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The Wall Series #3
Defenders
The battle for control of Area Four is over. Or is it?
Aleesha is determined to give the captured Metz officers a chance to change. But as tensions rise between Outsider gangs and the newly freed officers, events take a devastating turn and Aleesha is forced to confront her darkest fears.
Still reeling from the battle of Rose Square, Trey has his own decision to make. Does he remain Outside or listen to his mother's pleas and return to his family's aid?
Forced to decide between family and friends, duty and their hearts, Aleesha and Trey must decide which path to choose and if that path involves each other.
The Wall Series is an action-packed dystopian series set in a future London. It's recommended for older YA readers (and adults!) and is best read in order.
The Wall Series:
- Expendables (Book 1)
- Infiltrators (Book 2)
- Defenders (Book 3)
- Liberators (Book 4) - coming soon!
Aleesha is determined to give the captured Metz officers a chance to change. But as tensions rise between Outsider gangs and the newly freed officers, events take a devastating turn and Aleesha is forced to confront her darkest fears.
Still reeling from the battle of Rose Square, Trey has his own decision to make. Does he remain Outside or listen to his mother's pleas and return to his family's aid?
Forced to decide between family and friends, duty and their hearts, Aleesha and Trey must decide which path to choose and if that path involves each other.
The Wall Series is an action-packed dystopian series set in a future London. It's recommended for older YA readers (and adults!) and is best read in order.
The Wall Series:
- Expendables (Book 1)
- Infiltrators (Book 2)
- Defenders (Book 3)
- Liberators (Book 4) - coming soon!
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
About the author
Alison Ingleby
25 books250 followersI write dystopian, sci-fi and fantasy fiction for young adults and adults who are still young at heart. As a former emergency planner with an interest in climate change and sustainability, I spend a lot of time wondering what the future will be like.
Some of my favourite things: reading, Yorkshire Tea, exploring new places, feeling the wind in my hair, climbing mountains, being by the sea.
I live with my husband and our campervan, Sadie, in West Yorkshire, England.
If you’d like to find out more about what I’m working on, the inspiration behind my stories and special launch deals, you can sign up for my Readers' club on my website: alisoningleby.com
Some of my favourite things: reading, Yorkshire Tea, exploring new places, feeling the wind in my hair, climbing mountains, being by the sea.
I live with my husband and our campervan, Sadie, in West Yorkshire, England.
If you’d like to find out more about what I’m working on, the inspiration behind my stories and special launch deals, you can sign up for my Readers' club on my website: alisoningleby.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 2, 2019
Defenders is a great mix of enemies and allies coming together. With Trey going back Inside, it also gives a fantastic contrast of worlds, much like the familiarity of Expendables, the first book in The Wall series.
However, though I quite enjoyed Trey going back Inside for the first time, I feel like it was Aleesha’s POV that was strongest in this particular installment of the series. There were aspects of Trey’s narration that were interesting — the drama with his family, and, of course, with Millicent — but I just didn’t get as sucked in with his narration as I did with the first two books. While the idea of him going back Inside was appealing, I found myself kind of skimming the parts involving his job in food production.
That said, while I didn’t quite click with Trey’s narration so much this time around, I loved reading in Aleesha’s POV. In particular, of course, the climax — the fight was intense and gripping, positively page-turning. Hell, it was page-turning in *both* narrations, so I think that’s definitely where Trey’s narration started to pick up again for me. I don’t read a whole lot of fight scenes, but the intensity combined with the imagery and emotion turned Defenders’ climax into one of the best fight scenes I’ve read in awhile. Perhaps ever.
I also liked the clear evolution of Trey and Aleesha’s relationship throughout the whole series. Back when I read the very first book, I noted in my review that the fact that it involves *no* love triangles and *no* instalove as one of my favorite things regarding their relationship, and that still rings true. Sure, there might be that little thing with Rogue and Aleesha, but, personally, I find that totally believable given Rogue’s character — he’s never experience human emotion, let alone love, before, so of course he might think he’s “in love” with Aleesha, given she’s the first female he’s ever been somewhat close to. I, personally, don’t see that as a love triangle or instalove-y, but even if you do want to view it that way, it’s a logical little subplot that actually MAKES SENSE given Rogue’s background (I love Rogue’s character so freakin’ much, by the way). Overall, the fact that Aleesha’s and Trey’s relationship reads *normally,* like an actual human relationship — none of that Shakespeare “love at first sight” bullshit — is definitely one of the strongest points of the series... *especially* given that it’s YA.
Overall, while it may not be my absolute favorite in the series, Defenders was still a fantastic read and features more about one of my favorite supporting characters — Rogue. “The Wall” is a *brilliant* series that I highly recommend to any dystopian fan — especially if you want to read a series that cooooould very well ring true in some distant future for a particular country in North America.
However, though I quite enjoyed Trey going back Inside for the first time, I feel like it was Aleesha’s POV that was strongest in this particular installment of the series. There were aspects of Trey’s narration that were interesting — the drama with his family, and, of course, with Millicent — but I just didn’t get as sucked in with his narration as I did with the first two books. While the idea of him going back Inside was appealing, I found myself kind of skimming the parts involving his job in food production.
That said, while I didn’t quite click with Trey’s narration so much this time around, I loved reading in Aleesha’s POV. In particular, of course, the climax — the fight was intense and gripping, positively page-turning. Hell, it was page-turning in *both* narrations, so I think that’s definitely where Trey’s narration started to pick up again for me. I don’t read a whole lot of fight scenes, but the intensity combined with the imagery and emotion turned Defenders’ climax into one of the best fight scenes I’ve read in awhile. Perhaps ever.
I also liked the clear evolution of Trey and Aleesha’s relationship throughout the whole series. Back when I read the very first book, I noted in my review that the fact that it involves *no* love triangles and *no* instalove as one of my favorite things regarding their relationship, and that still rings true. Sure, there might be that little thing with Rogue and Aleesha, but, personally, I find that totally believable given Rogue’s character — he’s never experience human emotion, let alone love, before, so of course he might think he’s “in love” with Aleesha, given she’s the first female he’s ever been somewhat close to. I, personally, don’t see that as a love triangle or instalove-y, but even if you do want to view it that way, it’s a logical little subplot that actually MAKES SENSE given Rogue’s background (I love Rogue’s character so freakin’ much, by the way). Overall, the fact that Aleesha’s and Trey’s relationship reads *normally,* like an actual human relationship — none of that Shakespeare “love at first sight” bullshit — is definitely one of the strongest points of the series... *especially* given that it’s YA.
Overall, while it may not be my absolute favorite in the series, Defenders was still a fantastic read and features more about one of my favorite supporting characters — Rogue. “The Wall” is a *brilliant* series that I highly recommend to any dystopian fan — especially if you want to read a series that cooooould very well ring true in some distant future for a particular country in North America.
February 4, 2020
This series only gets better. Despite being a fairly heft 400+ pages I chewed through it because of the nauseous underlying tension. Less racing around than book one, less big battles to fight than book two, and yet it still remains a gripping plot.
We pick up as Trey has to make a big decision. He wants to help the Outsiders, but his family need him. Could he help both of them from the Inside? A job at one of the food factories provides him with a new perspective, new allies, and new enemies. Back on the Outside, Aleesha's still reeling from the events in Rose Square. She's got the deprogrammed Metz officers to work on, but not all of them are as repentant as Rogue.
I really loved Trey's evolution in this one; for the first time I really felt invested in his character. He's grown up and gained an active part to play is a story of dystopian corporate espionage. Hanging out with drunken colleagues and being under the thumb of middle managers with attitude problems... Not much changes post apocalypse! Aleesha's encounters with Rogue and the gangs provided both the action and the heart; watching a formerly emotionless super-soldier and a girl numbed by brutality both come to terms with what it means to feel and the different shades of affection was really touching. I still don't quite get the Trey/Aleesha thing . I'm not sure where their feelings stem from but it's not in your face instalove smush either (yay for lack of drooling heroines and dumbstruck boys!)
A couple of things blindsided me, but nothing too massive.
We got our first identifiable villain to focus on too: Primo, the ex-Metz captain. He's big, he's bad, he's... nuanced. Maybe not obviously to start with, but his is a story of how a bully became one, and why ideology can be made to trump reason. You knew a showdown was brewing, and when it does it's worryingly tense .
The ending leaves you bouncing up and down wanting to know how all those dangling story threads are going to be tied off. What's going to happen to Trey and Aleesha? What's the Chain's next move? Really, who are the Brotherhood? And just how can these two kids out of thousands cross the Wall?
We pick up as Trey has to make a big decision. He wants to help the Outsiders, but his family need him. Could he help both of them from the Inside? A job at one of the food factories provides him with a new perspective, new allies, and new enemies. Back on the Outside, Aleesha's still reeling from the events in Rose Square. She's got the deprogrammed Metz officers to work on, but not all of them are as repentant as Rogue.
I really loved Trey's evolution in this one; for the first time I really felt invested in his character. He's grown up and gained an active part to play is a story of dystopian corporate espionage. Hanging out with drunken colleagues and being under the thumb of middle managers with attitude problems... Not much changes post apocalypse! Aleesha's encounters with Rogue and the gangs provided both the action and the heart; watching a formerly emotionless super-soldier and a girl numbed by brutality both come to terms with what it means to feel and the different shades of affection was really touching. I still don't quite get the Trey/Aleesha thing . I'm not sure where their feelings stem from but it's not in your face instalove smush either (yay for lack of drooling heroines and dumbstruck boys!)
A couple of things blindsided me, but nothing too massive.
We got our first identifiable villain to focus on too: Primo, the ex-Metz captain. He's big, he's bad, he's... nuanced. Maybe not obviously to start with, but his is a story of how a bully became one, and why ideology can be made to trump reason. You knew a showdown was brewing, and when it does it's worryingly tense .
The ending leaves you bouncing up and down wanting to know how all those dangling story threads are going to be tied off. What's going to happen to Trey and Aleesha? What's the Chain's next move? Really, who are the Brotherhood? And just how can these two kids out of thousands cross the Wall?
December 1, 2018
Defenders delivers. The opening was intriguing and powerful as it reminded me of the battle from the Infiltrators. I wanted to see how they decided to handle the information they had discovered as well as the Metz they acquired. I loved how the background information was given to the reader in a normal flashback memory way without being a lecture or book report.
The characters are easy to relate to and care for. Even when Trey’s family attacks him and Bryn it is understandable why they would behave this way. Even when Aleesha confronts the man who is her father only to be met with anger and disbelief, given how long it has been and his status it makes sense even though it stinks.
I enjoyed how Trey matures and becomes more confident as he joins the inside again and does what he can to still try to help the Outsiders. Also Aleesha’s growth in confidence and leadership allows her character to do even more in this book on her own while knowing when she may need someone's help.
The love triangle between Trey, Aleesha, and Rogue is great. I love how it has made their feelings and they as humans grow. I think it is interesting how three people who have been loners for most of their lives are now in love but not sure what love is. The relationships of parent and child are also touching as both Aleesha and Trey are learning more about their parents and must decide how far they will go to be with them.
The thoughts as well as dialogue reveal a bunch about the characters, their feelings, and experiences. I felt it was a perfect mix as the narrative helped paint the scene while they both helped set the action and characters in place.
I felt it was a great take on a dystopian version of the Revolutionary War.
I love how the characters are growing in each book and how Trey and Aleesha are independently growing despite everything else going on.
I thought it was a great mix of what is happening at the time as well as what occurred in the past and the way they looked back on the previous stories as memories and sharing of events is realistic.
What will happen next? I can't wait to read the next book.
The characters are easy to relate to and care for. Even when Trey’s family attacks him and Bryn it is understandable why they would behave this way. Even when Aleesha confronts the man who is her father only to be met with anger and disbelief, given how long it has been and his status it makes sense even though it stinks.
I enjoyed how Trey matures and becomes more confident as he joins the inside again and does what he can to still try to help the Outsiders. Also Aleesha’s growth in confidence and leadership allows her character to do even more in this book on her own while knowing when she may need someone's help.
The love triangle between Trey, Aleesha, and Rogue is great. I love how it has made their feelings and they as humans grow. I think it is interesting how three people who have been loners for most of their lives are now in love but not sure what love is. The relationships of parent and child are also touching as both Aleesha and Trey are learning more about their parents and must decide how far they will go to be with them.
The thoughts as well as dialogue reveal a bunch about the characters, their feelings, and experiences. I felt it was a perfect mix as the narrative helped paint the scene while they both helped set the action and characters in place.
I felt it was a great take on a dystopian version of the Revolutionary War.
I love how the characters are growing in each book and how Trey and Aleesha are independently growing despite everything else going on.
I thought it was a great mix of what is happening at the time as well as what occurred in the past and the way they looked back on the previous stories as memories and sharing of events is realistic.
