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The Shorten Chronicles #4
Defiance
A grand house at war. A quest for revenge. And this time, there’s nowhere to hide.
Sophie’s back in Shorten, fighting to protect her family, her friends, and her remarkable dog. But now Sophie has a price on her head that will destroy the Manor and everyone in it.
One man’s centuries-old secret could have changed their fate, but he’s gone, murdered.
Can a dead man’s whisper still save them?
Prepare to embark on a breathtaking journey as Rosalind Tate weaves another intricate tale in the fourth book of the Shorten Chronicles. For those who crave the enchanting worlds of Deborah Harkness and Diana Gabaldon, welcome to this wonderful time-travel saga. You won’t want to miss a word!
- GenresTime Travel
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2023
200 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Tate
26 books62 followersRosalind Tate is the author of the Shorten Chronicles — the award-winning, bestselling time-travel series featuring Sophie Arundel and her dog, Charlotte.
Join Rosalind’s ❤️ Readers Club ❤️ and get the short story prequel (ebook and audiobook) completely free:
https://www.rosalindtate.com/home/#fr...
REVIEWS
Stranded, The Shorten Chronicles Book 1:
★★★★★ “An absolutely outstanding book.” GOODREADS
Escape, The Shorten Chronicles Book 2:
★★★★★ “Tate beautifully interjects elements of time travel while delving into the intricacies of love and relationships … a wholly engaging, substantial time travel romance.” BOOKVIEW
Exile, The Shorten Chronicles Book 3:
★★★★★ "OMG, what a great next book in the series. Amazing. Terrifying. Fascinating." PEN PRINCESS, AMAZON REVIEWER
Intermezzo, The Shorten Chronicles Book 3.5 (exclusive to Rosalind's Fantasy Bookshop: https://bookshop.rosalindtate.com/en-...)
★★★★★ "A fun, rom-com novella! What's not to like?" ADVANCED COPY REVIEWER
Defiance, The Shorten Chronicles Book 4
★★★★★ “Well, I couldn’t put it down!” ADVANCED COPY REVIEWER
Never miss a new release! Go to https://www.rosalindtate.com.
And you can follow Rosalind on:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rosal...
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Rosalind Tate lives in Gloucestershire, England, and holidays on the Cornish coast. She served in the British military, then worked as a journalist and a lawyer. She has grown up children, a tolerant husband and two utterly gorgeous dogs.
Rosalind’s looking forward to speaking at authors’ conferences in person again — she loves telling others about publishing and encouraging new authors.
When she’s not behind her computer, you can also find Rosalind reading her favourite books, walking her dogs, swimming, or watching her favourite Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 17, 2025
Enjoying their journey
Read
October 7, 2023❤️ 🐕 Defiance is now published! Excited! ❤️ 🐕
October 7, 2023
Review by Shirley Weidner 10-7-23
Defiance (Book 4 Shorten Chronicles) by Rosalind Tate
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
The romantic time travel characters, Sophie, her dog Charlotte, Hugo and Freddie return to the town of Shorten, through the lift. The lift takes them from the present day to 1925 England. Readers are introduced to Bella, Sophie’s baby. Freddie is glad to be home, but his home, the Manor, is under attack by a deadly militia. The complicated relationship of the three is put under duress because of the fierce fighting going on. Sophie is very concerned for all their lives and especially for baby Bella. A few decide to return to the lift and go back home to London. Strange complications happen at the lift with harrowing consequences.
I was mesmerized by the story and characters. It was a quick, enjoyable romp through history that had been slightly changed. Odd circumstances make me wait expectantly for the next book!
Defiance (Book 4 Shorten Chronicles) by Rosalind Tate
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
The romantic time travel characters, Sophie, her dog Charlotte, Hugo and Freddie return to the town of Shorten, through the lift. The lift takes them from the present day to 1925 England. Readers are introduced to Bella, Sophie’s baby. Freddie is glad to be home, but his home, the Manor, is under attack by a deadly militia. The complicated relationship of the three is put under duress because of the fierce fighting going on. Sophie is very concerned for all their lives and especially for baby Bella. A few decide to return to the lift and go back home to London. Strange complications happen at the lift with harrowing consequences.
I was mesmerized by the story and characters. It was a quick, enjoyable romp through history that had been slightly changed. Odd circumstances make me wait expectantly for the next book!
October 8, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. In all transparency, I have been following the Shorten Chronicles ever since I stumbled across them a few years ago. I reached out to the author and have been in communication with her since and am part of her "posse" of idea folks and supporters.
BUT...this series started out strong and hasn't disappointed yet. The time-travel concept is handled well, the characters are robust and keep developing, often in unexpected ways, and the plot twists and turns that Rosalind Tate devises simply boggle the mind. This is the perfect series when you are home sick in bed or on a long boat ride or a 18-hour flight - it will take you away with the best kind of creative distraction and keep you guessing page after page.
BUT...this series started out strong and hasn't disappointed yet. The time-travel concept is handled well, the characters are robust and keep developing, often in unexpected ways, and the plot twists and turns that Rosalind Tate devises simply boggle the mind. This is the perfect series when you are home sick in bed or on a long boat ride or a 18-hour flight - it will take you away with the best kind of creative distraction and keep you guessing page after page.
October 17, 2023
Sophie, Hugo, and Freddie are back in Shorten - with new baby! but it is not the peaceful, prim and proper Shorten they left! This timeline's story is diverging quite spectacularly from our own and in some rather dramatic ways. Fast-paced exiting read full of both danger and relationship drama. A few good twists with the Janus part of the story too!
This is the 4th book in the Shorten Chronicles and pulls in a lot of threads from the previous three books as well as the short "Intermezzo" that comes between books 3 and 4. Makes for a complex plot that really keeps you guessing but you need to read the books in order. This book has some sweet moments and some serious heart breakers. I thought it would be a little tamer after Stranded but wow! right back into the action. And that ending! OMG! Can't wait for the next installment.
This is the 4th book in the Shorten Chronicles and pulls in a lot of threads from the previous three books as well as the short "Intermezzo" that comes between books 3 and 4. Makes for a complex plot that really keeps you guessing but you need to read the books in order. This book has some sweet moments and some serious heart breakers. I thought it would be a little tamer after Stranded but wow! right back into the action. And that ending! OMG! Can't wait for the next installment.
October 18, 2023
In the fourth instalment of the Shorten Chronicles, Sophie’s back at the Manor and the stakes are higher than ever. The breath-taking action is perfectly balanced by the rapport between Sophie, Hugo, and the deftly drawn cast of characters. Plus, there’s intrigue and fiendish clues as the gang discovers more about Janus and the mysterious lift.
As the series progresses, Sophie’s character has grown in courage and compassion whilst retaining her feisty determination and sense of humour. Now that there’s a price on her head, she needs to draw on all her inner strength to fight enemies both old and new.
I loved Defiance – it’s my favourite Shorten Chronicle so far!
As the series progresses, Sophie’s character has grown in courage and compassion whilst retaining her feisty determination and sense of humour. Now that there’s a price on her head, she needs to draw on all her inner strength to fight enemies both old and new.
I loved Defiance – it’s my favourite Shorten Chronicle so far!
August 7, 2024
Wow! Roller Coaster Ride!
This time travel triangle series is great! Finished Book 4 and can't wait until Book 5 is available! I had seen "4-book series" so many times that when I read the last sentence of this book...it left me hanging! Then I saw Book 5 for the first time! Coming soon... I'm hoping it's really, really soon!
This time travel triangle series is great! Finished Book 4 and can't wait until Book 5 is available! I had seen "4-book series" so many times that when I read the last sentence of this book...it left me hanging! Then I saw Book 5 for the first time! Coming soon... I'm hoping it's really, really soon!
January 26, 2025
Why am I continuing to read this ridiculous series? I is a bit addictive, like a soap opera. In this episode England is having a civil war, rich vs poor. The workers want more money and rights and fight battles to take over the homes of the aristocracy. It’s like the French Revolution. Shorten Manor is bireme and Richard is killed. Hugo, Freddy and Sophie escape into the portal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
This book was interesting. I felt like the pace was a bit slower than the other books. And you do need to read the short story before picking this book up. I missed that so I was surprised when the baby was already here.
November 7, 2024
3 3/4 Stars rounded up: There were several things that made this an emotionally difficult novel - violence, relationships in turmoil, and the uncertainty of the future. I do like the characters, the writing (mostly), and stepping into another time. I’m invested enough to keep reading the series.
October 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this series, and Defiance is the best of the four! I am eagerly anticipating book 5!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
March 12, 2024
Really enjoyed this series so far. I can’t wait for the next!
March 18, 2024
Loved every minute and can't wait for the release of book 5
April 16, 2025
Such good story telling. But I do wish Sophie had stayed out of the lift.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
Defiance book 4
From 2022 to 1927 Sophie and friends rode Janus. In 1927 the militia was in force. Accidentally back to the future but needs to get back to a baby.
From 2022 to 1927 Sophie and friends rode Janus. In 1927 the militia was in force. Accidentally back to the future but needs to get back to a baby.
December 21, 2025
if you are hoping she'll choose you over her child... she won't. stop being a spoiled adult brat.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews