Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Posted by Jessi (Geo) on August 18, 2012 | 10 Comments


Review: Defiance by C.J. RedwineDefiance by C.J. Redwine
Series: Defiance #1
Published by Balzer + Bray (8.28.2012)
Genres: Dystopian, High Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: eARC, 416 pages
Source: Edelweiss
Buy on Amazon


4.5 Stars

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses 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 one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a 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 thoughts

I was sure before I even picked this one up that I was going to love it. And in a rare instance, I was right! Many times when I go in with high hopes, I get disappointed. But that was not the case with Defiance.

The fact that I could connect enough for it to actually make me cry earned major bonus points for this book. I even knew the bad thing was going to happen, because I saw it coming, and I still cried. The moment had been built up so much, and the hopes raised so high, it was heart wrenching for it to go down like that.

I love when a book switches views and can pull it off. A lot of times it’s easy to get lost and confused, but there was a distinction between Logan and Rachel that made it easy to keep track. It was also useful, because you could be in two places at once, and see things from every perspective. Plus, there were things that one character knew that the other didn’t. Things that were important.
I liked getting inside each of their heads to get an idea of what they were feeling or thinking.

The romance was wonderful because it wasn’t front and center, and took most of the book to develop. They had already known each other for a long time, too, so it was convincing. When the L word came about, it was sweet rather than irritating. It didn’t make me want to ralph when things got all mushy and sappy. Which is a great feat for me, seriously.
I loved how they were often on the same page mentally, even though they were far apart physically.

I need Logan. Not because I need saving. Not because he could plan our way out of this. But because on some basic, soul-deep level within me, he is the solid ground beneath my feet. The one who will move mountains to keep his promises. The one who looks at me and sees. I can’t imagine my live without him.

Rachel was a fantastic lead. She was headstrong and stubborn, fierce and defiant. I loved her and was able to relate to her. We’d be great friends, her and I. :D

I want Rachel. Not because she’s beautiful. Not because she’s my responsibility. I want her because she makes me laugh. Makes me think. Inspires me to be the kind of man I’d always hoped to be. I want Rachel because the thought of a life without her is more than I can bear.

Logan was pretty great. He was….stoic, but not cold. Just good at keeping his emotions to himself. He was also really smart, and so practical it was funny sometimes. When he was in a bad situation and started looking at things from a mathematical standpoint, I had to giggle a bit. His protectiveness over Rachel was endearing. For the most part he remained unruffled, until Rachel was in danger and then he lost his cool facade.

I’d rather combine every element on the Periodic Table and take my chances with the outcome than humble myself before the Commander.

The Commander was disturbing, terrifying, and calculating. He was the perfect villain in the form of a corrupt leader. The things he did to Rachel and Logan made me despise him. I wanted Rachel to succeed in her quest for revenge very badly! I think it’s awesome when a book can make me feel hate for a character, because it means I’m fully engaged in the story.

I actually felt a wide range of emotions while reading this one: anger, shock, denial, heartbreak, hatred, affection. Redwine did a wonderful job making Defiance seem real. And the world was so beautifully and vividly painted! I was able to picture everything very clearly in my head. And the Cursed One – ahhhh so awesome!! That’s all I’m going to say, though. Awesome.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Favorite character: Rachel.
 
quotes
I wonder which of them will have the nerve to stand up and Claim her. Mitch Patterson? I can’t agree to that. I once saw his left eye twitch for an entire hour. That has to be a sign of mental instability. Wendell Freeman? He can’t hold his liquor. And he tells terrible jokes. Peter Carmine? He’s..I search for the fault I know is there and finally decide he’s too short for her. Too short and too stupid. I don’t actually have proof that he’s stupid, but he looks like he could be, and that’s enough in my book.

And my favorite:
“Because I still love you. I never stopped. I thought I had. I wanted to. But somehow…it’s like a part of you lives inside the most important part of me, and I don’t know how to separate the two.”

This one strikes close to home for me, so I was a sucker for this sappy part!
 

Overall Assessment

Plot: 4/5
Writing style: 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World-building: 4.5/5
Pace: 4/5
Cover: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5

Jessi (Geo)

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10 responses to “Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

  1. Wow, 4.5 stars? Very promising indeed! I’ve been looking forward to Defiance for quite some time now and your review only fueled my want. :) I’m not usually a fan of dual POVs so I’m glad the switch is distinct.

  2. So glad to see you really enjoyed this book. I’ve heard many great things about it and it’s made me very excited to read it. Great review!
    Plus, the overall idea of the book sounds awesomesauce :)

  3. Great review! I also loved this book and there was great characters, and I loved the switching POVs as well :) I also loved the villain and also went through so many emotions!

  4. Oh, I really love the quotes <3 Especially your favorite quote, it's very nice! And you know that a book is good when it can makes you cry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm looking forward to read this one :) Don't you just love the cover ^^

  5. I’m glad you liked this book. I kept seeing it everywhere but never paid much attention to it but then I finally did read what it was about and it sounds really interesting so I will definitely be checking this book out :)

  6. Oh, I love your review. So thorough and intriguing.

    A friend bought this book for me (blessed her!) from Book Depository but it’s still on its way. I can’t wait for it to arrive!

  7. I love your review! I’ve wanted to read this book for a while now, before it had been released and now your review is making me want to read this even more! I was captivated by the cover and synopsis, and now that I know it’s written in alternate POVs, I’m dying to read this book!!

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)

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