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Rebel Mechanics #3
Rebels Rising
Risking all for freedom – and love
The governor has disbanded the Colonial Assembly, removing the last shred of representative government from American shores. The Rebel Mechanics and their magister allies can’t let the Empire get away with that. The time has come to act.
But to truly start turning the wheels of revolution, they need popular support from ordinary laborers, housewives, students, and the middle class—people outside the rebel movements. That’s a job for Verity Newton, under the guise of her journalistic alter ego. As the rebel movement builds momentum, Verity must take a more public, open stand for the cause—a stand that could jeopardize her job, her home, and her place in society.
At the same time, a revolution is the only way Verity stands a chance of being with Lord Henry, since they’re divided by class and by the fact that he’s wanted for treason. It’s a risk she’s willing to take.
The governor has disbanded the Colonial Assembly, removing the last shred of representative government from American shores. The Rebel Mechanics and their magister allies can’t let the Empire get away with that. The time has come to act.
But to truly start turning the wheels of revolution, they need popular support from ordinary laborers, housewives, students, and the middle class—people outside the rebel movements. That’s a job for Verity Newton, under the guise of her journalistic alter ego. As the rebel movement builds momentum, Verity must take a more public, open stand for the cause—a stand that could jeopardize her job, her home, and her place in society.
At the same time, a revolution is the only way Verity stands a chance of being with Lord Henry, since they’re divided by class and by the fact that he’s wanted for treason. It’s a risk she’s willing to take.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
14 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Swendson
40 books1,133 followersOnce upon a time ...
A little girl learned to amuse herself by making up stories in her head. She turned everyday activities into exciting adventures, and she made up new adventures for characters from her favorite movies, TV shows and books. Then one day she realized that if she wrote down those stories, she'd have a book! But that was crazy, she thought. Real people don't become novelists. That was like deciding you were going to be a movie star. You couldn't just go and do it.
But, it turns out, you can, and she did. She realized her dream of becoming a novelist and seeing her stories in bookstores.
And then she started to wig herself out by writing about herself in the third-person.
This is her story.
The Novelist's Journey
As I said above in that bit of silliness, I've always been a writer at heart. My favorite way to play was to create stories and act them out with my Fisher-Price people, my Barbie dolls or myself and a box of play clothes. If none of those things were available, I could just sit and make up stories in my head. I occasionally got into trouble for being a little too creative, such as the time when I embellished a bit on my kindergarten experiences (where's the dramatic hook in coloring, cutting out and pasting?).
When I was in seventh grade and a bit old for Fisher-Price people, Barbie dolls or the dress-up box, I started writing these stories down in spiral notebooks. Later, I found an old manual typewriter, taught myself to type, then wrote a lot of first chapters of novels on it. I still hadn't figured out how to actually be a working novelist who gets paid for writing (finishing a book instead of writing a lot of first chapters might have been a good start), so when it came time to go to college, I went to journalism school at the University of Texas. While getting my degree in broadcast news, I managed to structure a curriculum that might also help me in my real career plans. I took fencing (which I thought would be useful for writing fantasy novels), an astronomy course on the search for extraterrestrial life (in case I wanted to write science fiction), psychology, interpersonal communication, and parageography (the geography of imaginary lands).
I got serious about pursuing my novel-writing ambitions soon after I got my first job in public relations (TV reporting, it turns out, would have taken away from my writing time) when I started joining local writing organizations and reading books on how to write a novel. Then I took the big step of registering for a writing conference. With the registration fee, you could enter two manuscripts in a contest that went with the conference. I figured if I was paying that much money, I'd get the most out of it, so I wrote two entries. At the conference, I met a real, live editor, who encouraged me to submit, and one of my entries won the science fiction/fantasy category of the contest. I hurried to finish the novel the editor had asked for, then mailed a proposal.
She ended up rejecting the book, but encouraged me to keep trying. I ended up selling that novel elsewhere, then sold two more books to that publisher before I had another idea for that original editor. That book ended up selling, and then one more.
And then I hit the wall. Due to a number of circumstances, some of which weren't my fault and some of which were, I didn't sell anything else for eight years. But then I had the idea that became Enchanted, Inc., I wrote it, sold it, and here I am.
Other Life Stuff
I think I need to get a few more hobbies or something else going on in my life that isn't related to reading or writing because currently my bio in my books is shorter than the "about the typeface" section. Yes, a typeface has a more interesting life than I do.
When I'm not writing, I'm most often reading. Otherwise, I enjoy watching science fiction TV shows and then discussing them on the Internet, working crossw
A little girl learned to amuse herself by making up stories in her head. She turned everyday activities into exciting adventures, and she made up new adventures for characters from her favorite movies, TV shows and books. Then one day she realized that if she wrote down those stories, she'd have a book! But that was crazy, she thought. Real people don't become novelists. That was like deciding you were going to be a movie star. You couldn't just go and do it.
But, it turns out, you can, and she did. She realized her dream of becoming a novelist and seeing her stories in bookstores.
And then she started to wig herself out by writing about herself in the third-person.
This is her story.
The Novelist's Journey
As I said above in that bit of silliness, I've always been a writer at heart. My favorite way to play was to create stories and act them out with my Fisher-Price people, my Barbie dolls or myself and a box of play clothes. If none of those things were available, I could just sit and make up stories in my head. I occasionally got into trouble for being a little too creative, such as the time when I embellished a bit on my kindergarten experiences (where's the dramatic hook in coloring, cutting out and pasting?).
When I was in seventh grade and a bit old for Fisher-Price people, Barbie dolls or the dress-up box, I started writing these stories down in spiral notebooks. Later, I found an old manual typewriter, taught myself to type, then wrote a lot of first chapters of novels on it. I still hadn't figured out how to actually be a working novelist who gets paid for writing (finishing a book instead of writing a lot of first chapters might have been a good start), so when it came time to go to college, I went to journalism school at the University of Texas. While getting my degree in broadcast news, I managed to structure a curriculum that might also help me in my real career plans. I took fencing (which I thought would be useful for writing fantasy novels), an astronomy course on the search for extraterrestrial life (in case I wanted to write science fiction), psychology, interpersonal communication, and parageography (the geography of imaginary lands).
I got serious about pursuing my novel-writing ambitions soon after I got my first job in public relations (TV reporting, it turns out, would have taken away from my writing time) when I started joining local writing organizations and reading books on how to write a novel. Then I took the big step of registering for a writing conference. With the registration fee, you could enter two manuscripts in a contest that went with the conference. I figured if I was paying that much money, I'd get the most out of it, so I wrote two entries. At the conference, I met a real, live editor, who encouraged me to submit, and one of my entries won the science fiction/fantasy category of the contest. I hurried to finish the novel the editor had asked for, then mailed a proposal.
She ended up rejecting the book, but encouraged me to keep trying. I ended up selling that novel elsewhere, then sold two more books to that publisher before I had another idea for that original editor. That book ended up selling, and then one more.
And then I hit the wall. Due to a number of circumstances, some of which weren't my fault and some of which were, I didn't sell anything else for eight years. But then I had the idea that became Enchanted, Inc., I wrote it, sold it, and here I am.
Other Life Stuff
I think I need to get a few more hobbies or something else going on in my life that isn't related to reading or writing because currently my bio in my books is shorter than the "about the typeface" section. Yes, a typeface has a more interesting life than I do.
When I'm not writing, I'm most often reading. Otherwise, I enjoy watching science fiction TV shows and then discussing them on the Internet, working crossw
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 9, 2017
3.5 stars
April 7, 2017
I love this series!! I have been eagerly awaiting this third book of the Rebel Mechanics series and it did not disappoint. It had lots of action, lots of reveals, and still leaves you dying to know what happens next. I love Verity, the protagonist, but I also love that other characters have important roles and she doesn't have to carry all the action. Sometimes I hate/find it unbelievable that one main character saves the world and comes up with all the solutions. She is definitely a catalyst who makes things happen, but she has plenty of strong, clever friends helping her along the way. My only complaint might be that it was too short and I could easily have read more.
March 27, 2019
Best one yet! I'm already so excited for the next one and I'll have to wait so long! That is the only complaint I have with this book. Things really start revving up for the Rebels now. Magisters and Mechanics alike are working together better than ever and are recruiting many, with a lot of help from one Miss Liberty Jones. And the government is having to acknowledge their existed and unrest now. Which is putting people high up in the government on edge. Verity is risking a lot and learning a lot in this book and it is so great to see how the revolution grows. I won't spoil anything for you guys! But I will say that before I read this book I was worried we wouldn't get to see a lot of Henry, who I love, based on the way the last book ended and I have to say I was happily surprised! So if anyone else was worried about that don't be! I don't know how many more books are planned for this series yet, but I think it could easily have more than one left. Which is good because that means we get more from this world but the down side is that we'll have to wait longer. But either way I'll be happy.
Now I'd like to take a second to talk about our heroine, because, well she deserves it! Verity Newton, aka Liberty Jones, is absolutely amazing! She is incredibly brave, yet real, which makes her so much more likable. I will say that there were a few times where I felt she acted a little out of character by being a little, how should we say, wussy. But it was only a few, short times and I guess it was more fitting for the time period because most Victorian Era women weren't exactly known for their strength, which is annoying but it's history. And Verity really proves them wrong with what she is willing to do and with what she does. There are also other strong female characters that rock too, so that's really nice to see.
The next part I'm going to talk about will not give away spoilers but it might give off hints so if you want to be really surprised then I suggest you don't read!
