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Defiance is the third installment in Shelly Crane’s Significance series. It picks up where Accordance left off, something I appreciate. I hate feeling like I’ve missed things in the time between books.
This part of the review can’t help but contain some spoilers for the first two books in the series, so proceed with caution. As Defiance begins, Maggie and Caleb are in London at the reunification of the Aces. This is an incredibly stressful time for Maggie. Not only are she and Caleb the first couple to imprint in years, but Maggie is to be introduced as the Visionary, the leader the Aces have waited generations to meet.
At first, she’s not sure how to act. Most of the Aces are glad to have the Visionary in their midst. True, she’s human, and very young, but they can’t keep themselves from liking her. Maggie does not want to stand on ceremony, so she does her best to make herself accessible to all the Aces. Unfortunately, the Watson clan still has plans for Maggie and Caleb. Not even the reunification and Maggie’s new position will stop them from attempting to claim what they believe to be theirs by right. It will take everything Maggie and Caleb have to come out on top.
Cris Dukehart continues to do an outstanding job as the narrator of the Significance series. I’m completely comfortable with her depiction of Maggie, even as the character changes and grows. I simply can’t imagine anyone else portraying Maggie the way Dukehart does. She’s a young woman with a lot on her plate. Dukehart allows the listener to hear her timidity, and, later in the book, the confidence that slowly grows stronger. Maggie is determined to be the visionary her people need, no matter who stands in her way.
Defiance introduces us to a host of new characters. Dukehart does a wonderful job giving them all distinct voices. I found myself continuously impressed by the range of accents and pitches she uses to differentiate one from another.
Caleb and Maggie share a relationship beyond what mere mortals experience. They communicate telepathically, feel whatever the other is feeling, and are basically aware of each other at all times. They literally cannot exist without each other. Dukehart allows the listener to hear the depth of their love for one another, especially when they’re alone together. It’s an all-consuming but tender love, and the narration fleshes it out beautifully.
Independence will be the fourth and final book in the series. On one hand, I’m eager to read it, since I want to see how things turn out. On the other hand, I’ll hate to see the series end. I can honestly say this is one of the best paranormal romance series I’ve read in quite some time.
Breakdown of Grade – Narration: A and Book Content: A
Unabridged. Length – 9 hours 35 minutes
Grade: A
Book Type: Audiobook
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 05/07/14
Publication Date: 2014/02
I'm Shannon from Michigan. I've been an avid reader all my life. I adore romance, psychological fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and the occasional memoir. I share my home with my life partner, two dogs, and a very feisty feline.
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.