Rebels Rising is the third and what appears to be the final installment in the Rebel Mechanics Series.  It perhaps goes without saying that it is best to start the series at the beginning rather than jump in at the eleventh hour. 

The author propels the plot forward, something to applaud in a world where some authors move the plot forward only by inches.  Sadly, though, this book didn’t have as much texture and that was perhaps due to the focus on progressing the action to a conclusion.  Lord Henry was thrust into exile at the end of book two and his reduced presence was sincerely missed; the steampunk vibe from the first book definitely sat on the back burner; the interesting development in Flora’s political interests in book two was not nurtured.  So, although Verity was a likeable character and things moved along strongly, albeit often predictably, this installment did not have the same level of charm as the other books (particularly the first) in this series.

However, all-in-all a quick and pleasant read with a satisfactory ending that gave closure without snugly shutting the door by outlining every outcome for every character, which was appreciated.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Characters are shot at; reference to violence in prior books (general); there is a protest with shots fired and soldiers giving chase; explosion resulting in property damage; shots are heard with fighting at a distance; threat with pistol, incapacitate someone with magic; mob observed from a distance; character is shot and receives severe injury with mention of blood.

Sex/Nudity:  Character remembers kiss; character knows her mother had an affair and the identity of her father is unknown; reference to “a night of slumming”; characters kiss upon multiple occasions; arm around waist; arm around shoulder; characters embrace upon several occasions; character learns more details about her mother’s affair (non-descriptive).

Mature Subject Matter:

Revolution.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None