Quick-paced, action-packed, and slightly philosophical, Birth of the Defiance treads a familiar path in SF and dystopian fiction. The story’s swiftness can keep it from transcending its most familiar elements. The book opens with Cole already on the run from the DakolonEyo secret police, relegating character background to memories or conversations about his past; readers don’t get to experience the home he’s lost or the hard choices that pushed him into revolt and leadership. Much the same can be said for the other main characters, who often feel like caricatures. As the action jumps from planet to planet, it’s hard to keep up with the many proper nouns without consulting the glossary—planets, cities, galaxies, and some characters become a blur.
Seasoned sci-fi readers or fans of the revolutionary dystopian thrillers are sure to find enjoyment in staples of the genre, here deployed with conviction as the “Indies” stand up to tyranny with their “heaters blasting and plasma shots exploding”—here’s supercharged plasma weapons, warpspeed space travel, daring pirates, a strong villain, and a budding romance amidst varied sequences of fighting. SF fans looking for a quick dose of action, subterfuge, and the beginnings of a revolution will enjoy this fast-paced adventure.
Takeaway: This fast-spaced series centered on an intergalactic revolution debuts with phasers blasting.
Great for fans of: David Weber, Richard Baker.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
FROM A.V. - Winter Haven , FL: "To be continued?? I sure do hope you are working on the next book :) :) :) I really enjoyed the book. Life on a planet where Utopia is just a name and not reality. Citizens who actually think for themselves are pushed aside and punished, so a group of them team up with some pirates to seek truth and freedom for the people. What appears as good is actually just a smoke screen for control and power for the leaders. The quest for freedom is not easy, but worth the risks. Interesting characters and action that keeps you on your toes and rooting for success."
A fascinating, fast paced book set in the future. The classic good vs evil but a unique perspective targeting the lies, misconceptions, and deceit of a utopian system, and those rising against it. Matt Gerwitz's expansive imagination carries the reader through intricate plots and subplots, masterfully woven around a cast of intriguing characters. At times it was hard to put this book down. I eagerly await future installments!
by Andrew Gerwitz Jr
