Thoughts on Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

My review of Rebel Angels by Libba Bray:

Gemma Doyle is a little more interesting than your average 17 year old girl living in 19th century England. She possesses powers to open the realms, a magical place between life and death, a dreamland. Rebel Angels, by Libba Bray is a great book containing both aspects of fantasy and of life in the 16th century. Although it is the sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty, it’s easy to read without its predecessor; however I recommend the first novel first.
At the end of A Great and Terrible Beauty, we leave off with Gemma and her friends leaving the realms after a narrow escape, releasing the magic and an unfortunate casualty. So what is next?

Rebel Angels plot begins as Christmas break is approaching. There is a new teacher at Spence and Gemma doesn’t like her all that much. Luckily, Gemma is heading off to England to spend the holidays with her grandmother and family. Her mysterious guardian, Kartik, follows her there to keep an eye on her. Ann and Felicity go to Felicity’s home in London, spending their time going to parties and teas. When all three of the girls are able to meet, they divide their time between visiting their former teacher Ms. Moore, and visiting Pippa in the realms. But, because Gemma smashed the ruins the magic is free for all to use and so there is trouble in the realms. Can she rebind the magic in time?

In this book Gemma deals with living as a 17 year old girl in the 19th century, dinners, operas, and a male suitor, as well as being the one who can change everything in another “world”. I loved this book because although there is a lot of foreshadowing, the sense of mystery is really thrilling. The ending is quite unexpected. Libba Bray keeps you captivated with her writing and waiting for the next book in the series.