Review: Hope's Rebellion by: Jade Varden

Hope's Rebellion by: Jade Varden (Dec. 2013)
169 ebook pages
Genre: Dystopian/YA
Source: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Thanks Jade!
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Goodreads Summary: Their friendship will test the fabric of tradition, duty and destiny...

There are only two seasons in Godenor: summer and winter. Weather brings the only surprises to a society where everything is planned, and everyone's status is determined at birth...by the color of their hair.

Rinna has the right hair, Drexi the wrong, and Prelly is almost too ordinary -- in every way but one. Small mistakes bring them together, creating ripples in a pond that knows nothing but serenity. If they reach their goals, they can't help but shatter the world they know.

Love of any kind, even the bond of friendship, isn't allowed in their world...but then, the heart can't always follow orders.

My Review

Hope's Rebellion is a fresh take on the somewhat overdone dystopian genre. The world in Hope's Rebellion has its own little unique quirks and for being such a short novel it's also complex. How would you like to live in a world where you would be judged just by your hair color? 

Although it took me a little while to get used to Varden's writing style and the fact that there are no obvious breaks (like line breaks) between the different character's POVs, which was confusing at times, I did end up really appreciating Varden's story telling skills. Hope's Rebellion may not have blown me away, but I liked it just fine.

One big plus of Hope's Rebellion is that the plot is always moving forward, and at a good pace. I was always curious about the characters, history, events and everything else going on in the novel at all times, keeping my attention throughout the entire novel, even when I could see the twists coming in advance. Not to mention when the book really picks up speed near the end, I couldn't stop reading, even if the ending was a little eh. 

I loved that the book centered around three main opinionated female characters, Rinna, Drexi, and Prelly. I enjoyed watching these strong girls grow into even stronger women. They don't agree with how society tries to put them in certain categories/jobs and although it takes some longer than others, they fight back.  My favorite part about these characters is how they all end up meeting/connecting. I also liked how so many different types of relationships are dissected in this novel, from friendship to love and everything in-between.

Hope's Rebellion is a very quick read with three very tenacious young women at its core. I'm glad I gave it a chance, even if the cover doesn't do a whole lot for me.