Defy Tour, Review+ Grand Prize Giveaway

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!

Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway