Friday 21 September 2012

#154 Book Review: Defiance

Defiance
Release Date: September 11st 2012
Author: C.J. Redwine
Publisher: Atom (Hachette Australia)
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:
Rachel’s world is confined to the protective walls around her city. Beyond them are violent wanderers, extreme terrain, and a danger straight out of legend: a beast called the Cursed One that devastates everything in its path.

When Rachel’s father goes missing, she is desperate to search for him. But her attempts to flee the city bring her to the attention of its overbearing ruler. His efforts to control her make the world within the walls seem as dangerous as that outside.

Her only chance at escape is Logan. Once her father’s apprentice, and now her only protector, he feels that helping her might mean losing her completely. But if he can put his feelings aside, they might be able to save more than Rachel’s father. They might be able to break down the walls, and set their people free.
Cover:
It totally rocks! The girl in the cover with her fire red hair looks just like how I imagined Rachel in the book. The forest and misty background really represents the Wasteland and I love the robe Rachel is wearing!

Story:

When defiance means freedom, would you grab the chance?

After hearing about Defiance for the first time, I knew I had to read it. Let me give you three reasons why I want to read this book:
1. THE COVER. I just love it. It screams 'FIERCE' to me!
2. Summary! What is the Cursed one?
3. Writing! I want to know how C.J. writes!

So, now after hearing my reasons, let me tell you if the book actually achieved my expectations.
1. THE COVER = YES. It looks gorgeous in real life!
2. Summary! The Cursed One are seriously creepy. I am scared of them. But the story plot is seriously awesome too! I really enjoyed reading the world of Defiance and the wall that surrounds the city; Baalboden. The city is ruled by an evil Commander who I really hate. Plus, this book is actually a combination of fantasy and dystopian, two of my favourite genres! The concept behind Defiance is quite interesting too. I am really curious of the world beyond Baalboden and the Wasteland. There's also an important event in the city called the Claiming where
3. Writing! Oh yes, I LOVE IT! C.J's writing is hooking and just because I can't help it, I have to mention the romance in this book. It's so romantic. (Well duh, Celine. Romance is always romantic) The developing relationship between Logan and Rachel is heart-warming. The book is also written from Logan and Rachel's POV so we actually get to know what is going on in their head throughout the story!

So I guess it's a tick to all!

Characters:
I have to admit, at first, Rachel is not a very likeable character to me. Even though she is portrayed as if she is a strong, independent and fierce girl, her behaviour in the beginning seems too childish. She gets quickly angered by simple things and acts as if she's strong when she's in fact, not. I still didn't quite liked her even until the end of the book.

But Logan is another case. I LOVE HIM! Okayy, I always love guys who invent things and Logan here, is one genius inventor! He invents gadgets that are so useful even though he is a tracker himself. I love how he is such a calculating person who considers Best Case Scenarios and Worst Case Scenarios. It's kinda cute!

Oliver, Rachel's surrogate father is really kind and it makes me really sad because something huge happened to him. It's all because of the COMMANDER! He's such an evil guy. But overall, the characters are really enjoyable to read about!

Overall:
Defiance is a great combination of fantasy and dystopia. Would you risk being defiant when it means freedom? I definitely enjoyed reading this book even though I had some problems with the main character, Rachel. However. the other characters are AMAZING (but not the Cursed Ones!) C.J. Redwine's writing is hooking and I highly recommend you to check this book out!
4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Defiance!
Thank you Hachette Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!

11 comments:

  1. Celine, this sounds real awesome! I love the combination of fantasy and dystopian too. And yes, I love the cover as well. I'm strangely attracted to books with fierce-looking girls on the cover. I've heard mixed reviews about this but the positive ones overrule the negatives. So excited to read this!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've read mixed reviews and wasn't interested at all when I first read the blurb but after reading some really awesome reviews for Defiance (your included!), I think I might have to give this one ago!

    I've heard that there aren't nearly enough swoons but I'm glad to hear that at least when there were, they were romantic and done well!

    Love this review, Celine! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Celine! Unfortunately, I wasn't enraptured by this book as you were, but reading your review I most definitely wish I was. I can't wait to see what you think of the sequel! You might just convince me to pick it up, despite my reservations!(: Beautiful review, dear! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the sound of this and I'm really glad you enjoyed it cause I just bought it today!! Awesome review Celine

    ReplyDelete
  5. yay I checked this one out from the library and can't wait to read it! I've heard mixed things so I'm curious to see what I think of it. I love that it's a combination of fantasy and dystopian. Glad you liked it so much, Celine!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd already decided to read this book based on so many positive reviews, but it makes me feel loads better that you enjoyed it too. I'm sorry you didn't much care for Rachel, but fortunately Logan more than made up for it. I would also fall for an inventor in a nanosecond.
    Amazing review, Celine!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's so good you enjoyed this, Cel! Rachel does sound a bit difficult but I like the sound of Logan and Oliver (and now I am worried him!)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Celine, let me guess... you really enjoyed this? Hehe ;)

    Your enthusiasm made me giggle and I really want to give this a go! The fact that you said the romance is really romantic just proves to me that the love story in this is amazing! Rachel seems pretty kick-ass, I always adore protags like that but shame you didn't warm to her quickly. And wow, LOGAN...

    Fab review, Celine <3

    ReplyDelete
  9. This book is on my to-read pile next. Looking forward to reading it! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great review, Celine. :) The reviews for this have been mixed overall, unfortunately I have a feeling that I'm not going to like it for a number of reasons. Still thrilled that you were a fan of this, though. :) And the cover is stunning and vibrant too!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yay!! I'm getting a free copy of this from a friend. :) I'm glad you loved this, Celine. After all the negative reviews I've read on this (I don't blame the reviewers,) I was having second thoughts on reading this. But your review convinced me. Thank you! :)

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...