A review by swalk
Rubicons: A Freaks Novel by Brett Riley

adventurous informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is the third instalment of The Freaks YA series that follows a group of high school students in the sleepy area of Quapaw City, Arkansas. Gifted with supernatural powers, the self titled group - The Freaks are often finding themselves in wild trouble and this book is no different. 

 

Rubicon starts well some strange goings on and a recap of the past adventures. I would definitely recommend listening to the series in order, but it’s always nice to have a little refresher to keep you on the right track. 

 

This book really highlights the importance of friendship, how they can sprout from the most unlikely of places, resilience and camaraderie through adversity. I love that this covers a good range of topics that could come up in daily life in a very approachable manner, from bullying to racism, heritage and sexual identity. All very important topics for young people to broach.

All this tied into a tale of superheroes and adventure! I felt like the author really settled into the story with this one and took on board past criticism, they know their characters and this comes across really well making them more believable and well rounded.
 
The narrator is really great, which I don’t think I appreciated enough in the last 2 books. They make the characters identifiable and really immerse you into the city of Quapaw. 

 

(A recap the powers of each freak/ characters 

 

Jamie - Flight, empathy, emotion projection, mind reading
 Gf Gabby

Kenneth - Super strength, speed healing 

Gf is Ty 

 Micah - Temperature control, fire, ice 

 

Christian - Super speed, can jump huge distances, able to boost olfactory senses 

Partner Becci)