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!

I absolutely loved Defy the Night when I read it last year & Defend the Dawn does not disappoint!

This sequel is a fast paced, action filled page turner that left me wanting more! Directly following on from the events of Defy the Night, we follow Tessa, Corrick & Harristan as they navigate the post revolution city & political manoeuvring, when a neighbouring country’s offer can’t be refused Tessa & Corrick embark on a journey that is more dangerous than meets the eye.

Brigid does an excellent job once again of weaving multiple story lines & plots seamlessly together to form a cohesive story. I love the multiple POV’s (usually I am not a fan) & the way she makes me root for ever character!

A couple of bits were pretty obvious, but that ending was just cruel! Cannot wait for the next book to see how it all pans out!

Thank you to Bloomsbury & Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

ARC review of Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer. Thank you to NetGalley!

This is the second book which picks up right where it left off at the end of Defy the Night.

Defend the Dawn, unlike Defy the Night, was extremely fast paced and starts with a mysterious spy coming to Kandalas shores.

The story follows Tessa and Corrick who span the world via ship to try and obtain a trade agreement for more Moonflower to help with the fever.

We get to meet a rowdy crew of sailors who are their own found family and getting a glimpse into their lives and separate stories was great to help build the world and history.

We have also gained an extra POV from ‘The Outlaw’ who, let me tell you, is not who you think it is! That’s all I’ll say in that.

Tessa continues to be this strong, smart apothecary we love and Corrick is someone I love to hate and hate to love. The tension between Corrick, Rian and Tessa felt really authentic. There was many scenes I was gasping and laughing in the same breath.

This book is jam packed with surprises and twists. I honestly didn’t know how this was going to end however we’ve got a nice little cliff hanger which had me wanting to throw my iPad!

All in all we had betrayal, pirates, battles, politics, one bed and a love triangle. Great world building and an extensive knowledge of a ship (I had to Google what a bilge pump was!)

Entertainment:🍿🍿🍿🍿/5
V*olence: 🗡🗡🗡/5
Action: 🎬🎬🎬/5
Feels: 🎭🎭🎭/5

I really enjoyed reading this. It was a fantastic continuation to the series, and I loved the setting and the new characters brought in. However, it definitely feels like the middle part, with the final part (that I really hope will come) due to be the climax to the story. I cannot wait to go back into Tessa, Corrick and Harristan’s story.

Oh my god this book. My heart rate is high and I don't think I would be able to sleep tonight because of this book.
It was a race, I couldn't stop reading, so many many things happen is absolutely action packed full of secrets and lies full of intrigue, of difficult feelings and mistrust of good people proving themselves and others what they actually are and of loyalty and love.
Absolutely loved it. It is as good as the first book, but is a second book and it feels like it, a lot happen many threads start unravel, we get introduced to new characters and a new country and most of this things remain open at the end with an amazing 3 sided clifhanger that it's killing me. I need the next book ASAP please 🙏
I am growing fond of lochlan, rocco is great too but I really root for Harristan and quint, they are just perfection. Karri is such a great side character, and violet ❤ I want more of her.
Lest not forget or MCs Corrik and tessa they are great too I love their evolution from the first book to this one both of them learn a lot, and understand each other much better.
But I my favourite character from this series remain unchanged Harristan is simply the best 🎶

Thank you for this eArc! I absolutely LOVED defy the night I was hooked so I was very excited about defend the dawn! I love the different POVs and getting more of harristan was a bonus! This didn’t seem to have as much romance than the first one which isn’t a complete must. I love Brigid’s writing style and I am so excited to read more from her! This book is definitely a 4 out of 5 stars for me! Perfect YA fantasy book for autumn ! I would love more from this world and would LOVE a third book

I was so happy to get the chance to read this early and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!

everything leveled up!

Plot - this time we switch between the Palace and a ship at sea. Still have multiple POVs which were all key to the story. Such a good plot, one that kept me on the edge of my seat. It carries on from book 1 but goes in a direction I did NOT expect. Cliffhanger at the end as well!!

Characters - I love them all. I especially love the relationship between Harristan and Corrick. We seem both of them in a much more vulnerable state and I loved it. I also found we got more of Harristan this time! I loved Quint, loved him in book 1!! Add Rocco the bodyguard to that list as well. Tessa.... Hmmmmm she irritated me this time.

Writing - just pure incredible. It kept me hooked, I couldn't stop turning the pages, I LOVED it

I loved defy the night when I read it last year so was so excited to read the sequel and it did not disappoint. Brigid’s characters are incredible and the way she interweaves the politics into her stories is amazing. Court politics and royalty are something that I really love within fantasy books, and Brigid’s way of doing it is incredible. The story this time went in an unexpected direction but it was really clever that all 400+ pages basically took place in the same confined location. I loved the themes of rebellion and mistrust with those in power, and how Harristan truly wants what is best for his people but no one will allow him to get there. The characters are so amazingly written. There were some surprising favourite characters and some returning favourite characters that I really loved seeing again. The ending had me on the edge of my seat, and the last line was so so good. I cannot wait for the next instalment.

