Defy (Defy #1) by Sara B. Larson

Title: Defy (Defy #1)
Author: Sara B. Larson
Pages: 336
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Rating: 5/5
Received for Review by Publisher and Work

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Summary: (Goodreads)

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?

Review: 

Defy was by far one of my favorites of the year because of the fantasy, strong characters, action and even the turmoil. Sara B. Larson writing was addicting and this book even made me cry which is very hard to do since this book was fantasy.  Before I started reading Defy I knew that I would probably love this book. Its full of intense emotion, fighting, magic and the atmosphere took you to a different place. I could actually picture everything while reading it. 

 Alexa is a very strong character whose life as a young girl was to pretend to be a boy and join the Kings Army with her twin brother. To others she is known as Alex who is among the best fighters to Prince Damian. Her twin brother Marcel rescued her and in the beginning of the book it explains why she disguises herself as a boy. The fate of the young girls was shocking because there were breeding houses for the war between Antion and Blevon. Alexa has run away from this fate but there is a bigger threat she has to run from: the black sorcerer who killed her family and home. Also the ruler of Antion is the worst who has not helped the people. 

Alex is a loyal and caring person who has amazing sword skills and I really loved how strong she is. I love the male leads who are both attracted to Alex and they already know the truth that she is not a boy. Daiman is the prince who also has secrets but he really shows how much he cares for her, and Rylan is the sweet and  also has bad timing. I really can't choose who I would choose until the second book! I am excited to see what will happen in the next book which is next year!!  If you loved Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas read this book immediately! Loved this book so much! Sara B. Larson's writing is also addicting and can really pull you in with the plot since I definitely was crying and overjoyed at parts! Pick this book up from your bookstore today because you will not regret it!