Review. Ignite (Defy #2) by Sara B. Larson

Ignite (Defy #2) by Sara B. Larson

Published: December 30th 2014 by Scholastic Press

 Rating: 2 out of 5

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Synopsis:

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?
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Review:

Sequels or second books have a good reputation for taking the world from the first book and exploding with ten times the universe for the second. Usually everything is expanded, new characters plot into the story line as if they've always been there. Usually after book 1 some key side-kicks have met the dust so new people are good. As long as they don't try and take over the storyline.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this sequel to Defy. I was expecting Defy plus more, and it wasn't. Damien is now King on his throne. After a couple of days he has royal visitors from Dansii. The Duke of Montklief's son and daughter. Lady Vera is, obviously, dangerously stunning. Enough for Alexa to have serious doubts about not only herself but Damien's wandering eye too. She's worried he might be swayed by Vera's perfect skin and Lady like qualities. I didn't like Vera from the start. She was written like your stereotypical bad guy. You could read through the lines as to what and why she did what she did. Surely a kingdom just coming down from being ruled by a tyrant would have a vetting service of some kind before allowing unknowns to visit the king in his throne room, royalty or not. And that business with the poisoning was just cheesy.

There wasn't a great storyline either and the biggest plot seemed to be Jax getting kidnapped and Alexa bringing him back somehow. 

Alexa also has a tough time with her romances. Of course she's not supposed to have time for all that when she's saving the kingdom from Vera's brother Rafe, going back and forth to rescue Jax and being a girl with scars while trying to act like a soldier still. Phew!

I'm afraid I didn't like Ignite a great deal. I didn't find anything new or imaginative about the story which is so similar to about a hundred other stories I've read. I was also expecting her to become a hero at the end and get Rylan away from Rafe but she just went running for the trees instead, leaving her best friend injured and with the enemy. Says it all really.

-CBx

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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.

You can find Sara B. Larson here:
 

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