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!