Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Dark Breaks the Dawn
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE:
CITY:
STATE: UT
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
| LC control no.: | no2013035534 |
|---|---|
| LCCN Permalink: | https://lccn.loc.gov/no2013035534 |
| HEADING: | Larson, Sara B. |
| 000 | 00806cz a2200169n 450 |
| 001 | 9232761 |
| 005 | 20160916140519.0 |
| 008 | 130401n| azannaabn |n aaa c |
| 010 | __ |a no2013035534 |
| 035 | __ |a (OCoLC)oca09440647 |
| 040 | __ |a NJQ |b eng |e rda |c NJQ |d DLC |
| 100 | 1_ |a Larson, Sara B. |
| 370 | __ |e Utah |
| 374 | __ |a Author |
| 667 | __ |a Cannot identify with Larson, Sara |
| 670 | __ |a Her Defy, 2014: |b eCIP t.p. (Sara B. Larson) |
| 670 | __ |a Amazon.com website, viewed Sept. 16, 2016: |b (Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed young adult fantasy Defy and its sequel, Ignite. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books — although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband and their three children. You can visit her at www.SaraBLarson.com) |
PERSONAL
Married; three children.
ADDRESS
CAREER
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Sara B. Larson is an author of fantasy novels aimed at young adults. Her first published work, Defy, came out in 2014 as the first installment in a trilogy. “Defy actually came from a very difficult period in my life, when I lost someone I loved,” Larson told an online interviewer at Publishing Crawl. “I was so upset by his death that I couldn’t write anything, but a friend of mine told me to stop trying to write a book and just write what I was feeling. So that’s exactly what I did. I sat down and wrote a scene, not intending for it to go anywhere … but then I got curious about the characters. This whole fascinating world unraveled itself.”
Defy
The world of Defy is the tropical kingdom of Antion, where young men serve as soldiers and young women are breeders, enslaved to produce more warriors. War seems to be endless in Antion, and magic is a fact of life. Twins Alexa and Marcel are orphaned when a sorcerer destroys their home, and Marcel helps his sister disguise herself as a boy, Alex, so she can escape becoming a breeder. Their skill at swordfighting earns them a place in the royal guard, serving Prince Damian, the son of King Hector. Damian has secret ambitions to make Antion a more just and peaceful place, and he is not fooled by Alexa’s disguise–he knows she is female, and they have a mutual attraction. Alexa has another love interest, however, in Rylan, a comrade in the guard who also realizes she is a woman. At one point all three are kidnapped.
Several reviewers found Defy an entertaining, action-filled fantasy. “Larson’s debut is full of passion and adventure, urging readers to cheer and weep simultaneously at Alexa’s astounding courage,” remarked Jamie-Lee Schombs in School Library Journal. In Booklist, Stacey Comfort noted that the novel offers “grand adventure, romance, and thrilling political intrigue.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor, however, was not particularly impressed with Defy, saying that “Alexa’s behavior is stereotypically—unpleasantly—‘girly,’” as she has emotional outbursts and often needs to be rescued. The critic also deemed the secondary characters and the setting underdeveloped. Voice of Youth Advocates commentator Erin Wyatt, however, maintained that Alexa displays “competence as a fighter and quick thinking” and dubbed the book an “action-packed fantasy” with “much page-turning appeal.”
Ignite
In the second entry in the trilogy, Damian has become king, and Alexa, although her true gender has been revealed, is his personal guard. She still loves him, but she believes she would not be an appropriate wife for him. Antion is enjoying a period of relative peace when it is visited by villains with mind-controlling powers. Alexa must use her fighting skills to defend the kingdom.
Some critics considered Ignite a worthy follow-up to Defy. “The characters in Ignite are what make this story for me, even more than the engaging plot,” observed an online reviewer at One Book Two. “We are introduced to familiar faces and also meet a few new bad guys that provide trouble for Alexa, Damian, and the rest of the Antion realm.” Wyatt, again writing in Voice of Youth Advocates, deemed it “not quite as strong as the first installment” but still “a quick, engaging read” full of “intrigue and action.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor did not care for the book, finding Alexa’s reasons for spurning Damian unconvincing and calling both Damian and Rylan “bland blank slates.” The critic summed up Ignite as “adequate heroic fantasy only for those who must have every girl-with-a-sword.” The novel received praise from School Library Journal commentator Schombs, however, as she predicted: “Readers who enjoy love stories that include multifaceted relationships and a suspenseful plot will be enthralled.”
Endure
The trilogy’s finale finds Alexa engaged to marry Damian but still bound to her duty as a warrior. Antion is under siege by evil forces, and Rylan is a prisoner in another country. Alexa journeys there to rescue him, at the same time trying to fight off an adversary bent on world domination.
“When I finished writing ‘Endure,’ I was sobbing,” Larson told Hikari Loftus, who interviewed her for Salt Lake City’s Deseret News. “Part of it was in relief and part of it was just sadness—knowing that I was done with this world and these characters. I love them, and they have been such a big part of my life for so many years. It was very emotional to realize that I had done it … but also very emotional to write it. It’s a very emotional book.”
Several commentators thought Endure provided a compelling and satisfying conclusion to the series. It has “darker elements than the first two novels,” related Alicia Abdul in Voice of Youth Advocates. She found that the love story “borders on saccharine” but added that on the whole the tale has “a charming arc.” In School Library Journal, Bernice La Porta praised the characters, particularly the “independent and strong” Alexa, and predicted: “Fans will be very satisfied with this final journey.” A Children’s Bookwatch contributor pronounced Endure a “powerful finale.”
Dark Breaks the Dawn
Larson begins a new saga with Dark Breaks the Dawn, based on the Swan Lake ballet. The protagonist is Princess Evelayn, who becomes queen of the Light Kingdom of Eadrolan upon the death of her mother, Queen Ilaria. Evelayn is just eighteen and developing magical powers that include the ability to take the form of various animals. She must learn to manage her powers while leading Eadrolan’s armies in a war with the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalan, ruled by the mad King Bain. Larson has planned to publish a sequel to the novel.
Dark Breaks the Dawn received several positive reviews. Larson “deftly weaves fantasy with the best parts of the Swan Lake ballet in this gripping first book of a duology,” observed a Publishers Weekly critic. A contributor to the Cracking the Cover Web site added: “Dark Breaks the Dawn offers adventure, magic, love, fairy tale and fantasy all mixed into one. But all that wouldn’t work if not for her well-developed characters, which make the novel worth reading.” In Voice of Youth Advocates, Allison Babin noted that “universal themes flourish in Larson’s fantastic setting,” including “issues of morality and justice and the burdens of responsibility.” Booklist commentator Maggie Reagan thought the novel had “a slow start and some incomplete world building” but was redeemed by “a plucky heroine, a sinister, surprise villain in the wings, and plenty of battle action.” Readers, she predicted, will be eager for the sequel.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, December 15, 2013, Stacey Comfort, review of Defy, p. 45; April 15, 2017, Maggie Reagan, review of Dark Breaks the Dawn, p. 48.
Children’s Bookwatch, August, 2016, review of Endure.
Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT), December 27, 2015, Hikari Loftus, “Author Sara B. Larson Takes Readers on Emotional Journey in ‘Endure’”; May 24, 2017, Tara Creel, “‘Dark Breaks the Dawn’ Is Fantastical Swan Lake Retelling.”
Horn Book Guide, fall, 2014, Jenn Matters, review of Defy, p. 116; fall, 2015, Jenn Matters, review of Ignite, p. 128; fall, 2016, Jenn Matters, review of Endure, p. 131.
Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2013, review of Defy; October 15, 2014, review of Ignite; October 1, 2015, review of Endure; March 15, 2017, review of Dark Breaks the Dawn.
Publishers Weekly, March 27, 2017, review of Dark Breaks the Dawn, p. 99; December 4, 2017, review of Dark Breaks the Dawn, p. S105.
School Library Journal, February, 2014, Jamie-Lee Schombs, review of Defy, p. 108; November, 2014, Jamie-Lee Schombs, review of Ignite, p. 119; November, 2015, Bernice La Porta, review of Endure, p. 108; October, 2017, Sheila Acosta, review of Dark Breaks the Dawn, p. 57.
Voice of Youth Advocates, February, 2014, Erin Wyatt, review of Defy, p. 73; December, 2014, Erin Wyatt, review of Ignite, p. 81; December, 2015, Alicia Abdul, review of Endure, p. 71; Allison Babin, April, 2017, review of Dark Breaks the Dawn, p. 71.
ONLINE
Adventures in YA Publishing, http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/ (January 2, 2016), interview with Sara B. Larson.
Awesome Book Nuts, http://awesomebooknuts.blogspot.com/ (December 28, 2014), review of Ignite.
Cracking the Cover, https://www.crackingthecover.com/ (June 12, 2017), “Sara B. Larson’s Dark Breaks the Dawn Is Nuanced YA Fantasy.”
Cuddle Buggery, http://cuddlebuggery.com/ (January 22 , 2014), Meg Morley, review of Defy.
New in Books, https://www.newinbooks.com/ (February 19 ,2016), interview with Sara B. Larson.
One Book Two, https://onebooktwo.wordpress.com/ (April 6, 2017), review of Ignite.
Quite the Novel Idea, https://quitethenovelidea.com/ (December 7, 2017), review of Dark Breaks the Dawn.
Publishing Crawl, http://www.publishingcrawl.com/ (December 19, 2014), interview with Sara B. Larson.
Sara B. Larson Website, http://sarablarson.blogspot.com (February 21, 2018).
Story Sanctuary, http://thestorysanctuary.com/ (December 1, 2017), Gabrielle Nadig, review of Dark Breaks the Dawn.
YA Books Central, http://www.yabookscentral.com/ (January 25, 2014), C.J. Redwine, review of Defy.
SARA B. LARSON is the author of the acclaimed YA Fantasy Defy that released from Scholastic in January 2014, and the forthcoming sequel Ignite (December 30th, 2014). She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband and their three children. She writes during naptime and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting of her sugar addiction. Sara is represented by Josh Adams, of Adams Literary.
About Me
Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA fantasy novel
Defy, and its sequels, Ignite and Endure. She can’t remember a time when she
didn’t write books — although she now uses a computer instead of
a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband
and their three children. She writes in brief snippets throughout
the day (while mourning the loss of nap time) and the quiet hours
when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should
have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering
or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her
sugar addiction. You can find her at www.sarablarson.com.
Sara is represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.
Follow me!
On Twitter and Instagram: @SaraBLarson
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraBLarson
On Tumblr: AuthorSaraBLarson.Tumblr.com
Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA fantasy DEFY trilogy (DEFY, IGNITE, and ENDURE) and the DARK BREAKS THE DAWN duology (DARK BREAKS THE DAWN and BRIGHT BURNS THE NIGHT). She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband, their four children, and their Maltese, Loki. She writes in brief snippets throughout the day and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction.
Visit her Website | Read her Blog | Follow her on Twitter | Visit her on Pinterest | Find her on Facebook | Discover her on Goodreads | Visit her Instagram
Quoted in Sidelights: “deftly weaves fantasy with the best parts of the Swan Lake ballet in this gripping first book of a duology,”
Dark Breaks the Dawn
Publishers Weekly.
264.49-50 (Dec. 4, 2017): pS105+. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Dark Breaks the Dawn
Sara B. Larson. Scholastic Press, $17.99 ISBN 978-1-338-06869-6
Larson (the Defy trilogy) deftly weaves fantasy with the best parts of the Swan Lake ballet in this gripping first book of a duology. The kingdoms of the Eadrolan and the Dorjhalon have been engaged in a bitter war for 10 years, costing thousands of lives. Queen Ilaria now leads the forces of the Light, much to the dismay of her daughter, Evelayn. After Evelayn ascends to Eadrolan's throne unexpectedly early, following her mother's death, Evelayn grapples with learning how to control her newfound powers and how to be an effective wartime ruler. One of the powers inherent to royals is the ability to assume animal form, something Evelayn struggles with throughout, and her attempts to balance her personal and professional lives is mirrored in the give and take between the Eadrolan and Dorjhalon. Larson is especially effective in her portrait of Evelayn's need to summon maturity before she thought she would have to, a sweetly innocent romance underscores the bite of betrayal, and the cliffhanger ending will easily build anticipation for the second book. Ages 12--up.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Dark Breaks the Dawn." Publishers Weekly, 4 Dec. 2017, p. S105+. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A518029906/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&
1 of 23 1/23/18, 11:19 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
xid=59e7ad13. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018. Gale Document Number: GALE|A518029906
2 of 23 1/23/18, 11:19 PM
Quoted in Sidelights: “darker elements than the first two novels,” “borders on saccharine,” “a charming arc.”
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Larson, Sara B.: Endure: Defy, Book 3
Alicia Abdul
Voice of Youth Advocates.
38.5 (Dec. 2015): p71. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2015 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
4Q * 4P * J * S
Larson, Sara B. Endure: Defy, Book 3. Scholastic, 2015. 320p. $17.99. 978-0-54564490-7.
Fans of Larson's Defy series do not have to wait any longer to know if and how Alexa and Damian will remain together in a tumultuous battle involving sorcery, war, and a test of their love. With darker elements than the first two novels, the finale delivers a heavy dose of action, including character deaths that increase the stakes while Alexa, who is still under the control of Dansiian Rafe, works to rescue Rylan. The bloodshed and dark magic are tempered with the romantic elements of Alexa and Damian's relationship, which has carried the books forward.
The romance borders on saccharine, however, when compared with Alexa's narrative of the threats to her life that "if I didn't escape, he was going to have The Summoner bleed me to death to try to ensure his victory." Her heroism captures readers after Damian narrates a sentimental prologue and, incidentally, provides an equally syrupy epilogue for Alexa and his story: creating a charming arc of which Larson can be proud. The series is a must-have trilogy for readers who like fantasy and romance, royal drama, and a side of bloodshed.--Alicia Abdul.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Abdul, Alicia. "Larson, Sara B.: Endure: Defy, Book 3." Voice of Youth Advocates, Dec. 2015, p.
71. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A438130231/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=19417a7b. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A438130231
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Quoted in Sidelights: “universal themes flourish in Larson’s fantastic setting,” including “issues of morality and justice and the burdens of responsibility.”
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Larson, Sara B.: Dark Breaks the Dawn
Allison Babin
Voice of Youth Advocates.
40.1 (Apr. 2017): p71. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
4Q * 4P * M * J * S
Larson, Sara B. Dark Breaks the Dawn. Scholastic, 2017.320p. $17.99.978-1-338-06869-6.
On the day of Princess Evelayn's eighteenth birthday, she is desperately hopeful for the return of her mother, Queen Ilaria of Eadrolan. An impassioned but brief reunion is soon followed by her mother's tragic death, making Evelayn the new queen. Inheriting a war between her Light Kingdom and the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalan, Evelayn must defeat King Bain to restore a balance of power to their shared world of Lachalonia. A complex scheme involving magic, help from the Ancients, and risky travel ensues. With the help of Lord Tanvir, with whom Evelayn has a budding romance, she succeeds in killing Bain, but is left with the problem of his son inheriting the crown. A difficult decision backfires on Evelayn, resulting in a devastating situation despite her best intentions.
Readers who relish lush, colorful descriptions that stimulate the senses will not mind occasional odd shifts in perspective or some slow parts in the plot, and the action picks up as the book progresses. The intricate writing feels ideal for the high school level, yet there are no issues in content that make it inadvisable for younger teens as well. In this reimagining of Swan Lake, the characters deal with issues of morality and justice and the burdens of responsibility; these universal themes flourish in Larson's fantastic setting. Likeable supporting characters will likely take on a greater role in the sequel, which readers will eagerly await, given the cliffhanger ending. This is a recommended purchase for all libraries that serve teens who enjoy the fantasy genre.--Allison Babin.
QUALITY
5Q Hard to imagine it being better written.
4Q Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses.
3Q Readable, without serious defects.
2Q Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q.
1Q Hard to understand how it got published, except in relation to its P rating (and not even then sometimes).
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http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
POPULARITY
5P Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday.
4P Broad general or genre YA appeal.
3P Will appeal with pushing.
2P For the YA reader with a special interest in the subject.
1P No YA will read unless forced to for assignments.
GRADE LEVEL INTEREST
M Middle School (defined as grades 6-8).
J Junior High (defined as grades 7-9).
S Senior High (defined as grades 10-12).
A/YA Adult-marketed book recommended for YAs.
NA New Adult (defined as college-age).
R Reluctant readers (defined as particularly suited for reluctant readers). (a) Highlighted Reviews Graphic Novel Format
(G) Graphic Novel Format
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Babin, Allison. "Larson, Sara B.: Dark Breaks the Dawn." Voice of Youth Advocates, Apr. 2017,
p. 71. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491949542/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=1a0838f9. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491949542
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Quoted in Sidelights: “competence as a fighter and quick thinking,” “action-packed fantasy” “much page-turning appeal.”
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Larson, Sara B.: Defy
Erin Wyatt
Voice of Youth Advocates.
36.6 (Feb. 2014): p73. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2014 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
4Q * 4P * J * S
Larson, Sara B. Defy. Scholastic, 2014. 336p. $17.99. 978-0-545-59758-6.
Alexa has posed as a boy for the last three years allowing her to serve in the royal guard where she is the best fighter in the elite group which serves and protects the crown prince. Alexa and her twin brother disguised her as Alex in order to give her a chance to escape the breeding houses where young girls are taken and forced to make more soldiers for the army. The kingdom is at war, led by a cruel, ruthless king who uses his people to further his ambitions. The ruse of Alex as a boy must be the worst secret in the kingdom, as both her closest friend, Rylan, and prince Damien have fallen madly in love with Alexa. Although she is a bit torn, there seems to be no contest for her heart. The prince has plans of his own to end the war, using a staged kidnapping as a way to shake up the status quo and power structure.
The heroes of the story find themselves part of an elaborate plot to end the war. While Alexa has believed her understanding of reality to be truth, she is repeatedly shocked when secrets are revealed showing her that the life and mind of the prince and the politics of the palace are more complicated than she imagined. Her competence as a fighter and quick thinking are valued by those around her, regardless of her gender. This action-packed fantasy holds much page-turning appeal.--Erin Wyatt.
Wyatt, Erin
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Wyatt, Erin. "Larson, Sara B.: Defy." Voice of Youth Advocates, Feb. 2014, p. 73. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A424529720/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=a2be6cab. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A424529720
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Quoted in Sidelights: “a slow start and some incomplete world building” but was redeemed by “a plucky heroine, a sinister, surprise villain in the wings, and plenty of battle action.”
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Dark Breaks the Dawn
Maggie Reagan
Booklist.
113.16 (Apr. 15, 2017): p48. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Dark Breaks the Dawn. By Sara B. Larson. May 2017.320p. Scholastic, $17.99 (9781338068696); e-book, $17.99 (9781338068764). Gr. 7-10.
Evelayn has always known she will be queen, but she hopes it's a long way off; after all, she has only just come into her full power. As princess of the Light Kingdom, the magical abilities she inherits at age 18 are even stronger than those of her subjects. Evelayn's mother, the queen, fights on the front lines of a recently ignited war with the Dark Kingdom, led by a mad king who hungers for violence, and Evelayn worries every day that she will lose her only remaining parent to the war. As the dark king schemes, Evelayn struggles to master her powers-especially the ability to shape-shift into a swan, which eludes her--and finds herself reluctantly drawn to the mysterious Lord Tanvir. Despite a slow start and some incomplete world building, this reimagination of Swan Lake features a plucky heroine, a sinister, surprise villain in the wings, and plenty of battle action. As for that plot? It certainly picks up--a clever cliff-hanger ending will have readers demanding the sequel. --Maggie Reagan
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Reagan, Maggie. "Dark Breaks the Dawn." Booklist, 15 Apr. 2017, p. 48. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A492536234/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=4061015c. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A492536234
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Larson, Sara B.: ENDURE
Kirkus Reviews.
(Oct. 1, 2015): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2015 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Larson, Sara B. ENDURE Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $17.99 12, 29 ISBN: 978-0-545-64490-7
This trilogy conclusion sends a girl warrior all over fantasyland, a trail of bodies behind her. Alas, the shoddy worldbuilding and B-movie plotting of the first two books carry over here. When the robed villain Manu de Reich os Deos--"The Right Hand of God," he claims--attacks Alexa and King Damian in the throne room, Alexa can wait no longer. Though she's a member of Damian's personal guard and his affianced bride, she can think of no better plan than disobeying her king's order: she hares off after captured Rylan (ostensibly her second love interest). She travels through a fantasyland packed with flora and fauna from South America and Asia and whose cities have African names. In the nation of Dansii, Alexa is taken captive and becomes the prisoner of King Armando, the blue-eyed maniac who rules his people with a potent combination of mad science and black sorcery. With Alexa's unwilling help, he intends to conquer the world, for he's convinced that her blood holds a powerful magic. Alexa will never survive without the parade of men and women who sacrifice themselves to help her return to Damian. She must fight after unbelievable physical suffering: days of being bled with primitive syringes while deprived of sufficient food and water on a brutally hot desert journey. A deus ex machina conclusion leaves all that sacrifice seeming sadly pointless. Aspires to paint-by-numbers quest fantasy but falls short even of that. (Fantasy. 11-13)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Larson, Sara B.: ENDURE." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Oct. 2015. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A430104137/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=725cc0c4. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A430104137
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Quoted in Sidelights: “bland blank slates.” “adequate heroic fantasy only for those who must have every girl-with-a-sword.”
