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Rebel Song #1

Rebel Song

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A young revolutionary and the heir to throne are caught on opposite sides of a budding civil war in a modern-day Central Europe.

The once prosperous European kingdom of Arelanda has been plagued with poverty and corruption since the failed rebellion tore it apart. Now, rebels stir again in the capital’s underbelly, vowing to depose the monarchy and overturn the unjust government.

Seventeen-year-old Rogan Elwood, son of a rebel leader executed for treason after the first rebellion, has borne a tainted legacy his entire life. As he is pulled deeper into conflict, Rogan must face his calling in the future of the rebel cause—waging his want for peace against his desire for vengeance. Everything changes when he falls for Elyra—beautiful, idealistic and determined to bring Arelanda a better future. She also just happens to be next in line to the throne—if the corrupt Minister General doesn’t beat her to it.

Caught in the midst of a budding civil war and surrounded by enemies on every side, Elyra and Rogan must fight to save themselves and their country—and choose between each other and their duty.

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

34 people are currently reading
473 people want to read

About the author

Amanda J. Clay

18 books80 followers
Amanda J. Clay writes gripping mysteries and thrillers with complex, unforgettable characters designed to keep you up all night.

A Northern California native, she had a fantastic time studying English and Journalism in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains and then a very serious time slaving away for a Master’s degree in sunny Southern California. When she’s not staring at a computer screen, she spends most of her spare time plotting world adventures.

She currently lives in Nashville, TN with her dashing, real-life hero of a husband, who inspires her villains and heroes alike.

She's wanted to be a writer since before she could hold a pencil and considers herself the luckiest girl in the world to be living her dream.

She is proudly represented by Melissa Edwards of Stonesong Literary Agency.

Follow her on IG @amandajclayauthor

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Caitlin V.
113 reviews18 followers
March 6, 2015
3.75 to be specific. I liked it! It was a great story. But there were some parts that made me want to just skip to the next chapter because it wasn't very interesting
Profile Image for Madison.
243 reviews11 followers
May 10, 2015
3.5 stars

This was an interesting read. At times I was unsure of how I felt, but ultimately I enjoyed it. This is just one of those plot lines that I can't help but love no matter what. A Princess and a rebel falling in love...I mean come on what a beautifully tragic love story!

It was definitely the synopsis that drew me in. When there is a forbidden love going on my interest tends to be piqued. I did like the romance but it did seem to have a bit of insta-love. The two had just met and barely knew each other and already couldn't stop thinking of one another. Regardless, I liked the personality of Ronan and thought he was terribly sweet and got along with Elyra nicely.

I personally could have used just a little bit more world building in the book but I still got the gist of everything even though I was a bit confused at times. I did find the political aspects interesting though. I thought that reading of the doings of the court was fascinating.

The ending... Oh how the ending took me by surprise! There I was, almost finished with the book then BAM! In the last paragraph this big revelation is dropped on you in the most subtle of ways but all the same I was just so shocked. I really liked the twist thrown in at the end a lot and now due to that cliffhanger of an ending I anxiously await another book. The next book better be in my hands soon or I am not sure what I am going to do... Oh my gosh this ending is killing me! I will definitely read a sequel to this book to find out what happens to these characters especially after all things they have gone through, and I am sure they have much more to go through yet.
Profile Image for Aly.
1,898 reviews69 followers
May 24, 2015
This book in a way reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. I love a great love story and I don't read too many romance books. There were lots of twists and turns in this book and so many things happening. You need to read it for yourself and see what you think. I would read book 2! I think for me the characters were complex and make the story even better. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Wren.
992 reviews
May 3, 2015
22957044

Amazon / Goodreads

A reluctant hero
A determined princess
The revolution that stands between them


The once prosperous European kingdom of Arelanda has been plagued with poverty and corruption since the failed rebellion tore it apart. Now, rebels stir again in the capital’s underbelly, vowing to depose the monarchy and overturn the unjust government.

Seventeen-year-old Rogan Elwood, son of a rebel leader executed for treason after the first rebellion, has borne a tainted legacy his entire life. As he is pulled deeper into conflict, Rogan must face his calling in the future of the rebel cause—waging his want for peace against his desire for vengeance. Everything changes when he falls for Elyra—beautiful, idealistic and determined to bring Arelanda a better future. She also just happens to be next in line to the throne—if the corrupt Minister General doesn’t beat her to it.

Caught in the midst of a budding civil war and surrounded by enemies on every side, Elyra and Rogan must fight to save themselves and their country—and choose between each other and their duty.

Rogan isn't a bad character. He's smart. A good leader. But he hides in the shadows. I'm confused about why he does that, though. Sure, there's Cable and Donal. He could stand up if he liked. He's young but not surprisingly so. He has brains. I feel like he doesn't use it, though. He has the spirit. And he's a person who cares a lot about the future. Whether that's with a person or a cause. I think Rogan could have been given more leadership roles. He's a great leader. People just got to notice that. I like that he's a good leader. He's a great leader in fact.
I liked Elyra much more. She's a determined girl. I liked that spirit. She has fire in her heart. And that can be good or bad, depending on her. She makes some impulsive choices. Which can be ignored for now. She's good, though. A kind person. (And in this story, kind people are sadly small in number.) She does the most she can. Especially for those she loves. For those important to her. I think the thing I like the most about her is her passion. She cares. She loves. She puts effort into her work. And she loves what she does. Whether it's kissing someone or sneaking out to see said someone or teaching children or protecting her lovey-bug.

The plot...not bad. I want to say it was more interesting for me. But it wasn't. A lot of it was Rogan and Elyra locking lips. Or Elyra saying it was wrong for her to be with Rogan, and Rogan shutting her up with a kiss. (Always the best way to shut people up.)
There could have been more action scenes. It was about a rebellion. So where's the rebellion? I'm not sure entirely. There were only a few scenes. (I think the scene with Ben and Demos was the best. I liked how Ben was defiant and tough. He's more of a rebel than Rogan is. And Rogan is deemed a 'leader'.) There could have been more than sly words and inspections. There is more to a rebellion than that. Where are the attacks? The sieges? The north seems to have more fun than the rebels in the city. I think that the rebels should have had more. There wasn't much until the little...siege. And that was a mess. There wasn't really fighting. Just a smoke bomb as a cloak as the rebels fled. I think that there should have been more. Perhaps the next story will have more. (The next part of the series. I can tell this is a series. This would be an unsatisfactory standalone.)

It's been a while since I've read such...passionate romance. Surprising actually. They were really having at it. I wasn't sure what to think. I just continued to read on.
I think they do have something. I won't say I approve of this relationship. They meet in an odd place. (Some couples meet in bars, so I'll let it slide.) And they start to connect. Not sure why, though. It seems as if they just like the others looks. And I don't like that. But they do have chemistry. It's passionate when they kiss. It's fire really. It freaks me out a bit...
It does follow a cliche, though. Something that annoyed me in fact. (I'm a fan of enemies turned lovers. That's just a lot of fun.) I don't like the prince and pauper style of this romance. The rich Elyra and poor Rogan. I think the rebel part was a twist. But it seemed too formulaic. Elyra pushed him away. "We can't risk it." He couldn't stand being away from her.
That just seems too common. A Cinderella story in a way.

The ending is sweet. But open-ended. So many things could happen. Maybe death. Maybe Rogan comes back and is killed. You don't know. Maybe Rogan goes to the north.
The story at the ending, the things before the story actually ends, are...not the best. I can't say they're terrible. They're about cunning people and politics. Which I have no care for. At least the politics part. Cunning people are some of the best people.
I do think the book is okay by itself. There is probably a sequel, though. I don't know entirely. It just seems that way. It would be a terrible ending for a standalone. (Terrible as in leaving too many questions. Again, open ended.)

Weather:
Sunny with a 50% chance of rain
3/5
Profile Image for Danielle Evans.
Author 4 books89 followers
March 28, 2015
I hate it when two people who love each other can't be together due to the society they live in, but it makes for a damn good story. In Rebel Song, a young winemaker named Rogan meets Elyra, a beautiful woman, who also happens to be the princess of their country. Rogan is the son of a rebel leader who was executed when he was a child, and now he is a part of the Cause, a group of rebels who want to fight against the monarchy. While they know their union is impossible due to their circumstances, they fall in love anyway.

During their first encounter together, it reminded me a bit of the movie, Titanic, when Jack and Rose met. Rogan was like Jack, the poorer nice guy who genuinely wants to help. Elyra comes off like a spoiled, pompous girl at first, but then he starts to see who she really is as he gets to know her. But this book isn't just a romance. The author takes us into the impoverished areas of the country, and it is easy to see why the common people are so upset with the government. The story was grittier than I expected it to be, which I appreciated. I found the romance, drama, action, and suspense to all be very well balanced.

