Title: Defy
Author: Sara B. Larson
Format: e-book provided by Net Galley
Release Date: 1/7/14
Pages: 336 pages
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Additional Information: First book in a series with at least one sequel
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?
This book had such great potential. I mean, who does not love the premise of a girl disguised as a boy who is a bad ass fighter with magic involved?
However, this book was a huge disappointment for me. I highlighted many, many parts of this book that I just found myself gagging at. Alexa was...slutty. She only seemed to care about Damian and Rylan's abs. That got tiring to me very quickly. Also, we have a case where the girl thinks that she is ugly, although everyone one around her thinks that she is the most beautiful thing to have passed them since they were born. This was the author's attempt to make her main character seem humble, however it just did not work for me. Also, I HATE LOVE TRIANGLES. Alexa seemed to want to drag Rylan along just for shits and giggles, excuse the swearing. To me, it was a very poorly executed love triangle, which also had a case of insta-love.
PLEASE.
JUST.
STOP.
IT.
Please?
Insta-love has got to be one of my biggest pet peeves. I know that Alexa has worked with Rylan forever and that she works for the prince, but they were suppose to think that you are a boy, my dear, and staring and drooling and blushing certainly does not help you.
I know that I should get into more details, but I am so annoyed right now that I cannot even get a full detailed review out. Sorry.
