{Interview & Giveaway) C.J. Redwine, author of Defiance

How to end the holiday? It is Black Friday...you get lots of deals right?
Well, how bout this one!? One awesome interview with the lovely C.J. Redwine
AND!!! A giveaway at the end! So...let's get to it! :)

The Author:

Find her at:...~Website~Facebook~Twitter~Goodreads~

C.J. Redwine loves stilettos, lemon bars, and any movie starring Johnny Depp. She is the author of Defiance, the first in a post-apocalyptic fantasy trilogy from Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins. C.J. lives in Nashville with her husband, four kids, two cats, and one long-suffering dog. To learn more about C.J., visit her website.

The Interview:

1.  Defiance alternates from Rachel's pov to Logan's. Which character did you enjoy writing for the most? Why?  That's like asking me to choose between Johnny Depp and Girard Butler. The answer is always YES PLEASE. But if I must choose, I'll say Logan simply because he turned out to be awkward and funny in ways I never anticipated, and I enjoyed the challenge of writing from a logical left-brain perspective when in real life, I am the total opposite.

2. What experiences have you most enjoyed in being a writer?  So many! I love the feeling of completing a first draft, even though I know I'm going to turn around and rip it apart. I love the sense of accomplishment when a draft has gone through multiple revisions and is close to what I always intended to write in the first place. And I really love hearing from readers who've connected with my story and my characters.

3. Rachel and Logan stay strong through the worst times in the book. We may not be locked in dungeons or sent on dangerous quests while threatened to have our loved ones killed, but we go through hard times none the less. What advice would Logan and Rachel give to those going through struggles in life?  I think they've learned that family (either those you're born with or those you choose) matter and that we aren't meant to isolate ourselves when we're wounded. They've also learned that hope is precious, and that even though it's hard to see a light at the end of a long, dark road, it's important to find the courage to keep walking forward because healing takes time but it's worth it.

4. If you could take any characteristic from any of the characters in the book, which would it be? Why?  I love the way Rachel is just unapologetically herself, even though she knows she's different. She's out of step with the rest of her world, she's difficult to get close to and sometimes hard to love, but she values herself and when she changes anything about herself, it's because her heart tells her it's the right thing to do, not because she caves to pressure from anyone else. I think that's a valuable skill, and it's one I'm steadily learning to embrace for myself.

5. What can you tell us about book #2 in the Defiance Series? I can tell you the title will be revealed the first week of December, that the cover is HOLY COW AWESOME (and will be revealed in February), and that there are more secondary characters, more kissing, more fighting, more nefariousness, and more city-states. :)

6. How was it being able to walk into a book store and see your book on the shelf for the first time? It was both surreal and lovely!

7. What would you say makes Defiance different from most dystopia novels?  Well, Defiance is really a post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure. There are dystopian overtones in the city-state of Baalboden, but not every city-state is a dystopia. The culture of each city-state (there are 9) is determined by the government set up by its leader. So while most dystopian novels have a world that focuses on controlling the individual's choices, we have one man who is focused on that. If Rachel and Logan are successful in removing that man from power (and dealing with the additional threat that shows up in book 2), the dystopian aspects will disappear.     Also, Defiance has wing-less dragons that tunnel up from below the surface of the earth. And hot nerds with swords! :)

The Book(s):

Defiance 

Series: Defiance #1

~My Review~

Buy at: ~Indie Books~Books a Million~B&N~Amazon~
Release Date: August 28, 2012
by, Balzer + Bray
Pages: 403

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses 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 one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a 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. {Goodreads}

The Giveaway:

The Prize:

2 Defiance bookmarks!

The Rules:

You must be 13 years or older.

Please refrain from leaving any personal information in the comments section

There will be 1 winner(chosen by Rafflecopter).

The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email/tweet. If not, a new winner will be chosen

This is an International giveaway!

Giveaway ends December 9, 2012.

Have fun!!! <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck you guys!

Thanks for stopping by!! :D

Have a great day/week! 

~Jaiden

{Review} Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance
Series: Defiance #1
Author: C.J. Redwine
Release Date: August 28, 2012
by, Balzer + Bray
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback
Pages: 403

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses 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 one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a 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. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

~Review:
  Well, for starters...how cool is that trailer? And! How amazingly beautiful is that book cover!? Ya, I have some crazy book accessory love here ;) The trailer totally fit the kick-ass defiant feel to it! And that cover...the city in the cloak, the girl on the cover with brilliant red hair and idk my favorite thing is the forest and the cloak...and the city in the cloak! Awesome. And then the cover has this pretty metallic feel to it in person...beautiful!

  This book was one of my most sought after releases! Then I scored an interview with the author! (Coming later on in the week!! Keep your eyes peeled! A giveaway comes along with it!!) What can I say? I am a sucker for anything that has defiance, rebellion, and kick-ass heroines! Power to the women! ;) And then of course everyone has been loving the dystopians right!? So, yes this was dystopian but it was also post-apocalyptic. It had this medieval feel to it too. I loved the world building! This book was very creative and inventive...just like Logan ;)

  I loved Logan! He was smart, charming, and a tad awkward which made him completely and entirely adorable!! I loved his heart and his way of thinking. He was always one step ahead! What can I say...I like my boys smart! ;) I liked Rachel as well. She was an amazing fighter...and I am not just talking about her skills in battle/combat. The things this girl had to go through were tough...something no ordinary girl could cope with. Rachel is strong, loving, and a pain in the ass...what can I say! Her and Logan were cute to see...after awhile. Quick not...if you did not know this (I didn't until I started reading) the book takes place alternating between Rachel and Logan's POVs.

  Anyways! Like I was saying...I didn't quite feel the love between them as much as I would like to have. They were cute...towards the end. They were in an awkward place. Rachel had admitted she loved him when she was 15 and he....didn't love her back. Ouch. So when the book picks up Rachel is stand-offish to Logan and vice versa. She claims to not love him anymore and then all of a sudden...they are in love...but they both don't show it. Ok, this happens...but normally there are stuff that happens that makes that little light bulb click on...not here. Just one day they realize it. I don't know...to me something was just...missing. But again they were still cute and they grew on me. I think I enjoyed reading from Logan's POV more though.

  Defiance is an unique book that all dystopian/post-apocalyptic lovers will enjoy. I enjoyed the world and story line Mrs. Redwine created. Also I loved her characters..side and main a like. And her evils...loved them!! I loved hating the Commander. The Cursed One was awesome to fear. And quite frankly...gave me the chills! The ending was incredibly sad and I felt for Rachel and Logan. The writing was so real. I felt as if I was there along side Rachel and Logan! At times I felt a little lost at who and what was going on but other than that I loved it! Not my favorite dystopian/post-apocalyptic but I still enjoyed it. The ending left me only wanting more. This is a series I will most definitely keep track of. The ending truly saved it. It was feeling just ok to me but after the ending...I do want more. I want to see where this is all going to go. Unfortunately ..because of the lost feelings and the lack of true love between Rachel and Logan I felt I give this book the following rating but beyond that I adored the book and would still recommend it to all readers!

~Rating:

3.5 stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Have a great and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

<3 Jaiden

{Waiting on Wednesday} (25) Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

~This week I'm waiting on.....

Defiance
Author: C.J. Redwine
Release Date: august 28, 2012
Pre-Order

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. {Goodreads}

AHH! One look at the cover. Isn't that the most bad @$$ cover you've ever seen? I think it's pretty darn amazing! The trees, her red hair that stands out, the cloak, the city in the cloak...ya this cover is gorgeous!! And what an even more amazing and enthralling synopsis! I am alread in love with Logan for one and two..this book just gives me chills!! SO can't wait to read it!! :D

What about YOU! What are you excited for this week!? Leave a link in my comments! :)

Have a great day!

~Jaiden