Defiance Review

403 pages

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 is a fast-paced and exciting dystopian novel that grabs your attention right away. This novel is narrated by Rachel and Logan switching between their point of views. Rachel is a strong and fearless heroine who wants nothing more than to find her father when he doesn't come home. Logan is an amazing character who you just can't help but love as the novel goes on. I love that Rachel isn't the typical female like the rest of the girls in the book. Rachel actually knows how to fight and take care of herself which makes her a kick-ass main character. Logan is a great balance to Rachel's wild side since he actually takes time to think and plan things out. I also liked that the romance between Rachel and Logan progressed nicely and didn't frustrate me. I couldn't stand the Commander at all. He's one of those villains that you will thoroughly feel no sympathy for. The world is terrifying and interesting at the same time. The creatures that live outside the gate can attack at a moments notice and its scary to see what they can do in this book. There is a lot of action and revelations that keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more. I can't wait for the next installment in this series. I definitely recommend this to those who love dystopian novels.