‘Defend the Dawn’ is the highly anticipated sequel to ‘Defy the Night’ a book which I instantly loved.
I was intrigued to see where this sequel would go and i was not disappointed, although it mostly takes place in one set location you’re still constantly finding out more and the location really makes you as a reader understand how the characters are feeling. I also loved the character progression, it just felt right and shows that there’s still a long way to go… especially with that last line!!! what an ending!!
i can’t wait to read more in this series

This book was a whirlwind! Gonna need a few seconds to process the entirety of this book… *insert mindblown emoji here*.

Wow. Just wow. I adored the first book in this series and have been (in)patiently waiting for the second and now it’s finished.. it’s back to (in)patiently waiting for the next one! I’ve just finished it but I want to read it again! I reread the first one in my impatience and I could just keep reading them forever. Roll on the next one!!

The development in this was insane. The plot is advancing, rebellions staged, disasters planned and adverted and an epic trip across the water to read Ostriary, with some new character faces to get to know. Captain Blakemore steers the ship to take Kandala on a mission to broker a beneficial treaty, will it pan out? And who’s this new Outlaw that’s leaving coins across the city for the poor of Kandala?

Seriously didn’t think I could love this series more, but I do. And now the waiting begins for the next one.

(Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for an eARC in exchange for an honest review)

I had mixed feelings about Defy The Night (the first book in the series) and was very curious about what the sequel would have to offer and the direction the plot would go. However, I feel this book definitely suffers from the ‘second book curse’ as nothing really happened.

It was much slower-paced than the first book and there were times I had to force myself to continue reading and try and push through it as it was getting a little boring. That being said, there were aspects of the plot I did like and there are plenty of plot twists to keep your curiosity peaked (though some were very, very obvious). All the characters (apart from maybe Harristan) had no development and lots of the side characters were very surface level and ended up merging together. Don’t even get me started on Tessa and Corrick cause they just annoyed me the entire time.

I liked the change of setting and learning about the new land they were travelling to as well as the history between the two kingdoms. One of my fave parts of the first book was all the politics and this continued into this book, all the secrets, betrayal and conspiracies were fantastic.

Overall, this book was definitely a struggle to get through, I wasn’t attached enough to any of the characters to fear for their lives during tense situations and one of the only redeeming factors was the politics of the kingdom.

Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer is the second book in the popular Defy The Night series from the bestselling author.
Defend the Dawn continues the story of Tessa, Corrick, Harristan and the people of Kandala. This time around, we spend less time in the kingdom and more time travelling, which allows us to see the politics of the situation at play. A strange illness is sweeping the kingdom, killing the rich and poor alike. However, those is power are ensuring that the richer members of society have easy access to the life-saving elixir, while the poor are reduced to stealing for their supply.

Our three protagonists are Tessa Cade, Prince Corrick and King Harristan: Tessa was previously an outcast, who secretly made and distributed the precious moonflower elixir to the poorest inhabitants of the kingdom.
Tessa can provide an insight into the life of the poorest villagers in Kandala – showing the reader the altruistic reasons for being a thief, and providing the ‘Robin Hood’ aspect to the tale. And now, as a member of the Royal household, she tries to act as an advisor to Corrick and Harristan- explaining to them just why the people act as they do.
Meanwhile, we are also shown the viewpoint of Prince Corrick, as the King’s Justice as he meters out cruel punishments to those who oppose his regime. Again, this viewpoint proves crucial as the readers learns about the political circus and just why he acts as he does. Yet, we also see a very different side - a caring and compassionate Prince who is struggling between his role and caring for the people. This time around, we can see more of Corrick's struggle and his reasons for being suspicious. Harristan has learned from his brother's experiences and is trying to help his people but tempers are rising.

Our trio are working with representatives from all areas of the community to try and resolve the Moonflower illness. But a newcomer offers a potential new source and Tessa and Corrick must travel to another country to see if the offer is possible. And in doing so, both they and Kandala are plunged into greater dangers than ever before.

Kemmerer has created a colourful world, and one that serves as an analogy of contemporary economics and politics and is an enjoyable read. The ability to read the story from the various viewpoints, provides the reader with a greater understanding of the reasoning behind their actions and how they choose to interact with others. It is an effective technique and I enjoyed jumping from one character to another. The author is skilled enough to ensure that the move between characters is smooth and the storyline moves along rapidly with plenty of twists. There is not as much action as in the previous book, but there are numerous moments of serious tension and the book sets up the ending perfectly for the third installment.

I was so very lucky to get an early copy of this book to review on NetGalley and had devoured book one so couldn't wait to read this.

Now I am always wary of sequels to books I have loved, as I worry they won't live up. But this was amazing. Read in pretty much one sitting, and was up way past my bedtime to finish it.

This picks up after the events of book one, so I won't say much about the story, but we join the cast of characters we know and love, Tessa, Corrick, Harristan, Quint (and many more) as they figure out what comes next. We also meet some new characters and see how they fit into the bigger picture.

Honestly unputdownable! Highly highly recommended!

This book gripped me from the start. I really enjoyed book 1 and I'm so glad book 2 continued to be so enjoyable. It was fast paced and an easy read, I did the book in 2 days and probably could have done it in 1 if real life didn't get in my way. I love the various relationships and dynamics, there were numerous twists and turns and I cant wait for the next one

I love this series! BK never fails to write a book that tugs at your heartstrings and is full of action and adventure. There were some new characters introduced that brought some new mystery to the plot line and made for a very engaging read. I will admit that I found the tension between Tessa and Corrick a little frustrating at times, but that's only because I wanted them to be together! We also got a bit more of a glimpse into Harristan as well which was fantastic. The ending was very dramatic and has now left me desperate to get my hands on the next book ASAP - hopefully we won't have too long to wait!

Defend the Dawn is a middle book and that’s always going to be difficult. Honestly, when you get down to it, not a huge amount happens in this book, but Brigid Kemmerer handles everything so deftly that you cannot put it down. The level of tension is almost absurd, I was actually shaking as I waited for all the secrets to be unspooled, all the villains to be revealed.

In hindsight I sort of wish I’d waited until book 3 came out before I read book 3 because I think reading the two back to back will be enormously satisfying. As it is I’ll just be desperately awaiting more!

A heart-thumping masterclass in suspense and a brilliant second instalment that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Arrr, here be mild spoilers!

Defend the Dawn is a "middle book" - there's no getting around that. But it is, in my opinion, a great example of how to do a middle book well. Ultimately, its job is to expand the world from the first book and get the characters in place for the next, and that's what it does - but with a lot of heart and soul searching from the characters we know and love from Defy the Night, and plenty of new ones to love, hate, mistrust, and everything in between.

Disappointingly often, middle books have very little action and nothing to make up for it so the pace drags, but that's not the case here. It's true that there is less action than in the first book, but a combination of character driven chapters and well timed changes in point of view meant that I was never bored.

The majority of the story takes place at sea, with Tessa, Corrick and Lochlan sailing for the kingdom of Ostriary to negotiate a potential trade deal for moonflower petals. Just like Defy the Night, there are twists and turns galore and I was never quite sure who to trust. I'm always happy when I get a combination of twists I saw coming (including one I've been waiting for since the first book) and ones that catch me completely off guard.

My only real criticism: that we have to wait so long for the next one!

I adored Defy the Night so was extremely excited for Defend the Dawn, and I’m pleased to say I was not disappointed!

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.

I hope the next book is coming soon, because I need to know what happens next!

I can’t wait to get back to this world and these characters - despite only just leaving. Defy the Night was one of my favourite books of 2021, and I’m fairly confident Defend the Dawn just became one of my favourites of 2022.

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the e-arc for an honest opinion.

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have one.

This is one of the best sequels I’ve read, miss Brigid truly knows how to write her books. The plot twist? I wasn’t ready for that one, I didn’t see that one coming.

I loved the character growth of each of the characters. The way we got to know more of each characters and new ones, so amazing.

I’m ready for more!!