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Defy the Night #2
Defend the Dawn
To save their kingdom, they must embark on a dangerous journey...
The kingdom of Kandala narrowly avoided catastrophe, but the embers of revolution still simmer. While King Harristan seeks a new way to lead, Tessa and Prince Corrick attempt to foster unity between rebels and royals.
But the consuls who control the Moonflower will not back down, and Corrick realizes he must find a new source for the lifesaving Elixir.
When an emissary from the neighboring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey as they attempt to mend their own fractured relationship.
This could be their only chance to keep the peace and bring relief to the people of Kandala, but danger strikes during the journey to Ostriary, and no one is who they seemed to be...
The kingdom of Kandala narrowly avoided catastrophe, but the embers of revolution still simmer. While King Harristan seeks a new way to lead, Tessa and Prince Corrick attempt to foster unity between rebels and royals.
But the consuls who control the Moonflower will not back down, and Corrick realizes he must find a new source for the lifesaving Elixir.
When an emissary from the neighboring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey as they attempt to mend their own fractured relationship.
This could be their only chance to keep the peace and bring relief to the people of Kandala, but danger strikes during the journey to Ostriary, and no one is who they seemed to be...
496 pages, ebook
First published September 20, 2022
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer
28 books16.8k followersBrigid Kemmerer is the New York Times bestselling author of dark and alluring YA novels like A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family. When she’s not writing or being a mom, you can usually find her with her hands wrapped around a barbell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,456 reviews
April 30, 2024
Arghhhhhhhh! Oh my goodness! I’m screaming!!! This is not fair!That cliffhanger tore my heart apart! I need to know what’s gonna happen next! How will survive without knowing my favorite characters are safe and sound!
If you read the “Defy the night” and enjoyed it, the sequel guaranteed to blow your mind! It’s surpassed my entire expectations! This is MAGNIFICENT! Even better and five gazillion stars worthy reading!
It’s good to see Tessa and Corrick back! But this book is more than moonflowers and their healing powers or cold-hot relationship of Tessa and Corrick or intimate bound between Corrick and Harristan! In this sequel: knives out and ship ahoy: so many twists, action packed chapters taking your breath away!
The story opens by introducing a new vigilante/ brand new OUTLAW named Fox leaving silver coins at people’s door. Who is this new hero? Before we plotting our theories, we return back to kingdom where Harristan still negotiates with the counsils and rebels at the same meeting with the help of prince Corrick!
It seems like Lochlan leading the rebels and he still doesn’t believe king’s intentions to deliver medicine equally.
They need to find new sources of moonflowers to prevent any other imminent attack. An unexpected visit of an emissary from neighboring kingdom Ostiary might be answer to their big predicament. Captain Blackmore inherited the ship from his father, a spy offering extra moon flower sources in exchange of steel Ostiary needs to rebuild their kingdom.
He offers them to travel with him to Ostiary as a proof of his loyalty. Corrick has doubts about Blackmore’s intentions and he doesn’t want to leave his brother vulnerable. But new source for elixir will help to heal more people and prevent the inner conflicts inside kingdom.
Lochlan also is on the ship alongside three guards as a goodwill of Harristan even though Lochlan thinks this is a trap to kill him and throw his corpse to the sea.
Tessa will join the journey to check the quality of moon flowers to produce more elixir. She has complex feelings about Corrick, still missing outlaw Wes she fell for and she thinks king’s ruthless justice is not the man she loved.
Captain Blackmore and Lochlan already warned her about Corrick’s cruelty and gave her second thoughts to trust Corrick completely. This journey will threat everything they worked for and threaten the entire peace of the kingdom as the betrayals and lies start to come out!
The tension is rising. Things get heated and escalated at each chapter. You read the last third as your heart is on your throat! It’s so tense, action packed, shocking! I just jumped up and down! Hyperventilated!
And the ending, those last words….this is torture… how a normal human being can patiently wait for at least one year to read the next book! Have a mercy on us dear Brigid Kemmerer and bring us a new book ASAP!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury US Children’s Books, Bloomsbury YA for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
If you read the “Defy the night” and enjoyed it, the sequel guaranteed to blow your mind! It’s surpassed my entire expectations! This is MAGNIFICENT! Even better and five gazillion stars worthy reading!
It’s good to see Tessa and Corrick back! But this book is more than moonflowers and their healing powers or cold-hot relationship of Tessa and Corrick or intimate bound between Corrick and Harristan! In this sequel: knives out and ship ahoy: so many twists, action packed chapters taking your breath away!
The story opens by introducing a new vigilante/ brand new OUTLAW named Fox leaving silver coins at people’s door. Who is this new hero? Before we plotting our theories, we return back to kingdom where Harristan still negotiates with the counsils and rebels at the same meeting with the help of prince Corrick!
It seems like Lochlan leading the rebels and he still doesn’t believe king’s intentions to deliver medicine equally.
They need to find new sources of moonflowers to prevent any other imminent attack. An unexpected visit of an emissary from neighboring kingdom Ostiary might be answer to their big predicament. Captain Blackmore inherited the ship from his father, a spy offering extra moon flower sources in exchange of steel Ostiary needs to rebuild their kingdom.
He offers them to travel with him to Ostiary as a proof of his loyalty. Corrick has doubts about Blackmore’s intentions and he doesn’t want to leave his brother vulnerable. But new source for elixir will help to heal more people and prevent the inner conflicts inside kingdom.
Lochlan also is on the ship alongside three guards as a goodwill of Harristan even though Lochlan thinks this is a trap to kill him and throw his corpse to the sea.
Tessa will join the journey to check the quality of moon flowers to produce more elixir. She has complex feelings about Corrick, still missing outlaw Wes she fell for and she thinks king’s ruthless justice is not the man she loved.
Captain Blackmore and Lochlan already warned her about Corrick’s cruelty and gave her second thoughts to trust Corrick completely. This journey will threat everything they worked for and threaten the entire peace of the kingdom as the betrayals and lies start to come out!
The tension is rising. Things get heated and escalated at each chapter. You read the last third as your heart is on your throat! It’s so tense, action packed, shocking! I just jumped up and down! Hyperventilated!
And the ending, those last words….this is torture… how a normal human being can patiently wait for at least one year to read the next book! Have a mercy on us dear Brigid Kemmerer and bring us a new book ASAP!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury US Children’s Books, Bloomsbury YA for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
October 27, 2022
i love BK, but i have never thought that writing sequels is her strength. her talents definitely lay in creating new worlds and developing new characters in self-contained stories. ive always thought that every first book in each of her series would have been remarkable standalones,
and this series is no different.
the overall storyline is so nearly wrapped up by the end of ‘defy the night’ that i was curious how everything would progress. and, while i did enjoy this book, i do think its no where near as good as its predecessor. and im so worried that this is going to fall under the same demise that the cursebreakers series did, where the second and third books feel separate/detached from the first book.
i will say that, at this point, the characters still feel the same and i love how their complexity/depth really shine in this installment. the writing is also still as easy-going and bingeable, and the world-building feels consistent and familiar. its just that the plot feels like a spin-off of the events of the first book, rather than a continuation, if that makes sense (even though i do think the pirate adventure is fun).
but knowing BKs track record when it comes to how she develops a series, i shouldnt really be surprised by these things. and knowing my own track record, it shouldnt come as a surprise when i continue to read all of her books, even when i know theres potential to be disappointed later on. i still have my fingers crossed!
↠ 4 stars
and this series is no different.
the overall storyline is so nearly wrapped up by the end of ‘defy the night’ that i was curious how everything would progress. and, while i did enjoy this book, i do think its no where near as good as its predecessor. and im so worried that this is going to fall under the same demise that the cursebreakers series did, where the second and third books feel separate/detached from the first book.
i will say that, at this point, the characters still feel the same and i love how their complexity/depth really shine in this installment. the writing is also still as easy-going and bingeable, and the world-building feels consistent and familiar. its just that the plot feels like a spin-off of the events of the first book, rather than a continuation, if that makes sense (even though i do think the pirate adventure is fun).
but knowing BKs track record when it comes to how she develops a series, i shouldnt really be surprised by these things. and knowing my own track record, it shouldnt come as a surprise when i continue to read all of her books, even when i know theres potential to be disappointed later on. i still have my fingers crossed!
↠ 4 stars
October 14, 2023
me 🤝🏼 obsession with book series
July 16, 2024
꒰ 4 ⭐ ꒱
corrick believing that everyone has ulterior motives, that no one likes him, and that he should hide his true emotions to avoid getting hurt...
jokes aside, this book was literally written for me. the DRAMA??? the ANGST???? okay yes some of it was childish but i honestly did not care because of how fun it was to experience. and (once again) the politics surrounding this world were so intriguing with everybody having their own ulterior motives and alliances (⸝⸝๑﹏๑⸝⸝) !!
thankfully i have book #3 so i can just go straight to the finale >:D
જ⁀➴ 🌊 ┊ pre-read:
woooo finally starting book #2 !!! (ngl they ate with this trilogy's covers + titles)
corrick believing that everyone has ulterior motives, that no one likes him, and that he should hide his true emotions to avoid getting hurt...
jokes aside, this book was literally written for me. the DRAMA??? the ANGST???? okay yes some of it was childish but i honestly did not care because of how fun it was to experience. and (once again) the politics surrounding this world were so intriguing with everybody having their own ulterior motives and alliances (⸝⸝๑﹏๑⸝⸝) !!
thankfully i have book #3 so i can just go straight to the finale >:D
જ⁀➴ 🌊 ┊ pre-read:
woooo finally starting book #2 !!! (ngl they ate with this trilogy's covers + titles)
April 7, 2024
soooo....that was definitely an ending!!! 😯
October 7, 2022
I'm glad I wrote a review for the last book because I genuinely forgot how I felt about it. It seemed like I enjoyed the last book very much and it’s safe to say I liked this a tad bit less.
This was still a very worth-my-time read. Things that this book had that got me hooked were the twists (not super twisty though) and the tension between Corrick and Tessa. For a minute it did feel like nothing was happening but it did pick up somewhere more than halfway through the book.
I also really enjoyed more of the exploration of the bond between Corrick and Harristan. I don’t remember much about this bond in the last book but I definitely felt it here. I also really enjoyed Corrick and Tessa’s growing relationship in this one. Sometimes this kind of drama can lean towards the unnecessary side, but I found their tension very realistic because there was still way more they needed to know about each other.
There were also introductions to new characters that I didn’t feel were necessary at first. However, they helped reveal some things that needed to be known. I really like that we didn’t dramatically change the old characters, especially Corrick. They are still perfectly imperfect.
I didn’t see a third book but there was so much happening in the ending and I thought a lot of it was going to be rushed to give it an "ending". Obviously, with that ending, we need to get the third book. SOON!
This was still a very worth-my-time read. Things that this book had that got me hooked were the twists (not super twisty though) and the tension between Corrick and Tessa. For a minute it did feel like nothing was happening but it did pick up somewhere more than halfway through the book.
I also really enjoyed more of the exploration of the bond between Corrick and Harristan. I don’t remember much about this bond in the last book but I definitely felt it here. I also really enjoyed Corrick and Tessa’s growing relationship in this one. Sometimes this kind of drama can lean towards the unnecessary side, but I found their tension very realistic because there was still way more they needed to know about each other.
There were also introductions to new characters that I didn’t feel were necessary at first. However, they helped reveal some things that needed to be known. I really like that we didn’t dramatically change the old characters, especially Corrick. They are still perfectly imperfect.
I didn’t see a third book but there was so much happening in the ending and I thought a lot of it was going to be rushed to give it an "ending". Obviously, with that ending, we need to get the third book. SOON!
February 28, 2024
currently pretending that defy the night was a standalone
August 25, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ The last 80 pages went craaazy
October 16, 2022
Sigh.
This book would’ve been so much better if Tessa weren’t in it.
In the first installment i had no issue with her whatsoever . She seemed useful and like an asset. In this book she comes off as a liability who is naïve ,annoying & continues to think everything is about her when people are literally dying.
"He takes a step closer to me, and I hold my breath. I half
expect him to ask for something just aggravate Corrick. A kiss
An hour alone. An embrace.”
GIRL. Nobody is thinking about that rn.
Not much happens for the first half of this book. The end is eventful but not enough to make me bump it up a star.
I think the strongest part of this book is the King Harriston & Corricks brotherhood. I actually did enjoy that & i think they should focus more on that in book 3 rather than the romance between Tessa and Corrick because it seems forced & I genuinely do not care about that. I actually found the OTHER relationship more interesting.
I’ll probably read book 3 but honestly Tessa sucks. Boooo
This book would’ve been so much better if Tessa weren’t in it.
In the first installment i had no issue with her whatsoever . She seemed useful and like an asset. In this book she comes off as a liability who is naïve ,annoying & continues to think everything is about her when people are literally dying.
"He takes a step closer to me, and I hold my breath. I half
expect him to ask for something just aggravate Corrick. A kiss
An hour alone. An embrace.”
GIRL. Nobody is thinking about that rn.
Not much happens for the first half of this book. The end is eventful but not enough to make me bump it up a star.
I think the strongest part of this book is the King Harriston & Corricks brotherhood. I actually did enjoy that & i think they should focus more on that in book 3 rather than the romance between Tessa and Corrick because it seems forced & I genuinely do not care about that. I actually found the OTHER relationship more interesting.
I’ll probably read book 3 but honestly Tessa sucks. Boooo
September 13, 2024
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🧪꒱ — 2,5 ★
"𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔."
I would've enjoyed it so much more, if only scenes with Rian and Tessa hadn't annoyed the shit out of me. I wasn't ready for this some sort of love triangle that was going on here. IT MADE ME SO FRUSTRATED. The characters became genuinely exasperating 😭 I didn't like how Tessa and Corrick's relationship looked like in this book. Both of them were so insufferable. Tessa, Corrick and mainly Rian made me want to throw this book against the wall. I only liked the beginning, Corrick's love confession, and the ending.
"𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆... 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓."
"𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝑲𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒂. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒅."
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🧪꒱ — pre-read
Here we go...👀
"𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔."
I would've enjoyed it so much more, if only scenes with Rian and Tessa hadn't annoyed the shit out of me. I wasn't ready for this some sort of love triangle that was going on here. IT MADE ME SO FRUSTRATED. The characters became genuinely exasperating 😭 I didn't like how Tessa and Corrick's relationship looked like in this book. Both of them were so insufferable. Tessa, Corrick and mainly Rian made me want to throw this book against the wall. I only liked the beginning, Corrick's love confession, and the ending.
"𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆... 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓."
"𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝑲𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒂. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒅."
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🧪꒱ — pre-read
Here we go...👀
August 9, 2023
4 ⭐️
A really enjoyable sequel and a great fantasy read!! 🤩🤩 Looking for a new ya fantasy series with interesting politics, lots of action + a romance subplot? Then this series is for you! 💙💙🫶🫶
“Mind your mettle, Corrick."
My smile widens. "Mind yours.”
Defend the Dawn is the sequel to Defy the Night and the second in a trilogy (sadly the third book isn't out yet). This is a political fantasy series set in a kingdom plagued by sickness where we follow our two mcs Tessa and Corrick. Without spoiling anything, this book follows them as they struggle to bring peace to their kingdom, while facing new threats from different countries- and confronting their own complicated feelings for each other.
“Corrick is terrible and wonderful and aggravating and inspiring, and somehow he manages all of it, all at once.”
After reading Defy the Night super recently and really enjoying it, I was super excited to pick up the sequel- and I'm really glad I did! 🥰🥰 This was honestly just as good as the first book (possibly even better?) and I really like the direction this series is going in 🫶
Starting with the characters!! ✨️ I honestly really like the characters in this series. Not my all time fav, but still really well-developed. Tessa is a great fmc and I've really liked seeing her growth in these first 2 books. I'm definitely excited to see what happens to her 🥰🥰 I also think Corrick is such an interesting character- he has so many different layers to him and I think the author portrayed that well. He's also got a bit of a morally grey twist and I'm always a sucker for that 😏
We also got to see a bit more of Corrick's brother and the king, Harristan, in this book which I really liked bc he is also a super interesting character 🫶
“I don't want fear and anger to be my legacy. I want to be... better.”
The writing and plot were great in this book!! 🤩🤩 I really enjoy Brigid Kemmerer's writing- it has depth but at the same time it's so easy to read! Like, it's literally a political fantasy and yet it's so bingeable?! 🤭🤭 The plot was super interesting- lots of action, particularly at the end, which I really enjoyed. Even in the parts without action, it was still so interesting 🫶 This series does have a decent amount of politics but it isn't hard to understand *thankfully*.
Also, the ending?! 🫣🫣 I am literally so mad that we got a cliffhanger and the 3rd book isn't out UNTIL JANUARY. Like, how am I supposed to wait that long?! 😤😤
Lastly, the romance- which I did like!! ✨️ There is a lot of chemistry and tension between Corrick and Tessa and they still have a very complicated relationship. I also love how it's dual pov so we get to see how OBSESSED Corrick is with Tessa 😏😏 and he's also so protective over her 🤭🤭🫶🫶
I must say, there was a LOT of drama between them in this book tho. A little bit TOO much drama... 😬😬 I feel like they went from having a few misgivings to strongly distrusting each other very quickly. Their relationship was basically falling apart in the middle of this 🙈🙈 Thankfully, it didn't last the whole book but it did have me facepalming a lot 🤦♀️
“Do you still hate me?” he says softly. “No,” I whisper, like it’s a secret. “I love you.” He leans closer. “What’s that?” he teases. “I can’t hear you.” “I said you’re a huge pain in my—” I break off with a squeal when he kisses me, then melt into his hands when he pulls me close.” ~ ❤️❤️
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read!! 💙💙🫶🫶 Would definitely recommend this series if you want:
✔ Pretty good romance
✔ Enjoyable writing
✔ Lots of action + interesting politics
✔ Great fantasy series
I will now be impatiently waiting for the third book's release.... 😀
《 2023 Challenge: Book 99 of 110 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was a super enjoyable read + a great sequel!! 🤩🤩 Super enjoyable writing, plot and romance 💙💙🫶🫶
I'm so mad the 3rd book isn't out yet tho especially with that ending 😤😤
RTC!
A really enjoyable sequel and a great fantasy read!! 🤩🤩 Looking for a new ya fantasy series with interesting politics, lots of action + a romance subplot? Then this series is for you! 💙💙🫶🫶
“Mind your mettle, Corrick."
My smile widens. "Mind yours.”
Defend the Dawn is the sequel to Defy the Night and the second in a trilogy (sadly the third book isn't out yet). This is a political fantasy series set in a kingdom plagued by sickness where we follow our two mcs Tessa and Corrick. Without spoiling anything, this book follows them as they struggle to bring peace to their kingdom, while facing new threats from different countries- and confronting their own complicated feelings for each other.
“Corrick is terrible and wonderful and aggravating and inspiring, and somehow he manages all of it, all at once.”
After reading Defy the Night super recently and really enjoying it, I was super excited to pick up the sequel- and I'm really glad I did! 🥰🥰 This was honestly just as good as the first book (possibly even better?) and I really like the direction this series is going in 🫶
Starting with the characters!! ✨️ I honestly really like the characters in this series. Not my all time fav, but still really well-developed. Tessa is a great fmc and I've really liked seeing her growth in these first 2 books. I'm definitely excited to see what happens to her 🥰🥰 I also think Corrick is such an interesting character- he has so many different layers to him and I think the author portrayed that well. He's also got a bit of a morally grey twist and I'm always a sucker for that 😏
We also got to see a bit more of Corrick's brother and the king, Harristan, in this book which I really liked bc he is also a super interesting character 🫶
“I don't want fear and anger to be my legacy. I want to be... better.”
The writing and plot were great in this book!! 🤩🤩 I really enjoy Brigid Kemmerer's writing- it has depth but at the same time it's so easy to read! Like, it's literally a political fantasy and yet it's so bingeable?! 🤭🤭 The plot was super interesting- lots of action, particularly at the end, which I really enjoyed. Even in the parts without action, it was still so interesting 🫶 This series does have a decent amount of politics but it isn't hard to understand *thankfully*.
Also, the ending?! 🫣🫣 I am literally so mad that we got a cliffhanger and the 3rd book isn't out UNTIL JANUARY. Like, how am I supposed to wait that long?! 😤😤
Lastly, the romance- which I did like!! ✨️ There is a lot of chemistry and tension between Corrick and Tessa and they still have a very complicated relationship. I also love how it's dual pov so we get to see how OBSESSED Corrick is with Tessa 😏😏 and he's also so protective over her 🤭🤭🫶🫶
I must say, there was a LOT of drama between them in this book tho. A little bit TOO much drama... 😬😬 I feel like they went from having a few misgivings to strongly distrusting each other very quickly. Their relationship was basically falling apart in the middle of this 🙈🙈 Thankfully, it didn't last the whole book but it did have me facepalming a lot 🤦♀️
“Do you still hate me?” he says softly. “No,” I whisper, like it’s a secret. “I love you.” He leans closer. “What’s that?” he teases. “I can’t hear you.” “I said you’re a huge pain in my—” I break off with a squeal when he kisses me, then melt into his hands when he pulls me close.” ~ ❤️❤️
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read!! 💙💙🫶🫶 Would definitely recommend this series if you want:
✔ Pretty good romance
✔ Enjoyable writing
✔ Lots of action + interesting politics
✔ Great fantasy series
I will now be impatiently waiting for the third book's release.... 😀
《 2023 Challenge: Book 99 of 110 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was a super enjoyable read + a great sequel!! 🤩🤩 Super enjoyable writing, plot and romance 💙💙🫶🫶
I'm so mad the 3rd book isn't out yet tho especially with that ending 😤😤
RTC!
July 14, 2022
The fact that I’ve rated every single Kemmerer book I’ve read 5 stars says something.
Also rude of you to leave me on that cliffhanger ✋🏼 I NEED TO KNOW WHATS GONNA HAPPEN.
This book is set on a ship/boat(?), which I was honestly skeptical of at first. But I ended up loving it. It was definitely not as fast paced as the first book, but I still loved it non the less.
I don’t think I’ve ever smiled as much as I did while reading this book. I even shed a tear or two. It was an emotional roller coaster.
The way this book ended was *chefs kiss* if you ask me. It’s a perfect set up for the next book (if there is one) in my opinion.
I love all the main characters so much, they will always have a special place in my heart 🫶🏼
Thank you Brigid so much for sending me an ARC of the book!!
Also rude of you to leave me on that cliffhanger ✋🏼 I NEED TO KNOW WHATS GONNA HAPPEN.
This book is set on a ship/boat(?), which I was honestly skeptical of at first. But I ended up loving it. It was definitely not as fast paced as the first book, but I still loved it non the less.
I don’t think I’ve ever smiled as much as I did while reading this book. I even shed a tear or two. It was an emotional roller coaster.
The way this book ended was *chefs kiss* if you ask me. It’s a perfect set up for the next book (if there is one) in my opinion.
I love all the main characters so much, they will always have a special place in my heart 🫶🏼
Thank you Brigid so much for sending me an ARC of the book!!
Want to read
March 3, 2022THE COVER IS SO PRETTY AHHH
February 1, 2024
4.25 stars | ages 14+
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➼i'm a mess, but i'm the mess that you wanted
.
WOAH WHAT DID I JUST READ.
💛 enemies to lovers (kind of)
💛 love triangle (kind of)
💛 one-of-us-is-royal
💛 nautical setting
💛 high-stakes
💛 mystery
💛 multi-pov
💛 amazing banter
unlike the first book, i was not into this from page one. it took me until i was almost a third of the way through to become so invested i couldn't put it down. however, once i was invested, i was invested, okay? anyone who has dnf'ed this book should 100% give it another chance. it's a slow beginning, but it's well worth the wait.
i'm still so in love with tessa. i actually think i grew to love her even more in this book. she always means well--she only wants to help those around her. she has to learn when to put her trust in people, and she gains more courage as the story progresses.
corrick is such a complicated character. i think he's a perfect example of what a morally-gray character should look like. he's tangled up in who he wants to be, who he thinks he should be, who he has been, who the people want him to be. it makes him this mess he doesn't know what to do with. he's trying to pull together his broken pieces while also trying to mend the fractured pieces of the kingdom he cares so much about.
tessa and corrick are the epitome of a complicated relationship. tessa is confused because she fell in love with wes, who kind of exists but doesn't really. corrick is confused because he wants to be more for tessa but knows he can't. their relationship wasn't the main plot of the book, but it was often at the forefront of their minds. corrick has to learn to get over his jealousy, and tessa has to learn how to trust him when opposition is coming from all sides. it's actually such a perfect relationship, because it's just not perfect, if that makes any sense. corrick's confession of love >>>
i also love that we got a harristan pov. he's so amazing, and his character arc was fire. call me crazy, but there's ✨vibes✨ between him and quint.
i loved the side characters we were introduced to in defend the dawn. they played a much larger role in this book than they did in defy the night, which made me happy, though i do hope they play an even larger part in destroy the day.
now a moment to appreciate the cover and how all the titles in this series are so cohesive.
the reason i rated this 4.25 (the same as i rated defy the night), is because it did take me so long to get into it. once i was, it was lightyears better than book 1, but i wanted to quit in the first third (obviously, i'm glad i didn't). there's a decent amount of filler, but it's so damn enjoyable, you don't even notice it.
i also knew from the first chapter who 'fox' was. it was just not hidden well. while it was predictable, it did add a lot to the story, in my opinion. i did not, however, predict the second plot twist. that actually shocked me to the core, and it made the story much more interesting. i literally said "holy shit" at some point, but i don't know when. i'm not one to swear either, so if that's not an indication of how crazy it was, i don't know what is. even after the ending, i don't hate rian, which is good.
the climax was also actually climactic, which was a nice change from defy the night's anticlimactic ending. i'm in immediate need of a care package after the ending of this one.
all in all, i'm so happy with this book, and i'm so glad i pushed past the slow beginning because the rest of the book actually really impressed me. it's even twistier than the first book, and the romance and plot are even more high-stakes and fun! i thoroughly enjoyed the setting, character development, and plot direction. i'm so excited to read the last book!!!
edit: i'm lookin through all my status update for this book and it was actually a crazy ride.
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• playlist •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
➼ grave
"i could never really change you like i thought that i could. i was tryna make us something out of nothing, we were nothing at all." this entire song is them and you cannot convince me otherwise. i had a hard time picking one lyric because this entire song SCREAMS tessa and corrick.
➼ stay done
"hate that i'm always gonna have a side to me that's still in awe when you're mad at me. you can't do it wrong in my eyes. i hate it that you gotta break something to realize we're at rock bottom, but kill me again 'cause the high's twice as high." THIS SONG TOO OMG, so here’s the entire first verse💀
➼ someone i used to know
"rides the high that tears him down, hates himself and loves the crowd. the king of fools a heavy crown. he didn't know he almost drowned."
