Review: Defy

Defy by Sara B. Larson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Alexa Hollen is faced with a choice. She can cut off her hair and pretend she is a boy to serve in the king’s army, or she can enter the breeding house and be raped until she is pregnant. Obviously, the choice is easy, especially since she is an extremely good fighter who has been training with her father and twin brother. She quickly earns a place as one of the prince’s guards, but must keep her gender secret. When a sorcerer comes into the castle and kidnaps her, a fellow guard and Prince Damian, they are taken to an enemy country where sorcery is not looked down upon. During her time in captivity, Alex quickly learns that she is not the only one who has been keeping secrets. She finds that two men want to lay claim to her heart, but after years of hiding her feminine side, she is unsure about her own feelings and what actions she should take.

Defy is a fantasy novel that includes many redeeming attributes, but these same characteristics make the story slightly formulistic. As Larson’s debut novel I believe it will be well received by readers of fantasy books, and I look forward to the developing series. As all of the twists and turns were revealed, I felt like screaming “another one!” Many of these twists did not need to be included and added to the formulistic feel. Now that Larson is a published writer, I hope she explores the characteristics that are vital for the story and doesn’t feel the need to include so much variety. I do not hold this against the series and look forward to the second book projected to be released in 2015.




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