada, with her family and their fuzzy overlord, Ash, the fluffiest of gray cats.
https://linktr.ee/LenaGibsonAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 15, 2025
Just when I thought the series couldn't get any better, I opened this book! I tried hard to slow my pace to read this because I didn't want it to end. This book will have you feeling all of the emotions. After reading the first two books, I grew to love, know, and understand each of the characters. The author does such a tremendous job with character development, consistency, and advancing the story in the best way. I highly recommend this book and any others by this author because they are all worth reading and provide a great escape.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It was so great that I pre-ordered the Kindle and paperback versions so I can read it again in the near future (it's that great).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It was so great that I pre-ordered the Kindle and paperback versions so I can read it again in the near future (it's that great).
February 11, 2025
Set in 2195, GreenCorps controls the western part of the former United States by keeping the population dependent on them for water and terminator seeds, which are designed to be sterile after the first harvest. The first step in freeing people from that hold is to give them the ability to grow their own food supply. Such is the struggle in Lena Gibson’s Train Hoppers series and in the third and final book, “Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom.” Elsa finally makes it to Canada where the Canadian prime minister assures her that they will help by collecting and growing the seeds from the Doomsday seed bunkers. But to truly topple GreenCorps, now is the time for everyone, including rebels and saints, to work together regardless of the dangers.
It’s been a long journey for Elsa and her friends as they fled SoCal to Canada. They’re safe for now, but GreenCorps still controls much of the land. GreenCorps has a monopoly on food and water and the rebels have no choice but to keep fighting. Elsa’s original mission is complete, and she considers herself a full-blown rebel now. She is injured and while recuperating, she waits on duplicate keys to the seed bunkers.
Another group of rebels travels the countryside freeing prisoners and prostitutes in the hopes that they will join the resistance, one of those being Jenna. She trusted her brother Wade to help her find a job but all he did was sell her into prostitution. It feels like an uphill battle, but it will take all these courageous people working together to weaken GreenCorps and free the people from the corporatocracy that threatens their freedom and way of life.
I was drawn to this novel because it’s a dystopian story set in a future where people are under the control of a corporation and struggle to survive. Life is hard for them and a small group of rebels is doing all they can to make a difference. If they are to stand a chance, they have to convince others to join them. For some, that’s easier said than done, especially for Clark. He grew up in Utah, a strong rebel zone, and has lost most of his family to the cause. He now lives among the neutral Saints and just wants to stay out of trouble, until he meets Janna, who has a lasting influence on his way of life.
I was hooked by the fifth chapter, when Mason and Caitlyn are sneaking into Salt Lake City to look for Grady, the rebel leader. They have to stay alert and out of trouble because they are all wanted by the authorities and must remain out of sight since desperate people can’t be trusted not to turn them in for the reward.
This adventurous story combines the narrative of individuals who dared to challenge the status quo in search of true freedom. The writing is insightful, offering an examination of what it means to fight for freedom in various forms, whether it’s political, personal, or emotional. By fully developing the characters, they each reflect different sides of rebellion and self-discovery. The descriptive language fully emerges the readers in the scenery:
Near the water, bare shrubs had discarded their leaves, littering the ground with brown and yellow.
Overall, Lena Gibson’s “Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom” is an inspiring and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of power and corruption, friendship, survival, and identity. It raises important questions about the costs of freedom and whether true liberation can ever be achieved. Even though it’s the final book in the series, readers won’t be lost if they haven’t read the first two. It is recommended for fans of dystopian fiction who enjoy stories of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of personal freedom.
I can’t be someone who sits on the fringes and does nothing. That’s how too many people live. To defeat GreenCorps, there can’t be any more bystanders. Everyone needs to pick a side and fight for what they believe.
It’s been a long journey for Elsa and her friends as they fled SoCal to Canada. They’re safe for now, but GreenCorps still controls much of the land. GreenCorps has a monopoly on food and water and the rebels have no choice but to keep fighting. Elsa’s original mission is complete, and she considers herself a full-blown rebel now. She is injured and while recuperating, she waits on duplicate keys to the seed bunkers.
Another group of rebels travels the countryside freeing prisoners and prostitutes in the hopes that they will join the resistance, one of those being Jenna. She trusted her brother Wade to help her find a job but all he did was sell her into prostitution. It feels like an uphill battle, but it will take all these courageous people working together to weaken GreenCorps and free the people from the corporatocracy that threatens their freedom and way of life.
I was drawn to this novel because it’s a dystopian story set in a future where people are under the control of a corporation and struggle to survive. Life is hard for them and a small group of rebels is doing all they can to make a difference. If they are to stand a chance, they have to convince others to join them. For some, that’s easier said than done, especially for Clark. He grew up in Utah, a strong rebel zone, and has lost most of his family to the cause. He now lives among the neutral Saints and just wants to stay out of trouble, until he meets Janna, who has a lasting influence on his way of life.
I was hooked by the fifth chapter, when Mason and Caitlyn are sneaking into Salt Lake City to look for Grady, the rebel leader. They have to stay alert and out of trouble because they are all wanted by the authorities and must remain out of sight since desperate people can’t be trusted not to turn them in for the reward.
This adventurous story combines the narrative of individuals who dared to challenge the status quo in search of true freedom. The writing is insightful, offering an examination of what it means to fight for freedom in various forms, whether it’s political, personal, or emotional. By fully developing the characters, they each reflect different sides of rebellion and self-discovery. The descriptive language fully emerges the readers in the scenery:
Near the water, bare shrubs had discarded their leaves, littering the ground with brown and yellow.
Overall, Lena Gibson’s “Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom” is an inspiring and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of power and corruption, friendship, survival, and identity. It raises important questions about the costs of freedom and whether true liberation can ever be achieved. Even though it’s the final book in the series, readers won’t be lost if they haven’t read the first two. It is recommended for fans of dystopian fiction who enjoy stories of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of personal freedom.
I can’t be someone who sits on the fringes and does nothing. That’s how too many people live. To defeat GreenCorps, there can’t be any more bystanders. Everyone needs to pick a side and fight for what they believe.
February 2, 2025
Lena Gibson creates a dystopian North American future no reader can recognize... or fathom enduring.
Greencorps keeps the people down through control of water, food, and production. The Rebels cannot deliver the decisive blow needed to cripple the evil corporation. Death by a thousand cuts doesn't prove an effective strategy. How can Elsa and her movement save a world if she can't even convince the downtrodden to commit to the struggle?
Hang on for the epic conclusion of the Train Hopper trilogy!
Greencorps keeps the people down through control of water, food, and production. The Rebels cannot deliver the decisive blow needed to cripple the evil corporation. Death by a thousand cuts doesn't prove an effective strategy. How can Elsa and her movement save a world if she can't even convince the downtrodden to commit to the struggle?
Hang on for the epic conclusion of the Train Hopper trilogy!
December 10, 2025
Rebels and Saints offers a satisfying, action-packed conclusion to the Train Hoppers trilogy. One hallmark of this trilogy is its ability to imbalance the improbability of good winning over evil, with the inevitability of good winning over evil. Lena Gibson manages the balance deftly - although the eponymous rebels and saints don't have a chance against the evil Greencorp Corporation, what they do have is conviction. The rebels have been fighting Greencorp for decades, and have tried-and-true methods of resistance, such as train hopping and liberating resources that the corporation hoards. By contrast, the saints have always maintained a neutrality that leaves them largely out of Greencorp's reach or interest. They are happy tilling their fields and finding inner peace in a world gone mad.
When the leadership at Greencorp lets their lust for revenge overpower their caution, both the rebels and saints have an opportunity to strike. It's a story as old as time - the goodies are badly outnumbered, outgunned, and outfunded. It's also a completely unique story, a projection of what the western United States could become if greed and pollution overpower democracy and basic human rights. I love the relationship between the dystopian future Lena has crafted to our world - familiar enough to understand the struggle, but foreign enough to want to visualize every step of the way. The aesthetics of the new world are extremely thoughtful and fascinating. The same attention to character development that existed in the first two books continues beautifully here, and each character truly makes a ripple that becomes a wave. Anyone with a beating heart will care what happens to Elsa, Walker, Caitlyn, Mason, Ginger, Tatsuda, Janna, Clark, Grady and Avery. A wonderful mix of dystopian fiction, action-adventure, romance, and geopolitical thriller.
When the leadership at Greencorp lets their lust for revenge overpower their caution, both the rebels and saints have an opportunity to strike. It's a story as old as time - the goodies are badly outnumbered, outgunned, and outfunded. It's also a completely unique story, a projection of what the western United States could become if greed and pollution overpower democracy and basic human rights. I love the relationship between the dystopian future Lena has crafted to our world - familiar enough to understand the struggle, but foreign enough to want to visualize every step of the way. The aesthetics of the new world are extremely thoughtful and fascinating. The same attention to character development that existed in the first two books continues beautifully here, and each character truly makes a ripple that becomes a wave. Anyone with a beating heart will care what happens to Elsa, Walker, Caitlyn, Mason, Ginger, Tatsuda, Janna, Clark, Grady and Avery. A wonderful mix of dystopian fiction, action-adventure, romance, and geopolitical thriller.
