Waiting on Wednesday (276) Sisters of Shadow and Light (Sisters of Shadow and Light #1) by Sara B. Larson

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on:

Sisters of Shadow and Light (Sisters of Shadow and Light #1) by Sara B. Larson

From the acclaimed author of DEFY, Sara B. Larson, SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT is a timeless and fantastical tale of sisterly love and powerful magic

"The night my sister was born, the stars died and were reborn in her eyes…".

Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world―including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.

On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father’s Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a “roar” that drowns everything else out―leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.

For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world…until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes. (Blurb via Goodreads)

Expected publication: November 5, 2019

What are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (154) Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on: 

Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson 

 

On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Evelayn of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally access the full range of her magical powers. The light looks brighter, the air is sharper, and the energy she can draw when fighting feels almost limitless.

But while her mother, the queen, remains busy at the war front, in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon, the corrupt king is plotting. King Bain wants control of both kingdoms, and his plan will fling Evelayn onto the throne much sooner than she expected.

In order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to come into her ability to shapeshift, and rely on the alluring Lord Tanvir. But not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between the Light and Dark comes at a steep price. (Blurb via Goodreads)

Expected publication: May 30, 2017 

What are you waiting on?

{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.

Waiting on Wednesday (29) Defy by Sara B. Larson

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on: 

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)

Expected publication: January 7, 2014

What are you waiting on?