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Rising Trilogy #1
Defiance Rising
“Now that is a beautiful sight.”
I whip around, instantly covering myself with my arms. “What are you doing here?” I scream. “Get out!”
“Aw, don’t tell me you’re a shy one. I didn’t peg you for that.” Bastien grins as he throws his leg over a rock and settles in for what appears to be an annoyingly lengthy time.
Using one arm, I swim as quickly as I can away from the center of the pool and head straight for the rocks. Bastien seems completely unphazed by my rising fury and he grins down at me. He does however reach out to retrieve my dagger from the pile of clothes he’s perched beside.
“Have you no decency?” I growl through chattering teeth. If I don’t get out soon I’ll risk hypothermia, but there’s no way I’m going to give Bastien the satisfaction of seeing me naked.
Twirling the dagger in his hand, he appears to contemplate my question. “I suppose this might seem a bit forward of me, but I thought you might like to know it’s time to go.”
“Fine. Message received. Leave now!”
He leans over the edge, peering down at me. “And miss all the fun? I think not.”
Illyria has never known a life without the Rebellion.
Instinct.
Survival.
Nothing else matters…until she ventures out into unknown territory and is faced with an enemy that proves even more fierce and determined than she ever thought.
Bastien is infuriating, dangerous and annoyingly gorgeous. Eamon is familiar, comforting and turning into a man before her eyes. Both want her heart...but she is torn between duty and desire. When her choice affects all of mankind, how can she allow herself to be selfish?
There is a power within her that can change everyone’s fate…but she underestimated the most potent force on Earth—love. Illyria must discover if she has the strength to sacrifice her heart to save mankind.
I whip around, instantly covering myself with my arms. “What are you doing here?” I scream. “Get out!”
“Aw, don’t tell me you’re a shy one. I didn’t peg you for that.” Bastien grins as he throws his leg over a rock and settles in for what appears to be an annoyingly lengthy time.
Using one arm, I swim as quickly as I can away from the center of the pool and head straight for the rocks. Bastien seems completely unphazed by my rising fury and he grins down at me. He does however reach out to retrieve my dagger from the pile of clothes he’s perched beside.
“Have you no decency?” I growl through chattering teeth. If I don’t get out soon I’ll risk hypothermia, but there’s no way I’m going to give Bastien the satisfaction of seeing me naked.
Twirling the dagger in his hand, he appears to contemplate my question. “I suppose this might seem a bit forward of me, but I thought you might like to know it’s time to go.”
“Fine. Message received. Leave now!”
He leans over the edge, peering down at me. “And miss all the fun? I think not.”
Illyria has never known a life without the Rebellion.
Instinct.
Survival.
Nothing else matters…until she ventures out into unknown territory and is faced with an enemy that proves even more fierce and determined than she ever thought.
Bastien is infuriating, dangerous and annoyingly gorgeous. Eamon is familiar, comforting and turning into a man before her eyes. Both want her heart...but she is torn between duty and desire. When her choice affects all of mankind, how can she allow herself to be selfish?
There is a power within her that can change everyone’s fate…but she underestimated the most potent force on Earth—love. Illyria must discover if she has the strength to sacrifice her heart to save mankind.
326 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2011
105 people are currently reading
1534 people want to read
About the author
Amy Miles
66 books600 followersAmy Miles is the author of multiple published novels, including her bestselling young adult immortals books, The Arotas Series. Unwilling to be defined by any one genre, she has written paranormal romance, science fiction/fantasy, post-apocalyptic, romance, inspirational, and plans to continue to explore new genres. She is the co-Founder of Red Coat PR, a firm helping indie authors build a marketing base for their career. Amy is also the co-Founder of Penned Con, an annual two day convention held in St. Louis MO bringing readers and authors together with industry professionals to learn, grow and give back. She and her husband are heavily involved in charity work through Action for Autism, a St. Louis based organization aiding families with autism and founded the Penned Con scholarship to benefit area families. She is an avid reader, urban homesteader, weekend golfer and netflix binge addict who lives with her husband and son in South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 23, 2019
Another freebie of doom. I should make a logo at this point.
This book started out good, I don't know what went wrong, all of a sudden I wasn't interested in reading it anymore. I don't know if it is the weak love triangle that I know would be spun more than we can swallow or if the book just got boring. I just know it went sideways halfway through the book. I MIGHT pick this up again, maybe I'm just not in the mood, we'll see.
DNF @ 59%.
This book started out good, I don't know what went wrong, all of a sudden I wasn't interested in reading it anymore. I don't know if it is the weak love triangle that I know would be spun more than we can swallow or if the book just got boring. I just know it went sideways halfway through the book. I MIGHT pick this up again, maybe I'm just not in the mood, we'll see.
DNF @ 59%.
June 24, 2013
AWAAAAAAAAAWWAAWAAW!!!!!!!!! Well....now that I have that off my chest ;) This book was so frustratingly awesome words can't describe. I was hooked from the first page and was never let go. Every page had you either laughing, in tears, or wanting to smack the author for the ending. I realllllllllllllllllllllly want there to be a solution to the situation between Bastien and Illyria. I am so team Bastien it's not even funny. Destiny sucks big time in this book. And when I mean big time, I'm talking want to rip your hair out of your scull just to focus on something other than being absolutely furious with stupid prophesied love. If I were the heroine in this book I would be like " F you destiny, the heart wants what the heart wants" and be done with the whole thing. But this is a book, I'm not the heroine nor the author so what I want doesn't really matter. But a girl has to have her own opinion right ;-) Anyways, this book was the bomb and I recommend it to anyone who can read!
December 2, 2011
This was the first book that I've ever tried to publish. It was the culmination of two years of hard work while trying to fight through the slush piles on agent's desks. Then I heard about how you could self publish on kindle and voila. Illyria, Eamon and Bastien have finally been given the life they deserved!
It's a book that is very close to my heart since it's my first. My second book series, Forbidden, is doing well and I know I've imoproved greatly as a writer...but my soft spot for Defiance Rising still fights that this is a great story line.
I would love for you to give it a try. It's action packed, filled with love angst and a the decision Illyria must make to follow her heart or fight to save her people.
I hope you enjoy it!
It's a book that is very close to my heart since it's my first. My second book series, Forbidden, is doing well and I know I've imoproved greatly as a writer...but my soft spot for Defiance Rising still fights that this is a great story line.
I would love for you to give it a try. It's action packed, filled with love angst and a the decision Illyria must make to follow her heart or fight to save her people.
I hope you enjoy it!
June 9, 2013
I am a huge fan of dystopian novels. HUGE! I loved Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Born, so when I heard about this book, by Amy Miles, I knew that I had to read it and find out why everyone was raving about it. Boy, am I glad that I did!
I’ll admit, the beginning started off slow, but as the world was built, brick by brick, I fell in love with the story. The characters are normally what keeps me coming back, page after page, and this time was no different. BUT, the world and what caused their society to crumble, was what really blew my mind.
The author’s voice is clear and concise. The action is mind boggling and well thought out. I actually felt like I was watching it in my mind’s eye. I was enamored with the world and the characters. Especially Bastien...*sigh*
What would a good YA/NA novel be without the prerequisite love triangle? It was there, but not in the common way that you’ve seen in say...Twilight. No, this one was heart breakingly beautiful. AND it had a purpose. It wasn’t just there to take up space, which is something that more authors should incorporate when they pit characters against each other.