April 9, 2025
I received this book as an ARC, just so you know. I thank Lena Gibson for trusting me with it. This is the last book in the series and you need to read all the others for this one to make sense. I attempted to write this as I read, but I couldn’t put the book down long enough to do that.
Dystopian/post apocalyptic books are not where I normally read. The ton in regency England, wizards, dragons, laser swords - fantastic. Boring earth after a disaster not so much, although I do love a good cheesy disaster movie. This was a fantastic read with a believable world where the power balance is out of whack. A corporation has all the power and are enslaving the people. But as with any power imbalance there are those who fight against it.
This book brings all of our groups we’ve read about up until now into play. I was squirming in my seat during some of the action because you didn’t know if things were going to work out right or not. All the action leads to one final battle with the civilians working with rebels and others coming in as backup. And in the end, once you show force against the bully, the bully folds. Because all the bully has is the fear they instill. It’s kind of anticlimactic the way everything just stops because the bully has no power anymore. But rebuilding after that is the work of lifetimes.
This was a fantastic series and once I can find it in paperback, I’m adding it to my shelves. I think on a reread I’ll notice more of the connections between groups. I would recommend it.
Dystopian/post apocalyptic books are not where I normally read. The ton in regency England, wizards, dragons, laser swords - fantastic. Boring earth after a disaster not so much, although I do love a good cheesy disaster movie. This was a fantastic read with a believable world where the power balance is out of whack. A corporation has all the power and are enslaving the people. But as with any power imbalance there are those who fight against it.
This book brings all of our groups we’ve read about up until now into play. I was squirming in my seat during some of the action because you didn’t know if things were going to work out right or not. All the action leads to one final battle with the civilians working with rebels and others coming in as backup. And in the end, once you show force against the bully, the bully folds. Because all the bully has is the fear they instill. It’s kind of anticlimactic the way everything just stops because the bully has no power anymore. But rebuilding after that is the work of lifetimes.
This was a fantastic series and once I can find it in paperback, I’m adding it to my shelves. I think on a reread I’ll notice more of the connections between groups. I would recommend it.
March 24, 2025
Rebels and Saints – Catching Freedom
By Lena Gibson
Rebels and Saints is yet another of Gibson’s gripping adventures and a
satisfying end to the Train Hoppers’ trilogy. I kept hoping nothing bad
would happen to my favorite characters that have been around long
enough to be old friends. They’re complex and vulnerable people, hurt
and damaged by their lives, who are trying to relearn how to live in an
ever-changing environment.
The Collapse of 2025 starts off the trouble with the GreenCorp
corptocracy. It sounds creepily prophetic with all that is going on in the
world today. GreenCorp is trying to control knowledge and rewrite
history, becoming more aggressive in their demands for obedience as
the story progresses. The rebels and Saints finally stand together to
defend their beliefs and their way of life. They harness their collective
power to make a difference in the end.
Highly recommended. You don’t want to miss this one!
By Lena Gibson
Rebels and Saints is yet another of Gibson’s gripping adventures and a
satisfying end to the Train Hoppers’ trilogy. I kept hoping nothing bad
would happen to my favorite characters that have been around long
enough to be old friends. They’re complex and vulnerable people, hurt
and damaged by their lives, who are trying to relearn how to live in an
ever-changing environment.
The Collapse of 2025 starts off the trouble with the GreenCorp
corptocracy. It sounds creepily prophetic with all that is going on in the
world today. GreenCorp is trying to control knowledge and rewrite
history, becoming more aggressive in their demands for obedience as
the story progresses. The rebels and Saints finally stand together to
defend their beliefs and their way of life. They harness their collective
power to make a difference in the end.
Highly recommended. You don’t want to miss this one!
April 6, 2025
You don't technically have to have read the previous two books in the series, but I would highly recommend you do before starting Rebels & Saints. The first two books give you all the background to the characters and how they ended up where they have.
Elsa and her friends have made it to Canada with the key to the bunkers.They are now ready to take on Green Corps and bring freedom to the cities and towns.
Everyone from the previous books makes an appearance, along with a few new friends, and there are multiple branches to the story as they all go off and do various tasks to help with the Rebels with the bigger picture.
All the characters have grown and developed to create an adventure that had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing what or how the story might go.
I've really enjoyed this series, and I will be sad to say goodbye to Elsa and all her friends, Rebels and Saints.
The ending fits the characters and the story perfectly.
Elsa and her friends have made it to Canada with the key to the bunkers.They are now ready to take on Green Corps and bring freedom to the cities and towns.
Everyone from the previous books makes an appearance, along with a few new friends, and there are multiple branches to the story as they all go off and do various tasks to help with the Rebels with the bigger picture.
All the characters have grown and developed to create an adventure that had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing what or how the story might go.
I've really enjoyed this series, and I will be sad to say goodbye to Elsa and all her friends, Rebels and Saints.
The ending fits the characters and the story perfectly.
April 2, 2025
I have been so excited about this book and finally finding out how it all ends. Also, I think I got a new favorite character—Clark. I just don't know if I like him more or less than Tatsuda.
I also really liked how they split up so the plot felt bigger (I don't really know how to explain it), and I liked Janna's POV (probably because of Clark, but still).
Overall, it's a really good series, and I have thought about rereading them all back to back.
4 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also really liked how they split up so the plot felt bigger (I don't really know how to explain it), and I liked Janna's POV (probably because of Clark, but still).
Overall, it's a really good series, and I have thought about rereading them all back to back.
4 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2025
The Train Hoppers series has been a guilty pleasure of mine since the initial book. I've been privileged to have received an ARC each book in the series and this one did not disappoint. This is a well written series and we get to see the climax of a great story come to a fitting end. My only regret is that there aren't more books in the series to consume. If you are looking for a well paced, dystopian series that keeps you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend this series. "Rebels and Saints" does not disappoint!! Great finale to a great series.
April 22, 2025
This was really brilliant! A super enjoyable story, as always, it was very well written. I did like the main characters & found the storyline really held my attention, some good moments, some stress & overall really good fun!
April 29, 2025
ARC Review ✨️
♡Beautifully written♡
This series has been a phenomenal and emotional journey! I loved this story so much and can't help but adore every character. The author captures the raw character development and crafts it into a beautiful book🥹🙌
Thanks so much to the author and booksirens for the ARC!
♡Beautifully written♡
This series has been a phenomenal and emotional journey! I loved this story so much and can't help but adore every character. The author captures the raw character development and crafts it into a beautiful book🥹🙌
Thanks so much to the author and booksirens for the ARC!
April 28, 2025
Rebels and Saints was the third and final book in the Train Hoppers Series. It introduced some new characters and tied up story lines for existing characters that I've come to love and root for. Lena Gibson writes captivating stories and I've not found one of her books that wasn't amazing. I would love for her to continue this series and also the Love and Survival Series. I'm completely hooked!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2025
Lena Gibson's Rebels and Saints, the compelling conclusion of the Train Hopper trilogy, vividly encapsulates themes of survival, resistance, and human resilience within a richly imagined dystopian future. Set against a backdrop of an oppressive corporate regime known as GreenCorps, the novel intricately weaves multiple narratives, centering primarily around Elsa, a courageous young woman determined to dismantle corporate tyranny, and a host of memorable supporting characters, each confronting their personal battles.
The narrative picks up with Elsa struggling with injury and frustration, sidelined in Portland while awaiting critical resources for the resistance. Concurrently, other storylines unfold: Tatsuda and Ginger bravely journey into dangerous territory in Southern California to rescue Elsa's sister and nieces; Janna, betrayed by her brother into a grim life in Texas, fights for survival and hope; Clark Dawson grapples with loss and neutrality among the Saints community; and Mason and Caitlyn risk everything as key figures in the resistance movement. These story arcs intertwine effectively, creating tension, empathy, and a powerful sense of unity against oppression.
Gibson's storytelling is captivating, blending intense action sequences with emotionally charged character development. Her narrative style is clear, gripping, and accessible, keeping readers emotionally invested through realistic dialogue and authentic relationships. The pacing is consistently engaging, balancing moments of high drama and quiet introspection with precision, ensuring readers remain deeply immersed in the unfolding drama.
Characterization is particularly impressive, with Elsa emerging as a compelling heroine—resourceful, determined, and emotionally complex. Supporting characters, including Tatsuda, Ginger, and Janna, are equally well-realized, their growth and struggles adding considerable depth to the narrative. Gibson skillfully navigates the emotional complexities of betrayal, familial bonds, and personal redemption, enriching the novel's overall impact.
Thematically, Gibson addresses the nuances of power, control, rebellion, and personal agency, effectively utilizing symbolic elements, such as train hopping, as a metaphor for freedom and resistance. While the narrative successfully balances numerous subplots, a minor suggestion for improvement might include providing additional context for readers who join the series at this concluding volume, easing their integration into the complex backstories.
The ideal audience for Rebels and Saints includes readers who appreciate thoughtful dystopian fiction with strong character-driven narratives and intense emotional stakes. Fans of series like "The Hunger Games" or "Divergent," or readers who enjoy exploring themes of resistance and personal courage in bleak futures, will find this finale particularly satisfying.
Overall, Rebels and Saints delivers a powerful, emotionally charged conclusion that masterfully ties together its multiple storylines. Gibson's vivid world-building and dynamic characters offer a rewarding reading experience that will resonate deeply with dystopian fiction enthusiasts.
The narrative picks up with Elsa struggling with injury and frustration, sidelined in Portland while awaiting critical resources for the resistance. Concurrently, other storylines unfold: Tatsuda and Ginger bravely journey into dangerous territory in Southern California to rescue Elsa's sister and nieces; Janna, betrayed by her brother into a grim life in Texas, fights for survival and hope; Clark Dawson grapples with loss and neutrality among the Saints community; and Mason and Caitlyn risk everything as key figures in the resistance movement. These story arcs intertwine effectively, creating tension, empathy, and a powerful sense of unity against oppression.
Gibson's storytelling is captivating, blending intense action sequences with emotionally charged character development. Her narrative style is clear, gripping, and accessible, keeping readers emotionally invested through realistic dialogue and authentic relationships. The pacing is consistently engaging, balancing moments of high drama and quiet introspection with precision, ensuring readers remain deeply immersed in the unfolding drama.
Characterization is particularly impressive, with Elsa emerging as a compelling heroine—resourceful, determined, and emotionally complex. Supporting characters, including Tatsuda, Ginger, and Janna, are equally well-realized, their growth and struggles adding considerable depth to the narrative. Gibson skillfully navigates the emotional complexities of betrayal, familial bonds, and personal redemption, enriching the novel's overall impact.
Thematically, Gibson addresses the nuances of power, control, rebellion, and personal agency, effectively utilizing symbolic elements, such as train hopping, as a metaphor for freedom and resistance. While the narrative successfully balances numerous subplots, a minor suggestion for improvement might include providing additional context for readers who join the series at this concluding volume, easing their integration into the complex backstories.
The ideal audience for Rebels and Saints includes readers who appreciate thoughtful dystopian fiction with strong character-driven narratives and intense emotional stakes. Fans of series like "The Hunger Games" or "Divergent," or readers who enjoy exploring themes of resistance and personal courage in bleak futures, will find this finale particularly satisfying.
Overall, Rebels and Saints delivers a powerful, emotionally charged conclusion that masterfully ties together its multiple storylines. Gibson's vivid world-building and dynamic characters offer a rewarding reading experience that will resonate deeply with dystopian fiction enthusiasts.
February 26, 2025
Lena Gibson’s Rebels and Saints is the gripping third installment of the Long Haul trilogy, a dystopian saga that follows a ragtag group of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of GreenCorps, a corporate regime that controls food, water, and livelihoods in a post-collapse America. Set in the year 2195, the novel continues Elsa’s journey as she leads the fight to distribute long-lost seed reserves that could free people from corporate dependency. With high-stakes train-hopping, underground bunkers, and daring escapes, the book is a thrilling blend of adventure and rebellion, all while exploring themes of survival, autonomy, and hope in a bleak world.
Right off the bat, the pacing had me hooked. This is a full-throttle, edge-of-your-seat kind of ride. One of my favorite scenes happens early on when Mason and his team are sneaking off a train into enemy territory. Gibson has this great way of making every movement feel significant and every risk feel personal.
What really made this book stand out wasn’t just the action it was the characters. Elsa, Walker, Mason, and Caitlyn aren’t just rebels with a mission they’re people with relationships, regrets, and fears. Elsa’s internal struggles, especially in moments where she realizes just how much power she wields, feel incredibly real.
The world-building is superb. Instead of drowning readers in exposition, Gibson reveals details naturally through the rebels’ experiences. The concept of train-hopping as a means of resistance is brilliant, adding a sense of motion and unpredictability to the story. And the contrast between GreenCorps-controlled zones and rebel havens is stark. That contrast makes the fight for freedom feel even more urgent.
By the time I hit the final chapters, my emotions were all over the place. There’s a sense of triumph, yes, but also loss—because the fight doesn’t end just because the book does. That’s the hallmark of a good dystopian novel. If you love fast-paced adventure with heart and if you enjoy stories about found families and underdogs taking on impossible odds, this book is a must-read.
Right off the bat, the pacing had me hooked. This is a full-throttle, edge-of-your-seat kind of ride. One of my favorite scenes happens early on when Mason and his team are sneaking off a train into enemy territory. Gibson has this great way of making every movement feel significant and every risk feel personal.
What really made this book stand out wasn’t just the action it was the characters. Elsa, Walker, Mason, and Caitlyn aren’t just rebels with a mission they’re people with relationships, regrets, and fears. Elsa’s internal struggles, especially in moments where she realizes just how much power she wields, feel incredibly real.
The world-building is superb. Instead of drowning readers in exposition, Gibson reveals details naturally through the rebels’ experiences. The concept of train-hopping as a means of resistance is brilliant, adding a sense of motion and unpredictability to the story. And the contrast between GreenCorps-controlled zones and rebel havens is stark. That contrast makes the fight for freedom feel even more urgent.
By the time I hit the final chapters, my emotions were all over the place. There’s a sense of triumph, yes, but also loss—because the fight doesn’t end just because the book does. That’s the hallmark of a good dystopian novel. If you love fast-paced adventure with heart and if you enjoy stories about found families and underdogs taking on impossible odds, this book is a must-read.
April 5, 2025
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom by Lena Gibson is the explosive conclusion of the Train Hoppers series, throwing readers right back into the action where the last story left off. The plot follows Elsa and her band of rebels as they mount their final offensive against the tyrannical GreenCorps, orchestrating daring rescue missions and acts of rebellion to reclaim their homeland. Gibson masterfully interweaves the personal journeys of multiple characters, including Janna, a survivor seeking justice for past wrongs, and Clark, a broken rebel discovering a new purpose in the resistance.
Author Lena Gibson offers readers a unique read, presenting people who feel real and complex despite the heightened circumstances of their world. The emotional depth of Elsa's journey resonated with me deeply, particularly in how her motivations drive the larger narrative of resistance, and how she empathizes with the different stories and motivations in her crew. The action sequences maintain intense momentum while never losing sight of the human element at their core. The exploration of corporate tyranny and grassroots revolution is particularly relevant to contemporary discussions about power and resistance. I loved the way that the narrative skillfully balanced some very large-scale action moments with intimate character conversations, creating a rich tapestry of struggle, hope, and determination. These themes of hope and unity emerge organically through the characters' dialogue and experiences and the well-developed relationships between different members of the team add complexity and realism to their choices and sacrifices. The pacing keeps readers engaged through both quiet moments and intense action. Overall, Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom delivers a satisfying conclusion to the Train Hoppers series that will leave readers thinking about it long after the final page, and I highly recommend it.
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom by Lena Gibson is the explosive conclusion of the Train Hoppers series, throwing readers right back into the action where the last story left off. The plot follows Elsa and her band of rebels as they mount their final offensive against the tyrannical GreenCorps, orchestrating daring rescue missions and acts of rebellion to reclaim their homeland. Gibson masterfully interweaves the personal journeys of multiple characters, including Janna, a survivor seeking justice for past wrongs, and Clark, a broken rebel discovering a new purpose in the resistance.
Author Lena Gibson offers readers a unique read, presenting people who feel real and complex despite the heightened circumstances of their world. The emotional depth of Elsa's journey resonated with me deeply, particularly in how her motivations drive the larger narrative of resistance, and how she empathizes with the different stories and motivations in her crew. The action sequences maintain intense momentum while never losing sight of the human element at their core. The exploration of corporate tyranny and grassroots revolution is particularly relevant to contemporary discussions about power and resistance. I loved the way that the narrative skillfully balanced some very large-scale action moments with intimate character conversations, creating a rich tapestry of struggle, hope, and determination. These themes of hope and unity emerge organically through the characters' dialogue and experiences and the well-developed relationships between different members of the team add complexity and realism to their choices and sacrifices. The pacing keeps readers engaged through both quiet moments and intense action. Overall, Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom delivers a satisfying conclusion to the Train Hoppers series that will leave readers thinking about it long after the final page, and I highly recommend it.
