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Flynn #4

Defy the Stars (Flynn series Book 4)

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'Romantic and heart-wrenching' The climax of River and Flynn's story. After months apart, everyone thinks that River is successfully building a future without Flynn. She has even almost convinced herself that she is moving on. And then, one day, Flynn is back, bringing with him tales of his glamorous new life. Will River let herself be drawn back into Flynn's world? Or is this, finally, the end of the line for them both?

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2014

10 people are currently reading
428 people want to read

About the author

Sophie McKenzie

84 books1,492 followers
Hey there! Welcome to my Goodreads page where you can keep up with all my stories - both the ones that are already published and the works in progress!!

I write mostly teen thrillers - plus some teen romance, books for younger children and four adult psychological thrillers.

I'm really excited right now because of...

Boy, Missing, my £1 book for World Book Day and Truth or Dare, my new teen thriller. (UK)


For more info on these and my other books, check out my website: www.sophiemckenziebooks.com

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5 stars
286 (44%)
4 stars
158 (24%)
3 stars
112 (17%)
2 stars
59 (9%)
1 star
22 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Olivia-Savannah.
1,156 reviews572 followers
December 28, 2020
What a terrible ending to the series. River is back to being incredibly ignorant of everyone’s advice. River is also very selfish. Before, Flynn was a bad influence, but now he is an incredibly dangerous one too. I also thought the whole storyline was melodramatic and so unlikely to happen in real life from the way things were described and presented to us. The ending was predictable, and the epilogue was entirely unnecessary. (I couldn’t have cared less about the characters by then). River consistently made bad choice after bad choice, and never learned. And never got enough slack for it. The entirety of Flynn and River’s relationship is presented as ‘good’ to teens when it never is or was.

This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2020/1...
2 reviews
January 9, 2014
Such an amazing book, the ending was very tragic and heartbreaking but that does not mean I wouldn't recommend the flynn series to anyone else. I can't believe its the last one! I really hope Sophie Mckenzie does another series like this cause it was soooo good! I would also recommend another one of Sophie Mckenzie's books which are Girl Missing, Sister Missing and Missing Me which are also brilliant books!
Profile Image for Serendipity Reviews.
573 reviews369 followers
February 18, 2014
Originally posted on www.serendipityreviews.co.uk
Seriously? Did this series have to end this way????

My heart is broken, shattered into a million pieces and now stamped into tiny molecules by everyone who has walked past me – that’s how I feel after reaching the end of this series! I loved Flynn and River. I loved their tempestuous, explosive relationship. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve known a Flynn in my past, so this series has always hit home with me. So the ending was a bit of a shock. The epilogue left me in tears.

I know, I shouldn’t be surprised, as the series has always been so closely linked to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It was laid out for me, right from the start, and an undercurrent has weaved it’s way throughout the series. However, I still wasn’t prepared for the ending.

This has been one of the best YA contemporary romance series I have ever read. The intensity of the relationship between Flynn and River could be used to support a guide to dealing with teenage romance. These two were meant for each other, no matter how hard they tried to escape from it, destiny always drew them back to each other. Others saw it as destructive, I saw it as undying, eternal love. Sigh.

I want to return to the epilogue which I mentioned above. There was something about it that made me wonder if the author had experienced a relationship similar to this in her past. Perhaps it is the journey that River’s life takes in the following years that gave me the idea. I have always believed that to write about something so passionately, you have to have experienced it to some degree.

I do have a little niggle about this book. The cover. That isn’t Flynn on it! How do I know this? Flynn has dark, longish hair. If you don’t believe me, read on.

His dark hair was slicked back, the ends lost against the collar of the dark suit.

See? It has always been long and dark. That was something I loved about him. He had that dark, mysterious, traveller feel about him. He didn’t have his head shaved. Sorry to moan about this one. *whines in a school girl voice* But I wanted him to look like the Flynn I had always imagined.

Anyway, enough about the cover. This book was a fitting ending to the series. Not the ending I would have liked and I am not sure I can forgive Sophie McKenzie for that just yet. But I understand why the series ended that way. *grumbles*

I really hope Sophie McKenzie writes more contemporary romance because she is extremely good at it. She writes about real romance, giving it the raw, gritty, honest emotions that actually surround it and doesn’t sugar coat it. A series I will be recommending for years to come.
Profile Image for Emma.
1 review
February 19, 2014
Defy The Stars was amazing and did not disappoint. It was full of romance, hope, and had a little bit more mystery and action than the other books. Just like when we met Flynn in the first book, the romance was absolutely flawless. The emotions were honest and made my empathy all the better.

The ending was not want I expected, or wanted, and left me heartbroken and sobbing for at least 15 minutes, I don't think I'll ever forgive Sophie McKenzie for ending it that way. With all that said, the ending was written very well and full of emotion.

I recommend this series to everyone as it's one of the best I've read in a long time and I loved all the books.
3 reviews
January 18, 2014
The first book out of the series which wasnt just revolved around romance and river continuously chasing after Flynn BUT there was no Significance at all to Flynn dying!!! Sure it proved that he truly loved river but there was nothing to gain from it other than rivers life was completely ruined by her relationship with Flynn!!

Thought the book was really good until the ending!! Really annoyed -_-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bee.
102 reviews11 followers
April 28, 2022
decided to reread some of my old childhood favourites in favour of curing my depression. forgot that this book HURTS and now i feel worse. riverflynn were my first ever death trope ship and i will never forget them
Profile Image for Donna.
1,058 reviews581 followers
February 10, 2014
I've been a big fan of this series since the first book Falling Fast was released in 2011, now Sophie McKenzie is back with the fourth and final book in the series Defy the Stars.

In Defy the Stars, River is slowly trying to rebuild her life after Flynn walked out of her life several months ago. She hasn't been handling things well and it's clear that she's struggling. She misses Flynn, so much but she's dealing with things the best she can. When she is invited to Flynn's sister wedding, it is there she see him for the first time in months and it's pretty clear he's changed. No longer is he wearing run down clothes but suits instead. River suspects that Flynn has gotten himself involved with something dangerous, dangerous enough that River needs to watch out for herself too.

Eek! I'm disappointed. When I started this series this wasn't how I imagined it would end. The previous books have been about the characters struggles and love for one another, while this one just more about the trouble Flynn had gotten himself into. While I think Sophie has wrote a good series, I just didn't like the direction Defy the Stars headed. I thought a lof of the situations felt forced and didn't really enjoy the actions from the characters I love. With Flynn getting involved in some criminal activity, yes, it certainly spiced up the plot, but yeah, I didn't like it. Mainly because of the ending. How an author ends a series, for me, is a major deal. If it's done poor, then it can effect my whole outlook on the rest of the series.
**Small spoiler** There's no HEA for the characters and I'm gutted! I'm a firm believer of HEA's and had I known in advance how it would end, I probably wouldn't have read it. BUT, and this is a big but, this is just my point of view. Some people are probably more open minded about different endings. Me - I guess I know what I like and I don't like when it changes.

In all, Defy the Stars wasn't the story or ending that I was expecting and for that reason, I didn't enjoy it. However, that's not to say you won't. Give the series a try and see for yourself!
Profile Image for Samantha (A Dream of Books).
1,267 reviews118 followers
January 11, 2014
'Defy the Stars' the final instalment in the series about River and Flynn will, I feel, divide opinion among readers who have invested a lot in these two characters and their love story. Having followed them and rooted for them all the way, Sophie McKenzie finally wraps up their epic romance but not necessarily in the way which will please everyone. Flynn appears back in River's life after she's finally begun to get her life in order again but the crux of the book is whether or not they can ever get their happily ever after.

Personally I was disappointed with the outcome of the story, as I had very different feelings about how I wanted things to be left. However, although it may not have been the ending I would have wished for, I still think it was brilliantly written and extremely intense and moving. I was totally gripped as events unfolded.

This is quite a different book in the series, veering on the side of being a thriller which I thought made it even more exciting. I read it in one sitting as I'm sure a lot of other readers will. Flynn and River have both grown-up a lot and matured while they've been apart. Flynn still seems to make some stupid choices at times but I could see that he had River's best intentions at heart which definitely endeared him to me. Especially after losing faith with him in the previous book.

'Defy the Stars' concludes a heart-breaking and emotional series of books about first love from one of my favourite British authors. If you've yet to discover this series then I would recommend getting your hands on book one, 'Falling Fast' which introduces the young lovers for the first time.
Profile Image for Sam (FallingBooks).
840 reviews649 followers
July 22, 2014
Defy the Stars is the fourth and final book in the contemporary series Flynn set over the course of over two years. It follows a girl named River who meets her first love Flynn. And their romantic relationship does not follow a steady course. After many bumps in the road, we finally witness whether their fierce and burning love was really meant to last.

This is not a contemporary series that I would rave about because I'm not particularly obsessed with the storyline. However, I have enjoyed what the books have had to offer and how the characters have wonderfully developed over the course of the four books.

River isn't the best protagonist and her decisions are not always great; but she is tolerable. In the first book, Falling Fast, she seems so young compared to how she is in this book. She's grown and matured and the way she narrates the story is not too bad either. As for Flynn, he's now got a hold of his anger and temper issues and is attempting to make something of himself. I couldn't help but cheer their relationship on to the very end of the book.

The ending may not be what we are exactly expecting, but it's a great twist that will surprise you and bring you to tears! I really liked how the author rounded the story off, and I would recommend this series to anyone wanting a contemporary series that is short, sweet, and compelling while dealing with some difficult and daring issues.
Profile Image for Sienna Logan (Lost to Books).
1,063 reviews20 followers
February 28, 2014
More reviews at http://losttobooks.blogspot.com

I'm so disappointed with this book. I love Sophie McKenzie's work and have read every book she has put out there but this book was just really frustrating. I have enjoyed this series but I felt after Catching Stars it was going downhill. However, I hate leaving series unfinished and I thought that maybe the author would surprise me and turn my feelings around.

For most part the book was good. I liked the darker side of their lives and how River and Flynn kept being drawn to each other. However, that was all blown out of the water by the ending and rendered totally pointless. For me there was no logical reason behind what happened, except the author couldn't find a way to get her characters out of the web of problems she had spun, and it was disappointing. I don't read romances to feel like this when I get to the end of a series; they're not meant to end with me throwing my book across the room in annoyance.

For me the most important part of the final book in a series is the ending and this just didn't deliver, so it makes me dislike the whole book as there is no hope of getting what you want from the characters.

I'm not going to say any more because I don't want not going to give away spoilers as it's the final book, but I feel let down, especially as I love this author.
69 reviews
January 1, 2014
I can't believe that was the last book :(
This came out early in stores and had to buy it. I started reading one afternoon and finished reading it the next day. I couldn't put the book down as it was so interesting and getting good. I was really gutted whay happened to Flynn as he was my favroite character. CAN'T BELIEVE IT !!!!!!! WHY!!!!! I cried so much at the end but it was a bit sweet as it shows tha everyone is strong and can move on what ever happens and can be happy and have different type of loves.
Profile Image for Imi V.
53 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2021
I loved this series so much, there was a few moments when the characters annoyed me but it completely redeemed itself. An easy read and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance.
Spoilers ahead
This ending was so tragic, it was so bittersweet and took you through an emotional rollercoaster. This was definitely the best book in the series and an amazing way to end the series. I love that the epilogue told us what happened to all the characters afterwards because we don’t often get this and I’m really glad we did here. I was crying by the end, there was a certain line where she talked about how she wanted marriage and children with Flynn and it was so heartbreaking.
This book really showed that even when we go through loss and pain that you can pick yourself up again and live life to the fullest.
Thank you Sophie McKenzie for this amazing book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Farah Shah.
64 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2018
I put this as a 5 but it is more of a 4.5.
I recommend this series if you like romances. It is similar to twilight, the kissing booth and loads more. This one is very different to the others but it made this was much better due to it not being all about their romance. This story is heart breaking.
River who is the main character goes on this whirl wind of a journey with Flynn and her family. She experiences horror, heart break and love. I recommend and love this Series. Will definitely be re read!
5 reviews
September 15, 2022
I absolutely adore this series and more particularly this book. Yes after reading the final chapter I cried for 20 minutes solid. Yes thats rare. I almost NEVER cry over a book or film. Yet for the first time in ages I cried.

***SPOILER*** My heart broke when Flynn said his last words. I love/hate that part of the book. I should have seen it coming though due to the fact that they did the play Romeo & Juliet.

Please, please, please read the book if you havent already. I beg you. It changed my life. I still cry over it to this day. It has been a few months since I read it.