I can't decide to be jumping around for joy being back with Tessa and Corrick or whether I should be screaming and throwing my kindle across the room at that ending!?

What. Just. Happened!?

Ok, let's take it back a moment. I loved being back in Kandala, with Tessa and other familiar faces. Clearly she was struggling to adapt to her new 'role' in the palace but was determined to make a difference. And then in walks Captain Rian Blakemore.

Kemmerer gives us new dramas, pumps up the political secrets and plots, and then throws curve balls left, right and centre. I literally screamed at my kindle at points.

I adored this book, and I'm already desperately counting down the days to book 3!

Oh my, this second book in the Defy the Night series is fantastic. I loved book one but this story just ramped up the tension and drama. It is well written and so exciting, especially the end which had me holding my breath. With a great storyline and strong characters, this book kept my attention from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down.

It was great continuing from where book one, Defy the Dawn, left off. The characters continue to grow and develop and the introduction of the enigmatic Captain Rian Blakemore just gets better. I love these characters. There are great villains and heroes, the misunderstood and the misunderstanding. All the characters are really well developed and not one of them doesn't bring something to the story.

I cannot recommend this story highly enough, it's a great fantasy story. It's labelled YA but at 64, I thought it was brilliant (or maybe I am just young at heart). The end of the story left me hanging, not knowing what was going to happen but desperate to find out. I can't wait for the next instalment.

It was great continuing from where book one, Defy the Dawn left off. The characters continue to grow and develop, with the introduction of the enigmatic Captain Rian Blakemore. I love these characters. There are great villains and heroes, the misunderstood and the misunderstanding. All the characters are really well developed and not one doesn't bring something to the story.

I cannot recommend this story highly enough, it's a great fantasy story. It's labelled YA but at 64, I thought it was brilliant (or maybe I am just young at heart). The end of the story left me hanging, not knowing what was going to happen but desperate to find out. I can't wait for the next installment.

I have one word for this book- WOW. I absolutely loved Defy the Night and was therefore so excited to see that i was able to read this book before it comes out. This sequel did not disappoint, it was so well paced and full of action. I loved that we got to know Harriston a little more. This book ends on a a cliffhanger so I desperately need the next installment to this series soon!

Thank you to netgalley for sending me an eARC of Defend the Dawn in exchange for an honest review.

“Mind your mettle”

Overall stats

Overall rating: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Setting: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Genre: Political YA fantasy


Summary

Following directly on from Defy the Night, Defend the Dawn continues with Tessa and Corrick’s journey to source the kingdom with enough moonflower to cure the people of their land from the mysterious disease that plagues them. As Tessa takes up her new role in the royal sector as the kings advisor and Corrick drops his role as Outlaw Wes… the two find themselves struggling to create unity in a world of uncertainty where the rebels and royals need to unite towards one goal, supplying and distributing moonflower fairly.

As supplies run low a mysterious boat appears from a neighbouring kingdom, on board a man who claims to have the answer to all their problems, a huge supply of moonflower. So Tessa and Corrick embarks on a journey to save the people of Kandala. But is everyone who they seem to be?

Review

With Defy the Night being my favourite book that I’ve read so far this year and Brigid Kemmerer quickly becoming a new all time favourite author it’s safe to say that my expectations for Defend the Dawn were sky high and I am so pleased that this book did not disappoint.

Once again Bridget Kemmerer beautifully intertwined the hidden identities trope into her second book and still managed to shock me to the core with the reveal. Again one of my favourite things about the first was her ability to pull off her twists and turns into the story and not make them predictable! The last 20% of this book sent me through a roller coaster of emotions and had my jaw physically hanging open at that ending! Can we have the next book now?!?

Characters

I loved that in this book we really got to see Tessa’s struggle especially as she adjusts to her new life as palace advisor. And the struggles and strain that this put on her relationships with friends from the Wild and especially Corrick. Tessa’s strong willingness to do the right thing made her such an admirable main character and I just know that in the next instalment we are going to see her grow into a strong independent main character. It was also really nice to see the influence that Tessa has on Corrick as we see him start to lose his cruel side and reveal underneath his true and softer side. Another thing I really loved about this book was that we got to see more of Harriston as he became more fleshed out and really came into his own character. I feel like we will be seeing a lot more of him in the next instalment!

Romance

“Any frequent companions of Prince Corrick?”
“Ah Tessa, no one would dare but you”

Tessa and Corricks romance was definitely on the back burn in this story and the twos journey throughout this book was not all plain
sailing. They really had to overcome some trust issues and the loyalties that each felt towards their sectors which created a lot of tension between the two.

Pacing

My only issue with this instalment was the pacing towards the middle. As the story has a central plot point of political drama, the middle section of this book did become a bit heavier on fleshing out this part of the world but the last 20% of this book made up for this and flew by!

