One short week turned Ree McKenna’s life upside down. Not only does she have the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she still has to juggle homework, a job, and a curfew. While Ree tries to find her footing amidst the chaos, the Dark Ones and their champion are busy hunting down any humans that have a touch of the gods running through their veins. Allies have turned into foes, and enemies have become stronger. The world is growing darker, but the passion between Ree and two irresistible guys blazes hotter. Romantic ties from a past life will threaten to break Ree away from the love of her life and will cloud her judgment. In order to follow her heart, Ree will break rules put in place by the gods, risking her life and the lives of her friends in an act of Mortal Defiance.Mortal Defiance is book two of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy.
Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule. For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs. Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, super hero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.
Nichole is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Royal Series (Suddenly Royal, Recklessly Royal, and Reluctantly Royal). She has four other novels and several short stories published in different anthologies. Her next novel, The Accidental Assassin, will be available on November 4th.
Nichole Chase is represented by Rebecca Friedman of the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency.
Oh. My. God! Yep. That's it. That's my review. lol Ok, that's not it completely, but I thought I'd say it now instead of repeating it over and over during the course of this review. When we left Ree and company at the end of Mortal Obligation, we had a lot to wonder about. I won't give spoilers because some of you might not have read it yet... but the gist of it was this: Was she Tria reincarnated? Was she Roland's or Paden's soulmate? Was she going to be able to deal with the huge shock at the end of the story? All I'm going to say is that two out of those three questions were answered and the third was hinted at, so I'm assuming we'll find out in the last instalment of this trilogy.
Now, Paden and Roland... mmmmmm.... Oh, I'm sorry. Was I drooling? :D Yes, I do believe I was. In the first book, I was team Paden, no doubt about it, though Roland definitely caught my interest and I had a feeling he was going to become a factor in this second book. Boy, was I right! I've officially walked over to the dark side, or should I say, dark one's side. Now, don't get me wrong. Paden is still just as amazing, but as I got to know Roland a bit more, his past, his present, I just fell in love. lol
This second book was amazing, and not just because of the brooding dark one and the swoon worthy guardians, but because of the whole concept of the story. I love that we get to meet more of the gods in this book. Ree grows so much as a character, finding herself to be stronger than she thought. In this book, she really does decide that this is what she needs to do and piss on anyone who's going to get in her way. Of course, we were left with more questions and I think that's a great way to end the second book of a trilogy.
All in all, I love this series and I can't wait to see how Nichole Chase will end the trilogy. This book gets five stars from me.
Memorable Moment: Ree turned around in shock to see Weylin stumble through the back door. His hair was a mess and the tie of his school uniform was loose and hanging crookedly around his neck. "Are you drunk?" Eyebrows drawn together, Ree sniffed in her friend's direction. Flopping down onto a chair near the door, he looked at her with glazed eyes. "Maybe. Gonna tell my mommy?" Snorting, he trailed a finger along the window sill and grimaced. "Really, Sophie. Swiffer Dusters. Amazing invention."
The first book Mortal Obligation was great, and this book Mortal Defiance was UHHH-maze-ing!! I might explode for Book 3.
This book worked like Roland's phermones. I was hawt for more by the time Paden asked to stay in her room at the end of chapter one. The passion continued to build between Ree and the swoon worthy Paden and Roland. We get more of Tria's story as Ree begins to have more dreams of her past self.We also learn more about The Gods, who I think need a lesson in the difference between good and evil.Come on Gods, pick a side already. I was happy to see some Dark Ones get there butts kicked but you'll have to say good-bye to some major players in this book as well.