PLEASE read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mikaela Desforges.
22 reviews
May 30, 2018
The whole series read in 4 days! Really enjoyed Flynn and Rivers trials and tribulations. River can really cry and sometimes I felt she needed a good shake. A bit far fetched in places but thoroughly enjoyed it all. Felt deflated once I’d finished as that was the end of spending half term with River and Flynn.
Profile Image for Cookiemonsterr.
313 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2023
naur because can someone tell me why the first three books were typical high school shit n this was some mad spy novel? nah i am so done with re reading my old favs (this is acc the first time i read this one)
1 review
October 9, 2023
the ending of this book actually broke my heart into a million pieces, i have loved this series but oh my days the way i gasped 😭 they were actually perfect, but the way the author portrayed their love for each other made me so happy, you have been my favourite author right now, thank you!
Profile Image for Evelyn  Mackenzie .
3 reviews
March 3, 2024
One of the first books I read so it will always have a place in my heart. It makes you think about the relationships that can make your current world come crashing down when they walk back into it. No amount of time can affect the effect they have on you.
1 review
April 11, 2020
Shock ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for chloe.
163 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2021
THAT ENDING BROKE ME. This was probably my favourite from the series but gosh I didn’t expect that ending. These books were a super quick read which was nice!
Profile Image for lucy 🦋.
107 reviews
July 16, 2021
Jesus christ this was so dramatic. Not sure why we had to turn into a bunch of criminals but i guess the ending was sad??
Profile Image for martysia .
76 reviews
October 11, 2021
Tytuł – jak dla mnie lekko tandetny i taka też wydawała się fabuła. Irytująca główna bohaterka, jednak jak dla mnie chyba tylko na początku. Całkiem ciekawie rozwinięta, ale niestety zakończenie 3
21 reviews
July 5, 2024
Favourite book series as a 14 year old.
145 reviews95 followers
February 21, 2014
Read this review and more at To Another World

If you know me, you will know how much I love Sophie McKenzie, and how long I have anticipated this! So, when I finally got my hands on it, it's safe to say I fangirled... A lot.

As the series finale, Defy The Stars did not disappoint. It was full of romance, of hope, but had more mystery and more action than the other books. Just like way back when we met Flynn, the description of the romance was absolutely flawless. The emotions were clear-cut and made my empathy all the better.

As I previously mentioned, there was a lot more action in this book compared to the other books. I thought this worked really well as it wasn't, in the most part, set in school like the other books. It was quite dark, however, which linked in with Flynn's history and difficulties.

Because I was so eager for this one, I devoured it in under two hours, and I forgot to mark down any quotes. But I managed to find one of my favourite quotes, an absolutely beautiful one (it sounds like a spoiler, but it's not, so don't worry!!):

"There was no alternative future except one in
which I was without him entirely. And that was not a
future I could accept."

It's been really hard to for this review not to be a mess, mainly because of the ending. Heart-breaking is the only word I can find to describe it; I was speechless (which really doesn't occur very often...) Remember how I don't cry at books? At all? Well, I didn't, except maybe a bit.

A phenomenal, tear-jerking finale to one of my favourite series that has stayed with me for two years... I can't fault this beautiful book.
Profile Image for tatty .
10 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2014
This last book killed me I love the series I was so shocked at the end I was stunned it had me in tears tears were talking about I read this book in under 2hours I loved it such a killer ending I mean if you have read the series you would know I adore Flynn and river but why so sad but it was good it had that spice ending because after I read it I called my friend and said I wanted to rip it up in sadness of the ending but at the end I felt that Sophia mckenzie had to end it because otherwise we wouldn't be complete with are selves and we would be up set but it was meant to be and it all ways will because otherwise we be all asking what happens next and the book would be never ending like this review



Honestly I loved and I am a Sophia mckenzie follower forever and ever more keep writing for us mckenzie fans because we will read no Matter what !!!!!!
We 'll
Love you xxx mckenzie
Profile Image for Maisie Tang.
4 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2016
This book completely surprised me, having been captivated by the previous three books in the series, despite the fact the story line was becoming repetitive. This book is completely different to the others still managing to incorporate the heart felt passion between Flynn and River while also intertwining more dangerous strands into their relationship. The ending of this book was also unexpected and equally shocking and I found myself getting emotional over the ending. Sophie McKenzie portrays the characters very well, as a reader really being able to empathise and feel River's emotions for Flynn, while Flynn remains mysteriously charming, yet it is still easy to understand why he is disliked. One part I thought was unnecessary was the epilogue, and I believed it would have worked better leaving us where the story finished. All together a fabulous book that had me captivated through out with an unpredictable but beautiful ending.
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