Book Review: “Miss Mayhem” (Rebel Belle #2) by Rachel Hawkins

“Miss Mayhem” (Rebel Belle #2) by Rachel Hawkins (2015)

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Contemporary, Fiction

Page Length: 273 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and her best friend, Bee, has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can focus on the important things in life: school, canoodling with David (her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie), and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or make her more powerful than ever. (description from Goodreads)

Review:

SOME SPOILERS!!!

This is an entertaining follow-up from one of my favorite YA novels from 2014. Harper is back in action as a new found Paladin and when she is presented with the task of a dangerous and challenging test she realizes that her life will never be the same again.

Miss Mayhem, like the first novel, is a fun and easy read full of lots of awesome fight scenes. It’s a fast paced novel overall and Hawkins still keeps all of the elements that make these books so enjoyable to read. While the first novel set up the plot, this book sees a lot more character development as Harper starts to gain more control of her magical , and superhuman abilities. There is definitely more drama in this novel as character relationships become more entangled. Harper has to work with her ex-boyfriend Ryan and her new boyfriend David, not to mention the somewhat strained relationship with her best friend Bee.

I like how this series balances a bit of the fantasy element with the somewhat familiar tropes of a YA story. The humor and characters are what make this series so great! Readers will see a more intense side of Harper in the book as she tries to complete the trials and has to prove that she can rise to the challenge. The book ends with a “what happens next?” scenario so I’m curious to see what direction the story will go in the next novel.

Final Verdict:

Not as strong as a novel as it’s predecessor, but an enjoyable read!