Thursday, August 9, 2012

Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance
(Defiance #1)
by C.J. Redwine

Publication Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780062117182

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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. (Goodreads)
Rachel Adam’s father has just been declared dead after not returning from a courier mission on which he was sent and never returned. As all ladies must have a Protector, the Commander of Baalboden assigns her father’s apprentice, Logan McEntire, to be Rachel’s new Protector, until she is old enough to attend a Claiming ceromony. Both Rachel and Logan believe that Rachel’s father is still alive, as does the Commander, who will stop at nothing to find the missing man.  It’s up to Rachel to track down her father, and find the missing package that he failed to deliver, before she loses all that she loves most.

Rachel’s character starts off strong when we first meet her, and she manages to become even stronger with everything she goes through in the book. I am amazed by this heroine. She is not a meek character by any means, but is loving to her family and loyal beyond a doubt.  This girl is amazing. Logan, who is Rachel’s father’s apprentice, is such a loveable character. Though he is an outcast, he takes his trade seriously. He, too, is loyal to those he cares about, and he will stop at nothing to keep Rachel safe.  I must say, I love the relationship between these two. Yes, they had known each other for a long while, but the romance between them still grew slowly over time. They were a great couple.  

The Commander is easily one of the most evil villains I have ever read. You’re really going to love to hate this man. He literally stops at nothing to get what he wants, even hurting innocent people. Reading some scenes in the novel had my hand flying to cover my mouth in dismay. He is cruel beyond belief, and has made my top 5 list of most evil villains.

The storyline and world-building for this book is absolutely brilliant. I loved all of the descriptions; from the setting to the clothing, and everything in between. The pacing was perfect as well; there was always something going on that kept me hooked to the pages. You will feel an amazing mix of emotions when you read this book; from love and hatred, bewilderment and inspiration. It has it all!

Overall; this book is amazing! I am kicking myself for waiting so long to start the book.  From the characters to the plot, you will definitely be hooked.  I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what adventures the author will take us on next!

10 comments:

  1. I loved this too. Rachel is such an awesome character and it was refreshing to see her show her anger at her situation. Thanks for reviewing this.

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  2. I liked this one a lot too! I was expecting it to be more of a high fantasy, but I was pleasantly surprised by all the other genre mash ups.

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  3. This sounds really great! Now I'm hoping even more to get to read it as soon as possible... I'm very glad you enjoyed it so much. Crossing my fingers that I'll think similarly. :)
    Thanks for sharing!

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  4. OHOHOH! I can't wait to read this one! A bad guy that I'm going to love to hate? Totally in. Plus, the cover's gorgeous.

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  5. I love how your review has made me incredibly excited to read this book! It sounds like it was an awesome adventure, and the characters also sound like they're really people I'd like to get to know.

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  6. There was very much a "good vs evil" in this book without the gray area. I loved the action, too!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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  7. I think I might I like this book! I've kept my eye on this book for months, and I actually debating whether to invest in it or not. Although, it does seem pretty good so I might give it a try!

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  8. I did the same thing as you, Christy - I felt like shaking myself for not picking up this one the minute I received the ARC. When I started it, I could barely put it down. I loved Rachel and Logan too, oh so much. Agreed that the Commander is one EVIL dude!

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  9. The romance grows slowly? Oh, you had me there. Plus, I like books that have good villains.

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  10. Already preordered my copy of this book . . . can't wait to read it now! Sounds just as fantastic as I expected it to be. So yay for that. Great review!

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Thanks for stopping by! :)