Rebel Angels

Reviewed by mbl on August 30th, 2008, 8:02pm

by Libba Bray

Format: Print Books

Series:

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking
forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with
her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber
note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring
in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has
set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions
of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of
three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has
happened, something only the realms can explain. . . .
The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann
are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world
of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’
great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete
their circle of friendship.
But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious
Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple
and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s
willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it
brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s
greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is
destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe
proves a most perilous task.

Even better than A Great and Terrible Beauty! Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series is more than awesome story-telling. Bray brings Victorian England and its prejudices and problems to life. I'll definitely be adding these to my school bookshelf.