Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Rebel (The Blades of the Rose #3)

by Zoe Archer (Goodreads Author)

3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 · rating details · 484 ratings · 88 reviews

In the third book of The Blades of the Rose paranormal series that began in "Warrior" and "Scoundrel," Archer takes readers to the Canadian frontier of 1875 and into an extraordinary realm of magic and romance. Original.

Mass Market Paperback, 398 pages

Published November 1st 2010 by Zebra

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Blades of the Rose

3rd out of 4 books — 13 voters

Steampunk/Romance

30th out of 167 books — 491 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,351)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 28, 2010 May rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Any fan of action/adventure/romance set in past with touch of magic

Recommended to May by: Audrey

Shelves: action, scifi-paranormal-fantasy-etc, series

I've SO enjoyed reading about the Blades thus far, and was thrilled to add REBEL to my library and count it among the best reads I've had this year. I love that each book in this series manages to be both satisfying as an individual novel, but also tie together with the others in subtle but solid ways as well. I would suggest starting with WARRIOR and working through them in order, however you could read any of the three alone and enjoy.

In this installment we meet Astrid, a former Blade (who wen...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 04, 2010 Rane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-pnr, victorian-romance, keeper, steampunk

Zoe Archer has a way of showing the reader not only the settings but reflecting them in the books, from the Indian Jones desert feeling in the Warrior to the topical fun island hopping of the Scoundrel to the harsh dense wildness of Rebel. Rebel is much darker then the two earlier books with the setting a cold, amazing and vast frontier of Canada. Making the magic so pronounced in the BOTR world feel like a wolf watching from the shadows, waiting ….

Nathan Lesperance and Astrid Bramfield meet in...more Zoe Archer has a way of showing the reader not only the settings but reflecting them in the books, from the Indian Jones desert feeling in the Warrior to the topical fun island hopping of the Scoundrel to the harsh dense wildness of Rebel. Rebel is much darker then the two earlier books with the setting a cold, amazing and vast frontier of Canada. Making the magic so pronounced in the BOTR world feel like a wolf watching from the shadows, waiting ….

Nathan Lesperance and Astrid Bramfield meet in this setting, and like a moth to a flame, both feel a powerful draw to each other. Astrid has turned her back on her old life after the death of her husband, just living day to day, she feels the cold shell she’s encased herself in slowly melting away when Nathan walks into her life. Nathan is a Native attorney, caught in between two worlds, not truly belonging to either, but feeling that he’s finally come home when he steps foot at the edge of civilization in this cold frontier, no more so then when he meets Astrid and feels a deep connection. When the Heirs come to the frontier looking for information, they sense a magic that embraces Nathan somehow, and it’s up to both Astrid and Nathan to find out what the Heirs are planning and stop them before it’s to late.

Rebel may have been on the darker side; there was nothing dark or cold between Nathan and Astrid. From the moment both meet, the heat is on between them! While Nathan embraces the connection between the two wanting to know more about himself and Astrid, Astrid fights it tooth and nail. After losing the man she loved, but more importantly not being able to protect and help him, Astrid has shut down everything, and has just “lived”. Nathan may have acted sort of Alpha male sometimes, but it never got on my nerves like other characters. He was caring and loving, strong, but he knew when fight and when to back away, and respected Astrid deeply, trusted her knowledge of the wilderness. The best thing I felt about Nathan was while Astrid built a wall around herself after her lost, Nathan kept going, and started knocking down the wall Astrid built one brick at a time. By his own life he’s lived, he made Astrid take a step back and see what her grief has done to those around her.
It was hard to warm up to Astrid, and it took sometime for me, her one step forward, two steps back way of doing things go on my nerves. I understood where she was coming from, for anyone whom has lost a love one, we all can understand and relate to her, but I felt she was just to selfish, not talking to everyone whom loved her for years and whom grieved for her. That was pretty low, and she wasn’t the only one whom lost somehow she cared about. This is the front she keeps using to try and keep Nathan at arms length and Nathan being the great guy he is, pushes her to see her mistake. Astrid more so then Nathan is the one whom has a lot of healing to do, and coming to terms with her past and finally letting go.
Cause between Nathan and Astrid, their relationship is smokin’ hot, whew! I’m surprised the ice didn’t melt off the mountaintops when these two got together! ZA makes the couples of the BOTR world, fit so right together. And Nathan and Astrid are like two pieces of the puzzle, being alike but different, and while Astrid make their relationship a tad slow at times, their were amazing when they finally got together, said their I Love Yous and kicked some Heirs butt!

Even in a different setting, ZA doesn’t miss a beat with Rebel. The story just keeps you reading, with more unfolding of the Heirs plans of trying to take over the world’s magic. With a few new and old characters being introduced- Catullus Graves the true keystone of the BOTR series helps Astrid and Nathan with their mission, while being his kick-ass self, and showing a new cool invention! I really can’t wait to read his story, as the more you read about him, the more you have to and want to know more about him. Rebel leaves the reader with a little taste of what’s to come for his story and the new book!

