Throwback Thursday: Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is Rebel Angels by Libba Bray.

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Goodreads Blurb:

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain. . . .

The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.

But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

My Review: 
Rebel Angels is the sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. The girls are able to leave their boarding school for Christmas and though they are not always together, they all find themselves in different and sometimes scary situations. Their friendship still isn't a true friendship per say. If anything, it seems to have gotten even more superficial to me. This book introduces you to new settings and new characters including a new love interest for Gemma. That's right! Kartik has some competition! This was a great second book. It sets you up for book three nicely. Rebel Angels takes things a little darker and adds more danger this time around, and it's not without some surprises.

To learn more about Libba Bray and her books, visit her website and blog.