Defy by Sara B. Larson

Paranormal/Fantasy

What Goodreads says:

"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?"

Defy is a book that kept me on the edge of my seat.  Defy is listed as Young Adult but it is one that anyone from Young Adult on up would enjoy.

Alexa Hollen is the main character. She is female but is disguised as a male and serves in Prince Damian’s guard.  I loved the way her character was developed.  She is a great fighter but also has the raging hormones of a normal 17-year-old female.  Both of those opposing character traits are very well portrayed in Defy.

Prince Damian is not what he seems.  Not very likeable at the beginning of Defy his character is slowly revealed as the book progresses. 

The third main character is Rylan who is just what he seems from the start of the book to the finish.  He is steady, dependable and able to keep a secret.

Keeping secrets is at the heart of Defy.  Alexa (Alex) has one, Prince Damian has a lot and Ryan has been keeping one for years.  All are woven into a fascinating plot that made it difficult for me to put Defy down.

Defy is Sara B. Larson’s first published book and it is very well written.  The plot development, the character development and the writing are all spot on.  My only complaint: one major problem is solved in Defy but there are still things that are left up in the air.  There is a sequel coming out in January 2015 but that is a year away.

 

Scholastic Press published Defy by Sarah B. Larson in 2014.

I received an ARC of Defy from Netgalley.