RockStar Book Tours Review & Giveaway: Defy (Sara B. Larson)

Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: January 7th 2014 by Scholastic Press
ARC Provided by Publisher for Honest Review

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and heart-racing romance.
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?

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Sara loves writing, reading, and dessert--but the order varies by the day. She wrote her first book in second grade about a woman who had a premature baby, complete with a "to scale" drawing of the baby's size--while her mom was pregnant. To say she was a bit precocious is putting it lightly. Now that she’s an adult, she writes books for teens that have magic and romance and kick-butt girls (and very few premature babies). She lives in Utah with her husband, two young sons and baby girl. She writes during naptime and the hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims that she should have a degree in "the art of multitasking." On occasion you will find her hiding in a bubble bath with a book and some Swedish Fish. she is represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary and her YA debut DEFY is coming January '14 from Scholastic!

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I saw this new book going on tour with Rockstar Book Tours and I knew it had to be good! So I immediately signed up for the tour....and I am SO glad I did! What a thrill ride! This book is so full of intense emotion, fighting sequences, and non-stop action. I loved the atmosphere that the story takes place in and the characters are phenomenal. Sara Larson is now definitely on my "Watch List" for authors. 

The story is written around Alexa Hollen, a young girl who is forced to pretend to be a boy and join the King's army in order to survive. She is known as "Alex" to all the other soldiers and she earns her way to the top of an elite guard that there primary duty is to protect the prince. Alex is an incredible fighter and swordsman and earns the respect of all her fellow guards. 

"An impressive display, Alex, but next time, keep your guard up at all times. It never pays to get distracted," Prince Damian observed. I had to clench my jaw to keep from blushing at the condescension in his voice. Part of me longed to challenge him, to tell him to take a turn and see how long he lasted. Instead, I stiffly tipped my head at him. He looked at me for a moment longer, his gaze inscrutable, and then turned on his head and strode away."

Her twin brother, Marcel is the only person who knows her true identity. I loved Marcel's character. He loves his sister unconditionally and would do anything to protect her and her secret identity. 

A powerful sorcerer somehow sneaks into the castle and kidnaps Prince Damian and Alex as well as another guard, Rylan. Alex, Prince Damian, and Rylan are thrown into a dangerous battle and so many secrets arise. 

Not only is Alex fighting to discover the truth behind all the secrets but she is also caught in a love triangle between Prince Damian and the handsome guard, Rylan. I am such a sucker for a good love story and this book has one perfectly written into this amazing story. I absolutely loved Alex's character. She is so strong and indestructible. She has lived a hard life and knows how to fight to survive. 

There are so many secrets that are unearthed in this story. I could not put this book down. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. No one is as they seem and so many people are keeping secrets in this phenomenal tale of adventure, action, and suspense with a perfect mix of romance mixed in. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA Fantasy novels!!! 

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

12/30/2013- A Book and a Latte- Interview

12/30/2013- Book Nerd Canada- Review

12/31/2013- Primrose Musings- Review

12/31/2013- Fictitious Delicious- Guest Post

1/1/2014- Jessabella Reads- Review

1/1/2014- Dark Faerie Tales- Interview

1/2/2014- Curling Up With A Good Book- Review

1/2/2014- IceyBooks- Guest Post

1/3/2014- The Demon Librarian- Review

1/3/2014- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Interview

Week Two:

1/6/2014- She Dreams in Fiction- Review

1/6/2014- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

1/7/2014- Bookish- Interview

1/7/2014- Hannah Reads Books- Review

1/8/2014- Fiktshun- Guest Post

1/8/2014- Crossroad Reviews- Review

1/9/2014- Fiction Freak- Interview

1/9/2014- In the Best Worlds- Review

1/10/2014- Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, and Romance- Review

1/10/2014- The Cover Contessa- Guest Post