Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson

Defy

Author: Sara B. Larson
Series: Defy #1
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Source: Received eARC from publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
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***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.***

Synopsis from 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?

My Review:

I love fantasy and have read some great ones lately (Crown of Midnight!!!). Defy did not disappoint. Alex, or Alexa, has to pose as a boy and join the King’s army. It’s either that or get sentenced to a life in the breeding houses. *shudders* Side-note: The breeding houses made me sick to my stomach. Those poor young girls. Anyway, it turns out that Alexa is an excellent swordsman (or swordswoman). She quickly moves up the military ranks along with her twin brother and becomes a member of the Prince’s personal guard. But then she is kidnapped by a sorcerer along with Prince Damian and one of her best friends, Rylen.

And this is where things get really interesting. Alexa’s secret isn’t so secret and soon she has both Prince Damian and Rylen vying for her attention. The synopsis prepares us for what’s sure to be a torturous love triangle, but I didn’t really feel it. There was one clear winner the entire book and I kind of felt like the other guy didn’t have much of an impact.

What I really liked about this book was Alexa. She was a badass main character. She’s the kind of girl that all the guys want by their side. Not because of her good looks or charm. Because of her deadly skills with a sword and her dead accuracy with a bow. Seriously, this girl is crazy. Almost as badass as Celaena from Throne of Glass. Okay, not quite, but you get the idea. I loved watching Alexa discover who she is in this book. For the past few years she has been Alex. And now that her secret is out, she gets to be Alexa. But who is Alexa? I loved watching this strong young woman find herself again. Alexa has gone through a lot of tragedy, but she comes out strong and never gives up.

Prince Damien was swoontastic. I loved him and I even made him my hot guy of the month for December. He is an extremely complex character, parading around like a stuck-up prince with so much more beneath the surface. I loved slowly peeling back the layers of Damien (not his clothes! But I wouldn’t have minded if it was his clothes…) and seeing who he really was. An intelligent, strong, courageous man who truly cares for his country. I love him. He is smoldering.

“A beautiful shell that houses a vile soul becomes sullied over time. But an outer shell, imperfect as it may be, that houses a beautiful soul shines with that beauty, radiating it for all who have eyes to see.” –Prince Damien

The one thing I wish there had been more of was politics. Basically the country of Antion (where Prince Damien is from) is at war with Bevlon. I felt like there was a lot of potential for some awesome politics, but the author just didn’t deliver in this area. I wished that the focus had been a little more on the political game and a little less on the romance. But all in all, it was a great read that I couldn’t put down. It had me glued to the pages and completely enthralled with the characters. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger (yay!), but I’m still intrigued enough to check out the next book. I can’t wait for more sexy Damien. Happy reading all!  

Have you read this book? What did you think of the love triangle? Did you feel the same way as me about the politics?