➼ legends are made
"show you the harder the battle, the harder I fight."
➼ arcade
"i'm afraid of all i am. my mind feels like a foreign land."
➼ war of hearts
"i can't help but love you even though i try not to."
➼ chaotic
"nobody said changing would be this exhausting."
➼ look what you made me do
"i don't like ... the role you made me play of the fool."
➼ trust issues
"thought that i could trust you, but now i got trust issues."
➼ feel like sh*t
"last night for the very first time, you didn't even try to call. oh, i won't lie, i thought i might die. i couldn't even sleep at all."
➼ logical
"hear all the rumors lately that you always denied."
+ all the songs from my defy the night playlist
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• preread •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
this better not be a horrid case of sequelitis
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• status updates •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
page 37: "1 page--such progress LOL"
page 120: "it's painfully obvious that harristan is the fox, but this is still super good!"
page 144: "this just isn't holding my attention as well as the first one did😭😭"
page 158: "'I don't deserve to be treated like a secret, Corrick.' i mean, slay girlie"
page 194: "okay well now i’m obsessed with this book bc i’m obsessed with rian"
page 224: "rian is such a boss and corrick is acting like a petulant child"
page 267: "oh this is gooodddd"
page 370: "ummm...what the hell? this is good tho."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➼i'm a mess, but i'm the mess that you wanted
.
WOAH WHAT DID I JUST READ.
💛 enemies to lovers (kind of)
💛 love triangle (kind of)
💛 one-of-us-is-royal
💛 nautical setting
💛 high-stakes
💛 mystery
💛 multi-pov
💛 amazing banter
unlike the first book, i was not into this from page one. it took me until i was almost a third of the way through to become so invested i couldn't put it down. however, once i was invested, i was invested, okay? anyone who has dnf'ed this book should 100% give it another chance. it's a slow beginning, but it's well worth the wait.
i'm still so in love with tessa. i actually think i grew to love her even more in this book. she always means well--she only wants to help those around her. she has to learn when to put her trust in people, and she gains more courage as the story progresses.
corrick is such a complicated character. i think he's a perfect example of what a morally-gray character should look like. he's tangled up in who he wants to be, who he thinks he should be, who he has been, who the people want him to be. it makes him this mess he doesn't know what to do with. he's trying to pull together his broken pieces while also trying to mend the fractured pieces of the kingdom he cares so much about.
tessa and corrick are the epitome of a complicated relationship. tessa is confused because she fell in love with wes, who kind of exists but doesn't really. corrick is confused because he wants to be more for tessa but knows he can't. their relationship wasn't the main plot of the book, but it was often at the forefront of their minds. corrick has to learn to get over his jealousy, and tessa has to learn how to trust him when opposition is coming from all sides. it's actually such a perfect relationship, because it's just not perfect, if that makes any sense. corrick's confession of love >>>
i also love that we got a harristan pov. he's so amazing, and his character arc was fire. call me crazy, but there's ✨vibes✨ between him and quint.
i loved the side characters we were introduced to in defend the dawn. they played a much larger role in this book than they did in defy the night, which made me happy, though i do hope they play an even larger part in destroy the day.
now a moment to appreciate the cover and how all the titles in this series are so cohesive.
the reason i rated this 4.25 (the same as i rated defy the night), is because it did take me so long to get into it. once i was, it was lightyears better than book 1, but i wanted to quit in the first third (obviously, i'm glad i didn't). there's a decent amount of filler, but it's so damn enjoyable, you don't even notice it.
i also knew from the first chapter who 'fox' was. it was just not hidden well. while it was predictable, it did add a lot to the story, in my opinion. i did not, however, predict the second plot twist. that actually shocked me to the core, and it made the story much more interesting. i literally said "holy shit" at some point, but i don't know when. i'm not one to swear either, so if that's not an indication of how crazy it was, i don't know what is. even after the ending, i don't hate rian, which is good.
the climax was also actually climactic, which was a nice change from defy the night's anticlimactic ending. i'm in immediate need of a care package after the ending of this one.
all in all, i'm so happy with this book, and i'm so glad i pushed past the slow beginning because the rest of the book actually really impressed me. it's even twistier than the first book, and the romance and plot are even more high-stakes and fun! i thoroughly enjoyed the setting, character development, and plot direction. i'm so excited to read the last book!!!
edit: i'm lookin through all my status update for this book and it was actually a crazy ride.
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• playlist •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
➼ grave
"i could never really change you like i thought that i could. i was tryna make us something out of nothing, we were nothing at all." this entire song is them and you cannot convince me otherwise. i had a hard time picking one lyric because this entire song SCREAMS tessa and corrick.
➼ stay done
"hate that i'm always gonna have a side to me that's still in awe when you're mad at me. you can't do it wrong in my eyes. i hate it that you gotta break something to realize we're at rock bottom, but kill me again 'cause the high's twice as high." THIS SONG TOO OMG, so here’s the entire first verse💀
➼ someone i used to know
"rides the high that tears him down, hates himself and loves the crowd. the king of fools a heavy crown. he didn't know he almost drowned."
➼ legends are made
"show you the harder the battle, the harder I fight."
➼ arcade
"i'm afraid of all i am. my mind feels like a foreign land."
➼ war of hearts
"i can't help but love you even though i try not to."
➼ chaotic
"nobody said changing would be this exhausting."
➼ look what you made me do
"i don't like ... the role you made me play of the fool."
➼ trust issues
"thought that i could trust you, but now i got trust issues."
➼ feel like sh*t
"last night for the very first time, you didn't even try to call. oh, i won't lie, i thought i might die. i couldn't even sleep at all."
➼ logical
"hear all the rumors lately that you always denied."
+ all the songs from my defy the night playlist
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• preread •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
this better not be a horrid case of sequelitis
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• status updates •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
page 37: "1 page--such progress LOL"
page 120: "it's painfully obvious that harristan is the fox, but this is still super good!"
page 144: "this just isn't holding my attention as well as the first one did😭😭"
page 158: "'I don't deserve to be treated like a secret, Corrick.' i mean, slay girlie"
page 194: "okay well now i’m obsessed with this book bc i’m obsessed with rian"
page 224: "rian is such a boss and corrick is acting like a petulant child"
page 267: "oh this is gooodddd"
page 370: "ummm...what the hell? this is good tho."
February 5, 2023
So for the first half of this book, I was not loving it, but the second half definitely redeemed itself for me 🥰
🆗 I THOUGHT THE PACING was a bit slower at the beginning? Like it was a lot of political maneuvering and scheming - it was still exciting, but felt more like a setup for the second half of the book.
❌ MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT was the tension and issues between Tessa and Corrick. So much drama and miscommunication. I particularly loved them as a couple in the first book because they seemed so supportive of each other, so seeing them devolve into this was frustrating for me for a large portion of the book.
✅ I ACTUALLY PREDICTED a lot of the twists 🙈🙈 But nonetheless, I still found it highly entertaining, and predicting the twists didn't make me enjoy it any less! Definitely a testament to the amazing writing.
✅ THE POLITIVAL MANEUVERING and scheming in this was top-notch! Seriously, Brigid Kemmerer feels like a genius for coming up with this 😆 Especially in the second half of the book, I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for everything to connect and come together.
Overall, this book was a fantastic sequel and I highly recommend reading this series if you want a complex fantasy world with lots of scheming and twists. And the ending was crazzyyyyyyy 😳 It was amazing, but how I am supposed to sit here and just wait when the next book doesn't even have a release date yet 😭😭
🆗 I THOUGHT THE PACING was a bit slower at the beginning? Like it was a lot of political maneuvering and scheming - it was still exciting, but felt more like a setup for the second half of the book.
❌ MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT was the tension and issues between Tessa and Corrick. So much drama and miscommunication. I particularly loved them as a couple in the first book because they seemed so supportive of each other, so seeing them devolve into this was frustrating for me for a large portion of the book.
✅ I ACTUALLY PREDICTED a lot of the twists 🙈🙈 But nonetheless, I still found it highly entertaining, and predicting the twists didn't make me enjoy it any less! Definitely a testament to the amazing writing.
✅ THE POLITIVAL MANEUVERING and scheming in this was top-notch! Seriously, Brigid Kemmerer feels like a genius for coming up with this 😆 Especially in the second half of the book, I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for everything to connect and come together.
Overall, this book was a fantastic sequel and I highly recommend reading this series if you want a complex fantasy world with lots of scheming and twists. And the ending was crazzyyyyyyy 😳 It was amazing, but how I am supposed to sit here and just wait when the next book doesn't even have a release date yet 😭😭
April 25, 2024
To się tak dobrze czyta! No jedna z lepszych fantastycznych młodzieżówkek 🫡
Bardzo angażujące, mimo, że większość książki dzieje sie na statku to w ogóle się nie dłuży.
Części rzeczy się spodziewałam, części nie.
Corrick i Tessa doprowadzali mnie do szału w pewnych momentach. Już miałam ochotę krzyczeć na nich, żeby usiedli na dupie i pogadali w końcu! Na plus to, że to się stało xd
Kapitan był ciekawą postacią i w sumie nie do końca wiem czy on będzie dobrą czy złą postacią w następnym tomie.
Najbardziej byłam zainteresowana wątkiem Harristana, błagam dajcie mu jakiegoś love interesta, NIECH TO BĘDZIE QUINT!!
Ogólnie polecanko jak ktoś ma ochotę na dobrze napisaną, angażującą, pełną intryg i przewrotów młodzieżówkę z wątkiem romantycznym 🔥
Bardzo angażujące, mimo, że większość książki dzieje sie na statku to w ogóle się nie dłuży.
Części rzeczy się spodziewałam, części nie.
Corrick i Tessa doprowadzali mnie do szału w pewnych momentach. Już miałam ochotę krzyczeć na nich, żeby usiedli na dupie i pogadali w końcu! Na plus to, że to się stało xd
Kapitan był ciekawą postacią i w sumie nie do końca wiem czy on będzie dobrą czy złą postacią w następnym tomie.
Najbardziej byłam zainteresowana wątkiem Harristana, błagam dajcie mu jakiegoś love interesta, NIECH TO BĘDZIE QUINT!!
Ogólnie polecanko jak ktoś ma ochotę na dobrze napisaną, angażującą, pełną intryg i przewrotów młodzieżówkę z wątkiem romantycznym 🔥
August 20, 2023
5/5★
IT‘S CRIMINAL THAT I NOW HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR FOR THE NEXT BOOK!! This ending istg… I‘M FREAKING FLABBERGASTED, SHOCKED, MIND-BLOWN… I just don’t know what to do with myself now!! How the hell am I supposed to wait this long to know how it continues?!?!?!