What will happen next? I can't wait to read the next book.
December 1, 2018
The book follows on with the story of Aleesha and Trey/Darwin and how the consequences of them trying to take the 'right action' has not panned out as they had hoped.
Without giving any spoilers the action is packed and sadly some sympathetic characters are harmed or some characters do become more caring and switch allegiance.
However the big question this series asks is 'can people with ideals to help humanity keep their ideals when they get power - or does power corrupt..........?
I look forward to reading the last book of this series to see how the author will end this story of a London and Britain sinking into the sea and how she will develop the main characters on their path to saving the country and the people or
Without giving any spoilers the action is packed and sadly some sympathetic characters are harmed or some characters do become more caring and switch allegiance.
However the big question this series asks is 'can people with ideals to help humanity keep their ideals when they get power - or does power corrupt..........?
I look forward to reading the last book of this series to see how the author will end this story of a London and Britain sinking into the sea and how she will develop the main characters on their path to saving the country and the people or
February 8, 2019
Amazing book! Loved it! I wasn't expecting the twists and turns, it made me very curious and always wanting to know what happens next. I was so absorbed in the story that I got quite a shock at the end.. definitely didn't expect what happens at the end. Great cliffhanger. I like the way the characters have developed. The story is beautifully scripted. I love the way the author expresses everything and puts so much emotion and life into the story. I find myself admiring Aleesha a lot. I can't wait for "Liberators" to be published...so excited to see what happens in the last book of the series! I highly recommend this book and series!
November 27, 2018
This book smoothly continues the Wall series, developing some of the characters and adding new ones, (and killing off one or two LOL) LOTS of action and challenges to be overcome, but posing some interesting philosophical questions too, without getting too bogged down or "preachy" Word of warning... it is to be continued and has a cliff hanger ending! This is a fascinating world with engaging interesting characters, and the author has a way of making the "bad guys" and the bad decisions made by some, understandable. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one!
May 18, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
Just like the previous books in the series, this installment was totally amazing and enthralling. A well written dystopian tale focusing on societal inequality and the unfairness for the Outsiders. We get perspectives from both Aleesha and Trey, giving us a view of what is happening both Inside and Out. This was a heart pounding, engaging tale, and ended on a note that I just HAVE to find out what happens next!
Just like the previous books in the series, this installment was totally amazing and enthralling. A well written dystopian tale focusing on societal inequality and the unfairness for the Outsiders. We get perspectives from both Aleesha and Trey, giving us a view of what is happening both Inside and Out. This was a heart pounding, engaging tale, and ended on a note that I just HAVE to find out what happens next!
December 9, 2018
I love this series and every time I read the next book in the series, the storyline is even stronger than the last time.
There is action, mystery and those parts that make me gasp audibly. If you enjoyed the first two books, this instalment will not disappoint you. I will not mention anything that happens....read it to find out for yourself. I am looking forward to book 4.
There is action, mystery and those parts that make me gasp audibly. If you enjoyed the first two books, this instalment will not disappoint you. I will not mention anything that happens....read it to find out for yourself. I am looking forward to book 4.
January 7, 2019
This book continued to raise the tension and anticipation for the fourth and final book. I literally just finished reading Defenders and I'm aghast. I was so deeply entrenched in the story that I was reacting physically and verbally during the last two chapters. My family just stared at me like I was a loon. I cannot wait for book four!!! This series is well worth the read.
November 22, 2018
It's always nice to dive back into a world that you've come to know, and find out what will happen next to the characters. This book was maybe a little slower to start than previous ones, but built to an interesting ending, which promises an exciting last instalment of the series.
November 27, 2018
This series just gets better and better. Both main characters encounter multiple obstacles, but growth comes with the struggles. I could not turn the pages fast enough through each adventure and need Alison to hurry with the next volume, please.
April 3, 2020
Surprised...
By lots of things in this book. Though I agree it's a nail-biting mustread! Definitely!! But it's pretty darn gory and bloody, and perhaps it shouldn't be YA genre... But it's really good - read it now!
By lots of things in this book. Though I agree it's a nail-biting mustread! Definitely!! But it's pretty darn gory and bloody, and perhaps it shouldn't be YA genre... But it's really good - read it now!
November 23, 2018
Another great in this amazing series. Aleesa tries to give the captured Metz officers a chance at changing. Lots of action to give you many reasons to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews