“Immortal Defiance” by Laura Maybrooke

Every rebellion needs a symbol. Humans need a leader with unmatched power who will make them believe that victory is possible. Supernatural creatures need something more. A Silver Elf, an enchantress, a dragonmistress of the golden dragons clan fits the role well.

“Immortal Defiance”, book one of the Dulcea’s Rebellion series by Laura Maybrooke, begins with a bang. The leader of the rebels’ army has been kidnapped. Moreover, it seems that her own people have done it. And if that isn’t enough, when Dulcea the Lightbringer is ready to accept her fate – unavoidable death – she receives an offer which seems equally reckless to accept and to refuse.

I loved the way the author unfolded the story gradually, manoeuvring between the present moment and the past. It gave me the feeling of inclusion, and I grew more and more invested in Dulcea’s adventures.

Dulcea is a remarkable heroine. I can’t say that I like her. She is young – according to the elven standards – and thus, stubborn. She makes decisions based on her limited experience. Life proves that sometimes it would do her only good to listen to those more knowledgeable. And still, her persistence and strength of character are admirable. Besides, she has too much on her plate. The war against an ominous enemy. People’s expectations that she can’t betray. Her loyal army which she can’t let down. And on top of that, a mysterious man, whose intentions are unclear but whose allure is irresistible, shares something that threatens to waver her confidence in everything she has taken upon herself to accomplish.

“Immortal Defiance” opens the door to an incredible fantasy realm. People and magical creatures fight for their rights to live their lives as they choose rather than succumb to the intruder’s oppression. But along the constant challenge, while stepping into battles necessary for their cause to succeed, they suffer minor – or are these in fact the most significant ones? – misfortunes. They fall in love and suffer under the burden of an unrequited love. They cherish the news of their families whom during the wartime they don’t see often.

I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of Dulcea’s story where the epic and the personal interweave in an absorbing narrative you don’t want to put down. I’ve already started reading book two, and I have no doubts that I’ll dive straight into book three once I finish it.