Born of Defiance: The League: Nemesis Rising

Very repetitive, I guess these sort of books are cool if you're a chick and into unrealistic love stories. Guy is rich buys a luxury condo with some sick amenities yet can't buy a damn ring lol also this "bites lip" lines ok enough. Last two books I've bought through the store have been huge mistakes. I have my suspicions on the amount of 5 star reviews!

You know. The only reason I gave this four stars is because it never caught up to where the last book left off. I would have liked that. But I'm Sure We Will Get That IN Fain's book. Such a great book

I have read the entire series. This book does not meet the standard of the previous ones. I was tempted to start counting the number of times the word 'adorable' was used. It did not Re ally start moving until the last third of the book. Bought the book in advance several months ago and was looking forward to reading it. It was disappointing.

You know. The only reason I gave this four stars is because it never caught up to where the last book left off. I would have liked that. But I'm Sure We Will Get That IN Fain's book. Such a great book

I have read the entire series. This book does not meet the standard of the previous ones. I was tempted to start counting the number of times the word 'adorable' was used. It did not Re ally start moving until the last third of the book. Bought the book in advance several months ago and was looking forward to reading it. It was disappointing.

Kenyon's written another spell bounding story for us readers. It's left us wondering how Galenes and Fains first encounter will be but also the meeting of Talyn and Fain. Will there be a "sparing" who would win? Hard to wait for the next episode

This was an awesome book. The characters were great and the story had a good pace. I only have one problem. How does Fain not know he has a kid? In this book it's said his whole family knows about Talyn, Galene's family knows, almost everybody in the book knows. In the last book Fain's grandmother was introduced and with the way she was I find it very hard to believe that she wouldn't say something to Dancer or Fain himself. And Jayne was a second mother to this boy and never figured it out. This makes no sense especially with what is revealed about Jayne's husband in this book. So hopefully all of this will be explained in the next book.

Sherrilyn Kenyon hits the rewind button in this latest installment of The League. We’re going back to the time that coincides with the first book of the series. For me, that was cool in some ways, bad in others. I liked it because Nykyrian’s book was my favorite and I enjoyed revisiting some of the events of his story, albeit from a different perspective. It was challenging at times, though, because I read that book many years ago and I was struggling to remember what I should know, not only about Nyk’s history, but Fain Hauk’s. After all, Fain is our hero’s father.

The hero I’m talking about is Talyn Batur. I don’t remember meeting him before, but this was one of those things I was straining my memory over. He is 100% your typical Kenyon hero. He is strong, loyal, courageous, and has been mistreated his entire life. The only person who has ever loved him is his mother. (Which in the Kenyon-verse, is a small miracle. Very few have even that much love.) He is considered one of the lowest castes of Andarion, because he is unclaimed by his father’s family, and lineage is paramount to their people. The irony is that if he were legitimate, he would be of nearly royal status.

Anyway, the only way Talyn can make anything of himself is through the military. He also participates in brutal Ring fights to up his rank. He is undefeated and something of a celebrity, but in person, people treat him like the mongrel they consider him to be, Talyn is so tired of being scorned, he hires a “companion” named Felicia. So basically, our heroine is an escort, and as long as there is a contract, that’s ok in their society. Long story short, these two fall in insta-love, but can’t ever get married or have kids, because of his lineage issues. And despite the light Felicia brings to his life, things continue to suck for Talyn because his C.O. hates him and is determined to make his life a living hell. That commander and his cronies end up tying in with Nykyrian’s evil brother and the corrupt government that is destined to be overthrown.

This book feels just like the ones that came before it. The hero is abused but maintains hope. The heroine is his saving grace. She is gentle with his heart and is like a fierce little pixie, determined to protect him. Some people will love it for that reason, because it’s just like the other ones and we obviously liked those enough to keep reading. Others may be ready for something different. These books don’t stretch or grow. Kenyon has found a formula that she likes and just uses it over and over again.

For me, it was like reminiscing with an old friend. It was pleasant, but I am getting tired of hearing the same old stories. Even the dialogue and endearments felt tired. Not bad, just overly familiar.

Plus, I kept waiting for Fain to show up and make things better for Talyn. I know his book is coming and I guess it will be addressed there, but his absence left me feeling like something was missing.

