Review for Endure by Sara B. Larson

Title: Endure (Defy #3)

Author: Sara B. Larson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Below is the cover of Endure and my collection of Sara B. Larson books (including stuff I won from her giveaway)

Goodreads Summary:

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.

Gabrielle's Review:

             This isn't the first time I have sat down and attempted to write a review for Endure by Sara B. Larson. Trying to wrap my mind around everything that happened in Endure is just about impossible for me. I've wondered for a week how my review could give the book and Sara. B Larson the credit they deserve. Well, first, I will start by saying how much Sara and her books have affected me and my life.

            The Defy Series changed my life. I'm not exaggerating. When I discovered Defy, I immediately fell in love with the characters, the story line, and the kick butt heroine. As the series progressed, Alexa overcame more and more obstacles. She defeated a ruthless king and his black sorcerer. She rose above the rest, even after watching her whole family die, and never gave up. She is a great role model for girls of any age. And now, there is a second reason this series changed my life, but it isn't about the story or plot, it is about the author. I went to her book signing/event in Provo Utah (I even flew out there from NH) and she was the nicest and most encouraging person I have met in a while. She went out of her way to make all her readers feel special, taking the time to chat with each person as much as they desired. She told us that even though she can write her books quicker than most, it took her a long time to finally get published. Because of her, I'll never give up on my dreams. Because of her, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Because of her, my confidence has been boosted.

            NOW, back to Endure.

            In Endure, Alexa protected her new, young king, Damian, with a vigor even though he fought to keep her safe and by his side because of their engagement and their fierce love for each other. But then, Alexa realizes she needed to go find Rylan, her best friend, before he was brought to their psychotic enemy king under the watchful eye of Rafe, a man who hates Alexa with a burning passion because she was part of the death of his sister. Damian reluctantly allows Alexa to go find Rylan but sends Eljin, a talented sorcerer to help protect her.

            At the border of Dansii, the enemy kingdom, Alexa and Eljin are captured and brought through tunnels. Once they made it through, Alexa finds Rylan barely alive. She is forced to agree to the king's twisted plans in order to save her two friends.

            Instead of going further with my summary of the book, I will say this: DEATH, DEATH, AND MOOOOORE DEATH. DEEEEAAAATHHHH! Followed by: lots and lots of tears (by the reader).

            But Sara B. Larson crafted each death, and each escape of death, with such beauty that I had never quite seen before. A lot of authors add in death for a "twist" or because they need something "interesting" but each death in Endure was done with perfection. They died with honor. Died protecting each other. Died to finally put an end to Dansii's threat.

            I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Even if you aren't a fan of Fantasy, it will be worth the time. You won't regret it.
Purchase Links:
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/endure?_requestid=596394
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Endure-Defy-Book-Sara-Larson/dp/0545644909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452728976&sr=8-1&keywords=endure