Defiance is the debut novel from C.J. Redwine that will leave you craving more. The novel is epic and sweeping with brilliant characters and a strong plot. Add it to your to-be-read pile at the very top.

Defiance is not your typical story. There is something about CJ Redwine’s writing that pulls you in and has you holding your breath to the very end. This is not a debut for the faint of heart; Redwine writes with conviction and isn’t afraid to pull punches or torture her characters.

The story is about a girl named Rachel who lives in the town of Baalboden, one of the few remaining townships. It is ruled by a one man called The Commander. He believes that women are weak and need to be protected. They have no rights and at the age of seventeen can be claimed by a husband. Women are not allowed to leave the house without their Protector. Rachel is not your typical Baalboden girl. Her father works as a courier and carries message to other towns through the wastelands, area fraught with danger. He teaches Rachel how to protect herself by taking her with him into the wasteland. At the very start of the story we learn that Rachel’s father has not returned from a mission and Rachel is now left to her new Protector. The story moves from here into a fast-paced race against time and evil. It is a constant chess match between Rachel and The Commander.

CJ Redwine has created characters that you can connect with and love, and some that you can totally hate. The Commander makes King Joffrey and Theon Greyjoy look like a couple of kittens. He is ruthless and cruel in a way that only men seeking extreme power can be. The Commander strives for complete and total dominance over his people and he will use any means necessary to get it. Rachel is a fantastic example of a strong female character. She is a character that you grow with as a reader and her growth changes you. Then there is Logan who is strong, brave and incredibly complex. He has a rage beneath his calm exterior that is at times terrifying. Logan was the apprentice to Rachel’s’ father and now he is determined to help Rachel in her quest. Logan appears to be nothing more than a normal inventor but his ability to create devices that undermine The Commander is unparalleled.

The narration is driven by both Rachel and Logan. The alternating point of view keeps the reader well informed and gives a better understanding of character motives. The story, while rather serious in nature, has sparks of wit and undertones of romance that should appease all types of readers.

This book is a must-read especially if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, Grave Mercy, or Graceling. Defiance releases on August 28.

Follow C.J.:  Website |  her blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

This review is part of the MundieMoms blog tour.