February 4, 2025
Fitting Conclusion to an Enthralling Dystopian Series
I’d been waiting anxiously for the conclusion to this engaging series, and it did not disappoint. Gibson does a masterful job of pulling several disparate story lines together, weaving the tales of several characters into a spell-binding chronicle of a not-so-distant future where lasses-faire economics have allowed one giant corporation, ironically named GreenCorps, to control virtually everything in the United States. The result has been crushing poverty, starvation and water-shortages for the bulk of the population, while GreenCorps executives live lives of obscene wealth and debauchery.
The resistance to the GreenCorps stranglehold has split into two factions, The Saints, who hide out in remote areas to grow their own crops and attempt to live at peace, and The Rebels, who actively oppose GreenCorps by building their own resistance, spreading the viable seeds from hidden bunkers, and encouraging GreenCorps workers to join their cause. The individual stories are fraught with danger and adventure, as well as heart-warming romance. To give away the conclusion would be telling, but this series is not to be missed. If you haven’t read the first two books of this series, Switching Tracks, and The Long Haul, start there, if you’re a fan of dystopian thrillers spiced with a healthy dollop of romance, this series is for you!
I’d been waiting anxiously for the conclusion to this engaging series, and it did not disappoint. Gibson does a masterful job of pulling several disparate story lines together, weaving the tales of several characters into a spell-binding chronicle of a not-so-distant future where lasses-faire economics have allowed one giant corporation, ironically named GreenCorps, to control virtually everything in the United States. The result has been crushing poverty, starvation and water-shortages for the bulk of the population, while GreenCorps executives live lives of obscene wealth and debauchery.
The resistance to the GreenCorps stranglehold has split into two factions, The Saints, who hide out in remote areas to grow their own crops and attempt to live at peace, and The Rebels, who actively oppose GreenCorps by building their own resistance, spreading the viable seeds from hidden bunkers, and encouraging GreenCorps workers to join their cause. The individual stories are fraught with danger and adventure, as well as heart-warming romance. To give away the conclusion would be telling, but this series is not to be missed. If you haven’t read the first two books of this series, Switching Tracks, and The Long Haul, start there, if you’re a fan of dystopian thrillers spiced with a healthy dollop of romance, this series is for you!
February 19, 2025
Rebels and Saints marks the exhilarating conclusion to Lena Gibson's Train Hoppers series, and what a journey it has been! Gibson has masterfully crafted a world that immerses readers in a vivid landscape of struggle, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of humanity. From the start, I was drawn into a gripping narrative filled with edge-of-your-seat confrontations and the palpable tension of a revolution brewing against the oppressive GreenCorps.
The world-building in Rebels and Saints is noteworthy; Gibson weaves together the lives of the characters with the socio-political issues they face, creating a backdrop that feels all too relevant. The stakes are high, and the sense of hopelessness looms large as the protagonists confront years of hardship and tyranny. Yet, within the darkness, Gibson’s nuanced portrayal of resilience and determination shines brightly. The author’s attention to detail is commendable, showcasing a revolution that is as much about the heart and minds of its heroes as it is about the physical battles they face.
As the series draws to a close, it was incredibly gratifying to witness the beloved characters I cherish finally receive the happy endings they deserve. Gibson masterfully blends character development with an engaging plot, leaving readers satisfied yet yearning for more of their journeys.
The world-building in Rebels and Saints is noteworthy; Gibson weaves together the lives of the characters with the socio-political issues they face, creating a backdrop that feels all too relevant. The stakes are high, and the sense of hopelessness looms large as the protagonists confront years of hardship and tyranny. Yet, within the darkness, Gibson’s nuanced portrayal of resilience and determination shines brightly. The author’s attention to detail is commendable, showcasing a revolution that is as much about the heart and minds of its heroes as it is about the physical battles they face.
As the series draws to a close, it was incredibly gratifying to witness the beloved characters I cherish finally receive the happy endings they deserve. Gibson masterfully blends character development with an engaging plot, leaving readers satisfied yet yearning for more of their journeys.
February 2, 2025
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom delivers a gripping and action-packed finale that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its multiple, intertwining plotlines. The stakes are higher than ever as Elsa and her allies return to the heart of danger, each embarking on missions crucial to the rebellion’s success. From daring rescues and covert operations to inspiring the oppressed, every storyline is masterfully crafted to build suspense and momentum.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its seamless plot progression and character development. Elsa, Janna, and Clark—each shaped by their own hardships—grow in compelling ways as they navigate the ever-changing battlefield against GreenCorps.
Their journeys, whether of redemption, resilience, or courage, feel natural and well-planned, making their struggles and victories all the more satisfying.
With tension, heart, and a richly layered narrative, Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom it’s a testament to the power of unity and defiance in the face of oppression, delivering a thrilling conclusion that will leave readers both breathless and fulfilled.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its seamless plot progression and character development. Elsa, Janna, and Clark—each shaped by their own hardships—grow in compelling ways as they navigate the ever-changing battlefield against GreenCorps.
Their journeys, whether of redemption, resilience, or courage, feel natural and well-planned, making their struggles and victories all the more satisfying.
With tension, heart, and a richly layered narrative, Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom it’s a testament to the power of unity and defiance in the face of oppression, delivering a thrilling conclusion that will leave readers both breathless and fulfilled.
September 4, 2025
All good things come in threes, and Rebels and Saints, the final volume in Lena Gibson’s Trainhoppers series, is a good thing. We’ve been with the Rebels from the beginning of this post-apocalyptic world. The world may have changed, but human nature hasn’t. Greencorps has a stranglehold on the survivors and is working them to death. But from the sidelines, we’ve watched the ranks of the Rebels swell as they fight for a different future than slavery at the hands of corporate greed.
Gibson’s talent for crafting believable characters and world-building is unmatched. Everything comes to a head in this final showdown between good and evil. The struggle will never end, of course, but there is something in the human spirit that will not stay suppressed forever. As our cast of characters has grown throughout the series, we’ve shared their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. It’s time for payback.
Highly recommended.
Gibson’s talent for crafting believable characters and world-building is unmatched. Everything comes to a head in this final showdown between good and evil. The struggle will never end, of course, but there is something in the human spirit that will not stay suppressed forever. As our cast of characters has grown throughout the series, we’ve shared their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. It’s time for payback.
Highly recommended.
March 28, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was pleased to read Catching Freedom as it pulled all the strands of the story together. Elsa and her goal to help farms grow again naturally. Then the story of Janna sold into prostitution by her brother who escapes and finds the strength to help the rebels and the saints - in particular one damaged young man in the saint agricultural camp: Clark. The other members of the rebels pull down the brutal leader and his minions and the story is vividly recounted.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
In this final book of her trilogy, Lena Gibson excels once again, creating another thrilling train-hopping adventure in the rebels’ fight against GreenCorps. With a few new engaging characters added to the mix, this is a heart-palpitating journey across Western America in the year 2195 when my favorite group of freedom fighters struggle to reinstate democracy. Ms. Gibson is a skilled writer, creating characters I will miss terribly, and a storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a must-read series!
February 2, 2025
Multiple story lines are skillfully intertwined into a complex tale of survival. Gibson will have you rooting for each of her characters to survive the coming fight. Like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, the Long Haul trilogy is the tale of ordinary people doing extraordinary things under dire circumstances to bring freedom from tyranny. Don't pass on this trilogy.
April 20, 2025
In “Rebels and Saints”, Lena Gibson brings the Train Hopper trilogy to a close. (See also Switching Tracks: Out of the Trash and The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope). In this book, the adventures of Elsa and Walker continue (along with some of the other cast of characters we met in the two previous books and a few new ones introduced in this book) as they continue their fight against Green Corps, who controls food, water, and transportation on the West Coast of what used to be the USA in 2195. People are tired of barely scratching out an existence at the whim of the evil people who rule the society. And the key is what Elsa had discovered back in Book 1 of the trilogy and nearly cost her life. Green Corps will do anything they can to prevent that from reaching the public.
If you haven’t read the first two books of this series, I strongly recommend you do so before starting this one. I promise you that when you reach the end of book one, you’ll immediately head for book two. And then for book three. In a way, you’re lucky because you won’t have to wait between publication dates like I had to!
I'm very grateful to have received an ARC of this book and my opinion is my own. A strong five-stars! I’m looking forward to seeing what Lena Gibson comes up with next.
If you haven’t read the first two books of this series, I strongly recommend you do so before starting this one. I promise you that when you reach the end of book one, you’ll immediately head for book two. And then for book three. In a way, you’re lucky because you won’t have to wait between publication dates like I had to!
I'm very grateful to have received an ARC of this book and my opinion is my own. A strong five-stars! I’m looking forward to seeing what Lena Gibson comes up with next.
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