Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance by CJ Redwine
Obtained: Magnet4Books ARC Tour
Release Date: August 28, 2012 in Hardcover
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Series: Defiance #1
Buy it: Amazon & IndieBound & Book Depository
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Goodreads Summary

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.

Review

This Dystopian YA novel had me on the edge of my seat nearly the entire time while reading it. You’ve got this big nasty beast who comes at the beckoning call of the Commander. You’ve got Rachel, who has been raised by a tracker to be a tracker. When her father dies, she and her not-so-best friend Logan have to track down a precious flute device before it’s TOO LATE.

I really liked this novel. I wasn’t expecting much other than Dystopian conflict, but it was made something much more beautiful with a strong, female main character. Although there is some looooove in the mix, it’s put on the back burner in order for Rachel and Logan to save their beloved town.

Reading notes

Oliver – “grandfather”, baker
Rachel – Loved Logan, but Logan – Weh, but has R’s interest at heart. Understands her.
Commander – Pres Snow

“Cast me a quick look” (Update: I think this was repeated a lot in the book.)

pg 78 – OMG WE FEEL YA GURRRL.
134 – OH MY WOAHHHHHASKLDJASKLDJ. Oliver

Tagged as: Balzer + Bray, CJ Redwine, Defiance