Scan barcode
narcissia's review against another edition
3.0
At first I was pretty hardcore meh about Defiance, but by the end I became a little bit more engrossed. In the early parts of the story, the main characters fall flat, but that progressively gets better as the book goes on. Secondary characters remain pretty flat throughout the novel, though, and it is difficult to make any kind of connection with any of them. Because of this, certain events within the story do not affect me as much as they were meant to. But the villain is vile, power hungry, and appropriately detestable, which is awesome, because who doesn't love to hate a loathsome bad guy?
The plot isn't anything new, which hurts its excitement factor a little. It feels recycled. The setting and situation are moderately interesting, but if you read a lot of fantasy and/or dystopia then the setting as well as the plot will feel like more of the same. The wanting for character development is stronger when the plot is formulaic, and I think that a little more depth where the characters are concerned could have gone a long way toward making the story less pedestrian. I would've liked more of a build up of evidence in the relationship development of Rachel and Logan, for example, as well as more of a presence from the supporting characters. There is a lot of telling going on, but not all that much showing, particularly where Rachel and Logan's relationship is concerned. With regards to the worldbuilding, it is not clear whether this is a second world or a post-apocalyptic version of our own, leaving the rules of this world ambiguous at best. I would have appreciated more information on exactly what happened to take this world from its before to its after.
The pacing starts off a little slower than I'd have liked. Almost half of the book involves Rachel and Logan preparing themselves for the second half of the book. I wanted it to get to the adventures, already. But once events finally start moving forward, the pacing (and my enjoyment) picked up quite a bit. I would have loved for this to happen sooner and for more time to be spent on this phase of the story because to me it is far more interesting than just about everything that was happening in town. That being said, one way or another, by the end I found myself enjoying Rachel and Logan and their story. I did still want more from it, though.
I wanted to love Defiance. I really, really, really wanted to head over heels adore the shit out of it. I had mega-high hopes and they just weren't met. I still think it's okay, just not in a way that makes me super enthusiastic. But again, by the end I was kinda sucked in by it. A little. I liked it enough to continue with the series just to see if it's something that deserves another chance, so my opinion falls somewhere between "it was okay" and "liked it - kinda".
The plot isn't anything new, which hurts its excitement factor a little. It feels recycled. The setting and situation are moderately interesting, but if you read a lot of fantasy and/or dystopia then the setting as well as the plot will feel like more of the same. The wanting for character development is stronger when the plot is formulaic, and I think that a little more depth where the characters are concerned could have gone a long way toward making the story less pedestrian. I would've liked more of a build up of evidence in the relationship development of Rachel and Logan, for example, as well as more of a presence from the supporting characters. There is a lot of telling going on, but not all that much showing, particularly where Rachel and Logan's relationship is concerned. With regards to the worldbuilding, it is not clear whether this is a second world or a post-apocalyptic version of our own, leaving the rules of this world ambiguous at best. I would have appreciated more information on exactly what happened to take this world from its before to its after.
The pacing starts off a little slower than I'd have liked. Almost half of the book involves Rachel and Logan preparing themselves for the second half of the book. I wanted it to get to the adventures, already. But once events finally start moving forward, the pacing (and my enjoyment) picked up quite a bit. I would have loved for this to happen sooner and for more time to be spent on this phase of the story because to me it is far more interesting than just about everything that was happening in town. That being said, one way or another, by the end I found myself enjoying Rachel and Logan and their story. I did still want more from it, though.
I wanted to love Defiance. I really, really, really wanted to head over heels adore the shit out of it. I had mega-high hopes and they just weren't met. I still think it's okay, just not in a way that makes me super enthusiastic. But again, by the end I was kinda sucked in by it. A little. I liked it enough to continue with the series just to see if it's something that deserves another chance, so my opinion falls somewhere between "it was okay" and "liked it - kinda".
erikajay's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audio version and I really enjoyed it!
Things I enjoyed:
-The villain. The Commander is such a power-hungry, controlling, evil man. Easy to hate him.
-Claming day. Obviously in real life, this would be awful. But it was a really interesting aspect of this society.
-Logan/Rachel relationship. I liked their relationship! There was tension and buildup, which I think was nicely done, they don’t just immediately fall in love. I was really worried that the whole “he can’t REALLY love me” phase was going to last much longer (like in so many other books), but for once the couple actually TALKS and moves past that road block! Hallelujah!
I’m looking forward to reading book two!
Things I enjoyed:
-The villain. The Commander is such a power-hungry, controlling, evil man. Easy to hate him.
-Claming day. Obviously in real life, this would be awful. But it was a really interesting aspect of this society.
-Logan/Rachel relationship. I liked their relationship! There was tension and buildup, which I think was nicely done, they don’t just immediately fall in love. I was really worried that the whole “he can’t REALLY love me” phase was going to last much longer (like in so many other books), but for once the couple actually TALKS and moves past that road block! Hallelujah!
I’m looking forward to reading book two!
magencorrie's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/4 stars
My Review:
I was a bit nervous going into Defiance, but you know what, I’m so glad I picked this book up. Now, why was I nervous? Well, I was looking forward to this book, but I kept hearing/seeing mixed reviews about it. Defiance sounded like my kind of book, so I took a chance and picked it up. I’m very glad I did. Now, I gave it a 3.5/4 star rating. That means I really, really enjoyed this book, but there were just a few things that I didn't enjoy. Again, just a few things.
Now, I would like to point out the cover of Defiance. I absolutely love that cover. It is one of the first things that sold me on this book. It’s very striking and draws my interest. It, in a way, does go so well with the book and with the story. I just really like it!!
Rachel is a girl raised in an uncommon fashion, she is taught to fight, to wield a sword, and to survive on her own. Within the walls of Baalboden, where women are assigned protectors, this is frowned upon, almost against the very law. But Rachel’s father, Jared, knew Rachel needed these skills and in secret he taught her how to be a tough warrior. And alongside her is Jared’s apprentice, Logan, who was once a street urchin. A genius, who is not only great with a sword, but a wonderful tracker and an even greater inventor.
Years pass and both Rachel and Logan have grown; their skills great and able. Then one day Rachel’s father doesn't return home. As one of the most skilled trackers in Baalboden, Rachel knows there is a reason behind her father’s disappearance. When she confronts the Commander, after he claims her father dead, she knows the Commander is hiding something. Not only does he make her suspicious, but at Rachel’s father’s last commands, Logan is assigned her protector, this would be a good thing, if the two got along...
Then with a series of events, Logan and Rachel come to an unsteady pact, to find her farther. They escape Baalboden, and outside of the walls not only do they have to fear the Commander, but the monster that lives out in the wild, and the assassins that want them dead.
On there journey, they discover things that could change not only their world forever, but the lives of everyone within and outside the walls of Baalboden. And when Rachel and Logan think they have enough on their plates, it seems romance is blossoming between them. Love, adventure, treachery, hope and survival are all the things that Rachel and Logan must face now, now that they have discovered something that wasn't meant to be found.
One thing that took me by surprise was that the POV’s change in the book! I had no idea, and all of a sudden I was reading in Logan’s POV. I was like, ‘wait a minute’ *turns back to beginning of that chapter* ‘what??!!! Logan’s POV, what the..........cooollll....* But I so enjoyed it! I’m really liking it when the authors switch POV’s, especially between the two main characters, and I so enjoyed it in Defiance. I got to not only understand Rachel, but Logan as well. I got to experience two different journeys.
Now, the characters, I really enjoyed all of them to be honest. Rachel definitely had spunk and she doesn't back down. She’s a fierce female, and I love fierce females. She also has the tendency to speak or act first then think about the situation later. At times, I didn't understand why she would do something, or I think she was just too rash for her own good. Then you have Logan, the guy, yup the swoony guy. Logan. The best way to describe him is that he is the opposite of Rachel. How she jumps first, ask questions later, he thinks then acts. I believe, in a way, they really balance out each other. I think that was why they also make a good couple. They do struggle with it in the story, but I can see each other play off one another, they balance out. And that brings a nice factor to the story. As they go off in search of Jared, they grow together and learn so much. I feel they did grow and developed as characters quite well.
The pacing of Defiance was good. I never had the sense that it was too rushed and it flowed nicely. Everything felt like it was happening right when it was supposed to. I never got lost or got sidetracked, I love when a story can keep me so involved! Redwine did a good job with that. The writing was enjoyable, smooth and involving.
I do know at times Logan and Rachel made me mad, confused me, and made me swoon. There were also times in the book that I would just start giggling, along with moments that made my toes curl! But even with that, something just felt... I don't know..off.
Now, I’m not sure what it was, but there was just something about the book that felt off. Maybe the romance aspect of it, something in the story or what, I just can’t put my finger on it as to what made it feel off. I really enjoy this book, but I just couldn't fall in love with it. But aside from that iffy feeling, I couldn't put this book down. I was really interested in the world that Redwine created. It was intriguing and fascinating. One of the main reasons I really enjoyed this book. All you know about this world is that something happened, and the characters still have a bit of technology, however it’s more of a dystopian world stuck in the middle ages. Hard to explain, but it definitely drew me in and captured me in the story line.
I really enjoyed Defiance, and I will definitely read the next books in the series, however, as much as I enjoyed it, it wasn't exactly what I expected.
Overall though, Redwine created an interesting and unique world filled with love, adventure, and hope. So many things wrapped up in one mesmerizing book, and I cannot wait to see where this series is heading!
My Review:
I was a bit nervous going into Defiance, but you know what, I’m so glad I picked this book up. Now, why was I nervous? Well, I was looking forward to this book, but I kept hearing/seeing mixed reviews about it. Defiance sounded like my kind of book, so I took a chance and picked it up. I’m very glad I did. Now, I gave it a 3.5/4 star rating. That means I really, really enjoyed this book, but there were just a few things that I didn't enjoy. Again, just a few things.
Now, I would like to point out the cover of Defiance. I absolutely love that cover. It is one of the first things that sold me on this book. It’s very striking and draws my interest. It, in a way, does go so well with the book and with the story. I just really like it!!
Rachel is a girl raised in an uncommon fashion, she is taught to fight, to wield a sword, and to survive on her own. Within the walls of Baalboden, where women are assigned protectors, this is frowned upon, almost against the very law. But Rachel’s father, Jared, knew Rachel needed these skills and in secret he taught her how to be a tough warrior. And alongside her is Jared’s apprentice, Logan, who was once a street urchin. A genius, who is not only great with a sword, but a wonderful tracker and an even greater inventor.
Years pass and both Rachel and Logan have grown; their skills great and able. Then one day Rachel’s father doesn't return home. As one of the most skilled trackers in Baalboden, Rachel knows there is a reason behind her father’s disappearance. When she confronts the Commander, after he claims her father dead, she knows the Commander is hiding something. Not only does he make her suspicious, but at Rachel’s father’s last commands, Logan is assigned her protector, this would be a good thing, if the two got along...
Then with a series of events, Logan and Rachel come to an unsteady pact, to find her farther. They escape Baalboden, and outside of the walls not only do they have to fear the Commander, but the monster that lives out in the wild, and the assassins that want them dead.
On there journey, they discover things that could change not only their world forever, but the lives of everyone within and outside the walls of Baalboden. And when Rachel and Logan think they have enough on their plates, it seems romance is blossoming between them. Love, adventure, treachery, hope and survival are all the things that Rachel and Logan must face now, now that they have discovered something that wasn't meant to be found.
One thing that took me by surprise was that the POV’s change in the book! I had no idea, and all of a sudden I was reading in Logan’s POV. I was like, ‘wait a minute’ *turns back to beginning of that chapter* ‘what??!!! Logan’s POV, what the..........cooollll....* But I so enjoyed it! I’m really liking it when the authors switch POV’s, especially between the two main characters, and I so enjoyed it in Defiance. I got to not only understand Rachel, but Logan as well. I got to experience two different journeys.
Now, the characters, I really enjoyed all of them to be honest. Rachel definitely had spunk and she doesn't back down. She’s a fierce female, and I love fierce females. She also has the tendency to speak or act first then think about the situation later. At times, I didn't understand why she would do something, or I think she was just too rash for her own good. Then you have Logan, the guy, yup the swoony guy. Logan. The best way to describe him is that he is the opposite of Rachel. How she jumps first, ask questions later, he thinks then acts. I believe, in a way, they really balance out each other. I think that was why they also make a good couple. They do struggle with it in the story, but I can see each other play off one another, they balance out. And that brings a nice factor to the story. As they go off in search of Jared, they grow together and learn so much. I feel they did grow and developed as characters quite well.
The pacing of Defiance was good. I never had the sense that it was too rushed and it flowed nicely. Everything felt like it was happening right when it was supposed to. I never got lost or got sidetracked, I love when a story can keep me so involved! Redwine did a good job with that. The writing was enjoyable, smooth and involving.
I do know at times Logan and Rachel made me mad, confused me, and made me swoon. There were also times in the book that I would just start giggling, along with moments that made my toes curl! But even with that, something just felt... I don't know..off.
Now, I’m not sure what it was, but there was just something about the book that felt off. Maybe the romance aspect of it, something in the story or what, I just can’t put my finger on it as to what made it feel off. I really enjoy this book, but I just couldn't fall in love with it. But aside from that iffy feeling, I couldn't put this book down. I was really interested in the world that Redwine created. It was intriguing and fascinating. One of the main reasons I really enjoyed this book. All you know about this world is that something happened, and the characters still have a bit of technology, however it’s more of a dystopian world stuck in the middle ages. Hard to explain, but it definitely drew me in and captured me in the story line.
I really enjoyed Defiance, and I will definitely read the next books in the series, however, as much as I enjoyed it, it wasn't exactly what I expected.
Overall though, Redwine created an interesting and unique world filled with love, adventure, and hope. So many things wrapped up in one mesmerizing book, and I cannot wait to see where this series is heading!
maddie_orart's review against another edition
1.0
*DNF Review*
Full review posted on Of Reading and Random Things
The story begins with our main character, Rachel Adams, who’s waiting for her father to return home from a mission. After 60 days of absence, the commander of her town/village/settlement thing declare him dead and Rachel is not happy about it. So she begins plotting and planning her escape to go into the Wasteland to find her father. Enter main character #2, Logan, her father’s apprentice who rejected and broke Rachel’s heart some years prior. He’s an inventor who’s been tasked with something he really doesn’t want to do: be Rachel’s guardian in place of her father.
