{YA Review} Defy by Sara B. Larson

{YA Review} Defy by Sara B. Larson

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? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 336 pages. Published January 7th 2014 by Scholastic Press. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

{Rating} 3/5 -- I liked it!

{Review}

"The crackle and hiss of the flames devouring our house couldn't block out the screaming and wailing of those who were still alive." (page 1, line 1)

I was so excited about this book and I'm sad to say that I have really mixed feelings about this book. There were things I really liked, the world building, the mix of fantasy and magic, the mysterious Prince Damian and Alexa.

Alexa. I loved that she was the best soldier. That she was smart and strong and respected. That she was amazingly strong and resilient. But I ached for her. For all her loses. For having to suppress her identity. But she was incredibly strong, continuing on in the face of everything that has happened to her.

But there was the end. Despite the harsh world and everything Larson threw at Alexa she had me up until the end. I did not like it. Without giving anything away I didn't think it honored what Larson had been trying to show throughout the book, I also really questioned Alexa's choices, I thought that she had changed more than that. Go read Defy and tell me what you think.