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Seneca Rebel

(The Seneca Society #1)

Rayya Deeb (Goodreads Author)

4.12 · Rating details · 49 ratings · 14 reviews

What if your one chance to change the world means you have to leave everything you love behind?

In the not-too-distant future, math genius Doro Campbell is introduced to the Seneca Society: a secretive, technologically-advanced subterranean utopia dedicated to inventing and perfecting the most effective ways to benefit our planet.

But there’s a hitch. Like all that have co ...more

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Kindle Edition, 340 pages

Published June 1st 2016 by ATM Publishing

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Average rating 4.12 ·

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· 49 ratings · 14 reviews

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Jan 14, 2020 Tonja Drecker rated it really liked it

This dystopian takes a very refreshing twist into a science fiction world, where high-tech, environmental issues, and an cult-like organization run together to form a fast-paced adventure.

Dorothy, aka Doro, is a sixteen-year-old girl who's father disappeared a year before, and has taken a bit of a rebellious streak. When her talent to knack codes gets her into trouble, she finds herself with a surprise invitation to join Seneca. While high-tech hits new levels and makes her genius heart beat fas This dystopian takes a very refreshing twist into a science fiction world, where high-tech, environmental issues, and an cult-like organization run together to form a fast-paced adventure.

Dorothy, aka Doro, is a sixteen-year-old girl who's father disappeared a year before, and has taken a bit of a rebellious streak. When her talent to knack codes gets her into trouble, she finds herself with a surprise invitation to join Seneca. While high-tech hits new levels and makes her genius heart beat faster, it comes with the price of separating herself for her mother and everything she knew before. Since her job will be to help save the world, she's game. But when she runs across a guy, who instantly grabs her attention, things take a turn. There is more to Seneca than she first thought, and it might not be good.

By taking a modern concern, the destruction of the environment, and adding the idea of a secret society, who's purpose is to save the world from itself, this dystopian spins in a new and refreshing direction. The main character acts and thinks pretty much like a normal sixteen-year-old, despite the string of genius she possess for figuring out codes. Her concerns and worries come across as understandable, and her past makes her sympathetic. She has a nice balance of hesitation and determination, which make her easy to root for and like. As a character, she's simply fun to follow.

The world is well done, and although seeping with fantastical, future tech, never runs into the danger of becoming to complicated. This is exactly what was needed to create a world to sink into while allowing the quick paced plot to take control. It's an easy read and holds the reader in the pages from beginning to end.

The only criticism I had was on the romantic end. While Doro is fairly level-headed through most of the book, the moment she sees Dominic...and I do mean the very first second...she's attracted to him and does everything in her power to meet him. This insta-romance hits too quick and with odd timing. There's a lack of first hesitations and even solid reasons behind her interest in the guy are missing.

Still, it's definitely a well-done novel with lots of excitement, intrigue and surprises. YA dystopian fans who enjoy a bit of scifi should definitely take a peek at this one.
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May 22, 2016 Elisha Jachetti rated it it was amazing

Seneca Rebel by Rayya Deeb is one of those rare books where all the elements come together to form a work of near perfection. It is a futuristic sci-fi look at what the United States of America could ultimately become. Certainly, this story will be compared to other series that have been successful in this genre recently, such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Maze Runner; yet, not only can Seneca Rebel hold its own in comparison, it also has so much original material to offer.

Unlike the Seneca Rebel by Rayya Deeb is one of those rare books where all the elements come together to form a work of near perfection. It is a futuristic sci-fi look at what the United States of America could ultimately become. Certainly, this story will be compared to other series that have been successful in this genre recently, such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Maze Runner; yet, not only can Seneca Rebel hold its own in comparison, it also has so much original material to offer.

Unlike the others, an apocalyptic event has not caused society to break down and build back up in a convoluted way. Sure, the state of the environment, economy, education, and transportation are not ideal, but the America in Seneca Rebel is not unfamiliar. What instead is remarkable is the existence of an underground society, Seneca, located on the east coast outside of Washington D.C., where exceptionally gifted individuals in all fields are invited to come and improve the future.

The author does a great job at world building here. I genuinely feel as though I can picture all of Seneca, exactly the way she describes it. This makes the book much more thrilling and exciting since I can create a visual reference in my mind. Also, the characters are wonderfully complex and seem to function in a believable way in this world. For instance, Doro is a brilliant mathematician and tech expert. However, she can also be sullen, delinquent, and challenging, qualities that both hurt and help her in the long run. Reba, Doro’s friend, is an upbeat, positive, and incredibly lovable character, but he has old scars from being bullied and abandoned, which in turn makes him fiercely loyal. Blue Combat Boots, or Dom, is introduced in such a fun and wonderful way, but he too is presented as complicated from the onset. As a result, it is easy to want to know more and more about these people.

