ARC Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance by C.J. Redwine
Now Available!!! (Order here)
Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Source: ARC from publisher
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
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 Thoughts:
I'm not sure why I was so hesitant to start this one. I first received an e-ARC way back in May/June and was super psyched to read it, but other titles kept popping up that needed to be read and reviewed, so Defiance kept getting pushed back, but then I received a physical ARC and literally squeeled and jumped up and down (my co-worker thought I was crazy haha) but once again, it took me almost a month to crack open the page... but when I did, I didn't close this book until I was done!

Defiance is another highly anticipated title that lives up to the hype. Narrated from the dual view points of Logan and Rachel, Defiance is YA story that captures and blends enough nitty/gritty action, violence and romance, to satisfy both male and female readers. I will definitely be recommending this one, at work, to customers looking for a Divergent fix.

The world surround Defiance is very familiar to The Hunger Games and Divergent , in the sense that the characters live in a Dystopian society that's run by an evil Empire. This Empire being made up by one figure, the Commander, whom I believe is in the far lead for the best villain of YA this year. Seriously, you'll love to hate this man.

The romance was sweet, Rachel and Logan grew up together, so their feelings for each other have had years to grow, and as such we're not left guessing how one feels for the other. They both feel deeply, but circumstances beyond their control are force them to confront their feelings and then separate those feelings in order to do what needs to be done (sorry for being vague, but I don't want to spoil anything). It's a strong and innocent love and respect that every reader will root for.

There is a lot of action in this book, but I do have one qualm about it, the search for Rachel's father got to late a start for my liking. I was almost halfway through Defiance, when the actual journey began. I found myself constantly saying, "When are they going to get going?" But I think the dual narratives helped keep the pacing exciting enough that I had to continue reading to find out what would happen next.

Another important aspect of this novel, is the element of mystery. Redwine does a great job of unveiling information and facts in a timely matter, that blended well within the story. I can't stand it when an author tries to explain the environment and a character's background all within the first few paragraphs of their book, it always comes off as phoney and unbelievable. We're constantly asking the question, through Defiance, what is in the box? And where is Rachel's father? You'll be tearing through the pages as you try to solve these mysteries!

I realize I've been saying this a lot in my reviews, but once again, I cried while reading this book at one scene in particular, and if you've read this book, I think you'll know which scene I'm talking about. I was so broken up and feel that I must commend Redwine on taking risks and not being afraid to challenge her characters and their loved ones.

This was a great read, great story full of action, mystery and romance. A must read for all YA Dystopian fans!

Happy Reading!!!

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