Publication Date: October 30th, 2012
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Page Count: 432 pages
Format: Finished Copy - Hardcover
Source: Publisher for review
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Nothing is certain and no one is safe in the second book in the highly praised Dust Lands trilogy, which MTV’s Hollywood Crush blog called “better than The Hunger Games.”I have been waiting for the sequel to Blood Red Road for what seems like an eternity. I absolutely adored the first book due to its originality and unique writing style, but Rebel Heart really did a number on my heart. Now that Saba has Lugh back, it's time to head home - without Jack. The emotional turmoil that Saba's going through is just heartbreaking, I couldn't help but feel so deeply for her. She's haunted by the memories of her recent past and only the prospect of finally settling down with Jack keeps her going. While I hated Lugh, Rebel Heart had my heart aching for Saba and I loved every emotional minute of it.
It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.
What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.
Saba is definitely a different character from Blood Red Road. The traumatic experiences she faced during her journey to rescue Lugh have changed her from fierce fighter to emotional wreck and I can't blame her. Don't get me wrong, she's still fierce, but she's got a lot more emotional baggage to carry around than she did before. And we finally get to see Lugh, who is just the worst person ever. I had to knock off a star because of him, he's so ungrateful and just a terrible person. I hated him. On more than one occasion he just says the worst kinds of things to Saba (who risked her life for him!!!!) and it made me wish she had just left him behind. Like, he is THE WORST. I definitely missed Jack *swoon* and I'm really hoping there will be more of him in the next book!!!
The writing style is the same as before, unique but difficult to get into. I think that's one of the qualities that people either love or hate about these books. There are no quotation marks, and it's written in an intense Southern dialect. I, personally, love it. Young is such a great story-teller you really feel like you're trekking through this desolate and wasted land with Saba and her crew. I was repeatedly immersed in the story, unable to put the book down for long periods of time. The plot moves so quickly and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Overall, I absolutely loved Rebel Heart. My one qualm would have to be Lugh's attitude throughout the book. He's such a sour puss and a jerk that I just couldn't get over anything he said or did. Perhaps that's a good thing though, to feel so intensely about a character that days after you're still thinking about it. The writing style is magnificent and the concept is original and entertaining, as always. I just can't wait to see what's in store next! Fans of The Hunger Games and True Grit will devour this one.