I'm not usually a big fan of stories that focus on princesses (I prefer to read about more common people, and I think the monarchic system is antiquated and should no longer exist), however this book was so well-written and well done that I didn't mind. And Elyra isn't exactly happy with how the country is being run either. The characters were well developed, and the setting was very interesting. It takes place in a fictional country, and although they have guns and cars, there is no mention of cell phones or the internet. The story had an old time feel to it (for some reason, I kept thinking the seventies but only because there was some technology).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was a definite page turner that kept my interest the whole way through.

And the ending was not what I expected at all. I didn't realize there were plans for another book until I got to the end, and now I can't wait until the next one comes out so I can see where this story will take us. Highly recommended.
Author 8 books98 followers
December 31, 2014

The Kingdom of Arelanda is on the brink of revolution when Rogan, a winemaker, meets a mysterious girl, El, who has fallen on some rocks by the beach. Civil unrest persists throughout Arelanda. Rogan is set to become a future rebel leader fighting for the Cause and justice for the impoverished citizens who feel abandoned by their King. But the first rebellion was fought and lost, his father was executed, and now Rogan has to decide if a civil war is still worth fighting, and if there is anything left worth fighting for.

Little does Rogan know that the mystery girl from the beach is Princess Elyra, the next in line for the throne and a beacon of hope with big dreams for her people and her country. All while her own trusted advisers plot to take her crown for themselves. Cue drama.

I thought that the beginning could have been a little faster to get to the really interesting parts of the story sooner on. As Elyra and Rogan's romance unfolds, their relationship opens their eyes to each other's side of the same world.

Rebel Song is suspenseful and gripping the whole way through as Elyra and Rogan's desire for each other is constantly thrown into tension with their duties to their people and their dreams for Arelanda's future. The characters are complex, intriguing and easy to love and hate. And a juicy villain always brings out the best! There's action and romance mixed in with a bit of a political thrill ride while the future of Arelanda hangs in the balance.

4/5

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy to review, although this didn't influence my review.

This review was originally posted on IndieYAYA, a blog dedicated to reviewing indie and self published young adult novels at: http://indieyaya.blogspot.co.uk/2014/...
Profile Image for CBReader.
50 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2015
Amanda J. Clay has created an interesting world here. I found this book to be enjoyable enough. It didn't blow my mind, but had enough good qualities to keep me reading.

Pros:
-I enjoyed this fictional world full of political unrest. Perhaps this was the most interesting part of the story for me. While reading, I was curious how two opposing groups would play out.
-The characters (and there were a lot) were likable. I enjoyed each character and no one character became a torn in my side.
-The love story was very sweet. I wanted to spend more time of the book dedicated to these characters and would often find myself bummed when large chucks of the book would spend time with them separated.

Cons:
-I struggled connecting with the characters. I think this simply might be because there were really two different stories happening here: a love story & the story of a young group of men hoping to take down the government of this fictional country. Because of the shear size of the story that was being told, I don't think enough time was spent on any one character to really get to know them as a reader.
-3rd person (see con #1)...I have a hard time with 3rd person POV. It can be done really well, but when it jumps around and doesn't really stick with one character it can be easy to feel disconnected. Perhaps if I was in one of the character's head, I wouldn't have felt so disconnected.
-Pacing. A lot of time spans in this book. Something like 8 months had passed within the first few chapters. Because of this, it made the character's relationships to feel rushed, when it fact they probably weren't.

I think this book as a ton of potential and I really enjoyed the world.
Profile Image for Amanda.
74 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2015
Rebel Song by Amanda J. Clay. Spoiler free!

Synopsis: This story is about a young man, Rogan, and a young woman, Elyra. Both want a better regime and a happier, more peaceful world. Rogan comes from a rebellion legacy and Elyra is next in line to be throned. Their love for the cause buds into a beautiful romance faced with difficult choices between their land and their love.

