Defiance by C.J. Redwine

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, 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: Defiance by C.J. Redwine is a fantastical story filled with action, adventure and romance. From the beginning Redwine envelops you into a world of magic, war and mystery. Rachel is everything you look forward to seeing in a character. She's strong, smart and determined to find her missing father. Logan was the perfect addition to add to this mix. The chemistry and the unspoken tension between him and Rachel is palpable. While the romance was there it definitely did not overtake the story. I was glad to see that each chapter really propelled the next. Each more exciting than the other. I loved that Logan was not only her protector but a really awesome inventor. It wasn't just about him being hot or strong, but rather he was smart and always had well thought out plans. I wasn't sure what time the story took place but it definitely felt like medieval times. Redwine uses rich detail to make her world come alive. One detail that I really like was the chapters were split into POVs from Logan and Rachel. It was interesting to read about the different ways they viewed situations and the world around them. From the beginning I felt sucked into this story transported back in time. It was fun to read and I can't wait for the second book. Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel to readers who are looking for something new in the dystopian subgenre. This book was awesome!