This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it lived up to the hype. I loved the setting and the characters. It was such an immersive read and riveting as well. I highly recommend this book.

As a Jewish reviewer, I really wanted to read and love this but I got 15% in and it is so slow and I am so bored. I think I might try to read it again because I love me some Zionist book. I am prob just not in the right mood for it at this time and don’t know when I will be

This one was so good! I'll admit, when I started it, I was a bit skeptical. (More than a bit) Right off the bat, we're thrust into a world that seems like ours, but with some differences. It took me a good half of the book to figure out if statements were literal, or just complex symbolism. In reality, it was a bit of both, but that confusion was a little overwhelming. Once I got past that though, I loved this!

My favorite thing was definitely how powerful it is. The symbolism, the characters. The fighting spirit/determination came through so strongly. This had me tearing up at times, it held so much power within it. Even days after finishing it, I can flip back in my brain and relive the most touching moments.

And although I never quite connected with the romance, I loved every character on their own. Csillla was a super loveable character. She was idealistic, and even after all that she'd gone through, she held her hope. Azriel was what The Book Thief tried to do, but 10x better. I loved him as a character. And then we had Tamas. Although he didn't get a perspective, he was a character I really enjoyed. The way all three of them wove together to create this story was amazing, and I would totally read another book just about them.

As for the romance, I wasn't a huge fan, but I feel like it warrants a mention for breaking the "rules" of YA. It didn't give our heroine the choice of 2 love interests and then force her to choose. No, this went the way of Iron Widow and chose every love interest. And I loved it for that. The growing trend/acceptance of polyamorous relationships in YA is amazing, and I hope it continues.

Even though there's more to commend this one on, I think that's enough. It was a super great read, and one I'd definitely recommend!

Thanks to Turn the Page Tours for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Book received for free through Netgalley

This book was gripping, heart wrenching, and so hard to put down. The characters grabbed me immediately and it was so hard to put down.

WWII. The Holocaust. The communists. Csilla and her neighbors in Budapest have seen a lot of horrors. The river keeps them safe, and it might be a little magic. Csilla will have to decide if it’s worth risking her life for revolution in her country.

This book was interesting, hopefully, and heartbreaking. There’s queer representation as well as an exploration of lesser-known parts of history, things I am definitely here for. It’s a timely novel of resistance, standing up, and taking risks for what you believe in. There’s a lot of buzz going around about this one, and I’m not sure if it lives up to the hype, but I will say I enjoyed it. It’s out now wherever books are sold.

What worked: Lyrical, heartbreaking historical where magic and reality merge. Based on a true event, readers are transported to 1950s Budapest and meet Csilla. She lives a complacent life with her aunt, a survivor of Auschwitz, counting down the days until they can flee the country. She longs to break away from the crushing power of the Russian control of her country. She also loves the river that speaks to her.

There are metaphors throughout this engaging story. How the color is leached from not only the country but the people. How a beautiful stranger shows himself to be the angel of death. How the secrets of the dead can be revealed at difficult times but also can give someone the hope that is desperately needed. But mostly, it's the story of a young Jewish girl in Communist Hungary who digs deep down within herself to gain the courage to fight for the country she loves.

The lyrical writing gives this story heart and I couldn't help but hope for the best for Csilla and her friends.

Mesmerizing, beautifully written historical that breaks your heart while beaming hope. Totally recommend.

Originally posted at: https://www.yabookscentral.com/this-rebel-heart/

Locke’s atmospheric novel takes place in Hungary during the Revolution of 1956. Csilla’s parents had been murdered by the ruling Communists and now, years later, they are exonerated. But life for Csilla is gray, a world absent of colors. There is no joy, no song, no pleasure. Instead, her world is bleak, cold and harsh.

Csilla has a plan to escape but circumstances change and she is faced with a huge decision. Should she leave the country that killed her parents or join in the student efforts to protest the oppressive regime?

There are a lot of references to the Danube which cuts through the middle of Budapest. It once saved her family and now it is symbolic of the political situation in the country. Like the lack of color, the river is characterized in striking description, conveying the bleakness of Hungary.

While Csilla and the other main characters are intriguing, this is not a character driven book. It seems the author’s focus was on recreating the mood, the climate of unrest. Many who are unfamiliar with Hungary’s brutal post-war years, will welcome this portrayal but be prepared for a story steeped in imagery and tone. These are the aspects of the novel that will leave a lasting impression.
3.5*

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: This Rebel Heart

Author: Katherine Locke

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Diversity: Jewish MC and characters, Gay characters, Queer characters, Poly romance

Recommended For...: young adult readers, historical fiction, fantasy, LGBT, magical realism

Publication Date: April 5, 2022

Genre: YA Historical Fiction Fantasy

Age Relevance: 15+ (Parental Death, War, The Holocaust, Death, Violence, Gore, Grief, PTSD, Romance, Genocide, Nazism, Sexual harassment, Antisemitism, Suicide, Homophobia, Murder)

Explanation of Above: The book deals with the aftermath of WW2 and mentions it, Nazism, and the Holocaust a lot. There is also death, murder, violence, and gore shown in this book as Hungary is being controlled by Soviet police. Parental death and grief are also mentioned a lot throughout the book, as well as PTSD and genocide. There is a lot of antisemitism and homophobia in the book as well. The book also has a mention of sexual harassment and suicide. There is also some romance in this book.

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Pages: 304

Synopsis: In the middle of Budapest, there is a river. Csilla knows the river is magic. During WWII, the river kept her family safe when they needed it most--safe from the Holocaust. But that was before the Communists seized power. Before her parents were murdered by the Soviet police. Before Csilla knew things about her father's legacy that she wishes she could forget.

Now Csilla keeps her head down, planning her escape from this country that has never loved her the way she loves it. But her carefully laid plans fall to pieces when her parents are unexpectedly, publicly exonerated. As the protests in other countries spur talk of a larger revolution in Hungary, Csilla must decide if she believes in the promise and magic of her deeply flawed country enough to risk her life to help save it, or if she should let it burn to the ground.

Review: For the most part I loved this book. The book was beautifully written and details a lot of history that is mostly not discussed. The book had a great premise and an interesting twist. There is great poly representation and I enjoyed seeing LGBT characters in a historical fiction fantasy novel, which is not seen in most books like this. The characters are well developed and the world building was gorgeous. The book also had a moment in it where the intensity of The Holocaust just hit me like a ton of bricks. There is a list of names shared in the book of lost family members to this one character and it spans a page and a half. It was absolutely heartbreaking and it’s a good reminder that those people lost weren’t just data points, they were people. There’s also a quote that sums it up well: “The air I breathe is made from the ashes of my people that you burned.”

However, there were a few issues I had with the book. The book uses a lot of flowery language which was hard on me to follow at some points. The book was an unexpected fantasy for me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I also think that the book would have been a bit better if some of the historical terms were better explained, but I’m speaking from an ignorant POV as I’ve not studied this point in history.

Verdict: It was so good!

After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

Rating: 4
Author: @bibliogato

This is one of those books that as soon as you see the cover you will be instantly intrigued. The cover is absolutely beautiful and looks even better in person. I really enjoyed this YA historical fiction that had some fantasy elements mixed in. If you plan on reading this one be prepared. This one definitely deals with a heavy topic that will make you emotional and might even make you cry. I think the author took inspiration from “The Book Thief” because the story along with the writing felt very similar. So if you liked that book then I would definitely recommend this book!

One thing that really stood out to me about this book was the writing. It was so beautifully written and had such a nice flow to it. The reader can literally feel the emotion. Don’t even get me started on the characters. They were so well written and they all became so important to me. Each character grew and showed their strength in their own way. I didn’t agree with certain actions/events that occurred in the book but that's just me looking for something. I also loved how diverse this book was! I had no idea it was LGBTQ until I read it and was pleasantly surprised. I definitely think they should market that more.

Overall, I would really recommend this book especially to teens. I think they could definitely benefit from reading this one.

Thank you so much @getunderlined & @penguinrandomhouse for the #gifted copy, #partner , #GetUnderlinedPartner

In 1965 Budapest becomes a Community Country. A woman who survived the Nazi's in WW did so with the help of a magic lake. The magic was not enough to keep her parents from being murdered by the Soviet police. Csilla, our protaganist, becomes surrounded by revolutionary fervor and the uncovering of the innocence of the crimes that her parents were murdered for.

Locke caught me up from the beginning of this novel. I immediately became involved with these characters and empathy for the hardships that they endure.

It is always wonderful to read about a strong female protagonist. It is nice to have proof that resiliency and a little bit of magic can lead a way out of danger.

This book deals with a lesser known , yet impactful revolution which took place in 1956 post WWII Hungary. The main character is a jewish girl who has nothing left except for her aunt and a horrid past. The author has brilliantly infused a tale of courage with magical realism and jewish folklore and is a sheer pleasure to read. The plight of a war stricken nation, the everyday life of a targeted population and their emotions are well portrayed. The author has told a tale which teaches us that every action of ours may not be rewarded , but they might create an impact one fine day. The number of times anti-semitism is mentioned in the book irked the reader in me at times, but I realized that it's too hard to live in a nation you are targeted just because of your religion. It's sad that we have to deal with anti-semitism , islamophobia and other kinds of hatred even in this century and I totally appreciate the author for calling out the same . Polyamory and LGBTQ relationships are also hinted at. What I loved the most about this book was the prose- I must say that was chef's kiss. I would read the author' s works just for her writing style

Do pick up this book if you are a fan of historical fiction , magical realism and swoonworthy prose.

As a lover of true historical fiction I had a difficult time finishing this book. The first half was very slow and once I hit about an angel of death I knew it was going to be more metaphorical and lyrical. Rereading the synopsis, I saw it had fabulist elements which I read is a newer genre. The Danube river is humanized and the "heroine" of the story, Csilla, builds a Golem out of Jewish history to save the city of Budapest from the Russians during the revolution. I like learning about history in a novel but this was truly all feelings and philosophy. Though well written and the characters well developed it lacked realism.

There are numerous literary fictions about World War II and the Holocaust. Books that talk about the horrors. But there are very few about the aftermath. And a young adult book on the theme is equally rare. When the concentration camps were liberated. When the countries and their people were left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their life. All the while dealing with the trauma of losing their families.

This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke is set in Hungary at the time 1956 revolution. Just after the Holocaust where Hungarians fought to attain freedom from the Russians just as the Polish had. It is the story of human resilience. Of the youth stepping up to take back what is rightfully theirs.

The brilliant cover is the first that catches your attention. The writing is easy and immersive. Although the pacing is slow, it is one you want to take slow and absorb all in. The author weaves in the historical events into the narrative seamlessly. The queer rep is also well-woven without it seeming to be mere tokenism. We rarely get such representation in historical novels.

I loved how the author used imagery. The play of colors. The metaphors. The grays give way to colors as the revolution progresses. There is a hint of magical realism combined with Jewish folklore. The golems, the river Danube’s magic. And some mysterious characters that you need to read the book to find out more about. The river Danube is as much a character in the book. The peppering of journal entries from Csilla’s father adds another layer to the narrative.

There couldn’t be a better ending to the book. The kind of ending that prompts you to dig deeper and look up the history very few know about. And that is exactly what I did, spending the better part of the day reading up about Hungarian history.

I loved the book and cannot recommend it enough. It is one of my favorite reads of the year.

5 STARS

Set during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, This Rebel Heart is at once historical fiction and historical fantasy.

Csilla's world is one void of color. It exists in shades of gray, ghosts of a vibrancy harder and harder still to remember. She too, exists in shades of gray, working hard to evade notice of the state that executed her parents, the same state her father tried so hard to build into something better. Every step is dangerous for her under Communist occupation by the Soviet Union, especially since Csilla is Jewish.

But when revolution arrives, and the river's magic calls to Csilla clearer than ever, it is time to make a decision. Can she still flee this country, the one that has never shared her love, or can she learn to love it anew, and see what it might become if she stays? It is more than her life at risk. It is her entire country, everything is has been, everything it could still be.

And maybe, just maybe, it might be worth it.


Every page of this book is a wonder, a gift.

From the very beginning of This Rebel Heart, I fell in love with Katherine Locke's prose. Every word is chosen so carefully, used so artfully, and the resulting atmosphere is outstanding. Even though the story is set in Communist Hungary in 1956, in a fantastical version where the world no longer has any color but shades of gray, you never once feel that the city of Budapest is dull. The prose takes the mundane and elevates it into something fantastic, at once weaving things plain with things utterly magical. What appears to be metaphor is magic, is truth, and there's never an end to the sense of wonder and awe you get drifting through Csilla's flawed city.

Truly, This Rebel Heart is a fine example of how to make your setting a character in its own right. The river and city alike stand tall throughout the story, more active players than mere landscape or set dressing. It's probably not enough to say that I'm enamored with the technique at work here, but I'm at a loss for words beyond that. 


"Everywhere we walk in this city, we walk on ghosts."

As enchanting as the setting is, it's also haunting, because these events are directly related to WWII and the political climate thereafter. Csilla is Jewish, and it affects every moment of her life. From the time the river saved her family from Nazis, cradling them in its heart, providing for them for months, to every day now, when she and her aunt keep their train tickets out of the country a secret, aching to go somewhere where Jews might belong, if only for a little while. The violence inflicted on Csilla and her community is no small thing, and her faith touches her choices in every way, from what she believes in, to the acts of magic she draws on when she sets her heart on a future that might still be.

Not to mention that one of the characters is the literal angel of death, come to Hungary in advance of great violence. Azrael is no reaper, but instead an angel who brings comfort to those about to die. His presence, while soft, even tender, is at once a warning; he is not sent without cause.

For every happy moment, for every bit of triumph in This Rebel Heart, there is no forgetting the violence and tragedy that lie before it, or the heartache yet to come. The somber atmosphere touches everything, making moments of wonder and love soar higher, making moments of fear and sorrow cut deeper.


This could be my 2022 book of the year.

On the one hand, it's a little early to make the call. On the other, this is one of the best-written books I've read in a long time, and it has refused to let me rest for long. It's powerful and aching and brilliant, and it's also one of the few books to make me cry. It's a story that captures heart and mind alike, and it seems impossible to that it fits so much into a single book. The enormity of it feels beyond comprehension sometimes, and yet here it is.

This Rebel Heart is far and away the best historical fiction book I've read, fantasy elements or not. I recommend it without question, though perhaps with a touch of heartache.


CW: loss of a loved one, Nazism, antisemitism, child death, genocide, smoking, suicide mention, homophobia, sexual harassment, violence (including gun violence), nudity

[This review will go live on Hail & Well Read at 12pm EST on 4/11/22.]

First of all, thank you to Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I really tired with this one guys, but I had such trouble connecting to the story and the characters, it felt like it was trying to be too many things at once, and it became confusing. There are some concepts that I found interesting, but because of their being what felt like so many things going on, I couldn’t get into it. Unfortunately, I have to give this 2.5 ⭐️.

Wow. I have always loved historical fiction. It’s a genre that is most dear to my heart. In the past few years, historical fantasy has become popular, and it’s probably my most favorite genre now. Locke has taken a period in time that isn’t often written about, has made it beautiful, queer, and added fantastical elements for an absolutely delightful and captivating read.

Locke tells the story in alternating timelines between Azriel and Csilla. The voices come from two entirely different perspectives, and each brings a unique take to the turmoil in Hungary. The story was further enhanced with letters, newspaper snippets, and the like, telling of the time Hungary broke free.

The way Locke wrote about the colors disappearing for people broke my heart. There is a bit of magic at play here, but the true magic lies in Csilla’s strength and resilience, which resonates with so many people. This is a beautiful read, and I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you, Random House Children’s and TBR and Beyond Tours, for sending this along!

This book was exquisite. There are definite magical realism pieces to this, so you will be disappointed if you expect purely historical fiction.

But the history is perfect! I knew the general outline of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution going into this, so I am not sure how the book would read to those who don't know that history. The point of view of a Jewish character is important to really grapple with the baggage from World War II. There is wonderful queer representation that is also appropriate to the time period. (Look into 19th century romantic friendships for some background).

For those confused by the silver river... that is how a river looks when there is no color, on a grey day. Conceiving a world without color is difficult, but the color and lack thereof are important aspects here. The stone is more difficult to explain without spoilers. The river is one of the main characters here.

The plot builds and builds and builds. And then it just ended? My partner wondered if there may be a sequel planned as I was talking about it, and I'm really hoping that may be the case. Although I can see the ending as a full end to the story, it was a bit of a let down. I can see assigning this and having the students finish the story themselves after learning what happens next.

Initially, two things attracted me to This Rebel Heart: that gorgeous cover, and the fact that it was set in a part of history I'd read little about. I've read so many historical fiction novels regarding World War II and the Holocaust, but never any about the aftermath of the war, or any of Hungary's struggles. Because of this, there were a few times I became confused about the sequences of events, but it inspired me to do my own research about the time period, and I hope to read it again one day with new knowledge.

This was a beautiful and heartbreaking read. The world in This Rebel Heart is completely devoid of color. There are so many metaphors and symbolism this choice provides, and it added an interesting and unique look to the world. It helped tell the narrative of the time period and the struggles of Hungary and its people. This choice was so smart, and I cannot praise it enough. There's so much I could say about this plot point, but I don't want to go into too much detail in fear of spoiling.

Something interesting about This Rebel Heart was a lot of the events that took place were either historically accurate or heavily based on real life events; however, it also incorporated magical realism. The main character, Csilla, was heavily connected to the magic showcased in the book, as well as with the angel of death Azriel, who's a big part of the plot. Magical realism is usually hit or miss for me, but for this one, I'm happy to say it was a hit! The incorporation of the river’s magic added even more layers and depth to an otherwise already intricate and detailed plot. And even though without the incorporation of this, it still would have been effective, the magical undertones really brought home the point of the story.

Csilla, Azriel, and Tamás, the three main characters, are very compelling and so interesting to read about. Even though the three of them are brought together through tragedy and political unrest, you can't help but root for them and wish for a happy ending, even if it seems impossible. Their dynamic was so endearing and sweet. At first, I thought it was going to be a love triangle, which I was upset about, because I am not a fan of that trope. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the three of them came together romantically! It made perfect sense for them, even in the time period they lived in. They were all drawn to each other, connected by fate, and so it made sense that they all fell in love with each other. I do, however, wish we'd gotten Tamás's point of view. I know most of the chapters were written in Csilla's perspective with only a few sections from Azriel here and there, but I would've loved to personally experience Tamás's thoughts and motivations, especially surrounding Csilla and Azriel.

There are so many wonderful plot lines and character arcs in This Rebel Heart, but one of my favorite parts of the story is how much of a slow burn it is. It would've been so easy to make this a non-stop action book, depicting different parts of the war, but the use of strong emotions and the development of the people's will slowly building was so much more effective. We got to know these characters intimately and see how the state of the world was affecting their lives. We watched as their resolve crumbled, then built itself back up again, until they could no longer be complacent and had to push back in whatever way they could.

This Rebel Heart is such a powerful and beautiful novel, and I truly treasured my time with it. This is one I read at a slower pace, because I really wanted time to digest everything and think about it as I read. Ultimately, I feel that made my enjoyment even more palpable. I'm so glad I read this one, and I can't recommend it enough!

I was completely entranced by this from the start. This book follows Csilla, a Jewish girl who is days from escaping Hungary with her aunt and moving some place she can only hope is better. In trying to keep her head down, she meets Azriel, a mysterious boy who swoops in to intercept her from the secret police following her, and Tamas, who meets her at a dance to ask her an impossible question. The majority of the book is from Csilla’s point of view, with the occasional chapter from Azriel’s perspective, but they are all main characters as they affect the plot.
I really just loved Csilla as a main character. Her internal journey was so relatable, I felt for her so quickly. We get a lot of time with her and her thoughts before things really ramp up.
The writing of this book was gorgeous. It was impossible to par down my favorite quotes down to just three and to just three that aren’t that spoilery. There were so many points that I had to pause and sit with the sentence, whether because it was gorgeous or hard hitting or just really sweet.
Speaking of sweet, there is a poly romance between Azriel, Csilla, and Tamas. The book takes place over a very short amount of time, so don’t expect a slow burn, but also, I didn’t feel it was too rushed. I wasn’t like, ride or die for their relationship, but I did enjoy some of their softer moments.
I loved the fabulsim and little bits of magic in this book. No one is wielding magic in this book, but Csilla can hear the river and the entirety of Hungary has turned sepia-toned with the rise of Communism/Soviet Russia’s interference in their daily lives. Both the river and color were used as such great metaphors, I want to scream about how they were used, but I’ll wait for you to read it.
I rated this book 4.5 stars! I need to read everything else Locke has written now!