Rebels: Jill Williamson's Dystopian Trilogy Comes to a Close
Read my interview with author Jill Williamson here!
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| (c.) 2014 Zondervan/Blink |
Title: Rebels (The Safe
Lands #3)
Author: Jill Williamson
Publisher: Zondervan/Blink
Zondervan/Blink
The ending of a
trilogy can be a tricky thing. Sure, the
first entry is important: It has to set
up the story, setting and introduce characters.
Then the sequel normally builds on that and usually ends on a
cliffhanger or sets the scene for the climax: the final third of the story. This important entry is responsible for
wrapping up the plot and giving readers the payoff, the finale, the
conclusion. Ideally, the ending meets
expectations to a satisfying finish, leaving readers on a high note. Done incorrectly, it can end up being a letdown
to what was otherwise a great series. For
the most part, Rebels, the finale to Jill Williamson’s Christian YA Dystopian trilogy
is the former.
Some of the
things I always enjoy about Jill Williamson’s books are her world building and
characters. Similar to Veronica Roth’s
Factions or Suzanne Collins’ Panem, Williamson’s dystopian civilization has eerie
connections to our contemporary world.
It is easy to picture our society going too far in certain directions to
lead us to something similar to the Safe Lands.
The technology and fashions are a mix of futuristic and old industrial
depending on whether outside the Safe Lands or within. Little idioms and jargon such as “raven” for “handsome,”
“femme” for “female,” or “SimTap” (a Bluetooth-like system) makes you feel immersed
in a familiar, yet unfamiliar world.
Jill Williamson’s
characters are three-dimensional. They’re
not perfect and they make mistakes, but they learn from it and become stronger
people. Omar, Mason, Levi, Ciddah, even
Jemma –they all reminded me that just as God forgives us, we need to show forgiveness
to others. Shaylinn’s struggle to show
God’s love to Tova, a disgruntled woman whose husband has been giving the Glenrock
remnant shelter, was such an example to me.
Each of the characters challenged me to be more Christ-like in the way I
handle relationships, in my attitude toward others who need forgiveness (like
Omar, Ciddah, or Tova) and a reminder to consider how I am loving or caring for
others.
The main action
in this book moves like a spy or espionage plot. It culminates with a twist I didn’t foresee
and brings a satisfying end to the Safe Lands rebellion. The final three chapters wrap up the stories
of the main characters. I would call
these semi-satisfying because of course I would have loved more closure or a
more finite “happily ever after” to certain relationships. However, if Williamson had done this, I think
it could have come off as too contrived, so even though I wish it otherwise, the
ending is much more realistic and stronger as is. I look forward to see what Jill Williamson
dreams up next.
About the Book:
The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten.
The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth.
Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?
Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal.
If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die.
- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/influencer-page-for-rebels-the-safe-lands-book-3/#sthash.wkhgy11C.dpuf
The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth.
Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?
Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal.
If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die.
- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/influencer-page-for-rebels-the-safe-lands-book-3/#sthash.wkhgy11C.dpuf
"The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten.The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth.Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal.If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die."
About the Author:
Jill Williamson
is an author of all things weird. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an
outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Her Blood of Kings trilogy won two Christy
Awards, and she recently finished the Rebels, book three in a dystopian teen
trilogy from Zondervan/Blink Books. She loves teaching and encouraging writers
and blogs weekly at www.GoTeenWriters.com. Jill lives in Oregon with her
husband and two children and a whole lot of deer. Find her online at
www.JillWilliamson.com, where adventure comes to life.
The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten.
The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth.
Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?
Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal.
If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die.
- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/influencer-page-for-rebels-the-safe-lands-book-3/#sthash.wkhgy11C.dpuf
Also, check out her Rebels Launch Party this Friday on Facebook!The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth.
Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?
Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal.
If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die.
- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/influencer-page-for-rebels-the-safe-lands-book-3/#sthash.wkhgy11C.dpuf
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have done.*
[Edited for formatting, added author interview link]
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2 comments
You said you wanted to discuss the book. What's up?
ReplyDeleteI love her jargon. That above all makes her setting seem like a real place. :)
Hi Lisa, thanks for your comment!
DeleteI was wondering what people thought about the ending ... I feel like it was a bit open-ended (perhaps for a future novella or short story follow up)? I kind of was left with questions about what would happen next ... such as the future of the Safe Lands and the medical people [note: don't want to spoil too much for others] searching for it ...
Basically, it left me wanting more! Though of course, ending a series with the reader wanting more isn't necessarily a bad thing ...
What did you think?
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Comments are always welcomed and appreciated.