We learn more about some of the main characters which is really great. One big thing, which I won't say, happens and I was so happy because I have been waiting for it to happen since the first book! I have had great suspicions. Hopefully that won't give away too much. And Henry, oh Henry. I have always really liked him and loved that he was a little reckless, but dang. This book made me question a time or two if he just wasn't stupid because of how bold and daring he was but at the same time I really loved it! It kept things a little suspenseful and really fun! Plus, it reminds you of the risks that are having to be made by true revolutionaries.
Overall, this book is really fun and I truly loved it! I just wish I knew someone who read it too so I could talk about it, because I could definitely say more. This is a great series and I so recommend it to anyone, especially if you like historical fiction, fantasy, and/or adventure type of books. I can't wait to get the fourth book!
Now I'd like to take a second to talk about our heroine, because, well she deserves it! Verity Newton, aka Liberty Jones, is absolutely amazing! She is incredibly brave, yet real, which makes her so much more likable. I will say that there were a few times where I felt she acted a little out of character by being a little, how should we say, wussy. But it was only a few, short times and I guess it was more fitting for the time period because most Victorian Era women weren't exactly known for their strength, which is annoying but it's history. And Verity really proves them wrong with what she is willing to do and with what she does. There are also other strong female characters that rock too, so that's really nice to see.
The next part I'm going to talk about will not give away spoilers but it might give off hints so if you want to be really surprised then I suggest you don't read!
We learn more about some of the main characters which is really great. One big thing, which I won't say, happens and I was so happy because I have been waiting for it to happen since the first book! I have had great suspicions. Hopefully that won't give away too much. And Henry, oh Henry. I have always really liked him and loved that he was a little reckless, but dang. This book made me question a time or two if he just wasn't stupid because of how bold and daring he was but at the same time I really loved it! It kept things a little suspenseful and really fun! Plus, it reminds you of the risks that are having to be made by true revolutionaries.
Overall, this book is really fun and I truly loved it! I just wish I knew someone who read it too so I could talk about it, because I could definitely say more. This is a great series and I so recommend it to anyone, especially if you like historical fiction, fantasy, and/or adventure type of books. I can't wait to get the fourth book!
June 11, 2017
3.5 stars. This is the third book in the Rebel Mechanics series, an alternate history where the U.S. is still under British control and those in power keep it with the use of magic. In this installment, Verity is still a governess, still spying for the rebel mechanics, and still writing articles in favor of revolution in an effort to drum up more support for it because they know that it's doomed to fail unless people from all classes - including the magisters (those with magic) - support it and are willing to fight to overthrow the British and the whole magical class system.
I think this series is a lot of fun, but this book was the weakest in it. The plot in here seemed thinner than usual, making the book feel as if it were one long scene (efforts to get out word that the revolution is about to start and that independence has been declared) instead of a more complex book with plots and subplots. It felt like a lot of the potential action and details were glossed over and almost read like a short story about a singular event in an effort to transition between the previous book and what I assume is the forthcoming book.
While the book overall was a little weaker than I'd hoped, there were still some nice parts to it. Verity's family history is explored a little more in here (a guess I'd made earlier was proved correct!), and the potential romance between Verity and her employer (and magister and thus off-limits) was also elaborated on a bit. And, of course, the whole idea that people are starting to get excited and anxious for revolution, beginning to work together, was interesting. I just wish I'd felt more excited reading about this!
I'm not sure how many books are supposed to be in this series; I thought it was a trilogy because only 3 books are out, but this book ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger so there has to be at least one more! I don't think this book necessarily stands strongly on its own, but it was a decent enough read in this world that kept me entertained for a while.
I think this series is a lot of fun, but this book was the weakest in it. The plot in here seemed thinner than usual, making the book feel as if it were one long scene (efforts to get out word that the revolution is about to start and that independence has been declared) instead of a more complex book with plots and subplots. It felt like a lot of the potential action and details were glossed over and almost read like a short story about a singular event in an effort to transition between the previous book and what I assume is the forthcoming book.
While the book overall was a little weaker than I'd hoped, there were still some nice parts to it. Verity's family history is explored a little more in here (a guess I'd made earlier was proved correct!), and the potential romance between Verity and her employer (and magister and thus off-limits) was also elaborated on a bit. And, of course, the whole idea that people are starting to get excited and anxious for revolution, beginning to work together, was interesting. I just wish I'd felt more excited reading about this!
I'm not sure how many books are supposed to be in this series; I thought it was a trilogy because only 3 books are out, but this book ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger so there has to be at least one more! I don't think this book necessarily stands strongly on its own, but it was a decent enough read in this world that kept me entertained for a while.
April 5, 2017
Rebels rejoice! Ms. Swendson is back with Book Three in the Rebel Mechanics/Rebel Magisters series! You know, the alternate history one where the American Revolution starts in the 1880's
(instead of the 1770's) the rebels (now in the Steampunk Era) have machines (can you say underground railroads & airships, among many others!) whereas the Brits have magic (guess why the rebellion failed in 1776?)! Yes, that series!