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Larson, Sara B.: IGNITE
Kirkus Reviews.
(Oct. 15, 2014): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2014 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Larson, Sara B. IGNITE Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $17.99 1, 6 ISBN: 978-0-545-64474-7
A girl fighter fights evil in a midseries time filler. Disfigured by scars and outed as a girl, superb sword fighter Alexa is King Damian's most valued guard. Though Damian relies on her completely as a soldier and adviser, the awkwardness between the pair encroaches on their every interaction. Alexa has told Damian she doesn't love him, convinced that a relationship would destroy her beloved king (she feels she'd be bad for him, for no apparent reason beyond her disfiguring scars). Every time she sees him, Alexa is struck with such blinding physical pain--in her chest, stomach, gut and skull--that readers might wonder if she should visit a doctor. A visit to the kingdom by villainous, alabaster-skinned desert people leaves the kingdom in danger from a wicked seductress and her brother, a malicious goon who tortures his own henchmen for kicks and giggles. Though the dastardly fiends don't appear to be dark sorcerers, they certainly have mysterious powers almost impossible to resist. Still, no dark magic or potential war with the Blevonese can distract Alexa from her Very Important Love Triangle with two bland blank slates. Adequate heroic fantasy only for those who must have every girl-with-a-sword. (Fantasy. 12-14)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Larson, Sara B.: IGNITE." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Oct. 2014. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A385540205/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=4b983c6b. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A385540205
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Quoted in Sidelights: “not quite as strong as the first installment,” but still “a quick, engaging read” full of “intrigue and action.”
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Larson, Sara B. Ignite: A Defy Novel
Erin Wyatt
Voice of Youth Advocates.
37.5 (Dec. 2014): p81. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2014 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
3Q * 4P * J * S
Larson, Sara B. Ignite: A Defy Novel. Scholastic, 2015. 304p. $17.99. 978-0-545-64474-7.
Alexa no longer has to keep her gender a secret now that Damian has claimed the throne as King of Antion in this second installment of the series. When a group of mysterious strangers arrives from Dansii, it brings upheaval to the kingdom attempting to heal from a long war and the brutality of the previous leader. Attacks and assassination attempts come from allies, and the young brother of the king is kidnapped. A type of wizardry that has never been seen before seems to be at play when Vera and Rafe start using mind control to terrorize and torture as they bend people to their will for an unrevealed, but certainly malevolent, purpose. Alexa jumps into the fray to protect the king and the kingdom.
Alexa and Damian continue to try to define their relationship and feelings toward one another. Although Alexa has initially decided she should follow her duty of protecting the king rather than pursue romance, the smoldering feelings between the two comprise a large subplot of the story. While this episode of the series reaches a conclusion of the main storyline, the groundwork is certainly laid for the action and conflicts to come in volume three. Although this book was not quite as strong as the first installment, the intrigue and action found within the pages of this fantasy novel make the book a quick, engaging read and one that fans of the series will definitely be seeking.--Erin Wyatt.
Wyatt, Erin
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Wyatt, Erin. "Larson, Sara B. Ignite: A Defy Novel." Voice of Youth Advocates, Dec. 2014, p. 81.
PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A424530127/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=e603eb11. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A424530127
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Larson, Sara B.: DARK BREAKS THE DAWN
Kirkus Reviews.
(Mar. 15, 2017): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Larson, Sara B. DARK BREAKS THE DAWN Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $17.99 5, 30 ISBN: 978-1-338-06869-6
The tragedy of Swan Lake gets a fantasy reimagining in this fast-paced book for teens.Evelayn, a white teenager, is the crown princess of Eadrolan, a kingdom of light that is locked in an ancient battle with King Bain, who commands the dark powers of the rival kingdom Dorjhalon. Citizens of both realms possess supernatural powers, and Evelayn comes into her full strength while the queen is fighting in the war, though the ability to shape-shift into swan form eludes her. Evelayn must foil a plot to deprive her people of their gifts by murdering the queen who is the conduit of all the light's power. When the worst happens, Evelayn undertakes a perilous journey to seek aid from an ancient power in an effort to prevent Bain from extinguishing the power of light permanently. Larson's (Endure, 2016, etc.) latest novel contains many of the tropes found in modern fantasy adaptations: a feisty princess, dastardly villains, epic fights, and a love triangle. The worldbuilding is intriguing and the matrilineal conveyance of power is a neat twist, but the novel's fascinating premise is undermined by its too-fast pacing. Readers are not given enough time to really invest in Evelayn's struggles or the supporting characters' before the main adventure gets underway, resulting in Evelayn's lapse into caricature. An appealing if imperfect girl-power fantasy that ably sets the stage for its sequel. (Fantasy. 13-17)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Larson, Sara B.: DARK BREAKS THE DAWN." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2017. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A485105254/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=a236d490. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A485105254
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Quoted in Sidelights: Alexa’s behavior is stereotypically–unpleasantly–‘girly,'”
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Larson, Sara B.: DEFY
Kirkus Reviews.
(Nov. 15, 2013): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2013 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Larson, Sara B. DEFY Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $17.99 1, 7 ISBN: 978-0-545-59758-6
Disguises, love triangles and magical battles are classic tropes in fantasy for teens, but this debut fails to lift them beyond the tiresome. Alex, the youngest and deadliest warrior in Prince Damian's guard, has a secret: "He" is actually Alexa, hiding her sex to avoid the horrific "breeding houses" that supply fodder for Antion's endless war. Damian also has a secret: He isn't really a selfish brat, and he enlists Alexa in a dangerous game of intrigue, deception and betrayal. While she bemoans that pretending to be a boy has become second nature, Alexa's behavior is stereotypically--unpleasantly--"girly": throwing tantrums, crying, pouting, cowering, obsessing over her romantic prospects and (despite her vaunted fighting prowess) constantly needing rescue by men, all of whom see through her masquerade. The secondary characters are mere plot puppets; the villains are ludicrously evil-for-evil's-sake, and the heroes exist only to be desperately in love with Alexa, if never articulating any reason for their devotion. The worldbuilding is equally sketchy; while the dank fecundity of tropical Antion is sensuously conveyed, the narrative timeline is confusing, the magical system arbitrary and the political structure nonsensical. Several subplots go nowhere. It takes more than good guys and bad guys to create an epic adventure; more than heated smooches to portray a resonant romance; and more than acting badass with a sword to be a strong female protagonist. (Fantasy. 12-18)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Larson, Sara B.: DEFY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Nov. 2013. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A348856300/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=7e6eb7a5. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A348856300
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Dark Breaks the Dawn
Publishers Weekly.
264.13 (Mar. 27, 2017): p99+. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* Dark Breaks the Dawn
Sara B. Larson. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-338-06869-6
Larson (the Defy trilogy) deftly weaves fantasy with the best parts of the Swan Lake ballet in this gripping first book of a duology. The kingdoms of the Eadrolan and the Dorjhalon have been engaged in a bitter war for 10 years, costing thousands of lives. Queen Ilaria now leads the forces of the Light, much to the dismay of her daughter, Evelayn. After Fvelayn ascends to Eadrolan's throne unexpectedly early, following her mother's death, Evelayn grapples with learning how to control her newfound powers and how to be an effective wartime ruler. One of the powers inherent to royals is the ability to assume animal form, something Evelayn struggles with throughout, and her attempts to balance her personal and professional lives is mirrored in the give and take between the Eadrolan and Dorjhalon. Larson is especially effective in her portrait of Evelayn's need to summon maturity before she thought she would have to, a sweetly innocent romance underscores the bite of betrayal, and the cliff-hanger ending will easily build anticipation for the second book. Ages 12-up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (May)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Dark Breaks the Dawn." Publishers Weekly, 27 Mar. 2017, p. 99+. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A487928207/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=18834372. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A487928207
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Quoted in Sidelights: “grand adventure, romance, and thrilling political intrigue.”
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Defy
Stacey Comfort
Booklist.
110.8 (Dec. 15, 2013): p45. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2013 American Library Association http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Defy.
By Sara B. Larson.
Jan. 2014. 336p. Scholastic, $17.99 (9780545597586). Gr. 9-12.
When a war changed her life, Alexa (known as Mex among the prince's guard) narrowly escaped being separated from her twin brother, Marcel. Now, in a secret known only to Marcel, she lives as a man among the King of Antion's army and finds herself trapped between two men, two sides of a war, and two sides of her identity. She guards herself closely against her attraction to Prince Damian and fellow guard Rylan, until the three of them are kidnapped and held captive by opposing forces. Alexa is physically strong and determined, but in her mind, she is not as confident, wondering who she is, what she wants, and what the war really means to her. Mature concepts, such as breeding houses, and slightly stilted language reserve this historical fantasy for older readers. Though the first half of Larson's debut suffers from a somewhat slow pace, it picks up considerably after the kidnapping, imbuing the plot with grand adventure, romance, and thrilling political intrigue.--Stacey Comfort
Comfort, Stacey
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Comfort, Stacey. "Defy." Booklist, 15 Dec. 2013, p. 45. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com
/apps/doc/A355673488/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&xid=c0d07908. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018. Gale Document Number: GALE|A355673488
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Quoted in Sidelights: “powerful finale.”
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Scholastic, Inc: Sara B. Larson's Endure (9780545644907, $17.99) tells of Alexa and King Damian, slated to be married even as their kingdom is under siege and Alexa battles an evil force who can control her mind
Children's Bookwatch.
(Aug. 2016): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2016 Midwest Book Review http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
Full Text:
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999 www.scholastic.com
Sara B. Larson's Endure (9780545644907, $17.99) tells of Alexa and King Damian, slated to be married even as their kingdom is under siege and Alexa battles an evil force who can control her mind. It would seem marriage should be last on the list of things to do; but Alexa is determined to rescue a prisoner of the enemy, battle mind control, and marry even in the fact of a terrible evil set to destroy the world. Will love prevail, or will evil take over? A powerful finale to the Defy trilogy makes for a powerfully compelling story. K.E. Rocha's Secrets of Bearhaven (9780545813037, $14.99) tells of Spencer, who has been surrounded by bears all his life because his parents are bear activists. His familiarity with them leads to trouble one day when his uncle tells him his parents have vanished, he and Spender are in danger, and they need to journey to Bearhaven, a secret city created by his parents where bears talk, play video games, and lead lives in secret safety. Spencer's friendship with a bear cub leads to the discovery of a plot that could destroy everything in this compelling fantasy, recommended for advanced elementary into early middle school grades.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Scholastic, Inc: Sara B. Larson's Endure (9780545644907, $17.99) tells of Alexa and King
Damian, slated to be married even as their kingdom is under siege and Alexa battles an evil force who can control her mind." Children's Bookwatch, Aug. 2016. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A461946528/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=b7cb6653. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
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Larson, Sara B.: Dark Breaks the Dawn
Sheila Acosta
School Library Journal.
