Series: Defiance #1
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)
First published: August 28th, 2012
Source: Edelweiss
Format: eARC
Pages: 416
Goodreads Summary:
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
My Rating: 3.5 / 5
First thoughts:
Even though my expectations for Defiance weren't completely met, it turned out to be an exciting and enjoyable read that will appeal to both, dystopian and fantasy fans. Some parts of the story felt too dragged out for me, but the world building never failed to captivate me and ensured that I continued reading.
More detailed:
It's hard to define whether Defiance is a fantasy or a dystopian novel, but it turns out that it's not necessary to put a name on its genre. C.J. Redwine has created a very interesting world of darkness, fear and tyranny that is unique for me so far. I'm definitely intrigued to find out more about it in the next installment of this series.
My main problem with Defiance is that I never truly felt connected to its characters. While I was hoping that their problems would get solved, I was never too invested in them and did not care too much about what might happen to them. Sadly though, I have to love the characters to be able to love a book.
The love story was sweet, but slightly naive and predictable. They are an interesting and heart-warming couple, but considering that I didn't worry about them as characters, I also didn't feel much for them as a couple. Nonetheless I definitely liked that the story was told from both of their points of view, even though I have to admit that I preferred Logan's storytelling.
All in all, I still enjoyed Defiance even though I had higher hopes for it. The world building is the part that I definitely liked most and would probably the main reason for me to pick up a sequel in the future. I also know of many readers who liked it a lot more than I did, so don't let my criticism stop you from picking a copy up and developing your own opinion.
My main problem with Defiance is that I never truly felt connected to its characters. While I was hoping that their problems would get solved, I was never too invested in them and did not care too much about what might happen to them. Sadly though, I have to love the characters to be able to love a book.
The love story was sweet, but slightly naive and predictable. They are an interesting and heart-warming couple, but considering that I didn't worry about them as characters, I also didn't feel much for them as a couple. Nonetheless I definitely liked that the story was told from both of their points of view, even though I have to admit that I preferred Logan's storytelling.
All in all, I still enjoyed Defiance even though I had higher hopes for it. The world building is the part that I definitely liked most and would probably the main reason for me to pick up a sequel in the future. I also know of many readers who liked it a lot more than I did, so don't let my criticism stop you from picking a copy up and developing your own opinion.
Challenge(s):
Debut Author Challenge 2012
Buy this book:Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Have you read Defiance? If yes, what did you think about it?
If no, do you plan to read it?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Carina
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