Reviewed by Lance Stephen David for Readers' Favorite

The Rebel of Goza by Steven F. Freeman is an action thriller set in the fields of Capilla de Guadalupe, Mexico. The story follows Gabriela, who doesn't want to end up picking agave and teaching taekwondo for the rest of her life, unlike most residents in the town. Gabriela is further inspired by her grandfather's past glory as a tequila maker, and she wants to revive the family's abandoned distillery. Despite a warning from her father, Gabriela is more determined and heads to the distillery alone at night to check the equipment. However, what she encountered was beyond her expectations. She discovered activities conducted by a notorious drug cartel led by the ruthless Marcos Volante, using the distillery to store cocaine. To prevent Gabriela from exposing their operations, Volante goes after her family, killing her granddad and kidnapping her younger brother, Oscar, leaving threats to keep Gabriela quiet till they're done with their operations. But Gabriela is more than willing to risk her life to avenge her grandfather and rescue her brother. She gangs up with friends from the taekwondo school, Carlos and Miguel. Together, the trio risks their lives to rescue Oscar.

The Rebel of Goza covers many themes like ambition, determination, betrayal, and intense action. What I like most about Freeman's writing style is how well he keeps readers in suspense, especially Oscar's disappearance, which left me guessing up to the final chapters. I also love how Freeman's writing was precise and straight to the point. Every chapter left me curious to know what would unfold in the next. Gabriela's character development was always on point, and her perspective allowed me to relate to her. Her sheer will to succeed in a small town where agave farming dictated the lives of most residents is compelling, and it's something that I'd love to emulate. The antagonist was also given his share of the limelight; he was portrayed as one of the most ruthless drug lords in Mexico, who was inspired by successful military commanders. His tactics and instincts in the final battle were great, which proved how smart he was. I recommend The Rebel of Goza by Steven Freeman to readers who enjoy action-packed novels with great suspense. This book will keep you guessing till the last paragraph.