Our intrepid governess Verity Newton (can anyone say Jane Austen!) has her hands full again this time, of course. She's up to her eyeballs in intrigue (just to make it more interesting, remember
she's also (unknown to the Brits) Liberty Jones, the rebels' secret weapon, because she can write incendiary opposition newspaper articles & pamphlets which fuel the flames and keep the rebellion going strong!).
Again, I really have enjoyed the character development in this young adult series. Even Miss Newton's charges young Olive and Rollo get their moments!
And I adored the rebels' use of "alternative lyrics" to Christmas carols as their way to spread their views among the colonial masses! Only a fellow choir singer would have come up with this as a clever and surprisingly effective tactic!
I so love Goodreads. From the author's Goodreads page: "And before anyone asks, yes, the series will continue. I’m planning at least one more book." YAY! I am so delighted to be looking
forward to the next Rebels book!!
I heartily recommend all three books in this series: Rebel Mechanics (2016 Lone Star List see http://www.txla.org/groups/lone-star), Rebel Magisters, and now Rebels Rising!
(instead of the 1770's) the rebels (now in the Steampunk Era) have machines (can you say underground railroads & airships, among many others!) whereas the Brits have magic (guess why the rebellion failed in 1776?)! Yes, that series!
Our intrepid governess Verity Newton (can anyone say Jane Austen!) has her hands full again this time, of course. She's up to her eyeballs in intrigue (just to make it more interesting, remember
she's also (unknown to the Brits) Liberty Jones, the rebels' secret weapon, because she can write incendiary opposition newspaper articles & pamphlets which fuel the flames and keep the rebellion going strong!).
Again, I really have enjoyed the character development in this young adult series. Even Miss Newton's charges young Olive and Rollo get their moments!
And I adored the rebels' use of "alternative lyrics" to Christmas carols as their way to spread their views among the colonial masses! Only a fellow choir singer would have come up with this as a clever and surprisingly effective tactic!
I so love Goodreads. From the author's Goodreads page: "And before anyone asks, yes, the series will continue. I’m planning at least one more book." YAY! I am so delighted to be looking
forward to the next Rebels book!!
I heartily recommend all three books in this series: Rebel Mechanics (2016 Lone Star List see http://www.txla.org/groups/lone-star), Rebel Magisters, and now Rebels Rising!
August 22, 2017
Came home from the library where I work and finished the book in one sitting. I really enjoyed it; obviously. But whoever does Swendson's marketing needs to step it up. I already have a wait list for this book once it goes in to circulation. None of the magazines I read (VOYA, SLJ) had anything about it coming out. Totally missed it in April!
January 30, 2018
Cliffhanger?
The 3rd book ended with the possibility of a 4th book.
The 3 books in the series moved at a quick pace and though may be considered ‘young adult’, were enjoyable by an older adult.
The 3rd book ended with the possibility of a 4th book.
The 3 books in the series moved at a quick pace and though may be considered ‘young adult’, were enjoyable by an older adult.
November 14, 2019
Finished this january 3rd 2018 but read most of it in 2017
November 13, 2017
3.5
The third book in the Rebels series picks up soon after the second book with Vertiy continuing to work with both the rebel magisters and the rebel mechanics. Lord Henry is in hiding after escaping prison. Meanwhile, the revolution is building. I like Verity and how strong she is, she is taking risks by working as a spy as well as writing political pieces under an alias. I like her interactions with the children she is governess for. I really like her interactions with Lord Henry and how they are trying to break the barriers that divide them. This is an alternate history book that is taking the Revolutionary War and imaging what could have been if things occurred differently.
This has been a fun series to read so far. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The third book in the Rebels series picks up soon after the second book with Vertiy continuing to work with both the rebel magisters and the rebel mechanics. Lord Henry is in hiding after escaping prison. Meanwhile, the revolution is building. I like Verity and how strong she is, she is taking risks by working as a spy as well as writing political pieces under an alias. I like her interactions with the children she is governess for. I really like her interactions with Lord Henry and how they are trying to break the barriers that divide them. This is an alternate history book that is taking the Revolutionary War and imaging what could have been if things occurred differently.
This has been a fun series to read so far. I look forward to the next book in the series.
June 8, 2022
Hm, of the Rebel Mechanics series, this one was my least favorite. It was still enjoyable, but it felt a bit slow compared to the others. I guess I was expecting it to be the end of the series, so I was expecting something a bit more exciting. But it seems like a sequel is in the works, so that probably has some influence on the pacing.
Quite a few things in this book felt very convenient and a bit unbelievable. Like how no one had to wear a proper disguise, just changing up the hair and clothes was enough to make people feel like they were unrecognizable.
I also wanted more Flora. More of the interesting side characters in general would have been nice.
Quite a few things in this book felt very convenient and a bit unbelievable. Like how no one had to wear a proper disguise, just changing up the hair and clothes was enough to make people feel like they were unrecognizable.
