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Defender
Spirited eighteen-year-old Sierra’s future takes an unexpected twist when a summons arrives, bearing her name for training at the prestigious Camp Eschol—the training camp where the city's defenders are forged. Guarding the city from the towering walls, the defenders are the first line of protection against looming threats. Because of her weak heart, she never planned on being a defender. The summons changes everything, and she enters training camp completely unprepared for the task ahead of her.
Amidst this new world of endless training, combat drills, and relentless challenges, she encounters Nico—a tall, enigmatic cadet who displays an interest in her. Guided by Nico's encouragement, she transcends her limitations, accomplishing more than she ever thought possible.
But destiny's hand is far from done. An event shatters the foundation she has come to rely upon, leaving her grappling with heartbreak and the chaos of a world turned upside down. Amidst the turmoil, a chance encounter with a dragon unveils a world that she could have never imagined.
As the city's fate hangs in the balance, Sierra and her newfound allies accelerate towards an unforeseen destiny—one that will reshape her identity, rewrite her path, and reveal that even the most fragile heart can pulse with the power to change everything.
(This is a full-length, closed-door romance.)
Amidst this new world of endless training, combat drills, and relentless challenges, she encounters Nico—a tall, enigmatic cadet who displays an interest in her. Guided by Nico's encouragement, she transcends her limitations, accomplishing more than she ever thought possible.
But destiny's hand is far from done. An event shatters the foundation she has come to rely upon, leaving her grappling with heartbreak and the chaos of a world turned upside down. Amidst the turmoil, a chance encounter with a dragon unveils a world that she could have never imagined.
As the city's fate hangs in the balance, Sierra and her newfound allies accelerate towards an unforeseen destiny—one that will reshape her identity, rewrite her path, and reveal that even the most fragile heart can pulse with the power to change everything.
(This is a full-length, closed-door romance.)
325 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2023
202 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Manney
20 books133 followersA. J. Manney lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and four kids. Some of her favorite things to do include reading, family days, being a pastor's wife, and watching football on Sunday afternoons with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 5, 2025
First things first.... who edited this book? 😩 They did the author wrong.
This was a very basic YA type fantasy with zero fantasy until the last few pages. Very predictable with loads of errors, but I've read worse. Won't be continuing the series.
This was a very basic YA type fantasy with zero fantasy until the last few pages. Very predictable with loads of errors, but I've read worse. Won't be continuing the series.
May 22, 2025
The high rating on this book feels kind of inflated. It’s not awful, but it’s pretty basic and reads as more juvenile than expected. There are some clear parallels to the Divergent series, including a competitive ranking board where low scores can get you kicked out, hand-to-hand mat fights, a return-the-flag event, a social outcast faction, and a female lead who starts off weak, gets injured, and gradually becomes strong enough to stand out.
Spoiler warning: Some plot details mentioned below.
The romance is extremely G-rated, basically just kissing, which makes the sudden jump to graphic torture at the end feel out of place. There’s facial cutting, a knee being broken, and teeth being pulled, none of which matches the otherwise mild tone of the book.
There are also a bunch of plot holes or things that just don’t make sense. One example: the main character breaks her thumb to escape restraints, but then she’s immediately fighting with daggers in both hands and the injury is never mentioned again. The worldbuilding is also confusing. People wear sunglasses and drive vehicles, but there are no guns and everyone fights with bows and knives. Then dragons show up toward the end, but they feel tacked on rather than central to the story.
This one wasn’t for me. But if you’re into Divergent-style stories with very tame romance and don’t mind some inconsistencies, you might enjoy it more. I will say, kudos to the author for providing a clean fantasy option in a genre that often leans heavily into steamier content. While I personally prefer a bit more edge in both romance and worldbuilding, I can see the appeal for readers looking for something milder and more accessible.
Spoiler warning: Some plot details mentioned below.
The romance is extremely G-rated, basically just kissing, which makes the sudden jump to graphic torture at the end feel out of place. There’s facial cutting, a knee being broken, and teeth being pulled, none of which matches the otherwise mild tone of the book.
There are also a bunch of plot holes or things that just don’t make sense. One example: the main character breaks her thumb to escape restraints, but then she’s immediately fighting with daggers in both hands and the injury is never mentioned again. The worldbuilding is also confusing. People wear sunglasses and drive vehicles, but there are no guns and everyone fights with bows and knives. Then dragons show up toward the end, but they feel tacked on rather than central to the story.
This one wasn’t for me. But if you’re into Divergent-style stories with very tame romance and don’t mind some inconsistencies, you might enjoy it more. I will say, kudos to the author for providing a clean fantasy option in a genre that often leans heavily into steamier content. While I personally prefer a bit more edge in both romance and worldbuilding, I can see the appeal for readers looking for something milder and more accessible.
September 21, 2023
Let me first say that I have read three of her full series since July and thoroughly enjoyed each and every book. I saw her post about an ARC and requested it *immediately*.
This book has a release date of October 27th, 2023.
One thing about AJ's books? Her female leads are something else. They go through trials, but they fight, and they fight hard. They grow where they need to, and I love to see it. The male characters are alpha male done RIGHT. They respect, protect, and love the woman that they're with. AJ's books tend to have the "touch her and die" trope, and I personally love it.
The plot was clear and steady, and the twists were unpredictable. It is not heavy on romance but does have romance. Swoon worthy romance, at that. This is a clean romance, like all of her works. I found myself laughing, being angry, blowing my nose, and of course *swooning* because AJ is so dang good at writing.
She writes characters so well. I had thoughts and feelings for all of them. During some twists, I found myself saying, "I KNEW IT!" or other things I can not type into this review without it being a spoiler. An author who can make you feel so strongly for characters and their stories is an author to read.
Now, because it is not a standalone, you will have to wait for the second to see what happens next. I personally will wait patiently and eagerly for this next arc and main release.
I highly recommend this one!!
This book has a release date of October 27th, 2023.
One thing about AJ's books? Her female leads are something else. They go through trials, but they fight, and they fight hard. They grow where they need to, and I love to see it. The male characters are alpha male done RIGHT. They respect, protect, and love the woman that they're with. AJ's books tend to have the "touch her and die" trope, and I personally love it.
The plot was clear and steady, and the twists were unpredictable. It is not heavy on romance but does have romance. Swoon worthy romance, at that. This is a clean romance, like all of her works. I found myself laughing, being angry, blowing my nose, and of course *swooning* because AJ is so dang good at writing.
She writes characters so well. I had thoughts and feelings for all of them. During some twists, I found myself saying, "I KNEW IT!" or other things I can not type into this review without it being a spoiler. An author who can make you feel so strongly for characters and their stories is an author to read.
Now, because it is not a standalone, you will have to wait for the second to see what happens next. I personally will wait patiently and eagerly for this next arc and main release.
I highly recommend this one!!
June 11, 2025
Pretty much what you can expect from a modern YA 'fantasy'. Nothing new - at all. I will say though - these books don't fail to entertain. Is it predictable? Yes. Cringey? Yes. Yet, there's still some entertainment here. Sometimes, I find myself reading complex series after complex series and it truly is nice to read something simple like this. From a stylistic and literary sense, I think the author struggles with idea breaks and general plot progression. There really is nothing truly happening in about 95% of the book. There are also random, sudden breaks from one idea to the next. Again, not something detrimental to an already average story, just something I found myself scratching my head on at times. Don't set your expectations to the moon on this one and you'll likely find yourself enjoying it.
November 17, 2023
Defender marked off all of my boxes! Clean, fantasy, found family, adventure, warrior vibes FMC & DRAGONS! I can not wait till the next book is out, Defier on 11/30!! There were some unexpected twists and the ending, I fell straight off of that cliff! I'm not going to even mention names at the risk of spoiling - this was a quick read and so good!
September 27, 2024
Book one is brimming with hidden identity, action and adventure, clean romance, and DRAGONS! Sierra is a typical 18-year-old, and a lot of the dialogue reflected her age, but her character arc was great. She was brave, determined and funny. I loved her “did I say that out loud?” moments. I immediately downloaded book two!
Rating: 4.5/5
Rating: 4.5/5
April 9, 2025
excellent
I am so happy I came upon this book.
The setting and progression of events was well thought out. The storyline never felt predictable.
I loved the characters, they are all memorable. The pace of the book is good, I never felt that it was droning on needlessly. Kept me interested and had me up reading way past my bedtime.
I am so happy I came upon this book.
The setting and progression of events was well thought out. The storyline never felt predictable.
I loved the characters, they are all memorable. The pace of the book is good, I never felt that it was droning on needlessly. Kept me interested and had me up reading way past my bedtime.
January 7, 2026
I will almost always enjoy a dragon fantasy with romance subplot. This was a little predictable, but still fun - I see the direct inspiration from Fourth Wing, but this year I'm choosing joy and fun... and will not compare books to other books because 'comparison is the thief of joy,' people. I'm just here for the vibes and this one was fun!
October 30, 2023
good read.
One of those books you have to finish, just one more chapter”haha”. I finished it in one night it was so good. Only thing I don’t like is having to wait for the next one.
