Published by: Scholastic Press, January 7th 2014
Genre: YA, High fantasy
Pages: 336
Format: Ebook
Source: Scholastic, via Netgalley
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?
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?
A quick, enjoyable fantasy read.
Defy wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It was less high fantasy and more love triangle, with a bit of magic thrown it. It was fun in parts but frustrating in others.
I liked Alexa. She was conventionally strong, able to wield a sword better than any man, and burdened with the secret of pretending to be a boy when she is really female. I liked the way she didn't keep stringing Rylan along when she realised her heart lay with Dorian - something few YA heroines in love triangles do. She didn't want to hurt her friend, but she didn't encourage his advances or pretend to reciprocate his feelings either.
The fantasy element of the story is something I really hope is expanded on in future books (or is it book? Duologies are all the rage these days, it's hard to tell). The setting is interesting and I'd love to see more of the other lands, instead of just Antion. I also liked the unique jungle element - can't say I've seen one of them in a YA fantasy yet - but I just wished there was more of the different countries(?)
For me there was a whole lot of like and not much love. I did, however, love Damian. Of course I did; he's my type. But he was lovely and aloof, and then lovely and heartbreaking. Oh, Damian. I really hope he and Alexa get their happy ending.
All in all: if romance and light fantasy is your thing, go for it, but if you're looking for expansive, epic fantasy, I wouldn't get your hopes up. There is, however, a pretty cool magical rebellion and secret plot, which works totally in favour of Defy.
Defy wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It was less high fantasy and more love triangle, with a bit of magic thrown it. It was fun in parts but frustrating in others.
I liked Alexa. She was conventionally strong, able to wield a sword better than any man, and burdened with the secret of pretending to be a boy when she is really female. I liked the way she didn't keep stringing Rylan along when she realised her heart lay with Dorian - something few YA heroines in love triangles do. She didn't want to hurt her friend, but she didn't encourage his advances or pretend to reciprocate his feelings either.
The fantasy element of the story is something I really hope is expanded on in future books (or is it book? Duologies are all the rage these days, it's hard to tell). The setting is interesting and I'd love to see more of the other lands, instead of just Antion. I also liked the unique jungle element - can't say I've seen one of them in a YA fantasy yet - but I just wished there was more of the different countries(?)
For me there was a whole lot of like and not much love. I did, however, love Damian. Of course I did; he's my type. But he was lovely and aloof, and then lovely and heartbreaking. Oh, Damian. I really hope he and Alexa get their happy ending.
All in all: if romance and light fantasy is your thing, go for it, but if you're looking for expansive, epic fantasy, I wouldn't get your hopes up. There is, however, a pretty cool magical rebellion and secret plot, which works totally in favour of Defy.
Characters ★★★★☆
Setting/world building ★★★☆☆
Writing Style ★★★☆☆
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