I am Rebel

Published on 26 October 2024 at 20:59

I am Rebel

by Ross Montgomery

★★★★

Review

This is another fantastic book by Ross Montgomery that really pulls on the heart-strings. As a dog-lover, I was totally hooked by the storyline and could picture myself and my pup in the same situation. I was super pleased to see the disclaimer on the back of the book (No dogs die in this book) as it meant that I could relax and enjoy the story.

This book is written from the perspective of Rebel the dog. Ross Montgomery captures the canine voice perfectly and includes lots of subtle details that bring his voice to life. I can only assume that he has had plenty of experience with dogs as the thoughts and actions are exactly what I imagine my dog to be thinking when she sees me, hears me whistle or smells bacon.

The storyline itself is hard to swallow. The thought of having to leave my home and my beloved pet to fight for something I believe in is almost too much to bear and I found my stomach twisting the further Rebel was separated from his owner. However, Rebel is a delightfully optimistic dog who is driven purely by his love for Tom and I felt that I was in safe hands. I loved reading of Rebel's "meanwhile adventures" on his journey to reunite with Tom in which he met lots of other animals, kind strangers and travelled through treacherous mountains.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs, adventure and suspense!

Key information

Author: Ross Montgomery

Illustrator: Keith Robinson

Release Date: 27th June 2024

Book type: Chapter, 298 pages, paperback

Reader level: Growing reader (8+)

Overview

Rebel is a loyal dog. He loves his life. He loves bacon. But most of all, he loves his owner, Tom. Rebel's life on the farm is perfect in every way, so why would anyone want to change it?

I am Rebel follows the story of a dog stuck between love and war. While Rebel is content in his life on the farm, twelve year old Tom is becoming more and more aware of the injustice in the world around him. Taxes are rising, families are starving, and the King is living in luxury in his golden palace. Inspired by stories of the Reds, a rebellion group who are believed to be reforming, Tom longs to fight back and reclaim the land for his family and his people.

What was a perfect day for Rebel takes a horrifying turn when Tom is recruited by a strange man in a wolfskin coat. Before long, Rebel finds himself alone as his beloved owner fails to return from the woods. When a letter is found under his pillow, Rebel realises that Tom is not coming home. But he's a good dog. He's a loyal dog. And he would do anything to keep Tom safe - even if that means battling wolves, starvation and running through a live battlefield.