I enjoyed this book more than book one, Defy the Night.

I particularly enjoy how we went from the typical fantasy setting of medieval castle surroundings to a more exciting pirate adventure crossed with more royals pretending to be normal people.

This book just flowed a lot better and the story went a lot faster in the same amount of pages.

I really loved the first book and I was excited for the sequel but this book was really slow especially compared to the action packed first book. I did enjoy it and I am still looking forward to reading the last book especially after the ending. There is a lot more character development, seeing how they grow after the events of the first book which I appreciate but it did mean the plot dragged at times. I really love Tessa and how we see her grow and adapt to the situations she finds herself in but Corrick is far too broody for me and I found him annoying at times especially his attack first ask questions later attitude which clearly was not working and yet he kept doing it. I did like seeing more of Harriston and what type of person he is and I am looking forward to seeing more of him and what he will do. Overall I enjoyed the book but had issues with the pacing but I am still excited for the last book.

I was super excited to get the chance to read Defend the Dawn after loving Defy the Night and I could not wait to get started.

We meet a mysterious new character called ‘Fox’ who is trying to do their bit to help their fellow countrymen. Whilst I think this will pay off a little more in book 3 and I did find the ‘reveal’ a little predictable or perhaps I have read too many of these types of books?

Meanwhile, we learn more about Harristan and Corrick’s relationship which is nice to have that deepened and developed.

Corrick and Tessa also end up going on a pirate adventure. Now don’t get me wrong I love a good adventure at sea (just check my reading list) but I start to have a problem when characters start listening to people they just met rather than their ‘friends’ that they have interacted with for some time.

There is angst and miscommunication (which I hate, JUST BLOODY SAY SOMETHING!!) and personally I didn’t understand the rando love triangle. But I was invested in the story and wanted to find out what happened so kept going. I enjoyed the back stabbing and political intrigue and trying to guess what would happen next.

The multiple pov stopped the story from stalling on any character for too long and if anything I would have loved some more from Harristan too, this was definitely his book.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book, it dragged a little in the middle but there was enough action to pull it through, I just wish Tessa would give herself a slap around the face and wake up!

Oh GOD I love these characters! Another 5 star read for me from Brigid and I simply adore her writing and world building. Definitely an auto buy author!

This book is definitely more character led than book 1 but when the characters are as loveable as these, it really doesn’t matter.

I foolishly expected this to be a duology so was left with an itch that I’m not going to be able to scratch until we find out more!

I really enjoyed the exploration of Tessa and Corrick’s relationship in this one, and how it’s not just as simple as it seems.

I loved the chapters from the perspective of ‘The Outlaw’ and found these really added some new drama.

Ugh! All in all a fabulous read and I can’t recommend this series enough!

Thank you for letting me read this novel.

Defend the Dawn is book 2 to Defy the Night.
Just as book one I found Defend the Dawn to be fast paced, well written and gripping from the first page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

Defend the Dawn has twists, it has turns, and it unveils secrets that'll leave your jaw on the floor.

At least that's what happened to me. There was actually one reveal where I was so shocked that I just kind of sat on the couch staring into space for a bit because I didn't see it coming. Even though Kemmerer sprinkled clues along the way for the reveal, it was done in such a masterful way that I didn't immediately jump to the right answer.

This book swept me up in the way the story unfolds. It's not just the same old, same old in a sequel, nor does the new direction taken feel forced. It all comes across as a natural progression in the narrative as well as the character development.

Corrick and Harristan especially warm my heart in Defend the Dawn with the way they interact with each other and others. I feel like we get to see a lot more of who they are, which endears me to them and glued me to the page whenever they were present.

That's not to say Tessa isn't as captivating, just in a different way. We get to really see her mettle as she's faced with conflicting information that shifts the way she sees everything and everyone around her. It's rare that I enjoy all points of view in a novel, but this is one case where I certainly do.

Just as a word of warning, this book ends on a couple killer cliffhangers. Brace yourself for this absolute injustice as we have to wait for book three. Cue me being even more glued to Kemmerer's social media posts.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for providing me with a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Defend the Dawn was a fantastic sequel that had me on tenterhooks. It is heart wrenching. I grimaced, my heartstrings were tugged, I was slightly terrified for all the characters we love. I kept reading until 4am because I couldn’t leave the story at any point.

The characters developed in such a realistic and endearing way - they’re not perfect, they’re all battling their own prejudices and demons and what they want vs what they need to be. The new characters only add to this, as they make Corrick, Tessa, and Harriston (especially) evaluate how they are perceived and how they want to change.

And. That. Ending. WOW

*INTERNAL SCREAMING*

I thought this was a DUOLOGY... 🙃

With the rep second books always get, this is ALMOST perfect in my humble opinion... I think I would have given it 5 stars had it not had a slight perma plot tease edge to it but that's very much a personal taste thing, I am an impatient reader and I do find myself rushing towards the finish line, particularly when plot is progressing as speed. I think the majority of people love this though, so if this is you, happy days, this book will be a favourite!

Read this is you like fast paced plots and angsty character relationships. Off for a reread to cure my Kremmerer itch....

They must go out on a perilous adventure in order to save their kingdom.

The fires of revolt are still simmering, despite the near escape of disaster for the kingdom of Kandala. Tessa and Prince Corrick try to bring together rebels and royals while King Harristan looks for a new way to govern.

However, the consuls in charge of the Moonflower won't give up, so Corrick realises he needs to locate a new supplier of the life-saving elixir.

Tessa and Corrick embark on an uncertain voyage in an effort to patch up their own strained relationship when an emissary from the nearby kingdom of Ostriary shows up with an alluring proposition.

Keeping the peace and providing aid to the people of Kandala may be their only option, but danger lurks during the journey to Ostiary and no one is who they seem to be …

Oh my god!!! Can I give this book 1000000000 stars? I was hooked from beginning to end, I absolutely adore Brigid’s writing, I did not want this story to finish.

Everyone needs to read this series now!

Another great instalment from Brigid Kemmerer. I absolutely loved Defy the Night so I was excited to continue on.
I was not disappointed!

I absolutely LOVED this book! Brigid Kemmerer is such a fantastic author in that she can pull you right into the book, and her style is perfect!
Drama, romance, fun - If you enjoyed the first book in the series, 100% you need to read this!

This book was just as good as book one - I was so interested in what was happening I didn't realise how quickly I was getting through the book. I love the writing style of Kemmerer - This series meets all expectations and I knew Tessa would be just as amazing in this book as the first. If you love Kemmerer's writing then you will adore this second installment in the Defy the Night series.

Another fantastic instalment to this series, and I am so invested in these characters I really need book 3 now. With Defend the Dawn the cast of characters and the world is expanded. Along with Tessa and Corrick we have familiar faces too. We are drawn deeper into the politics and see first hand the shaky hold King Harristan has on the throne. And the rebellion though somewhat stalled has still not been fully quelled. 
One of my absolute favourite parts is the relationship between the brothers (Harristan and Corrick) they have an amazing bond and Im hoping it always remains so! And of course the romance in this series is great and Im fully behind, the slow build up is one of my favourites!
I am loving where the author has taken the story so far. And I loved how new key characters were introduced. You never quite know who you can trust, with loyalties tested and risk of betrayals strong is it any wonder! And of course the author writes morally grey characters so well, that you even question the motives of your favourite characters! This has not suffered for being the second book in the series at all. The stakes are even higher, the story is more complex and I the most exciting part is I dont know what to expect next! Highly entertaining would recommend to all!

Firstly I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!! 😍😍

I don’t even know where to start with how much I enjoyed Defend the Dawn!! 😍😍 I LOVED this book so much!! It’s so brilliant, I pretty much inhaled it as soon as I’ll picked it up ❤️❤️

Defend the Dawn takes place as soon as Defy the Night finishes with Harristan, Corrick and Tessa trying to find some sort of peace between the rebels and those loyal to the royal quarter. Talks aren’t going well at all and when a newcomer arrives in a ship claiming to be an emissary from a nearby kingdom with access to all the Moonflower they need it seems too good to be true. As they need the flower Corrick and Tessa, along with Lochlan and Corricks guards, prepare to sail to the Kingdom of Ostriary with steel to trade. Corrick will do anything to keep the people of Kandala safe but, of course, things are quite what they appear to be…

I loved the development of all the characters in this book from book 1. We learn so much more about Harrisatan, Karri, Quint, everyone really!! (I’m totally gushing but it’s just so good!!) There’s so many new characters we meet as well. Everyone on the ship has so much character, they’re totally loyal to Captain Blackmore who’s perfect and gorgeous of course. I like that we have to separate plots, one on the ship with Tessa and Corrick and then we also stay in Kandala with Harristan, it gives us an insight into what Fox is doing 😏❤️

The only thing I’m annoyed with is the ending and that’s because I have to wait for the next book 😅😭 If I could give this book 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had stupidly assumed this was a duology so was a little thrown as I hit the half way point & things were only getting deeper & more complex, entirely my fault & a wonderful position to be in when I realised it wasn't & that means there's more to come from Brigid Kemmerer 🥳

This was a typical middle book in that it is bridging the way forwards, there are moments of drama & lots of great further character development, especially of the more secondary characters. I loved it & it isn't a criticism as there's enough action to keep you turning those pages & it's left me wanting more. I'm really happy we got more King Harristan in this one & I love where his friendship with Quint appears to be headed. Also Karri & Lochlan being back was brilliant as the focus moved beyond Tessa & Corrick, though they are still firmly at the centre of the story. Rian is an interesting character & I'm sure there will more to come from him in the next book, which I need ASAP.

If you like YA fantasy you cannot go wrong with this series, I loved it

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so glad I read this book and for a change I enjoyed the second book in a trilogy.

I loved that we got to see a bit more of the world in this one even if it was through stories from on of the character. It's nice to know there's more then one place suffering.

I liked that Tessa and Carrick were still the same and glad we had more of Harriston, I feel he needs a companion now.

I honestly can't wait to read what happens next but it's already going on my TBR..

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this exceptional book....

this one starts from where the first book finished and i loved it

moonflower is still needed to battle the sickness and corrick and king harristan need a way to help their people but what isnt helping are the consuls who arent supplying the moonflower as promised...

but an emissary arrives from Ostriary a neighbouring kingdom with the promise of more moonflower if they can come to some arrangement

but danger lurks everywhere

and oh man that ending....

i cant wait till the next book now....with so many cliff hangers...

🪷BOOK REVIEW🪷

Before I go deeper into the review, thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury (publisher) for this ARC in exchange for an <b> independent and honest review.
Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer picks up from the ending of Defend the Night and the frail truce they managed.

We continue the story of the previous characters and meet a few very interesting and mysterious ones.
This book is faster paced, full of mystery and plot twist that you won’t see coming and a bit of pirate/ ship adventure that really help to expand the world and creates a great world building.

This book will bring:
🪷Betrayal! 😱
🪷Adventures on board a ship (#yohoyoho 🤣)
🪷SLOW BURN
🪷Mystery and action
🪷the tension between Tessa and Corrick! OMG I loved it and felt real. However…in the romantic area…I feel a #lovetriangle
🪷#onebedtrope 😍
🪷Harristan…I see you 😏
🪷the ending…omg that ending! I wanted to scream!! In case you are doubting it…yes is a cliffhanger 😱

Defend the Dawn is out on September 20th! If you enjoyed the first one, this one won’t disappoint ☺️

It's suffering a bit from the classic Second Book Syndrome, but I enjoyed the change in setting from the kingdom of Kandala to the ship, and it was a lot easier to immerse myself in the world of this book, as the politics of the kingdom didn't play quite such a frontal role. There's a bit of a love triangle going on in here, which I just felt very frustrated about, and Tessa was just acting so weirdly about Corrick and his past.

One thing I particularly enjoyed with this book is that we get to see more of Harristan's motivations with some chapters from his perspective and I think that really added to the story, because we got to see what was going on in Kandala while our main characters are away, and we also get to see Harristan take the stage rather than being more of a side character who we don't know much about, as he was previously.

There were a lot of plot twists going in the last 70 or so pages, with lots of reveals coming at you left right and centre, which did amp up the excitement, but I will say that this book definitely serves as a filler until the next book, because not a lot truly happens.

I absolutely adored defy the night and so this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year but for the most part it was story filler, a complete middle book. I get that there were a lot of plot lines that needed to be laid out and developed but it felt so slow and the way the main character flipped back and two between who she trusted just drove me insane!

The best part of this book was the final third, it was the same fast-paced, fun read as defy the night and I just wish the whole book had been like this! The ending left me squealing and I genuinely cannot wait for book three!