Blogoversary Guest Post: Sara B. Larson (Defy & Ignite)


I'm so thrilled to have Sara B. Larson visiting today as part of my Blogoversary! Check out her Dream Cast below and if you haven't had a chance to enter the giveaway, it's below as well. You can see my series review of Defy and Ignite here.

Dream Cast

This is actually really hard! When I think of the characters I’ve created, I know exactly what they look like, what they sound like, and move like. So it’s hard to find a “real world” individual who exactly matches what’s in my mind. And I know as a reader it’s tough for me to see some of my favorite characters from beloved books portrayed on-screen since I’ve imagined them so thoroughly.

Some readers may not realize that Alexa and Damian are both multiracial. Blevon, one of the countries in DEFY and IGNITE, was influenced by Asian culture and even the Blevonese language is inspired by the Chinese language. If you look at my Pinterest board for “DEFY dream cast” you’ll see some of the actors I’ve been drawn to recently and think might fit into the cast for a future DEFY movie. Of course, who knows what terrific actors are on the horizon!

For Rylan - I think Theo James would actually be a fantastic fit. He kind of reminded me the most of what Rylan looks like. Plus he’s just so good at nuanced acting, at showing what we as authors try to describe!

For Alexa: Kristin Kreuk. She even has the perfect hazel eyes! Song Hye Kyo is another actress I recently discovered that I think might do a great job.

For Damian: Dennis Oh (O’Neil). With blue contacts (for Damian’s piercing blue eyes), I think he would be a great fit. Or if you could somehow combine Godfrey Gao and Ian Somerhalder into one person (and keep Ian’s eyes)! I mean, can you think of an actor who is better at doing that smoldering smirk? Plus he’s also great at acting like a jerk, while still letting you realize there are hidden layers to his character.

Ziyi Zhang could be Damian’s mother for any flashbacks.

Huang Xiaoming might be a great Eljin.

I have pictures of all of these actors and actresses on my Pinterest board.

About the Author

Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA Fantasy DEFY that released from Scholastic in January 2014, and the forthcoming sequel IGNITE (December 30th, 2014). 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 during 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 of her sugar addiction. She is represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.


Books by the Author

Defy (Defy, #1)Defy
(Defy #1)
by Sara B. Larson
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, 336 Pages
January 7th 2014 by Scholastic Press

Summary

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

  

Ignite (Defy, #2)Ignite
(Defy #2)
by Sara B. Larson
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, 304 Pages
December 30th 2014 by Scholastic Press

Summary

Murder, kidnapping, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

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?
  


First Rafflecopter Giveaway (US & INT)
- $15 Amazon Gift Card
- Choice of ebook of Shifting Fate, Reign of Shadows, or King of Ash and Bone by Melissa Wright
- Audiobook of The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzio Hunter
- Choice of For Elise, Hope Springs, or As You Are by Sarah M. Eden
- Choice of Defy or Ignite by Sara B. Larson

Second Rafflecopter Giveaway (US Only)
Undeniably Yours & Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade (US Only)
- Signed paperbacks of the Fire and Thrones Series by Rae Carson (US Only)
- Signed hardcover of Now That You're Here by Amy K. Nichols (US Only)

Must be able to enter and receive winnings by law. Must be eligible for free shipping through Amazon or Book Depository or be able to receive the ebooks. You must be at least 13 years old to enter and have parental approval if under 18. Please ensure that you correctly enter your email (and check your junk mail folder if I'm not on your contact list) so that I have a way to contact you. You can read my giveaway policy on my policies page. Void where prohibited by law. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

59 comments

  1. I am curious about CHand's latest novel. I loved her Unearthly series, I hope that one's as good if not better!

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  2. Kristin Kreuk is a great choice! I loved her in Smallville :)

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  3. Nice contests and congrats on Blogiversary!

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  4. There are a lot of great books coming out this year. It's amazing. It's going to be so hard for me to stick to reading my neglected bookshelf instead.
    Kristin @ Book Sniffers Anonymous

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  5. The Last Time We Say Goodbye, Fairest, Red Queen and Dream a Little Dream are on my radar. They all look really great. Hope everyone stays healthy. Good luck getting caught up on reviews. I don't write them on paper but if it's going to be awhile before I will be able to write the review I may make a list of key points I don't want to forget. Have a great week!

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  6. I have read Defy but I haven't got to Ignite yet. :)

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  7. I enjoyed Defy though a part of it made me really mad..haven't had a chance to get Ignite yet.

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  8. I am reading Red Queen right now and only 13% in but so far I an enjoying it. :)

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  9. I hope I do too! It's one I've been really looking forward to, so it makes me feel better that you liked it. :)

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  10. Thanks, Katherine! I hope you ended up having a good week. ;)

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  11. Thanks, Steph! So far it's been good.

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  12. Looks like you will be busy for a while.. I hope you enjoy book.

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  13. Ashley Christy2/8/15, 8:12 PM

    Thanks! I'll definitely check them out!

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  14. Guess who owns Defy but still hasn't come out of the shame corner and read it? That'd be me. :/

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  15. Ha! I know what you mean. :)

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  16. Kristy Petree2/8/15, 10:32 PM

    Happy Blogoversary! These are some great books you're giving away, would love to win Rae Carson's books (crossing my fingers!). Thanks for the chance!

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  17. Isn't it fun when you recognize or like who is chosen? Glad you approve. ;)

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  18. Saw your other comment. :) I'm anticipating the next one. I'd like to know what's going to happen.