19% Ok I've changed my mind about the love triangle since the last book. This isn't a good one it's all about Paden and Roland's just going to be hurt in the end. .. Spoilers included. I'm pretty pissed off to be perfectly honest. I don't know what it was that made me love the first one so much anymore but it's definitely gone now. Maybe I should have reread the first one to establish the old feelings I had for the characters because in this one I didn't really care what happened to them.( Except Weylin. I've always had a thing for the funny one.) I'm not even sure why Bryce and Jules are in this book. And by the way if gods don't like their immortals to be together shouldn't they be pissed at these two? Maybe if that was added to the story they'd be interesting characters instead of fillers to make it seem like Ree has more friends. Speaking of Ree... She is the slowest heroine. Ever. Want examples? 1) Obviously Tristan has an edge because he's from the same blood line. Fricken duh. 2)Sophie was trying to tell you Paden is your soul mate. Not Roland. He was lied to for some future purpose. Not that big of a jump. 3)When the two boys who want you have a wager and one of them comes back looking disappointed and the other looks smug..it means he won and it's about you. (By the way we weren't told what he won. Rip off.) Problems with the book as a whole? 1) Too many loose ends. I know theres another one coming out but I have a sneaking suspicion they won't be tied up in that one either. a) There's cliff hangers and then there's practically stopping a book mid sentence. I'm not freaking out cause I want the next one I'm pissed because the last few chapters prob should have been the beginning of the next book. 2) When your in the middle of a fight scene with the big evil bad guys they aren't going to stop and wait for you to have stupid conversations before attacking. 3) The love triangle. What's the point of hurting Roland over stupid Ree when he's just going to end up with Melanie. What? Are Rolands feelings for Ree just gonna go away after he finds out they aren't soul mates? 4) What the hell is going on with Shannon and Michael they are so pointless but the book makes them seem important. I don't get it. 5)The only interesting part was the ending chapters and even through those I could put the book down mid chapter and not even care. The beginning wasn't even build up it was just pointless filler chapters. I can't even remember how many times Ree would say Sophie has some 'splainin to do and then just drop what ever she was gonna ask.
Idk I guess I'm just really disappointed especially because I loved the first one so much for reasons in can't remember anymore.
2 words...AH-Mazing! Again, I was throughly captivated by the characters, the plot, the whole shabang. It took me a second to remember where book 1 left off but by page 5 I was back to speed and engrossed in the story. I love the mix of Greek myth with modern day vamps :) makes for some fun twists! I can't wait to read book 3, I don't know if I will personally be ready to say goodbye to these characters...and I am really hoping for a wonderful happily ever after for Pay and Ree! Great work Ms Chase!
I really, really, really, really, really enjoyed this book. I actually enjoyed both books immensely. I picked up the e-books on Amazon for a bargain price (I've spent under 5 dollars on both) and I wasn't expecting much from them. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Great story-telling, likable characters, intricate plot and lore -- what more could I want? I can't wait until March for book 3, where I will be inevitably depressed that I'll have to say goodbye to these characters and their stories. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
******* Warning if you have not read Mortal Obligation please do so because there are spoilers in this review that come from Mortal Obligation*******
Nichole Chase has done it again! This second book in the Dark Betrayal Trilogy was AMAZING! Nichole has weaved a world where Gods and Vampires co-exist with mortals to balance the world out.
At the ending of Mortal Obligation Ree and her guardians are in the fight for her life when she is thrown a curve ball and finds out her brother is the one after her. The dark ones have killed Paden's Claire and Ree and her guardians are trying to figure out how they are going to survive this war that is coming. The opening of Mortal Defiance Ree and her guardians are attending Claire's funeral. Everyone is trying to grieve and at the same time they are holding this secret in that they will have to save the world from the darkest of dark.
In Mortal Defiance Ree and Paden have to find there way around a very difficult situation that has brought them together. Ree will have to reveal some secrets to her family and friends and she will go face to face with some not so nice people and Gods. Paden will have to come to turns with feelings he has had for a long time and he must act fast on those feelings because if he waits he will lose the one person he loves more than life.
The other guardians will have to work on their powers and learn how to use them to help Ree. Her friends will meet other guardians that will them with their gifts. But in the end Ree and her other guardians will have to give up something that is close to their hearts. What will Ree do when she comes face to face with the demon who is trying to kill her and her friends? What is Ree willing to do to get answers to the many questions she has? Will the flash backs Ree is having show her who she is destined to be with?
Come along for a FANTASTIC fun filled roller coaster ride with Ree and Paden and friends. See why I love Roland so much! Come into this world where the God's run the show and everyone else is just a pawn in the grand scheme of things!
Favorite quote: The whole book but I chose this one “Take care of what is yours, Alastriana.” Hecate’s voice floated through Ree’s mind as she jolted awake. Her heart beat quickly and tears were gathered in the corners of her eyes. Reaching for the bottled water on her nightstand, she took a large swallow to ease her sore throat.
