Endure by Sara B. Larson

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?

This last chapter of a memorable trilogy was intense. Full of terror, torture, romance, longing, despair and sadness, this last bit of Sara B. Larson's great story is like nothing I've ever read before. I'm not saying it lightly when I say it was INTENSE. This book made me cry, laugh, wince and cheer. Though the ending is a happy one, it's not without saying goodbye to some memorable characters. Great job, Larson. I'll never forget this one.

8 out of 10

Ignite by Sara B. Larson

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?

This was a great sequel to the first novel Defy. Full of adventure, forbidden love, magic, and a heroine that puts the boys to shame. Great book. 8 out of 10.