Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson

Publication Date: Jan. 7th 2014
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 336
Series: Defy #1

Source: Arc won from author's giveaway

Rating:
 ★★★★

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and heart-racing romance.

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?

You know the feeling that when you read a book for just a few pages but you know instantly that you'll love that book. Yeah it was like that with Defy. The moment I read this book, Alexa captured my heart right away. She is a kick-ass main character. Not only she is good at fighting but she is emotionally strong too. If you read the book you will know what I'm talking about. So many things happened to her but she still stays strong and holds it in really good. I must say that it's really scary to be in her position. Alexa is also smart and even though there are some time she is struggling between Rylan and Damian but it doesn't take long for her heart to figure it out who is the one she wants.

Well, Damian and Rylan they are both swoon worthy. They are the opposite of each other but I'm sure you will love both of them. This book stated that there is a love triangle and yes there is. However it's not intense love triangle so don't worry if you are one of those who dislike love triangle because it only took a few chapters to resolve the whole love triangle thing. The plot line moved quite quick for my taste. At the near end I felt kind of rush (I mean about the training and the war). The world Sara Larson created is like a nightmare for girls so I for sure don't want to live in there but it didn't keep me from enjoying Alexa's journey. Let's just say that it's one of the ruthless world I've ever encountered in fantasy.

Overall, a great debut! A fast paced, intriguing story that will hold your interest until the last page.  I'm so happy that it doesn't end with a cliff hanger but it doesn't change the fact that I can't wait for the sequel. I'm really curious about Alexa's past/heritage (I think there is more to it but I can't tell what it is) and I want to know how the romance will turn out from now on (this one is a shock because I thought it was settled-->opps didn't see that twist coming, I was wrong then).