DEFY by Sara B. Larson

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for this opportunity. DEFY is a story about a young girl, Alexa, living in a world torn apart by war. Alexa and her brother lose her parents to a "dark" sorcerer's fire. To protect her from being forced into the "breeding houses", Alexa's twin brother cuts her hair and transforms her into Alex. With their ability to fight, they become members of the highly respected Prince's personal guard. With her superior fighting skills, Alex earns the second in command position. So here is "Alex" a teenage girl, literally living among males as a male, to save herself from a life of rape and pregnancy like all other female of child-bearing age as decreed by the King. She and her brother carry the secret of her identity while serving the Prince. The Prince, Alex, and a fellow member of the guard is abducted by a powerful sorcerer and taken through the treacherous jungle, deep into enemy territory. During the trek, her true identity is exposed and a love triangle between Alex, the Prince, and her fellow guard ensues. DEFY is a story full of adventure and intrigue. It is a story of a girl who has had to learn to be a boy. She then is having to learn how to be a woman without a mother to guide her through all the confusing feelings. Sara B. Larson is a wonderful storyteller. She has a gift for drawing you into the world she creates. Her words help you visualize everything. I can't wait to see what she creates next.