One of those books you have to finish, just one more chapter”haha”. I finished it in one night it was so good. Only thing I don’t like is having to wait for the next one.
March 5, 2024
Wow!
It's been a really long time since I've found a new author whose book I can't put down... I'm so delighted to have found A.J. Manner and her book Defender. It's a story that keeps you guessing at every turn of the page. I can't wait to start the next book.
It's been a really long time since I've found a new author whose book I can't put down... I'm so delighted to have found A.J. Manner and her book Defender. It's a story that keeps you guessing at every turn of the page. I can't wait to start the next book.
September 25, 2024
Fantastic Beyond Expectations
This book completely surprised me with how great it is! I absolutely love the action-packed intensity of this story. AJ Manney has created a unique world I want to revisit again and again!
This book completely surprised me with how great it is! I absolutely love the action-packed intensity of this story. AJ Manney has created a unique world I want to revisit again and again!
December 28, 2024
AMAZING
I loved how I got to know Siera became her own person apart from anyone else. The character development for her was great! I loved getting to watch her become a fierce defender!
I loved how I got to know Siera became her own person apart from anyone else. The character development for her was great! I loved getting to watch her become a fierce defender!
March 15, 2025
Defender 1
Could not put this down , read within one day !! Storyline does not let up , one exciting chapter after another and now I’m heading to the second book because I MUST know what happens next!! Fantastic story!!
Could not put this down , read within one day !! Storyline does not let up , one exciting chapter after another and now I’m heading to the second book because I MUST know what happens next!! Fantastic story!!
April 19, 2025
Great story
I really enjoyed this story! Love dragons and how people bond with them. I loved the characters, esp. Sierra and Hawke. The story was fast paced and very intresting. Now to the next part.
I really enjoyed this story! Love dragons and how people bond with them. I loved the characters, esp. Sierra and Hawke. The story was fast paced and very intresting. Now to the next part.
March 2, 2024
good read
What a great book. Nicely paces, interesting characters and an adventure waiting around the bend. A bind formed in childhood can last forever
What a great book. Nicely paces, interesting characters and an adventure waiting around the bend. A bind formed in childhood can last forever
March 25, 2024
Fun read
Very enjoyable, fun read. Great to see the characters grow and interesting plot twists as well. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Very enjoyable, fun read. Great to see the characters grow and interesting plot twists as well. Looking forward to reading the next one.
June 18, 2024
I’m speechless 😶 and madly in love with this book. Just read it…you won’t regret it.
June 19, 2024
What a book
It's such an amazing read. 👏 I would recommend this book. It's so much better than the Divigent book. Awesome
It's such an amazing read. 👏 I would recommend this book. It's so much better than the Divigent book. Awesome
June 20, 2024
Wonderful
Loved this book! Can't wait to read the next one. I am a dragon lover and I hope there are more to come!
Loved this book! Can't wait to read the next one. I am a dragon lover and I hope there are more to come!
July 4, 2024
Good for fantasy fans. Underdog trying to achieve. I would’ve gave this book a 3 until the last chapter. Now I need the second book.
July 6, 2024
Okay this book is divergent and fourth wing mixed but has every plot point as divergent did. It was a good book but it didn’t feel original.
August 2, 2024
Good story. Likeable characters.
December 13, 2024
amazing!!’
I could not put this book down!! AJ Manney is such a good writer and I can’t wait to read book two in this series!!
I could not put this book down!! AJ Manney is such a good writer and I can’t wait to read book two in this series!!
December 22, 2024
really good
Well this was just amazing ! I’ve been sucked in and I can’t wait to finish the series . This is one of my favorite books I have read all year.
Well this was just amazing ! I’ve been sucked in and I can’t wait to finish the series . This is one of my favorite books I have read all year.
January 21, 2025
I love this story, it is absolute perfection.
February 28, 2025
Defender
A very well written piece that I found hard to put down. From the start to the finish I struggled to stop reading.
A very well written piece that I found hard to put down. From the start to the finish I struggled to stop reading.
September 21, 2025
Action packed!
Read
January 10, 2026Too many plot holes and felt juvenile at times. I think the author’s other books have a stronger plot. Finished it, but it wasn’t for me. I heard the second book is better.
April 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Gave me young adult fourth wing vibes.
March 23, 2025
I read the reviews and back cover of this book not sure what I was getting into... but it was worth it. Despite rooting for the main character the whole time, it was hard when she could not grasp what she was capable of. Don't even get me started on the guy she dates... there are so many things wrong about that relationship. BUT!... I was hooked. I will be reading some more from A.J. Manney after this for sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews