Quote: “I couldn't breathe. I wanted him to keep touching me; I wanted to feel his whole body against mine again. But Rylan was here. Rylan was listening. Rylan, who had cared for me all along.
"Thank you," I said, my voice unsteady, and somehow I made myself move and turn away from his touch to stare at the tent again, my heart hammering. Rylan's back was still turned to me, but I could see how stiff he was, as if every muscle in his body was clenched."I hope you are able to rest well Alex," Damien said.
"You too," I said, making myself close my eyes, to pretend I was going to sleep. But inside, I thought, Rest well? Is he serious?
It was going to be a long night.”
― Sara B. Larson, Defy
“You're perfect," He said roughly, cutting off my protest. "And if I had to do it over again, I would save you every time." His mouth closed over mine and there was no more thought. No more worry. No more pain or loss or fear. There was only Damian. His arm tightened around me, crushing me to him. I clung to him as his lips moved on mine with a need and hunger that nearly overwhelmed me.”
― Sara B. Larson, Defy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Plot: 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 plot was exciting and fast paced. We were always guessing who can be trusted? Why are these strange things happening? Who really is the prince? And who will Alexa end up with? The ending pissed me off but in a totally good way if you get me. The story flowed easily, I didn't get bored and it's a unique story. Plot was great.
Characters: Alexa is a strong, believable lead. She is honest and very teenager like. Her outside is nothing like her inside. She has to wear a mask and pretend to be a boy but when she lets herself lift the mask we see a beautiful young girl who grows up magically (not literally). Here ending was beautiful and fitting. I loved her character. Rylan is one guy of the love triangle (its not a traditional love triangle there is a clear owner of Alexa's heart) who is strong and Alexa's shoulder to lean on...kinda. He kinda becomes a douche for a bit. He isn't the one I wanted her to end up with. I am Team Damian. And speaking of Damian is a strong love interest and he is very mysterious and secretive. He doesn't tell Alexa certain things which strains their relationship. And it's all very believable and well written.
Writing/Syntax: This is why the book doesn't get a 5 stars. The writing was great and minor spelling and grammar errors but there was a tiny problem that needs pointing out. I will say this now I hate historical romances. The talking annoys me and it just is hard to follow sometimes. So with saying this 'error' I have to say I liked this in the story but other readers didn't and it is a major plot fail. The time seems to be set in times where there is not lights because they mention candles and they have to walk to different countries and such so you would think they would speak in post modern tones right? Wrong. They speak like I do now. I saw maybe one or two attempts to have the right speaking habits. So that was a bit annoying to other readers. I was happy because of that error but as a reviewer I have to point it out.
Romance: The romance was good. It was natural and felt like it was written well. I recommend this for 13+ but there really isn't anything I felt was inappropriate. The ending will make you mad though. FYI.
Ending: There were no lose ends and it ended on a believable, happy note. I loved this story. I think it was amazing and was something different. And everyone knows I like different. I can say it did remind me of Mulan and I love Mulan so I may be biased. Lol.
So i just wanted to say at the end that I am going to start to do meme's and and giveaways. I'm so excited to expand and get more notice.
Arc provided by Scholastic Press thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It comes out January 14th, 2014.
Thanks y'all,
Cat
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