The Blades of the Rose series, just keeps on this amazing reading ride, that I don’t wanna see end! I gobble up each book with Rebel being no exception (stayed up late into the night reading!) and it just leaves me loving the series and just wanting more and Rebel just added more to this amazing series that I can’t get enough of!

(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 22, 2011 Lora rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: g-hr

After adoring Warrior and Scoundrel, I was very eager to read Rebel. Unfortunately, this one didn't grab me like the first two.

Astrid's character is one that I can sympathize with; however, I think anyone could. She's lost her husband under horrible circumstances and doesn't have the will to put up a facade for her friends and family and go on working as a Blade; especially since this is the very vocation that led to her husband's death. So, she sequesters herself away in the Northwestern Territ...more After adoring Warrior and Scoundrel, I was very eager to read Rebel. Unfortunately, this one didn't grab me like the first two.

Astrid's character is one that I can sympathize with; however, I think anyone could. She's lost her husband under horrible circumstances and doesn't have the will to put up a facade for her friends and family and go on working as a Blade; especially since this is the very vocation that led to her husband's death. So, she sequesters herself away in the Northwestern Territory; effectively cutting off all ties to her friends and family.

I liked Astrid's character. But, at the same time, I didn't really feel a connection with her character like I did with the two previous installments' heroines. I don't know if it was her grief, or something else altogether, but she never seemed like a character that I could imagine myself liking or connecting with.

Nathan was a good male protagonist. Nothing special, but not bad, either. There were times when he was more interesting than others. There's a surprise with his character, though, that really did set him apart from most male characters of this genre.

But I've always said that the characters are the most important aspect of a novel (for me, anyway), and I believe because of this, I found the romance in this to be just all right. I didn't ever really find myself routing for their relationship; especially not like the hero and heroine of the last installment. (Bennett and London are absolutely one of my favorite couples of this genre.)

Now with all of this said, I have to ask myself: Would I have liked this more had I not been comparing it to the earlier installments in this series? Yes, I believe so. But, alas, it is inevitable to make comparisons as this is a series.

So, you're probably wondering why I am giving this three and a half stars. Well, these are my reasons:

Despite everything just said, the writing, as with the first two novels in this series, was phenomenal. Also, the world that Ms. Archer has created is one I'm very found of visiting: It's basically Indiana Jones meets historical romance. Throw in a dash of steampunk and you've got yourself a Blades of the Rose novel. They're fabulous. And although I didn't enjoy this one as much as I would have liked, it was still a very entertaining read.

The next Blades of the Rose novel is Stranger, which was released back in December of last year. I've got it on my shelf waiting to be read and I'm very much looking forward to it. It features Catullus Graves, the man behind all of the gadgets that give these novels their steampunk edge. He's been a favorite character of mine since book one and I'm sure to love his book.

RATING: 3.5 stars.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 11, 2011 ~Megan~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dangerous-dudes, pnr-uf, shifters-werewolves, witches-wizards-magic-fae

I can't tell you how much I adore this series! I was prepared for this one to be a little less fantastic than the first two, but I was pleasantly surprised. All the magical elements were certainly present, and the adventure was just as fun as the other books.

Astrid and Nathan were a likeable couple, both outsiders in the world....Astrid by choice and Nathan because of his race. There was an immediate attraction between them as they both recognized themselves in the other. I was drawn in from th...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 02, 2010 Caroline The HEA Lover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance, paranormal, for-book-lovers-inc

(This was originally posted on Book Lovers Inc)

You can't go wrong with this series! Rebel is once again a great addition to The Blades of the Rose series. I loved Warrior and Scoundrel and I can now add Rebel to the list. Zoe Archer took us to Mongolia and Greece, this time we're going to the wilderness of Canada.

We learned about Astrid's existence through Catullus (I <3 Catullus) at the end of Scoundrel. We only knew that a few years ago she decided to leave everything and everyone behind to...more (This was originally posted on Book Lovers Inc)

You can't go wrong with this series! Rebel is once again a great addition to The Blades of the Rose series. I loved Warrior and Scoundrel and I can now add Rebel to the list. Zoe Archer took us to Mongolia and Greece, this time we're going to the wilderness of Canada.

We learned about Astrid's existence through Catullus (I <3 Catullus) at the end of Scoundrel. We only knew that a few years ago she decided to leave everything and everyone behind to grieve her husband's death. We find her, an hermit, living by herself in a nearly deserted part of Canada. She only interacts with the trappers when she has to. She is a strong and independent woman who survived the horror of loosing her husband in a battle. I really liked her, she thought herself dead inside and refused to get attached to anyone ever again. Nathan Lesperance is an attorney, the only native attorney in Canada. He's been taken from his family, his tribe, when he was a child, to be brought up by the government. As a result he is an outsider, neither belonging with the Indians nor the White men. I really liked Nathan, he is strong and intelligent. When he meets Astrid, something awoke in him. (But I won't say more, so I won't spoil anything *wink*).

