Defy by Sara B. Larson

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Defy by Sara B. Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Expected publication: January 7th 2014 by Scholastic Press

Summary:  

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?


"The crackle and hiss of the flames devouring our house couldn't block out the screaming and wailing of those who were still alive."

That... is how the book begins!

In order to keep myself from screaming out loud, I decided to immediately come here and post my reaction and review of this AWESOMENESS! There is so much going on inside my head right now since I just put down the ARC of the beauty! I have been laid up being sick the last few days and all I did was read... I didn't even shower yet! All I can say is "This book is FREAKING amazing!"

After reading "Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas" and also loving "The Girl of Fire and Stone by Rae Carson" I decided that YA Fantasy could be another favorite of mine. Defy is just another one that just blew me away! I believe my mind is opening up to more adventurous avenues as time goes on and finding something different and moving like this is just what I need.

I think the description Goodreads labels Defy as "A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle." Says it perfectly. I loved the way Larson describes and builds up her world. I was completely lost in this fantasy, in this wonderful world that was full of action and wonder. Especially the characters! Alexa was wonderful! Her courage, determination, being able to come across a boy but yet still have the beauty of a girl was done perfectly. Both Prince Damian and Rylan won my heart, but I would have to say that Damian is my favorite.

The ending was great! It gave the story some finality but yet gives you the idea it will continue on. I am hoping there is another because I just didn't get enough of this world.

A very clean read! There is violence but not too much. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 14.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read the ARC of Defy.

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