Sara Larson - Defy

“My people, will you join with me in leading Antion into a future that is brighter than it ever has been before?” King Damian asked as the crowd rose to their feet again.

Many of those gathered broke into cheers and gazed up at their king with something I’d never seen before — hope . But there was so much pain and fear still written on the faces of the women who cradled babies in their bony arms. In the tight stance of the men and boys in tattered uniforms, not quite sure how to relax, not to always be on guard.

There was still a long way to go to reach out for that bright future Damian was promising us.

But no matter what came next, I knew that this moment would be branded on my mind and heart forever. Damian looked at me once more, and this time, when he smiled, it was with the brightness of the sun that burst through the windows, painting everything gold and white.

I nodded at him, returning his smile. But mine was tinged with bittersweet regret. There was still so much ahead of us. So much work to be done, so many wounds to be healed — inside and out. But he was right. The future had never been brighter — now that he was the king of Antion.

And I would be at his side, guarding him from the dangers that lay ahead. As I watched my new king take his place on the throne of Antion, my fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword.

Wow, I have dreamt of writing an acknowledgments page for so long, it’s hard to believe it’s really happening! Over the many years it has taken me to get to this point, the list of those I need to thank has continued to change and grow. There have been so many wonderful and amazing people along this long road who deserve more than just a mention in my book, but I guess this is what you’ll have to settle for!

First of all, I have to thank the incredible Lisa Sandell. I feel like I won the editor lottery — I can’t imagine a more phenomenal person to work with on this book. Thank you for believing in Defy , for loving my characters as much as I do, and for turning a lifelong dream into a reality. Your passion for what you do and your talent in helping me shape this story into the best it could be have meant the world to me. Thank you for everything, including your friendship!

A huge cheer (and a hi- YAH! ) for my amazing ninja agent, Josh Adams, the reason any of this is happening. I somehow lucked out to not only get an incredible agent, but also gain a trusted friend and advisor in you. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do to bring my dreams into reality! And thank you also to Tracey and the rest of the fantastic Adams Literary team and family!

Thank you to everyone at Scholastic who has worked so hard to bring my story to life and to the shelf. Thank you all for your belief in Defy ; for the gorgeous cover that literally took my breath away (and then caused me to commence screaming, and jumping up and down) because I was so happy when I saw it; and all of the little and big steps along the way that take a manuscript and turn it into a book.

Endless thanks go to the many readers over the years — there are too many to list them all. Every one of you, who has read my book and loved it or told me you believed in me, has helped more than you can know. But I’m going to try and list off a few:

Elisse, you have read for me from the beginning — way back when the books were handwritten. Your support has lifted me up when I was down. I’m so grateful to have such a fantastic, understanding friend and critique partner in my sister. Thank you for being willing to read endless drafts, and for always having a positive word for me no matter how low I got!

A, T, and E, way back in the beginning, your support, friendship, help, and advice meant so much to me. Thanks also to Stephanni Myers (no, not that one) whose editorial experience and advice helped shape the writer I am today and taught me that all those red marks covering the pages meant she liked it!

Thanks to Ally, for being there for me during a pivotal moment with chocolate, music, a note, and more. Just what I needed! And thank you for continuing to be a wonderful friend and support through the years.

Thank you to Natalie Whipple for your friendship, support, and critiques. You’ve always been there for me, and I can’t thank you enough!

Thank you to Hannah Brown Gordon for believing in me first; I will always be grateful. And to Mandy for being the first to adore Defy — thank you.

I wish I could list every person who ever helped me, but it would be impossible. This is an attempt to acknowledge some of the people who have been pivotal to my journey: Julie Berry, Brodi Ashton, Bree Despain, Elana Johnson, Chersti Nieveen, Carolina Valdez Miller, Anne Blankman, Bethany Hudson, Michelle Argyle, Kasie West, Renee Collins, Sara Raasch, Candice Kennington, Jenn Johansson, Elle Strauss, everyone from the best BYU WIFYR group ever, the incredible YA Valentines, Sarah Cox, Stacey Ratliff, Dialma Jensen, and Erin Thain, and so many more…. Thank you for supporting me and my crazy dreams, for reading or critiquing queries or manuscripts for me, and above all for your friendships.

Kathryn Purdie — I’m so grateful for you in my life. You are the reason I dared hit send on those queries for Defy . Your love of this story meant the world to me, but far more important has been the gift of your friendship. Thank you!

Kerstin, Kaitlyn, and Lauren — I’m so grateful for your support and love. Thank you for reading and loving my stories over the years. All four of my sisters are the best cheerleaders and best friends a girl could hope for! (Lauren, I’m still lobbying for you to play Alexa someday. I’ll let you know how that goes.)

Mom, I can’t thank you enough. For being the person I want to be when I grow up. For believing in me. For always reading and giving your honest feedback. I hope I’ve made you proud! Dad, who is the best dad a girl could ask for! Thank you so, so much for everything. I always know I can count on you for anything, anytime. No matter what. How lucky am I?

To my in-laws, Marilyn and Robert, for being excited for me and for helping spread the word and for your support — thank you!

To Hans Zimmer, Florence and the Machine, James Horner, Sia, Imogen Heap, and so many other composers and musicians whose music has helped inspire me over and over again. I can’t write without the perfect song to match my mood, and your music has been on repeat for a long, long time.

And last, but far from least, my family. To my three beautiful children, who love me despite my failings as a mom and my long hours “working on my book” on the computer. You are my angels. The gift of being your mother is one I hope to be good enough to deserve someday. To Trav — my rock, my support, my everything. You never stopped believing, you never stopped cheering me on, you never let me even talk about quitting. You are the one who kept me going no matter what, no matter how desperate things were. There aren’t words adequate enough, but this will have to suffice: Thank you, I love you — now and forever.

Sara B. Larson 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 nap time and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” On occasion you will find her hiding in a bubble bath with a book and some Swedish Fish.