Book Review: Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran

Author: Michelle Moran
Title: Rebel Queen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
First Published: March 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

When the British Empire sets its sights on India in the 1850s, it expects a quick and easy conquest. After all, India is not even a country, but a collection of kingdoms on the subcontinent. But when the British arrive in the Kingdom of Jhansi, expecting its queen to forfeit her crown, they are met with a surprise. Instead of surrendering, Queen Lakshmi raises two armies—one male, one female—and rides into battle like Joan of Arc. Although her soldiers are little match against superior British weaponry and training, Lakshmi fights against an empire determined to take away the land she loves.

Told from the perspective of Sita, one of the guards in Lakshmi's all-female army and the queen’s most trusted warrior.

Where do I even begin? 

I am at a loss of words.

I was drawn in from page one. Even though I was bummed that this was not in Rani Lakshmi's POV, I was still hooked. I adored Sita after a few pages. I could see a lot of myself in her and I loved her POV. Honestly, I would want to be part of the rani's all-female guards if I lived in India at this time. Being stuck in purdah or sent to a temple is not something I would like. I get bored and never seeing the world is not something I would like. 

UGH THE FEELS! DARN YOU MICHELLE MORAN! YOU MADE ME FEEL! haha. But yes, Michelle Moran brought this world and the characters alive. She certainly is am amazing author and she just draws you into the world. 

The ending! GAH! Why? I can't say what, but I was really sad that Sita could not fix everything. She did so much, but she lost so much and it made me mad. I totally get that it is realistic, but gah....it really made me sad and mad. Even though she made me feel these feelings, I liked it. It seemed realistic and I would have done the same thing (or some variation) if I had written the novel. 

Poor rani. :( I know the story and the outcome, but I was still rooting for her the entire time. 

There is so much I would like to say, but I can't without ruining the book.

Michelle Moran certainly did an amazing job with bringing the world and characters to life. Even though I know my Indian history, I was still rooting for the rani. So sad, but there is so much hope in this book. 

I totally recommend this to those that love historical fiction. Even if it isn't your favorite genre, you will fall in love with this story. Be warned...it will make you feel feelings and it will make you mad and sad, but it is totally worth it. I really felt bad for Boyfriend, because I would randomly shoot things when something made me mad or sad or whatever and he would be super confused, so I would have to explain. I do wish that the rani had some POV parts, but oh well...I did fall in love with Sita. She reminds me of me, so I liked her. I do need to read something in rani's POV though. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 5 stars. 



Favorite Character(s): Sita, rani, Jhalkari & Sita's dad
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Sita's granny (*grumbles*gah) & Kahini (she needs a punch in the face.....mmmmmmm)