Monday, January 5, 2015

Review: Ignite

IGNITE
Defy #2
Sara B. Larson
Young Adult/Fantasy
304 pages
Scholastic
Available Now
Source: ARC from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
Alexa continues to harbor a secret love for the newly crowned King Damian, yet she remains by his side as his guard and ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people. However, when a new threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on the once friendly nation of Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. Once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

MY THOUGHTS
Ignite is a beautiful follow up to last year’s Defy, thrusting us immediately into the emotional aftermath of Alexa’s decision to bury her feelings for now-King Damian and stay his personal guard rather than become his queen. Many a reader might breathe a sigh of frustration at Alexa’s “for your own good” reasoning as to why their relationship can no longer be romantic, but given they live in a world where public perception can have a profound effect on whether or not Damian goes unchallenged as king, her reservations about her suitability as queen are not entirely unfounded. We can feel the pain and hurt traveling between them on a never-ending loop–her feelings feeding his and his reactions to those feelings only magnifying hers further–and our hearts simply ache for the two of them as they struggle to make peace with the way things are.

Alexa is as physically impressive as ever with her sword and her bow, but she's also strong mentally as well, dealing with her feelings for Damian while attempting to come to terms with the significant facial scarring she suffered in her battle with a black sorcerer. She hates that she has to pretend her feelings for Damian are no longer what they once were, but her utter conviction that it’s what’s right for Antion has us seeing her side of things even as we want to scream at her to just be selfish and go for it, consequences be damned. She never wallows in her pain though, taking Damian’s coolness toward her as her due, and when Rylan presents himself as an opportunity to seek comfort and warmth, she handles it with a maturity far beyond her young age.

She could easily have upped the angst factor of this tale, gladly taking what Rylan so willingly offers, but while she’s undoubtedly tempted, she’s also able to look at the situation objectively, fully understanding that any happenings with Rylan would in no way change her feelings for Damian. For better or worse, her heart and loyalty belong to the latter, and she holds fast to that knowledge throughout. We’re not forced to endure an entire book of pain and longing however, as eventually circumstances rip the “I’m doing what’s best” blinders from her eyes and give her the chance to see a bit more clearly, and we can’t help but smile at the two of them even as the shadow of war hovers ominously over Antion.

Overall, Ignite is a sequel free of a single trace of middle book syndrome, raising the stakes both emotionally and physically for Alexa, Damian, and those they care about most. We’re left with a solid enough conclusion, but there’s an undeniable weight still on our shoulders as we close the back cover, a number of things exactly as they should be on the last page yet several ends remain free of their ties, threatening the temporary happiness our lead couple has found.

Rating: 4/5

Find Sara:

This book was sent to me by the publisher free of charge for the purpose of a review
I received no other compensation and the above is my honest opinion.

26 comments:

  1. I still haven't read Defy so I kind of skimmed your review, Jenny, but I like the sound of this as a sequel. The way the romance is written also makes me more interested in reading Defy.

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  2. OMG Jenny, this is one of the series that I'm looking forward to start this year and your review really help me go forward on my plan :) AWESOME review as always :D

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  3. I'm glad you didn't have any problems with the second book and to see that it was that good again. It's always nice when it's like that. I remember book 1 but I confess that I haven't tried it. Maybe one day. Great review!

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  4. Happy (beloved) New Year!!!!

    I have seen many mixed thoughts on the first book. They kinda put me off but, at the same time, got me so so curious. I think I will try it and, if it's not good, then I will DNF, no problem :P Wonderful review!!

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  5. I still haven't read Defy but I'm thinking that this is a series I really need to keep on my radar and will be binge reading it once it's complete!
    Great review Jenny!

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  6. Oooh. Always love when a second book lives up to the first, Jenny. (And when there's a decided lack of love triangle angst and drama.)

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  7. Happy New Year Jenny! I just read another review for this today and it was every bit as wonderful as yours! I think I need to add this series to my TBR pile. :)

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  8. You said the magic words in your review: "a sequel free of a single trace of middle book syndrome." That's always my #1 concern going into a follow-up installment, so this is excellent news. Thanks, Jenny!

    Carmel @ Rabid Reads

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  9. I struggled with Defy quite a bit as you may recall, so I was never too keen on this sequel. I'm so happy to hear this was such a successful read for you. It's rare for a middle book to not be sucky so that's great to hear.
    Great review, Jenny! :)

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  10. I've wanted to start Deft but was a bit skeptical of it so I thought i'd hold off until the sequel and see what everyone was saying before getting it from my library. You've completely eased my worries Jenny. I'm glad this one didn't suffer from middle book syndrome and i'm glad this one worked for you as well. I'll go ahead and request Defy at the library now. I'm not too scared too.

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  11. Wonderful review, Jenny! I can't agree more, no second book syndrome here. And the feelings that were wrung out of me in the romance as Damian and Alexa struggle to find their place together...*Sigh* I loved this one as much, maybe even more than Defy : )

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  12. I know that Defy was a hit or miss read for many reviewers, but I am think I should give this series a go since you love it so much, plus I am so happy to hear that this was a solid read without any hints of middle book syndrome.

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  13. I am with Heidi, I read mostly bad reviews of Defy but I know fantasy can be a tricky thing to recommend, what works for some don't really work for others. I'm glad book 2 does have middle book syndrome. I may wait to see what book 3 is like before picking this series up.

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  14. YAY! I'm so happy to hear this was a positive second book. It sounds like the "love triangle" isn't really one in this case, which is also exciting to hear. I think I'll still wait until all books are released to decide whether to dive into this series, but I'm happy to see your review. You've certainly allayed many of my fears! Happy New Year!

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  15. I'm wanting to read this series more and more. It seems like YA is coming out with some good fantasy. It is about time! :) I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!

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  16. Cute cover :)

    But oh how her decision would annoy me! Even though I got the reasons

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  17. I really want to read this series. Like, REALLY, Jenny. But I've heard that no news has been announced about a book 3 or a conclusion to the series, and that makes me nervous. I've had enough series I love cancelled on me recently. =/

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  18. This sounds like a wonderful series Jenny! It makes me happy to see that Alexa is such a strong character and that she doesn't succumb to Rylan, but waits for what is her meant to be. I'm glad that you're enjoying this series so far and I hope your good run continues with the final book!

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  19. Asma's review for DEFY really soured my hopes for this series, but your review has given me pause. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this one, Jenny! I might give this series a try.

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  20. I didn't read Defy last year but now I'm seriously considering it. It's always important for me that a sequel is strong and a trilogy which avoids middle book syndrome is rare, indeed! Wonderful review, Jenny--I definitely need to give this series a try. :)

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  21. I probably would be frustrated with Alexa's attitude, too, but I'm glad this has more to offer other than the romance. I haven't read the first Defy yet, but I have to admit that I'm intrigued. :)

    Great review!

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  22. Yep, Defy is on my must-read list. So I'm glad to see this book doesn't suffer MBS.

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  23. I think I'd be upset over Alexa ending things because “I’m doing what’s best”. It would probably cast a dark shadow of the entire read for me, but I'm happy to hear that it does come to an end. I'm not sure that this series is for me, so I'll wait until the last book is out to make a decision. Lovely review, Jenny!

    Can't wait for Burned! I'm going to listen to Iced again next week! I'm sure we'll have lots to discuss and rant about! So excited! :)

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  24. Yay! No middle book syndrome! Alexa sounds like she has her head on straight, and I'm so happy to hear she doesn't opt for unnecessary angst in this installment.

    I was waiting to read Defy until I saw more reviews of the series overall, and now I'm excited to start it. Lovely review, thanks for sharing!

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  25. I didn't LOVE the first book and hadn't decided if I will continue the series. I'm glad this didn't have middle book syndrome and that it doesn't get too angsty with the romance, that's definitely a plus!

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  26. She sounds so much more mature about things than I would be. Personally, I'd be all over getting with my honey and screw the kingdom.

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