The only criticism I have for this particular book is that sometimes the end of the chapters feel a little clipped, as if they finish too abruptly. A few more sentences regarding what is happening in that moment would have just rounded it out better, allowing the meaning to truly land on the audience. The way it is written now, I am already onto the next plot point before I can care about what has just transpired. However, with that being said, this particular style keeps the book moving at a fast pace and in essence, mimics what Doro is facing, never having the chance to grasp what is going on before something new is thrown her way.

Overall, Seneca Rebel is an incredibly addicting story that is nearly impossible to put down. It will have readers gasping in shock, shouting in frustration, and swooning over the romantic bits. This book is certainly a must read that will delight and surprise those who are familiar with the sci-fi genre and even those who are not.

Originally posted here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie... ...more

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Sep 12, 2016 Michelle rated it liked it

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**

Seneca Rebel is the first book in the young adult science fiction/dystopian series, called The Seneca Society, by Rayya Deeb. This is the first book I have read by Rayya, and I was really impressed with her strong writing. There is solid world building and a creative plot in Seneca Rebel. Plus, I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful cover. I love how clean the background of it looks, and the color and patterns o **You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**

Seneca Rebel is the first book in the young adult science fiction/dystopian series, called The Seneca Society, by Rayya Deeb. This is the first book I have read by Rayya, and I was really impressed with her strong writing. There is solid world building and a creative plot in Seneca Rebel. Plus, I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful cover. I love how clean the background of it looks, and the color and patterns over the top made it seem perfect for a dystopian novel. I love it. This book was a good read for me, but I think for bigger fans of the dystopian genre, this book will be a much bigger hit.

Seneca Rebel takes place in a futuristic world. The other cool thing about Seneca Rebel is that it mixed dystopian science fiction with one of my favorite story elements- a secret society! The main character, Doro Campbell is invited to join The Seneca Society because she is awesomely brainy. I enjoyed the secret society element mixed in with the futuristic dystopian world. I had not seen that done before, and it was probably my favorite aspect of the story. If I continue on with this series, it will be to see what happens with The Seneca Society.

Seneca Rebel has strong environmental undertones. So strong, I wouldn't even call them undertones. They were a major theme in the story. I thought Rayya Deed did an excellent job making the world seem like a place where we could plausibly end up, which is kind of scary in it's own. Those are the dystopians that scare me the most. The ones that seem a little too realistic. I loved Doro, I loved the world building and the writing, but I wish the environmental aspect had been toned down to an 8 instead of an 11, and sometimes the writing seemed a bit abrupt. I could have used with a couple of extra pages on some scenes, rather than just having them be cut off. But other than that, I really enjoyed Seneca Rebel. I think The Seneca Society is going to be a very interesting series. If you are a big fan of dystopians, this is one that you should check out. It didn't feel cookie cutter to me at all. However, if you are not a huge fan of this genre, you should probably skip this one.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs ...more

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May 25, 2016 Douglas Grant rated it it was amazing

Rayya Deeb’s debut novel stands proudly in the Young Adult catalog, a long overdue adventure story that will reinvigorate the genre.

The novel’s heroine, Doro Campbell, is a complex protagonist whom readers will identify with as she traverses a strange futuristic landscape in which an elite society attempts to set up a Utopian Noah’s Ark. Character introduction and development take up the first act of the story, as readers—through Doro—discover the nature of the Seneca Society. As is usually the ...more

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May 18, 2016 revthomps rated it it was amazing

Sometimes asking too many questions can get you into a lot of trouble. For spunky, hyper intelligent teenager Doro Campbell, trouble seems to be her middle name. From writing software that steals fractions of a penny trillions of times to make sure her struggling mother has enough money to survive to trying to live her life the way her missing scientist father would have wanted, Seneca Rebel tells the story of Doro Campbell and her band of unlikely heroes as they try uncover the truths behind on ...more

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Jun 08, 2016 Theresa Nowaczyk is currently reading it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016-reads, fantasy, feed-your-e-readers, first-reads-goodreads-giveaway, new-to-me-author-2016, recommended, young-adult, sci-fiction

Woot!! So won a copy of Seneca Rebel in a giveaway for free on Goodreads First Reads... I cannot wait to get my hands on this one - I always squeeze in a couple Sci-Fiction/Fantasy books each year, and this is definitely going to be one of them. Will post reviews when finished. Then, my daughter will likely want to read this one, too. :) Thank you.