Review: The emotional connection between characters is very life-like. The story has a very well thought out plot and is easy to read. There aren't any spots that are hard to understand or confusing. I loved the romance story between Rogan and Elyra. The sentiment is beautiful. I also enjoyed Elyra's conflict with other suitors and within her kingdom. The political unrest is very relatable with our current society and I felt some undertones that this book could have been inspired slightly by the world's current political situations. The ending left me yearning for more! I typically do not read a series until I have all the books ready to read because of how difficult it can be to let go of an unfinished story (unfinished because there will be more books). The only thing that kept this from five stars is that I felt there were some situations within the story that were unnecessarily lengthy and lost my attention a little. At the same time, I felt all these scenarios were important to the plot of the story.

I gave this book four out of five stars because I felt connected to Elyra and I really loved the characters. The story could resemble a classic love story and the ending really got me excited for another book. The book is long and there are some drawn out parts but it is worth the read. I recommend this to romance lovers and those who love thrill and suspense.
Profile Image for Claire.
Author 5 books59 followers
April 7, 2015
Rebel Song is set in the fictional European country of Arelanda in the indeterminate future. Arelanda is a once prosperous country, now bankrupt and torn apart by war, a failed rebellion and corruption on every side. The King is engaged in many border skirmishes yet his treatment of his subjects breeds unrest and rebellion. Rogen is the orphaned son of a rebel and deep in with the uprising, when he helps a noble girl, Elyra, on the beach, they start a relationship fraught with secrets. For Elyra is more than just a noble, she is the heir to the throne.

I loved this book... I thought it was gripping, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. The romance was wonderfully played out and I loved the sparks that flew between the two characters. I thought the world building held just enough mystery without becoming confusing. For most of the book I felt like I was in a standard fantasy setting yet here and there, guns and antiseptic were in use. However this didn't feel out of place, just rare and for those with money.

I loved the fast pace of the book and the way it questioned the rightness of the rebellion. I thought the conflicts were well placed and the violence just at the right pitch. I started reading in my tea break and read all the way through lunch. I then risked motion sickness and read on the bus home, I was that into finishing it. Unfortunately I now have to wait for the sequel.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants dysotopian romance with well drawn characters.
Profile Image for Deborah.
Author 12 books112 followers
April 5, 2015
Rebel Song is a clever romantic suspense novel set in the fictional kingdom of Arlanda. Commoner seventeen-year-old Rogan Elwood, whose father was executed as a rebel leader, happens across sixteen-year-old Princess Elyra, heir to the Arlanda throne and they fall in love. But despite the attraction between the star-crossed lovers’ hearts, their logical heads prevail; and they realize they must go their separate ways. All the while, the people of Arlanda are growing more desperate under heavy taxes and poor working conditions. Rogan and other members of the Cause counsel cooler heads to those who want to mount a military revolt against Elyra’s father and his corrupt ministers.

But the attraction between Rogan and Elrya is too strong. They find they cannot stay apart, although their meetings put them both in danger of being executed for treason. They unite in their determination to bring a better future to Arlanda.

Yes Elyra is young and unseasoned in politics. She is unsure of her ability to bring her father’s corrupt ministers and the rebels to the bargaining table. Rogan becomes the target of the evil Captain Demos, agent of the even more evil Minister Patone.

The end of the novel is full of fast-paced action that leaves the reader anxious to know the fates of Elyra and Rogan. A well-written, entertaining twist on the Romeo-Juliet plot that readers with certainly enjoy.
Profile Image for Lilly Wilson.
Author 3 books10 followers
April 16, 2015
This is a really great book! We meet the really hot Rogan Elwood, proprietor of his family vineyard and leader of a revolution called the ‘cause.’ He meets a mysterious young girl named El, little knowing that she is really Elyra Bellantyne, the princess royale and next one in line for the throne of Arelanda. He describes her as the ‘face of innocence with a subtle hint of fire’ and this accurately describes the naiveté but compassion of the princess. You really get to love her as she learns about the true condition of her subjects and grows up from a spoiled princess to a powerful young woman trying to help the ones she loves and avert a war.
I love that Rogan finds out about her true name and title early on and the book goes on to cover more important topics like a the revolution. The author did an amazing job of revealing the ugly side of oppression and violence without being too gory. The revolution becomes personal as you get to know the faces of the ‘cause’ the people that are fighting for their rights like Ben, Donal, Cable, Brita, and Iris. The government of Arelanda is detailed and well thought out, the members of the high counsil easy to imagine.
This book is full of little gems of truth, like ‘You don’t defeat evil by yelling the loudest. You have to outsmart it.’ I also like how the author realistically captures the passion of youth. Since the first book ends just as things are really getting interesting, I can’t wait for book two.
Profile Image for Brittany.
236 reviews31 followers
May 7, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review*

Rebel Song was a very interesting book in parts, but others were kind of dragging. Arelanda is ruled by a monarchy which is having a tough time relating to the people with its poor policies. Can this be related to what's happening present-day in the U.S.? Anyways, this book centers around two characters which are obviously going to be love-interests, Rogan and El. Rogan is a potential leader in 'the Cause' to right the wrongs of the government. I really adore Rogan because he's so noble and wants to do the right thing. On the other hand, El is the princess of Arelanda and can't help but get swept up by Rogan through a chance encounter. Their story really reminds me of Romeo and Juliet with all their star-crossed glory. Thankfully, neither dies in the end, well in this book I can say as much. As their relationship progresses tensions rise between the government and the rebels. I do have to say that the way these 'rangers' arrest and detain the rebels is extremely heartless and I could actually see many scenarios happening in the future. Rebel Song also reveals how twisted and manipulative people in the government can be and most likely are today. I really liked this book and I am interested in reading about Arelanda's ultimate fate. Is it destroyed or can it be saved?
Profile Image for Celia Seth.
4 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2015
I love this book! At first I felt that the opening was quite boring and unattractive, but I started to enjoy the story after reading past through 30 pages. This book tells about the love story between Rogan and El. It just reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, since the theme is similar - that is the two was born from two different family with history of hatred. The romantic, secretive relationship, spiced with the pressure of rebellion upon Ballantyne dinasty, all of the story is just fabulous.

The author narrated the story greatly. She took care of describing everything in detail - such as the scenery, the looks of a person, the air. The characters and the relationship between them were developed. When the book reached its end of page 371, I feel myself in hunger for the second book. The ending is not quite the end for me. I want to see Rogan and El ended up together, hand in hand, and in some points, made their way as the ruler of Arelanda, though it might seems too good to be true. I like happy ending, afterall - so the author should make the second book that would have a happy ending. You would, right, Amanda?
Profile Image for Yi Le.
385 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2016
In this book, the Kingdom of Arelanda faces political unrest as the advisers plot to take power and the among the people, who feel abandoned by their King, breeds a rebellion. Rogan, the son of an executed rebel leader, meets the princess Elyra, first in line for the crown.

This story was enjoyable, but a bit predictable. Two people who should have been enemies meet and fall in love, while everything is keeping them apart; star-crossed lovers. I really liked the way the author portrayed the power struggle in the kingdom.

The relationship between the two characters was cute, but the two of them had to choose between each other and duty. I quite liked the characters and found them to be quite well written. Those who like a good, kind of historical, novel should definitely pick this up.
Profile Image for Lysander Tvlasda.
96 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2015
I love Clay's storytelling ability. And I love the fact that she didn't fall into the typical trap of centering a whole story on romance. Her characters are really complex and well-written, and watching them struggle with their loyalties is what kept me reading. The two primary characters – Rogan, the son of a rebel, and Elyra, decidedly not initially rebellious and having different loyalties – stumble upon one another in the midst of a civil war. A bond, of course, is formed, and that’s where the conflict comes in.

The struggle occurring around them and the world they live in – completely fascinating in all honesty. Clay has a taste for fantasy that I haven’t seen in some time; she writes really well in a formerly primarily male-driven genre. There’s something whimsical about the world she builds despite the civil war happening.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
358 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2021
I am so excited about this book!! Its so compelling I had a hard time putting it down. I am a huge sucker for forbidden love and this book had that and so much more. I am always amazed at a writer that tackles the realm of a Kings and Queens and creates their own world around it. The characters are well thought out and the plot keeps you moving. I can't wait for the second book. I hope Amanda Clay is busy writing the second book right now because I will be on pins and needles until I know what happens next! Thanks for the great read!!
Profile Image for Robert Krenzel.
Author 10 books52 followers
June 21, 2015
Rebel Song is not in my usual genre, but I enjoyed it for a number of reasons. First of all, it is an engaging, easy read, and it makes you want to keep going to find out what happens next.
Secondly, the main characters are likable and multi-dimensional. The antagonists are a little cookie-cutter, but that is not too distracting.
Finally, the book tackles some interesting contemporary issues in unexpected ways, and the last page throws the reader a curveball that made me anticipate the next installment.
Overall, a great effort by a promising author!
1 review
November 19, 2014

Rebel Song is set in the fictional kingdom of Arelanda which is on the brink of a revolution. This is an exciting YA read with all the works – suspense, action, romance, heroes and villains! Good people caught up in dangerous times. The characters come to life with Amanda Clay’s descriptive writing - characters you love and love to hate. This book is a page turner that will leave you hanging in the end wanting more. One can only hope the next book is in the works.
Profile Image for Randall S. Davis.
Author 1 book13 followers
April 26, 2015


A great read. Nice romantic suspense. This is one of those books where you read and transport to another world -- never putting it down. Her characters come off the page as truly realistic, and I found myself rooting for them. I look forward to the sequel--hopefully soon!!!
1 review
March 6, 2015
I was expecting to be more interested in the action part of the book and less on the love story, but found them to be equally entertaining. In addition to it keeping my interest throughout, it was not a difficult read and went pretty quickly. I would definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Amanda Clay.
Author 18 books80 followers
November 1, 2016
I'm a little biased but I love this book. :) No matter how many books I write, this story will always have a special place in my heart! I hope my readers enjoy it as much as I do.
Profile Image for Laurel.
102 reviews17 followers
February 3, 2015
Loved it! Very well written. Eager for sequel and would like a prequel as well....!
Profile Image for Gayle Pace.
1,110 reviews22 followers
July 9, 2017
MY THOUGHTS

Setting: Modern Day Central Europe: What does a couple do when they want so desperately to be together but circumstances, society keeps them apart. As always, life steps in. The author gives us two people, unfortunately on opposite sides of the civil war. Two people from as used to be said, from the opposite sides of life, a revolutionary and an heir to the throne who are doing their best to keep their country from falling in ruins to the Minister General. The two are on opposite sides but they soon will be on the same side, only in a different way. The characters were very complex and a lot of that had to do with the lives that they didn't choose. The book was interesting at times and at others, I felt like skipping ahead. But regardless, I couldn't help but like it. How can you not? Two different souls, with one common goal, falling in love. I had a little difficulty with the immediately love. I guess it's not that uncommon but I wanted it to go gradually and with it all the sweetness and growing love. It's such a love story, but a tragic love story none the less.

I was completely thrown off guard by the ending. I had only a few pages left when, it hit me, I mean hit me. You may find, as I did, the last bit to be quite a shocker. It definitely leaves you wondering and WANTING more, much more. You won't know if you can wait for that second book. Their struggles and their love have much more to go. SO a second book has to come soon.

With Rogan being only 17, the son of a rebel leader who was tried and convicted of treason, he has carried a lot on his young shoulders. He is conflicted between peace and revenge. But that changes when Elyra (what a pretty name) comes into his life. He falls and he falls hard. Two young loves caught in the midst of enemies all around them. They have to save not only themselves but their beloved country. Will this mean they have to choose country over love? Will the fire between them bring them closer or will it divide them?

The author gives you a romance with all the struggles and sadness that came from a couple in love but from different ways of living, different ideas but one very strong thing in common, love. You get the inner turmoil that both face. You get the setting of hard times with conflicts over personal love and love of country. You are faced with questions on what this young couple will do or what will circumstances make them do. Very well written with good descriptions of the times and the characters.

I received a copy of this book from the author and PUYB and voluntarily decided to review it.


Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,575 reviews237 followers
June 28, 2017
I liked this book. It had the right elements...good characters, nice storyline, and a realistic world. The two lead characters, Rogan and El were both interesting. El is not your typical Princess. She is smart, unafraid, and defiant. People underestimate her, which is their down fall. Yet, Rogan is not afraid. He can't get El off his mind. Together they made a nice couple. I could feel the love they shared.

Next, I wanted to talk about the world. It was as if I was transported to Arelanda. So much that I too wanted to save the land. Finally, there is the raging war of the rebellion. While, I understood the conflict that Rogan had after meeting El, I felt like Rogan was more of a lover then a fighter. When it came to the rebellion, it seemed like this was the weakest part of the book. There was not a lot happening until the last third of the story and then it was over almost as soon as it began. Yet, the ending leaves some things hanging that lead up to the next book.
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books81 followers
July 31, 2017
I really liked this book. Rohan is the son of a former rebel leader, who had been executed. He is now a big part of it. Elyria is the princess in the land. Their paths shouldn't cross much less the two of them fall in love. The country is fractured and the two are on opposite sides of the coming war. It is impossible
To know who to trust or not trust.
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book but it wasn't the mix that I got. This book has a blend of romance, suspense, twists and turns that you won't want to put it down. There were parts that got to be a bit much and I skimmed but overall I really liked it. There was a bit of instant love between the two but not in a bad way. The ending though!!! Now I cannot wait for the next book.
It was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
11 reviews
February 16, 2019
I finished this book weeks ago but was too busy to post a review.
It’s not an amazing read, but is good for what it is. It’s a love story between a princess and a rebel. The first few pages got me hooked, but then I started to lose interest slowly as the plot starts to pan out and I feel like there were so many fillers in the middle. Either that or I just don’t do slow paced things. I’m going with the latter. The later half after the slow paced were good. It got me hooked again. It’s like one of those movies where there’s a hook to keep you there every time you start to lose interest.
I do have to say that the politics in this book is we’ll thought out. The way they treat the princess and how she’s oppressed, really an amazing execution of it. The romance was basic, star crossed lovers in for a forbidden love.
Anyways, I liked it and here’s the three stars.
Profile Image for Salla.
283 reviews14 followers
April 1, 2018
Full Review: (02/04/2018 12pm GMT)
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...

At first, they don't know who the other one truly is. Then they fall in love. And when it really isn't the best time to reveal your true identity, they must do it. Can their love endure the hardships thrown in their way?
Profile Image for Christina.
216 reviews27 followers
July 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I did. I liked the political intrigue. I liked that there was a love story (and a doomed one at that). El's and Rogan's romance developed slowly, turning from friendship into something more.

Quick recap
Rogan, a leader of the rebellion in the fictitious European country of Arelanda, is the young owner of a vineyard. He meets Elyra at the beach one day after her ankle. She reluctantly lets him help her, and they slowly develop a friendship throughout the day. El comes to see Rogan st the market selling wine and coaxes him to see her again, neither of them knowing who the other truly is. They meet in secret many times and fall in love, until El confesses to Rogan that she's the princess.

I liked seeing the relationship between Elyra and Rogan flourish, especially once they finally both knew who each other were. Elyra, dedicated to help her country, could see that the so-called rebels just wanted justice, funds for veterans, and a real peace to the country. Nothing outrageous like the Minister General Patrone would have her believe.

The plot is pretty basic star-crossed lovers, power-hungry villain, etc. But I think it is executed pretty well. The characters were always hiding something. And with the possible murder of Elyra's father, the king, and her facing treason charges, Pantone seems to have all the power in his grasp. Except that his enemies are escaping and if he rules there will be a real war. It would have been nice to see a bit more of the rebellion itself.. Most of the rebellion that we see is just meetings, talking about what to do, and it's not very interesting. But it's a rebellion! There is one scene when Demos comes to arrest Rogan. It's nice and action-packed. I would like to see more action like that in the sequel.

What I really liked about this story is that it's a love story. And if you know me and follow my reviews, you know that I love a book with romance in it. There wasn't anything too spicy in it to make me uncomfortable (like I have seen in some of my recent reads). But there is some sex. And I love the whole star-crossed lovers thing. That may sound weird considering I hate Romeo and Juliet. But I really enjoyed how it played in Rebel Song.

The book ends on a cliffhanger that gave a bit of a book hangover. Making me kind of need to read the next book in the series. Did I love this book? Not quite. But I did really like it. I will definitely read the next one. Recommended to people liking YA romances.

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And that in no way changes my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Mel.
1,482 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2016
I received a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

As soon as Rogan and El met, it was obvious that she was going to be from the other end of the class sytem to him, and I cringed inwardly at that overdone theme. BUT. The relationship between the two was so well written and integrated into the rest of the plot that I soon reconsidered.

Struggled to pinpoint a time setting, and I found this a bit distracting.

The idea of Rogan being part of a resistance and El on the other side of the fence really reminded me of the Noughts and Crosses series by Malorie Blackman.

Looking back now I have finished Rebel Song, I don't feel like much happened. The action scenes were spread out with the rest being description or inconsequential scenes that developed characters and built relationships. The next book is where everything is going to kick off.

By the end, I liked Markus. I really hope he isn't only pretending to do the right thing. If he isn't and he is genuine, I would say he had been on the greatest journey and had the most character development throughout the book.

Very well written, professional and polished. I would definitely read more. A very solid 4*.
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