I’m sure by now you can guess where this is going.
My biggest problem with Defiance is the characters. Rachel is described to be a feminist who’s ‘not like other girls’. She’s fierce and independent, she smart, she can take care of herself. But that’s not how she comes across to me. I think she’s whiny and prickly. She’s impulsive and even though that’s not always a bad thing, it causes her to end up in less than desirable situations. She reminds me of a metronome at times because she changes her mind left and right within the span of sentences. I’m not saying that there are no redeemable qualities whatsoever, in fact, Rachel sometimes does some things right. But most of the time, she has nothing but a half-baked plan and the determination to wing it.
Honestly, I can still go on, but I think I’ve rambled enough. So now if you’re still asking me, or if you’ve skipped to the bottom to see if I would recommend Defiance, my answer would have to be a no. I think it’s a story with weak characters and a tenuous world-building all held together by a thin plot that I don’t think is very interesting. I’m really sorry if I sound harsh in this review. Maybe I didn’t read this book at the right time, or maybe I’m judging it too harshly, but I don’t think I’m going to attempt to read it again.
Full review posted on Of Reading and Random Things
The story begins with our main character, Rachel Adams, who’s waiting for her father to return home from a mission. After 60 days of absence, the commander of her town/village/settlement thing declare him dead and Rachel is not happy about it. So she begins plotting and planning her escape to go into the Wasteland to find her father. Enter main character #2, Logan, her father’s apprentice who rejected and broke Rachel’s heart some years prior. He’s an inventor who’s been tasked with something he really doesn’t want to do: be Rachel’s guardian in place of her father.
I’m sure by now you can guess where this is going.
My biggest problem with Defiance is the characters. Rachel is described to be a feminist who’s ‘not like other girls’. She’s fierce and independent, she smart, she can take care of herself. But that’s not how she comes across to me. I think she’s whiny and prickly. She’s impulsive and even though that’s not always a bad thing, it causes her to end up in less than desirable situations. She reminds me of a metronome at times because she changes her mind left and right within the span of sentences. I’m not saying that there are no redeemable qualities whatsoever, in fact, Rachel sometimes does some things right. But most of the time, she has nothing but a half-baked plan and the determination to wing it.
Honestly, I can still go on, but I think I’ve rambled enough. So now if you’re still asking me, or if you’ve skipped to the bottom to see if I would recommend Defiance, my answer would have to be a no. I think it’s a story with weak characters and a tenuous world-building all held together by a thin plot that I don’t think is very interesting. I’m really sorry if I sound harsh in this review. Maybe I didn’t read this book at the right time, or maybe I’m judging it too harshly, but I don’t think I’m going to attempt to read it again.
trishav22's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 (.7? .8?) stars.
This book was good. I loved it, I really did. But something, and I have no clue what, in me keeps saying it's not a perfect 5 star read. It was extremely good, and I'm off to die slowly while I wait to get to the bookstore so I can buy the second book.
This book was good. I loved it, I really did. But something, and I have no clue what, in me keeps saying it's not a perfect 5 star read. It was extremely good, and I'm off to die slowly while I wait to get to the bookstore so I can buy the second book.
danaelycia's review against another edition
1.0
ugh... This book was so bad I gave up after 100 pages.
kayteaface's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really enjoyable. I thought the action was great, and there was just the right amount of mystery and intrigue that makes you not want to put the book down. The characters were likeable and worked well together but, at times, there were small things that irked me about them - Logan in particular.
I felt like the beginning of the story was dragged out a bit too much and I couldn't wait for Rachel and Logan to get out of Baalboden so the real adventure could begin. Maybe the pacing of that part of the story worked well for others but I found it to be a little tedious. Overall, though, I can't really find fault with the story or the writing.
The book left some questions I have unresolved so I'll definitely be checking out whatever else C.J. Redwine releases in this series.
I felt like the beginning of the story was dragged out a bit too much and I couldn't wait for Rachel and Logan to get out of Baalboden so the real adventure could begin. Maybe the pacing of that part of the story worked well for others but I found it to be a little tedious. Overall, though, I can't really find fault with the story or the writing.
The book left some questions I have unresolved so I'll definitely be checking out whatever else C.J. Redwine releases in this series.
halynah's review against another edition
5.0
Unusual, gripping and interesting book with great characters, sweet romance and a nice pacing. Excellent beginning of the series! Highly recommended for the fans of dystopian action.
cazreader's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
it was alright, not bad but not great. wasn’t in love with the characters