Please keep in mind if you haven't read Mortal Obligaton, there will be spoilers in my review.
Mortal Defiance starts off just mere days where Mortal Obligation left off. Now that school has resumed, Ree and her friends must balance being mankind’s only hope and making sure they got their homework done. But worse than that, Ree is having to deal with the shock of a lifetime, knowing her brother Tristen never really died, but became a Dark One. Try hiding that one from your parents! And as if that’s not enough, Paden and Roland both are vying for Ree’s love, leaving her feeling torn between the two. Yes, even when the world is days away from a possible war that could destroy the earth, a girl needs at least two guys fighting over her. Right? Am I right?
Nichole Chase is an absolute darling, and her writing is pretty awesome too! She tells a story like no other. I do believe I loved this second book more than the first. Could it be the toe-curling romance that finally takes off between a certain female and her guardian? *hmmmm?* Or was it the flirty banter between gorgeous Roland and the same said female, that kept my heart fluttering right along with Ree's? *ooooh!* Or maybe it was the nail biting, arse kickin’ action and suspense that had me on the edge of my seat? *oh yeaaaah* You get the idea right? Chase delivers an action packed, romance filled story, with a side of humor I might add *snickers*…that will leave you greedy for book 3. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
(I searched Worst Villain on Google and this came up: The villains of Mortal Obligations is that lame.)
I remember reading Mortal Obligations or whatever its name is. I did not finish that book, but I skip to the last few pages to find that the villain . It wasn't that Mortal Obligations was that horrid of a book that I had to stop reading, still, it would kill me to finish it.
See, the thing is that I hated. HATED books with the female protagonist harboring a not-so-secret crush for her brother's best friend. Absolutely detested it. That was also the reason why I lost interest in Hunting Lila. Poor Lila, that book had potential.
But not this book. True, I said that Mortal Obligations was not as horrid as a one star deserved. Blame it on the dialogue. Blame it on the dialogue.
SO that's a no no for Mortal Defiance. Since I know the dark side will not succeed (base on their so-call bad-ass skills? Yeah, they should be ashamed), there really isn't a point for me to continue reading the trilogy. Sorry, Ms. Chase!["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
I loved how this book kept the tension going. It was great. There was action with the Dark Ones and there was tension with the romance. I really loved this read and the world that she has created. The love triangle was complicated even further in this book. I won’t say how, because I don’t want to spoil it, but I thought she handled it well. I have to say that the way the book ended was awesome!!! And I have my fingers crossed that one of the guys from the love triangle will get together with one of her guardians! That would make my heart happy for him. Note: Rate this PG-13 for swearing and violence (lots of fight scenes). I gave this book five stars.
Wow! Just finished Mortal Defiance, and I loved it! I read a lot of YA type novels, I have not seen anything like this Trilogy. I am very addicted, I love all the lil twists and surprises Nichole works in there. The ending left me dying for more!! I can't wait till March!! And I can't wait to see what other worlds Nichole has in store to introduce us to! Xxo
I would rate this book 4.5 I enjoyed it even more than Mortal Obligation. The transition between the first book and the second is very smoothly written. She didn't feel the need to restate everything that happened in the previous book, just the essentials. It's well written as well as a unique story line. Cannot wait until March 2012 so that I may delve further into this world. YA must read.
There is just something about this series that gets to me! The characters are so well-defined, the romantic tension is building! Mortal Defiance added so much to this series, Nichole Chase has done an excellent job of building Ree's world!
The remarkable story continues in the second book of this trilogy. I love the way the author brings these characters to life. The story draws you in and makes you not want to set it down.
MORTAL DEFIANCE (Dark Betrayal Trilogy #2) by Nichole Chase
MORTAL DEFIANCE is the second instalment in Nichole Chase’s Dark Betrayal Trilogy. At the end of Mortal Obligation, our heroine Ree McKenna has just lost a close friend to the Dark One’s. Discovering that most of the people she knows are not quite human was a shock, but finding out her beloved brother Tristan, long thought dead and buried, may be responsible for a string of vampire-like murders, pushed Ree over the edge.
Junior year in high school should not be this complicated. Darklings and godlings, Vampires and guardians, gods and immortals should only be read about in books, but Ree is living a nightmare. To complicate matters, her best friend Paden is now one of her guardians and he has made things ‘very personal’. But there are others who believe that Ree is the epitome and re-incarnation of a former Dark One’s mate and her lover wants to ensure that Ree survives the upcoming war for his own reasons.
The gods were after Ree and the guardians were confused as to the why. Her nightmares and dreams were premonitions and messages. Warnings from the gods. And when the god of war and the god of mischief are involved, you know someone is taking sides. But like every teen, there were parents involved, and Ree’s mother was an emotional wreck. Believing her son was dead was nothing compared to discovering he was going to cause the end of the world. Sending their parents away was probably for the best.
Tristan’s power was gaining in strength but there was someone else pulling the strings. The Dark Ones were attacking en masse and the small group of Guardians were sadly outnumbered especially when two of their own would not survive the fights. Hoping to discover who or what was behind her brother’s rise, Ree knew the only ones that could get her the information were the gods.
MORTAL DEFIANCE is an action-packed story that continues the adventures of the Alastriana and her Guardians. Nichole Chase did a superb job keeping my interest. I read the novel in one sitting, hoping to find out what happens next. Another great instalment in the Dark Betrayal Trilogy.
Ree after having found out it is her responsibility to save the world from the Dark Ones is dealing with going back to school. Struggling with what is expected of her and the knowledge that her brother Tristan is a vampire now and out there waiting to kill her threatens her sanity. Having to deal with Shannon at school plus Claire's death puts her over the edge and she has a melt down, luckily her friends are there to pick up the pieces and she gets out of school for a few days to rest and recover. In her free time, Ree and her now immortal friends hang out, start training and hunt for vampires. Most of this book is taken up with teenage angst over what guy to choose, I just wish she would choose already. All this back and forth, I am getting whiplash so no wonder the guys are confused and a decision has to be made. On learning that she is the reincarnation of Tria, she then second guesses her feelings for Roland and Pagan. The constant tug of war with her heart causes more hurt as Roland dreams of renewing their relationship even though Ree doesn't remember it but she starts getting flashes of memories in her dreams. Pagan is vying between wanting to protect her as a sister yet having feelings for her that he can't deny. One minute he is kissing her and the next he completely ignores her which has Ree feeling confused and insecure as she has been crushing on Pagan since they were kids. I can empathise with Roland as it would be hard to lose your soul-mate and then have eternity to mourn her and he now feels he has been given a second chance and wants to fight for Ree. Lives will be lost, friend mourned and Ree will question whether the Gods have stacked the deck against her. She has a wonderful circle of friends who are there to protect her and their individual personalities are endearing. Ultimately brother and sister will face off in the final battle, is Ree strong enough to win? Tristan has not been fighting fair and has been gaining additional power to secure his chances of defeating her. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Funny story: I read this entire book while sitting in an ER waiting room. No joke. I sat there from 3pm-9pm. One good thing about it, was that it was like sitting in my own paranormal world. I felt like I was right there with Ree, fighting off bad guys.
Ok, now on THIS story. Mortal Obligation (book 1) ends with a bang. I was left anxious and wanting more of the story. Well, in MD, we begin to learn more about this world of gods and alien/vampires. I felt like I was getting a clearer picture of where the story was going.
I still like Ree. In fact, I liked her even more in this book. She's a strong lead character that isn't afraid to get in the thick of a fight. Ree is determined to keep her family and friends safe.
While she's often conflicted about her past lives memories and her current feelings, there is no doubt in my mind that Paden is the one for her. I mean really....for me, there would be no choice. Yes, Roland is attractive in his own right, but Paden takes the prize for me. Check this out.
~"You're the only girl that I want to be with. The only girl I look forward to seeing walk into a room. When I'm not with you, all I can think about is getting back to you. When you touch me, it's like fire running through my veins."-loc 1725
See what I mean. He's absolutely perfect. Not only can he protect her, but he really truly loves her. I really appreciated seeing their relationship move further. *winks*
Mortal Defiance was an enjoyable middle book. It did exactly what I needed it to do. The story built, the tension grew, and relationships got stronger. If you're looking for an exciting YA Paranormal, check this one out. The last book in the series, Immortal Grave, recently released too, so you can read them all together!
The truth of the matter is this: I read too much. I always have a million things I want to say right after I finish a book, but I never remember them when I go to do my review. So, without getting into too much of a "close reading" frame of mind, I will say this: awesome sequel. Also: so ticked about having to wait for the next book. I mean, really!? I don't want to spoil anything, but the book ends just before a pivotal conversation can begin. How do I know it's a pivotal conversation? Just read it, and you'll see. I'm not giving anything away if I can help it. There are a few things about this plot line that disturb me. The main character, Ree, is human. Both love interests are, well... NOT. So, how does this story resolve? I mean, is Ree going to find happiness? If one is her soul mate, why is the other so in love with her? Why is there a connection between Ree and both boys? I can't wait to see what the author does with this because I certainly can't see an easy way to tie up the loose ends. Should be fun! I am also concerned with the perceived "cheating" on the part of the gods. That just CAN'T be good. As you can see, this book takes us farther into the story line, and even introduces some new characters ( hello, Ares, Loki and Hecate!), but it leaves the reader panting for the next installment.
Question: how do all of these different pantheons interact and why does one patron deity tell the kids to talk to his/her Greek counterpart? Does one deity lose its powers with the advent of a new pantheon? Someone help me out, please!
Loved it Nichole. OK gonna keep this short, boi was I upset, sad and crying when you know who died. I don't even know what to say about Tristan, he just makes me pissed. How could you or anyone choose this life where you are abused and almost drained of your blood every time the vampires feed from you. And in exchange they give you some of their evil blood in order to gain temporary powers, come on.
Where is Shannon? At the end we saw her boyfriend Michael but Shannon was no where to be found. So far I am loving the series, I am up at 1:16 am just finished reading this book and I have been tired since day and I wanted to sleep, this however, tells you that the book is just that good. I really wanna start book 3 but tomorrow is work so I need some sleep to function.
4.5 stars -- oh dude, Ms Chase definitely upped the ante! I enjoyed this one even more than the first one. A few things that niggled at me from the first were not a problem in this one...the pacing was well done, the writing was a bit more complex...more complex emotions, crazy things happening. Now I just wish that the final book had made it's projected Spring 2012 release....I hate waiting!!! On another note, I'm not a fan of love triangles. I put up with them, and sometimes they're not bad, but as a general rule I could leave them... This is so not a normal triangle...it was handled very well (IMO). Yay!
you may wish to read someone else's review if your looking for substance... I'm just flat out going to give it all away!
Seriously!! how in the blue monkey hell do you kill Sophie with half ass incoherent clues left for us all to decipher?! ugh well played Nichole Chase.... well played!
Ha!!! I must admit that introducing Tristan's character the way you did was pretty darn wicked, especially with Ree breaking down why Tristan was chosen and the advantage he had being the descendant of the Alastriana.... gotta admit, I didn't see that one coming. I'm still a bit puzzled by Sophie's death.... so many unanswered questions with even more questions surfacing....
I loved this book just as much as the first. Ms. Chase does an amazing job. She creates a world where I can see everything that is happening. I also LOVE the triangle between Ree, Paden and Roland. I don't think I'd be able to choose between the two, and I feel so bad for Ree that she has to. I love the twists and turns in this book. Especially at the end. I definitely was not expecting that. I would recommend Mortal Obligation and Mortal Defiance. After reading both books I just have one question for Ms. Chase - When will book three come out?
I knew I was really going to like this series! I don't know why I got so hooked on it but I really did! I love Ree and how she does have her freak out moments but she is just really strong! I'm glad that her family now knows and that they are safe! But I knew that something bad was going to happen at the end. I'm glad that Paden pulled his head out of his butt cause I really like him too and him and Ree are perfect for each other! I really hope that they can get through this whole thing with Tristan I have a feeling that Ree is going to try and get his humanity back instead of killing him!
This book was really good, and even better than the first one. I flew through the pages in a day, there was tons of action which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was even more so pleasantly surprised that there was some information divulged about the gods and flashbacks of Tria; Sophie's sister. I love a good PR and this book definitely held my attention. GREAT READ. I'm excited to read the last book in the trilogy whenever Immortal Grave decides to release :)
I could not start this book fast enough. And once I did, it ended all too soon. I have to find the next and all to sad final book to this series. So far this book has been full of twist and turns. I am so so mad about the loss in this book but I am praying that with this loss someone has gained something more.