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  19. That's exactly how I feel. Lol! Good luck!

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  20. Lol! I have quite a few of those kinds of books. I'm really hoping to get through a ton of books this year so that I can get through the books I own that I really should have read by now.

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  21. Thanks for stopping by! Good luck for the giveaway!

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  22. I haven't read these books! I have heard so,e conflicting things, and it's one of those scenarios where I don't even remember,ber what they're about. I'm glad u wrote this post though, because you kind of won me over withmTheo James alone! I loved him ever since he did Underword..which, ah if you haven't seen its to die for (the newest installment is the one he's in).
    Great post!

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  23. I didn't even know he did an Underworld! I'll have to look up the trailer. I can see where some would be conflicted. There definitely could have been more development between the MC and her love interest. I hope you end up enjoying the books if you give them a try!

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  24. Thanks, Kimba. I hope so. :) I think I'm going to have to give in and join your TBR challenge. Have a great week!

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  25. Thanks! It should be a great week.

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  26. I hear you. There are some covers that are just totally awesome and I don't know why they don't publish that cover for all versions. I'll be over.

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  27. I've only heard good things and I've got to get it read. I'll let you know. :)

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  28. Seriously. There are a ton! I'm hoping I'll do a lot better at keeping up than I did last year.

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  29. It's amazing how much more time I used to have when I first started blogging. I do jot down a few things if I'm not going to get a review up soon, at least. Hopefully I will get them up. :)

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  30. I saw that and I'm so glad! :D Hopefully I'll like it too.

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  31. I definitely have plenty to read. :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  32. I want to read this book!

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  33. Marta Vieira2/9/15, 3:41 AM

    Such a great song! love it

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  34. Your welcome and I have a quite a stack as well.

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  35. I love this series! I am glad that you enjoyed these ones. I agree with you on Prince Damian :)

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  36. I just got Fairest on audible, so I am excited to listen to it. I'm curious to see what you think of Red Queen. I'm trying to gauge whether or not I want to read it.

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  37. Zizzy Book Babble2/9/15, 11:25 AM

    I cant wait to hear what you think of Fairest and Red Queen I read Dream A Little Dream this week and it just wasn't my thing! I hope you have better luck! Check out my week if you'd like :) http://bookbabble.weebly.com/blog/sunday-post2

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  38. Congrats on your blogoversary! I've heard good things about Defy/Ignite.

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  39. laura thomas2/9/15, 4:39 PM

    So many good books this week I can't single just one or two out to chat about! You are going to have such fun:)
    I had several reviews planned for last week and only got one posted. I had several tour posts and didn't want them to be lost in the mix. LOL

    My Sunday Post - http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/02/07/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-96-and-the-sunday-post/

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  40. I really liked Defy but I haven't read Ignite yet. Maybe I should just wait until the third book is out? These series are killing me.


    The only thing I didn't like about Defy was how boy crazy Alexa got. But the ending of Defy, with what happened to her, was such a surprise and gutsy move on the part of the author that I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Glad you enjoyed them. Does Ignite end with a cliffhanger? ~Pam

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  41. As long as you have some music in common. :)

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  42. Thanks! I liked them. :)

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  43. Ugh! Being sick is the pits. I think I'm catching my husband's Bronchitis now. :( Those posts for Dearest and In the Kitchen are good. I definitely approve of those. :)

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  44. I really liked Fairest, of course, and I'm curious about Red Queen. I have heard mixed things about her books (Dream A Little Dream). I'm wondering if it's because it's translated. I'll have to see what I think.

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  45. I know exactly what you mean, Laura! I still haven't posted a review from last week. I've got to get going!

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  46. I hope you like them when you do!

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  47. He's kind of the bad boy in this in a way, a very princely dashing one. ;)

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  48. I know what you mean. There definitely was a pull towards the prince that was rather strong. Ignite doesn't really have a cliffhanger. It's more of a warning of what's to come. I have a ton of series too that I still haven't finished that I should have by now. I'll wish us both luck in that endeavor. :)

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  49. Kristy Petree2/12/15, 11:52 PM

    Loved reading this! Thanks for the post. :)

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  50. Kristy Petree2/12/15, 11:56 PM

    LOL - I think I've messed up a couple of my entries ...pasted the link of the post I commented on, but not my name. Hopefully that isn't too critical. Sorry.

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  51. Kristy Petree2/15/15, 9:34 AM

    Ugh! I messed up again! Just commented on Stacking the Shelves, but bumped "enter" before I had all my info plugged in. Anyway, I think I've commented somewhere each day. Sorry I'm being so messy! :)

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  52. I haven't read this series yet, but it has interested me since I heard about Defy the first time. I have read quite a few reviews for the first book, and there have been many mixed ones. It makes me a little hesitant, but then I read a review like yours, where you enjoyed both of the books released, and it makes me want to go ahead and give it a chance. Thank you for your wonderful dual review!

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  53. I know that some who weren't as into fantasy didn't like it and there have been some mixed reviews. I'm thinking the third book will be intense and I'm excited to see what happens.

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  54. Don't even worry about it. I'll verify if need be. Thanks for commenting! :)

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  55. Happy Blogoversary!!! So many good books. Thanks for the chance. Blessings.

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  56. Alexandra Perc3/16/15, 3:19 AM

    Thank you for the post! I have already read Defy and I can't wait for the new book!

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