The ending broke my heart though. I wanted to reach out and grab Bastien and keep him by my side. I would say more...but that would give it all away. Just let me say this: it may start off slow, but WOW you will be blown away as you get deeper and deeper!
Amy Miles has a new fan in me! I’m now going to start reading her other series as well. I have a feeling that it will be just as beautiful as Defiance Rising!
I’ll admit, the beginning started off slow, but as the world was built, brick by brick, I fell in love with the story. The characters are normally what keeps me coming back, page after page, and this time was no different. BUT, the world and what caused their society to crumble, was what really blew my mind.
The author’s voice is clear and concise. The action is mind boggling and well thought out. I actually felt like I was watching it in my mind’s eye. I was enamored with the world and the characters. Especially Bastien...*sigh*
What would a good YA/NA novel be without the prerequisite love triangle? It was there, but not in the common way that you’ve seen in say...Twilight. No, this one was heart breakingly beautiful. AND it had a purpose. It wasn’t just there to take up space, which is something that more authors should incorporate when they pit characters against each other.
The ending broke my heart though. I wanted to reach out and grab Bastien and keep him by my side. I would say more...but that would give it all away. Just let me say this: it may start off slow, but WOW you will be blown away as you get deeper and deeper!
Amy Miles has a new fan in me! I’m now going to start reading her other series as well. I have a feeling that it will be just as beautiful as Defiance Rising!
April 24, 2013
I'm teetering between a 3 and a 4. On one hand it was exciting, full of action and had me engaged from the beginning. On the other hand, the dreaded love triangle was there as well as a willfully stubborn girl that put everyone else at risk because she couldn't help being an impulsive daredevil. Not to mention that she had 2 hot guys fighting over her. Did I mention that she discovers that she is the most powerful person in the world and it's her job to save the world from invading aliens?
Despite some of the cliches in the story, I was drawn to the intensity of Bastien and Illyira's feelings towards each other. There was enough tension and drama to keep me interested but I didn't like how Illyira toyed with Eamon and Bastien's emotions because she couldn't make up her own mind. Kudos to the author for good writing and an exciting fast paced read with at least one character that left me sizzling (I love brooding hot guys) but Illyira was hard to stomach sometimes. I think this book is a 3.5 though I bumped it up to 4 because I have a thing for Bastien :)
Despite some of the cliches in the story, I was drawn to the intensity of Bastien and Illyira's feelings towards each other. There was enough tension and drama to keep me interested but I didn't like how Illyira toyed with Eamon and Bastien's emotions because she couldn't make up her own mind. Kudos to the author for good writing and an exciting fast paced read with at least one character that left me sizzling (I love brooding hot guys) but Illyira was hard to stomach sometimes. I think this book is a 3.5 though I bumped it up to 4 because I have a thing for Bastien :)
January 27, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.5
This is a fantastic read. There were a lot of action-packed scenes. I loved dystopians just like this book, Divergent, and The Hunger Games. The story was great, but the ending could use some more work.
The characters were well-developed and well-written. My favourite character is Bastien. I am in love with him. He is definitely boyfriend material. Can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy. Overall, an amazing read.
This is a fantastic read. There were a lot of action-packed scenes. I loved dystopians just like this book, Divergent, and The Hunger Games. The story was great, but the ending could use some more work.
The characters were well-developed and well-written. My favourite character is Bastien. I am in love with him. He is definitely boyfriend material. Can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy. Overall, an amazing read.
July 22, 2015
OMG, that is all I can say!! Awesome story and love the characters. Soooo frustrated....ultimate triangle...still thinking about how this one ended. I'm ALL about Bastien...sigh
October 9, 2019
C'était juste ce dont j'avais besoin. J'étais fatiguée, nuit courte et grosse journée, de l'avion en perspective : du coup, je voulais une lecture facile, rapide et pleine d'actions. C'est ce que j'ai eu, pas plus, pas moins.
J'avais déjà lu Amy Miles (Wither) et savais à peu près à quoi m'en tenir. Elle a l'air de principalement verser dans les univers un peu post-apo (zombies, ou l'humanité envahie par des aliens, etc), ce qui est carrément ma cam. On ajoute à ça une héroïne qui fonce dans le tas, plein d'action et une plotline romantique, et ma jauge de distraction n'a pas désemplie de toute ma lecture.
Attention, car on a aussi tous les "défauts" du genre : l'univers n'est pas particulièrement développé, l'héroïne évidemment est belle aux yeux violet et trop spéciale et doit sauver le monde, on a un bon triangle amoureux cliché, et tout n'est pas toujours très bien expliqué.
Mais bon, ça a fonctionné pour moi, vu que je savais dans quoi je m'embarquais, et j'ai eu quatre à cinq heures de bonne distraction continue.
Y'a juste un truc qui a irrité mon côté féministe. Je ne sais pas si c'est la vision américaine des femmes, mais omg, pourquoi donc le fait qu'Illyria ait ses propres désirs et impose limites est-il vu comme quelque chose de mal ?
Ce qui donne :
Elle est traitée comme une enfant, elle se fait bouger de place physiquement par ses deux love interests, comme un objet, j'étais estomaquée. Le mec la prend par le bras/la main/la taille et il la déplace, même quand elle refuse ! Et tout ceci est présenté comme normal, voire même un peu sexy (wtf?). Mais qui sont ces gens ? Dans la vraie vie quelqu'un essaie de me déplacer de force, je pète un câble. Ils contestent aussi chacune de ses décisions, c'est insupportable. Et attention, pas pour des raisons liées au plot (ou alors très légèrement), mais parce que ces pauvres garçons refusent qu'elle se mette en danger et pourquoi ignore-t-elle leurs ordres ? Le plus agaçant, c'est que leur réaction est dépeinte comme normale, et la résistance d'Illyria comme un défaut !
Bref. Je ne sais pas si c'est Catherine Dufour avec Entends la nuit qui m'a vaccinée contre les tendances toxiques des mecs dans la littérature sff, mais voilà, ce fut un véritable irritant.
J'avais déjà lu Amy Miles (Wither) et savais à peu près à quoi m'en tenir. Elle a l'air de principalement verser dans les univers un peu post-apo (zombies, ou l'humanité envahie par des aliens, etc), ce qui est carrément ma cam. On ajoute à ça une héroïne qui fonce dans le tas, plein d'action et une plotline romantique, et ma jauge de distraction n'a pas désemplie de toute ma lecture.
Attention, car on a aussi tous les "défauts" du genre : l'univers n'est pas particulièrement développé, l'héroïne évidemment est belle aux yeux violet et trop spéciale et doit sauver le monde, on a un bon triangle amoureux cliché, et tout n'est pas toujours très bien expliqué.
Mais bon, ça a fonctionné pour moi, vu que je savais dans quoi je m'embarquais, et j'ai eu quatre à cinq heures de bonne distraction continue.
Y'a juste un truc qui a irrité mon côté féministe. Je ne sais pas si c'est la vision américaine des femmes, mais omg, pourquoi donc le fait qu'Illyria ait ses propres désirs et impose limites est-il vu comme quelque chose de mal ?
