Review of Girls with Rebel Souls (Girls with Sharp Sticks, #3)
I have to admit, when I first picked up Girls with Rebel Souls by Suzanne Young, I felt as though I was diving back into a world that I had come to love so deeply. The first two books of the series captivated me with their subversive themes and powerful messages about female empowerment set against a backdrop of a bizarrely oppressive society. As I listened to this third installment on audio, I found myself immersed once again in the lives of Mina, Sydney, Brynn, Marcella, and Annelise—characters that feel like old friends.
The overarching themes of Girls with Rebel Souls resonate strongly with modern readers. It delves into the idea of sisterhood and the fight against systemic misogyny. I adore the camaraderie between the girls, portrayed with such heartfelt authenticity. The relationship dynamics, especially between Mina and Jackson, add a delightful tension that grips your heart. Jackson wrestles with his feelings for Mina, and I found those moments so relatable. Who hasn’t had a crush that challenged their emotions, right?
However, the plot left me feeling somewhat disoriented. While the first two books offered paths of action where our heroines seemed to take charge of their destiny, this book felt like a series of missteps and diversions. Despite the excitement while I was lost in the pages, I couldn’t shake off the lingering ‘meh’ feeling after I closed the cover. The girls run throughout the narrative, attempting to rescue themselves and others, but they often seemed to be sidelined by circumstances they could not control. Their victories felt intangible, given that much of the “defeating” of the plant by ‘evil’ characters happened without their influence.
Suzanne Young’s writing is compelling and engaging, and her pacing adeptly balances moments of tension with quieter character-driven scenes. However, I couldn’t help but feel that the lack of direct action taken by our protagonists diminished the overall impact of their growth. At times, it seemed that the stakes weren’t as high as they should be, given the bleakness of the world around them. Instead of sharpening those sticks for battle, it felt like they mostly watched events unfold without agency.
That being said, my love for these characters overpowered my frustrations with the plot. They are so beautifully wholesome, supporting each other without the bitchiness or cattiness often found in YA fiction. I genuinely want to celebrate Thanksgiving with them and cheer for their future successes. That’s why I still felt compelled to award the book four stars—it delivers in the areas of character depth and emotional connection, even if the plot doesn’t hold up as well.
Readers who appreciate strong female friendships, layered emotional narratives, and a dash of rebellion against societal norms will find joy in Girls with Rebel Souls. It may not have mirrored the intensity of its predecessors, but this series remains an engaging exploration of empowerment and resilience. For those like me, who cherish a good companion read—a warm blanket for your literary soul—this book will still feel like coming home, reminding us that while the journey may not always lead to outright victory, it’s the company we keep that counts most.
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