Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2) by Moira Young

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It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.

All the things that captured my attention in Blood Red Road were intact in Rebel Heart. It was a much needed distraction and it felt great to be transplanted back into that world again.

You’d think it would be a happy reunion now that Saba has found and rescued her twin brother Lugh. Wrong! Their separation at the hands of the Tonton have scarred and changed them. Lugh, who was once the protector of his family now feels displaced as a result of his time away.  He has experienced things that have obviously affected him but he’s not ready to talk about them. Jack’s presence in his sister’s life only adds to his insecurities. They are increasingly at odds with one another especially when Saba receives word that Jack may be in trouble. To everyone else, he's a traitor who betrayed their closest ally, the rebel Hawks. Saba though trusts her heart and her instincts tell her that she should go after Jack to save him. This decision only deepens the chasm between her and her brother.

Moira Young does not skimp on the action. The plot twists and turns as many times as the characters end up changing direction on their many quests. It’s every bit as exciting as the first book and this time there are events in motion that are bigger than Saba could have even imagined. Aside from the rift between brother and sister, Rebel Heart also explores the strange connection that was hinted at between Saba and the mysterious Tonton leader DeMalo who she encountered when she was captured previously. Though I'm uncertain how I feel about the direction of that story arc, it added an element of surprise, a new layer to the already growing questions about her destiny. My only disappointment - there is not enough Jack in it. I had to satisfy my Jack addiction by staring at the rather lovely cover. He is quite stunning, isn’t he?

Okay, back to the book.  The Dust Lands series is one of my favorites. And since Blood Red Road the movie is currently in development according to IMDB with none other than director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Blade Runner) at the helm, I couldn’t help but picture this sweeping tale in widescreen. I love the language and the landscape. Above all, I love Saba. Her abrasive exterior masks an independent and frustrated young woman whose allegiances are torn between family, friends and visions of a hopeful future. The problem is that there seems to be a cost no matter where her loyalties lie. But knowing Saba, she won't be anyone's pawn. Whatever happens, it will happen her way and she'll kick some major ass along the way!

~ Bel