Ce qui donne :
Illyria enforces a personal boundaries
Guy: "Oh lol you're so stubborn Illyria!"
Guy processes to immediately ignore Illyria boundaries again.
Elle est traitée comme une enfant, elle se fait bouger de place physiquement par ses deux love interests, comme un objet, j'étais estomaquée. Le mec la prend par le bras/la main/la taille et il la déplace, même quand elle refuse ! Et tout ceci est présenté comme normal, voire même un peu sexy (wtf?). Mais qui sont ces gens ? Dans la vraie vie quelqu'un essaie de me déplacer de force, je pète un câble. Ils contestent aussi chacune de ses décisions, c'est insupportable. Et attention, pas pour des raisons liées au plot (ou alors très légèrement), mais parce que ces pauvres garçons refusent qu'elle se mette en danger et pourquoi ignore-t-elle leurs ordres ? Le plus agaçant, c'est que leur réaction est dépeinte comme normale, et la résistance d'Illyria comme un défaut !
Bref. Je ne sais pas si c'est Catherine Dufour avec Entends la nuit qui m'a vaccinée contre les tendances toxiques des mecs dans la littérature sff, mais voilà, ce fut un véritable irritant.
August 11, 2015
I saw this on *Netgalley a while back and loved the cover. Little did I know that I already owned this book. So I figured it was time to knock this off of my TBR pile since it had been sitting there a while.
Taking place in a post apocalyptic world Illyria has never known anything but a world full of destruction. One day after venturing into enemy territory she meets Bastien. A man who irritates her to no end and is totally the opposite of her best friend Eamon. Soon she is faced with deciding between love and destiny to her people.
Ok it has been a few weeks since I read this. The book started off great and really drew me in. I was interested in the world Illyria lived in. I loved that she was a kick ass female. But soon she began to grate on my nerves. I'm a fan of love triangles but this was just an annoying one. I seriously wanted to rip my hair out after a while. It was less a love triangle and more lets force you to be with one person when you want to be with the other and just hurt both guys all around. UGH!!
Rating this book is hard for me. It started off at 4 stars but slowly the rating started to drop for me. By the end of the book I was just glad to be done with it...but then I realized there are two more books. I just don't have it in me for another two. I wish there had been no love triangle to this because truly that is what killed the book for me.
2 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Taking place in a post apocalyptic world Illyria has never known anything but a world full of destruction. One day after venturing into enemy territory she meets Bastien. A man who irritates her to no end and is totally the opposite of her best friend Eamon. Soon she is faced with deciding between love and destiny to her people.
Ok it has been a few weeks since I read this. The book started off great and really drew me in. I was interested in the world Illyria lived in. I loved that she was a kick ass female. But soon she began to grate on my nerves. I'm a fan of love triangles but this was just an annoying one. I seriously wanted to rip my hair out after a while. It was less a love triangle and more lets force you to be with one person when you want to be with the other and just hurt both guys all around. UGH!!
Rating this book is hard for me. It started off at 4 stars but slowly the rating started to drop for me. By the end of the book I was just glad to be done with it...but then I realized there are two more books. I just don't have it in me for another two. I wish there had been no love triangle to this because truly that is what killed the book for me.
2 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 25, 2016
●"I hear things," I say. "Whispers in my mind." "What do they say?" "Sometimes it's hard to tell. They are usually a jumble in my mind, but sometimes, late at night I can hear them when I'm trying to sleep." "Any other time?" I tuck my legs up to my chest. "I hear them when I'm about to lose control. They cheer for me." ●
Let's get to the point: If you love crazy, epic, powerful, kicking-butt heroines then you're in for a treat. If you love aliens who are advanced, hot, who take over plus destroy the whole friggin world then please, indulge yourself. In fact, while you're at it why don't you grab a cup of tea and munch on a brownie as you read about your world falling into chaos with familes screaming as they run for their lives. And finally, if you love mushy, emotional, uncontrollable and irrational love triangles then wow. You are an interesting human being. While I observe your odd ludicrous need for romantically involved characters who are supposed to be preparing for battle so they don't all die and become nonexistent (no one blames you, it is completely understandable), please, grab this book and take a seat. You are in for a roller coaster adventure.
Let's get to the point: If you love crazy, epic, powerful, kicking-butt heroines then you're in for a treat. If you love aliens who are advanced, hot, who take over plus destroy the whole friggin world then please, indulge yourself. In fact, while you're at it why don't you grab a cup of tea and munch on a brownie as you read about your world falling into chaos with familes screaming as they run for their lives. And finally, if you love mushy, emotional, uncontrollable and irrational love triangles then wow. You are an interesting human being. While I observe your odd ludicrous need for romantically involved characters who are supposed to be preparing for battle so they don't all die and become nonexistent (no one blames you, it is completely understandable), please, grab this book and take a seat. You are in for a roller coaster adventure.
January 8, 2016
This book is action packed, you get thrown into the thick of things right off the bat. I was so happy and giddy while reading this book. I could not stay away from it. I carried it through the house with my nose glue to the world this author created.
Seriously guys, I was reading and walking through the house along with reading it while doing laundry. (very slowly in fact)
I am totally in love with Bastien, he was a man after my own heart. His character was built so perfectly. I was blushing and giggling like a school girl during his scenes.
I would shout out during the book when curtain events happened. Causing my lovely fiance to think I was crazy.
There is a emptiness in my heart now that the book is over, and I want more. Need more.
No complaints on this book, besides I was not very happy with the ending. I was totally rooting for it to finish another way,, but it just eggs me on more in wanting to read the next one to see what is going to happen.
{This book was in my personal reading list.}
Seriously guys, I was reading and walking through the house along with reading it while doing laundry. (very slowly in fact)
I am totally in love with Bastien, he was a man after my own heart. His character was built so perfectly. I was blushing and giggling like a school girl during his scenes.
I would shout out during the book when curtain events happened. Causing my lovely fiance to think I was crazy.
There is a emptiness in my heart now that the book is over, and I want more. Need more.
No complaints on this book, besides I was not very happy with the ending. I was totally rooting for it to finish another way,, but it just eggs me on more in wanting to read the next one to see what is going to happen.
{This book was in my personal reading list.}
February 12, 2016
So yea... 3.8 then.
When I first started reading I was like wow! This is going to be great. I'm going to love it. Then I kept reading and small things started to mess that up. Then bigger things made it even worse.
The idea is great. Everything about it. The execution not so much. The relationship with Illyria and Bastien wasn't played out right. I was voting for Eamon though, but the way he started acting gave me issues.
The way she just up and changed was a major problem. Same with Bastien. I just wish everything would've played out slower. Would've been phenomenal if it had. The relationships shouldn't have escalated so quickly.
I don't understand her parents thing. Said everyone is made with a soulmate, but their union was forbidden. Why? Other than not wanting her to be born? Were they like her and Bastien? Is Kyan telling the truth and how does he know. And then who's Bastien's soulmate then?
When I first started reading I was like wow! This is going to be great. I'm going to love it. Then I kept reading and small things started to mess that up. Then bigger things made it even worse.
The idea is great. Everything about it. The execution not so much. The relationship with Illyria and Bastien wasn't played out right. I was voting for Eamon though, but the way he started acting gave me issues.
The way she just up and changed was a major problem. Same with Bastien. I just wish everything would've played out slower. Would've been phenomenal if it had. The relationships shouldn't have escalated so quickly.
I don't understand her parents thing. Said everyone is made with a soulmate, but their union was forbidden. Why? Other than not wanting her to be born? Were they like her and Bastien? Is Kyan telling the truth and how does he know. And then who's Bastien's soulmate then?
September 13, 2013
I loved this Trilogy - not so fond of the ending (but thats just because I wanted more, not because it's not well written). Book 2 was my least favorite of the 3 but I still rated it with 4 stars. There are some editing issues in all three of the books but nothing that really detracts from the story itself. When I started this series it was because book 1 was free iBooks but I quickly fell in love with Roseline and her desire for "freedom". Im a sucker for a good "immortal" tale and enjoyed that this one was written for a young adult audience and remained primarily PG-13 (not counting blood & guts). I loved Enael - I know crazy since he's not a main character but he, Gabriel, and Roseline were my favorite characters in the book. If you like vampire stories, this is a great series and I would highly recommend reading it!
March 16, 2013
I have not read anything by this author before but that is all about to change. What a great story, full of action, adventure and romance though the love triangle was a little frustrating. How do you choose between your best friend and a man who gives you a reason to live? Well throw in a little prophecy, save the world type pressure and life is about to get very interesting for Illyria. Great supporting cast of characters with their own quirks who are along for the ride called Destiny. I would have liked the ending to have turned out differently but I am keeping my fingers crossed for the next book in the series, what can I say - I am a romantic at heart.
June 23, 2013
"Defiance Rising" was a fantastic dystopian YA novel that I thoroughly enjoyed! I loved that Amy Miles was able to incorporate romance, humor, sarcasm, action, drama, and suspense. Sometimes, however, I could do without love triangles; they're so freaking frusterating! I loved the characters, especially Illyria and Bastien. They are so similar and complement each other well. I'm totally Team Bastien, by the way:) Overall, "Defiance Rising" was an awesome dystopian YA novel that I believe many people would love!
April 7, 2014
This seems like a promising YA series, but I did not really like it. I just got bored with the back and forth in the depressing love triangle.
January 27, 2019
On her 18th birthday, Illyria busts out from the small commune she grew up in, to explore the forbidden temptation that is The City.
17 years ago, the Caldonians invaded. Only a few humans escaped. They made up The Resistance, which is all Illyria & her friends have ever known.
The visit to The City changes everything.
Ye gads, this was a tough one!
Despite a decently thought out premise, Defiance Rising utterly fails to deliver.
Amy Miles needs a line editor. Desperately. A dictionary wouldn’t be unwelcome, either (nauseous vs nauseated, anyone?).
With such stellar lines as “I heard your decision to leave my behind was almost unanimous” & “opps”, it’s often difficult to take this book seriously.
As for the plot.
Well.
The love triangle is contrived las all hell. Best friend vs Lust-ernoon Snacc. There’s so little chemistry between the bestie & the MC that even the plot contrivance of ‘your bestie is your lab created, destined, one & only soulmate’ doesn’t stick.
Illyria loves her best friend. No question.
Platonically.
The Snacc, named Bastien, is a waif Illyria found on her gallivant through The City. It’s Irritation At First Sight… but at least there’s some chemistry.
There’s machinations that end up basically saying Illyria has to be with her bestie, or the world will end or something.
I’m not convinced.
Bastien is the reason Illyria keeps fighting. He unlocks her inner strength (& maaaaaagic) & every time Illyria forces herself to turn her back on Bastien, not only are Illyria & Bastien hurt, but the bestie is, too. It’s frustrating & painful & awkward. I just want to sit the three kids down & have a chat with them.
Then I want to have a Quiet Word with the guy talking all the Destiny rubbish.
The Big Bad is very clearly planned for the long haul. That’s great. If only we couldn’t already see the convolution of layers involved in the Big Bad. The details kept back for the following books only serve to highlight the information we don’t have, making it very obvious that the climax of this book is barely any victory at all.
This is driven home by the lack of a decent denouement. There’s a rush to set up circumstances for book two, but no clear resolution for book one, not even a clear plan for the beginning of book two.
No, I do not count Bastien going from declaring his love at the climax to telling Illyria he’s running away, putting himself in unnecessary danger, so the bestie can “get the girl". That’s not a denouement. That’s a kick in the teeth.
I’d love to see this book re-written, with a competent editor backing up the author. Perhaps it wouldn’t feel like a waste of ~13 hours (I read slowly, okay).
17 years ago, the Caldonians invaded. Only a few humans escaped. They made up The Resistance, which is all Illyria & her friends have ever known.
The visit to The City changes everything.
Ye gads, this was a tough one!
Despite a decently thought out premise, Defiance Rising utterly fails to deliver.
Amy Miles needs a line editor. Desperately. A dictionary wouldn’t be unwelcome, either (nauseous vs nauseated, anyone?).
With such stellar lines as “I heard your decision to leave my behind was almost unanimous” & “opps”, it’s often difficult to take this book seriously.
As for the plot.
Well.
The love triangle is contrived las all hell. Best friend vs Lust-ernoon Snacc. There’s so little chemistry between the bestie & the MC that even the plot contrivance of ‘your bestie is your lab created, destined, one & only soulmate’ doesn’t stick.
Illyria loves her best friend. No question.
Platonically.
The Snacc, named Bastien, is a waif Illyria found on her gallivant through The City. It’s Irritation At First Sight… but at least there’s some chemistry.
There’s machinations that end up basically saying Illyria has to be with her bestie, or the world will end or something.
I’m not convinced.
Bastien is the reason Illyria keeps fighting. He unlocks her inner strength (& maaaaaagic) & every time Illyria forces herself to turn her back on Bastien, not only are Illyria & Bastien hurt, but the bestie is, too. It’s frustrating & painful & awkward. I just want to sit the three kids down & have a chat with them.
Then I want to have a Quiet Word with the guy talking all the Destiny rubbish.
The Big Bad is very clearly planned for the long haul. That’s great. If only we couldn’t already see the convolution of layers involved in the Big Bad. The details kept back for the following books only serve to highlight the information we don’t have, making it very obvious that the climax of this book is barely any victory at all.
This is driven home by the lack of a decent denouement. There’s a rush to set up circumstances for book two, but no clear resolution for book one, not even a clear plan for the beginning of book two.
No, I do not count Bastien going from declaring his love at the climax to telling Illyria he’s running away, putting himself in unnecessary danger, so the bestie can “get the girl". That’s not a denouement. That’s a kick in the teeth.
I’d love to see this book re-written, with a competent editor backing up the author. Perhaps it wouldn’t feel like a waste of ~13 hours (I read slowly, okay).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2016
WOW ... This book was recommended to me by a friend and I'm glad she did as I loved this book from start to finish ... I love a good female heroine along with the hot men ... I was a bit apprehensive only because I hadn't read Sci-fi before but once again I'm glad I did.
This book is a story of a love triangle and a young girls battle with her inner shadow of herself. The characters have strength and bravery between them. I love Bastien obviously.
Can't wait to read the next book
This book is a story of a love triangle and a young girls battle with her inner shadow of herself. The characters have strength and bravery between them. I love Bastien obviously.
