Title: DefianceAuthor: C.J. RedwineEdition: hardcoverSeries: Defiance #1Released Date: August 28th, 2012Publisher: Balzer + BrayGoodreads / Amazon 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
I have to say, I was a bit disappointed with this novel. I expected it to have an amazing plot, like everyone was saying, and for it to just sweep me off my feet! Sadly, I was let down dramatically with the plot. It didn't do much for me. I remember telling my boyfriend about the book, and I was on page 150 or so and he asked what happened so far. My only explanation was 'nothing really,' because literally NOTHING had happened! The plot seemed to pick up at chapter 38, which is approximately page 230. Up until then, I was planning on giving up on the book or giving it a 2 stars. Thankfully, the plot picked up!
There were a couple revelations that occurred after chapter 38, which I loved! The characters are starting to realize things, and coming into their personalities. FINALLY I was drawn in and couldn't put the book down.
What really threw me off in the beginning of this novel was the fact that the name of the setting, Baalboden, was so unique and interesting - yet the characters had boring names such as Rachel and Logan. It made me feel like there was something inconsistent and it kind of made the book seem a bit more 'amateur' to me.
Don't get me wrong though - the characters were simply amazing. First of all, Rachel outshone in every scene she was in. Her rebelliousness, fierceness, and strength, places her in the list of the favorite female protagonists. I loved the fact that you could tell she grew throughout the course of the novel. Lastly, I really loved that she didn't let her romance rule her whole life. She was a bit more family oriented with Oliver and her father, which made me appreciate her even more.
Next, Logan, oh Logan. He was kind of the nerdy guy in the beginning of the book - bound to protect and serve Rachel. I really enjoyed seeing him grow as a character. Instead of being cold and intelligent the whole time, he threw away some logic and let his feelings show through - especially with Rachel. He was a pretty good romantic interest, in my opinion!
Lastly, the supporting characters rocked my socks off. From Oliver, the Commander, Sylph, Quinn, Willow, and Melkin - they were fantastic! The villians in this novel, the Commander and the Cursed One, were KICK-ASS. I really hated the Commander - like full on hatred, and it's rare for me to do that with a character. It was fantastic.
Overall, I feel like the characters were awesome but they lacked a plot. I feel like they were in the wrong setting or scenario. I'm only going to give this book three stars due to the lack of plot. I was leaning towards four stars just because of the development of the characters, but honestly, the plot was a let down. I'm not sure if I'm going to read the rest of the series. There's only one question that left you hanging at the end of the novel, and I really don't know if I'm tempted to read the next one just to figure it out.
P.S. - This is what I pictured the Cursed One as throughout the course of the book:
