Review & Giveaway: Defiance by C.J. Redwine!

Hi GCReaders!

Today we kick off the DEFIANCE blog tour hosted by MundieMoms. You might have also noticed the recent layout change. For the entire week GCReading will be featuring, and sharing all things DEFIANCE!

Kicking off today is my review of DEFIANCE and a giveaway of my ARC copy!

Defiance
By C.J. Redwine
Hardcover, 416 pages
Expected publication: August 28th 2012
By Balzer + Bray

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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.

   I want to talk first about the characters in this book. Characters to me are a big issue. If I don’t like the characters, or cannot relate to them, I usually do not finish reading a book. There are certain things I look for when it comes to characters.

1. Consistency
2. Development
3. Realistic Flaws
4. Believable characters

   In Defiance, C.J. Redwine’s characters have it all. I loved her characters. Rachel lost so much in this story, but she still walked with her head high and kept on fighting for what she wanted and believed in. She was very tough and no matter what anybody told her, once she made up her mind that was the end of it. And Although I didn't find anything spectacular about Logan, the main male character, he was still a well written character and I really liked him. What I mean by nothing spectacular is that he was fun to read about, but he was no different than any other male characters I am in love with.

   The romance between Logan and Rachel was one that you knew was there and would eventually come to light, but C.J. Redwine definitely took her time getting there. And once it did take place, it wasn’t the main focus. Those who keep up and read my reviews know how much I hate insta-love and love triangles. Defiance definitely does not have either one.

   The story was very different. I haven’t read anything like it. It was definitely unique in many ways and very intriguing. Logan and Rachel live in a world where they are controlled by the “Commander”. Woman cannot walk around alone. They have to constantly be accompanied by their “Protector”. Women also aren’t supposed to be taught how to fight, and the first thing Rachel’s father did was exactly that. He taught her how to defend herself. She is definitely a fighter and smarter than a lot of men in her little town.

   The commander of their town was also very ruthless. This made the story more enjoyable for me. C.J. Redwine did not hold back and it made the story seem a bit more real to me. It wasn’t fluffy at all. I was very entertained! Poor Rachel goes through a lot throughout the entire story.

   Defiance is a great start to a series that I can easily see becoming HUGE. It has plenty of twist and shocking moments to keep you at the edge of your seat; a great romance that comes to life at the right moment, and very suspenseful. Great book!

GIVEAWAY!

I am giving away a copy of Defiance to one of our readers!

• To enter you must be 13 or older. 
• This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL. 
• You must follow rafflecopter below. 
• This giveaway ends on Friday at 12:01 AM.
• Winner will be announced on our Facebook and Twitter page. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway