Review: Defiance - Lili St. Crow

Defiance by Lili St. Crow, published by Quercus on 4th April 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Now that sixteen-year-old Dru's worst fears have come true and Sergej has kidnapped her best friend Graves, she'll have to go on a suicidal rescue mission to bring him back in one piece.  That is, if she can put all of Christophe's training to good use, defeat her mother's traitor, Anna, once and for all, and manage to survive another day...

Review:
'Defiance' is another scorching ride to hell and back with kick-ass heroine Dru Anderson.  This fourth installment of the Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow is even more fast-paced and exciting with a narrative which hurtles along at break-neck speed. 

This time around Dru is intent on rescuing her best-friend Graves from the clutches of her greatest enemy.  Christophe is determined to train Dru and ensure she is fully prepared before she tries to save Graves but he may have ulterior motives.  Dru is caught up in a love triangle with Graves and Christophe as she attempts to make sense of her feelings for them both, whilst also finally being on the brink of blooming.

This series got off to a brilliant start although I thought it dipped a little bit with 'Jealousy'.  Now though, the action has been ramped up a notch and it's up to the reader to see if they can hang on for the ride!  Nothing is ever what it seems and no one can be trusted as Dru faces a terrible danger.  Dru is one of my favourite female protagonists.  She's smart and snarky and can kick butt with the best of them.  Although she doesn't often let her guard down with the people around her, in 'Defiance' she confronts some of the romantic feelings she's been having for Graves and Christophe.  It's refreshing to see Dru begin to open up and face her emotions for once.  She's been adept at suppressing them so far.  Although I'm definitely in Team Christophe, there's plenty to satisy Graves fans too.

It's also nice to see Dru having some female interaction for once as she's protected, among others, by Nathalie, a female werwulfen.  I thought that some of the scenes between the two of them were great and really crackled with smart dialogue.

There's no time to get your breath back as there's the most exciting climax in the series so far.  Absolutely gripping and nerve-jangling, this will have you on the edge of your seat.  Dru Anderson is back and she's back with a bang!