When Heirs shows up, Astrid and Nathan are forced to work together to stay alive and search for a Source to protect. Their quest for the Source won't be an easy one. We discover a side of Canada that I've never seen, the wilderness is breathtaking. Once again I felt like I was there with the heroes. It's really something amazing about Zoe Archer's writing.

I felt that the romance took a less important part in the book. I mean it's definitely there...but early in the book it already felt like being set in stone. I'm not saying there isn't some very hot smex scenes (coz there are! LOL). But for once, I was so engrossed in the adventure that I didn't mind that it was a little bit less smexy than in the previous books. Rebel is an action-packed story with a very cute romance. Astrid and Nathan really deserved their HEA. They both found a haven in each other.

Now...I know he's not the hero of this book but I couldn't not mention Catullus. I love this character and he's playing a big part in Rebel. I cannot wait to read his book, Stranger which comes out in a month *sob* A MONTH!!! You will love Catullus, but be warned that he's MINE and I'll wrestle you all to keep him for myself if I have to lol.

I give Rebel 4 1/2 bookies.
(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 28, 2011 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-nook, paranormal-romantic-suspense, steam-punk, shifters

Love this book, love this series. It is so much fun to read. This book started off a little slowly and somewhat differently than the other books in this series. They are in the Canadien Rockies. Her writing was different as well, as if she modified it for the surroundings. The characters had such depth and the relationship that develops between Nathan and Astrid is amazing. I love how the author handles Astrid and her grief over her husband. Also, I was not expexting this to be shape shifter sto...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 01, 2011 Keri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, romance-historical, older-woman, zoe-archer, 2011-read, ntm-author

Rebel took me awhile to get involved in the story, but once I did it was just as entertaining as the other two books. I was surprised at Nathan's gift, but once I got used to it, the book wouldn't have worked any other way.

Out of all the books I felt that this book could have been read as a standalone. ZA did a good job of bring the past and future together and of course I loved getting to know Catilus Graves a bit more.

While not my fav of the series it is still a strong entry and a very good...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 11, 2012 Chanpreet rated it 4 of 5 stars

Paranormal romance is very hot at the moment. Vampires, werewolves, demons, shifters, etc. have always fascinated people, but right now is their time. This book combines two genre, historical and paranormal to create a very strong and compelling story. Plus it also has the added bonus of being about the battle of good and evil.

Nathan Lesperance has always felt like an outsider; being a native Canadian and living in the white man's world. He's sent into the wilderness to run what seems like a pal...more

like · see review

Dec 27, 2011 Chelsea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rebel by Zoe Archer is the third Blades of the Rose book and, having read all three in a row I’ve noticed a definite formula. Woman and man travel to exotic location and embark on adventure to find magical object and protect it from Heirs of Albion (EVIL men who would exploit that magic). Very formulaic, but evidently it’s a successful formula because I’ve been enjoying the hell out of these books.

Plot Summery! Astrid once belonged to the Blades of the Rose, a secret(ish) society of men and wome...more Rebel by Zoe Archer is the third Blades of the Rose book and, having read all three in a row I’ve noticed a definite formula. Woman and man travel to exotic location and embark on adventure to find magical object and protect it from Heirs of Albion (EVIL men who would exploit that magic). Very formulaic, but evidently it’s a successful formula because I’ve been enjoying the hell out of these books.

Plot Summery! Astrid once belonged to the Blades of the Rose, a secret(ish) society of men and women who protect magical objects. But after her husband's death at the hands of the enemy (the Heirs of Albion), Astrid runs away to a remote part of Canada to grieve and lose herself. After four years, she's dragged back into Blade business when Nathan Lesperance, a Native American lawyer, shows up at her door with Heirs on his heels. Nathan is undeniably attracted to Astrid. He is also desperate for purpose, and for answers about his own nature that have long been hidden from him.

My likes: The characters are fantastic. I was uncertain initially about Astrid, because she seemed very cold and consumed by self pity, but she warms up. And when she warms up, she absolutely glows--intelligent, competent, brave, and deeply loyal. I liked Nathan right from the start. Being a Native American raised by white men, and a lawyer to on top of it, his personality is full of pride and defiance. He won’t take no for an answer on anything, very much the rebel the title advertises. Astrid and Nathan make a well balanced match. Their relationship builds slowly as they work together and fight for their lives and their mission.

I liked the Native American elements. The magic objects for this book are totems which embody the powers of certain animals in a way that I thought was quite clever.

The real brilliance of these books is the adventure elements. Astrid and Nathan brave rapids, climb mountains, fight zombies, and end up thoroughly bruised and exhausted. To me that makes the happily ever after much more fulfilling. I noted that this book had more paranormal elements then the previous two--one of our characters is a shape-shifter.

Dislikes: The formulaic nature of these books makes certain plot points very predictable. Also, I really wish there had been more time devoted to the non-romantic relationships. Astrid’s best friend Graves confronts her after she’s in self imposed exile for four years, and the issues between the two of them are resolved rather briefly and flippantly. But overall, none of this was enough to stop me from really liking this book. 4.5 stars.(less)

like · see review

Feb 21, 2011 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, adventure, book-club, fantasy, historical, paranormal, romance, shifter, zombies

This book is the third in the Blades of the Rose series. I feel like this book and the others in the series can be read out of order or as a stand-alone. The reader would not be confused in any way. This books heroine Astrid is mentioned in previous books, but not enough that it requires reading the previous book. Astrid is a Blade living in Canada alone in a self-imposed exile. She lost her husband to the Heirs of Albion and cut all ties to the world. She was living the solitary life quite hap...more This book is the third in the Blades of the Rose series. I feel like this book and the others in the series can be read out of order or as a stand-alone. The reader would not be confused in any way. This books heroine Astrid is mentioned in previous books, but not enough that it requires reading the previous book. Astrid is a Blade living in Canada alone in a self-imposed exile. She lost her husband to the Heirs of Albion and cut all ties to the world. She was living the solitary life quite happily until a naked and wounded Native comes stumbling through the forest near her home. He has brought trouble with him in the form of the Heirs.
Nathan is not your typical Native. He is an educated, raised in the white mans world, attorney. The Heirs have spotted him and wish to use him to get their hold on all the worlds magic. Having woken naked in the woods with only a vague recollection of the previous evening’s events he allows Astrid to take him back to her home to attend his wounds and warm him up. Nathan and Astrid journey across Canada in hopes to protect the unknown Source from the Heirs. Nathan quickly learns that he is surrounded in a reality that he never imagined possible, even his own being is quite different than he ever knew. He is drawn into this magical world by a woman he cannot stop desiring. Nathan and Astrid have a great chemistry. The way they are brought together and the course their relationship takes is fantastic. Also a scorching hot bathing sex scene!
Three times is not a charm for me. I have not been wowed by this series. I did find this book to be the best of the three. The readers are finally given a bit of paranormal in the form of shape-shifters and zombies. For a book that has as much action as this one does I am still shocked that it moves so slowly. I have noticed this with the series as a whole. I will also not continue reading the series. I know there is only the one book left, but I am not intrigued enough to continue. I think the only reason that I have made it this far into the series is due to the fact that this book is my book reading clubs February read.
(less)

like · see review

Nov 11, 2010 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, paranormal-romance-shapeshifters, shapeshifters, historical-paranormal-romance, favorites, friendable

When an 'errand' brings 'rebel' Native attorney Nathan Lesperance to back to the area inhabited by his ancestors, a meeting with reclusive frontier's woman Astrid Bramfield sparks his senses and causes something hidden within him to begin to stir. Even as he feels an unexplainable draw to Astrid, the former Blade rebuffs his advances and retreat to her self-imposed exile. But when Nathan runs afoul of the Blades' enemies, the magic stealing "Heirs", and ends up naked and bloody on Astrid’s doors...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 07, 2010 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another brilliantly written story with fantastic characters and wonderful use of imagination. This series just keeps getting better with each book.
This story was action packed from beginning to end. I could really feel the love between the H&H and also the friendship between The Blades. This book had a bit more of a paranormal theme than the last two book had. The fight scenes where riveting and kept me glued to the pages. The love scene where well done too. There is only one thing I did not...more

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 09, 2010 Katyana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, series, steampunktastic, historical, shapeshifters, pnr

This was yet another fun installment in this series. And I have to tell you, I am chomping at the bit for book 4, Catullus Graves's story. Mmmmm.

Rebel was pretty different in tone and texture than the previous 2 in the series. Firstly, there was significantly less humor. In fact, I can't really think of any at all. Secondly, there was far fewer nifty steampunk inventions. That's particularly odd to me, since Catullus Graves (the inventor) actually plays a major role in this one. And I would be l...more This was yet another fun installment in this series. And I have to tell you, I am chomping at the bit for book 4, Catullus Graves's story. Mmmmm.

Rebel was pretty different in tone and texture than the previous 2 in the series. Firstly, there was significantly less humor. In fact, I can't really think of any at all. Secondly, there was far fewer nifty steampunk inventions. That's particularly odd to me, since Catullus Graves (the inventor) actually plays a major role in this one. And I would be lying to say that I didn't miss it - something about the tech vs magic in this series is really a lot of fun to me.

We have heard bits and pieces about Astrid Bramfield in the previous books. We know that her husband Michael was killed in Africa, we know that they were doing something with the Primal Source, and we know that the Heirs now have this Primal Source. We know, from the end of book 2, that in the wake of her husband's death, Astrid has entirely withdrawn from the world - she fled to the wilds of Canada to live alone. This basically gives you the tone for this book: Astrid is a wounded woman, her life shattered. She considers herself a husk - she is determined NOT to live without Michael. She's not suicidal, but she considers her life over - joy died with Michael.

Nathan is equally wounded. He's a Native American who was raised by white people. He belongs nowhere - he's not accepted in white society, and the tribes consider him more of a white man than one of them. Nathan lives his life as if it is him against the world, and up until now, it has been.

So Rebel is mostly the story of two wounded, lonely people finding each other. I'll admit that, without the humor (like the previous 2 books) breaking up the drama, the Disney-esque love story got a little anvil-to-the-head for me. I get it, y'all are madly, deeply in love. His love saved her; her love saved him. But this thought is repeated a LOT. Like, a LOT. I still loved the book, but just... fair warning.

This book also does a lot of setting up, and in that respect, it feels like a bridging story. We get some light thrown on the overall plot regarding the Primal Source, and the battle lines for endgame feel drawn by the end of the book. In addition, this book really spends a lot of time setting up Catullus's story in book 4. We get to hear how lonely he is, and we meet Gemma Murphy, the heroine of his book. Honestly, between the overall story arc and Catullus, I am dang excited for Stranger. (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 11, 2010 Barbara rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: dnf

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 08, 2011 Jessi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, fantasy, historical-fiction, romance, steampunk

First Line: "The two men tumbled over the muddy ground, trading punches and kicks."

This series is just getting better and better. I very much enjoyed Rebel. From the first page you hit the ground running and the fast-pace keeps up through the whole story. I enjoyed the twist that Nathan, our hero, was five years younger than Astrid, the heroine. This book reaffirmed my love of werewolves/shapeshifters (werewolf kicks vampire butt everytime btw). The story had a nice mythical twist, wonderful wor...more

like · see review

Dec 28, 2010 chanceofbooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-read, 2010-keepers

Quite possibly a perfect novel--an absolutely gripping love story surrounded by fast-paced action and enough conflict to interest even the most jaded of readers. Out of the four Blades of the Roses books, this one is the most "paranormal," and Hero has certain unique traits that often turn me off to paranormals, however, it totally works here, and Nathan is a hot, multi-layered hero who is totally worthy of uber-independent Astrid who is the most kick-butt heroine of the series, and quite possib...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 19, 2010 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010

“Rebel” is the third installment in Zoe Archer’s The Blades of the Rose series. These are pretty much stand alone stories but some of the characters do cross over from book to book. In this book, we meet Astrid. Her name was mentioned in previous books but we had yet to actually see her. Astrid is a former Blade (the world’s protectors of Magic and its Sources). She escaped to Canada’s Great North after her husband, also a Blade, was killed by the Heirs (the men who wish to control the world’s M...more “Rebel” is the third installment in Zoe Archer’s The Blades of the Rose series. These are pretty much stand alone stories but some of the characters do cross over from book to book. In this book, we meet Astrid. Her name was mentioned in previous books but we had yet to actually see her. Astrid is a former Blade (the world’s protectors of Magic and its Sources). She escaped to Canada’s Great North after her husband, also a Blade, was killed by the Heirs (the men who wish to control the world’s Magic). He died in Astird’s arms, so for her to want to leave and go far far away from everyone and everything is completely understandable. Her experience as a Blade has equipped her with the necessary skills to survive in the Territories and she feels she has the life she wants for herself. Until she meets Nathan Lesperance.

Lesperance is a Native attorney from Victoria. He is sent to the North West Territories by his firm in order to collect the belongings of one of his clients who died there. Actually, it was Astrid who discovered the body. Astrid is at the Outpost where Nathan must go and instantly they feel magic between them. Little did they know that it is actually magic! After Nathan is kidnapped by a group of Heirs and breaks free, Astrid finds him and brings him to her isolated cabin to tend to his wounds. But there is more to Nathan that meets the eye and the wondrous Northern Mountains are helping reveal parts of himself he never would have imagined. And since Astrid is used to magic, she is not shocked by what Nathan discovers of himself. In fact, she embraces it and helps him do the same. She completely accepts him…and he accepts her and her need to be in control of her life. There is a definite spark between the two but there wasn’t much of a mating dance. There was mutual admiration and respect that grew into love. But it makes sense for these two since they are somewhat understated in their personality. They are both stubborn and fierce and loyal and a little lost and find great companionship and love in each other. And Nathan is incredibly protective of Astrid even though she’s dealt with magical happenings before. I found that quite cute about him.

Let’s talk about the setting… (Go, Canada, Go). *Rolls eyes* Enough of that now. What I meant before I was rudely interrupted by some strange Canadian lady was that Zoe has such a wonderful way of illustrating her settings with words, the terrain just jumps off the page. Same thing happens when she talks about the Natives’ cultures and rituals. It’s hard to believe that Zoe has not visited Northern Canada or even Mongolia for “Warrior” or Greece for “Scoundrel”. You swear she’s been and lived there for some time. Actually, you feel like she has jumped onto a time machine and lived in these countries in 1875 (the time the books take place). She not only captures the times well, but she portrays them rightly.

And the lovin’ is steamy. I’m just throwing that in. There’s this one scene, in a shelter…wow. The characters are somewhat unassuming so it makes sense that the love scenes are too. That doesn’t mean they are not steamy. Because they are. Really quite steamy. That’s all I’m going to say.

The next book in the series, “Stranger”, is about Cattulus Graves. Cattulus is the only character that has appeared in every book. He’s the resident genius…but with pizazz and style. I can’t wait for his book. The way he has been built up just makes me feel like there is no one more deserving of his own happily ever after. But that also means that I expect his book to be super fantastic! (No pressure Zoe). “Stranger” hits stores November 23rd 2010.

As for “Rebel”, it continued the series nicely. I still hate those pompous Heirs and want them all to fall down a well. Filled with giant fire breathing cockroaches. In Antarctica. The characters continue to draw me in and the whole concept is still captivating me. Another fun and exciting adventure story.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 11, 2011 Greymalkin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, scifi-fantasy, supernatural-romance

I didn't really care for any of the leads and it was so clearly a set up for Callus' story that I felt a little embarrassed for the author. It was like she took any chance she could find to talk about how wonderful and lonely and misunderstood he was. I GET it, but it was actually a romance with two other people. It felt so heavy handed. The story itself was only so-so. The second one in this series (Scoundrel) was much better. I had been looking forward to the last book but now I fear it will b...more

like · see review

Aug 05, 2011 Tammy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a hard book for me to get into. Without any real spoilers, here are a couple of my complaints. I had trouble with how easy the character Nathan adjusted to the changes in his life. I mean seriously, he just had no problem at all with what had to be a pretty difficult thing to adapt to. Then I had trouble accepting that Astrid fell for him so quickly. I admit, I have become a lot more particular about my romances over the years, so this is likely just me being picky. All that being said....more

like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 Ria rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, magic, pnr, shapeshifters, read-in-2011

Rebel was a little bit disappointing, after Scoundrel - Astrid and Nathan are quite an uninspiring pair, I always struggle to engage with "I've looked at you and I now KNOW YOU and LOVE YOU" starts to romances. And Nathan's growling was oh so very irritating. However, the book picked up considerably when the rather serious lovers were joined by other Blades and this book won its third star from me purely because of Catullus Graves. I'm hopeful his book will be suitably epic, particularly with th...more

like · see review

Jan 28, 2011 Kristyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure-mystery-magic-and-romance, historical-romance, western-pioneer-romance, borrowed-on-lendme, steampunk-romance

Totally agreed with May's review. I was a little wary of this series and the little sample chapters just aren't enough sometimes to sway me into purchasing a book which makes me super glad I joined the Nook Lending Group because it allowed me to match up to someone who had this book in their LendMe library. After reading this book and loving it I will definitely be going out and investing in the rest of the series :D

like · see review

Dec 13, 2010 Shawna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of historical/paranormal romance w/lots of action & adventure

Shelves: historical-romance, hero-or-heroine-native-american, lawyers-need-love-too, pnr-angeldemon-fae-magic-witch-misc, pnr-weres-cats-wolves-shifters, historical-romance-americanfrontier, exotic-wild-settings-survivor-lovin, zoe-archer, kindle, favorite-romance-series, hero-alpha‎, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, heroine-tomboy-lady-in-pants, hh-widow-or-widower, historical-romance-victorian, interracial-romance, made-me-cry, steampunk, sizable-packages, i-read-kindle, i-read-own-faves-keepers, 2010-reads, action-adventure-treasure-hunting, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, archaeology-antiquities-scholar, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, hh-warrior, series-blades-of-the-rose, 4-to-5-stars, kindle-my-lendable-books, pnr-occult-magic, paranormal-romance, pnr-living-walking-dead-zombies

4 ½ stars – Paranormal Romance

1 like · like · see review

Jul 10, 2011 Gina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Still lovin' this series! I agree with the critics who say these are a little formulaic, but it is a formula I can't seem to get enough of. I did have a little harder time getting into this one in the beginning (first 50 pages or so), but once it took off I was all in. Individually, these books are great. I think I would like the series, as a whole, better if there were more interaction/involvement of the characters from other books...but that's just me trying to make it urban fantasy instead of...more

like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Tfrances rated it 4 of 5 stars

Well I hunkered down today, grabbed my tea and sweater, went out to the back porch, and finally finally finished this book. It took me 5 days! That’s just crazy for me. It’s finally done, over, finished. But what are my thoughts? I’m having a hard time coming to a consensus on this one. Do I like it? Do I just like it less than the previous books in the series? Do I have an issue with the main character? All good questions… After some pondering, I think I’ve finally collected my thoughts.

The Goo...more

like · see review

Jul 24, 2012 Crystal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, historical, traded

I struggled with this one. Really, I made serious inroads on a beading project, voluntarily did housework, and occasionally contemplated the meaning of life in avoidance. Why?

Well, consider this: 5 years ago, the h's husband was killed while they were on a mission. She promptly retreats into herself, and after a year, relocates herself from Merry Olde England to the Canadian wilderness. Where she remains. 130 pages more or less into the book, she's still keeping the H at arms's length, giving th...more

like · see review

May 27, 2011 Pamela / SpazP rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews

Nathan Lesperance comes from a world of being an Outsider in every way. Taken from his Native people as a child, raised in white society yet never being accepted socially in that society would have beaten down anyone. But not Nathan. He shows them all by becoming the only Indian lawyer in Victoria, often taking pro bono cases by the minorities who would otherwise have no representation. Nathan has always known he was different on the outside, but could...more Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews

Nathan Lesperance comes from a world of being an Outsider in every way. Taken from his Native people as a child, raised in white society yet never being accepted socially in that society would have beaten down anyone. But not Nathan. He shows them all by becoming the only Indian lawyer in Victoria, often taking pro bono cases by the minorities who would otherwise have no representation. Nathan has always known he was different on the outside, but could only guess that he was different on the inside as well. The minute he enters the Northwest territory, and meets the enigmatic Astrid Bramfield, the land immediately calls to him and his yet to be tapped magic.

Rebel is the third book in Zoë Archer’s Blades of the Rose series, and is my favorite of the the three so far. The mysticism and harsh cruelty of Northwest Americas landscape was beautifully done. The mountains and forests and devastating cold was easy to imagine as the story played out and their journey took them across the unforgiving landscapes. And Nathan… Sigh… Nathan. Here is a man who has never fit in anywhere, but has gone out of his way to shove it right back in to the white peoples faces by becoming part of their own legal system. He is fascinatingly complex in intellect and unlike any man Astrid has ever seen. He has survived a solitary life and unimaginable loneliness, and in Astrid he finds an instant jolt of awareness. The reaction is mutual and at first sight they are instantly enamored with one another. I was so pleased that I not only connected with each the hero and the heroine, but watching them both grow and discover themselves was rewarding. I smiled a LOT during this book, as cheesey as that sounds. There are so many tender moments to offset some very harsh realities that must be faced.

Rebel is a captivating story filled with wonderful and dramatic conflict and major action and suspense from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised to discover what Nathan’s magic was, and was very enraptured by his pursuit to discover himself, and also his pursuit to win Astrid’s heart. There was no question that Astrid would be able to run from him even if she physically could have. Their adventure together includes a slide down mountains, fight with animals made of bone and ice, climb huge trees, hike through miles of caves… the adventure truly never stops and neither does the love story. There are shifters of all varieties, landscapes of all kinds, and even zombies. This book just keeps bringing it!

By now we have gotten to know Cattulus Graves quite well over the last three books, and his genius inventions. He plays a larger role in this book than the previous ones, and you cannot help but be truly enamored with him. Some of the most heartbreaking parts for me had to do with Cattalus and his loneliness. I cannot wait to read Stranger in which we finally get his book.

I really enjoyed Warrior, and Scoundrel was good, but Rebel? I feel like it was “my book”. Everything about it called out to me and gave me what I need in a perfect suspense, action, romance with paranormal aspects and some history in there, also some steampunk genre. This book is a nice mashup of winning qualities of a lot of different genres and you just can’t go wrong with it! I can’t wait to read the fourth and final Blades of the Rose book, Stranger, but it has a tough act to follow with this one. You do not need to have read the previous two books to appreciate this one. The Blades of the Rose series reading order:

Warrior
Scoundrel
Rebel
Stranger(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 05, 2011 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, historical, review, romance, read-2011

My review posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...

Nathan Lesperance has never felt like he’s fully belonged. Taken from his home, raised among white society, and working his way into becoming the first Native attorney in Vancouver, Nathan straddles a line between two societies and is considered an anomaly by both. Nathan’s life changes irrevocably when a simple assignment brings him to a trading post out in the wilderness…and unleashes the magic within him.

Astrid Bra...more My review posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...

Nathan Lesperance has never felt like he’s fully belonged. Taken from his home, raised among white society, and working his way into becoming the first Native attorney in Vancouver, Nathan straddles a line between two societies and is considered an anomaly by both. Nathan’s life changes irrevocably when a simple assignment brings him to a trading post out in the wilderness…and unleashes the magic within him.

Astrid Bramfield was once a member of the Blades of the Rose – a group of men and women who protect the world’s magic from those who would harness it for themselves. But after her husband died in her arms while on assignment, Astrid closed herself off from the world, seeking solitude in the northwestern wilderness. She’s a hardened frontierswoman who doesn’t want to form any attachments, but Nathan is a stranger to magic and is in more danger than he can possibly imagine. Astrid discovers that she hasn’t quite given up being a Blade, not when the Heirs of Albion – a group of men bent on subjugating magical Sources for the benefit of themselves and England – appear to be on the hunt for something.

The clock’s ticking for Astrid and Nathan as they seek to locate a magical Source before the Heirs do. But what’s more dangerous to Astrid is Nathan himself. For Nathan quickly breaks through the walls she’s built around her heart, bringing forth emotions Astrid believed long dead.

Experience the nineteenth century Canadian wilderness as you never have before in the fast-moving, thrilling Rebel. Rebel might just be my favorite Zoë Archer book yet! Nathan and Astrid are compelling characters that are sure to capture your heart and the extraordinary world of Ms. Archer’s Blades of the Rose continues to develop in exciting ways.

