Books and Cookies—Book Review: DEFY

Have you ever read a book that inspired you to think about your own writing or maybe a current WIP? Did it cause you to analyze your work a little closer? Or maybe it inspired you to write something new?

I recently read a book that did just that. I have a manuscript I decided to shelve for now until I decide what I want to do with it, but after reading DEFY by Sara Larson, I was inspired to get it back out. It has potential, and while I thought it was ready to be out in the world, I now think it still needs more molding and prodding into shape.

Well, enough about my manuscript, I'm really here to talk about a book review. And boy, do I have one for you!

DEFY by Sara Larson is a YA fantasy adventure filled with action, danger, and a sensational romance.

Alexa Hollen and her twin brother, Marcel, are witnesses to the murder of their parents. In order to save herself from a life in the breeding house, Alexa becomes Alex by cutting her hair, binding her breasts, and earning a rightful place in the prince's guard. As an excellent swordsman, Alex is highly admired. No one knows her secret, or so she thinks. But the prince has secrets of his own and a plan to overthrow his father, the king. But his plan can't succeed without Alex's help. Thrown together in a planned abduction, Alex learns that not only does Prince Damian know the secret of her true identity, he also harbors feelings for her, feelings that she's easily able to return once she doesn't have to pretend to be someone she's not anymore.

I absolutely LOVED this book! I'm such a sucker for kick-ass heroines, and Alexa can wield a sword like no other. She's strong and fearless with just the right amount of compassion and sensitivity that makes her a compelling MC. The writing and descriptions drew me right into this story. And the romance? Ahh, the romance was so sincere and so sweet that it made me melt. Yeah, I'm a sucker for a breathtaking romance too.

And I can't say enough about Prince Damian without sounding like I have a major crush on him—which I probably do... He starts off acting like a spoiled brat but it's all just an act to confuse his father's guards and advisors. He's really a caring, compassionate man who wants to right the wrongs his father has made in his kingdom.

Anyways, I can't say enough good things about this book. And the great news? This was the first book in the Defy Trilogy. Sara's second book, IGNITE, is already out. And the final book, ENDURE, will be released in January. Huzzah!

And now for some cookies...

You can find the recipe for these yummy Molasses Cookies HERE.

Happy Reading!