Setting

If you know me then you know I LOVE a book set at sea so I really appreciated that a big chunk of this book was set on a boat, it really added to my enjoyment!

Overall I really enjoyed this continuation of Defy the Night and can’t wait for the next one to be released to continue on Tessa and Corricks journey and be tricked and fooled by Bridget Kemmmerer’s fantastic writing!

I absolutely loved Defy the Night so I was over the moon to get an ARC of the sequel! The story picks up where we left off and jumps straight into all the politics and mystery, I particularly loved the trip on the ship and the pirate vibes.

I really liked the characters again, Harriston came into his own in this book and felt more fleshed out that in the first one. I did miss Quint, we didn't get as much of his humour due to the way the story played out but hopefully, we'll see more of him in the next book.

I'm so intrigued to see what happens next, I was a little bit worried at the start because it was quite slow for the first few hundred pages and was starting to feel like a filler book. But the action did pick up and the last section went by so fast! I really hope we don't have to wait long for the sequel after that cliffhanger, I need to know what happens!

I loved this book. I had already connected with the characters and world by reading the first in the series. I would say reading the first book is essential, this is not one of those second in a series that basically rehashes the first and sets up the second, It is a good progression of the story with character development all round. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series!

I particularly enjoyed the twists. I had an idea of what the big twist might be but the execution of the twist was completely unexpected and rapidly changed the pace from one of politicking to action. I stayed up far too late to finish the book after that!

Brilliant book, would recommend to anyone who’s loves YA!

Brigid Kemmerer did it again!
I fell in love with the first book & worried that I may not enjoy this sequel as much, but im glad to say that this was not the case. I adored this story and omg that cliffhanger ending, safe to say I will be picking up the next book as soon as its released.
The only issue I did have was that some of the pacing towards the middle of the book became a bit too slow for my liking, but it soon picked up again towards the end.
If you enjoyed the first book, I would definitely suggest continuing with this series as I myself can't wait to see where the story goes next.

Thank you to Netgalley & Bloomsbury YA publishing for providing this ARC for review.
All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

The heart-stoppingly electric sequel to Defy The Night is just as addictive as its predecessor. With a whirlwind plot and compellingly complex characters I couldn’t get enough of this breathtaking tale of love, duty and revolution.

It immediately follows on from the events of Defy The Night which sees Tessa and Corrick embark on a dangerous journey to source the curative moonflower from a neighbouring Kingdom after an emissary arrives with an intriguing offer.

The embers of revolution continue to simmer in Kandala, with the country still plagued by the dreaded fever sickness but with the supply of it’s only known cure dwindling, the mysterious Kingdom of Ostriary could be the only chance to save the people of Kandala—but it will hold untold danger for both Tessa and Corrick as they navigate perilous waters, confront their feelings for one another and attempt to mend their own fractured relationship.

But danger strikes during the journey, for no one is who they seem to be…

I loved every action packed and plot twisty second of this! It a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, the world building is phenomenally detailed and the writing just as masterful and dare I say, even better than the first.

There’s plenty of action in this multi-POV fantasy which alternates between the perspectives of Tessa, Corrick and a mysterious new outlaw whose identity I definitely didn’t see coming!

The relationship between Tessa and Corrick which I loved soo much in Defy The Night, definitely hits a rocky patch as Tessa, conflicted in her feelings for Corrick is still trying to come to terms with his true identity and the rebel boy she fell in love with.

The conflict is definitely exacerbated by the arrival of dashing sea captain, Rian especially with his optimistic views and disparaging opinion of Corrick. He’s very charismatic, confident, and for the most part I really liked him, but at times, he was really annoying—though maybe that’s due to how much I loved Corrick, who he clearly disliked.

Corrick’s actions throughout weren’t much better and it did get a little frustrating watching the angsty, almost love triangle dynamics unfold. I did however enjoy seeing more of Corrick’s brother, Harristan who really came into his own as a character—he definitely felt more fleshed out in this book than he did previously and I can’t wait to see more of him.

The non-stop twists and shocking turns we encounter more than made up for all that angst, as I was absolutely mind blown more than once and my opinions on certain characters (and their motivations) were constantly changing— I definitely spent the last half on the edge of my seat.

Overall, a really enjoyable and thrilling continuation of Defy The Night that fans of Kemmerer’s Cursebreakers trilogy definitely don’t want to miss. If you enjoy plot twisty YA fantasy with a healthy dose of romance then I definitely recommend checking this (and the first book) out.

Also, thanks to Bloomsbury UK and Netgalley for the e-arc.

So I stepped away from this book but came back to it and I’m glad it did. The pacing is slow at times and I wanted the story to move on but it was worth it and I enjoyed it.
It does feel like it suffers from middle book syndrome a little but overall a good book and I liked the characters we were introduced to.