What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alfurian Chronicles #1
Defiant
On the wild planet of Talamh, humanity thrived...
...until the Alfur conquered their world.
Now, defeated and broken, humanity serves their alien overlords.
And looks to the stars for a hero.
Rydian Holt is nothing, nobody—just another human from the slums of Talamh. But when his mother is caught up in the slaughter of a fledgeling resistance group, Rydian’s entire family is thrown into infamy. His fellow humans brand him traitor, while the Alfur hail his mother a hero. Desperate to clear his name, Rydian must delve into his mother’s past, and the secrets she sought to uncover. Secrets about the Alfur, about their alien technology—and the mysterious Light that powers their world.
...until the Alfur conquered their world.
Now, defeated and broken, humanity serves their alien overlords.
And looks to the stars for a hero.
Rydian Holt is nothing, nobody—just another human from the slums of Talamh. But when his mother is caught up in the slaughter of a fledgeling resistance group, Rydian’s entire family is thrown into infamy. His fellow humans brand him traitor, while the Alfur hail his mother a hero. Desperate to clear his name, Rydian must delve into his mother’s past, and the secrets she sought to uncover. Secrets about the Alfur, about their alien technology—and the mysterious Light that powers their world.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2021
324 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Hodges
53 books295 followersAaron Hodges was born in 1989 in the small town of Whakatane, New Zealand. He studied for five years at the University of Auckland, completing a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and Geography, and a Masters of Environmental Engineering. After working as an environmental consultant for two years, he now spends his time traveling the world in search of his next adventure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 14, 2025
DNF at 43%. The blurb was so promising, and it ended up a huge disappointment. There's close to no world building, which leads to piled up facts without any sense. Humans are supposed to be enslaved by the Alfurians, except the Alfurians leave humans handle themselves, and working for the Alfurians in the mines is a punishment, not the norm. So what do humans have to do as slaves? Live the way they were living before the Alfurians came and gave them a device that make them stronger and help them heal? On that note, it seems this device isn't really helpful, since the MC can take a brutal beating with the device not working anymore, and be no worse for the wear a few hours later. But the MC must be especially extraordinary: spending hours from his arrest to the arrival at the camp without drinking, eating or answering nature's call is not a problem at all for him. Which is kind of strange… The MC actually steals food to avoid starvation, but from the moment he's arrested, there's no mention of food at all. I would have thought a starving man would have at least mentioned something if he suddenly had access to food. Added to all of that, there are many inconsistencies that made me cringe: attending the arena is mandatory but the MC acts as if it was his first time in there, the roof of the arena is made of metal but the MC can look up and see the sky, the MC's hands are tied to a table but he raises them, or he raises a hand and gestures to someone when both his hands hold something… Unfortunately, the bland and one-dimensional characters couldn't overcome all the other flaws.
April 6, 2021
The planet Talamh and its five cities has been taken over by the Alfurians, alien beings who came from a distant planet and who turned humans into slaves. These being thrived on light force and had light flowing through their veins, they were strong and powerful and kept humans working for them in mines, fighting as gladiators in their arenas and struggling to live in the slums they resided in, however some humans who offered services to the Alturians were granted a higher status. These were seen as traitors by other humans as they betrayed their fellow beings. An underground faction of rebels tried to bring about a rebellion as they rose against their oppressors and attacked their temple however these were thwarted and many of the rebels were killed and the leader of the rebellion, Jasmine Holt was hailed as a hero by the Alturians and as a traitor by the people. Rydian Holt, her son and his blind father could barely scrape a living from thereon being spurned by everyone. Till one day he was caught stealing bread from a merchant and sent off world to a life of horror. He was to become a gladiator, to kill or be killed for the sport of the Alturians turning him into a murderer if he was to save his life. However Rydian was not a warrior, but once thrown into the arena he fought for his life as did his fellow gladiators, Hazel and Johanas until the day they questioned and didn’t fight. Things turned crazy from that point and many secrets came to light and poor Rydian lost everyone he had ever cared for so with nothing left to lose he was bent on vengeance for all that had been stolen from him in his short life. This is the first book in the epic fantasy, sci-fi young adult genre which is chock a block full of gut wrenching action, a brave hero with a dream of a life of freedom! Can he achieve what he has set out to do considering the dangerous terrain he is venturing in? Dying to read book 2 in this very thrilling new series.
April 9, 2021
This story is set in an earthlike world called Talamh and is about the life of a main character Rydian. The known world of Talamh is ruled by alien conquerers called Alfur who have control over the human populous. The story has sort of a Hunger Games vibe to it as select humans are forced to partake in gladatorial fights to the death. The main character ultimately wants to fight the injustice and persecution of the Alfur rulers. It is an easy read. I enjoy the way Aaron Hodges writes, his stories flow; the characters and worlds they live in are interesting. This is the first book in a series. The story concludes but leaves you with a desire to read the next book in the series to find out what is really going on in Talamh; to discover the secrets not yet revealed.
December 21, 2021
An enjoyable read
I chose to read this book because the idea of gladiators intrigued me. I liked how the author used the same situation that mist gladiators found themselves in. Forced to fight in order to live. But the reason for it all completely took me by surprise. I am looking forward to reading the next one. This book is great for teens and up. All those looking for a bit of savagery and mystery with a little fantasy thrown in would enjoy this book. There's no beating around the bush in this story. It is short, sweet and to the point.
I chose to read this book because the idea of gladiators intrigued me. I liked how the author used the same situation that mist gladiators found themselves in. Forced to fight in order to live. But the reason for it all completely took me by surprise. I am looking forward to reading the next one. This book is great for teens and up. All those looking for a bit of savagery and mystery with a little fantasy thrown in would enjoy this book. There's no beating around the bush in this story. It is short, sweet and to the point.
April 7, 2021
Defiant, the first book in the Alfurian Chronicles,
On the wild planet of Talamh, humanity thrived ,until the Alfur conquered their world.
Similar to the Romans the Alfurians hold events like the Roman Gladiators and our main character becomes one of them.
The are many secrets about the Alfurian,s what are they.
Great characters Aliens,magic ,scifi adventure this book has it all .
A must read very highly recommended.
On the wild planet of Talamh, humanity thrived ,until the Alfur conquered their world.
Similar to the Romans the Alfurians hold events like the Roman Gladiators and our main character becomes one of them.
The are many secrets about the Alfurian,s what are they.
Great characters Aliens,magic ,scifi adventure this book has it all .
A must read very highly recommended.
April 12, 2021
This story curls your toenails! Wow! What is happening here? A planet that was taken over by the Alfurian's and was very dangerous aliens that fought against the rebels. A light known as a Manus reader was given to humans but what was it? What did it really do? Rydian was just trying to live and eat so he stole food. He was caught and sent to another planet, but life was different there, unbelievable. Good storytelling, good reading.
April 8, 2021
I found this novel to be a unique and entertaining page turner. Gripping and entertaining. The world building was nicely done with amazing characters and a well crafted plot. A failed resistance, branded a traitor, the search for truth, alien overlords and secrets, lots of secrets. I was captivated by this book and couldn't put it down!
April 11, 2021
Aaron Hodges
Defiant: An Epic Fantasy Science Fusion (The Alfurian Chronicles Book 1)
ARC REVIEW
Defiant, the first book in the Alfurian Chronicles is set onn the planet Talamh. Here, native born humans are ruled by the alien conquering race, Alfur. The Alfur have Roman like Gladiator games, to the death.
This first book in this new series is a great read! Highly enjoyable!
Defiant: An Epic Fantasy Science Fusion (The Alfurian Chronicles Book 1)
ARC REVIEW
Defiant, the first book in the Alfurian Chronicles is set onn the planet Talamh. Here, native born humans are ruled by the alien conquering race, Alfur. The Alfur have Roman like Gladiator games, to the death.
This first book in this new series is a great read! Highly enjoyable!
April 21, 2021
Well that was a thought provoking story! I'm left feeling as though I've missed something here... was that truly a victory in the gladatorial arena or has Rydian again drawn the short straw with a cheap prize and more unanswered questions for him to ponder ?! The ending doesn't feel right ... There needs to be something more. Not one of Aaron's best efforts.
May 18, 2021
An amazing story of fighting for what you believe
The story was fast paced and showed the friendship between the main characters and how they learn to train together and trust each other.
They don't know what purpose it all serves.
They learn that there is more going on that they
Don't know. Each of the characters has something
That they are hiding.
The story was fast paced and showed the friendship between the main characters and how they learn to train together and trust each other.
They don't know what purpose it all serves.
They learn that there is more going on that they
Don't know. Each of the characters has something
That they are hiding.
December 26, 2021
Great book
The book is great but there are some words to change like cheer to chair (I couldn’t figure out if it was on purpose or on accident) It is also very confusing as to what is or what happened I would recommend this book to people who love to puzzle things out as to what is going on
The book is great but there are some words to change like cheer to chair (I couldn’t figure out if it was on purpose or on accident) It is also very confusing as to what is or what happened I would recommend this book to people who love to puzzle things out as to what is going on
September 9, 2022
Yet another great series by Aaron Hodges. Different and similar at the same time.
I really liked story development. The way how the context had been changing through all three books. Different moral angles and problems.
My only regret is that all three books are so short. It was great for story flow, but it was gone too fast :)
I really liked story development. The way how the context had been changing through all three books. Different moral angles and problems.
My only regret is that all three books are so short. It was great for story flow, but it was gone too fast :)
April 6, 2021
This another amazing book by a great author,it's set in a different world where humans are slaves to an alien species,it's action packed and filled with great characters and will leave you wishing for the next book.
April 21, 2021
I feel like this is the start of a very good story. I enjoyed the read and the characters were great.
There were a few grammatical mistakes, but overall a very good book. I will be waiting for book II.
There were a few grammatical mistakes, but overall a very good book. I will be waiting for book II.
February 6, 2022
What
An adventure I thought I would have a hard time getting through after reading some of reviews but it was a very well written book with very few errors that I came across. So I can recommend this book as a good one to read. Enjoyed
An adventure I thought I would have a hard time getting through after reading some of reviews but it was a very well written book with very few errors that I came across. So I can recommend this book as a good one to read. Enjoyed
June 30, 2025
Maybe it'll matter in a later book. I couldn't understand the 'forest'. It had no real part in the story and was just an adjacent scary place with probably scary creatures. Maybe it's just a genre thing.
August 7, 2025
I used hoopla audio books for this series. It was originally hard to get in to, partly due the narrator. I am happy I stayed with it. The world building and character intros came together, but may have been better if I had read them. I look forward to the next two books.
April 7, 2021
Aliens, humans and wild animals.
This book was very good with strong characters and a interesting storyline. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
This book was very good with strong characters and a interesting storyline. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
May 8, 2021
Good ... needs more character
This is a good story, but I wish there had been more character development. You don’t feel too attached to any of the characters.
This is a good story, but I wish there had been more character development. You don’t feel too attached to any of the characters.
May 12, 2021
Slow but good.
The beginning starts off fast, but around the 15% mark the story slows down a bit as the author begins fleshing out the world. It a good read.
The beginning starts off fast, but around the 15% mark the story slows down a bit as the author begins fleshing out the world. It a good read.
May 16, 2021
Good mix
This is a good mix of old Rome, alien masters, secret weapons, and a young man who loses every thing but gains an ability that her does not understand.
This is a good mix of old Rome, alien masters, secret weapons, and a young man who loses every thing but gains an ability that her does not understand.
July 20, 2021
Interesting character and an interesting premise. I will be interested to read the second installment of this series.
September 28, 2022
pretty damm good
This story flows well and before you know it your ten chapters in and NEED to keep reading. I can already tell this series will be awesome!!!!
This story flows well and before you know it your ten chapters in and NEED to keep reading. I can already tell this series will be awesome!!!!
January 13, 2023
Great read
A very good and interesting beginning. I would suggest the following book will keep the readers glued to the pages.
A very good and interesting beginning. I would suggest the following book will keep the readers glued to the pages.
Read
March 27, 2023Sadly for me, it was a DNF. I thought the story too predictable while with some serious potential. I'm sure others will adore this story though.
May 6, 2021
Well written and engaging story
This reminds me of the many science fiction books I have read over the years. The storyline is unique and becomes more engaging the further you progress until you realise that it is way better than you thought. I can't wait to read the next one.
This reminds me of the many science fiction books I have read over the years. The storyline is unique and becomes more engaging the further you progress until you realise that it is way better than you thought. I can't wait to read the next one.
August 12, 2024
Defiant it the first Book in The Alfurian Chronicles, & it didn't disappoint in any way Aaron writes a really great Fiction / Fantasy series, the story had me finding it hard to put down with the story always changing & putting the characters in different / dangerous situations to solve, the second book is Guardian & it continues on with the same exciting situations then the third book Conquest, I just love reading these kind of books, I would suggest if you Love Fiction / Fantasy stories Look seriously at Aaron Hodges stories in Kindle or Paperback. Laurie S
May 10, 2021
When I started reading this book wasn’t sure I would finish it. However, I’ve liked all the other books by Aaron Hodges so persevered and very glad I did, hooked by the end and looking forward to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews