Reviews

Defying Logic by Nicky James

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jemima_reads15's review

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emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

untrained_dreamer's review

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

fresholivebread's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Quaid supports a traumatised Aslan while handling an acerbic new partner and difficult cases. Aslan is *really* going through it, and my heart hurts so much for him. His journey through PTSD is handled realistically. The moments where Quaid goes out of his comfort zone to support and care for Aslan are so good. Aslan has always been the one to reassure Quaid, and Quaid now shows that he is also the best boyfriend ever.

I loved the little but obvious ways they say 'I love you' to each other. Their relationship growth is just ten thousand kinds of wonderful, reaching a deep, settled but passionate kind of love. The case is on the tame side but I liked it fine, and the side charas are fun (Torin +Ruiz ftw). Oscar the kitten is adorbs! And *the ending*! 😱😍

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crystal_bookworm's review

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5.0

Loved it

Absolutely loved this book and the characters. This book was even better than I hoped as I feared they would add relationship issues and they didn't. I have to admit that normal I work out who the bad guys are. In this one totally didn't get it. Definitely can't wait for the next one.

chadjames312's review

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mysterious medium-paced

4.0

nangadelia's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5
My babies being gay and solving crimes

_isabel_'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

4.5

I freaking LOVED this book.
"Defying Logic" is an emotional ride and the mystery at its heart was absolutely gripping and complex. I adored Quaid and Aslan's latest adventure, and the sheer amount of love and affection they hold for one another left me teary-eyed more than once.

I've been so excited about this installment because after the previous book's ending I was so curious to see how Nicky James would handle Aslan's emotional arc after all that happened with the shooting.
I was not disappointed: Aslan's journey in this book was gut-wrenching, complex, relatable, deeply, deeply moving and I loved every single second I got to spend inside his head. He's my absolute favourite character of the series and I was so happy for him to finally get his spotlight here.
And Quaid? I haven't always been a Quaid super fan, but he really shone here. He was so supportive and caring of Aslan, and I'm so proud of both of them and how far they've come since book one.

The mystery at the centre of this fifth novel was so damn complex! I admit I kinda guessed the bad guy at the start of the novel, but there were a few twists and turns I did not predict at all. I gasped out loud! The MPU case of this series aren't always my favourite (since I'm such an Aslan fan, I always prefer it when it's him and Torin taking the spotlight), but this case was pretty unforgettable.
And I loved Quaid's new partner: I know lots of people despised her, so this will be an unpopular opinion, but I freaking loved her. Quaid needs somebody who can rein him in at work, and I cannot wait to see more of her during the next book! She's rude and prickly and defensive, but so is Quaid, so I warmed up to her pretty quickly.
And, as usual, I also freaking loved Torin: I hope he gets more page time in the next! Even Ruiz, who I was never a fan of, managed to win me over because his banter with Aslan and Quaid left me cackling.

I'm really excited about the next book! That ending, omg. I can't wait to see what will happen.

Note though: I hope Nicky James will do more to address and handle Quaid's eating habits. He definitely has an undiagnosed eating disorder, and his eating habits here were totally out of control and even Aslan has started to get worried. Maybe this will be something that will become a problem later on? I don't know, but I hope it gets addressed properly.

Content Warnings