July’s #2016HW: Defy by Sara B. Larson and City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

July was an extremely busy month for me and if you’re a follower you know I’ve been a little absent the first of August as well. So I’m playing catch up 😉 In July, I did read both of my #2016HW books: Defy by Sara B. Larson and City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. I really enjoyed them. In fact, they helped get me out of my slump.

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Defy by Sara B. Larson
Published by Scholastic Press on 2014-01-07
Length: 336 pages
Reviewing eBook from My Book Shelf
Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2016HW, COYER 2016 Summer Vacation

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?

Defy by Sara B. Larson was more than I expected and everything I could have asked for! I love high fantasy and this particular book is aimed at Young Adults AND it is actually appropriate for that age crowd!!! Alexa Hollen is still a child when she witnesses the death of her parents and is taken by the king’s men. Thanks to the quick thinking of her twin brother, she is disguised as a boy and becomes Alex to the fellow soldiers, a fierce fighter who could be captain one day. When a sorcerer attacks in the dead of night, Alex finds herself captured along with the crowned prince Damien and her best friend Rylan. Alex must find a way to keep her secret hidden and do her duty as the prince’s guard.

After reading this story, Alexa has become a favorite character. She’s feisty, fierce, and courageous. She fights for what she believes in and despite the years of pretending to be a boy, she is still feminine and scared. My heart broke for her as she fought and pretended to be something she is not. I ached for her loss and for the unrequited love she feels. If anything, her struggles make you love her more.

Damien and Rylan I can honestly not tell you who I ship more. When we first meet Damien in the story, he is arrogant and spoiled, but it’s all a show. He’s cunning, kind, and loves his country. He will do whatever it takes to bring his kingdom peace. Rylan is like the guy next door. You never have to wonder what he is thinking or who he cares for. He’s very transparent.

I don’t want to spoil any of the story for those that haven’t read the book yet so I won’t really touch on the plot. Just know that there is action, magic, and many twists and turns along the way. The book reminds me a little of Graceling which I loved so I would recommend it for anyone that enjoys a good fantasy with a touch of romance and a ton of action!

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City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments #3
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on 2009-03-24
Length: 541 pages
Reviewing Hardcover from My Book Shelf
Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2016HW, COYER 2016 Summer Vacation

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

What a ride!!! City of Glass by Cassandra Clare is a fast-paced read, full of twists and action that kept me on the edge of my seat. While I enjoyed the previous two books in the series, they barely hold a candle to this installment. Valentine is mounting an attack on Idris, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters, and only Clary and her friends believe the danger the city is in.

Clary is one of those characters I just can’t decide if I like or not. She’s can be whiny, a bit annoying at times, and can’t seem to make up her mind about her feelings for Jace. I mean he’s her “brother” so….ewwww!!!! BUT then she’s got this crazy fearless attitude when it comes to the world of the Shadowhunters. She faces it head on and I love that about her, even if I may scream at the book occasionally 😉

Jace is in a dark place this book. He is coming to terms that Valentine, the evil monster, is his father, the girl he loves is his “sister” and the family he calls his own doesn’t want him. He’s kind of lost and my heart ached for him.

I honestly don’t even know where to start with the plot of this book. I DO NOT want to give any spoilers away!!! There are so many twists and turns, surprises, new characters and intense fighting. Just trust me, if you’ve enjoyed the series so far, it is a must read!

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