Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night, 2)

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Author(s)

Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher

Bloomsbury YA

Genre(s)

YA Fantasy Romance

Age Range

14+

Release Date

September 20, 2022

ISBN

978-1547610075

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In the eagerly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller Defy The Night author Brigid Kemmerer continues her electrifying series with more royal intrigue, more sizzling romance, and shocking twists that will leave readers breathless.

What will they sacrifice to save their kingdom?
Their honor?
Their love?
Their lives?

Tessa Cade has gone from masked outlaw to palace advisor, but even with her newfound power, she can't stop the sickness still raging. And the kingdom's supply of Moonflower elixir dwindles all the while. Prince Corrick is trying to find a new way to lead, but it isn't easy to repair the rift between the royals and the people--or the one growing between himself and Tessa.

When an emissary from a neighboring kingdom arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey to find a new source of the lifesaving elixir. But with tensions brewing on deck and the sea swirling below, Tessa and Corrick must decide who they can trust--including each other. But they're shocked to discover that a craven betrayal may be much closer than they think . . .

Editor review

1 review

Intense Ending

February 25, 2024

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Defend the Dawn was a solid second book. We are introduced to a new perspective from someone named the Outlaw. While it is easy to guess who this new character will be, the reason his actions become important is unexpected.
The kingdom of Kandala faces civil war and betrayal at every turn. Then out of nowhere comes a ship from the far-flung country of Ostriary with willingness to trade moonflower in exchange for steel. Prince Corrick doesn’t trust the captain. Rian Blakemore, but they are too desperate not to try and open negotiations. So, he and Tessa and the rebel leader, Lochlan, set off on the ship.
The onboard tensions made for an enthralling read. Corrick and Tessa’s relationship is strained as she feels like he only wants her as a secret and Rian is an enticing symbol of everything she believes in. I never expected Tessa to choose Rian but the jealous interactions made the book hard to put down.
I did not foresee the action-packed ending that King Harristan, Prince Corrick, and Tessa all found themselves involved in. I hope the third book does not rush the resolution to the series, but they have a huge setback to try to resolve with one book left and I hope it continues to be as well done as the first two books.