August 20, 2012

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. 







143 comments:

  1. thank you for the giveaway, i'd been looking for this and very very excited, hope can win it :)

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  2. No instalove?!? UST HAV DIS NAO.

    Anyhow great review and thanks for making this international! :D Though I think there might be a problem with the Facebook task in the Rafflecopter. It keeps saying "There was an error fetching the like box for the specified page." so I had to manually find it on FB.

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    1. Hi Natasa! I think it's because her page isn't a like page. I went ahead and edited the rafflecopter and added an extra entry. :-)

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  3. Your review just makes me want Defiance more.

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  4. Ahh, so glad you liked this! So awesome that you can see it getting big; it definitely makes me more excited for the book. The idea of 'Protectors' will definitely have to be handled with care and from what I heard C. J. Redwine does it beautifully! Lovely review, Damaris!

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  5. I'm glad the story it's not fluffy at all and now I am really looking forward to read this book. It seems to be an intense and interesting story.
    Thanks a lot for the giveaway!

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  6. I'm so excited for this book. Especially since you say Rachel is a strong, smart protagonist. And I get super annoyed by insta-love too. Thanks for the chance to win!

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    1. The thing that I liked most was, that you KNEW from the beginning that Rachel was in love with Logan. It wasn't a secret, but C.J. didn't make her feelings the main focus of the story. Nor did she put these two together immediately. I loved that.

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  7. I'm so excited to read this!! Your review and feature just makes me want to even more. Great post! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity :)

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  8. Great review!! I am so looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the giveaway! =)

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  9. I love that the character is a strong woman, a fighter, when most women are subject to a protector. Sounds like a great read

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  10. Yes! Characters that are stupid! And different. :D Thanks for the review. :D

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  11. I've been following CJ for months and my anticipation for this book is out the roof. I cannot wait!!! Sounds like a great start to a new series.

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  12. This is the first I've heard it will be a series. I can't wait to read it!! I'm glad I will have another book to read with a strong female leading character with a great relationship! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  13. When I first found Defiance a few days ago, and I was reading some reviews. Almost all of them were positive, which boosted up my excitement, but then there was one negative review. It gave some examples from the book, and I see why they hated it so much. I'm a little hesitant about this book now, though. Thanks for the review though! I hope I'll love it as much as you did.

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  14. Oh wow! Definitely going on my wishlist! Have been seeing the cover but first review I've read and it sounds like one I'd thoroughly enjoy!

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  15. I cannot wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. i totally agree! it looks amazing! :)

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    2. i totally agree! it looks amazing!

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  16. I've been looking forward to this book ever since that kickass cover was revealed. The city sounds like a place a strong woman would definitely want to get away from, and I'm looking forward to getting to know Rachel. Also, a slowly built romance sounds FANTASTIC, because those are the best kind. I'm so excited to hear that the book lived up to expectations. Can't wait to read it!

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  17. Character are a huge piece of a book for me as well. I think it's great that you connected so well with them in this book.

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  18. I think this will be a fantastic read.

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  19. I like how you describe characters. I recently read a book that I hated just because of the main character. I actually finished the book, but only because I was leaving a review for it.
    I like the fact that you say this book isn't fluffy. Thank you for the honest review.

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    1. OMG Lisa, that happened to me recently. The review to that particular book will be up soon. I liked every character but the MC.

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  20. I was inspired when you said you haven't read anything like Defiance. Hmm..that definitely boosts my interest. :) I like how you describe the characters and the romance too. Great review and thanks for the giveaway!

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  21. I've been excited about this book since I saw the cover for the first time (then read the blurb... I try not to totally judge books by their covers... lol)... Your review only makes it sound even better! Can't wait until I can read it!!!

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  22. I have been dying to read this books for months now!!! Great review and thanks for the great giveaway!!!!

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  23. Me, too!! Defiance sounds fantastic, and I'm with you on the anti-insta-love thing, good to see that the romance develops naturally! :D

    Hey, I really like your new banner, too! <3
    Mary DeBorde M.A.D.

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    1. We will be featuring lots of Defiance love this week! lol Ty!

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  24. Love the cover and your review was thorough. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :O)

    www.dianeestrella.com

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  25. I love your review of this book :D I didn't enjoy it as much as you did, though :\ Not really sure why. It just didn't connect with me. But I did think it was pretty awesome ;) I do agree with you about the romance. Mostly. I do wish there had been a little more ;p but I did find the story to be great. :) Glad you loved it :D (Also, not entering this giveaway, since I have already read the book. <3)

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    1. You know, I recently read another review where the person though Logan was controlling and abusive. I did not see this at all. I took it as he was very protective of Rachel. Not only because she was left in his care, but because he truly did love her too. I mean that is the great thing about reviewing though and sharing the love about books. Everyone takes in a story differently. :-)

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  26. This sounds like such a fantastic book! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

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  27. I can't wait to read this book!! It sounds amazing!!

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  28. Thanks for the giveaway!! This book is already on my GR to-read list, but if it hadn't been, your review would have put it there, too! :D

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  29. Great review! This definitely has me interested in reading it. Sounds like the author did some awesome world-building in this book. I'll have to check it out!

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  30. First of all: I'm so glad the romance is not the main focus here, I would be so disapointed if Defiance turned into one of those disguised romance novels!
    I think I will like the main character very much, really looking forward to reading this! :D
    Penny Pe

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  31. I am so excited to read this book. It sounds so original and fresh.

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  32. I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
    - Sam @ SIK Book Reviews

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  33. Thanks for a great review and giveaway! This book sounds fabulous :)

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  34. Great review, I for sure want to check out this book. Thanks a bunch!!

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  35. Great review! I also hate insta-love and love triangles that seem to be everywhere and good to know that it isn't the case with Defiance! Definitely on my TBR list!

    Thanks,
    Leanne

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  36. Great review! I can't wait to read this one!! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  37. I love that the title is what she does- defiance. Since they aren't allowed to fight and she knows how. I like romance too. I never thought to look for things in the characters when I read a book next time I will do that!

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  38. Great review! I thought I really wanted to read Defiance before, but now that I've read your thoughts - I CANNOT wait to read this!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  39. I've read great things about this book and how the characters are so good! I'm happy to know this because I'm just like you, they did everything you listed. I so want to read this, thanks for the international giveaway, fingers crossed! :)

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  40. This book sounds very interesting. I WANT it! :D

    Thanks a lot for the international giveaway!:)

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  41. i'm so happy because this giveaway it is international....thanks!!!i hope i win because i realy want it!

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  42. Thanks for the giveaway! I've been wanting to read this book for such a long time! I like the temporary blog design. :D

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  43. Great review. I've been dying to read Defiance. It sounds awesome.

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  44. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    When I read, I want to find good character development. If when I read, I can't see myself as one of the characters, then the book has to work extremely hard to pull me in. In the end, I'll probably just stop reading the book!

    However, I've been excited about this book the very first time that I saw the cover! I think it is absolutely gorgeous!

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  45. The book sounds great. I had not heard of it but it is right up my alley. I will definitely have to read it.

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  46. So excited to read this book!

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  47. Great review! It's good to know that there's plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. With all the dystopian-like novels constantly coming out recently, it's nice that some still take a unique turn on things. Can't wait to get my hands on this <3

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  48. I absolutely love when the romance happens slowly in a novel like this. It makes it so much more real and thrilling to read about. I actually think instalove sort of takes away from the romance. I am dying to read Defiance and your review has only made me want to read it more. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  49. Thank You so much for the awesome review and the giveaway. I'm so jealous that you got to read this already, hoping I can get my hands on a coy sooner or later.

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  50. Great review. I can't wait to get my hands on Defiance. I understand that it's a fantasy setting, so I was already expecting the slow romance. It's been my experience when reading fantasy, and I absolutely love the slow romances. They're so much more meaningful that way. Again, great review.

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  51. I am so excited with this book! Glad you featured this book on the blog. ;)

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  52. So excited for this book! Your review only makes me want to read it more! Also I love how you changed your blog design to match the cover and theme of the book. You really go above and beyond when it comes to books! :)

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  53. Great review! Very helpful and really has me wanting to read this book :)

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  54. Great review! Very helpful and really has me wanting to read this book :)

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  55. It's great that you enjoyed Defiance. I have been really looking forward to this book, and hearing that the characters are extremely well developed is another plus.

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  56. Awesome review! I'm excited for an original idea and I can't stand the insta-love either, so I'm glad it isn't there! Can't wait to read Defiance; thanks for the chance to win! =)

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  57. Great review! Can't wait to read Defiance! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  58. I am so excited for this one! I am so intrigued about the women and their protectors. And extremely happy to hear there is no insta-love or a triangle. Thanks for the giveaway! And I love what you have done for your blog design for this promo! :)

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  59. Got to love a story with lots of twits and a ruthless character. That should keep things interesting.

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  60. Great review. You only made me want it more!

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  61. I can't wait to read this. Loved the review only makes me that much more excited to hurry up and get my hands on it.

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  62. Great revied even more excited about this book after reading it cannot wait to get my hands on a copy .Have a fantastic week

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  63. I can't wait to read this ur review was great :)

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  64. I absolutely Love the cover of Defiance. Defiance sounds like a must read. Thx so much for giveaway.

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

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  65. AH YES! I've been wanting to read this for sooo long! And your review has made it all the much more worth it.

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  66. I am with you 100% on expectations for characters in books. A great character is the key for me. It is the difference between absolutely LOVING a great book, or just liking a great book. Your review was fabulous, as always. I can't wait for Defiance. Something about it has stuck with me since I heard about it a while back. And that cover is probably one of my favorites of the year. Those boots rock. She just looks like a complete character package. Thanks for a great review, and for making me even more excited for Defiance. I don't know how much longer I can wait to have it in my hands!

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  67. Oooh! I love tough girls! It makes the story more fun and entertaining when the main girl is stubborn and not portrayed as a delicate thing. I cannot wait to read this. Nice review. :)

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  68. Great review! i cant wait to get ahold of this book now~

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  69. I love the cover of Defiance! Great review...makes me want to run out and pick up a copy=)

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  70. Thanks for the giveaway! I've been looking forward to reading this :)

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  71. Awesome review!
    Can't wait to read it!

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  72. Great Review and the new blog background and banner are gorgeous, Love that all of you are channeling the heroine of this book!! :D Your review makes me want get my hands on this as soon as possible. I have been wanting to read this book for a while now and I can't believe that it will be available soon.The synopsis alone draws you and that cover!! Thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!

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  73. Sounds like a amazing read. You were amazing and it was a awesome review,so now I really want to get my hands on it :D

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  74. Really looking forward to this one. Thanks for the opportunity and the giveaway :)

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  75. Nice review!! I'm so glad you liked it & I've been hearing AMAZING things about it all over blogs!!
    Thanks for this awesome giveaway!

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  76. Great review! I can't wait to read Defiance, it looks like a fantastic novel and I've not heard anything bad yet!

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  77. Very enlightening review. I feel I learned a lot about the book from it. I was not sure I would enjoy Defiance when I first read the description but knowing how much you enjoyed it makes me what to read it more. I love how romantic it seems.

    Thank you for the chance to win the book.
    - Beckie

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  78. I'm glad to hear this was a unique story. I've had my eye on it and was hoping it would be great!

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  79. Great review, it makes me want to read it. I love the cover. Thank you for the chance to win it! (=

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  80. Cheers for the review and giveaway. Can't wait to read the book now.

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  81. I am so happy to hear there is no love triangle or instalove! That might be my favorite part of your review, since it moved the book even higher up my TBR list.

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  82. So exciting! Your review makes me want it even more. Can't wait to read this.

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  83. I have some serious love for this cover and this book sounds amazing

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  84. Great review!I love the fact it doesn't have an insta love or love triangles. I'm right there with you on those subjects. I can't wait to read it now!

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  85. DEFIANCE does look amazing. Like you said a great way to begin a series.

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  86. I love books with strong female characters! I'm looking forward to reading this!

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  87. Great review... Just enough tease without any spoilers.. this is going on my MUST READ list... Thanks Damaris! :)

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  88. I like that this story is different. It amazes me that authors are still coming up with unique ideas to keep us book readers interested and coming back for more.

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  89. I like that you make this books sound really interesting. That it isn't just a pretty cover.

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  90. This is super exciting! Defiance has been on my TBR list since I saw it on the Epic Reads site. I'm really exciting I cant wait to start reading it =]

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  91. I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  92. I love the sound of this book! Very intriguing and like something different with adventure. GREAT!
    Thanks for the chance.

    Pepo

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  93. Great review! I love the cover! I can't wait to read this book, I am adding this to my ever growing list:) Thanks for the chance.

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  94. Sounds like a great book....can't wait to read it. Thanks for your interesting review of it.

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  95. I am really excited about this book. Can't wait!!!!

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  96. Very nice review. Sounds like a good book.

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  97. I am really anxious to read this book, and you review said that the character development is great, which is also very important to me as well. I need to care about them, so I know I will love this book too. Can't wait.

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  98. I see we look for the same things when it comes to characters! :D I'd love to read this one.

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  99. Wow! Sounds really good! Just the sort of strong protagonist so many other books lack!!! Really eager to read this one!!!

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  100. This sounds really good! i LOVE strong characters and also with some angst in the book! i'm so excited to read this!

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  101. Can't wait to read Defiance!! I got interested in it as soon as I read the blurb and saw the cover! Awesome review :)

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  102. Can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway! :D

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  103. I love hearing how unique the story is and how defined the characters are. Thanks for the great review and giveaway:)

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  104. Getting ready to give this book away on my blog!

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  105. Super excited for this book. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  106. this book sounds fantastic, I cannot wait to read it!

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  107. I really enjoyed your review of Defiance. This is a book I've had on my wishlist but was unsure about. After reading your review, I am certain this is the book for me. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  108. I was already dying to read this book but your review only made me wanted to read it ever more!

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  109. Sounds great!I cannot wait to read this book!
    Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  110. That was a very good review of Defiance! I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  111. Wow, GREAT review. I wanted to read it before, now I can't wait to get my hands on it. I love to read a new interesting book. I love lots of twists! Thanks!

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  112. Can I just have this book now? Pretty please??? Your review just made me want to read it EVEN MORE, if that's possible. I mean, I've been waiting to read it for moooonths!
    & the tension, please, I love tension in &/or during the romance, jajaja. I'm just... well, I like it.
    Great review!

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  113. I love a book with a well-developed romance. Great review!

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  114. Can't wait to read this one.. Thanks so much for the review.

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  115. This books sounds right up my alley! I am super excited about this one, definitely feeding my fantasy craving! Great review!

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  116. Now, I really want to read Defiance. From what you said about the main character, Rachel, I already like her. I also like that there is no love triangle in Defiance, because love triangles are really getting on my nerves lately. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

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  117. defiance is definitely going on my to-read list. I've read some reviews of it and yours pointed out a few more reasons why I might like it. Great giveaway! Thanks for the great giveaway and for making it international!

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  118. This book sounds really good! Great review, thanks for the giveaway!

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  119. Great review! This book seems to have everything I like in a book, and I can't wait to read it! Thanks for a chance to win. :-)

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  120. I need to read this stat! I've been hearing fantastic things! :)

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  121. i would probably pick this book for its cover but your review definitely makes me want to read it even more! I like the ingredients of the story

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  122. Great review!!1I'm so excited to read this and thanks for the giveaway!

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  123. This sounds like a very different kind of story than I am used to reading and your review of Defiance has so piqued my interest.

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  124. I've had my eye on this title for quite a while now, and your review made me all the more eager to read it. We seem to have similar qualms about how we view stories and what we expect from our characters. I'm proud to see this book has so much going for it.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    Christina

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  125. This is the first I have heard of this book. It sounds exciting! Tanks for the opportunity to win it.

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  126. I can´t wait to read this book! and I'm glad there isn't instalove.

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  127. Your review was good I added Defiance to my TBL list.

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  128. i am soo excited to read this book! it looks amazing!

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  129. Crap! I put the review I commented on in the tweet section *facepalm*

    http://www.goodchoicereading.com/2012/08/Defiancereviewandgiveaway.html

    tweet:
    https://twitter.com/deadtossedwaves/status/239127078270820354

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  130. A great story is based on well built characters and from your review it sounds like Defiance has just that. I love books with a strong female and male character. However, the male character may not be as strong as I like. I will just have to read it to make that decision. Thank you for a great review and I'm looking forward to reading the book! wendyrailey@yahoo.com

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  131. I've been hearing such great things about this book, and now your wonderful review - I'm definitely adding it to my TBR list! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  132. Can I tell you how happy I am to see another reviewer that likes to see realistic flaws? This is also very important to me. I need to have some way to relate to the characters I am reading about. This book looks great! Thanks for the great review!

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