Defy by Sara B. Larson

Release Date: January 7, 2014

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?

 

First I want to say I'm sorry that I have been MIA. Again. I was out of state last week and then my 3 year old had surgery on Monday so I've had my hands full and my mind on other things. Anyway...

 

I've never done an ARC tour before. To be honest, I'm always nervous about getting the book, finishing the book, liking the book, reviewing the book, and getting the book to where it needs to be after me. It just seemed like more than I wanted to commit myself to. But when my friend Katie told me about a "locals only" book tour, I decided that I wanted to give it a try. 

 

Then.... after I signed up for the tour, I read the book synopsis. It sounded a lot like another book I read last year (and loved). I wasn't sure if I would connect to a story that I felt had already been told. Of course at this point I had loads of anxiety and was thinking, This is exactly why I don't do book tours! And now I'm friends with the author on Facebook and if I hate her book and have to review it there is absolutely NO WAY she won't see it (and, c'mon, we all know I'm not shy about giving a bad review if I hate a book). What did I get myself into?!?!?

 

One day, Defy showed up in my mailbox. I opened it with dread in the pit of my stomach and began reading. And kept reading. And as I read, the dread dissolved. I found myself completely drawn into a story that consumed my thoughts. The horrors Alexa ("Alex") saw. The arrogant and aloof prince. And Rylan. Sweet, best friend Rylan.

 

The dangerous secrets. The intriguing and fast paced plot. The different degrees of love mixed with the abundant hatred of war. Once I started, I literally could not stop. And not only was it not anything like that other story as I feared, it blew not only that book, but most others with similar settings, OUT OF THE WATER. I am so excited that I was able to experience this book early. I am even more enthused to share my thoughts and recommend it to you all. 

 

This is not a "check out from the library" or "borrow from a friend" book. This is the book that you get off your behind for, put some jeans and makeup on for, go out to your local bookstore (or front porch if you order it on Amazon) for, and BUY. I know I've already read it, but I am still counting down the days until it comes out so I can purchase a copy and re-read it immediately. This is not one to pass up. Seriously add it to your "To Buy" list or mark January 7th on your calendars. You will be so glad you did!

 

Happy Reading!