Update: Received my copy in lightening speed after winning the giveaway. Seneca Rebel has arrived in my mailbox today on 6/14/16. Beautiful Book!! <3 ...more

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Oct 15, 2017 Summer rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5 Stars. This has a slight Divergent feel to it, but at the same time goes its own way.

With her dad disappeared and her mom struggling to make ends meet in a future Los Angeles, Doro, a sixteen year old whiz with tech and numbers becomes very wealthy by illegal means and when officials catch up with her, she’s given a choice, either her mom serves time for Doro’s crimes, or Doro checks into a reform school in Virginia, that, it turns out, isn’t really a reform school, it’s a secret society whe 3.5 Stars. This has a slight Divergent feel to it, but at the same time goes its own way.

With her dad disappeared and her mom struggling to make ends meet in a future Los Angeles, Doro, a sixteen year old whiz with tech and numbers becomes very wealthy by illegal means and when officials catch up with her, she’s given a choice, either her mom serves time for Doro’s crimes, or Doro checks into a reform school in Virginia, that, it turns out, isn’t really a reform school, it’s a secret society where they’re recruiting the best brains ostensibly to build a better world, but some not so great things are happening there, as well.

There were instances where I was a little confused by aspects of the tech and the world of Seneca and the above and how it all functioned, but for the most part I didn’t have a problem following along, the story held my interest, and separating Doro from her mom and her dog gave me an emotional investment that I didn’t entirely feel with the romance.

I thought Doro and Dom were okay together, I certainly liked that he rarely seemed to have an issue with her taking the lead, obviously respect for the heroine is a good quality for a hero to have, but I guess I’m just a slow burn attraction kind of a reader. The moment she sees him she’s into him, and it isn’t long before he’s into her, too. I probably would have enjoyed their romance a little more if maybe they didn’t hit it off quite so well at first but had to grudgingly join forces, maybe she needs his skills to help bring her mom to Seneca and he needs her skills (which did happen in the book) to uncover a conspiracy and more gradually, through working together, romantic feelings develop. It’s really just a personal preference thing as a reader, and not that the way their relationship in the book is handled is bad, it just wasn’t the pace I favor, that’s all.

Where Seneca Rebel excels the most is in its heroine, Doro, I liked that she lives up to the title and she isn’t by any means a passive kind of girl, whenever she hits a road block she uses her intellect to come up with a new course of action and she isn’t easily intimidated. ...more

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Jan 13, 2020 Naomi Downing rated it really liked it

This was a very interesting and unique book. I love the cover, it made me want to know what was in the book. The author wrote descriptions of the settings very well and I could clearly see them in my head as I was reading

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May 28, 2018 Pookielb1 rated it it was amazing

Amazing!

I throughly enjoying reading this book and I can’t wait for the next book to come out!!! It’s a page turner!!!

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May 16, 2016 Megan (Under the Book Cover) rated it liked it

Shelves: science-fiction, ya-books

Review also posted at: http://underthebookcover.blogspot.com...

3.5/5

Thank you to YA Bound Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for review.

Seneca Rebel immediately caught my attention with its beautiful cover and curious title. Once I read the synopsis, I was hooked. It's no secret that I'm a fan of science fiction and dystopian books, so this one was a definite win for me. While it may not be typical dystopian, the book definitely gives off a very dystopian vibe with Review also posted at: http://underthebookcover.blogspot.com...

3.5/5

Thank you to YA Bound Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for review.

Seneca Rebel immediately caught my attention with its beautiful cover and curious title. Once I read the synopsis, I was hooked. It's no secret that I'm a fan of science fiction and dystopian books, so this one was a definite win for me. While it may not be typical dystopian, the book definitely gives off a very dystopian vibe with the underground city and research into the betterment of humanity, among other things. Once I actually sat down and started reading, I absolutely flew through this book!

Doro is a math genius who is caught by the FBI for breaking the algorithm for every major gambling site in the world and setting up offshore accounts for her winnings. When the FBI shows up at her door, so does Ellen Malone. She offers Doro a chance to put her skills to good use at Seneca, a technologically-advanced underground society dedicated to finding ways to protect and advance the planet. It's a dream come true when Doro first arrives, but then she's given an ultimatum: stay in Seneca and leave behind her friends and family, or leave and have her memory completely wiped of her time in the city. She chooses to stay. But after being in Seneca for a while, she begins to realize that it's not all that she thought it would be. With a mysterious biotechnology whiz named Dom, Doro discovers there is more than meets the eye to Seneca, and sets out to change the course of Seneca forever.

This book was an interesting one. While I absolutely loved the premise, and really liked how the book played out, I was not a fan of the instant-romance. I mean, Doro sees this guy for the first time and becomes obsessed with him to the point of almost stalking him. I really liked the idea of a super smart female main character, but not one that gets jelly legs about a guy she's never even talked to before. I understand that a lot of YA books have a tendency to have insta-love, so when it happened, I wasn't too surprised, but I kind of wish that if it had to happen, that it was a bit of a "slow burn" love. Also, they don't spend hardly any time together and when they get separated, she acts as if a piece of her soul has been ripped out. Slightly dramatic, but that may just be my personal feelings on it. Even though the romance was meh, Doro thankfully still ended up being a pretty strong character and was able to use her super cool code writing and hacking skills to do some really nifty things!

Despite my dislike of the romance between Doro and Dom, I liked the characters individually. Doro was a math genius and Dom was into biotechnology, and I am all about the science stuff! Following them through the story and reading about them putting their individual skills to good use, whether it was hacking into something or testing blood, was really cool. I felt like Doro was able to really expand her knowledge and learn more and really evolved on her own as the book went on. Dom felt a little flat on his own, but his desire to do good no matter what with his skills really made me have a soft spot for him!

The plot of the book was really unique and one I haven't come across. I liked the idea of an underground city that was basically a utopia, simply because I knew there would be more to it than was on its surface. Of course, there was! I don't want to give too much away, but there are some definite "cultish" signs that are pretty much everywhere in Seneca. The city itself isn't a cult, but boy oh boy does it feel like one. From controlling government circa 1989, to "necessary vaccinations," Seneca gives off some incredibly cult-like vibes. And I ate up every single bit of it!

I'm not sure if it's just me, but I got a very Wizard of Oz feeling from this book. Not only because the main character is named Dorothy, but she also has a dog, travels to a city that is pretty much too good to be true, makes some quirky friends along the way, and is judged at the end by the leader of Seneca. I can't be the only one making the connection, right? Even if I am, that just made me love the story even more. It was so creative, and very well executed, and I couldn't put it down once I got started!

With the super smart female main character, some really subtle 1989 and Wizard of Oz vibes, and really cool science thrown in there, Seneca Rebel is a recipe for a stellar science-fiction novel. Not only was this book fast-paced and action filled, the ending is a really killer cliffhanger! I am crossing my fingers for a sequel because I am dying to know what happens next! If you're looking for a wild science-fiction book with some really detailed and engaging writing, then Seneca Rebel is the book for you! ...more

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Jun 17, 2016 Books In Bloom rated it really liked it

Spoiler review available at Bemused Bookworm.

This book was great, but it took me a while to get into it. I found Dorothy (aka Doro) to be a little awkward in the beginning & i didn’t like her very much at that point. She was acting out over her school using her grades to boost their standings…. I honestly didn’t really understand what was going on here… I guess the author was meaning that public education was about to fail or something…not sure. At any rate though, i just didnt see why Doro woul ...more

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Jan 19, 2017 Shannon rated it liked it

The good: strong female heroine with awesome contemporary tech skills, she's passionate, interesting and really leads the decision-making in the story, which I LOVED.

The less good: the first half of the story is compelling, right up until the love interest is introduced. Yes, she's gob-smacked with attraction which is cool, but then the development between the two characters is very thin. They don't build much of a viable premise or relationship.

Overall, it's an interesting sci-fi futuristic st ...more

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Aug 12, 2016 Michelle Capozzoli rated it it was amazing

I just finished reading Rayya Deeb's debut novel, and I'm looking forward to the next one! As a former secondary educator, I love that Doro the protagonist is a female math/science whiz. She has experienced and overcome tremendous loss and adversity, making her both a role model and relatable for teens (and adults!)
For those who enjoyed the Divergent and Hunger Games series, this book will be a hit. The setting (in the future, in Seneca--a secret and exclusive utopian underground society built ...more

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Jun 24, 2016 Chiomaah Ugo Nwachukwu rated it really liked it

This book proves that sci-fi doesn't always have to = confusing near-future gizmos alone. Plus 'Doro' seems like a really likeable teenager. Plus I really dig the scientific cover. See the rest of my review here: https://upcloseandliteral.blogspot.co... ...more

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About Rayya Deeb

Rayya Deeb

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Rayya Deeb cut her teeth in television production and film development, working for the likes of HBO, Comedy Central, PBS & Fred Roos Productions. An artist with a great love for storytelling, she spent over a decade screenwriting, collaborating with some seriously incredible, world-renowned directors, actors and producers. In this capacity Rayya's passion for writing deepened and ultimately she j ...more