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.

Website - Blog - Twitter - Facebook - Pinterest - Goodreads

Books by the Author

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)

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.

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