Whether by circumstance or choice, both Nathan and Astrid are outcasts of sorts who survive and thrive with the odds stacked against them. Nathan faces racism and skepticism on a daily basis, but he doesn’t let that stop him from working as hard as he can to make his way in the world on his own terms. I admired him for that and for how he takes his introduction to magic in stride. He tugged on my heartstrings with his yearning to belong and I wanted nothing more than for him to find a life where he is wholly accepted for who he is. Astrid also broke my heart. She’s loved deeply and suffered a horrible loss; one that, understandably, has led her to withdraw from everything she’s ever known. She’s self-reliant and a hardened frontierswoman, which made her an interesting heroine. What was really wonderful, however, was watching Nathan bring her back to life and seeing Astrid reclaim living life to the fullest. Individually, their journeys were a thing of beauty, and the ones they take together are even better. The romance between them is gorgeously developed and enchanting to watch unfold. Their quest to protect a magical Source is equally exciting. In Rebel, Ms. Archer perfectly blends heart-pounding action with heart-warming romance.

Rebel is the third book in the Blades of the Rose series, but you don’t have to read Warrior and Scoundrel to follow along. The romance stands on its own and Ms. Archer provides enough information on the overarching storyline of the Blades versus the Heirs for readers new to the series to understand that plotline. However, I recommend reading Warrior and Scoundrel simply because Ms. Archer not only sets the books in unusual (for historical romance novels) locals (Outer Mongolia and Greece), but brings these locations to vivid, extraordinary life…with paranormal twists.

Ms. Archer is an incredibly talented writer and her characters, prose, and world shines in Rebel. I finished reading Rebel with a smile on my face and I cannot wait to read the final book in the series, Stranger.(less)

like · see review

Mar 27, 2011 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, action-adventure, historical-romance, smexy-shifters-and-werewolves, hero-i-want-to-hurt, can-i-kill-the-bitch, lover-the-cover, romance

The third story in the Blades of the Rose series follows Astrid Bramfield, a former Blade who now lives in the isolated wilderness of Canada after her husbands death at the hands of the Heirs. However, her self imposed solitude is soon interrupted when she encounters Nathan Lesperence the only Native American attorney in America. The Heirs are after her and Nathan and they both escape into the wilds of Canada on the hunt for a trio of sources but is it the sources they are after or something els...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 21, 2011 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this third book in the Blades of the Rose series. Set in the Canadian wilderness, it involves a lovely widow and former Blade, Astrid, who has become a recluse after the death of her husband. She comes across Nathan Lesperance, a Native lawyer who has depths and abilities that even he doesn't realize. At first they team up to help Nathan reach his people, the elusive Earth Spirits. He feels he will find answers to explain the wildness he feels inside if he can reach his people....more

like · see review

Feb 23, 2011 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nookbooks, historical-romance, fantasy

3.5 stars. This is the third book in the Blades of the Rose series.

I found Rebel to be, overall, weaker than the previous book, Scoundrel. I think Archer's biggest problem is that she, unfortunately, doesn't know how to write a compelling romance. She seem to have struck lightning once with Scoundrel, but was unable to replicate it here. Archer insists on describing every single lustful thought that the characters have for each other. Every time Astrid speaks, Nathan pops a boner. Every time Ast...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 45 46 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Romance

77 users

Fantasy

47 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

46 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

45 users

Science Fiction > Steampunk

35 users

Romance > Historical Romance

32 users

Adventure

12 users

Romance > Fantasy Romance

8 users

Historical Fiction

8 users

Fantasy > Magic

7 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Zoe Archer

Zoe Archer is an award-winning romance author who thinks there's nothing sexier than a man in tall boots and a waistcoat. As a child, she never dreamed about being the rescued princess, but wanted to kick butt right beside the hero. She now applies her master's degrees in Literature and Fiction to creating butt-kicking heroines and heroes in tall boots. She is the author of the acclaimed BLADES OF...more

More about Zoe Archer...

Books by Zoe Archer

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Rebel

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Rebel

“I know that you'll survive the upcoming battle," he said, "because I'll be fighting right beside you and I'll lay down my own life to protect yours."

"I . . . oh," she said. It took her some moments to understand. "You . . . will come with me?"

"Your fight is my fight," he said. Stark and direct, his words filled her with unsparing joy. "Your cause is mine. And more than that. Your heart is my heart. I love you, Astrid. My place is with you. Always with you.” — 2 people liked it

“You don't have to fight anyone for me," she said.

"Except you."

Oh God. He leveled her with a few words and searing looks. She felt herself in a dizzying plunge, wanting the flight, worried about the landing. "I give as much as I am able," she said.

"I know," he answered.” — 2 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Rebel
avg rating	preview: Rebel Goodreads rating: 3.80 (484 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7968415-rebel?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348590739l/7968415.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7968415-rebel?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Rebel by Zoe Archer[/url]

Rebel (The Blades of the Rose #3)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website