63.10 (Oct. 2017): p57+. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2017 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
LARSON, Sara B. Dark Breaks the Dawn. 8 CDs. 8:26 hrs. Scholastic. May 2017. $39.99. ISBN 9781338159769.
Gr 8 Up--Evelayn is the princess of the Light Kingdom, Eadrolan, and when the story begins, readers learn that she is awaiting her 18th birthday in order to access her full range of magical powers. More than anything she is wishing for her mother, the Queen of Eadrolan, to come back from the war front to celebrate with her. It is soon apparent that Evelayn is a strong young woman, much like her mother the queen, and is expected to rule the Light Kingdom one day. Details of the Dark Kingdom are revealed through its powerful characters interacting with the citizens and soldiers of Eadrolan, and it is this growing conflict that will intrigue readers as the inevitable confrontation between the two kingdoms hits a crescendo. Adding to the intrigue is a budding romance with the mysterious Lord Tanvir. Whether or not the reader is familiar with the story of Swan Lake really has no impact on the appeal of this book. VERDICT The story will undoubtedly have listeners anticipating the sequel.--Sheila Acosta, San Antonio Public Library
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Acosta, Sheila. "Larson, Sara B.: Dark Breaks the Dawn." School Library Journal, Oct. 2017, p.
57+. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A507950614/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=89d12f19. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A507950614
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Quoted in Sidelights: “independent and strong” “Fans will be very satisfied with this final journey.”
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Larson, Sara B.: Endure
Bernice La Porta
School Library Journal.
61.11 (Nov. 2015): p108. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2015 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
LARSON, Sara B. Endure. 320p. (Defy: Bk. 3). ebook available. Scholastic. Dec. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780545644907.
Gr 7 Up--In the final installment of the "Defy" trilogy (Scholastic), protagonist Alexa Hollen continues to prove herself a resilient and devoted leader. After escaping her captor, the evil sorcerer Rafe, Alexa returns to Antion, forced to leave her most loyal friend Rylan behind. The heroine is determined to go back for him. She finds herself tom because of her love for King Damian, her bond with Rylan, and the secret she holds that could destroy them. Although reluctant to let her go, Damian accepts Alexa's promise that she will return to him and sends her off with their close confidant, the sorcerer Eljin. During Alexa and Eljin's journey, they are taken captive by King Armando's army. Here he reveals his evil intentions for the future of the three kingdoms. Alexa must now find a way to save her loved ones, her kingdom, and, most of all, herself. Although the novel's pacing is sometimes slow, it doesn't affect the story's overall appeal. The main characters develop well over the course of the narrative, and the themes of love and loyalty are well woven throughout. Larson creates a dynamic female protagonist in Alexa. She is independent and strong, a protector and rescuer. Fans will be very satisfied with this final journey. VERDICT Purchase where the series is popular.--Bernice La Porta, Susan E. Wagner High School, Staten Island, NY
La Porta, Bernice
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
La Porta, Bernice. "Larson, Sara B.: Endure." School Library Journal, Nov. 2015, p. 108.
PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A433878094/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=2fd49ea3. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A433878094
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Larson, Sara B.: Endure
Jenn Matters
The Horn Book Guide.
27.2 (Fall 2016): p131. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2016 The Horn Book, Inc. http://www.hornbookguide.com
Full Text:
Larson, Sara B. Endure
314 pp. Scholastic ISBN 978-0-545-64490-7 $17.99
(3) In this third book (Defy; Ignite), Alexa and King Damian are finally engaged, but Rafe still controls Alexa's mind and holds Rylan hostage. Chaos hits during Damian's war council, forcing Alexa to find Rafe, save Rylan, and prevent war. Larson wraps up the many plot threads that have emerged over the course of the trilogy, providing a fast-paced, satisfying series conclusion.
Matters, Jenn
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Matters, Jenn. "Larson, Sara B.: Endure." The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2016, p. 131. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A467260604/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=25c2229e. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A467260604
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Quoted in Sidelights: “Readers who enjoy love stories that include multifaceted relationships and a suspenseful plot will be enthralled.”
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Larson, Sara B.: Ignite
Jamie-Lee Schombs
School Library Journal.
60.11 (Nov. 2014): p119. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2014 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
LARSON, Sara B. Ignite. 304p. Scholastic. Jan. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780545644747; ebk. ISBN 9780545644754.
Gr 8 Up--Resolute heroine Alexa Hollen returns in this sequel to Defy (Scholastic, 2014). Damian's betrayal still stings and Alexa continues to deny her love for him, but an uneasy peace with Blevon launches the female King's guard into emotional turmoil: Someone is attacking distant villages of Antion, a young prince is kidnapped, and Blevon appears to be the culprit. Meanwhile the Dansiians, responsible for the black sorcerer Iker's devastating involvement with Damian's father, have sent a delegation to Antion under the pretense of forming an alliance, but the enchanting Lady Vera reveals a more sinister agenda. This fast-paced fantasy novel laced with political intrigue spends a lot of time in Alexa's head as she is torn between her duty as the finest personal guard to her king and a desperate desire to be with her soul mate. Jealousy is a common theme with these realistic characters, whether it's Alexa, Damian, Rylan, or Lady Vera, examining the complicated ramifications of one person's decisions. Antion's politics add a level of depth to the world-building without being too distracting or overbearing. Readers who enjoy love stories that include multifaceted relationships and a suspenseful plot will be enthralled.-- Jamie-Lee Schombs, Loyola School, New York City
Schombs, Jamie-Lee
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Schombs, Jamie-Lee. "Larson, Sara B.: Ignite." School Library Journal, Nov. 2014, p. 119.
PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A388967374/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=d0380e6d. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A388967374
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Larson, Sara: B. Defy
Jenn Matters
The Horn Book Guide.
25.2 (Fall 2014): p116. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2014 The Horn Book, Inc. http://www.hornbookguide.com
Full Text:
Larson, Sara B. Defy
329 pp. Scholastic ISBN 978-0-545-59758-6 $17.99 EBOOK ISBN 978-0-545-59763-0
(3) Seventeen-year-old Alexa Hollen has spent years pretending to be a boy in Prince Damian's army. When tragedy strikes, "Alex" must battle an enemy army, sorcerers, and her own growing attraction to certain men in her life before order can be restored to the kingdom. Larson's debut novel is a rapidly paced adventure that fans of high fantasy will enjoy.
Matters, Jenn
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Matters, Jenn. "Larson, Sara: B. Defy." The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2014, p. 116. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A385996348/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=6c6f3f09. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A385996348
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Larson, Sara B.: Ignite
Jenn Matters
The Horn Book Guide.
26.2 (Fall 2015): p128. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2015 The Horn Book, Inc. http://www.hornbookguide.com
Full Text:
Larson, Sara B. Ignite
297 pp. Scholastic ISBN 978-0-545-64474-7 $17.99
(3) Alexa, the only female guard, must discover the cause of the attacks on the kingdom of Antion and save King Damian. Making everything more difficult, Alexa is still adjusting to the jungle climate, and fighting her love for Damian. This sequel to Defy is fast paced and full of sorcerers, magic, and swordplay. Fans of high fantasy will love it.
Matters, Jenn
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Matters, Jenn. "Larson, Sara B.: Ignite." The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2015, p. 128. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A431723334/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=06fc310f. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A431723334
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Quoted in Sidelights: “Larson’s debut is full of passion and adventure, urging readers to cheer and weep simultaneously at Alexa’s astounding courage,”
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Larson, Sara B.: Defy
Jamie-Lee Schombs
School Library Journal.
60.2 (Feb. 2014): p108. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2014 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
LARSON, Sara B. Defy. 336p. Scholastic. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780545597586; ebk. $17.99. ISBN 9780545597630. LC 2013011011.
Gr 8 Up--In Alexa's world, young men are soldiers and young women are the means to breed new ones. There is no alternative. So when Alexa's parents are killed and their home destroyed by a sorcerer, Alexa cuts her hair and enrolls in the army to save herself from the breeding house. Trained by their father and polished by the army, "Alex" and her twin, Marcel, earn places in the prince's guard as the best swordsmen in the kingdom. But the palace is full of secrets and as the story continues to build in suspense, it's clear that Prince Damian has more than most. Alex is a bold heroine whose priorities are protecting her prince and her people, but the lines between good and evil blur as she gleans more truth about the royal family she serves. Her destiny is revealed when her own power comes to fruition, a power that could end the greatest corruption of all. Larson's debut is full of passion and adventure, urging readers to cheer and weep simultaneously at Alexa's astounding courage. Those interested in strong female characters, such as Katniss from Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, will find new affinity in Defy.--Jamie-Lee Schombs, Loyola School, New York City
Schombs, Jamie-Lee
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Schombs, Jamie-Lee. "Larson, Sara B.: Defy." School Library Journal, Feb. 2014, p. 108.
PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A358427295/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=89ac3894. Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A358427295
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Quoted in Sidelights: “Defy actually came from a very difficult period in my life, when I lost someone I loved,” Larson told an online interviewer at Publishing Crawl. “I was so upset by his death that I couldn’t write anything, but a friend of mine told me to stop trying to write a book and just write what I was feeling. So that’s exactly what I did. I sat down and wrote a scene, not intending for it to go anywhere … but then I got curious about the characters. This whole fascinating world unraveled itself.”
nterview with Sara B Larson, author of DEFY
Erin Dec 19 2014
Posted in:
Giveaways, Interviews, Speakeasy Sharing
We don’t post on Thursdays anymore, so I (Erin) can do a Speakeasy Sharing post on Friday, right? Let’s hope so because I am so excited to host this interview with Sara B. Larson, author of Defy and Ignite (which comes out next week!).
Welcome, Sara! Defy has such an awesome main character—a tough-as-nails girl disguised as a boy and working within the royal guard. Did the idea for DEFY start with that heroine, or did another part of the story materialize first? (In short: what was the inspiration behind Alexa’s story?)
Thank you! Defy actually came from a very difficult period in my life, when I lost someone I loved. I was so upset by his death that I couldn’t write anything, but a friend of mine told me to stop trying to write a book and just write what I was feeling. So that’s exactly what I did. I sat down and wrote a scene, not intending for it to go anywhere…but then I got curious about the characters. This whole fascinating world unraveled itself and I realized Alexa had a very intriguing, difficult, but ultimately amazing story that needed to be told. I threw myself into that writing and from there the story took on its own life. It became a story of survival and moving forward, a story of what true courage and strength is, and a story about the many different kinds of love, and hope (even in the most desperate of situations) and risking everything for the chance of a better future.
Defy by Sara B LarsonWow. How wonderful you were able to take grief and channel it into writing Defy. How about the series as a whole? What’s the biggest challenge in writing a series, and is there anything that, in hindsight, you wish you had done differently in the writing or publication process?
I think the biggest challenge in writing a series is trying to make each book better than the last. I really didn’t want to have a “saggy” middle book, and I worked hard to try to raise the stakes and make my characters stronger with each story. Hopefully my readers will feel that I accomplished my goals!
I completely agree about upping stakes. The overall arc of a series is just as important as the individual arc of each book! So what’s your typical writing day like? Do you have a routine or is every day/book a little different?
With three young children and a husband who travels for work, I don’t really have a “typical” writing day. Every day is different. I have to write whenever or wherever I can. Usually at night when everyone’s finally in bed, or the few hours a week that all three kids are in school (my youngest is in pre-school a couple times a week). And if I’m on deadline and short on time, or hitting one of my manic must-write-all-the-words-right-now drafting binges, then you’ll probably find me at my dining table with my headphones in, using music to help me channel the right emotions for my book while my kids watch a movie and fight over popcorn. At least I can see them if a full on wrestling match ensues and put a stop to it before someone ends up bloody.
As a new mom myself, I can totally relate to the “no routine” approach. So what are you working on now?
I’m currently working on promoting Ignite and preparing for launch parties and signings in January. I’m also working on some new projects, but can’t say anything about them yet. I’m super excited about them, though! Stay tuned…
Ignite by Sara B LarsonOoh, secrecy. Can’t wait til you can share the details. Switching gears entirely: Do you have any words of advice or inspiration for aspiring writers?
To never give up, first of all. I know everyone tells you that, but it’s because it’s true. If you persevere no matter what, working to get better with every book you write, you WILL get published! And second is to set deadlines for yourself and make yourself keep them. And make them hard. If you train yourself to be able to handle deadlines now, when you do get published, you won’t panic if you get hit with a hard deadline because you’ve already done it!
Such good advice about deadlines. And now I have to break out the Pub-themed questions: If you could spend a night at the pub with any 3 authors (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
Oh, that is SO hard! Off the top of my head I’d pick J.K. Rowling, Jane Austen, and Laini Taylor. Maybe their combined genius would rub off on me just by proximity.
EEP there’s a creeper at the pub! What book are you reading to avoid him?
I’m reading This Shattered World right now and LOVING it!
Ah, TSW co-authored by our very own Amie Kaufman. Good choice, Sara. Thanks for stopping by!
And now, to celebrate the upcoming release of Ignite, I’m giving away a copy (physical or ebook for US, ebook only for international)! Or, if the winner hasn’t read Defy yet, I can send that instead.
To enter to win, just use the handy form below. We’ll try to announce a winner a week from today, but with the holidays coming up, it might be a tad longer.
Sara B LarsonSARA B. LARSON is the author of the acclaimed YA Fantasy Defy that released from Scholastic in January 2014, and the forthcoming sequel Ignite (December 30th, 2014). She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband and their three children. She writes during naptime and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting of her sugar addiction. Sara is represented by Josh Adams, of Adams Literary.
learning to "write the other"Sep 7 2016In "Writers Toolbox"
Interview with Sara Wilson Etienne, author of HarbingerMar 14 2012In "Book Recommendations"
Interview with Literary Agent Sara CroweJan 16 2013In "Giveaways"
About Erin
Erin Bowman is a YA writer, letterpress lover, and Harry Potter enthusiast living in New Hampshire. Her Taken trilogy is available from HarperTeen, and Vengeance Road publishes with HMH on 9/1/15. You can visit Erin’s blog (updated occasionally) or find her on Twitter (updated obsessively).
Defy (Defy #1) Featured
4.3
3.6 (4)
2148 2
Defy (Defy #1)
Author(s)
Sara B. Larson
Sara Larson
Publisher
Scholastic Press
Genre(s)
Fantasy
Fantasy Adventure
Fantasy Romance
Age Range
12+
Release Date
January 07, 2014
ISBN
978-0545597586
Buy This Book
A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and heart-racing romance.
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?
Editor reviews
1 reviews
Overall rating
4.3
Plot
4.0 (1)
Characters
5.0 (1)
Writing Style
4.0 (1)
January 25, 2014
CJ Redwine, Site and Staff Manager CJ Redwine, Site and Staff Manager
Top 10 Reviewer
View all my reviews (407)
Overall rating
4.3
Plot
4.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
4.0
Compulsively Readable
What I Loved:
This action-packed, emotionally rich debut is a real page turner. Readers will be instantly captivated by Alexa, the heroine, as well as by the vivid fantasy world full of danger, intrigue, and magic. Strong, capable prose and a fast-moving plot will keep readers engaged.
Alexa makes for a compelling heroine. She's an incredible fighter, and there are valid reasons for her skills that go beyond her hours of training. She's also loyal, sometimes insecure, and in touch with her emotions even while her situation demands that she work to mask her feelings. I appreciated that Alexa's emotional arc felt authentic to a teen girl in her particular situation and that her emotional growth wasn't neglected in the face of the story's suspenseful plot. Prince Damien's character also stands out as an intriguing, compelling character who will captivate readers. The other supporting characters, while not as fully realized, still contribute to the sense of a complete cast of diverse people struggling to achieve their goals.
The world is well built, and I really enjoyed reading about a fantasy kingdom (complete with sorcerers) that is set in a jungle. The author makes full use of the dangers and delights in this unusual fantasy setting. The culture is well established, the war and the effects of the war are delivered in stark reality without overshadowing the story, and the author does what only the best fantasy authors are capable of doing: she creates an intimate story told on an epic scale.
The plot has enough twists and revealed secrets to keep the reader turning the pages, and the stakes continue to rise so that readers are fully invested in the climax of the story by the time we get there. The author isn't afraid to hurt her characters, and that made for a nail-biting conclusion.
What Left Me Wanting More:
I love romance entwined with the quest in fantasy novels, and there is plenty of romance in this book. There is a very definite love triangle, and at times I felt the focus on the love triangle slowed the pacing of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of the romance, and I think readers who love a strong dose of romance or enjoy a love triangle that is authentically established will swoon over many of the passages of this book. Readers who don't care for a strong focus on romance in their fantasy books may have trouble with a few chapters during the middle of the book.
Final Verdict:
An intriguing world, an exciting conflict, an enigmatic prince, and a heroine worth rooting for make DEFY a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy adventures.
Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson
22 January, 2014 Meg Morley Reviews 45 comments
Review: Defy by Sara B. LarsonDefy by Sara B. Larson
Series: Defy #1
Published by Scholastic Press on January 7th 2014
Pages: 336
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Amazon・ Good Books・Book Depository
Goodreads
one-star
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?
Ignoring the love triangle advertised in the blurb (first mistake: never ignore a blatantly touted love triangle), Defy should have been a good book. In theory it has some great stuff going for it (adventure! badass girl warrior! gender-bending! sorcery!) but in actuality, all of these things fell apart or flat out failed to show up in the first place.
Come along gentle readers as I break down the good, the bad and the OH MY GOD I WILL SLAUGHTER SOMEONE AND THEN BURN THEIR VILLAGE TO THE GROUND- I mean, ugly.
The Good:
I…I finished it? I can’t really count that as a point in the book’s favor because it’s not like I continued due to any positive feelings, it was more the horrified fascination brought on by something spectacularly awful.
Oh, the nights I've wasted there.
The Bad:
This book was a rousing game of Pick A Trope. Tropes themselves aren’t inherently bad, it’s how they’re used that makes the difference and in Defy’s case they were used in the most clumsily over the top way possible. Everything was so frustratingly predictable and convenient.
Features include:
A total lack of world building.
There are other countries? And they’re at war? For reasons? Oh! And a jungle! There’s a jungle! (All of these hazy places are full of white people, naturally, because that is the kind of book this is.) I guess some people have magic because that is how fantasy works. That’s basically it.
Yuck
Comically pointless gender-bending.
I don’t mean comically pointless in that there wasn’t a reason Alexa was disguised as a boy. There was (more on that fun bit later) but it didn’t seem to matter because apparently everyone already knew. Both love interests knew, (convenient as it allowed them to have loved her all along *barfs*) the bad guy knew, random strangers Alexa meets along the way knew. It was laughable. Apparently Alexa is the world’s worst actress and everyone in the story just went along with the charade for funsies.
Wut.
A cringeworthy romance.
Not only was does Defy contain a love triangle, but it is the kind of love triangle that is the reason I hate love triangles. Standing in as one leg of the love triangle, we have Rylan, a fellow guard. Fun game to play with Rylan, take a shot every time Alexa compares some part of him to chocolate (just kidding, DO NOT DO THIS. YOU WILL GET ALCOHOL POISONING). Not that Prince Damion (the other leg) is any better. One moment a snobby, arrogant asshole and the next a thoughtful sweetheart (it was all an act! Duh!). Alexa falls in love with him approximately 30 seconds after he drops his douchebag mask. I can’t think of a single personality trait individual to either of them that hasn’t shown up in a thousand stories before.
Oooookay.
For a significant chunk of the book, all three triangle points are forced to share a small space and while this would have been hilarious, either the love interests are fighting over Alexa as though she weren’t standing right there or Alexa is making out with/fighting with one love interest while the other is forced to watch.
Awkward.
I will award bonus points to Alexa for realizing this behavior is not cool, but immediately take them away because she does so by calling herself a harlot. You’re an idiot Alexa, don’t try and pass it off by slut shaming.
A “skillful” and “heroic” MC.
Did you catch my sarcastic quote marks? We’re told time and time again that Alexa is this legendary fighter with unparalleled skills, but as far as I can tell once the story opens, she completely fails to deliver time and time again. She’s continually being rescued by love interests and/or getting stuck in situations where she’s helpless. Either we were completely lied to about her skills in the first place or the few times she does display magically amazing fighting skills OUT OF NO WHERE seem downright Mary Sueish.
Ew.
Instantly developed expertise.
