Defy (Defy #1) by Sara B. Larson

Release Date:  January 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Protagonist:  Alexa (Alex) Hollen, 17 years old

The Story:  After the violent death of her parents, Alexa hides her gender, changes her identity, and joins her twin brother as a member of the king's army.  Alex's talent with a sword and her incredible ability to fight land her a special place as a member of Prince Damien's guard.  In extreme proximity to the prince, Alex learns that she is not the only one living a lie.  Along with the prince and a fellow guardsman, Alex is abducted by a powerful sorcerer who is determined to use the prince as a way to coerce the king into changing the outcome of the war between two kingdoms. Alex's identity becomes increasingly more difficult to hide as works to ensure the safety of the prince and the kingdom.

Reaction:  Likely to be classified as high fantasy, Defy is what I like to call "light" fantasy; the structure of the tale has a lot of similarities to "high" fantasy novels, including magic, a quest, and a coming-of-age theme.  Much of the plot focuses on romance, which detracts from some of these "high fantasy" elements.  Despite the heavy handedness with romance, Defy is not a book to be missed by fans of the YA/Fantasy genre.  Reader beware:  this book is written from a female perspective and addresses romance the same way; if you don't want to read about abs and kisses, in addition to sorcerers and magic, look elsewhere. Defy is not so much about an epic physical journey, but instead is about Alex's epic emotional journey as she learns to accept all aspects of herself.  Alex is a serious, kick-butt heroine who is a star of all the action scenes.  Both male protagonists are interesting in different ways, making the love triangle aspect highly engaging. 

If You Liked...  Graceling, Incarceron, Dragonfly, or Grave Mercy, then Defy is a must-read.

Rating:  5 stars

Teacher Notes: This book contains misogynistic characters and abuse towards women. References to abuse towards women  are prevalent.  Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Daughter of Camelot, by Glynis Cooney

Empire of Shadows #1
Mabon Publishing
ISBN:  978098135009
September 2013
Young Adult

Against a backdrop of the Dark Ages and the end of the Arthurian era, author Glynis Cooney introduces fourteen year old Deirdre, who longs for adventure, despite her gender.  All Deirdre wants to do is to live a life of glory, comparable to the lives of the knights who serve King Arthur, and when she is sent to a neighboring kingdom to learn how to be a lady, Deirdre is extremely disappointed.  When news of Lancelot’s betrayal of King Arthur spreads throughout the kingdom, it becomes clear that the kings are willing to take advantage of Arthur’s weakness.  Determined to provide the king with vital information, Deirdre sets off on a quest that will change her life.

DAUGHTER OF CAMELOT is a fantasy based on Arthurian legends, and the tale is written in a manner that expects the reader to have some understanding of the Arthurian legends themselves, as well as the unrest of the time period.  The rise of the Christian church and the persecution of the Druids, the treatment of women and vassals, in addition to political intrigue are embedded through this complex young adult novel.  As the first in the series, the book establishes characters, setting, and a few different mysteries, some of which are deliberately left unanswered at the end of the tale.  I really liked the authentic “feel” of this book, the banter of the characters, and Deirdre’s naïve nature that slowly matures over the course of events.  If you enjoy Julia Golding’s DRAGONFLY or Kristin Cashore’s GRACELING, then DAUGHTER OF CAMELOT is going to be right up your alley – this entertaining fantasy has all the right elements of its genre:   a strong heroine, epic travels, unusual companions, and hints of magic.  Highly enjoyable!

Rating:  3