Endure: A Review (Defy #3)

Goodreads (Description):

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.

My Review:

Tears. Tears were shed as I said goodbye to this series.

Sara B. Larson knows how to write characters I will fall in love with.

Alexa Hollen is strong, beautiful, and courageous. She has survived despite all odds. Her heart, though broken over many times, is strong. I love her determination and loyalty to ALL those she loves. She opens her heart easily and has a wonderful instinct when it comes to finding those who will help her along her journey. She has traversed through the darkest of trials and yet is still able to see the sunrise. Honestly, she one of the stronger female leads I've read about. Alexa doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve, but she also isn't afraid of showing her emotions. I love that about her. Too often, characters refuse to show what they really feel. This adventure with Alexa has been fun and one I doubt I'll forget.

Damian. I LOVE HIM! Not only is he a strong leader, kind, and brave, but he cares deeply for his subjects and is willing to do anything to ensure their survival and safety. He isn't a cowardly king who has his subjects do his work. Rather he stands beside his men and fights. I love how much he has grown, because he too has become willing to show how much he cares for those around him. Gone is the mask from the first book. Here is the man Damian has grown to be. And he is a wonderful king.

Again, there are more characters in this series, but I can't write more without spoiling this book. What I can say, is Alexa has to face more in this book than ever before. She faced evil King Armando and his horrible army of black sorcerers. Although she nearly died several times, she managed to fight back. She has stayed strong despite everyone around her falling. The things Alexa accomplished in this book, a majority of it on her own, was incredible and heartbreaking.

This book had many twists and turns and many heartbreaks, but I loved it.

This series, full of magic, betrayal, love, trust, bravery, compassion, and determination has taken hold of my heart. It's wonderful. (And may I just say the covers have been beautiful?)

5 out of 5!