Review: Rebel Magisters (Shanna Swendson)

Title: Rebel Magisters
Series: Rebel Mechanics, Book 2
Author: Shanna Swendson
Publisher: NLA Digital
US Release Date: July 12, 2016
Genre: Young Adult Alternate History Magical Realism
Content Rating: Teen (daring deeds, lawbreaking, eavesdropping, brief kissing)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: 
Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

Tea, Love ... and Revolution!

The Rebel Mechanics aren’t the only group plotting revolution against the magical British Empire. There are rebel magisters, as well, and Verity Newton and her magister employer, Lord Henry, know that the only way for the revolution to succeed is if both groups work together. A diplomatic mission seems like the perfect opportunity for them to meet with rebels in other colonies and gather support—right under the governor’s nose.

From drawing rooms, ballrooms, and the harbor in Boston to the streets of Charleston, Verity and Henry find themselves up against stubborn factions of both magisters and Mechanics and increasingly aware that they can only really count on each other as their relationship deepens. It may take a real crisis to unite the rebel movements and rally them to the cause—but could such a crisis also tear them apart?

*          *          *

Series: This is the second book in the Rebel Mechanics series. You can read my review of the first book here.

Rebel Magisters is the sequel to Rebel Mechanics (review here), a magical alternate history tale of revolution and romance. After quite enjoying the first book I was excited to continue protagonist Verity Newton's adventures, and happily quite enjoyed Magisters as well. Although published independently, the quality was generally the same as the first book (traditionally published by Macmillan), the writing and plot maintaining the familiar light tone and steady pace I'd previously appreciated. Verity lived an exceptionally charmed life as everyone she met became an important contact, every gathering she joined ended safely for her, and every mission she undertook was successful, which I must admit occasionally strained the realism of the story. However, her tale was still fraught with tension, action, and intrigue, and those around her weren't always quite as lucky leading to a lot of interesting conflict, complications, and close calls for everyone.

Most of the returning Mechanics played smaller roles as Verity delved deeper into the magical and political world of Magisters with Lord Henry. But they still had their moments - the Flynn siblings especially with their amusing and theatrical appearances, and the new Mechanics were an interesting look at how a change in location can alter people's priorities and creations. The new Magisters added a bit of color to the story as well, although it was the expanded roles of the returning ones that I really enjoyed as we discovered there was more to a few of them than originally met the eye. What ultimately made the book for me though was sweet yet cunning Lord Henry's continuous presence at Verity's side, their friendship happily growing into more while they schemed in the shadows. Although I hope he will play a large part in the next book as well, I anticipate the third installment in Verity Newton's tale, Rebels Rising, will be more a story of female power and ingenuity due to the pleasantly surprising elevation of two other recurring characters at the end of this book.

Conclusion: An exciting sequel of intrigue and adventure with engaging action, interesting characters, and a swoony slow-burn romance. If you enjoy alternate histories with magic, then definitely give this series a try. Especially recommend for fans of Gail Carriger's Finishing School series, and Mary Robinette Kowal's Shades of Milk and Honey.

For Fans Of: Gail Carriger, Mary Robinette Kowal

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson
Brother's Ruin by Emma Newman
Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson