Rebel Rising

by Brianna Trader

Astrid Pierce has traded in her walls, but the freedom she sought is heavy with the weight of a promise. While she fights to find her own purpose, she discovers that her brother Roman's legacy is a spark that has already caught fire across the country.

But the Citadel is not silent. As discontent grows, the High Chancellor's grip tightens: quotas have doubled, rations are dwindling, and children are being dragged into service at a shocking new rate. With the help of her brother's accomplice, Astrid realizes she is no longer just a recruit; she might be the last bit of hope.

To find the strength to fight back, Astrid must navigate a web of deception where manipulation and shifting loyalties are a thin line between enemy and ally. And with an impending war on the rise, she finds herself caught between the ghosts of love and the reality before her.

In a game where masks hide everything, Astrid has to accept that she is no longer the person she thought, and neither is anyone else. Can she cut the rot from the Citadel and forge a new world, or will the shackles of her birthright seal her fate forever?

310 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2026

About the author

Lover of history, romance, and anything dystopian/fantasy, Brianna spends most of her spare time with her husband or two older sisters. When she isn’t emerged in her writing of softer female leads, or broody love interests, Brianna enjoys dancing and watching movies. Crimson Academy is Brianna’s debut novel, set in a dystopian society, where we follow Astrid as she is forced into military service to continue her family’s legacy.

Follow along on her socials as she continues writing this series:

Tiktok: @b.t.delrosario
IG: bt.delrosarioauthor
Discord for all Crimson Academy fans to connect linked in her IG bio

Reviews

[Heather Altundağ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY WORD!!!!! This book was so good! I was hooked from the start (especially after that cliffhanger from book one 👀), and I just couldn’t put it down. We see a lot of growth from our FMC in this book. In book 1, she was a bit more naive as all teenagers are, but in book 2, we really got to see her step up to others. She stood her ground to prove she was no longer a child. Throughout this book, you also get glimpses of her learning new things about her childhood and the mysteries surrounding “her parents” and the academy. There are parts of this book that had me second guessing, finding little Easter eggs, and thinking about what is actually going on. I mean you have a masked MMC, an adult who acts like a baby (my most hated character 😡), friends who you don’t know if you can trust, and a rebellion brewing to discover all the things that have been hidden for years. If you want a dystopian book with assassins and no smut, then look no further because this book is for you. I am now going to ‘patiently’ await for book 3. ☺️

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I don’t even know where to begin with this review. The last book completely left me reeling, and this one was just as incredible. I’m honestly at a loss for words.

We’re introduced to a new character, Romeo, in this installment—and I have so many questions about him. He’s incredibly intriguing, and I need to know more. But Theo still has my whole heart, 100%.

There’s one scene in particular with Theo and Astrid, where my jaw was literally on the floor. This book put me through every emotion possible. Not once was I anything less than fully invested.

I’m trying so hard not to spoil anything, but wow this was such a fantastic read. I have so many questions that need answers, and I’ll definitely be counting down the days until book three releases.

Also… from chapter 30 to 35 ? Absolutely unbelievable.

[Elisha Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 6 Star Read ⭐️

Rebel Rising is the second book in the Crimson Academy series. I was not prepared for this to be another favorite, but I’m honestly not surprised. I’m starting to see a pattern here.

The aesthetic of this book was so much more different than that of Crimson Academy, but it was a change that I pleasantly welcomed.

This book shifted away from Astrid’s past life, focusing more on the new cause. A new character is also introduced, and we are able to see his importance. Although he remains a mystery throughout the whole book, there are plenty of areas that allow us to formulate suspicions about him.

I will never shut up about Theo. You mean to tell me he did all of that knowing that she hated him? I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ll ever recover from that. I felt like I was a child as I waited impatiently for him to show up.

I LOVED the use of Chapter 29. The way it all clicked into place for me. It brought me back to Crimson Academy when they were in his room talking about their past. 🥹

The flashback was my favorite too. After the moment was just passed over in the first book, I was genuinely sad. But I loved this 🤭🫶🫶

I had to lock myself in my room for chapters 32-35 as they were so important, and I could not take the chance of being interrupted.

The ending? I was not ready for it. Now this is the kind of cliffhanger that I could get behind.

[sophie🤍🧸 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ I enjoyed reading the second book of Crimson Academy! Rebel Rising takes a different turn compared to Crimson Academy, yet still takes off right where book 1 left off. I enjoyed the plot and the overall storyline of this sequel. I rated it 3.75 because I feel that I got lost sometimes with the writing and had to double back, or in some instances the flow was interrupted a little and I caught myself zoning out. That’s not to say this isn’t a fun book to read (and who knows, maybe those flow errors are a reader’s problem! ;) )! I enjoyed catching up with Astrid and welcoming new characters into the lime light. I am eager to learn more about the past of some characters and see what that cliff hanger is all about!!!! Already excited for book 3 and the finale.

*ALSO Goodreads, pleaseeee create .25 and .5 stars!!!! the look of 3 stars pains me on this review!!!! Brianna did a great job in her sequel.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Astrid and she's just such a relatable character to me. She has friends but still has awkward relationships with them. She is unsure a lot even when she is well trained and capable, but always feels someone else is better at the thing. I want to give her the tough love that I don't give myself.

My favorite genre is dystopian books, and then you add in a delightful tension-filled, slow burn? Yes please.

My biggest gripe is just having to wait for the next book to come out, since I read books 1 & 2 back to back. I don't even have words to express the ending. I don't know how I can make the authors life earlier, so they can focus on finishing book 3 (and whatever else lies ahead in the series) but if she could just let me know!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Crimson Academy trilogy and my jaw was on the floor! It is a dystopian fantasy set in the world of Crimson Academy. Astrid’s story continues with more trials, more loss, and someone she can’t have but can’t resist…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was amazing!! The character development in this really shined and I loved to see Astrid’s journey continue. I was so sad reading this but in the best way! I cannot wait for book 3!

Crimson Academy is available on KU now and Rebel Rising will be available on KU and for purchase on May 18th! I’m fully invested in this trilogy and believe more people should check it out!! Big thank you to Brianna and her team for sending me this, I really appreciate it ❤️❤️

[Tyler Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

never expected

Rebel Rising was truly one of the most interesting keep you on your toes books I have read in a while. I knew after crimson academy I was hooked and could not wait to read rebel rising. It was make you cry, laugh, and want to throw your book or kindle across the room. The slow burn in the last book did continue into rebel rising in a completely different way it was heart breaking and truly make you wonder how Astrid’s mind has been affected by her mom.
You will hate then fall in love with a character from crimson academy you never expected. The ending makes you just want more and gives you zero answers and a million questions in a good way but definitely bad for you mentally. If book 3 doesn’t come out this year I might go insane.

[Amanda Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! This story is like nothing I have ever read before!

I was honestly so upset that it abruptly ended in the first book.. I shouldn't have been disappointed when it did it again for this one, but it honestly keeps you wanting more!

I honestly love Astrid and Theo's story! And I really want to know who Romeo is! Roman was one of my favorite characters, and I wanted more of them. I have suspicions on what may happen moving forward. I can only hope I'm at least partially correct!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Addison Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series is one of the best—might even be the best—book series I've ever read. The cliffhanger in book 1 left me with my thoughts, and the night I finished reading it, I couldn't sleep. The cliffhanger in book 2 is even better and leaves you with so many questions!

I finished both of these books in two days each because they grasped my attention and intrigued me so much more than words can describe. I highly recommend that anyone reading this to read this book series! If you're interested in tension, conflict, drama, and plot twists, then you're in luck because this book series is for you.

[Jess Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made sure to read book 1 leading into rebel rising and getting the full effect of the world building. I finished book 1 and EAGERLY went into book 2 needing to know what happened next. The character development and story evolvement from the first books was amazing, and so dynamic. I’m attached to characters and also loathe others, and cannot wait for this world to continue and to know what happens next. I ate this book up so fast, needing to know where it was leading!

