With war looming in outer space and the Earthen government forced into hiding, the battle for ultimate world domination is only just beginning.Having accepted her identity, Sadie sets out on a daring quest with her friends, which takes them deep into alien territory. Fraught with tension and danger, the journey is not an easy one, especially when previous adversaries become new allies and … and cherished friends become suspicious opponents.
As the heirs unite in a bid to restore peace to the galaxy, powerful enemies, determined to exact retribution, surround them on all sides. When hidden agendas and shocking revelations come to light, the fallout is massive.
Sadie’s love life is a tangled, messy affair. While one relationship is embraced forever, another spirals out of control, threatening to destroy everything. Determined to do the right thing, Sadie will fight hard to protect those she loves.
But there are some battles she cannot win.
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This was a very heart breaking installment to the series for me. So much unnecessary loss. It was interesting that the males of the story are acting like petty females and that Sadie had to be the voice of reason on and on and on. Although I am so sad, I am looking forward to the next in the series. It is time for Dante and his minions to get their due!!!
If anyone were to ask me what this book was about I don’t think I could answer that question. Defiance was littered with subplot after subplot and then bombshell after bombshell that it just gave me headaches from all the confusing and unnecessary paths the book took. Seriously, almost every chapter ended with a huge revelation or cliffhanger. It’s like the author didn’t know how to make the main plot interesting enough to keep her readers invested, so she had to add these bombshells in every crevice possible. It was people being related to people, pregnancy, mistreatments, death and more and more. I just wanted to crawl trough the book, back to time when Siobhan Davis wrote this and tell her to calm the F down! Because what she didn’t understand was that the more of these subplots she added the messier and more ridiculously unrealistic the story became.
There is a reason why I liked the previous book, Saven Denial. It’s because it followed a very clearcut and emotionally complex main plot. Meaning the author could put all attention and thought process to the main story line and only that. Which in turn meant the story was well thought through and well developed. Since Defiance took so many unnecessary turns and had so so many twists the introduced problems and subplots was not given the chance or room to be developed and resolved thoroughly, if they were resolved at all. This was especially unsatisfying for me when it came to Sadie’s very strained relationship with Haydn.
The book had a very intriguing start with Haydn being distrustful and angry with Sadie especially since he wouldn’t tell her or us why. While the reason for his anger towards her might have been a bit underwhelming (which honestly was a relief for me since at the point of finding out why, I had already been through a sea of needless twists and revelations) the drama factor of his cruel and hurtful treatment towards her was on top. If only it had stayed that way though. Because Sadie’s demeanor was so unsatisfying. She just let him treat her like crap and then apologized to him as if his reason and treatment towards her was justified. Trust me, it was not! I wanted her to stand up for herself and be angry with him for not trusting her after all they’d been through. He pretty much took their friendship and past, spat on it and then threw it away. And she apologized to him like she was the villain in that sordid tale when really, he was. Just so unsatisfying!
Then it was her relationship with Axton. She held her own little pity parties saying it was so difficult having him in love with her but not being able to reciprocate those feelings and how she wished he would move on from her. All that contradicted her actions however, because she kept leading him on throughout the book instead of actually doing the right thing by him and stay away from him. Even telling him about her situation with Logan so that he knew a future with her was not an option was apparently a bad idea, which she never motivated why. She gave him a slimmer of hope every time to keep him on her hook. Yet she was the one we should feel sympathy for? Although, it’s clear with the writing that the readers should also sympathize with Axton, but honestly I had difficulty with that since he stood by and let the love of his life be experimented on because as Sadie said, “he had no choice”. Total BS if you ask me.
If I am being honest I had problems with almost every character in the book. Like Logan together with Sadie just made me cringe with all the sappy, constant and unnatural profound dialogues and sentiments (although I admit there were moments that made my toes curl, so it wasn’t always that bad). Then we also had Izzy and Fern. Why were they in the story to begin with? They had no contributions and weren’t they in the book the outcome and plot would have been exactly the same. They were just two names I sometimes happened upon in the pages. The other minor characters at least attributed in the war and fights and brought some sorrow over loss. Because of said messiness with subplots though these monumental moments weren’t given that much room and we readers weren’t given the chance to feel that loss either. It was “this character is dead … moving on”. Not exactly how you want to feel when you read that supposedly tragic part of the book.