Can't wait to read the next book
April 4, 2013
4 Stars
I can’t take this. Eamon is pulling from one side and Bastien the other. Both sides are as miserable as I am. How can this be my path, to hurt everyone I love?
Illyria is living in a place where Caldonians have taken over, where sky ships land each night scouring the woods for humans. This place used to be her parent’s earth, it has been lost to the past. She must face the skeletal remains of the city, a place she has to explore, to find the truth so that they will have a chance to survive.
Illyria grew up in the Rebellion. It is the only world she knows. She also knows how to fight, survive and trust her instincts. The leaders of the rebellion (their parents) have been killed, leaving her and her friends in charge to protect the elderly and the young. Toren has stepped up to lead. Eamon, her best friend has always been there for her, protected her, trained her and loves her. She loves him, loves them all. Her BFF Aminah, is the motherly one and Toren’s girlfriend. Then there is Zahra, always trying to get Eamon’s attentions and has been nothing but a thorn in her side. Regardless, they are all she has left and they are her family. It is up to them to fight a war which seems far from over with a dismal chance of winning.
Running low on ammo, medical supplies, clothing and food, she had no choice but to search in the forbidden City for answers. The tremors are getting worse and he Caldonians are searching for something and she needs to know what that something is. Following her instincts, she leaves her grounds without telling anyone. She ventures into the City, which is unfamiliar to her, a place deemed off limits and very dangerous. This place has memorized her. *Insert sexy rebel survivor here* Illyria runs into Bastien. He is annoyingly gorgeous, strong and stubborn. Denying her attraction for him is harder than she thought. She can’t get him out of her mind and he has somehow managed to sneak into to her heart. *insert love triangle here*
Bastien grew up in the city, lost his parents and learned to survive. When he runs into Illyria *insert intense attraction and let off some fireworks here* WOW… There is an unexplainable connection he feels towards her. She is beautiful, stubborn, strong and fearless. He is enamored with her and will risk his life to protect her.
I’ve gone head-to-head with a wolf while hunting, dove off the Cascades to satisfy a teenage dare and entered the forbidden City. alone, but I’ve never let a guy get this close. If I had known kissing would be this intense, I would have done it a lot sooner
When Bastien is captured and his life threatened, something takes over her and unexplainable things happen but she was able to set him free. When she is almost captured herself, she runs into a Caldonian solider, Kyan. He isn’t what he appears to be and Illyria will have no choice but to trust him.
His lips press into a tight line, but he nods in understanding. “You can’t outrun your destiny forever, Illyria.”
“Watch me.” I shoot off one final round, severing the wire that holds the ceiling fan aloft and sprint for the hall.
Commander Drakon is hot on their tail. Illyria and her friends with have to fight to the death. She will also have to make the toughest decision of her life, a decision that will affect the fate of the world as she knows it. If she chooses to be with the one her hearts wants; desires and needs, her people will suffer, the world will suffer. If she chooses to be with her soulmate; the one she feels at home with and deeply cares for, she will lose the love of her life the one man she gave her whole heart to, the one her heart knows it belongs to.
I am too young for this, Kyan. How can I save the world when I’m only eighteen?
I know this is not the path you would have chosen for yourself, he thinks, glancing at me from the end of the table, but we do not choose our destiny. It is chosen for us.
This book had a few surprises, great action, a little bit of angst, drama, sadness and a few steamy scenes. The characters were all fantastic. Each had their roles and they made the book that much better.
Yeah, that’s the past that sucks. I sink my chin into my palm
Illyria is a beautiful, strong, stubborn, adventurous 18 year old. All she knows how to do is survive. With the fate of the world in her hands, she has to make the biggest choice of her life. Eamon is handsome and sexy; the one who plays it safe, who is dedicated and reliable. He is your home, your comfort, you can’t help but love him. Definitely swoonworthy *sighs* Bastien, is the bad boy; gorgeous, adventurous, yet protective. Intense and honest- doesn’t stand for any shinanigans. He pushes the limits but is soft and caring under his tough exterior. He is a panty melter for sure! *fans self-off*
Amy Miles left me hanging and wanting even more. It didn’t end quite the way I would have hoped but I am keeping my fingers crossed that things will change for our heroine, Illyria, in the upcoming book Relinquish (book # 2) due out this fall.
Amy has written the beginning of a successful trilogy with the Rising series. A fantastic job!
I can’t take this. Eamon is pulling from one side and Bastien the other. Both sides are as miserable as I am. How can this be my path, to hurt everyone I love?
Illyria is living in a place where Caldonians have taken over, where sky ships land each night scouring the woods for humans. This place used to be her parent’s earth, it has been lost to the past. She must face the skeletal remains of the city, a place she has to explore, to find the truth so that they will have a chance to survive.
Illyria grew up in the Rebellion. It is the only world she knows. She also knows how to fight, survive and trust her instincts. The leaders of the rebellion (their parents) have been killed, leaving her and her friends in charge to protect the elderly and the young. Toren has stepped up to lead. Eamon, her best friend has always been there for her, protected her, trained her and loves her. She loves him, loves them all. Her BFF Aminah, is the motherly one and Toren’s girlfriend. Then there is Zahra, always trying to get Eamon’s attentions and has been nothing but a thorn in her side. Regardless, they are all she has left and they are her family. It is up to them to fight a war which seems far from over with a dismal chance of winning.
Running low on ammo, medical supplies, clothing and food, she had no choice but to search in the forbidden City for answers. The tremors are getting worse and he Caldonians are searching for something and she needs to know what that something is. Following her instincts, she leaves her grounds without telling anyone. She ventures into the City, which is unfamiliar to her, a place deemed off limits and very dangerous. This place has memorized her. *Insert sexy rebel survivor here* Illyria runs into Bastien. He is annoyingly gorgeous, strong and stubborn. Denying her attraction for him is harder than she thought. She can’t get him out of her mind and he has somehow managed to sneak into to her heart. *insert love triangle here*
Bastien grew up in the city, lost his parents and learned to survive. When he runs into Illyria *insert intense attraction and let off some fireworks here* WOW… There is an unexplainable connection he feels towards her. She is beautiful, stubborn, strong and fearless. He is enamored with her and will risk his life to protect her.
I’ve gone head-to-head with a wolf while hunting, dove off the Cascades to satisfy a teenage dare and entered the forbidden City. alone, but I’ve never let a guy get this close. If I had known kissing would be this intense, I would have done it a lot sooner
When Bastien is captured and his life threatened, something takes over her and unexplainable things happen but she was able to set him free. When she is almost captured herself, she runs into a Caldonian solider, Kyan. He isn’t what he appears to be and Illyria will have no choice but to trust him.
His lips press into a tight line, but he nods in understanding. “You can’t outrun your destiny forever, Illyria.”
“Watch me.” I shoot off one final round, severing the wire that holds the ceiling fan aloft and sprint for the hall.
Commander Drakon is hot on their tail. Illyria and her friends with have to fight to the death. She will also have to make the toughest decision of her life, a decision that will affect the fate of the world as she knows it. If she chooses to be with the one her hearts wants; desires and needs, her people will suffer, the world will suffer. If she chooses to be with her soulmate; the one she feels at home with and deeply cares for, she will lose the love of her life the one man she gave her whole heart to, the one her heart knows it belongs to.