You’ll be shocked, SHOCKED to know that Alexa has a special power. She’s the ooooooonly one with a chance of taking on a big evil sorcerer who is apparently capable of taking out an entire army of sorcerers. But not Alexa. Alexa can stop him. Because…well, because she can.
That right there caused me to roll my eyes so hard I almost knocked out a contact lens but the hilarity ensues when after managing to do the necessary thing a single time in practice, our scrappy band of heroes is all ‘BY GEORGE SHE’S GOT IT. LET’S GO OFF TO WAR IMMEDIATELY’ because if you’ve successfully accomplished a difficult thing once in your life, obviously you’ll be able to do every time after that.
Um.
And Finally, The Rage Inducingly Ugly:
Right, let me just say something really quick.
RAPE IS NOT A FUCKING PLOT DEVICE.
How does this need to be said? How is that not a completely obvious thing? WHAT THE HELL PEOPLE?!
NO.
Hold up, I’m getting ahead of myself.
So, Defy’s world has this charming little feature called breeding houses. In these breeding houses, orphaned girls are rounded up and put to work as unwilling sex slaves breeders for the rapists army. The idea is they will be continually giving birth to new soldiers for the king’s army.
I could deal with this if it weren’t such a COMPLETE NON EVENT. As far as I can tell, the only purpose the rape breeding houses serve is to show that the king is evil and anyone who disagrees is good. The houses are featured in one scene early on to depict how awful they are (except not really, I think the real reason we saw them at all is to add depth to Alexa’s relationship with her brother) and how important it is that no one see through Alexa’s ruse (LOLOLOL). From there on out, I think each love interest mentions them a total of once with a sort of token negativity to show that they are on the side of justice and light.
I hate everything.
COMPLETE AND UTTER INAPPROPRIATENESS ASIDE (and that is a MASSIVE aside) where is the logic here? THIS IS A TERRIBLE PLAN. So, King Hector is sitting there thinking his thoughts one day and he’s all ‘hey! I have a super efficient idea to fill up my army! I’ll round up a bunch of girls and systematically impregnate them so that MANY YEARS FROM NOW I will have a continual supply of soldiers!’ Oh sure, that makes total sense. If so, where are the birthing houses? Where are the babies? WHERE IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN THIS THROWAWAY REFERENCE TO RAPE?!
AHHHHHHHH.
Every aspect of this plot point (I use that term in the loosest possible way) is so pointless and it makes it even more offensive that it was included in the first place.
Final Verdict:
NOPE.
I doth proclaim thee to be a stupid fartface
Just no. I can’t.
As an alternative I recommend checking out Kristin Cashore, Alison Goodman or Tamora Pierce (though I haven’t read the Alanna books, please don’t yell at me, I KNOW). I can personally vouch for the awesomeness of the first two and have heard from many trusted sources of the legendary epicness of the third.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I am going to go scrub the memory of this book from my brain with bleach.
Meg out.
Drop the mic.
Quoted in Sidelights: “The characters in Ignite are what make this story for me, even more than the engaging plot,” “We are introduced to familiar faces and also meet a few new bad guys that provide trouble for Alexa, Damian, and the rest of the Antion realm.”
Ignite by Sara B. Larson
Apr 6
Posted by Kat Mandu
In this sequel to Defy, Alexa and Damian face a new threat – supposedly from the allies they just made. Can they stop the real bad guys from spreading their magical influence across Antion and prevent a bloody war?
Title: Ignite
Author: Sara B. Larson
Series: Defy, Book 02
Publish Date: December 30, 2014, by Scholastic
Genre: YA High Fantasy
Source: Purchased
Publisher’s Description: Murder, kidnapping, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson’s acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.
Alexa continues to harbor a secret love for the newly crowned King Damian, yet she remains by his side as his guard and ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion’s people. However, when a new threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on the once friendly nation of Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. Once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy — before it’s too late?
Possible spoilers beyond this point.
Kat Mandu says…
The characters in Ignite are what make this story for me, even more than the engaging plot. We are introduced to familiar faces and also meet a few new bad guys that provide trouble for Alexa, Damian, and the rest of the Antion realm. Tanoori and Eljin are two of my favorites. Tanoori is fierce and heroic, but also charitable as she helps out with the process of rebuilding Antion despite her troubled past. Eljinn is also a character with a hidden past and a scar that bears the burden of that history on his face. He’s a sorcerer and well, he’s a badass.
Also new to the story are the two twin villain sorcerers, Rafe and Vera, who are skilled in mind control. They’re using their power to manipulate both Blevon and Antion in hopes that the two will go to war with each other so that Armando, Damian’s evil uncle, can take over the whole world and gain access to magic that will make them essentially unstoppable.
Though I’m certainly a little bit leery of the romance issue between Alexa, Damian, and Rylan, the excitement of the plot makes up for what that plot lacks. It’s engaging – I especially love the scene where Alexa defies orders and goes to interrogate Manu. Magical fight scenes are always epic and this particular one was no exception. In fact, it was probably my favorite scene in the whole trilogy.
The romance just still doesn’t do it for me. I know that Alexa turns Damian down at the end of Defy, for personal reasons (she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him, or good enough to be queen); but in this, she’s forced to admit she really loves him in order to break him out of Vera’s spell. I just felt like it was a convenient little tidbit that made the story flow. Real mind control doesn’t break like that (for the record, I thought it was weird in Divergent too, when Tobias was under mind control and attempted to kill Tris; this was a very similar scene).
And then Rylan (who is upset for being turned down for the same reason I was upset she turned him down) is naturally, kind of hostile to Alexa. AND SHE’S ALL LIKE “BUT Y U MAD?” and tries to act like things are normal, but they aren’t. And it’s frustrating.
The major moment in this book that I was so incredibly flustered with – and this isn’t really a spoiler because there’s several moments where she’s with Rafe. But this really did it for me and is the reason I give it a three. At one point in the book, Alexa is positioned on a tree where she is overlooking the Daniisian (the enemies in the story) camp, where Rafe, the bad guy, is holding Damian’s half-brother hostage. She’s wearing A FRICKING BOW AND ARROW and is within range of killing Rafe, but doesn’t. She even feels HELPLESS to do anything as Rafe threatens to abuse the child. My thoughts when reading this scene?
WHAT THE SAM H HELL?!!! SHOOT HIM! YOU’RE A BADASS WARRIOR WITH ARCHERY SKILLS. If Alexa would have shot him, half her problems would have been solved. I MEAN, COME ON. I’ve never really felt like Alexa was smart, which might have been okay because she was very involved and fierce. But at this point, I felt Alexa was really dumb.
And I know. If we kill off Rafe, it would have removed one of the major plots to follow in the third book. But Rafe wasn’t the main villain, he was just one of the lead bad guy’s minions. SO THEREFORE SHE COULD HAVE SHOT HIM.
Alas, she did not.
Again, this isn’t a bad story. Rating it a three doesn’t mean I hated it. I just liked it. No more, no less. If you’re looking for a cool follow up high fantasy tale set in the jungle with some pretty cool characters, I recommend this book.
Our reviews in this series…
Defy, Book 01
Ignite, Book 02
Endure, Book 03
Links will become active as reviews are posted.
Other recommendations…
Recommended for fans of Kiersten White, Sophie Jordan, and Tamora Pierce.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Ignite by Sara B. Larson (Defy #2)
Publish Date: December 30, 2014
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 304
BookDescription:
Murder, abductions, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.
Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian’s side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?
My Thoughts
*sigh* Such a GREAT series so far! I'm loving it! I think I am going to have to add Sara B. Larson to my list of favorite authors! I was blown away by Defy which is the first book in this series and this second book is no different. If you're looking for an adventure with swoon worthy romance, this you should definitely check this serious out. LOVING IT! I did have issues with some things in this book which made me give it a 4 instead of a 5, but we'll get to that later.
I really liked that there wasn't a lot of missing time in the beginning of book 2, we start off basically where book 1 left us.
Which leads us to the main character Alexa who has helped save her kingdom and her people from destruction by their own vicious and cruel king plus killed a deadly black sorcerer. Along with all this she helped place and good king, the son of cruel king, Damian. However, Alexa did not come out of this unscathed.
Just when things start to look like there will be peace again, an assassination attempt on the new king's life put their entire kingdom at risk against a kingdom that should be their ally. Which causes Alexa to put all her feelings for a certain someone aside to keep him and herself safe.
I really enjoyed the political intrigue, the twist and turns of the story, where you had to keep asking yourself, "is it them?" "could it really be them?" "but what about...?" it was great, and I loved every minute of it.
I loved how Damian is a GOOD guy! Too many guys in books these days are TERRIBLE and yet they have the "bad boy" so awful to the female and yet they fall in love and somehow that changes he "bad boy" and blah blah blah, now don't get me wrong I enjoy a good brooding but the GREAT thing about this story is that the main male role is actually a GOOD MAN! YAY! He was perfect of what male characters should be! Strong, kind, thoughtful, smart, good, etc.
One thing that kinda bothered me was the fact that there was SO MUCH romance that I felt it ALMSOT overtook the story. Is this a romance? Sure, but I don't like it to overtake the story TOO much and this almost did. But it was sweet, which is good.
I did NOT like the fact that Ry (Alexa best friend from Defy) turned into such a boring and a bit annoying character! He was supposed to be cool! Instead I find myself disliking him more and more as the story went on. He became whiny and a bit more like a 13 yr old who was slighted by some girl. GROW UP MAN! anyway, a bit disappointed in his character and lack of development.
Overall the story keeps you on your toes and I read it in one sitting, it sucks you and keeps you wanting for more. I loved it, regardless of things that bothered me.
Sexual Content: Moderate (PG-some kissing, talk of a breeding house for human females)
Language: mild/none
Violence: moderate (fighting scenes-not too graphic)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
*A HUGE thank you to Scholastic Press for this physical ARC which I got in exchange for an honest review*
Meet the Author
Sara's debut YA fantasy novel, DEFY, released in January of 2014 from Scholastic. The sequel will come out in early 2015--stay tuned for announcements about the title, cover, and synopsis! Sara lives in Utah with her husband and three young children. She writes during naptime and the hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in "the art of multitasking." On occasion you will find her hiding in a bubble bath with a book and some Swedish Fish or some mint chocolate truffles. She is represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary. You can find out more about Sara at her website: www.sarahblarson.com
Quoted in Sidelights: “When I finished writing ‘Endure,’ I was sobbing,” Larson told Hikari Loftus, who interviewed her for Salt Lake City’s Deseret News. “Part of it was in relief and part of it was just sadness—knowing that I was done with this world and these characters. I love them, and they have been such a big part of my life for so many years. It was very emotional to realize that I had done it … but also very emotional to write it. It’s a very emotional book.”
Author Sara B. Larson takes readers on emotional journey in 'Endure'
By
Hikari Loftus
Published: December 27, 2015 12:05 pm
Updated: Dec. 27, 2015 5:02 p.m.
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Scholastic
"Endure" is the third novel in Sara B. Larson's Defy trilogy.
If one word could describe “Endure,” the final book in Utah author Sara B. Larson’s Defy trilogy, it might be “emotional.”
“When I finished writing ‘Endure,’ I was sobbing,” Larson said. “Part of it was in relief and part of it was just sadness — knowing that I was done with this world and these characters. I love them, and they have been such a big part of my life for so many years. It was very emotional to realize that I had done it … but also very emotional to write it. It’s a very emotional book.”
For Larson, going with protagonist Alexa on her final, brutal, war-ravaged journey was empowering as much as heartbreaking.
“Endure” follows Alexa back to the kingdom of Antion, now under siege. With one of her best friends, Rylan, held prisoner by the enemy, and Alexa’s mind controlled by a foreign sorcerer, she has no choice but to break promises she has made to Damian to go after Rylan.
The aptly named “Endure” depicts the horrifying reality of war and the empowering strength of love and determination as Alexa faces her hardest mental and physical trials yet.
“I think the title is very symbolic of many different things throughout the books,” Larson said. “Symbolic of what Alexa has had to do throughout her life … and also symbolic of the story as a whole, for all of these characters that suffer, and they all experience loss. They have all had to try and find their ability to believe in the future and maintain that hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and endure through all of that and come out on the other side.”
It won’t be just the characters in “Endure” who experience loss and heartbreak; readers may well feel the same heartbreak as Larson, choosing to depict a more realistic war story, doesn’t count any of her characters as safe.
Larson explained that authors have two choices when writing books containing war or death situations: to make the story more realistic, or to keep it more like a fairy tale where everybody makes it through.
“I think I kind of erred in the middle,” Larson said. “I tried to stay true to what my characters were doing and what the consequences would be. … It’s a hard balance to find, I guess, and I try to stay true to my instincts on it.”
Despite any heartbreaks in the story, Larson noted that she was most excited to write “Endure.”
“Alexa’s worldview is very limited because she’s been basically protected,” Larson said. “She had to work all the time and was never allowed to go to a library or look at maps or read histories. … But ‘Endure’ is what I was so excited to write the whole time because I knew that was when we finally get to break this world wide open and finally show the readers everything that’s been going on behind the scenes.”
By introducing new kingdoms and enemies, Larson was finally able to wrap up all the pieces she had cultivated and crafted since the beginning of “Defy,” in a process that she said was very quick. After years of knowing and planning for the end of the trilogy, Larson said the story flowed out easily.
But even though she knew the ending and what had to happen to get there, Larson said that didn’t mean she always liked it.
“Let’s just say there were a few times that I was ugly crying as I was typing this book,” Larson said with a laugh. “Some of it was actually drafted while I was riding in the car with my husband … and he’d just kind of reach over and pat my arm like, ‘Are you OK?’ And I’m just like, ‘No, I’m not, but I have to keep going.’”
The Defy trilogy originally came from a place of loss for Larson. After the death of her cousin’s husband, the first scene she ever wrote about Alexa came to her mind.
Since then, even unintentionally, Alexa’s story has been woven with themes of survival, resilience and living life to the fullest despite loss and sorrow.
“I think there are a lot of us who have had losses in our lives or really hard struggles … that could make us lose that light and forget to look up and be happy we are alive,” Larson said. “Whether (readers) are upset by what happens (in ‘Endure’) or not … I just hope that they will take that final symbolism of look to the sky and remember the people who have gone on, the people who have left already, and that we are still here and we need to live our lives to the fullest and to not waste our lives living in regret or mourning. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t feel sad or mourn, of course you do, but you have to also remember it’s OK to find happiness, too … to hold on to that courage and that strength to keep going and make it to the end.”
“Endure” contains no swearing or sexual content but does include some war-related violence.
If you go …
What: Sara B. Larson book signing
When: Tuesday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, sarablarson.blogspot.com
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Also …
When: Wednesday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Provo City Library, 550 N. University Ave., Provo
Web: provolibrary.com
Hikari Loftus is a graduate of the University of Utah. She blogs at FoldedPagesDistillery.blogspot.com.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
0
Sara B. Larson, author of ENDURE, on writing something she didn't plan or want to do
ENDURE is the final book in the Defy series, and we're delighted to have Sara B. Larson here to tell us more about it.
What was your inspiration for writing ENDURE?
I’ve known how this story would end since I wrote the first book in the DEFY series. But it’s always different actually writing it as opposed to dreaming about it and plotting it. As I worked on this final book, I definitely was inspired by the many events that originally led to me write DEFY, which fostered the continuing themes of love, loyalty, overcoming grief, and pain to find hope and joy again. These themes span the entire series, but especially in ENDURE.
What scene was really hard for you to write and why, and is that the one of which you are most proud? Or is there another scene you particularly love?
There is a scene about halfway through the book that went differently than I’d anticipated. I don’t want to be spoilery, but let’s just say it wasn’t something I wanted to do, or had planned on doing, but it is where the story went and I realized that it was how it had to go, even though I bawled my way through it. I have a few different scenes I love, but I can’t really say specifically what they are without spoiling things (again!)…I will say the final scenes in ENDURE are my absolute favorite. I feel like they are powerful and hold a lot of deeper meaning for those who seek it and it was just so wonderful to finally write the finale to Alexa’s story.
What book or books would most resonate with readers who love your book--or vice versa?
I think anyone who likes YA fantasy will enjoy my books. Readers of the THRONE OF GLASS series, the GRISHA (SHADOW AND BONE) series, GRACELING series, HIS FAIR ASSASSSIN series (GRAVE MERCY), THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS series, and many more would probably enjoy my series, or vice versa. There is a new YA fantasy series by Kathryn Purdie called BURNING GLASS (March 2016) that is fantastic and I know readers who enjoy my books, or any of these others, will also love it! The overlapping elements of these books that will appeal to readers are strong heroines (with all sorts of different personalities) and the excitement that magic brings to the worlds these authors have created. Hopefully those same things are part of what they love about the DEFY series!
What do you hope readers will take away from ENDURE?
I wrote the first book DEFY after losing someone in our family at a young age to cancer, and after a few other very difficult trials in my life. A big theme in this series is to hold on to hope and find courage in the face of grief, death, pain, and seemingly insurmountable odds. That is taken to a whole new level in ENDURE, when everything I’ve been building toward finally comes together in an epic conclusion that I hope my readers will not only love, but also understand on a deeper level. I hope my readers will take away: a renewed determination to face the losses and struggles in their own lives with hope and courage, while remembering those who have gone ahead of us. The dedication of this book really encapsulates what I hope it will mean to my readers, and will make sense when they’ve read it all the way to the end.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Endure by Sara B. Larson
Hardcover
Scholastic Press
Released 12/29/2015
The remarkable third novel in Sara B. Larson's bestselling Defy series!
At last, Alexa and King Damian are engaged to be married. But their lives are far from safe. The kingdom of Antion is under siege, and Rylan is a prisoner of the enemy. Even worse, Alexa remains at the mercy of the evil Dansiian Rafe, who controls her mind and can force Alexa to kill or harm Damian at any moment. Despite this, Alexa is determined to rescue Rylan, which soon leads her far from Damian and deep into enemy territory.
When she arrives, what awaits her is deadlier than anything she could have ever imagined: an army of black sorcerers, and a horrifying plot to destroy the world as Alexa knows it. Will she be able to gather the strength to free herself, protect the love of her life, and save the land? Will there ever be true peace?
Acclaimed author Sara B. Larson has woven a stunning, romantic, and evocative finale to the Defy trilogy, that is sure to leave readers breathless until the very last page.
Purchase Endure at Amazon
Purchase Endure at IndieBound
View Endure on Goodreads
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA fantasy DEFY, and the sequels IGNITE and ENDURE. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband and their three children. She writes in brief snippets throughout the day (while mourning the demise of naptime) and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction.
She’s online at www.SaraBLarson.com.
Have you had a chance to read ENDURE yet? Have you read the other books in the Defy series? Do you follow your story even when it takes a turn you weren't planning?
Happy reading,
Jocelyn, Shelly, Martina, Erin, Lisa, Susan, Sam, Lindsey, Sandra, Kristin, and Anisaa
Interview with Sara B. Larson, Author of Endure
by anna
in Author Interviews, News, Young Adult
19 Feb 2016
Tell us a little bit about your new release, Endure.
This is the final book in the DEFY trilogy, where we finally find out what will happen to Alexa, Damian, and Rylan.
What’s rocking your world this month?
Preparing for a book launch and Christmas simultaneously is pretty much my whole world right now! But I did sneak in reading an ARC of TRUTHWITCH and PASSENGER and they were both fantastic!
Who is your favorite couple from literature?
Besides my own characters? I honestly can’t pick one…I suck at picking favorites. But I adore Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and Jane and Rochester. Two classics that will always stand the test of time.
Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?
Either diving or equestrian jumpers — both of which I did growing up.
What’s on your writing desk?
I can’t say, but stay tuned for more soon!
Where is your happy place? Why does it bring you joy?
The beach or Disney World (or Disneyland). The beach because it’s so gorgeous and peaceful. I love sitting in the sun and reading for hours with the sounds of the waves. And Disney-anything because DISNEY. (And seeing how happy it makes my kids, too.)
What’s your favorite quote or scene from Endure?
I can’t really say without being spoilery, but let’s just say the second part of the dedication has very significant meaning and is a big hint.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt. This has been on my blog since I first started trying to get published and it has meant so much to me throughout this journey.
SaraLarson2015 (2)
Sara B. Larson is the author of the new book Endure.
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Endure (Defy, Book 3) (Defy Trilogy)
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Book review: 'Dark Breaks the Dawn' is fantastical Swan Lake retelling
By Tara Creel
For the Deseret News
Published: May 24, 2017 10:00 am
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Scholastic
"Dark Break the Dawn" is by Sara B. Larson.
"DARK BREAKS THE DAWN," by Sara B. Larson, Scholastic Press, $17.99, 320 pages (f) (ages 12 and up)
"Dark Breaks the Dawn" is the latest release from Utah author Sara B. Larson. The first in a planned duology, it is a Swan Lake retelling, acting as a prequel to the famous folktale.
Evelayn is the princess of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom. She has been anxiously awaiting her 18th birthday to access the full range of her magical powers. When the day comes, her senses are heightened and she feels like her powers are endless — until tragedy strikes and her powers are gone.
A system is set in place for the Light Kingdom to regain its magic, but the Dark Kingdom, Dorjhalon, is doing everything in its power to keep that from happening and gain control of the entire land.
Evelayn quickly finds out that being queen, trusting others and finding balance in life is much harder than her mother made it seem.
Larson has created a lush world in the two kingdoms of light and dark. The well-developed political systems, customs and landscapes will immerse the reader in this fantasy world. The Draiolon race with its colorful skin and hair is a vibrant addition to story.
The main character, Evelayn, is a strong female lead with flaws to balance out her beauty, talent and privilege. Her friends and servants who surround her add opposition, humor and romance. While the alternating third-person narrative between the characters can be confusing at times, Larson gains a knack for each voice, and it adds a depth to the storytelling that wouldn’t be reached otherwise.
The magic system seems like the ordinary inheritance kind at first, but the details Larson writes into the checks and balances set it apart from previously written systems in young adult fantasy. The battle between light and dark is also not a new idea, but these kingdoms and the players in the war between them add a refreshing twist.
With tension building to a shocking ending, Larson leaves readers ready for the sequel.
“Dark Breaks the Dawn” contains mild kissing scenes, tame battle/fighting scenes and no swearing.
If you go …
What: Sara B. Larson book signing
When: Tuesday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Where: King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East
Web: kingsenglish.com
Note: The signing line is for those who buy a copy of the featured book from The King’s English.
Also …
When: Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Provo Library, 550 N. University Ave., Provo
Web: provolibrary.com/authorlink
Tara Creel is a Logan-native-turned-California-girl and mother of four boys. Her email is taracreel@gmail.com, and she blogs at taracreelbooks.wordpress.com.
Quoted in Sidelights: “Dark Breaks the Dawn offers adventure, magic, love, fairy tale and fantasy all mixed into one. But all that wouldn’t work if not for her well-developed characters, which make the novel worth reading.”
Sara B. Larson’s Dark Breaks the Dawn is nuanced YA fantasy
2
By Jessica on June 12, 2017 YA review, young adult
DARK BREAKS THE DAWN, by Sara B. Larson, Scholastic Press, May 30, 2017, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)
Sara B. Larson’s Dark Breaks the Dawn is being called a reimagining of Swan Lake, which in and of itself is exciting, but truthfully, as I read the story, Swan Lake never crossed my mind.
Dark Breaks the Dawn opens on Princess Evelayn’s 18th birthday. Her 18th birthday marks the day when the princess of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally access the full range of her magical powers. And when she gains that access, her senses become sharper, and the energy that she draws upon feels infinite.
As much as Evelayn would like to celebrate, the princess can’t help but worry. Her mother, the queen, is on the warfront, battling King Bain and the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon. Bain wants control of both light and dark kingdoms, and he’ll stop at nothing until he reaches his goal.
While Bain’s plot works in part, forcing Evelayn to ascend the throne immediately, he fails to keep her from regaining the Light Kingdom’s full power. Evelayn has one chance to end this war, but to do it, she must master her magic, including her ability to shapeshift.
Again, Dark Breaks the Dawn didn’t read as a Swan Lake story. If anything, I would say it could work as an origin story. I think more of Swan Lake will come in the second book of this duology. It doesn’t need to, though.
Dark Breaks the Dawn stands on its own. Sara B. Larson has created a complex and compelling world that should be applauded for its nuances. Sara’s prose refined and her pacing well balanced.
Dark Breaks the Dawn offers adventure, magic, love, fairy tale and fantasy all mixed into one. But all that wouldn’t work if not for her well-developed characters, which make the novel worth reading.
Despite its strengths, Dark Breaks the Dawn isn’t perfect. If you’re looking for high fantasy, this is not your novel. I found Sara’s world building sufficient, but a little more attention to this could have made it fully immersive. While I found Sara’s pacing strong, ebbing and flowing where needed, some readers may find some places too slow. There were also a few predictable moments but nothing that would keep me from recommending Dark Breaks the Dawn.
© 2017, Cracking the Cover. All rights reserved.
About Author
Jessica
Jessica Harrison is the main reviewer behind Cracking the Cover. Prior to creating Cracking the Cover, Jessica worked as the in-house book critic for the Deseret News, a daily newspaper in Salt Lake City. Jessica also worked as a copy editor and general features writer for the paper. Following that, Jessica spent two years with an international company as a social media specialist. She is currently a freelance writer/editor. She is passionate about reading and giving people the tools to make informed decisions in their own book choices.
{Leah Reviews} Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson
Posted December 7, 2017 by Leah in Reviews / 6 Comments
{Leah Reviews} Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. LarsonDark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson
Pages: 320
Published on May 30th 2017
by Scholastic Press
Genres: Fantasy, Retelling, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Goodreads
Also by this author: Defy
After a thousand years of peace, the battle between Light and Dark has resumed.
On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Evelayn of Éadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally access the full range of her magical powers. The light looks brighter, the air is sharper, and the energy she can draw when fighting feels almost limitless.
But while her mother, the queen, remains busy at the war front, in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon, the corrupt king is plotting. King Bain wants control of both kingdoms, and his plan will fling Evelayn into the throne much sooner than she expected.
In order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to come into her ability to shape-shift, and rely on the alluring, but mysterious Lord Tanvir. Not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between the Light and Dark comes at a steep price.
1.5 Stars
I’ve tried so many times to express my feelings about Dark Breaks the Dawn, but everything hasn’t felt adequate until now. This take of Swan Lake had the makings of a book after my heart: dark storyline, sweeping romance, a retelling I haven’t seen much of. I would have loved it. It would have been one of my favorite books…if I’d read this when I was thirteen. Dark Breaks the Dawn had so many things that did not work for me.
The writing keeps things moving, but there’s an overall lack of the essentials in a fantasy. There’s no concrete world building. Two warring kingdoms, the Light and the Dark, both sides comprised of Drailion. What are Drailion? I don’t know, this is never explained. Important events happen off the page. Places and people are never explained. Why is everyone afraid of this place called the Undead Forest? It does sound frightening, but what does it have to do with the world? People use magic but I can’t tell you how it works. People can summon light or shadow. How? It was the most fascinating detail and it’s all just glossed over.
We do get explanations of some things. Do you want to know how beautiful our main character, Evelayn, is? Do you want to know how strong and regal and special she is? This is all explained in spades. There’s no dynamic characterization for anyone. The Light Drailion are all peaceful and perfect. The Dark Drailion are all beautiful too, but the king is the stereotypical bad guy who does bad things for the sake of being bad.
Then there’s the instalove. There is literally one major scene of dialogue and action between Evelayn and Tanvir, the love interest, and they’re already In Love with each other. It’s distracting and, at times, self aware of the speed with which it happens. My library copy is riddled with tabs of the most glaring thoughts of their Love for each other, which I have added here along with close reactions I had while reading them.
“By the Light, Ev, I’ve never felt anything like what I feel when I’m with you.” (page 147)
Related image
(They have known each other for about three days.)
“The force of what he felt for her hit him so strongly in that moment that he could no longer deny it. He was in love with the queen of Eadrolan.” (p 207)
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(They’ve known each other about four or five days.)
“I can’t wait a moment longer. I know it’s fast. I know we’re young. I know I don’t deserve you for so many reasons. But I also know that I love you as I’ve never loved anyone…” (p 256)
Related image
(I’m estimating ten days…)
“This was why she’d fallen in love with Tanvir–because not only was he kind, but because he seemed to need her.” (p 273)
Image result for james van der beek gif
(I don’t know. I can’t even anymore.)
Strangely though, I could not stop reading it. Something about it was so addictive I had to finish it. While Dark Breaks the Dawn did not present what I’d hoped for, it was strangely entertaining.
Leah
About Latest Posts
Leah
Leah
Co-Blogger at Quite the Novel Idea
Leah has always been a bibliophile. An avid fantasy fan, she has spent many hours imagining magical worlds and wondering what it would be like to wield a sword. When she's not dreaming up her own standalone fantasy stories, she enjoys watching movies, traveling, and eating chocolate. She lives in California.
Review: Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson
By Gabrielle Nadig | December 1, 2017 | Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen Fiction
Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. LarsonDark Breaks the Dawn
Sara B. Larson
Scholastic Press
Published May 30th, 2017
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
About Dark Breaks the Dawn
On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Evelayn of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally access the full range of her magical powers. The light looks brighter, the air is sharper, and the energy she can draw when fighting feels almost limitless.
But while her mother, the queen, remains busy at the war front, in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon, the corrupt king is plotting. King Bain wants control of both kingdoms, and his plan will fling Evelayn onto the throne much sooner than she expected.
In order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to come into her ability to shapeshift, and rely on the alluring Lord Tanvir. But not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between the Light and Dark comes at a steep price.
My Review
This is the first retelling of Swan Lake that I have come across, and while it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I still enjoyed it. The characters for the most part were enjoyable, and I liked how in this book the romance progressed steadily and seemed like a positive relationship. No painful love triangles and drama here! I wasn’t a fan of the scenes from Lorcan’s and Lothar’s POV. I think the author was trying to create sympathy for them, but I still didn’t like them a whole lot. And it just left me with a lot of unanswered questions.
The world-building definitely carries the book however. It was excellent, very well thought out with a unique magic system. One thing that threw me for a loop at first though was that this book is not about humans–it’s about Draiolon, a race of fae-like creatures who live centuries, and have skin and hair colors in a variety of shades–blue, green, white, gold, you name it. The Light Draiolon wield the powers of Summer–heat, fire, light, etc. The Dark Draiolon wield the powers of Winter– cold, shadowflame, darkness, etc. It took me an embarrassing long time to figure this stuff out. I finally caught on when I realized that the words “people,” “man,” and “woman” weren’t used because the book isn’t about humans. Instead, words like “Draiolon,” “male,” and “female” are used.
One thing that kinda bugged me about this book however was that the retelling aspect of the book didn’t come into play until the very end. Hopefully the sequel will explore more of the original story, although it seems like there is still a lot of questions to be answered for it to be just a duology. Dark Breaks the Dawn earns 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion, and is perfect for fans of high fantasy in the vein of Tolkien.
An Enchantment of Ravens on AmazonRecommended for Ages 15 up.
Cultural Elements
All of the characters are Draiolan, with there being two distinct races–the Light Draiolan, and the Dark Draiolan.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
None that I can recall–possibly fantasy-style swearing.
Romance/Sexual Content
Heavy kissing/embracing, touching, attraction, lust, mention of producing an heir.
Spiritual Content
High-fantasy style magic and rituals.
Violent Content
Deaths, attacks, abuse, magical violence, etc–some graphic encounters. One especially heartbreaking death.
Drug Content
None that I can recall beyond drinking at feasts.