Those were the main issues I had and the more I read on the more issues keeps coming up. Smaller ones like people gasping in shock and surprise (people don’t do that!), characters constantly bathing or taking a shower, how only America is mentioned and part of the story like the rests of the world has seized to exist. And how all the aliens are more comfortable speaking English than their own language. Then there are the bigger issues like how easily the characters get over death like that character just never existed and how unhealthy the romance is. For example Ax saying he wants to die if he can’t have her. Since this series is directed to a young and impressionable audience then perhaps that is not the best message to send out? Just a thought.
Despite the very unhealthy and overdone romance it was the most enjoyable part of the story, when toned down at least, and is the reason that I keep reading through the series. Hopefully, since Saven Deliverance is the last book, there will be less subplots and the many many unsolved issues will have satisfying resolvents.
I adored this latest installment of the Saven series! I was hooked from early on and pretty much flew through it as fast as I could. Definitely can’t wait to see what happens next; is it time for the next one yet??
This series just gets better and better!! If you enjoy science fiction/romance you will love these books!! Siobhan Davis writes a wonderful series where you visit different worlds, explore different technologies and meet new alien species!! Her world building is so vivid and the characters are so real!! I DO NOT, I repeat…DO NOT want this series to end!!!
This was a great book. I love the characters. I love the series and am looking forward to the 4th book.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
I thought that was really really good. I feel as though Siobhan is improving with every book and it makes me so happy.
Seeing my name in the front of the book and then as a character was one of the best feelings I have ever had. I am so happy with the character that was named after me as well.
I do have to say that some scenes are still just a little too quick for me. We find out these huge plot twists and then boom move on. I need it to be dragged out a little more.
But wow what a great story.
Saven Defiance is by far Siobhan Davis’s most intense (and best) book, and honestly, I am still shaken up by that ending. The last two hours of the book took a toll on my emotions, and as I was lying in bed last night trying to go to sleep, a certain character would pop in my head and my heart would break all over again. Let’s just say my pillow was soaked with tears and my eyes are swollen this morning. I am going to have to nurse this book hangover with my go-to cure—a motorcycle club romance.
Siobhan is a master at throwing us curveball or two, but I was not expecting the numerous twists and turns that occur in Saven Defiance.
First off, I really don’t want to give any indication of what happens because I want everyone to experience it the same way I did.
– The event that I had been waiting for since Saven Deception occurs in this book, and it would be difficult to top any of Siobhan’s other scenes. The writing was exquisite; it couldn’t have been more perfect. I wish I was there to be a witness even though that would be completely inappropriate.
– Both Sadie and Logan mature beautifully in Saven Defiance. I definitely found myself falling in love with them all over again.
– We meet a new character that you will absolutely love—King Coryn. You will have to prepare yourselves for the emotions you will experience while reading his story.
– I love that Sadie returns to earth. Jarod is still one of my favorite characters and I really missed him. It seems like the next in series will feature more of him, and I can’t wait.
– Dante one-ups Griselda in Saven Defiance and wins the award for the most volatile villain. Ugh, he is one sick SOB, but I still love him to death.
– Okay, of course I am going to save the best for last. My beautiful book boyfriend: the one and only, Axton. Siobhan is a genius at understanding the human psyche. The progression of Axton’s emotions in this book is spot-on with what is thrown at him, and I am eager to see what will happen next. I adore the moments Sadie remembers her time with Ax, and I deeply envy the scene where they are on their honeymoon. With all the conclusions I expect to see in the last books of the series, the one I crave the most is for Axton to be happy. Siobhan, please give me that happy ending so all can be right in the world. 🙂
My mind is blown! Saven Defiance is so damn good! I am just so in love with this series, and once I pick up one of Siobhan Davis’ books to read, I can’t put it down till I’m finished; sleep be damned! There wasn’t anything I disliked about this book, and once I was finished reading, I just felt gobsmacked! There are so many events and revelations in this book! And I am so excited for the next book!
Saven Defiance starts off right where the last book cliff-ended, Sadie has just escaped the Tor with Axton and Izzy, and has been picked up by a surly Haydn and a few other familiar faces, but there is one very important person missing, Logan. Sadie needs to find Logan, and they need to figure out how to stop the war between the different planets, and they need to especially stop Logan’s brother Dante, and his desire for universal domination. I love that we get to see multiple planets, and the world building that Siobhan Davis does is really immersive. I love picturing each of the individual planets, and there uniqueness. Sadie is also dealing with the situation with Axton, she’s really in a tough spot, but I think she handled herself admirably. I really feel for Axton; despite some of his actions that I don’t agree with, I still really feel for him, and understand how devastated he is. I wish there could be 2 Sadies, the current Sadie for Logan, and then Axton’s Sadie, so everyone can be happy! You know! Some weird timeline thing! It could happen! I’m still for Logan all the way, and the scenes between Logan and Sadie are just wonderful, and so heartfelt and deep; they make my heart sigh. Their connection is just an amazing thing. Logan is really amazing in this book, and he really shows maturity in a lot of really difficult situations. There are a lot of intense moments in this book, and I was sad that we lose some characters. The deaths make the story seem more real, and the characters are going through some really tough situations, so it’s only natural that everyone wouldn’t make it, so I understand the need for them, but definitely heart-wrenching! There’s tons of action in this book, as the gang tries to gain allies and survive, and I loved it all. I love suspense, and I could feel the anxiousness in my heart as I read.
I love the way this series is unfolding, and I am so excited to read the next book. The writing is amazing, and I love the way Siobhan Davis’ tells a story. Saven Defiance has soul deep romance, heart pounding action, amazing characters, gut wrenchingly intense moments, and once you start it, you will be drawn into the story so completely. Okay, sorry if this review was overly gushy, but I just loved it! Definitely read it!
Oh my. I can safely say Defiance is my favourite book in the Saven series to date. Honestly, it was so good. I don’t know what I’m going to do now that I’m sitting waiting – impatiently, might I add – for the conclusion to this great series.
Before I go into detail about this book, I feel as though a little recap is called for. I’m doing this mainly so you can understand just how much I adored this book, so you can truly appreciate how hard it hit me.
Months ago, I joined a number of advance read teams without really knowing much about authors. What I mean to say is I joined some advance read teams prior to reading any of the author’s work. It was silly, I know. It was possible I would be disappointed. Fortunately, that did not happen. Either luck or divine intervention meant I found myself enjoying all of the work I was reading. As you have probably already guessed (or you are already aware of if you have read my other reviews for this series), Siobhan Davis falls into this category.
Siobhan Davis came to my attention through her True Calling book. My to-read list is extremely long. I have it split on Goodreads between what I own and what I still need to buy. The owned book section, at present, has managed to surpass the one thousand mark due to my love of downloading free books from Amazon. When I found her True Calling series, however, the number was at around four hundred books. Needless to say, upon downloading True Calling the book ended up very low down on my priority list. Despite this, I joined the author’s mailing list and when she asked for people to advance read her Saven series I jumped right in. I am not one to deny a series that sounds so very interesting.
By the time I joined the list, though, the first book was already out. Siobhan Davis was kind enough to send it to me, so I could get up to date. Of course, this bumped it up my to-read list. I had a slight up and down with the book but, for the most part, I enjoyed it. I was more than ready for book two. Despite being late to the advance read party, I still had to wait. As soon as I had it, though, I devoured it. Then I was impatient again. I mean that cliff-hanger! The woman had me holding on for dear life. Then came two-point-five. Again, there was devouring. I needed answers. My insides were so twisted from my need for answers. What I was given was wonderful. Despite my love-hate relationship with series novellas, I adored Denial. It gave me all I wanted and then some.
As you can see, as the series has progressed I’ve come to enjoy it more and more. Nevertheless, I was still hit much harder by this one than I had expected. After reading it, I’ve been well and truly pushed into the fangirl camp.
Okay, I’m rambling more than I mean to. I’m sorry – I’ve just got so many feels and need you to truly understand just how much fun I had with this one, how I enjoyed it so much more than the prior books (books that were already at a high level of enjoyment).
Another quick tangent, though, although this one is an important one. You have to read Denial before you read this one. Defiance carries on after the events of the novella, and those events are extremely important for what is to come. Trust me, you’ll get spoilers and confusion is you ignore the novella. Therefore, turn back now if you have yet to read Denial. Go catch up and enjoy the amazing two-point-five story! If you are up to date, if you have read the between story, I will now continue on.
The end of Denial was another cliff-hanger of a story. It wasn’t as big as the Disclosure ending, but it still left me on the edge of the seat for what was to come next. There were so many possibilities. My mind created the worst explanations possible. Due to my overactive imagination, I was a tiny bit disappointed at the very start. It wasn’t what I was expecting. I still loved it, but it was different to what my mind hand concocted. I had to remind myself that this was not my story, and Siobhan Davis knew exact where she was going. Fortunately, my initial feelings only last a chapter or two. With book one I was disappointed by how the action seemed to be held off for quite some time, the same was somewhat true with book two due how I’d wanted more action, yet book three moved much faster. There was no waiting for things to happen. Things are moving, moving at a real pace, from really early in the book. Moreover, once things get moving they do not stop.
As with book two, so much happened in this one. There are so many different aspects to the story, so many things going on. Fortunately, everything is given enough attention. Things play out well, rather than items appearing meshed together. Honestly, and I know I’m repeating myself, there was so much. I was so pleased by the additional alien races in book two and then two-point-five, and such a thing continues on in book three. The science fiction lover in me was so glad that things continued to grow in that regard. In fact, there was quite a bit happen in relation to the alien races. Fear not, I’ll hold back on spoilers, but be prepared for secrets to come out and for the story to grow even stronger where the peace and hatred between the alien races is concerned. A couple of things were expected, not overly shocking, but because there was so much going on, I still found certain twists catching me off guard. Whilst we are given answers to many of our questions, there are still so many things we need to know more about. In fact, there were almost as many new questions as there were answers. It promises great things for the next book, it really is no surprise the author added a fourth book to the series.
In addition to all of this, I feel even more in love with the series for another reason. Yes, there are plots within plots. Yes, things are progressing at a great rate. Yes, I’m holding out for answers I’m sure will be wonderful. It sounds crazy that I would need anything else to enjoy the series – but there is something more. Something unique to me, I believe. What I’m about to say will not apply to most people, as I know many hold different views, but in explaining this it does help show just how deep into the story I’ve emerged myself.
You see, I’m a massive fan of the young adult genre. I will pick up any young adult book that interests me. However, I do have a slight issue with the never-ending romance stories. They are all the same, in my personal opinion, and such a thing bores me. My interest in the romance in this story… well, it was never quite what I had hoped it would be. I had been crossing my fingers that I would enter the fangirl feels at some point but it didn’t seem to be happening. I didn’t hate the romantic aspect, yet I wasn’t overly concerned by it. Not in the way I have been in other stories.
Something changed in this book.
The romantic aspect seemed a lot more mature at times. I admit there was still some annoyance about the additional aspect added by Denial (as I said, two-point-five is an important story), yet it could have been so much worse. I feel as though it worked to strengthen Sadie as a character, and due to this I wasn’t as annoyed as I could have been – as I’d expected to be. She was a strong woman, who knew what she wanted, and she wasn’t about to let drama influence her life. I came to really respect her as a character, and through the events that took place I came to enjoy the romantic aspect of the story. I found myself smiling at the things that were occurring, rather than rolling my eyes in disgust. It was a massive improvement. I admit that some of the romantic parts still felt juvenile but, as a whole, things seemed a lot more mature.
Basically, the romantic drama changed to something I could deal with. The characters were a lot more grown up about things than I had expected them to be. There was a lot of development within and between characters, and I came to accept that aspect of the story. In fact, the development wasn’t simply in regards to the romance. There was a lot of development in general. Characters I already liked I came to like more. Some characters I changed my views about, or I came to question how I feel towards them. Certain characters have a story that… well, just hold out for a lot to happen in this one to both the main and the side characters.
I really could rant on and on, but I’m sure you’re growing bored of my fangirl nature by this point. As I said, this one really has ensured my love for the series. I’ve said since the start that Siobhan Davis can write a great story, yet this one took things a step beyond her normal level. This one guaranteed I would be throwing the series at anyone and everyone, rather than holding out for just those I thought it would appeal to.
Seriously, I cannot wait to get my hands on the last book. I’m so ready for my answers, so ready to see how things play out for all of the characters. Expect me to fangirl over it, probably worse than I have here.
As a final note, I would like to say the biggest thank you to Siobhan Davis for allowing me to advance read this one. It was wonderful, thank you a million times over.
This is book 3 of the series and is just as fast paced and interesting as the first two if not more so. The storyline is so well developed that it pulls you in and gets you to root for the lead characters as if they are right in front of you. If you read the first two you will definitely want to read this one to find out what happens and the big O-M-G that happens at the end of this book.
I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved Siobhan Davis’ work since I first read True Calling. I continued to be enthralled as I began reading the Saven series. With this newest installment, I was wowed once again. There is so much going on in this volume. We’ve got betrayals and loss, and understanding and revelations…we learn more about the characters we have come to love in the first two books. We learn more about the characters we’ve come to hate as well, and maybe, possibly change some opinions on those. Once things are out in the open we learn to see certain people’s actions in a new light. There is a lot of action in this book as well, we’ve got fighting and war, we’ve got travel within planets and among planets…you will be taken on a ride throughout the course of this book and you will find yourself wanting to keep reading past the time when your eyes want to close for the night! There is a “to be continued” at the end and you’ll be eager for the next book or novella in the series.
I will continue to read Davis’ work and I will continue to recommend her novels to those who love Dystopian fiction, Sci Fi, and/or Futuristic romance genres.