Rise of the Defiant

Warpmancer Saga #2

by Nicholas Woode-Smith

The homeworld is dead...

Zona Nox has fallen. Its people have fled to the closest haven they could find – Nova Zarxa. Their neighbouring world is an ice planet, infested with toxic gas, but it is safer. Or so they thought.

The refugees of Zona Nox are unwelcome here. Seen as parasites, they are forced to rebel to survive.

But time is running out. The aliens who destroyed their homeworld are converging on Nova Zarxa. Against all odds, they must prepare for war.

Rise of the Defiant is the much-anticipated continuation of the Warpmancer Series, continuing the tale of James, Danny, Leri and many more in a galaxy spanning epic.

513 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2017

About the author

Nicholas Woode-Smith is a fantasy and science fiction author from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been writing since the age of twelve, writing short stories, novels, and RPG campaigns. In 2013, he published his first book, Fall of Zona Nox. Five years later, he published it again after greatly improving his skills.

Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.

Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.

Reviews

[Curtis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the gift of a great writer to create a reading experience in which you are transported to the time, place and feeling apart from your reality and are immersed in the characters and story Nicholas Woode - Smith Has done just that in the Warpmancer series this second installment of warpmancer series new additions to the characters and new revelations in the war bring more doubt and stronger resolve to James a reluctant hero and leader of the refugees Now On Nova Zarxa since Zona Nox there home world has fallen and has become unlivable lots of action adventure awaits in this fantastic story Well Done Nicholas Woode - Smith I Highly Recommend Reading

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an epic second installment to the Warpmancer Saga and we see James begin to embrace his destiny as his journey continues on a new world. As the true machinations of an old enemy becomes clear they realize that danger is not far behind. Will yet another world fall or can James and his followers save them this time! This is a fast moving series I highly suggest starting with book one to not miss crucial background history.

[Corine · Rating 5 out of 5]

James came to Nova Zarxa after his home was blighted by the alien enemy – basically made uninhabitable without extensive protective building, prepared for eventual growth of power crystals for enemy harvesting. He was a recognized hero, a visual leader, even though quite young. With pushing by older acquaintances and training by a warpmancing alien, he becomes a godlike figurehead for the revolution. Like any revolution, it is violent, full of traitors and unknowns, and costs many lives – but it makes a huge difference in dealing with the enemy.
This author develops the story by paralleling the activities of various characters, weaving together the groundswell and nascent events as they grow in scope and effectiveness. Surprisingly, it is not necessary to hang on the glossary at the end to follow the story easily. This is skillful writing with a definite awareness of the reader! I will eagerly read more of this author’s works!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another chapter in James's life as his original planet is uninhabitable so they all escape to an ice planet. But everything is not fine and James must fight again. The story weaves multiple characters but James is the number one. Had to read it to find out how everyone is doing but conflict arises as usual and the aliens from the first book are coming. I could easily picture what was going on as the writing was good and the story engaging as I had to see what would happen to James this time. Full of battle scenes like a good space future story, I really liked the story. I enjoyed the story as it was addicting and fun to read if you like a good space story.

[Anne Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A follow on story from Zona Nox. Action and adventure of James a leader and a reluctant hero in a fight for his own survival and that of his many friends and family. Good read. Will definitly read more from this author.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, compelling right from the start.
Action throughout and some interesting side action from another species.
The benefits of guerrilla warfare over the old style charge are obvious.
Now looking forward to the next episode where I suspect all the rebel factions will combine.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book is intense! The action never stops and keeps going, a real page turner. James never wanted to be a god but he has to lead and hopefully save the planet. Danny is also fighting and trying not to be killed. This book made my shout and cry, so many good characters don’t make it or get hurt. It’s like the Lord of the Rings, I could not put this book down once I started it and I ignored everyone and everything until it was done. I would recommend this book to all. An excellent read. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Paul Cobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book to in an epic sci-fi saga, and it continues the story started in book 1, while adding new characters to further enhance the overall picture of an all-out war of annihilation being waged against humanity and other sentient species. You need to start with book 1, "The Fall of Zona Nox", or you will have no idea what's going on and be completely lost, but if you've read book 1, you'll definitely want to read book 2.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! A lot of world building and set up for the all out battle! James is thrust into leadership he must figure out a way to save Nova Zarxa. You get to follow Don Marzio as well as others. Another epic book that has some amazing battles. It was another book I did not want to put down!!

[Andrew Norley · Rating 5 out of 5]

the saga continues…

“The force is strong in this one…”

So if you read Fall of Zona Nox, you need to read this book - if you want to read this book n haven’t read Fall of Zona Nox, buy it n read it…

…not because the Nick needs your feedback - he does- but, so he finishes this epic series

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They have been beaten and now they have travel to another planet but they are not welcome by them. They have no other option but things are not going to be easy for them all. Can they find a safe place to live? Can they show they are worthy of staying on the planet? See how they all get on

[FionaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! Having escaped Zona Nox, James, Nathan, and Danny each make their way to Nova Zarxa, along with other refugees from their blighted home. But the frozen planet is not the safe haven they'd hoped to find. Meanwhile, Leri returns to Zeruit to incite a revolution; but can he free his people? The pace really picks up in this second book, and I found it hard to put the story down (or out of mind) until it reached its thrilling conclusion. Already excited to see what is going to happen next!

I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.