[Cassie Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot twists GALORE!!! If you're looking for something that is going to keep you on your toes, this is the book!!! Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new piece of information would come out.

In the sequel to Crimson Academy, Astrid is trying to learn her place in the world after having lost everything. This book will keep you on your toes until the very last sentence!!

I cannot WAIT for the third book!!!

[Madi Veit · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have so many questions….i need book 3 asap!!! brianna is the queen of cliffhangers, i’m not sure how she did it but the ending was even crazier than the ending of book 1.

this book was slower than the first one but i feel everything is building up what’s going to happen in book 3. i truly don’t even know what to expect.

i love theo so much!!! i was eating up all the scenes between him and astrid. ugh, so good!

i’ll be here theorizing until we get book 3!!

[Brittany chacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a quick and fun read and really kept me on my toes. Astrid got on my nerves a little this book but I guess is to be expected when you remember her age 😅 I think this book did an excellent job of setting up WHATEVER is coming in the next, which I cannot wait for because that ending had me so excited. Please hurry and release the next 🤭

[Jaylyn Sedziol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really enjoyed diving deeper into this story and reading more about Astrid, and the cliffhanger did not disappoint!
I felt a little disjointed in reading thru this book and struggled thru during some of the chapters.
I do love the over all story line and look forward to seeing the conclusion in book three

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in from the very beginning. The writing was immersive, the pacing kept me hooked, and I got so attached to the characters that I didn’t want it to end. Definitely one of those books that reminds me why I love reading so much. Easy 5 stars for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nevaeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good. Book one was amazing but holds nothing on book two. I’m left with so many more questions and can’t wait for book three already!!!! Briana does such a good job at letting us experience everything as it happens and I loved it.

[MaHailey Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy received from author

This was such a great book! I was immediately drawn into it. I loved the story between Theo & Astrid. If you are looking for a quick great read, that is going to leave you wanting for more, this series is definitely for you!!

[HEATHER NOTTINGHAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved it. Ends on a cliffhanger and cannot wait to see what happens next. Kept me engaged the whole time. Once I started it, I didn't put it down until I finished it! Impatiently waiting to see where things go from here. I have my theories on who Romeo is but I wonder if they are correct!!

[Ashley Geiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: The plot in this book was *chefs kiss*. To be honest, I wasn’t sure where it would go after such a huge cliffhanger in book 1 but it didn’t disappoint. And ending with another crazy cliffhanger in this book! I can’t. Already needing book 3 ASAP.

[Kaytlin Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Read
What a crazy ending. I have so many predictions for the next book. The book was face paced, but seemed to drag on in the middle a bit. The last 25% had me hooked. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book

[Lia Kosiek · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m like speechless. Crimson Academy was fantastic Rebel Rising is even better. I cannot wait for book 3 🫶🫶

[Cora Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astrid's story is heartbreaking from the moment you meet her at Crimson Academy, and it never lets up.
She just can't seem to catch a break. In Rebel Rising, as she struggles to navigate life after the loss of her brother, the emotional weight hits again and again.
The tension keeps you on edge-you're never quite sure who to trust. Are her friends from Crimson Academy truly on her side, or does Romeo have his own agenda?

By the end of Rebel Rising, I was completely hooked and full of questions. Who is Romeo, really? What's the truth about Astrid's birth parents? And seriously
—who is going to take down Dino, because he is absolutely the worst?

[Suri (mamas_cozyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 ⭐

I have so many more questions at the end of this book than I started reading the book with. What a journey. I felt like the plot was a little slower than Crimson Academy, but I think that everything that happened and was discovered was necessary. Don't get me wrong, it was still fast-paced and a lot happened. I changed my theories throughout the book so many times.

I genuinely feel for Astrid and Brianna does a fantastic job of allowing us to get to experience and feel everything as it goes on. With such a dystopian world, there are so many secrets and theories! I can't wait to continue this story in book 3 and see more of the characters.