Content Warnings: Anxiety, mild depression, death of a friend, mild homophobia, Stranger Things universe

Rebel Robin is one of the novels to enrich characters of the Stranger Things universe. With that in mind, Rebel Robin spans the time from the beginning of season 1 to the beginning of season 3. While major events that happen in the series are mentioned, they are, at best, a way to ground the reader into the overall timeline.

We meet our favorite scoops slinging Robin in her sophomore year, diving into her high school experience. Robin, like every other person to ever pass through high school, is struggling to find out who she is. From marching band to trying out for the school play, Robin is attempting to be an under the radar nerd, which is in contradiction to her children of love anything goes parents. But the bigger mystery that Robin is trying to solve is who she likes, all the while saving money to leave Hawkins and explore Europe. Will Robin find her identity or leave the mysteries of Hawkins behind, saying goodbye in four languages?

Billed as young adult, this book skews more towards younger audiences, but people who enjoy Stranger Things (and the continued exploration of the universe) will still find joy in this book. It was quick paced and nothing extraordinary, if only because the reader is experiencing the first two seasons of Stranger Things in a friend of friend said this sort of way.

I do appreciate learning more of Robin's backstory; she was my favorite addition to season 3 and I can't wait to see her storyline in season 4!