I also wanted more Flora. More of the interesting side characters in general would have been nice.
June 28, 2018
Rebels Rising was just as strong as the previous installments. I daresay it had more of its elements than its predecessors- the espionage, historical references, action, and romance. There was one particular revelation that I didn't see coming and the longer I thought about it, I was surprised I didn't connect the dots earlier. Thankfully, I got to see as much of Henry as I did in the first and second book.😅
I don't understand why so few readers have read these books. Maybe it's the amount of publicity it's getting? Whatever the reason is, this series is underrated and I encourage more people to try the first book out.
I'll read the fourth installment, though I imagine it will be at least a year or two before it releases.
May 17, 2017
Book #3 in the Rebel Mechanics series still has me invested and entertained! This one covers an alt-history look at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and has our woman Verity in a key position regarding its delivery.
The action in this one is well paced, and I feel more comfortable with the balance between revolution and romance. There is a somewhat obvious reveal regarding Verity’s past, and while it’s good to have it confirmed, the reactions are somewhat heavy handed because of its obviousness. (Granted, the characters should probably be surprised and treat it with gravity; I personally just felt very meh about it as a reveal.)
The world continues to grow and entertain. It’s also nice that Verity revisits some locations we know from previous books, but we see them in new ways now that the military has more of a presence and they’re focused more on suppressing revolutionaries. There’s a new tension in the prose that perfectly underscores this change.
I have one quibble that really threw me out of the end. There’s a sequence in which Verity is escaping along a steep hill and the geography is extremely confusing. It read to me like the chapters didn’t see enough editorial review, or that whomever was reviewing it, wasn’t looking very hard at description and continuity. (There is another continuity mistake earlier in which two events either happen night/next morning or night/a full day later.) This might not bother other people as much as it does me, so just keep in mind that I spend a lot of time overanalyzing my own description.
There’s clearly at least one more book coming in this series, and I can’t wait to read it.
The action in this one is well paced, and I feel more comfortable with the balance between revolution and romance. There is a somewhat obvious reveal regarding Verity’s past, and while it’s good to have it confirmed, the reactions are somewhat heavy handed because of its obviousness. (Granted, the characters should probably be surprised and treat it with gravity; I personally just felt very meh about it as a reveal.)
The world continues to grow and entertain. It’s also nice that Verity revisits some locations we know from previous books, but we see them in new ways now that the military has more of a presence and they’re focused more on suppressing revolutionaries. There’s a new tension in the prose that perfectly underscores this change.
I have one quibble that really threw me out of the end. There’s a sequence in which Verity is escaping along a steep hill and the geography is extremely confusing. It read to me like the chapters didn’t see enough editorial review, or that whomever was reviewing it, wasn’t looking very hard at description and continuity. (There is another continuity mistake earlier in which two events either happen night/next morning or night/a full day later.) This might not bother other people as much as it does me, so just keep in mind that I spend a lot of time overanalyzing my own description.
There’s clearly at least one more book coming in this series, and I can’t wait to read it.
July 11, 2017
04/28/17
I have stopped reading "Rebel Rising" for the time being. It has simply become too boring. The heroine (I can't even remember here name at the moment) is too cautious, proper, and yes, BORING. Thus, the novel has become boring. There is too little action. How can there be a revolution when the main protagonists are so cautious and their actions are too timid. I was expecting more excitement in this installment. Alas, there is very little.
I have stopped reading "Rebel Rising" for the time being. It has simply become too boring. The heroine (I can't even remember here name at the moment) is too cautious, proper, and yes, BORING. Thus, the novel has become boring. There is too little action. How can there be a revolution when the main protagonists are so cautious and their actions are too timid. I was expecting more excitement in this installment. Alas, there is very little.
September 10, 2024
So...About this book. I couldn't put it down. I had the same issue with the other two books in the series. I couldn't stop reading it..way too captivating.
All jokes aside, I did love this book, however...
Alright no book is perfect, the Governor being Veritty's biological father? I figured that since we met him in the first book. Verity's unknown dance partner, and mystery man on the 'Liberty' being Henry? Called that too. Not a bad thing, just to me, as a reader, felt predictable, though Henry's reactions to Verity telling him made laugh so I'll give it that. (As did the letter where he found out Verity knew it was him)
Another thing that me bugged the back of my mind was their disguises...I'm sure if you didn't know the people in person it was fine, but I feel the book picks and chooses when Verity recognizes someone, or someone notices her... I just don't think goggles and a hat, with your hair down is much of a disguise. I also think, Flora and Lizzie were missing. I mean they were there but, I often forgot about them until they showed up again and I thought 'oh yeah, I forgot they were in this book'
Now to things I enjoyed. The small moments with the children, Olive and Rollo feel more like children, real children. Not just Verity's reason not to leave the house right then. Elinor's reveal. Also the silliness it takes itself
Overall a great read! It was funny and charming, now romance isn't usually my favorite in books, cause sometimes the plot seems to stop just for two characters to flirt, but I think this series handled it well. (Save for the scene where the two are in the carriage, in Elinor's garage, them being alone felt a bit forced, but still sweet. There were others, but that one stuck out most) I was so lucky to find this series off chance in my library. I do hope for a fourth book!
All jokes aside, I did love this book, however...
Alright no book is perfect, the Governor being Veritty's biological father? I figured that since we met him in the first book. Verity's unknown dance partner, and mystery man on the 'Liberty' being Henry? Called that too. Not a bad thing, just to me, as a reader, felt predictable, though Henry's reactions to Verity telling him made laugh so I'll give it that. (As did the letter where he found out Verity knew it was him)
Another thing that me bugged the back of my mind was their disguises...I'm sure if you didn't know the people in person it was fine, but I feel the book picks and chooses when Verity recognizes someone, or someone notices her... I just don't think goggles and a hat, with your hair down is much of a disguise. I also think, Flora and Lizzie were missing. I mean they were there but, I often forgot about them until they showed up again and I thought 'oh yeah, I forgot they were in this book'
Now to things I enjoyed. The small moments with the children, Olive and Rollo feel more like children, real children. Not just Verity's reason not to leave the house right then. Elinor's reveal. Also the silliness it takes itself
Overall a great read! It was funny and charming, now romance isn't usually my favorite in books, cause sometimes the plot seems to stop just for two characters to flirt, but I think this series handled it well. (Save for the scene where the two are in the carriage, in Elinor's garage, them being alone felt a bit forced, but still sweet. There were others, but that one stuck out most) I was so lucky to find this series off chance in my library. I do hope for a fourth book!
March 27, 2020
I loved, loved, loved everything about this book! I know I’ve said that about the other two but I do! I love how these have magic but yet it’s light and fluffy. I love every character! I want to know all of Elinor’s secrets. There are so many things we still don’t know!
I was missing Henry for a while but loved when he made his first appearance even though I was as mad as Verity. I just knew he was going to get caught! I never would’ve expected Verity to be the governor’s daughter!! That was a shock for me. I contemplated the idea when a soldier said something to Olive about Verity being her sister but I knew there was no way. I also can’t wait until Henry finds out that Mrs. Talbot was a spy in the house, but for Elinor. That cracked me up and he is definitely going to love it. Elinor just kept surprising me with her knowledge of everything. I was glad to see more banter and interaction between her and Verity. They are two peas in a pod. Not know who isElinor’s beau is really driving me crazy. I’m hoping we find out in the next one.
I love how things were heating up in this one. Especially signing the Declaration and handing it to the governor. Then Henry gets shot, which, let’s face it, we all knew was going to happen. He does have a bad habit of turning up with a gunshot wound of some sort. I was thinking how far we have come over three books and I will be intrigued to see what events unfold in the fourth. Long gone are the days Verity’s only concern was delivering articles to the rebels sneaking in and out of the house.
The fourth book needs to come out soon! I need to know what happens next!
I was missing Henry for a while but loved when he made his first appearance even though I was as mad as Verity. I just knew he was going to get caught! I never would’ve expected Verity to be the governor’s daughter!! That was a shock for me. I contemplated the idea when a soldier said something to Olive about Verity being her sister but I knew there was no way. I also can’t wait until Henry finds out that Mrs. Talbot was a spy in the house, but for Elinor. That cracked me up and he is definitely going to love it. Elinor just kept surprising me with her knowledge of everything. I was glad to see more banter and interaction between her and Verity. They are two peas in a pod. Not know who isElinor’s beau is really driving me crazy. I’m hoping we find out in the next one.
I love how things were heating up in this one. Especially signing the Declaration and handing it to the governor. Then Henry gets shot, which, let’s face it, we all knew was going to happen. He does have a bad habit of turning up with a gunshot wound of some sort. I was thinking how far we have come over three books and I will be intrigued to see what events unfold in the fourth. Long gone are the days Verity’s only concern was delivering articles to the rebels sneaking in and out of the house.
The fourth book needs to come out soon! I need to know what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
As things heat up with the Rebels, Verity has to try to maintain appearances all while her home is under surveillance and she's being followed everywhere she goes. In the mean time, she has no idea what's going on with the movement or even if Henry is safe (no news is good news?).
As the rebel movement comes to a climax, we learn more about all of the characters and their motivations: the children's Aunt E, Flora, the rebels, and we learn more about Verity's past.
There's a significant twist right near the end that changes things...and makes the revolution essential to Verity's future happiness.
I wonder how this series will resolve...it's so hard to illustrate the extent of a revolution in a few books. It's taken 3 books to get to this breaking point. The whole revolution will certainly be more complicated. I am very interested to see how Swendson wraps things up...
As the rebel movement comes to a climax, we learn more about all of the characters and their motivations: the children's Aunt E, Flora, the rebels, and we learn more about Verity's past.
There's a significant twist right near the end that changes things...and makes the revolution essential to Verity's future happiness.
I wonder how this series will resolve...it's so hard to illustrate the extent of a revolution in a few books. It's taken 3 books to get to this breaking point. The whole revolution will certainly be more complicated. I am very interested to see how Swendson wraps things up...
June 30, 2017
Swendson, Shanna Rebels Rising (Rebels #3), 292 pages. NLA Digital, 2017. $15 (Amazon). Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG
Verity, in her role of reporter Liberty Jones, has brought public scorn and suspicion onto the head of the Colonial government, bringing the Rebel Mechanics and the Rebel Magisters to the point where if they work together, they might be able to have the backing to free themselves from England’s rule. Henry is still on the run, but he may have to risk coming back to the city to help maneuver the rebellion. And Verity will have to make her identity known, not only to all of the rebels, but also to those for whom she cares.
Swendson’s steampunk is spot on fun! While there is some romance, it is not the main focus of the novels (which is the way I prefer it). I don’t know why Farrar doesn’t print these any more – go ahead and get number 2 and 3 through Amazon – they are well worth it!
MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Verity, in her role of reporter Liberty Jones, has brought public scorn and suspicion onto the head of the Colonial government, bringing the Rebel Mechanics and the Rebel Magisters to the point where if they work together, they might be able to have the backing to free themselves from England’s rule. Henry is still on the run, but he may have to risk coming back to the city to help maneuver the rebellion. And Verity will have to make her identity known, not only to all of the rebels, but also to those for whom she cares.
Swendson’s steampunk is spot on fun! While there is some romance, it is not the main focus of the novels (which is the way I prefer it). I don’t know why Farrar doesn’t print these any more – go ahead and get number 2 and 3 through Amazon – they are well worth it!
MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
March 3, 2019
Warning: This is not the last book of the series and man did i wish i know that going into the story. I honestly thought for a good portion of Rebels Rising that it would wrap up all the loose ends...not so much.
Rebels Rising is the third story of the Rebel Mechanics series by Shanna Swendson where the original American Revolution went very differently because the English armies and upperclass had magic.
By now we have already met the Rebel Mechanics and the Rebel Magisters and learned all bout the plight of the people. THose with magical powers are in power and seen as the upperclass and those without power are the lower class. But of course not everythign is peachy keen. There are rebels wihtin both circles who are unhappy with their rulers on the other side of the ocean and the taxes.
Rebels RIsings finds Verity and the household she works for under scrutiny after Henry escapes and is on the run. Both Rebel parties are eager to amp up uprising plans by potentialy forming an aliance with one another. Verity in the mean time spies on the goings of the Governer and sends tips to the rebel movements.
It has been a while since i read books 1 & 2 but I was able to get right back into the story within the first couple chapters. I love where the plot is going, even though i still have to wait for the actual conclusion in hopefully book 4.
There weren't really any new characters, but the dynamics of the ones we have already been introduced to have grown and a delight to read. THere are some twists that appear in book 3 that are a fun surprise and really add another layer to Verity's journey.
Can't wait to see where the rebels are taken in book 4.
Rebels Rising is the third story of the Rebel Mechanics series by Shanna Swendson where the original American Revolution went very differently because the English armies and upperclass had magic.
By now we have already met the Rebel Mechanics and the Rebel Magisters and learned all bout the plight of the people. THose with magical powers are in power and seen as the upperclass and those without power are the lower class. But of course not everythign is peachy keen. There are rebels wihtin both circles who are unhappy with their rulers on the other side of the ocean and the taxes.
Rebels RIsings finds Verity and the household she works for under scrutiny after Henry escapes and is on the run. Both Rebel parties are eager to amp up uprising plans by potentialy forming an aliance with one another. Verity in the mean time spies on the goings of the Governer and sends tips to the rebel movements.
It has been a while since i read books 1 & 2 but I was able to get right back into the story within the first couple chapters. I love where the plot is going, even though i still have to wait for the actual conclusion in hopefully book 4.
There weren't really any new characters, but the dynamics of the ones we have already been introduced to have grown and a delight to read. THere are some twists that appear in book 3 that are a fun surprise and really add another layer to Verity's journey.
Can't wait to see where the rebels are taken in book 4.
May 12, 2019
And so the revaluation continues with Liberty Jones at the head. In this book, you are already familiar with the rebel mechanics and Magisters and are now being moved forward in the revolution. I thought it was a very interesting book and, in my opinion, extremely creative. Although the characters were well written, each book is starting to feel the same. Verity becomes more involved, dangerous things happen, the revolution is inched forward. Over and over again. Hopefully Shannon switches it up soon. And another thing is that the author doesn't describe scenery very well so at times it's just talking which is slightly boring. Other than those things, I LOVED the characters. Henry is, by far, my favorite. They all seem very realistic and the time period is well written.
November 10, 2017
Either it is the worst trilogy ending ever, or it is "only the beginning." From what I can find, Swendson planned this as a trilogy, and here's the third book, and... Well, it's okay, but it felt mostly like a filler to me, and definitely unfinished. This book covers the time just following Henry's arrest, as rebellion is heating up in the colonies. However, it feels like the book ends just as things are really getting started. I really expected Swendson to see the rebellion to its conclusion and leave us with a more settled picture; instead, she left several loose ends just dangling. She'd better have decided to write another book for this series, or I'll be permanently annoyed.
October 18, 2017
I really liked this third book in the series. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars. Ultimately, I felt like this book was filler until the fourth book comes out. It feels like the series is being stretched out a little too long. I love the characters though and several of the twists that I predicted in the first two books are addressed here. The revolution is finally off to a start and some of the secrets that people have been hiding are coming out. So, I enjoyed this book, but am highly anticipating the fourth book!
February 26, 2018
I was hoping this book would wrap up the series.. I really like Shanna Swendson's books and I have enjoyed this series but I like to get to the end and was expecting that to happen in this book. I would rather have Henry and Verity's story wrap up (happily ever after) and read additional books on side characters than have their story keep going on.
And this is silly but I was disappointed in the cover of the book. I loved the covers of the the first two in the series and wish they would have continued the design on this book.
And this is silly but I was disappointed in the cover of the book. I loved the covers of the the first two in the series and wish they would have continued the design on this book.
April 7, 2019
In the third installment of the Rebel Mechanics we are back with Verity and following her as she continues her work as a governess and spy. After the events of the last book, war seems like a real possibility. I loved the expansion of the world in this book and how we visited other cities. Verity continued to grow in her role and stayed true to herself as the world changed around her. I really enjoy the romance side of things in this series as well and would love if we had a chance to see the main leads interact even more. I swoon over this couple so hard. They are adorable.
February 23, 2021
I haven’t enjoyed a series this much in a long time! The first book was more romantic, and then to discover that the author doesn’t do romantic moments themselves very well... but she does manage to evoke emotions! There is a lot of detail in the second and third books that was a little dull, but there was so much that was well-thought! It was definitely worth the read. If the series was more than a trilogy, I would devotedly continue reading. I had the good fortune to be able to read the whole series back to back, as they were all immediately available on Libby.
March 17, 2022
UGH! OOF! AAAAAAA!
Okay, so many questions answered yet, so many new ones to answer. The upside? If you wanted to end here, you could as the cliff hangers are not so large that you don't find yourself comparing to other books. The downside? It is not supposed to be the end but the author isn't (yet) planning to publish more so you HAVE TO END HERE!
I am taking solace in having answers to the questions I had (and some from book 1 I did not think would be answered) and letting it rest with that.
Okay, so many questions answered yet, so many new ones to answer. The upside? If you wanted to end here, you could as the cliff hangers are not so large that you don't find yourself comparing to other books. The downside? It is not supposed to be the end but the author isn't (yet) planning to publish more so you HAVE TO END HERE!
I am taking solace in having answers to the questions I had (and some from book 1 I did not think would be answered) and letting it rest with that.
August 21, 2017
I have really liked this series. The characters are well rounded and likable, it doesn't fall into the dreaded love triangle, and the characters are worried about more than who likes who - and they are actually more concerned about working together to fix their world! Our heroine comes off as a real woman who isn't a Mary Sue. She knows and understands her limits and she is reasonable in her actions and her expectations of others. I like it.
July 3, 2017
I love this alternate take on the American Revolution, but beyond all that - and my adoration for the characters - I love how many strong women are in this story. They are not taking a backseat and nearly all of Verity's close friends are women of import to the plot. (In fact, besides her love interest, I'd say that the women are all more plot relevant than the men.)
March 23, 2018
This book was incredible. Verity is so strong and powerful and a joy to read about. When I read this book I am sucked into the story and I cannot break out of it. I feel as if I am truly living the story. The connections between different people are truly incredible and I think it was genius. The ambiguous ending is great, but I’m left hoping that another book will be written in the series.
May 12, 2018
Well it’s definitely been a bit since I read the first two books so I don’t remember everything. I do remember all the main characters though.
I did like the story, it was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading but I wasn’t hooked like other books.
The romance is just meh but I do like Henry and Verity.
It’s a clean read and a light hearted one so I’ll keep reading this series.
I did like the story, it was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading but I wasn’t hooked like other books.
The romance is just meh but I do like Henry and Verity.
It’s a clean read and a light hearted one so I’ll keep reading this series.
April 10, 2021
When I tell you that this book was great *smiles intensely* AHHHH! This book was SO GOOD. Verity and Henry finally got together, even though Henry was "in disguise" with his glasses and coat. Verity not figuring that out was kind of a letdown but the final battle with her and Henry was *INHALES* so good. This book is different from any book I've read and it should definitely be more popular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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