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Monuments #2
Rebel Gods
Newbie gods Connor, Sally and Locky want to change the world, no biggie. When their first attempted miracle doesn't quite go to plan, they find themselves at odds with their families, the media and each other. To make matters worse, they're drawn into a centuries old conflict between the gods of Love and Fear that just might destroy the world they're striving to make better.
Rebel Gods is the second book in the Monuments fantasy duology from YA superstar, Will Kostakis. It's a heartfelt look at faith, friendship and how myths are born.
Rebel Gods is the second book in the Monuments fantasy duology from YA superstar, Will Kostakis. It's a heartfelt look at faith, friendship and how myths are born.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Will Kostakis
16 books330 followersHi. A teacher-librarian yelled at me to update this, so here goes. Time to talk about myself in the third-person.
Will Kostakis is an absolute delight.
In the past, he has written everything from celebrity news stories that score cease and desist letters, to tweets for professional wrestlers.
Nowadays, he’s best known (but not particularly well known) for his award-winning YA novels.
His first novel, Loathing Lola, was released when he was just nineteen. His second, The First Third, won the 2014 Gold Inky Award. It was also shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year and Australian Prime Minister’s Literary awards, among others. The Sidekicks was his third novel for young adults, and his American debut. It went on to win the IBBY Australia Ena Noel Award. Most recently, Will has applied his trademark style to the fantasy genre, with Monuments and its sequel, Rebel Gods.
As a high school student, Will won Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year for a collection of short stories. He has since contributed to numerous anthologies, including the ABIA Award-winning Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology.
An advocate for young readers and writers, Will was awarded the 2020 Maurice Saxby Award by the School Library Association of New South Wales for service to children’s and young adult literature.
Will Kostakis is an absolute delight.
In the past, he has written everything from celebrity news stories that score cease and desist letters, to tweets for professional wrestlers.
Nowadays, he’s best known (but not particularly well known) for his award-winning YA novels.
His first novel, Loathing Lola, was released when he was just nineteen. His second, The First Third, won the 2014 Gold Inky Award. It was also shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year and Australian Prime Minister’s Literary awards, among others. The Sidekicks was his third novel for young adults, and his American debut. It went on to win the IBBY Australia Ena Noel Award. Most recently, Will has applied his trademark style to the fantasy genre, with Monuments and its sequel, Rebel Gods.
As a high school student, Will won Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year for a collection of short stories. He has since contributed to numerous anthologies, including the ABIA Award-winning Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology.
An advocate for young readers and writers, Will was awarded the 2020 Maurice Saxby Award by the School Library Association of New South Wales for service to children’s and young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 11, 2020
Coming to terms with their newfound Godly status, friends Sally, Connor and his totally dreamy boyfriend Locky are determined to find the estranged Rebel Gods before they wreak havoc upon the world. What's the point of being a God if you can't change the world for the better? When Locky decides to spread joy on the lawn of the local parish, turning their grass into the rainbow flag in opposition to their queerphobic agenda, he's suddenly thrust into the spotlight and making their task of keeping their Godly duties on the down low even harder. Sydney is awash with speculation, could the Gods really walk among the people? For Connor and Locky, it's no easy task dating a God but now with his newfound rockstar slash miracle status, Locky may have inadvertently placed their lives in even more danger, despite the threat of the two dangerous sisters living in the otherworld that threaten life as we know it.
Adventure is afoot my friends as Connor begins to accept the fate thrust upon him, a God that will never age, never able to stay in one place any longer than a few years or risk exposure and of course, telling his dear mother. The other light of his life. Although the Monuments duology is steeped in modern mythology and moments of hilarity, the heart of the narrative is friendship and finding our way into the world. Although generations of teens aren't supernatural godly beings, it's still entirely relatable. Teens invoking change and being the change they want to see within the world.
Rebel Gods explores the deeply queerphobic aspects of religion, those condoning intolerance and prejudice under the guise of religious ideology. Locky challenges the local parish, exposing himself in the process and although the Monuments series explores the urban fantasy narrative of Sydney, the characters are exposed to societal and community issues. It provides a realism beyond world ending scenarios and one of my favourite aspects of the series, besides the brilliant and entirely likeable characters.
A brilliant conclusion to the duology from one of Australia's most loved authors.
