Title: Defy
Author: Raine Thomas
Book Summary:
“Seventeen-year-old
Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her,
their dreams foretell her death.
Eager to explore more
of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’
wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that
leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life
Her possible savior
arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from
Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he
must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his
As Tate struggles to
find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple
murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only
source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help
her defy her Fate”
Would I
leave the protected zone around my house intentionally, not knowing what lies
outside waiting to eat me? No. I would not, which is probably why I don’t
have stories being written about my life.
Tate is a headstrong young woman who really doesn’t like being told that
she isn’t capable enough. When she
decides to test herself against her parents’ wishes, she finds out how right
they really were. Tate is violently thrown
into the adventure she always wanted, and it will take all the skill she possesses
to stay alive long enough to see her family again…
The premise
for Defy strikes me as very unusual. It’s clear almost instantly that this book is
going to have some MAJOR world building that could get confusing. I am intrigued by all the twists I find in
the summary alone, as that usually bodes well for a mysterious story. I really enjoy how I already feel like I know
Tate just from the short time I meet her in the introduction; it shows me I
will connect easily to her and her character.
Within the
first two chapters, I confirm that I am correct about the huge background and world
building that’s going to take place. It really
has to when an author creates a completely new world with different people and
rules. This is probably the worst thing
about the book for me: the constant stream of information. I understand why it is necessary, if it is
not there then I won’t understand what is happening and the information is
needed to set up for the rest of the books in the series. But, it does make this first book move very
slowly.
The romance
is my favorite part of this book. It is
sweet, and I love watching the progression from strangers into a more friendly
relationship. Tate’s romance has many
twists that I don’t see coming, and they make the whole plot fun and light! I also liked Tate’s relationships with her
close family, especially with her twin Teige.
Tate has a special bond with her family, and it makes them that much
more persistent when she goes missing.
At the
beginning of the book, Thomas provides a list of terms to use as reference when
reading the story. They are pretty
important to know. Now, on my Kindle I
have no easy way to go back and look at that crucial list of words, so much of
the process is touch and go. I definitely
recommend reading Defy, but consider
getting a paperback copy. For this type
of book, it is definitely important to be able to flip back and forth to
reference materials easily!! J
The Cover:
This cover is STUNNING.
I really like how the girl's complexion compliments the peacock feathers
in her hair. The girl’s eyes match the feathers and tie the whole cover
together! I love how the feathers actually look like they are a PART of
her hair :) So very pretty!
I give Defy 4 out of 5 hearts: Great Book!
I give Defy 4 out of 5 hearts: Great Book!
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wow! That's way cool! Thanks Lauren!
ReplyDeleteI really struggle with first books in a series when there's a lot of world building -- like you said, it's necessary so I can understand the parameters of the world, but at the same time it's a lot of information to sort of weed through. That cover is absolutely gorgeous though, I adore it:)
ReplyDeleteThe world building is definitely a challenge... putting that aside it was a good book! :)
DeleteI know the cover keeps drawing my eye, LOL.
Thanks so much for participating in the DEFY launch tour, as well as for taking the time to read and review the book!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!! Thanks for the opportunity to read and review DEFY!! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jenny, understanding complex world building can be daunting. But I think if it's done right, it can turn an ordinary book into an extraordinary one. I like that the author included a glossary of terms, but that stinks you couldn't really access it on your Kindle:( Looks like a cool read though, I enjoyed your honest review and I'm going to enter the giveaway too!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! I've so been wanting to read Defy!
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