Defiance (Defiance #1)

Defiance (Defiance #1) by C. J. Redwine

Rating: 3 stars

I read the synopsis of Defiance long before it was due to be released and I really wanted to read this book as soon as I can. I love fantasy and adventure with a strong heroine who can fight (both physically and emotionally), so just from the blurb and the lovely cover, I was drawn to it. After the long wait, when the library copy finally arrived, I was eager to delve into the story. However, much to my disappointment, it was much below my expectation. As a whole, it was a fine book, there were ups and downs and also certain climatic points. The plot was moving and the characters have their personalities. But true to many reviews I have read about this book, its biggest flaw is that it is forgettable. I only read this book rather recently, just now, thinking back about it, there wasn't much that trigger a suriving memory about it from me. I can hardly even remember the plot and much of its characters. Defiance was a very forgettable story. As much as the author tried to make it memorable, it seemed to lack a certain spark that brings life to the story. There really isn't much to say about this book as it is plainly normal. Nothing really special. 

The idea of Protectors for girls is kind of new, but if you really think on it, it doesn't make much sense. How does Baalboden provide a male protector for every girl? And how will the men work if they have to be with their assigned women all the time? How can Rachel be the only person to be attempting to defy this rule? I didn't like the fact that all the women in this book apart from Rachel seemed to be wooden heads that knew nothing other than summit to the commander's rule and ment's leisure. As soon as I started reading and really understood the "rules" in the city, this whole idea annoyed me. 

Rachel seemed to be a determined yet rash girl. She wanted to be viewed as an independent and strong young woman at all times by everyone, including Logan, but in truth, she isn't like that at all. She might have had experiences the author deemed to be traumatic (which I really didn't feel was that traumatic in the face of who she is or who she is trying to be), but she didn't show her strength in these situations. To me, she felt weak and incapable of looking after herself. I agree with Logan's initial view of her being headstrong and impulsive. She pinned her hope on something too small. When that hope is shattered, she is shattered too. She didn't seem to grow much through the journey of this book. She did seem a bit more sure of herself at the end and know to accept and perhaps return love, but as a character, she didn't appear different from beginning to end. 

I liked Logan as a character more than I did Rachel. He had aims and he would do anything to protect those he loved. But he too irritated me often. Though he seem to know that Rachel can take care of herself (physically at least), his primary thought (especially at the beginning) was to shield her from dangers and protect her at all cost. This clearly showed that he didn't trust her, no matter what he told himself. Another reason I didn't completely like him was because he was another classic example of "I love you more than anything, but I don't think I'm good enough for you, so I'm going to push you away and let you find a better man". Ugh, please! If you love her, just go for it! But being the tech-head he was, Logan was smart and works well under pressure. He was able to shoulder all the pains on the way to eventually reach his goal. 

The book was written in both Logan and Rachel's perspectives. I sometimes get afraid of reading books like this because I know that at least of the perspectives will be screwed up. But this was actually one of the perks about this book. C. J. Redwine wrote very well in both Logan and Rachel's perspectives and thus providing more insight into the characters' thoughts for the reader. However, some parts of the writing was quite good, but other parts seemed normal and not lively. One thing that I recommend C. J. Redwine to research more on is how to make a proper bomb! Seriously, if you want to write it, you should research thoroughly before attemping. Though Redwine had most of the right ingredients, the whole process was not as simple as she had described it in the book. I don't recommend putting incomplete information even if the author didn't want the readers to actually learn how to make a simple bomb. XP

So, the final verdict is: if you are bored and looking for a good read to pass time, read it. But if you don't have too much time on your hands and are looking for something really good to read, I don't recommend this book. There are better books to read and learn from. Definitely a library read for me, not a book I want to re-read.  

Synopsis

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.