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elenajohansen's review
1.0
My review for the first volume was hopeful on the strength of the characters, but pessimistic about the strength of the plot.
My pessimism won, unfortunately.
A large proportion of this book was exposition dumps via videos left by the Clockmaster, which is both a structural problem with the narrative--especially when much of it comes in the last 15% of the book--and a plot issue, because now that I know what's going on, why the Clock matters and why Felix is who he is and what he's going to do about it, it all boils down to this:
The villain's plan is Dumb with a much-earned capital D. If the point of the Clock was supposed to be the complete elimination of the human race on earth, after an earlier and equally convoluted attempt also failed...well, with the technology described in the world-building, why wouldn't they just poison the Health Discs? Or "infect" them with a slow-developing virus like the one they wanted to use in the Clock or the Drones? Why would you rely on chancy methods of dispersal when you already make supplements the entire population depends on daily? Wouldn't that be far, far easier, and why did no one think of it?
I'm no longer invested in the stakes, I'm done, not going to read the third book.
My pessimism won, unfortunately.
A large proportion of this book was exposition dumps via videos left by the Clockmaster, which is both a structural problem with the narrative--especially when much of it comes in the last 15% of the book--and a plot issue, because now that I know what's going on, why the Clock matters and why Felix is who he is and what he's going to do about it, it all boils down to this:
The villain's plan is Dumb with a much-earned capital D. If the point of the Clock was supposed to be the complete elimination of the human race on earth, after an earlier and equally convoluted attempt also failed...well, with the technology described in the world-building, why wouldn't they just poison the Health Discs? Or "infect" them with a slow-developing virus like the one they wanted to use in the Clock or the Drones? Why would you rely on chancy methods of dispersal when you already make supplements the entire population depends on daily? Wouldn't that be far, far easier, and why did no one think of it?
I'm no longer invested in the stakes, I'm done, not going to read the third book.
hyperashley's review
4.0
This series continues to impress me. It got pretty exciting when Astra and Felix begin figuring things out. I've never rooted for characters to succeed as hard as I'm rooting for these characters. I feel so connected to them and I just want them to achieve what they are setting out to do, you know to save the world and such.
Astra is still my favorite character in this series so far. Though, her quirkiness didn't shine quite as brightly as it did in the first book. This book answered some questions that I had from book one because it dove into other important characters that needed to be brought in. I love how even though these characters don't know what love is they know they are developing feelings for each other and it's not hate. I couldn't help but smile at their budding feelings for each other.
I see that I have messed up because now I have to wait for book three even though I need it now. After the ending of this book, I'm definitely excited to see what happens next because "it's ten heartbeats until midnight."
Astra is still my favorite character in this series so far. Though, her quirkiness didn't shine quite as brightly as it did in the first book. This book answered some questions that I had from book one because it dove into other important characters that needed to be brought in. I love how even though these characters don't know what love is they know they are developing feelings for each other and it's not hate. I couldn't help but smile at their budding feelings for each other.
I see that I have messed up because now I have to wait for book three even though I need it now. After the ending of this book, I'm definitely excited to see what happens next because "it's ten heartbeats until midnight."
darquedreamer's review
5.0
No Plain Rebel immerses you further in to the dream world of No Ordinary Star. It is deeply emotional, elegantly thought provoking, and will have your heart pumping! This stunning installment in the series will have you re-evaluating what you know of futuristic science fiction and fantasies of utopia.
The Plot: Picking up where No Ordinary Star left off, Felix and Astra begin to uncover the deepest secrets held in the Clockmaster's hidden library. In turn, they begin to uncover more secrets about themselves, and what it truly means to be human. It is a race against time for Felix to finish the great clock for the celebration, but can he do the right thing, knowing what the clock is truly meant for?
M.C. Frank continues to impress me with her beautiful writing! I love this one more than the first one! No Plain Rebel delves deeper in to the minds, and histories, of Astra and Felix. It reveals more about the history of the One World, and allows us to learn more about the Clockmaster and his family. There is more of a human connection in this one, along with a revelation of sadness and terror. It is in this book that we truly begin to see what Astra and Felix have missed in their lives, and we learn the terrifying truth of the past, present, and potential future of earth and the One World.
No Plain Rebel symbolizes the importance of waking up from a life of lies. We see Felix become more human and start to realize everything he missed as a drone. This one shows us how disconnected the world is from simple human pleasures, such as real food, music, and books. I find that Felix figuring out how to put the clock together is beautifully symbolic of he and Astra figuring each other out and learning how to be human again.
I am very proud to be a part of the street team for this trilogy! So far, both books have captivated my mind and my heart. The story is rich, bold, and beautiful. No Plain Rebel adds so much depth to the first book and the past and present of our main characters. It adds much needed backstory to the world Frank has created, and makes us see how so many things can go wrong with the creation of a Utopian society in a futuristic setting.
The Plot: Picking up where No Ordinary Star left off, Felix and Astra begin to uncover the deepest secrets held in the Clockmaster's hidden library. In turn, they begin to uncover more secrets about themselves, and what it truly means to be human. It is a race against time for Felix to finish the great clock for the celebration, but can he do the right thing, knowing what the clock is truly meant for?
M.C. Frank continues to impress me with her beautiful writing! I love this one more than the first one! No Plain Rebel delves deeper in to the minds, and histories, of Astra and Felix. It reveals more about the history of the One World, and allows us to learn more about the Clockmaster and his family. There is more of a human connection in this one, along with a revelation of sadness and terror. It is in this book that we truly begin to see what Astra and Felix have missed in their lives, and we learn the terrifying truth of the past, present, and potential future of earth and the One World.
No Plain Rebel symbolizes the importance of waking up from a life of lies. We see Felix become more human and start to realize everything he missed as a drone. This one shows us how disconnected the world is from simple human pleasures, such as real food, music, and books. I find that Felix figuring out how to put the clock together is beautifully symbolic of he and Astra figuring each other out and learning how to be human again.
I am very proud to be a part of the street team for this trilogy! So far, both books have captivated my mind and my heart. The story is rich, bold, and beautiful. No Plain Rebel adds so much depth to the first book and the past and present of our main characters. It adds much needed backstory to the world Frank has created, and makes us see how so many things can go wrong with the creation of a Utopian society in a futuristic setting.
ljwrites85's review
4.0
We left Felix and Astra exploring the depth of the Clockmaster’s cabin, after discovering a secret basement full of banned objects including books, toys and Christmas decorations.
This second book takes the story to the next level and is one of the rare books I can say is even better than the first. Felix is no longer a ‘tin soldier’ and is beginning to wake up and see the world for what it really is. I like that we find out a bit more about the characters histories, including why Felix grew up in the Box (a terrifying prison) and Astra’s childhood in the rebel camp. Also the introduction character of Karim (he’s Felix’s adopted brother) made it even more interesting. He is a soldier like Felix although he is still under the control of the evil Chairman Kun.
I also love the developing relationship between Felix and Astra, (I am literally dying for these two characters to kiss but it’s forbidden by the laws of their planet).
I was a little sad that Ursa the polar bear didn’t make an appearance in this book, I would have like to have seen Karim’s reaction to her.
There are some fantastic twists and turns in the book, especially when you get nearer to the end, with another cliffhanger ending (you’re killing me, MC Frank). I know the final book in the series is out at the end of the year and I honestly can’t wait!
This second book takes the story to the next level and is one of the rare books I can say is even better than the first. Felix is no longer a ‘tin soldier’ and is beginning to wake up and see the world for what it really is. I like that we find out a bit more about the characters histories, including why Felix grew up in the Box (a terrifying prison) and Astra’s childhood in the rebel camp. Also the introduction character of Karim (he’s Felix’s adopted brother) made it even more interesting. He is a soldier like Felix although he is still under the control of the evil Chairman Kun.
I also love the developing relationship between Felix and Astra, (I am literally dying for these two characters to kiss but it’s forbidden by the laws of their planet).
I was a little sad that Ursa the polar bear didn’t make an appearance in this book, I would have like to have seen Karim’s reaction to her.
There are some fantastic twists and turns in the book, especially when you get nearer to the end, with another cliffhanger ending (you’re killing me, MC Frank). I know the final book in the series is out at the end of the year and I honestly can’t wait!
captain_valour's review
5.0
What to say about this book? Well, one thing is for sure: I absolutely love the writing of M.C. Frank. It captivates me and keeps me wanting to read more and more. And this book was no exception! I was thoroughly enjoying it and got hit with some plot twists and then just couldn't put the book down! I love how there are many small childhood fairytales intertwined within this story, like The Steadfast Tin Soldier and Little Match Girl, which tend to describe characteristics of the two main characters themselves. It's all amazingly put together and thought out and I honestly cannot wait til the third book comes out!!
If you are a fan of dystopian books, I definitely encourage you to pick up this book! Has a hint of some sci-fi thrown in there too for good measure, and it's just pure magic! For me, it was a no brainer starting this series because of my love for dystopian books, and I'm so glad it did not disappoint. Just can't wait to see what will happen next!!!
If you are a fan of dystopian books, I definitely encourage you to pick up this book! Has a hint of some sci-fi thrown in there too for good measure, and it's just pure magic! For me, it was a no brainer starting this series because of my love for dystopian books, and I'm so glad it did not disappoint. Just can't wait to see what will happen next!!!
libraryofbecca's review
5.0
Did you fall in love with No Ordinary Star? Was it amazing and wonderful? Well multiply that times a hundred and you get its sequel, No Plain Rebel.
I usually do not enjoy sequels more than the first book but NPR has made that short list for me. If I could get it ten stars out of five I would it was so great.
While I'm still reeling from that ending I'm going to start at the beginning on the novel for this review.
Astra and Felix, our match girl and tin solider, discover more about the lies and secrets around them. I was left shocked by the mysteries that were revealed in NPR. Literally, my jaw hit the floor. It's those types of revelations that either make or break a book. Either the mystery is revealed and the book becomes boring or the truth of the mystery propels the story further. I'm happy to say it was the latter win this novel.
Going back to our two main characters...be still my beating heart. Oh, this book just gave me all the feels. And then my heart was thrown in a blender.
I love Astra and Felix so throughly. They're so pure and innocent and adorable. I could use all the words to describe them but for purposes of keeping this review on the short side I'll leave it at that.
For me there was one big OMG moment in this book and if you read it you know what it is. If not, let's just say this was the moment my jaw hit the floor. I just stared at the page after it was revealed. With that, there were other moments where I just sat there, mind-blown as well.
The world is also more built up in this novel. I think all the questions I ever had about how the world go so screwed up were answered. The Library is built upon; the Colonies are explained more; and more relationships are added.
And...that ending. But you know it's a good book when the cliffhanger makes you want to dive off that cliff in search of the answer.
I usually do not enjoy sequels more than the first book but NPR has made that short list for me. If I could get it ten stars out of five I would it was so great.
While I'm still reeling from that ending I'm going to start at the beginning on the novel for this review.
Astra and Felix, our match girl and tin solider, discover more about the lies and secrets around them. I was left shocked by the mysteries that were revealed in NPR. Literally, my jaw hit the floor. It's those types of revelations that either make or break a book. Either the mystery is revealed and the book becomes boring or the truth of the mystery propels the story further. I'm happy to say it was the latter win this novel.
Going back to our two main characters...be still my beating heart. Oh, this book just gave me all the feels. And then my heart was thrown in a blender.
I love Astra and Felix so throughly. They're so pure and innocent and adorable. I could use all the words to describe them but for purposes of keeping this review on the short side I'll leave it at that.
For me there was one big OMG moment in this book and if you read it you know what it is. If not, let's just say this was the moment my jaw hit the floor. I just stared at the page after it was revealed. With that, there were other moments where I just sat there, mind-blown as well.
The world is also more built up in this novel. I think all the questions I ever had about how the world go so screwed up were answered. The Library is built upon; the Colonies are explained more; and more relationships are added.
And...that ending. But you know it's a good book when the cliffhanger makes you want to dive off that cliff in search of the answer.
jenabrownwrites's review
3.0
“I only recently discovered that what we have here is no more peace than death. Silence is not peace.”
No Plain Rebel picks up right where No Ordinary Star left off. Felix and Astra in the cabin at the North Pole, trying to unravel the mystery the Clockmaster left in their hands.
We get more information in the second installment, answering questions of both Felix and Astra’s past. They uncover diaries and letters left to Felix from the Clockmaster, that he prepared in the event of his death. These letters help guide Felix and he learns the real purpose of the Clock leading up to the year 2525. Let’s just say, it isn’t good.
“People get dangerous ideas from books, ideas about how to fight and how to be cleverer than their enemies.”
We also get more information about the years leading up to the present. What happened to cause this society to diverge so far from the utopia it was trying to be? Finally getting some answers felt enormously satisfying and rather than feeling satiated by the knowledge, you simply want to know more of what happens next. As with any good dystopian, the more you know, the worse things seem to get.
“Chaos haste ceased to exist. It still existed all this time, he was just isolated from it. And along with the chaos, he was kept away from life.”
I am also happy to start seeing more of the world outside of the shack. While I adore the shack, (and the gorgeous library in the basement), we need to start seeing some action in the outside world. We don’t see as much action in this installment, but the plot is set at the end for an explosive ending filled with action. Or so I hope.
This book is definitely focused more on Felix than Astra. She is really only heard in her voice in a handful of chapters. I understand that Felix is the one who is tasked with fixing the Clock and the one who the letters are directed to, but I do feel like Frank could have balanced between the two a bit more. In a society where women are brushed away as second class (or worse) citizens, it felt symbolic to want Astra more involved in her own story, using her own voice.
I also think it’s important, as Astra is the one who can really give us the sense of what is hanging in the balance. Women like her being propped in laboratories against their will, being powerless and voiceless. Even as a solider, Felix never lived a life like that, so to diminish her voice diminishes that harsh reality as well. This book is focused more an bigger picture world, but we need to remember the details. It’s Astra that gives the book heart, so I wish there had been more of her.
Christmas again is a heavy theme in this book, and it does turn a bit slanted towards the religious. Some may argue that Christmas is religious, but in my opinion, that’s debatable. Here it becomes less about the holiday and more about the religious undertones, and the religious history of the holiday.
Book two does have an info-dump feel to it, even though the author attempts to break up the monologues with thoughts and ideas as they read. But, still, there is a lot of the Clockmaster talking and only snippets of actionable plot happening. I’m hoping that now that we have that out of the way, the third book is action packed. I would have loved to have gotten to know several characters introduced in this book much better, and hope we get the chance in the next installment.
There is quite a lot to enjoy from a political standpoint in the book. Philosophy and how good ideas can turn bad are presented towards the end. We have already seen the results of these ideas, so it was interesting to read how they came about.
“Power will always pollute things. The world’s entropy will always increase and man carries the source of the pollution within himself. He carries the seed of redemption as well, but it’s not as simple as you’f think to find it. It’s certainly not as simple to redeem as it seems to be be to destroy.”
The Greek philosophers are mentioned quite a bit by the Clockmaster. It would have been a bit well-rounded to have included other philosophies, especially given how he had three hundred years and isolation to build his education, it feels a bit narrow to only focus on one set of philosophy.
Again, this is a short book, leaning towards a novella, so it’s a fast read. The third book comes out at the end of the year.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to read and review.
No Plain Rebel picks up right where No Ordinary Star left off. Felix and Astra in the cabin at the North Pole, trying to unravel the mystery the Clockmaster left in their hands.
We get more information in the second installment, answering questions of both Felix and Astra’s past. They uncover diaries and letters left to Felix from the Clockmaster, that he prepared in the event of his death. These letters help guide Felix and he learns the real purpose of the Clock leading up to the year 2525. Let’s just say, it isn’t good.
“People get dangerous ideas from books, ideas about how to fight and how to be cleverer than their enemies.”
We also get more information about the years leading up to the present. What happened to cause this society to diverge so far from the utopia it was trying to be? Finally getting some answers felt enormously satisfying and rather than feeling satiated by the knowledge, you simply want to know more of what happens next. As with any good dystopian, the more you know, the worse things seem to get.
“Chaos haste ceased to exist. It still existed all this time, he was just isolated from it. And along with the chaos, he was kept away from life.”
I am also happy to start seeing more of the world outside of the shack. While I adore the shack, (and the gorgeous library in the basement), we need to start seeing some action in the outside world. We don’t see as much action in this installment, but the plot is set at the end for an explosive ending filled with action. Or so I hope.
This book is definitely focused more on Felix than Astra. She is really only heard in her voice in a handful of chapters. I understand that Felix is the one who is tasked with fixing the Clock and the one who the letters are directed to, but I do feel like Frank could have balanced between the two a bit more. In a society where women are brushed away as second class (or worse) citizens, it felt symbolic to want Astra more involved in her own story, using her own voice.
I also think it’s important, as Astra is the one who can really give us the sense of what is hanging in the balance. Women like her being propped in laboratories against their will, being powerless and voiceless. Even as a solider, Felix never lived a life like that, so to diminish her voice diminishes that harsh reality as well. This book is focused more an bigger picture world, but we need to remember the details. It’s Astra that gives the book heart, so I wish there had been more of her.
Christmas again is a heavy theme in this book, and it does turn a bit slanted towards the religious. Some may argue that Christmas is religious, but in my opinion, that’s debatable. Here it becomes less about the holiday and more about the religious undertones, and the religious history of the holiday.
Book two does have an info-dump feel to it, even though the author attempts to break up the monologues with thoughts and ideas as they read. But, still, there is a lot of the Clockmaster talking and only snippets of actionable plot happening. I’m hoping that now that we have that out of the way, the third book is action packed. I would have loved to have gotten to know several characters introduced in this book much better, and hope we get the chance in the next installment.
There is quite a lot to enjoy from a political standpoint in the book. Philosophy and how good ideas can turn bad are presented towards the end. We have already seen the results of these ideas, so it was interesting to read how they came about.
“Power will always pollute things. The world’s entropy will always increase and man carries the source of the pollution within himself. He carries the seed of redemption as well, but it’s not as simple as you’f think to find it. It’s certainly not as simple to redeem as it seems to be be to destroy.”
The Greek philosophers are mentioned quite a bit by the Clockmaster. It would have been a bit well-rounded to have included other philosophies, especially given how he had three hundred years and isolation to build his education, it feels a bit narrow to only focus on one set of philosophy.
Again, this is a short book, leaning towards a novella, so it’s a fast read. The third book comes out at the end of the year.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to read and review.
reveriesociety's review
So, No Plain Rebel is the second installment in the No Ordinary Star series. If you read my review of the first part, you'll see I really, really liked it, but... like wasn't completely and over the moon in love? It just took some getting used to, the shortness and therefore how everything in that book was more drawn out somehow?
Of course, the story is cool and intriguing and has this air of magic that I love!
Now, for the second part...
The only thing I'll say is that I'm not sure I like the past getting in the way of what's happening at the moment. When the book began, I was so happy to be able to continue Astra's and Felix's story, but then boom, I'm transported to before.
Now, on to why you, or anyone should definitely read this book:
The characters are amazing
Umm... please elaborate?
Of course both are badass and everything, but what most stood out to me is that both Astra and Felix have a lot of noticeable flaws and they kind of complement each other, making them the perfect team. Of course we get to see them working together now so it's even more evident. For example, Felix grew up in a pretty cold environment, emotionally speaking, while Astra had her father. But Felix knows how to read, and Astra doesn't. These small things warmed my writer/reader heart, because it just... fits. I like it when stories have that.
The exploration of the world
I also mentioned for No Ordinary Star that I was taken with the world the author was presenting, and here I got to see more of it, yay! The atmosphere is all dark and magical and brings a lot of old classic tales to mind. In spite of the fact that there's more happening here, I still feel it's more about the characters than anything. That said, I was grateful that it was more balanced in this story. I was still getting to learn more about their environment.
The themes!
I like how through the characters we explore several layers of theme, like what it means to be human, and the good ol' right vs wrong, and friendship, loyalty and even -obvs!- love. I feel like I'm repeating myself but the combination of Astra+Felix really is the big star of these books, as it should be! The characters are the driving force of anything. But even more so with these books. Since they have so much to learn, we are part of that journey too and get to see all those layers.
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sreepurna's review
5.0
Rating: 5/5
This book is magic.
“I hate you back, he tries to say, only his lungs can’t draw in enough air.”
Things I liked about this book:
Everything. I repeat, EVERYTHING.
Writing reviews is sometimes really frustrating. I just can’t explain how sincere I am about my feelings for this book. It’s so easy not to trust a review. And so difficult to make people believe I mean every word from the bottom of my heart.
M.C. Frank is amazingly talented. I have read her book Ruined before this (https://thelonelybooklover.wordpress.com/2016/09/09/ruined-by-m-c-frank-review-spoiler-free/), it’s a historical romance which I LOVED. I can’t believe the same person can write a dystopian fiction with such ease and make it COMPLETELY different and unique. As I mentioned in my review of book 1 of this series (https://thelonelybooklover.wordpress.com/2016/11/28/no-ordinary-star-part-1-m-c-frank-book-review-this-will-be-short-because-i-need-to-read-the-next-part-now/), I am in awe.
When M.C. Frank describes the freezing cold breeze of the North Pole, you literally shiver. No joke. When she writes of Astra describing Felix holding her, I kid you not, it felt like someone lit a warm cosy fire near my soul.
I stayed up till 2.00 a.m. last night, reading No Plain Rebel and came to the conclusion that it is one of my favorite dystopian novels. I have read many books of this genre, in fact I started finding them quite boring and similar. But ohmygod this series is so good I can literally cry.
I am so emotionally vested in Astra and Felix’s lives, that my heart is in the author’s hands now. I don’t have any idea what can happen in the third book of the series but I am waiting with bated breath to find out.
Things I didn’t like about the book:
This probably makes me a bad reviewer, but I couldn’t find a single flaw in this book.If you don’t believe me, read the book and show me ONE flaw.
Also:
This is not a sad book per se. And I don’t usually cry after reading books (I did not cry after TFIOS or Nicholas Sparks books). Then why did I tear up while reading No Plain Rebel?
I guess you never know WHAT could be a trigger for someone. You could find something cute, while I could cry buckets over the same story.
Also (this is the last one):
Please read this book. I am not asking as a reviewer. I am asking as a fellow book lover. If you want to read a solid good book which teaches you things and yet want to enjoy it, read this book.
~Sripurna
This book is magic.
“I hate you back, he tries to say, only his lungs can’t draw in enough air.”
Things I liked about this book:
Everything. I repeat, EVERYTHING.
Writing reviews is sometimes really frustrating. I just can’t explain how sincere I am about my feelings for this book. It’s so easy not to trust a review. And so difficult to make people believe I mean every word from the bottom of my heart.
M.C. Frank is amazingly talented. I have read her book Ruined before this (https://thelonelybooklover.wordpress.com/2016/09/09/ruined-by-m-c-frank-review-spoiler-free/), it’s a historical romance which I LOVED. I can’t believe the same person can write a dystopian fiction with such ease and make it COMPLETELY different and unique. As I mentioned in my review of book 1 of this series (https://thelonelybooklover.wordpress.com/2016/11/28/no-ordinary-star-part-1-m-c-frank-book-review-this-will-be-short-because-i-need-to-read-the-next-part-now/), I am in awe.
When M.C. Frank describes the freezing cold breeze of the North Pole, you literally shiver. No joke. When she writes of Astra describing Felix holding her, I kid you not, it felt like someone lit a warm cosy fire near my soul.
I stayed up till 2.00 a.m. last night, reading No Plain Rebel and came to the conclusion that it is one of my favorite dystopian novels. I have read many books of this genre, in fact I started finding them quite boring and similar. But ohmygod this series is so good I can literally cry.
I am so emotionally vested in Astra and Felix’s lives, that my heart is in the author’s hands now. I don’t have any idea what can happen in the third book of the series but I am waiting with bated breath to find out.
Things I didn’t like about the book:
This probably makes me a bad reviewer, but I couldn’t find a single flaw in this book.If you don’t believe me, read the book and show me ONE flaw.
Also:
This is not a sad book per se. And I don’t usually cry after reading books (I did not cry after TFIOS or Nicholas Sparks books). Then why did I tear up while reading No Plain Rebel?
I guess you never know WHAT could be a trigger for someone. You could find something cute, while I could cry buckets over the same story.
Also (this is the last one):
Please read this book. I am not asking as a reviewer. I am asking as a fellow book lover. If you want to read a solid good book which teaches you things and yet want to enjoy it, read this book.
~Sripurna