Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making
Wow. Just wow. I have no words that could possibly describe how incredibly amazing this book is.
The book has split POV between both Rachel and Logan. Most of the time, unless properly executed doing that is a big mistake. Sometimes, especially if the author is female they have a hard time distinguishing between the male and female voices. Making the book undeniably suck.
That was not the case with this book. Redwine does an absolutely magnificent job of giving wonderful voices to both characters, while at the same time delivering a breathtaking story.
Oh the characters.
I adored all of the characters, even the ones you are supposed to hate.
Rachel is probably one of the strongest female leads I have read about in a long time. And Logan, *girly sigh* well Logan is everything you expect a male lead to be, and so much more.
...*frustrated sigh* I have come to the realization that no matter what I say, no matter how hard I try, I will not be able to describe Rachel and Logan in a way that will do them justice. I will do my best though.
Rachel has always been strong. She was trained to be able to take down anyone who tried to hurt her. Her mental strength, the ability to outwit others and think for herself is very admirable. But now that her father is gone, presumed dead she has to use all her dexterity to try and find him before it is too late.
Now don't get me wrong, just because Rachel is strong does not me she is without flaws. On the contrary, it is those flaws that make her such a capable character. Her Independence and enduring will shall get her into trouble throughout the book and make her seem at times, foolhardy and reckless. But it is that recklessness that makes her brave.
She loses a lot throughout the book. People she cares about, her innocence and her sense of safety, but they only seem to make her stronger, and fuel her rage for those responsible. She at points is almost single minded in her hatred for her enemies.
Logan is her polar opposite. Even though he can hold his own in a fight just as well as she can, he is a very intelligent rational character. Always thinking, always with a plan. He is both brilliant and resourceful, and as a reader you can't hep but respect him. Together, they are unstoppable.
One of the things I found most intriguing about the book wasn't their love, but the fierce protectiveness for each other. Keeping the other person safe was the main objective for both of the characters. Each of them has lost so much that neither can bare anything happening to the other. Which is the basis, and heart of their feelings toward one another.
Both of them would gladly die to protect the other, and almost do, several times. That is a very powerful kind of love. Not that mushy " Soul mate-insta love" crap . They are all each other has.
The Commander, as the main Antagonist/Bad Guy/ Evil Jerk, aims to make them both suffer for defying him. The best way to do that? Take away the one thing they care about most in the world.
Each other.
All the while using their feelings and love for one another to get in his possession the most powerful weapon in the world. One that in the wrong hands could destroy everything Rachel and Logan care about.
I was surprised to discover that this is C.J. Redwine's first book. She weaves and an absolutely, enchanting world with her words. Plot lines so gripping you will, like me, refuse to make contact with the rest of humanity until you finish the last page. Her writing style so exquisite that at points you cant help but laugh, cry and pray for a sequel all at the same time.
Hands down this is the best book I have read all year.
my rating:
six out of five stars
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