I don’t know. It was ok. I liked it. I didn’t love it.

Rating: B/B-

Talyn and Felicia's story is different than the others in the series. For one, it's events coincide and run parallel with book 1, Born of Night, so it takes place at the very beginning. Also what throws it off is the fact that Talyn is Fain Hauk's full grown son and Fain doesn't know of him. Because of this Talyn has grown up as a "lack-Vest", which means one of his parents is unknown or in the case of Fain, an Outcast (a disinherited male). Because of this distinction, he is also looked upon as sub-par or a "mongrel dog" and treated with no respect at all. He is put through so much abuse and set backs yet he keeps fighting for the life he wants. Felicia is a female who was acknowledged by her father but her mother and father were not married, ever, so she also has a tough road a head of her just not as bad as Talyn. When they meet, Talyn contracts her to be his paid companion, he is tired of being alone and there is something sweet and innocent about Felicia that draws him in. They can't help but fall in love and fight for each other during this supercharged intense adventure where a government coup is started to overthrow the corrupt Andarian government and put Nykerian as heir and his mother as queen. The villains were bad, the conflicts were intense, Talyn did seem to take a lot of beatings that were intense and the fact that they can never legally be together (married) because his father won't claim him (yet) is tragic. It was a very enjoyable story and this couple, I think, deserve their happy ending so much more so than the other couples in the series. These two went through so much, some unbelievable (his countless beatings and tortures), and they remained hopeful for a future for each other. It was a good story.

Talyn is a fighter and an Andarion with no father. As a result of the latter, he faces discrimination on a daily basis. He is treated as less than a person. When Talyn decides to get himself a companion, his entire life changes and he decides he deserves to have something more. I have no idea what an Andarion is (and the book doesn’t explain what it is) but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I also didn’t understand Andarion culture and tradition but the book explained those. This was a really intriguing book. The plot was suspenseful and the characters well-written and well-developed. I’m definitely going to be following this series. Whatever the Andarions are, they have a rich history and I can’t wait to learn more about them. I strongly recommend this series to all fans of fantasy.

I have been provided with a review copy of Born of Defiance from the publisher St. Martin’s Press for an impartial review. This book just made me want to cry with everything that was going on throughout it. I absolutely fell in love with Talyn Batur and Felicia and getting to see their journey through this tough world was truly amazing. Born of Defiance is the ninth book in The League: Nemesis rising series and it is very interesting that instead of picking up around the same time that the eighth book in The League series Born of Fury ended it goes back in time to where the series started and takes place at the same time as Born of Night. It was really interesting to see because there were certain details that would take you back to Born of Night and things would just become so much clearer. I’m absolutely loving this series and I can’t wait to read the next one.

I feel I should start this review by setting this book in context so that other readers will know exactly where it fits in this series. Firstly it's events take place at exactly the same time as those in Born of Night which is Nykrians story. Secondly it in many ways advances the story from the previous book Born of Fury as it takes the reader even further into the bizarre and twisted world known as Andaria and in particular the Hauk family. Fain Hauk is the father of Talyn but as the reader quickly discovers that's not necessarily a good thing.
So Talyn has the misfortune to have been born of Andarian parents and their's is a culture that values blood lines more than anything. Vain, merciless people who willingly ostracise family members when their taboos are infringed . Yes it's fair to say I hate this prejudiced world and yet our hero Talyn is proud to serve his people. Considered the lowest of the low due to his fathers family not accepting him Talyn has nevertheless fought his way through the ranks and as the story begins he is a Major . Trouble is his commanding officer is part of a family who hate Talyns mother and poor Talyn constantly pays the price. Yet Talyn never gives in and takes a chance to contract a "companion" named Felicia. In their society it's acceptable to "sell" yourself as long as proper rules and procedures are followed but this lonely couple quickly learn to love each other. Unfortunately due to lineage issues they will never be able to marry no matter how much they might wish to. Talyns commander does everything he can to tear them apart and soon Talyn finds himself a pawn in a deadly game that could overthrow the government !
This book in many ways feels quite similar to the previous one. Indeed the abuse Talyn suffers seems very familiar. Talyn is brave but quite brutal and I don't think he ever let's pain stop him which felt a tad unbelievable at times. His saving grace is his sweet nature when it comes to those he cares for. He has willingly suffered for his mother and then Felicia comes into his life. Felicia may be gentle but she's also bright and possessed by a fierce love for Talyn that shines through.
I love this series and fans like myself will enjoy this story as it is laying down the groundwork for Fains story which hopefully isn't too far off now. Remember I mentioned Nykrian ? Well this ties in quite nicely with his story too as his evil brother features here. So all in all this was time well spent by me even though I still detest the prejudiced Andarians. The only thing that might have improved it was Fain himself appearing but I guess the author has other ideas for him and I for one cannot wait!
Fabulous space opera and a series that I cannot recommend highly enough

Reviewed by Suzanne and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

Talyn Batur hasn’t had life easy, as a male with a missing blood line he is deemed an Outcast, he will never be permitted to marry or have children, and is hated by his own people. But, after years of toil both in the military and as a fighter, he is determined to have something of his own to ease his loneliness a little. However, bringing Tara, a Companion into his life brings more pleasure….and pain than he can ever imagine.

Phew, give me a minute! I time to recover, as always Sherrilyn Kenyon has thrown me on an emotional roller coaster and flipped the ON switch on leaving me with barely a second to pull down the safety bar. I’m still slightly out of breath and dizzy but raring to go again! I can’t get enough of her League series.

If you have read Kenyon before, than this book is not going to throw any surprises your way, her standard recipe of: One hero, tortured to the point of near insanity, one compassionate and only slightly tortured heroine, a s*** load of social injustice, a dash of previous characters…..then shake together firmly. Voila! A Sherrilyn Kenyon book has been created. And although I am poking fun at her formula, I still can’t help but enjoy it, I think maybe she also adds a pinch of crack…cos I am a League addict.

Talyn and Felicia was almost unbearably sweet together, right from the start they suited each other perfectly and I couldn’t help but be invested in their romance having a HEA. Kenyon really puts you through the emotional wringer with Born of Defiance but I really fell in love with the pair. The timeline of this one is also back to the beginning of the series and coincides with the events of Born of Night, around the time when Nyk is discovered by his family, making Born of Defiance take place in a time full of rebellion and action, something which added some extra excitement and danger to the book.

Another great book in the League series and I cannot wait to read the next one!

I seriously love every single book in The League series. So awesome. Action packed, romance filled - plots that literally make you WISH it was a TV show.... This book was a 10/10. Everything Ms. Kenyon writes is addictive, and the way all the characters from previous books come back to play a part makes you feel like you're part of a extended family while reading them. I can't get enough. November is Fain's story - I'll be anxiously waiting until then. Congratulations Sherri!! Another awesome book

It seems like only yesterday when I read my first book from the legendary, Sherrilyn Kenyon. She has never failed to keep her fans entertained, frustrated and happy all at the same time, an amazing author.

Born of Defiance has major Mr sexy aka Tayln Batur as our hero and the beautiful Felicity that is his soul mate. Tayln has had to fight for everything he has in life, born to live such a hard life but he shows his true character by always being the honourable soldier. He believes in his morals and will do everything he can to do the right thing. He could easily have been a cold hearted thug but instead chose to cherish the love for his mother and vice versa to hold him firm to what matters most. He has struggled through life and been content with what was given to him. When Felicity enters his world that all changes. Forever the solider with morals he now knows there is one person in this world that he would be willingly die for and he will do everything to protect her. Felicity hasn't lived a glamorous life either but when she meets the sexy Talyn she believes her world is complete. She has 100% faith in him and like him, she is willing to do anything for him.

I love their story, its a gentle love story that compels you to love everything about both of them. I also loved the other characters that got to return, even for a few moments. Born of Defiance allows us to go back in time and remember our old favourites. We are allowed a few small glimpses of the "old crew" that satisfies your wishes but has you racing to the next page to see what happens next. This book held surprises for everyone. I was waiting for Tayln's father to come into the book and for questions to be answered but in true style we were greeted with more questions instead.

Born of Defiance is the 9th book in the League series and I can say without a doubt that she has yet again produced a wonderful story. Although the book gives us a lot of questions, I have the faith in Sherrilyn that she will fill us in with the missing links in her next book, Betrayal that I cant wait to be released. Do yourself a favour and grab this book today for an evening of soaking in the memorable story of Tayln and Felicity.

Born of Defiance by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Futuristic Romance -May 12th, 2015
4 stars

Talyn Batur is an Andarion with the unfortunate luck -to be born without any familial heritage. He is an Outcast. Although his strong-willed mother claims him, his lack of rank makes him . The only way he can bring himself up in the world is to participate in dangerous underground fights -fights to the death. There he hopes to gain enough money to persuade one of the females of his kind to contract with him. And he thinks he has found the perfect, gentle, swe easy prey for those with the right connections et and petite companion in Felicia. She agrees to a six month contract with him. Just when he thinks he has found the woman of his dreams reality rains down on Talyn. His new commander hates him and he constantly undermines Talyn. Spread thin, Talyn tries to spend time with Felicia but their relationship seems doomed from prejudice and men that hate Talyn for his birth. But Felicia comes to care for the unexpectedly kind Talyn. Although she was also born out of wedlock her true father claimed her and is powerful. When Talyn is caught up in a power struggle that threatens to harm Felicia and his mother he sacrifices himself. But those that have come to love him want to keep him safe at any cost.

Talyn is an honorable hero who can’t seem to catch a break -except for the new addition of the lovely Felicia in his life. He constantly risks his life to protect those weaker than him and they often betray him. Still he continues to uphold his own nobility and integrity even when he is nearly beaten to death. Thankfully, he has Felicia. Although seemingly meek Felicia comes to love Talyn and becomes a more assertive and self-assured woman on her quest to save Talyn and their love. I liked that they were so devoted to each other and saw the real person behind th mask. Talyn gives so much. I love hoe he tried to provide everything he could for Felicia no matter the cost. And instead of taking advantage of his devotion Felicia tries to protect him and puts her own life in jeopardy trying to save him. The political intrigue they both get dragged into makes for exciting reading even as they try to save each other from the fall out. Readers will sympathize and root for the tortured hero and love the strong heroine that stands by his side.

Classic Kenyon, this book will engage readers of tortured but honorable heroes and then thrill them as he triumphs!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Born of Defiance (The League #8)
This is the 8th book in The League series by Sherrilyn Kenyon and this is now one of my firm favorites, she is a master at writing sci-fi fiction and you cant help being dragged in to the world she creates and make you feel the characters emotions and pain. Its the story of Talyn Batur born an Andarian outcast because his father wouldn't ever claim him which gave him no lineage or status making Talyn have to ring fight for his position in the military. After years of fighting in the splatter dome and living a lonely existence Talyn craves a different life for himself so he decides to hire himself a companion in the form of the beautiful Felicia, knowing full well he would never be allowed to fall in love with her.
Talyn comes up against many challenges and people who are out to hurt and break him in any way that they can, but they dont realize how far Talyn will go to protect what belongs to him or those he loves. Awesome book couldn't put it down once I started reading it, but now we have the long and agonizing wait for the next book at the end of the year.

First, I did not read anything about this book on SK’s website, because I wanted no spoilers. So I did not realize this predates book 1. I was a bit confused because I felt like we know so much about Nykyrian that they don't. It took a while to figure out it does overlap. By the time I saw it confirmed on the website as a side note, I was 90% done. It did not take away from my enjoyment of the book however.

Every time I read about the Andarians I almost hate the race more and more. It is almost easy to relate it to the issues among races and statuses in the US when you really think and compare. SK can definitely write some tortured heroes. I get so emotionally wrapped up in her books at the injustices served to her characters. I want to skip ahead to see how it all works out, but I don't want to ruin the story for myself. But sometimes I think I won't be able to handle something awful not befalling the arses in her books for one minute longer.
I really love Talyn and Felicia’s relationship and how it unfolds. It seems like so many obstacles and people are going to stop them, it is hard to imagine how it will all work in the end. Since I didn't realize this book was a prequel of sorts, I kept expecting more previous characters (like the Sentella) to join the story. I was sad we didn't see more of them. But it was all still very good.
I may need to reread this series all at once at some point, maybe reading this as book 2.

Just finished this book. If you have not read the league series and you enjoy being fully submerged into another world - this is a must read. I laughed, oh no'ed, gasped and cried. A wonderful adventure that will keep you up past your bedtime. Sherrilyn has a way of writing that brings the characters to life in a way that even film can not do. I loved this league book. It was such a roller coaster ride of action and emotion. There were a couple of scenes I wished she could have expanded on more, but I understand that offering a 1000 page book would not be acceptable by her publishers. If you have read the league series this book occurs in the same timeline as a couple of the others so keep that in mind as you place your characters.

I have just finished my re-read of the League series, and I'm still in love with every word and every character.

Talyn's story tugged at my heart strings. To watch him struggle the way he does, put up with the things he does, is just heart breaking. I'm so glad he found Felicia and they worked through all the challenges to share their love.

One of my favorite things is that there is adventure and more than just the love story in each and every book. I feel like I'm reading a whole experience, not just a small slice of someones life with a little spice thrown in. These are the kind of books I keep buying and going back to.

I loved and enjoyed reading the outstanding & suspenseful, awesome & romantic eighth sequel in the League series by the phenomenally talented Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Even though Talyn is a soldier in the Andarion Army and a well known Ring Fighter, he is threatened and beaten due to his father, Fain's, abandonment. He hires Felicia to be his companion and falls in love with her. Now, Talyn has two women to protect, his mother, Galene, and Felicia.
Read the highly recommended, captivating and engaging love story of Talyn and Felicia. Can't wait to read Fain's story!

Romance from the get-go peppered with suspense and action and generous dash of injustice that made me want to scream STOP! Poor Talyn and his unending travails. Felicia was an amazing partner for our man of integrity and fierce loyalty. I love this couple and what they were willing to do for each other. None of the typical, push and pull. Once in awhile it is great to read a story where the conflict and stress are caused by external forces and not by petty and stupid misunderstandings.

Sherrilyn Kenyon hits the rewind button in this latest installment of The League. We’re going back to the time that coincides with the first book of the series. For me, that was cool in some ways, bad in others. I liked it because Nykyrian’s book was my favorite and I enjoyed revisiting some of the events of his story, albeit from a different perspective. It was challenging at times, though, because I read that book many years ago and I was struggling to remember what I should know, not only about Nyk’s history, but Fain Hauk’s. After all, Fain is our hero’s father.

The hero I’m talking about is Talyn Batur. I don’t remember meeting him before, but this was one of those things I was straining my memory over. He is 100% your typical Kenyon hero. He is strong, loyal, courageous, and has been mistreated his entire life. The only person who has ever loved him is his mother. (Which in the Kenyon-verse, is a small miracle. Very few have even that much love.) He is considered one of the lowest castes of Andarion, because he is unclaimed by his father’s family, and lineage is paramount to their people. The irony is that if he were legitimate, he would be of nearly royal status.

Anyway, the only way Talyn can make anything of himself is through the military. He also participates in brutal Ring fights to up his rank. He is undefeated and something of a celebrity, but in person, people treat him like the mongrel they consider him to be, Talyn is so tired of being scorned, he hires a “companion” named Felicia. So basically, our heroine is an escort, and as long as there is a contract, that’s ok in their society. Long story short, these two fall in insta-love, but can’t ever get married or have kids, because of his lineage issues. And despite the light Felicia brings to his life, things continue to suck for Talyn because his C.O. hates him and is determined to make his life a living hell. That commander and his cronies end up tying in with Nykyrian’s evil brother and the corrupt government that is destined to be overthrown.

This book feels just like the ones that came before it. The hero is abused but maintains hope. The heroine is his saving grace. She is gentle with his heart and is like a fierce little pixie, determined to protect him. Some people will love it for that reason, because it’s just like the other ones and we obviously liked those enough to keep reading. Others may be ready for something different. These books don’t stretch or grow. Kenyon has found a formula that she likes and just uses it over and over again.

For me, it was like reminiscing with an old friend. It was pleasant, but I am getting tired of hearing the same old stories. Even the dialogue and endearments felt tired. Not bad, just overly familiar.

Plus, I kept waiting for Fain to show up and make things better for Talyn. I know his book is coming and I guess it will be addressed there, but his absence left me feeling like something was missing.

I don’t know. It was ok. I liked it. I didn’t love it.

Rating: B/B-

Talyn Batur is torn between loyalty to the planetary government and his own beliefs of justice and right and his decision is a gamble that will save his life or end it in this pulse pounding sci-fi romance. The League series is a complex and fascinating world that never fails to surprise me with all of its unexpected twists and sexy, daring characters that I can’t get enough of, so it’s no surprise that I was up all night reading this one and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this thrilling world.

“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©

See my full review at: Night Owl Reviews .com

Loved it! Talyn and Felicia's story is heart wrenching but at the same time beautiful. The love between the two came pretty fast, but it worked well. As many Kenyon books I've read I'm still in awe of the amazing characters she creates. Years ago when I picked up the first book Born of Night, I didn't think I would like it. But it was captivating and addicting. Haven't missed a book since. Born of Defiance is intense, sexy and many times sweet. A must read in my book.

Born of Defiance is narrated by Fred Berman. As ever he does an amazing job bring the story and characters alive.

I Love this series and the League characters themselves. But this was a hard read with all that Talyn had to endure just because of the planet he lived on and their stupid ways and predjudices. But I was hopeful when he met a companion who definitely had character. I love all of Sherrilyn's different series too, but really like The League ones. Keep writing us good books Sherrilyn and thank you! Blessings!

Talyn and Felicia faced many challenges throughout the book. I was a little disappointed they didn’t get everything resolved in the end, but I’m sure the next book in this series will take care of that. This is the first one I’ve read in this series. I like the world building but was lost a couple of times and confused with some of Talyn’s heritage of why he was never claimed. The writing was good, and interesting, I am looking forward to the next installment, and would recommend this series to my friends.

I could not put this book down, I wanted to stay in bed and keep reading it. Every time some wonderful happen to the mean characters something horrible would happen right afterwards, I just kept wondering what else could happen or go wrong.
I would have like to see the law changes and give them the opportunity to get married at the end of the book, but overall a very well written suspenseful romance novel. I enjoyed every minute of it cannot wait to read the next installment

Wow. I am once again amazed by Ms. Kenyon's ability to make me as the reader care about the characters in her books. The depth of character the hero shows is just amazing. He is now one of my favorites next to Nyk, Darling, Dancer, and Maris. Unfortunately the heroine was just not that interesting to me, just her familial connections. I guess you can't have too many larger than life characters to detract from the main hero's story. Although I don't believe that anyone can steal the scene from the Iron Hammer. I can't wait to see what's next!
I also really liked finding out more aboutt Jayne. :).

Great book, good continuation of the league stories and how all the moving parts come together. Love the story and the insight into the Andorian lifestyle. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Enjoy!

The 9th book in the League series and still as good as the first. I absolutely love Sherrilyn Kenyon, she is a master at writing. I loved Tayln and Felicity's story and you couldn't help but fall in love with them. Tayln could have easily turned out to be an arrogant thug but instead has a heart of gold. LOVED it.

I know many of you are like me and had a huge where is Fain moment when we learned the hero of this book wasn't him. Never fear though this lays the ground work for Fain and Galenes story and I can't wait for November!

Love all the league series and this one just made it better, Talyn is an awesome addition to the already great Hauk clan and I think readers will see a lot of Dancer in him, especially if they've read Dancers book "Born of Fury". The only drawback is there's no actual Fain appearances in the book, I guess we'll have to wait for "Born of Betrayal" to get our Fain fix.

Love The League storyline, characters and adventure. These stories just get better and better and can't wait to read the next book. Would love to read in a future story that Talyn and Felicia find a way to have children. They deserve it.

Sorry the store, your publisher price has finally cured my instant gratification need. I'll wait until it's available in paperback, with my competitor discount, hot coffee and knowing that I am saving the job of a fellow book lover at the brick and mortar store.

Sorry the store, your publisher price has finally cured my instant gratification need. I'll wait until it's available in paperback, with my competitor discount, hot coffee and knowing that I am saving the job of a fellow book lover at the brick and mortar store.