Adventure is afoot my friends as Connor begins to accept the fate thrust upon him, a God that will never age, never able to stay in one place any longer than a few years or risk exposure and of course, telling his dear mother. The other light of his life. Although the Monuments duology is steeped in modern mythology and moments of hilarity, the heart of the narrative is friendship and finding our way into the world. Although generations of teens aren't supernatural godly beings, it's still entirely relatable. Teens invoking change and being the change they want to see within the world.
Rebel Gods explores the deeply queerphobic aspects of religion, those condoning intolerance and prejudice under the guise of religious ideology. Locky challenges the local parish, exposing himself in the process and although the Monuments series explores the urban fantasy narrative of Sydney, the characters are exposed to societal and community issues. It provides a realism beyond world ending scenarios and one of my favourite aspects of the series, besides the brilliant and entirely likeable characters.
A brilliant conclusion to the duology from one of Australia's most loved authors.
August 23, 2020
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Thank you Hachette for this book in exchange for an honest review
Not going to lie, I am soo thrilled to have this book!! When I read the first book, I knew that Kostakis is an author to watch out for. He has such a unique and genuine way of writing that keeps you drawn deep into the story and going back to read about old characters that you love is just wonderful.
Conner, Locky and Sally wasn’t to change the world with their newfound positions as gods but the task isn’t as easy as they originally thought. With constant obstacles getting in their way and they find themselves deep within an old conflict between the gods of love and fear. But can they try and resolve it all before the world is destroyed?
Bookstagram
Website
Thank you Hachette for this book in exchange for an honest review
Not going to lie, I am soo thrilled to have this book!! When I read the first book, I knew that Kostakis is an author to watch out for. He has such a unique and genuine way of writing that keeps you drawn deep into the story and going back to read about old characters that you love is just wonderful.
Conner, Locky and Sally wasn’t to change the world with their newfound positions as gods but the task isn’t as easy as they originally thought. With constant obstacles getting in their way and they find themselves deep within an old conflict between the gods of love and fear. But can they try and resolve it all before the world is destroyed?
October 2, 2020
Loved it!
My full review now online at Reading Time.
My full review now online at Reading Time.
August 26, 2020
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of Rebel Gods!
***Please note, as REBEL GODS is the second book in the series, there may be spoilers for book 1, MONUMENTS in my review!***
Now that friends Connor, Sally and Locky are Gods, they’ve found themselves with a difficult mission – find out where the Rebel Gods are hiding and find out how to destroy them. Although, Connor and Locky are keen to try their hand at a few small miracles along the way, like turning the lawn of a church spouting homophobic nonsense, into a rainbow flag. Sally is convinced the rebel gods need to be destroyed immediately, but Connor and Locky aren’t as convinced and want to give them the benefit of the doubt. As the internal struggle between the friends, and the bigger struggle to save the world, heats up, they’ll need to make some big choices – and hope they’re the right ones.
This book was just as fun as Monuments, maybe even more so! Connor and Locky are THE cutest couple, I honestly can’t get enough of them. These books have been so easy to read – the pacing is just right and the witty banter has had me laughing the whole way through. I also love the fact that both Locky and Connor have loving families they love back. Both of their mothers are alive and well and really add something to the story. I am so over YA books where the parents are not around or, if they are, the characters spend the entire time whinging about them. I mean, I know they’re teenagers, but still, it gets old really fast. I’m not usually a fan of superhero type stories, but the Monuments series keeps such a firm foot in reality and the characters’ relatable life, that it really works for me!
If you haven’t picked up this series yet, or if you enjoyed Monuments, I’d recommend giving them a try! I am freaking out a little though – is there going to be a third book?? THERE HAD BETTER BE A THIRD BOOK. You can’t leave us hanging like that Will!
MY BLOG ~ INSTAGRAM
***Please note, as REBEL GODS is the second book in the series, there may be spoilers for book 1, MONUMENTS in my review!***
Now that friends Connor, Sally and Locky are Gods, they’ve found themselves with a difficult mission – find out where the Rebel Gods are hiding and find out how to destroy them. Although, Connor and Locky are keen to try their hand at a few small miracles along the way, like turning the lawn of a church spouting homophobic nonsense, into a rainbow flag. Sally is convinced the rebel gods need to be destroyed immediately, but Connor and Locky aren’t as convinced and want to give them the benefit of the doubt. As the internal struggle between the friends, and the bigger struggle to save the world, heats up, they’ll need to make some big choices – and hope they’re the right ones.
This book was just as fun as Monuments, maybe even more so! Connor and Locky are THE cutest couple, I honestly can’t get enough of them. These books have been so easy to read – the pacing is just right and the witty banter has had me laughing the whole way through. I also love the fact that both Locky and Connor have loving families they love back. Both of their mothers are alive and well and really add something to the story. I am so over YA books where the parents are not around or, if they are, the characters spend the entire time whinging about them. I mean, I know they’re teenagers, but still, it gets old really fast. I’m not usually a fan of superhero type stories, but the Monuments series keeps such a firm foot in reality and the characters’ relatable life, that it really works for me!
If you haven’t picked up this series yet, or if you enjoyed Monuments, I’d recommend giving them a try! I am freaking out a little though – is there going to be a third book?? THERE HAD BETTER BE A THIRD BOOK. You can’t leave us hanging like that Will!
MY BLOG ~ INSTAGRAM
August 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Like the first one, it was a lot of fun to read however this installment of the duology takes us on more of an emotional adventure. I loved how the relationships developed in this book between the characters we met in Monuments: Connor, Sally and Locky... (Locky will always be my personal favourite). I also love the relationship between Connor and his mum and how that changed too not just when Connor comes of age but when he's acquired his new power and responsibility. Fast paced, whitty, fun and action packed - over all a great read. I can also see how the author grows each time he writes a new book, it always seems to be a step better than the last although all his books a great. This duology is highly recommended for fans who enjoy fantasy fiction set in a contemporary times with great friendships, mythology and adventure. With special thanks to Date a Book YA - Hachette Publishers Australia for sending me a copy of this book and for having me on board the Rebel Gods Book Tour. PS: I had the pleasure of interviewing Will Kostakis on the Read3r'z Re-Vu Insta Live platform - it is saved to IGTV for future viewing.
August 12, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5
RTC via The Nerd Daily!
RTC via The Nerd Daily!
December 21, 2021
this was an overall good book, but the ending.... it was really disappointing. it felt quite incomplete and like the author wanted to make a complicated ending whihc isn't satisfying or even remotely good. i keopt on being in denial before the book ended and i was like welp ok. i recommedn this series, and maybe others will like the ending, but i did not. the characters were really good, at times i was confused because it felt like i'd missed soemthing that wasn't explained but the humour was really nice and i enjoyed reading the book.
August 27, 2020
‘Rebel Gods’ is the second (and final) book in Will Kostakis’ Monuments YA series.
It’s a series about literal Gods waking up beneath the ‘sanctuaries’ of Australian schools, and three teens – Connor, Sally and Locky – who find themselves the heir-apparent to different Gods, sure to inherit their terrible and awesome powers. ‘Rebel Gods’ picks up where ‘Monuments’ left off, with a launching-pad of rogue Gods surely coming down to wreak havoc and launch an epic battle against the heirs.
That’s the scene upon which we open ‘Rebel Gods’ and the conclusion to Will Kostakis’ hugely successful and brilliant first foray into the YA fantasy genre (but I hope it won’t be his last!).
Will very early on this year made a funny about the fact that he clearly has no God-like precognition abilities because ‘Rebel Gods’ takes place in 2020 and there’s no mention of a pandemic within the pages … BUT: there is something here that speaks to a bigger spark of recognition and story that’s prescient for the times; of doing the right thing even when it’s the hard thing, and coming up against what are very likely insurmountable odds.
I could always read some climate-action parallels in the story of three teenagers from diverse backgrounds (and there is a brilliant LGBT+ love-story in here too) literally coming along and inheriting the powers from these Monuments … these relics; old Gods, and a new world-order being ushered in by these teens.
It may not be pandemic “doom boom” writing, but even the idea of tearing down ‘Monuments’ and the next-gen of power rebuilding, has serious repercussions with a 2020 reading.
And honestly, Will Kostakis is just the LoveOzYA author to write this kind of self-determinism and heroism for his teen characters. There’s nothing easy in this story for them, but they rise to the occasion and by the end will leave you a proud (if blubbering) mess.
Something of ‘Monuments’ now having read it conclusion, is giving me airs of Veronica Roth to Kostakis’ writing and the sheer *epicness* of it all. The little hints and clues present in ‘Monuments’ that come out in satisfying and devastating ways in ‘Rebel Gods’ (and I should say; this comparison is especially on the back of reading Roth’s Chosen Ones).
I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book – even if it left me an emotional husk by the last page. It was one heck of a journey to go on, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat or a re-read.
It’s a series about literal Gods waking up beneath the ‘sanctuaries’ of Australian schools, and three teens – Connor, Sally and Locky – who find themselves the heir-apparent to different Gods, sure to inherit their terrible and awesome powers. ‘Rebel Gods’ picks up where ‘Monuments’ left off, with a launching-pad of rogue Gods surely coming down to wreak havoc and launch an epic battle against the heirs.
That’s the scene upon which we open ‘Rebel Gods’ and the conclusion to Will Kostakis’ hugely successful and brilliant first foray into the YA fantasy genre (but I hope it won’t be his last!).
Will very early on this year made a funny about the fact that he clearly has no God-like precognition abilities because ‘Rebel Gods’ takes place in 2020 and there’s no mention of a pandemic within the pages … BUT: there is something here that speaks to a bigger spark of recognition and story that’s prescient for the times; of doing the right thing even when it’s the hard thing, and coming up against what are very likely insurmountable odds.
I could always read some climate-action parallels in the story of three teenagers from diverse backgrounds (and there is a brilliant LGBT+ love-story in here too) literally coming along and inheriting the powers from these Monuments … these relics; old Gods, and a new world-order being ushered in by these teens.
It may not be pandemic “doom boom” writing, but even the idea of tearing down ‘Monuments’ and the next-gen of power rebuilding, has serious repercussions with a 2020 reading.
And honestly, Will Kostakis is just the LoveOzYA author to write this kind of self-determinism and heroism for his teen characters. There’s nothing easy in this story for them, but they rise to the occasion and by the end will leave you a proud (if blubbering) mess.
Something of ‘Monuments’ now having read it conclusion, is giving me airs of Veronica Roth to Kostakis’ writing and the sheer *epicness* of it all. The little hints and clues present in ‘Monuments’ that come out in satisfying and devastating ways in ‘Rebel Gods’ (and I should say; this comparison is especially on the back of reading Roth’s Chosen Ones).
I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book – even if it left me an emotional husk by the last page. It was one heck of a journey to go on, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat or a re-read.
March 8, 2021
If Monuments was a story about legacy, inheritance and responsibility, then Rebel God's is a story about duty and power. What do you do with all that godly power? Do you follow the rules and sit idly by or do you challenge the society your part of and embrace your influence? I feel like I'm referencing the Flaming Lips...
This series really hits it's stride here. If I've ever compared this to Percy Jackson, I'm sorry, it's got a lot more depth than Rick Riordans pantheon of adventure. It's more relationships and moral quandaries than minotaurs and tridents.
The relationships between Connor and his mum and Connor and Locky are wonderful. Their dialogue feels extremely genuine and laugh out loud funny. It's nice to see more of Lochlan's family here as well, I fell in love with Lockie's mums hospitality of corn chips and salsa.
I'm looking forward to seeing perhaps a future novel in this series.
This series really hits it's stride here. If I've ever compared this to Percy Jackson, I'm sorry, it's got a lot more depth than Rick Riordans pantheon of adventure. It's more relationships and moral quandaries than minotaurs and tridents.
The relationships between Connor and his mum and Connor and Locky are wonderful. Their dialogue feels extremely genuine and laugh out loud funny. It's nice to see more of Lochlan's family here as well, I fell in love with Lockie's mums hospitality of corn chips and salsa.
I'm looking forward to seeing perhaps a future novel in this series.
February 18, 2023
Well... I didn't expect this book to make me cry. And yet, here we are.
Like a lot of sequels, Rebel Gods is a different book to Monuments. Not bad, just different. The story is different, the stakes are different. And this book has an ending, where Monuments left the door open for this book.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love Kostakis's voice. His writing is engaging and captivating and I got to that point once again where I couldn't put this book down and it had to be finished.
And it's a satisfying resolution to the story. I wasn't sure how it was all going to wrap up, but wrap up it does, in a way, as I said, that made me cry. But, you know, happy tears. Mostly.
But I will very fondly remember my time in the Monuments universe.
Like a lot of sequels, Rebel Gods is a different book to Monuments. Not bad, just different. The story is different, the stakes are different. And this book has an ending, where Monuments left the door open for this book.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love Kostakis's voice. His writing is engaging and captivating and I got to that point once again where I couldn't put this book down and it had to be finished.
And it's a satisfying resolution to the story. I wasn't sure how it was all going to wrap up, but wrap up it does, in a way, as I said, that made me cry. But, you know, happy tears. Mostly.
But I will very fondly remember my time in the Monuments universe.
August 30, 2020
This is such a well-paced fun and easy to read duology! Picking up where Monuments left off, our trio, now Gods, have found themselves on the mission to find and stop the Rebel Gods before they leave the world in ruins. But are the Rebel Gods as bad as they're made out to be?
Our trio are thrown constant obstacles on their mission to do what's right for the world. I love the relationships that developed throughout this story, not just between the MC's but also with their families and the banter they have with each other.
I highly recommend this duology and I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for Will's next book!
Our trio are thrown constant obstacles on their mission to do what's right for the world. I love the relationships that developed throughout this story, not just between the MC's but also with their families and the banter they have with each other.
I highly recommend this duology and I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for Will's next book!
April 14, 2021
I feel this is a rare occasion where Book 2 is actually even better than Book 1.
More action and fun abounds as we follow our beloved Aussie heroes through their next adventure. I love the clever use of humour and the banter between the characters. I could quote the scenes that made me laugh out loud but I'd be here all day.
The gem however, is the interaction between Connor and his mother. Read the olive tree analogy if you're a parent and tell me it doesn't melt your heart.
My only complaint is that I wish there was a Book 3!
More action and fun abounds as we follow our beloved Aussie heroes through their next adventure. I love the clever use of humour and the banter between the characters. I could quote the scenes that made me laugh out loud but I'd be here all day.
The gem however, is the interaction between Connor and his mother. Read the olive tree analogy if you're a parent and tell me it doesn't melt your heart.
My only complaint is that I wish there was a Book 3!
June 6, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD OH MY GOODNESS I WAS HOOKED
BUT THE ENDING 😭
I really wish there was a third book like you can’t leave it like the mannnnnnnn 😭 but the book was amazing, it had well spaced chapters and very humorous as well as thrilling, I really loved to see the relationships develop between the Connor and Locky’s family it was so sweet but this ending is killing me ahhhhhh, I would highly recommend it to anyone though. Lots of adventure, hard to put down, better then the first book in the series and gay rep! Truly an amazing book :)
BUT THE ENDING 😭
I really wish there was a third book like you can’t leave it like the mannnnnnnn 😭 but the book was amazing, it had well spaced chapters and very humorous as well as thrilling, I really loved to see the relationships develop between the Connor and Locky’s family it was so sweet but this ending is killing me ahhhhhh, I would highly recommend it to anyone though. Lots of adventure, hard to put down, better then the first book in the series and gay rep! Truly an amazing book :)
October 8, 2020
A very satisfying read, full of wry humour cloaking clever insights into the ways we are as humans.
Loved the romance between Connor and Lachlan (Locky), and the way that Sally (the third god of their triumvirate) is mostly right.
Sad, funny, clever, heartwarming. Perfect for 12+ as long as their folks don't have problems with gay love, or questioning religion...
Loved the romance between Connor and Lachlan (Locky), and the way that Sally (the third god of their triumvirate) is mostly right.
Sad, funny, clever, heartwarming. Perfect for 12+ as long as their folks don't have problems with gay love, or questioning religion...
January 16, 2021
Enjoyable... a decent follow on to a thoroughly enjoyable first book, Monuments. Did still enjoy the character development of Connor and the easy insertion of strong gay and indigenous characters into a genre where they are not often seen.
February 14, 2021
This novel is slower than I expected, but not less enjoyable. I loved this novel, and the ambiguous ending. I 'couldn't put it down'. I plan to devour all the other Kostakis books in the next few months.
August 28, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
August 31, 2020
That final line....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2020
3 1/2
October 1, 2020
I just want one more story, no matter what the ending. Will's writing is quirky, fun and has a special feeling that leaves you grinning throughout.
November 10, 2020
More like 4 1/2
December 3, 2020
god that ending
rtc/more thoughts tc
rtc/more thoughts tc
February 23, 2021
Pacing felt a bit off on this one, but overall I enjoyed it a lot.
June 26, 2024
THis second book was pretty good. i wish there was more to the ending it felt a little rushed. not as good as the first book but still pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews