Defiance
Author: C.J. Redwine
Series: Defiance #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Dystopian
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Summary:
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.
First Sentence: The weight of their pity is like a stone tied about my neck.
My Review:
This isn’t the first time I’ve read Defiance and I hope this certainly won’t be the last time I read it either. When I first started Defiance, it was long before I started book blogging – back when I was still developing my bookish tastes, what I like or didn’t like, etc. When I got my hands on a copy of Deception, the sequel to Defiance, I wanted to re-read Defiance all over again because I didn’t remember much about Defiance when I read it over a year ago. I just remembered that I liked it a lot and that’s it. Another reason I re-read Defiance was to see if my taste in books changed much, if any. Let’s just say that ever since I started book blogging, I have entirely different expectations, but Defiance managed to once again meet my expectations.
The Commander’s voice booms across the Square. This is the man who shattered my life. The man who covered me in crimson. (180)
I absolutely adore Rachel. She is just so strong. Rachel refuses to cry about her father in front of others because it’ll make her appear weak, something I know for a fact that I absolutely can’t do. If I was her, I’ll be sobbing in front of everyone; who cares about the consequences? I wish I can also fight like Rachel does – I could easily protect myself and others if I had her fighting skills. She knows how to use swords, knives, the works. The best part about Rachel is that she won’t give up. She’s just so fierce – in fact, she’s one of the fiercest female characters I’ve ever read about. I, however, won’t want Rachel’s recklessness. As you guys should know, recklessness almost always gets you in danger.
Logan, meanwhile, I’m not that impressed with. At some moments, he was impossibly dumb (you’re locked up in a jail cell with the guard who is supposed to be following Rachel’s family. Why do you think that the guard’s family is with you there? It took me half a second to figure out the Commander’s plan while Logan got beat up badly trying to figure it out). Oh the other hand, I gudgingly do admire Logan’s skills for making very helpful inventions. Why wasn’t I born with that useful skill?
As readers can immediately tell from the summary of Defiance, Rachel and Logan are obviously going to get together. Here’s the thing: I kind of felt that their relationship is based on insta-love. According to Rachel, her and Logan haven’t spoken for around two years ever since he first rejected her. Two years later, when fate pushed them together, they hang out for about a month at most (it’s the feeling I got from the book) and got separated. While they were apart, Rachel and Logan realized that they had loved each other all along. Yes, I accept the fact that Rachel has probably never stopped loving Logan even after he rejected her (she told him that) and yes, I also accept the fact that Logan has been denying himself to be with her all along because he felt that he wasn’t good enough for her, but their relationship still feels like it’s a bit of insta-love to me.
I don’t want to die without Rachel, either. I’m a fool for not seeing it before.
…
It takes facing imminent death to realize I love her.
I love her. (336)
I have to say, C.J. Redwine is really good at writing plot twists. Every time she throws a plot twist my way, I never see it coming. Here’s the thing: I can easily predict most plot twists miles ahead of me before they actually happen. However, I couldn’t predict C.J. Redwine’s many plot twists, which had the ability to literally mess me up – I was worrying for both Rachel and Logan, hoping that they’ll survive whatever plot twist was thrown their way. My heart was pounding and I was starting to sweat as I gripped the book tightly, reading on and hoping that Rachel and Logan would somehow get through whatever obstacle was thrown their way.
C.J. Redwine’s writing is also so beautiful. Some of her descriptions were so beautiful that I just wanted to stop reading and write the entire page down, to memorize it and to cherish it. My note-taking notebook is filled with pages of passages I loved and awesome emotional quotes taken from Defiance.
Willow accused me of wanting nothing but revenge. She was wrong. I want redemption. I just don’t think I can get it without exacting revenge first. (363)
Despite the many positives Defiance has, it also has its flaws, especially with the world-building. There were so little details given about the world-building in Defiance. Yeah, I get how the world got to the way it is, but when did it happen? Did it happen during present day (the names Rachel and Logan indicate that the book may have taken place during modern-day), the future (all those inventions Logan makes with such few supplies indicate that they have some advanced technology that we don’t have), or during the medieval times (in Baalboden, women lack of power and need “Protectors.”)? I want a better timeline. Hopefully I’ll get that in the next book.
I have to congratulate C.J. Redwine on her special skill: She’s not at all afraid to kill off any of her characters. Like Elizabeth Norris, author of one of my absolute favorite series, Unraveling and Unbreakable, C.J. Redwine tries to scare me with all the deaths happening in her book. Starting to like a character? They die. It gets to the point where I can’t fall in love with any of the characters, except Rachel and Logan of course (because I highly doubt authors will kill off their main, main characters), because in the next instant, they could be dead. The worst/best part is that I can already tell that the sequel to Defiance, Deception, would have a lot of deaths in it too.
The crimson has seeped beneath my skin, entered my veins and become a part of what’s left of me. No amount of scrubbing can erase that. (353)
Overall, Defiance has gotten me all pumped up to read the next book, Deception. In fact, I’ve got my copy of Deception with me here, right now. (Yes, I’m currently stroking its gorgeous cover.)
Do I recommend Defiance? YES. If my review couldn’t convince you to give the book a try, just look at the gorgeous cover. It’ll totally convince you to give Defiance a chance.
Yeah I so agree with mostof your points! I felt that the worldbuilding isn’t clear enough, there are some elements of dystopian, and then post apocalyptic and the book seems to be set on a medieval era but there are technologies. I’m hoping CJ can explain all of this to us in the second book :D I must admit that I didn’t found their romance instalove but I certainly understand why some people classify it as one. Anyways, I’m sooo excited to read Deception! I’m not sure when it will be released in my country but I will definitely buy a copy!
Kezia @ Chapteriosity recently posted…[ARC Review] Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles
I finished reading the second book, Deception, yesterday and sadly, C.J. Redwine didn’t emphasize more on the world-building. :l
I don’t really find Rachel and Logan’s romance as an insta-love, but at the same time, I just felt it was. I don’t know, it’s kind of hard to explain how I feel about their romance exactly.
Aww, it’s not released in your country yet? ):
Maybe you can buy it from The Book Depository! They have free shipping. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
Re-reading books can be so much fun! Sometimes it’s returning to a world you love (Harry Potter), sometimes it’s like you: seeing if you still like it. I’m happy that this book didn’t disappoint you the second time. What made me laugh is the fact that I was the complete opposite: I liked Rachel, but she annoyed me – so I prefer Logan over her :p
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…Review 203. Lauren Destefano – Fever.
I sadly still haven’t read Harry Potter yet. D: -hides-
Ha ha, I admired Rachel’s bravery and coverage in this one while Logan, nah, not so much. However, Deception was an entirely different story. :P
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
This has definitely encouraged me to hurry up and read this. I’ve had a copy on my eReader for months now, but have kept putting it off for whatever reason. With a review like this, though, at’s NOT to be tempted to push all other books out of the way, haha.
Amanda @ Hell-Bent to Read recently posted…Review | Doll Bones by Holly Black
Yay, I’m glad you’re finally giving Defiance a chance Amanda! :D
I hope you’ll like it as much as I do. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
Awesome review! I really want to read this book, but my library doesn’t have it and I don’t like to buy books until I have read them and loved them. I really like the story line or this book. ;)
Thanks Cali! (:
Aww, that sucks that your library doesn’t have Defiance yet, especially after more than one year since its release! Maybe you can ask them to get it?
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
I’m really excited to eventually getting around to reading this series. I just don’t think I can start another one right now, haha. I’m glad to hear you say that the author writes really good plot twists, because I have the same problem as you, where I usually see things coming (it sucks!).
Miranda @ Tempest Books recently posted…September 2013 Book Haul (30 books!)
I totally get you – I’ve started SO many series that I need to finish them all first before I can read anymore new series.
It does suck! Once I predicted a REALLY great plot twist in another book before the sequel came out and it totally ruined the sequel for me. :l
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
Ooooh! I nnnnneeeedddd this book. That cover and the summary…it looks totally me xD Glad you liked it so much <3
Happy reading
Jackie
http://nobentspines.blogspot.com/
Jackie recently posted…Top 6 Book Inspired Gifts
Ha ha, I have a really good feeling that you’ll LOVE Defiance Jackie. ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
I’m glad that you liked it Kelly! I loved this book as well and I can’t wait to read Deception. I agree with Logan though. I liked him, but I loved Rachel more. Because she’s a kick-butt heroine, its rare to see that. Great review as always :)
Jules recently posted…Book Review: For the Love of a Vampire by M. Leighton
Yay, Team Rachel over Team Logan Jules! -high fives-
Rachel gets a bit annoying in Deception though… =3=
And read Deception asap so we can both swoon over it! :D!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
YAY! I’m glad that you liked it! I don’t read Defiance yet, but I want to read it so bad! This book is on my TBR list for a long time and I’ve heard so many great things about it!!! Hope to read it very very soon!
thanks for the review!
I think you’ll love this one Kassi – it’s absolutely amazing! :D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
I’m not sure whether or not this book will be for me, but I think I should certainly give it a try- though I was sure I had taken it off my tbr because of a review tha pointed out a couple of things that would really have bugged me. Rachel sounds like she could be/is a really wonderful character, and I’m glad that she isn’t flawless- I always find it a little odd that characters (generally female) who are supposed to be “kick-ass” have this reckless streak. I don’t often see a female character who can defend herself solo and never be reckless; I suppose recklessness, especially in the face of something you care about, is easier said to control, than done. Great review!
Romi recently posted…Plotting a Takeover: Character Buys 3.
Ohh, I hope you’ll end up liking this one Romi! I don’t want to disappoint you. -crosses fingers-
Yeah, that’s true. Maybe because if a heroine is both kick-ass AND not reckless, she seems too good to be true because she has absolutely no flaws? Yeah, the author can make her lack some IQ, but readers easily get mad when characters act so dumb/is so dumb.
Thanks Romi! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
I cannot wait to read this book. It is sitting on my shelf, calling my name as we speak. I have no worries at all that it will disappoint me. I just have a feeling that I will love it. And it is nice to know that someone else is a re-reader! I re-read a lot of books, and I love it. It is always interesting to see how my tastes may have changed. Thank you for your wonderful review!
I think Defiance is also whispering to you to read it now Jaime. ;D
And yeah, I am a re-reader, although I rarely re-read books now since I have so little time to read because of school and all. :l
Re-reading is awesome and lets you see how much your tastes have changed. :D
No problem & thank you for your wonderful comment! ;D
Kelly recently posted…Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
Character deaths are kind of tricky for authors hey haha. If they don’t kill anyone, they’re accused of being too soft, but if they kill off likeable characters, they’re brutal or evil. Like Suzanne Collins. Mockingjay was just brutal…
I’m going to have to give this book a reread before going into Deception! I don’t remember anything about it…but your review certainly makes me excited to get into it again :D
Nara recently posted…Review: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
So true. It’s either kill someone or look bad or not kill someone and look too soft. However, in dystopians, I expect at least one person to die though. :P
And nooo! Poor Finnick! His death was AWFUL. ):
Ha ha, that’s the main reason why I re-read Defiance – to prepare myself for Deception. I hope you’ll enjoy them both Nara! (:
Kelly recently posted…Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
This series is high on my TBR list. I can’t wait to read it. Although now that you’ve told me about characters getting killed off I am a little wary!
Ha ha, almost every dystopians have characters that die Susan! ;D
Kelly recently posted…Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
This book sounds really good and something i would enjoy!!! when i do read this book i just have to keep i mind not to like the characters too much since there was some deaths… great review!!!
I think you’ll enjoy this one Sarah! Defiance is awesome. :D
Ha ha, I think this book needs a post-it warning that says something like: WARNING! Do not fall in love with any of the characters in this book. It will break your heart.
Thanks Sarah! (:
Kelly recently posted…Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
I loved the detailed review. Thanks for it. I was confused about buying it or not and your review helped me a lot to decide.
I’m glad my review helped you a lot Satarupa! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender
I read this review and immediately wanted to read, because I love your comments, but they were too many 4 star. was very poor argument, I expected much more, logan became very common and also rachel however as you say is very well told and I want to read the next book but not too sure.
I think in your review you say all the right things in the book, great review
Ha ha I don’t really get what you’re saying in the beginning sentences. :P
You should also read Deception Dajely, it definitely does not suffer from the second-book syndrome.
And thanks! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender
This has been on my TBR list for quite awhile- mainly because of the cover. It’s gorgeous! After reading your review, I want to read it even more. It sounds amazing!
Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…Miscarriage
Ha ha, the reason why I read Defiance the first place is because of it’s gorgeous cover. You just can’t resist it.
Defiance also being good is a huge plus. ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Best Books To Read For Halloween
Ooo I’m scared and intrigued that characters will be killed off! Always happy when an author keeps no one safe. So far (I’m only like 15% in) I’m having a bit of trouble with the characters…well Logan I guess. I like reading from is pov but some of his choices and disregard for Rachel’s emotions make me feel meh. I’ll continue on and see how I feel.
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction recently posted…Review of Tandem by Anna Jarzab
Ha ha, just don’t fall in love with anybody. You won’t know when they’ll be off’d. :P
That’s why I like Rachel better than I like Logan; he’s just, well, unsympathetic. I think it’s because he isn’t used to thinking for two people because in all his life, he’s been thinking about only himself and how to survive. o:
I hope you’ll love this one Kristen! (:
Kelly recently posted…Monthly Wrap Up: September + October 2013
Reading your review reminded me how much I did end up liking this book. It’s been a while. I also have the sequel. I must try to read it soon!