Defy the Worlds is a return to characters flawed and familiar and a journey through time. Even though Noemi and Abel are apart, there are still forces at work around them. Forces determined to see their plans through, to survive no matter the cost. The two will have to come together if they want to see a world saved and secrets revealed that could turn the tide of war.

After their time together, racing from planet to planet, coming to terms with their missions, their humanity, Noemi and Abel are apart. Noemi is back on Genesis, continuing her time as a soldier in order to keep it safe in the long war with Earth. Even if she still feels uncomfortable, even if other soldiers around her no longer trust her. See her as a liability. She's back, turning everything she saw, everything she went through over and over in her head. Abel is traveling the stars with a rather sparse Vagabond crew of two, keeping them under the radar. Keeping himself hidden from his creator, Burton Mansfield. The aging genius who would have Abel's mechanical body as a place for his own mind when his body finally gives out. But Abel's discovered his humanity, his desire to stay alive, to stay himself. He will do whatever it takes to stay hidden, and in turn, keep Noemi safe. But then he receives word that Noemi has been kidnapped, and Abel must find the man he's been hiding from.

In this second book, the picture is expanding. It's still Noemi and Abel, their motivations and their missions, their humanity and their determination. But other forces are at work. Burton Mansfield and his daughter Gillian, they have their plans for the future. Plans that rely on certain things, like secrecy. Like Abel. So much is revealed in this book, things only hinted at in the first. Abel's newfound humanity and individuality continue, this artificial being discovering what it is both to be alive and be the only one. What I enjoy is seeing Noemi and Abel continue to be different people, Noemi's soldier training and headstrong ways alongside Abel's predictions and practicality and curiosity when faced with the possibility that he might not be alone. But both will do whatever it takes to keep the other alive and safe. After the ending, I'm desperate for the next, to see what will happen and what it will cost the both of them.

In Defy the Stars, the original settlers on Genesis are trying to prevent their planet from falling into Earth greedy clucthes and their plans of using up all the planets natural resources. The story starts off when Noemie a Genesis soldier finds an abandoned space ship with an Earth mech still inside. Abel is the only mech of his kind. Created to be as close to human as possible. Despite being sworn enemies once Noemie commandeers the ship Abel has no choice but to follow her orders and help find a way to protect Genesis. Now in this sequel Earths determination to keep their misdeeds a secret for fear of revolt have them getting even more desperate to get their hands on Genesis.

As soon as I started reading I was reminded just how much I love the two main characters. They're both complexe with touching back stories that made me connect to them. Abel is just so adorable and I love seeing the way his mind processes facts and emotions. Noemi is a little rough around the edges, but shes caring, selfless and resourceful. Noemi and Abels chemistry jumped off the page and they both would do anything to save the other. It was nice to see them work together as equals and I loved how they would take turns leading when their skills called for it. They have strength and weaknesses that compliment each other.

Theres also some great side characters, like Virginia, the science genius who also happens to be an adrenaline junkie. I would have liked if the villain was a bit more specific than just Earth. We do have other antagonists in this story that take precedence, but we never get to know who is leading Earths forces against Genesis. I was also able to guess pretty easily the purpose of the star shaped technology Earth sent to Genesis. With the bulk of the story taking place inside a spaceship I didnt get to see as much of the worlds and side characters as I would have liked, but I liked the dark and eerie atmosphere.

I was so freaking excited to get my hands on this sequel. Expanding several solar systems with characters who come to life as your reading its no wonder this series is one of my favorites. The first book will always have a special place in my heart since it made me realize just how much I love space operas. The plot and the pace were captivating, but the first book still gripped me a bit more than this one. I loved how everyone came together to try to save Genesis. That ending freaking broke me and now I need the third book even more than I needed this sequel. If you enjoy space scifis Id definitely give this series a try.

The second installment in the Constellation series, Defy the Worlds takes off where Defy the Stars left off. Noemi is alone, even thought she is on her home planet again, without Able she feels utterly abandoned. When an attack is launched against her home once again, she must return back into outer-space with a slight hope in saving her people. All the while, Able is uncovering a mystery that could change the entire universe and pose a problem for everybody within it. Once their paths re-converge, things are not simple and they will now have to fight to have even a moment of peace and quite... and to survive.
In my opinion, Defy the Worlds was not great. I really loved Defy the Stars, but this story was not really on the same level. It had less romance, less personal development in the characters, less fascinating planet hopping, less fascinating dialogue and less world building. It was generally darker, more drawn out, and tragically... it was boring. I know this happens sometimes with middle filler novels, but it is always super disappointing when it happens. On the flip side, the narrative voice of the author was about the same, so I found no problem with that, as well as the fact that this novel did have some stakes and twists to it, making it bearable, just not enjoyable. Overall, Defy the Worlds were "meh", and I give it the rating of TWO AND A HALF STARS OUT OF FIVE!