I am too young for this, Kyan. How can I save the world when I’m only eighteen?
I know this is not the path you would have chosen for yourself, he thinks, glancing at me from the end of the table, but we do not choose our destiny. It is chosen for us.
This book had a few surprises, great action, a little bit of angst, drama, sadness and a few steamy scenes. The characters were all fantastic. Each had their roles and they made the book that much better.
Yeah, that’s the past that sucks. I sink my chin into my palm
Illyria is a beautiful, strong, stubborn, adventurous 18 year old. All she knows how to do is survive. With the fate of the world in her hands, she has to make the biggest choice of her life. Eamon is handsome and sexy; the one who plays it safe, who is dedicated and reliable. He is your home, your comfort, you can’t help but love him. Definitely swoonworthy *sighs* Bastien, is the bad boy; gorgeous, adventurous, yet protective. Intense and honest- doesn’t stand for any shinanigans. He pushes the limits but is soft and caring under his tough exterior. He is a panty melter for sure! *fans self-off*
Amy Miles left me hanging and wanting even more. It didn’t end quite the way I would have hoped but I am keeping my fingers crossed that things will change for our heroine, Illyria, in the upcoming book Relinquish (book # 2) due out this fall.
Amy has written the beginning of a successful trilogy with the Rising series. A fantastic job!
November 2, 2018
Excellent story
The best sci-fi i have read in a long time. Author keeps you on edge waiting for the next exciting action.
The best sci-fi i have read in a long time. Author keeps you on edge waiting for the next exciting action.
November 19, 2018
Loved
I for one loved this read. It was really different. Loved the characters and challenges. What they could do was awesome to read about. Excited to read more in the future.
I for one loved this read. It was really different. Loved the characters and challenges. What they could do was awesome to read about. Excited to read more in the future.
January 30, 2019
Not bad a nice twist but also a bit long winded.
dnf
October 25, 2024DNF - I tried to keep going but I couldn’t do it. I got to chapter eight and I was absolutely bored about of my mind.
September 8, 2016
This is a review for the complete series which I read, but I don’t think the box set is available any more. I will try to limit my review to the first book and not give any major spoilers away for the next two books. You can tell that this series is for the YA market, the actions and situations are definitely adolescent and while I liked the characters I wanted to slap both Ilyria and Eamon several times in each novel, in fact all the triangles except for Amiah and Toren were not something made the story better, in my opinion. I understand that Illyria is young and immature and I can see her making mistakes in both errors and judgment before and after she finds out that the future rests on her shoulders, but repeatedly make the same mistakes and bad decisions does not make for an entertaining story. They have survived this long by hiding and trying to ensure that they do not let the enemy know where they are but Ilyria continually puts herself and the others, especially Eamon in danger. We know that she is one of the main providers of food for the group, without her they would probably die or be captured. It is doubtful anyone else in the group could help Eamon with the hunting and eventually they would either die or be captured.
One of the things that I really liked but also had a major problem with is the “chosen mate” aspect. It’s nice to think that everyone has a met that was created for them but the author never really explains how this works. Since births are planned on the other planet and only those that are sanctioned are allowed, do they ensure that your perfect mate is someone you would be around for your whole life? Once you reach a certain age are you told who you are suppose to be with or is it more like it was here in previous centuries, your parents tell you who you are going to marry? Also, if you were created as the perfect mate for one person there should be no doubt on either side; Eamon never considered anyone besides Ilyria but while she loved him it wasn’t the in the way that you should love someone that was supposedly designed for you. It may make for a good story but for me it ended up cheating three other characters even though the author attempts to explain how it happened but the explanation just doesn’t work because of we are also to believe that the aliens are so much more technically advanced that us but yet this types of errors can happen. Ilyria’s birth was the first mistake and then there’s a mistake with her perfect mate, it’s too contrived and too unbelievable. If you read the complete series as I did I think you will agree; the ending just wrapped this storyline up but it resolved it only resolved one thing and the way that is resolved is both disturbing and sad and Ilyria’s reaction to it is too effortless and superficial even for a novel.
2.75/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
One of the things that I really liked but also had a major problem with is the “chosen mate” aspect. It’s nice to think that everyone has a met that was created for them but the author never really explains how this works. Since births are planned on the other planet and only those that are sanctioned are allowed, do they ensure that your perfect mate is someone you would be around for your whole life? Once you reach a certain age are you told who you are suppose to be with or is it more like it was here in previous centuries, your parents tell you who you are going to marry? Also, if you were created as the perfect mate for one person there should be no doubt on either side; Eamon never considered anyone besides Ilyria but while she loved him it wasn’t the in the way that you should love someone that was supposedly designed for you. It may make for a good story but for me it ended up cheating three other characters even though the author attempts to explain how it happened but the explanation just doesn’t work because of we are also to believe that the aliens are so much more technically advanced that us but yet this types of errors can happen. Ilyria’s birth was the first mistake and then there’s a mistake with her perfect mate, it’s too contrived and too unbelievable. If you read the complete series as I did I think you will agree; the ending just wrapped this storyline up but it resolved it only resolved one thing and the way that is resolved is both disturbing and sad and Ilyria’s reaction to it is too effortless and superficial even for a novel.
2.75/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
January 7, 2015
This book has the brilliant atmosphere and creativity of series such as Animorphs, though Defiance Rising also covers adult fiction ground with some darker aspects of the supernatural powers and the post apocalyptic setting. Many characters have lost people close to them and no one has gone untouched.
What is great about this is that it is realistic for a post apocalyptic time. People are cowering and struggling to survive and, sometimes, people are left out on their own.
There is a strong romance theme throughout. The protagonist, Illyria is pulled between two characters - Eamon and Bastien - and her decision between the two comes down to more than just what she wants. While the element of struggle and sacrifice in the text is realistic for the environment, I didn't feel that her final choice was properly explained.
The reasoning was delivered offhand and without proper urgency. The "what happens if she doesn't go with that person" part was unclear. It was also unclear what the benefits were. In addition, I felt that many parts of the action after she made the decision backed up her making the opposite choice so once again this flimsy reasoning was suspect. I can see from the author's FAQ on her website that she was thinking about rewriting/tweaking this book so this is something I feel I should point out as it leaves the reader confused and annoyed at the almost irrational choice that was made.
However, this is the only thing holding my rating back. The story is great and typos/grammar errors are few and far between. Aliens have taken over earth and are like us, but different (again, much like Animorphs). The human resistance has the odds stacked against them and loses people because of this. The romance is strong and vibrant but doesn't go beyond heavy kissing/light upper body petting so is safe for younger audiences.
Defiance Rising is a satisfactory length, has an ending that keeps me wanting to read the next book in the series and has main characters which have faults but are still wonderful at what they do, in their own way. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of post apoc. fic. and would suggest an age range of 12-30. For an indie book, this is well up there with the trad. pub. novels.
What is great about this is that it is realistic for a post apocalyptic time. People are cowering and struggling to survive and, sometimes, people are left out on their own.
There is a strong romance theme throughout. The protagonist, Illyria is pulled between two characters - Eamon and Bastien - and her decision between the two comes down to more than just what she wants. While the element of struggle and sacrifice in the text is realistic for the environment, I didn't feel that her final choice was properly explained.
The reasoning was delivered offhand and without proper urgency. The "what happens if she doesn't go with that person" part was unclear. It was also unclear what the benefits were. In addition, I felt that many parts of the action after she made the decision backed up her making the opposite choice so once again this flimsy reasoning was suspect. I can see from the author's FAQ on her website that she was thinking about rewriting/tweaking this book so this is something I feel I should point out as it leaves the reader confused and annoyed at the almost irrational choice that was made.
However, this is the only thing holding my rating back. The story is great and typos/grammar errors are few and far between. Aliens have taken over earth and are like us, but different (again, much like Animorphs). The human resistance has the odds stacked against them and loses people because of this. The romance is strong and vibrant but doesn't go beyond heavy kissing/light upper body petting so is safe for younger audiences.
Defiance Rising is a satisfactory length, has an ending that keeps me wanting to read the next book in the series and has main characters which have faults but are still wonderful at what they do, in their own way. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of post apoc. fic. and would suggest an age range of 12-30. For an indie book, this is well up there with the trad. pub. novels.
April 29, 2015
Defiance Rising is a bog standard YA Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic/Paranormal novel. It doesn't particularly stand out from the crowd of such novels but it's inoffensive and reasonably enjoyable. I would have liked to have seen more of Evil Ilyria, who was much more fun than Special Snowflake Ilyria who got a little grating after a while ("But it's not fair!" Omg Ilyria, LIFE is unfair. Shut up already.) Editing - mainly for grammar - is needed. Some plot decisions are stupid. Yeah, totally don't kill your enemies, that would be wrong. Even though as soon as they wake up they're obviously going to attack you again. But we must be noble! Please. Nobility is for people who don't have alien armies trying to kill them. Oh, and naming boy-with-no-military-or-leadership-experience head of the resistance army just to turn up the angst? Stupid. If these are the kinds of decisions they make, it's no wonder they lost in the first place.
But none of these things is quite enough for me to knock a book down a star, so why did a book that was cruising for a three star end up with only a two? The love triangle. Yep, there's a love triangle. Oh my god is there ever a love triangle. And this one's a corker. It has a level of angst and melodrama akin to Twilight. "I really love you! As a friend." "I can't live without you but I can't give him up." Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Ilyria even does Bella's selfish to-ing and fro-ing, supposedly trying to hurt neither love interest, but actually hurting them both over and over and over again in the process. There's a lot of cheesy self sacrifice, and a fair bit of macho posturing... all for the sake of our indecisive heroine who strings them both along, constantly changing her mind. She broke up and got back together again with both of them at least 574628319 times.
You know how Defiance Rising could've been better? If Evil Ilyria had killed both love interests the first time Special Snowflake Ilyria let her out of the closet and pulled a kind of Galadriel-Tempted-by-the-One-Ring thing and taken over the world. That would've been worth four stars, easily.
But none of these things is quite enough for me to knock a book down a star, so why did a book that was cruising for a three star end up with only a two? The love triangle. Yep, there's a love triangle. Oh my god is there ever a love triangle. And this one's a corker. It has a level of angst and melodrama akin to Twilight. "I really love you! As a friend." "I can't live without you but I can't give him up." Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Ilyria even does Bella's selfish to-ing and fro-ing, supposedly trying to hurt neither love interest, but actually hurting them both over and over and over again in the process. There's a lot of cheesy self sacrifice, and a fair bit of macho posturing... all for the sake of our indecisive heroine who strings them both along, constantly changing her mind. She broke up and got back together again with both of them at least 574628319 times.
You know how Defiance Rising could've been better? If Evil Ilyria had killed both love interests the first time Special Snowflake Ilyria let her out of the closet and pulled a kind of Galadriel-Tempted-by-the-One-Ring thing and taken over the world. That would've been worth four stars, easily.
February 20, 2016
Book: Defiance Rising
Author: Amy Miles
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Red Coat PR for providing me with this galley in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy this, but, there was just something missing from it. The world was great...Alien invasion and people trying to survive by hiding out. Plus, we have our romance and strong, likable lead character. What's not to like? However, things just did not flow all that great for me and I just don't know what it was. There was just something that made it next to impossible for me to get into the book.
Ilyria was a great lead character. She was strong and independent. She was very fun. She also had two very different personalities. While I did like the whole idea of her being both good and evil, it just was not played out the best. There was not a balance. Plus, she was kind of whinny toward the middle and end. I do think that with a little rewriting, Ilyria would be a much better character.
The world building was good. While I am not a fan of alien books, I did find myself wondering about the aliens. Amy's amazing action writing ability also added to the world building. I really did like who she was able to put the reader into the world and let them feel it out. I would just like to applaud Amy for this. (I will say that the world building was much better than the few alien books that I have read...but don't tell the other authors that...)
Now, the resistance...Um...Yeah...We need to work on that. Why? Why? Why? First off, putting someone in charge with no experience...Doesn't make any sense to me. As for killing our enemies? No, no...We don't do that. It's really things like this that take away from the book.
Now, what does this need to make it better? Well, a good edit. There are just some careless mistakes and poor planning that need to be fixed. I think that if Amy were to just go back through her book that things would be better.
Overall, not a terrible read, far from the worst book that I have ever read. However, it just didn't work for me. I am not saying that people out there will not enjoy this. I know a number of my friends have read this book and loved it. Don't base your reading decision based on my review alone.
Author: Amy Miles
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Red Coat PR for providing me with this galley in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy this, but, there was just something missing from it. The world was great...Alien invasion and people trying to survive by hiding out. Plus, we have our romance and strong, likable lead character. What's not to like? However, things just did not flow all that great for me and I just don't know what it was. There was just something that made it next to impossible for me to get into the book.
Ilyria was a great lead character. She was strong and independent. She was very fun. She also had two very different personalities. While I did like the whole idea of her being both good and evil, it just was not played out the best. There was not a balance. Plus, she was kind of whinny toward the middle and end. I do think that with a little rewriting, Ilyria would be a much better character.
The world building was good. While I am not a fan of alien books, I did find myself wondering about the aliens. Amy's amazing action writing ability also added to the world building. I really did like who she was able to put the reader into the world and let them feel it out. I would just like to applaud Amy for this. (I will say that the world building was much better than the few alien books that I have read...but don't tell the other authors that...)
Now, the resistance...Um...Yeah...We need to work on that. Why? Why? Why? First off, putting someone in charge with no experience...Doesn't make any sense to me. As for killing our enemies? No, no...We don't do that. It's really things like this that take away from the book.
Now, what does this need to make it better? Well, a good edit. There are just some careless mistakes and poor planning that need to be fixed. I think that if Amy were to just go back through her book that things would be better.
Overall, not a terrible read, far from the worst book that I have ever read. However, it just didn't work for me. I am not saying that people out there will not enjoy this. I know a number of my friends have read this book and loved it. Don't base your reading decision based on my review alone.
March 13, 2013
"Logically I know I'm facing down death, but I can't explain why I'm unafraid. No, I am more than that. I am mysteriously confident." - Illyria
Amy Miles' new book is packed with action and adventure, along with a steamy love triangle that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. I was hooked from the first sentence and was sucked into a world where aliens have taken over the planet. The remaining humans must hide out in the mountains to avoid detection or face certain death.
When the main girl, Illyria, goes into "The City", she meets a human boy, Bastien, hiding amidst the aliens. His sarcasm and wit immediately draws you in and it's easy to see why she can't stop thinking about him.
"Where are my clothes?"
"Back at the lake. I plan to go back for them once I know you're alright."
"Did you look?" I demand.
He smirks. "Now wouldn't you like to know?"
Their infectious banter makes you laugh and you can't help but fall in love with him, just a little bit ;)
Then on the other end of the love triangle is Eamon who has known Illyria since they were just babies. They've grown up together, surviving out in the caves they call home and he is more like a brother to her, but he feels differently. He is really sweet and protective of her and we see how hard it is for her to choose which guy to go for (even though I'm yelling at her to pick Bastien).
It was easy to connect with Illyria because you can understand her inner struggles and she's also a very strong and confident individual, which I love. No damsel in distress here! Gotta love that girl power.
When new powers, alien allies, and a prophecy come into play, Illyria's world is turned upside down and she must do everything in her power to save her friends, but keep what's festering inside of her under control at the same time. You better grab a snack and get comfortable because you won't want to put this book down. It's a great start to a new series and I really look forward to reading the next book, Relinquish, which is scheduled to come out fall of 2013.
Amy Miles' new book is packed with action and adventure, along with a steamy love triangle that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. I was hooked from the first sentence and was sucked into a world where aliens have taken over the planet. The remaining humans must hide out in the mountains to avoid detection or face certain death.
When the main girl, Illyria, goes into "The City", she meets a human boy, Bastien, hiding amidst the aliens. His sarcasm and wit immediately draws you in and it's easy to see why she can't stop thinking about him.
"Where are my clothes?"
"Back at the lake. I plan to go back for them once I know you're alright."
"Did you look?" I demand.
He smirks. "Now wouldn't you like to know?"
Their infectious banter makes you laugh and you can't help but fall in love with him, just a little bit ;)
Then on the other end of the love triangle is Eamon who has known Illyria since they were just babies. They've grown up together, surviving out in the caves they call home and he is more like a brother to her, but he feels differently. He is really sweet and protective of her and we see how hard it is for her to choose which guy to go for (even though I'm yelling at her to pick Bastien).
It was easy to connect with Illyria because you can understand her inner struggles and she's also a very strong and confident individual, which I love. No damsel in distress here! Gotta love that girl power.
When new powers, alien allies, and a prophecy come into play, Illyria's world is turned upside down and she must do everything in her power to save her friends, but keep what's festering inside of her under control at the same time. You better grab a snack and get comfortable because you won't want to put this book down. It's a great start to a new series and I really look forward to reading the next book, Relinquish, which is scheduled to come out fall of 2013.
March 23, 2014
Illyria has always lived in the woods. She is part of the rebellion, always has, and was born in it. But now the rebellion only exists out of teenagers, small children and elderly.
The enemy: aliens who took over earth and killed almost all the humans in the way.
On Illyria’s 18th birthday she takes off to the city, there have been these sounds and she wants to know what they are. In the city live is different and she’s recued twice by Bastien who has been living in the city. Bastien is very cocky and sarcastic but he’s sweet and loyal to. When push comes to shove you want him by your side because he will help you all the way. I liked Bastien a lot he’s even tried to become my new book friend.
So far I liked the love building but there was this horrible love triangle and it made this great book from a solid 4 star to a 3 star read.
You see Illyria and Bastien are good together, the fit and love each other and there’s chemistry between them. But there’s this prophecy and in this prophecy Illyria is supposed to be with Eamon.
And my biggest problem is Eamon don’t you have some more self respect boy??? This girl is in love with some else and there you are the fifth wheel on the love wagon. I love Illyria’s independence but I can’t stand a weak character especially a man. Why would you want a girl that doesn’t want you, don’t you want to be some girls first choice? I guess not. This was like a bad version of the twilight love triangle.
Illyria has some major powers that make her capable of beating the enemy. Secrets will be revealed.
This book was action packed, fast paced. I was missing some world building. The writing was good.
I look forward to reading book 2.
The enemy: aliens who took over earth and killed almost all the humans in the way.
On Illyria’s 18th birthday she takes off to the city, there have been these sounds and she wants to know what they are. In the city live is different and she’s recued twice by Bastien who has been living in the city. Bastien is very cocky and sarcastic but he’s sweet and loyal to. When push comes to shove you want him by your side because he will help you all the way. I liked Bastien a lot he’s even tried to become my new book friend.
So far I liked the love building but there was this horrible love triangle and it made this great book from a solid 4 star to a 3 star read.
You see Illyria and Bastien are good together, the fit and love each other and there’s chemistry between them. But there’s this prophecy and in this prophecy Illyria is supposed to be with Eamon.
And my biggest problem is Eamon don’t you have some more self respect boy??? This girl is in love with some else and there you are the fifth wheel on the love wagon. I love Illyria’s independence but I can’t stand a weak character especially a man. Why would you want a girl that doesn’t want you, don’t you want to be some girls first choice? I guess not. This was like a bad version of the twilight love triangle.
Illyria has some major powers that make her capable of beating the enemy. Secrets will be revealed.
This book was action packed, fast paced. I was missing some world building. The writing was good.
I look forward to reading book 2.
September 13, 2020
This book had a lot of potential but it just wasnt good.
I was really excited about it at the begining. It started out good and exciting and she seemed like a strong character but then it just went downhill, there was no character development. It was like the opposite, the characters got worse and worse.
Everyone was talking about how she was so stubborn and would always do her own thing but then kyan comes and says this is your destiny you have to be in love with Eamon not Bastian and shes like ok darn sorry bastain I can't love you. She doesn't try to go against her destiny! She was obviously happier and in better control of her powers when she was with Bastian but it was her "destiny" to be with Eamon.
And the whole powers thing was a little confusing. I get the whole taking over her mind thing but it was written to sound like they were one but they kept saying it was different. When the shadow took over she would switch from being it to warning her friends. It was really confusing.
The end battle was pretty cool but she was so powerful that she could've killed everyone with no problem but still that drakon guy was making deals with her and she was just gonna go with him! She has so much power but then when it really matters she submits to this weakling.
Overall, I didn't like it. I was just trying to push through it so I could get onto my next book. The whole love triangle is weak.
I was really excited about it at the begining. It started out good and exciting and she seemed like a strong character but then it just went downhill, there was no character development. It was like the opposite, the characters got worse and worse.
Everyone was talking about how she was so stubborn and would always do her own thing but then kyan comes and says this is your destiny you have to be in love with Eamon not Bastian and shes like ok darn sorry bastain I can't love you. She doesn't try to go against her destiny! She was obviously happier and in better control of her powers when she was with Bastian but it was her "destiny" to be with Eamon.
And the whole powers thing was a little confusing. I get the whole taking over her mind thing but it was written to sound like they were one but they kept saying it was different. When the shadow took over she would switch from being it to warning her friends. It was really confusing.
The end battle was pretty cool but she was so powerful that she could've killed everyone with no problem but still that drakon guy was making deals with her and she was just gonna go with him! She has so much power but then when it really matters she submits to this weakling.
Overall, I didn't like it. I was just trying to push through it so I could get onto my next book. The whole love triangle is weak.
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