Istg I was the edge of my goddamn seat throughout the last few chapters! Like… the twists and turns once again had my jaw on the FLOOR!!! Especially the ending. I‘m not okay and I won’t be okay, until I know how it’ll end!!!
This was just absolutely EVERYTHING!!! I just loved each and every second I was reading this book! Literally flew through it like it was nothing! It was addicting, captivating and interesting throughout it all!! This series deserves so much more hype! I don’t get how people aren’t gushing about it on booktok?!?! Like it’s AMAZING!!!
The plot, the romance, the main characters, the side characters, the world��� just everything was sooooo well done!! The writing was also once again amazing! Brigid Kemmerer is a true genius. She just knows how to write incredible YA, fantasy books!!
What I loved most about this book, was finding out so much more about Harristan! I loved him already in book 1 but I FELL in love with him in this one! He‘s most definitely my favourite character in the series and I NEED more of him!! His POVs were everything and finding out all about his secrets and what has been going on in his mind was everything!!
His side of the story carried this book for me! I really hope that we will see even more development of his character in the last book! I need more of his POVs!!
Corrick is and will always be my baby. He deserves the world and reading about his insecurities and issues literally broke my heart. He‘s literally so misunderstood and I just want everyone in this story to love him as much as I do! Just glad that things finally got better with Tessa.
Him and Tessa really had my heart aching, breaking and healing all at once! I can’t believe that people aren’t talking that much about them!! They‘re literally so adorable and had me on freaking knees fr!!! Like the tension, banter and chemistry these two had?!?! Ugh… amazing!! Love them sooooo much!!
The side characters were also all so interesting!! Hope they‘ll continue to play a big role in the next book! Especially Rian! I‘m kinda invested in his past and story and why he is the way he is! He‘s a very intriguing character!!
The plot also was not lacking whatsoever in this book!! It had my attention from beginning to end and I can’t wait to see it continue on! I really need to know what happens next! It’s not a want it’s a NEED!!!
Overall, this series is definitely up in my top 10 fav fantasy series now!! And I just know that book 3 will be just as amazing if not even better!!! Highly recommend!
IT‘S CRIMINAL THAT I NOW HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR FOR THE NEXT BOOK!! This ending istg… I‘M FREAKING FLABBERGASTED, SHOCKED, MIND-BLOWN… I just don’t know what to do with myself now!! How the hell am I supposed to wait this long to know how it continues?!?!?!
Istg I was the edge of my goddamn seat throughout the last few chapters! Like… the twists and turns once again had my jaw on the FLOOR!!! Especially the ending. I‘m not okay and I won’t be okay, until I know how it’ll end!!!
This was just absolutely EVERYTHING!!! I just loved each and every second I was reading this book! Literally flew through it like it was nothing! It was addicting, captivating and interesting throughout it all!! This series deserves so much more hype! I don’t get how people aren’t gushing about it on booktok?!?! Like it’s AMAZING!!!
The plot, the romance, the main characters, the side characters, the world��� just everything was sooooo well done!! The writing was also once again amazing! Brigid Kemmerer is a true genius. She just knows how to write incredible YA, fantasy books!!
What I loved most about this book, was finding out so much more about Harristan! I loved him already in book 1 but I FELL in love with him in this one! He‘s most definitely my favourite character in the series and I NEED more of him!! His POVs were everything and finding out all about his secrets and what has been going on in his mind was everything!!
His side of the story carried this book for me! I really hope that we will see even more development of his character in the last book! I need more of his POVs!!
Corrick is and will always be my baby. He deserves the world and reading about his insecurities and issues literally broke my heart. He‘s literally so misunderstood and I just want everyone in this story to love him as much as I do! Just glad that things finally got better with Tessa.
Him and Tessa really had my heart aching, breaking and healing all at once! I can’t believe that people aren’t talking that much about them!! They‘re literally so adorable and had me on freaking knees fr!!! Like the tension, banter and chemistry these two had?!?! Ugh… amazing!! Love them sooooo much!!
The side characters were also all so interesting!! Hope they‘ll continue to play a big role in the next book! Especially Rian! I‘m kinda invested in his past and story and why he is the way he is! He‘s a very intriguing character!!
The plot also was not lacking whatsoever in this book!! It had my attention from beginning to end and I can’t wait to see it continue on! I really need to know what happens next! It’s not a want it’s a NEED!!!
Overall, this series is definitely up in my top 10 fav fantasy series now!! And I just know that book 3 will be just as amazing if not even better!!! Highly recommend!
January 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
One of my fave things about Brigid’s books is the guaranteed fun I’ll have while reading!! I was as hooked into this as I was with Defy the Night & the only sad thing about reading it this soon is the one year I’ll have to wait on for book 3 BECAUSE THERE WILL BE A BOOK 3!! There has to be with the way this book ended!!
I was ready to throw hands because I got to the second to last chapter thinking THAT was the last chapter and I literally felt panicked 😂
While i found that this was slower in progression, I was soooo invested in the characters that I read through it so quickly. Time literally flew while I was reading this, but that’s a constant with any of Brigid’s books for me. I’ve ended up loving them all because her writing is so easy to get into and I love the multiple POVs and that it’s written in first person.
while I of course love Corrick and Tessa (duhhh this is a given), I also just love the brother bond between Harristan and Corrick!!
GREAT JOB BRIGID I will likely be bugging you now until book 3 is in my hands
Thank you Bloomsbury YA for the ARC! You guys are the best ❤️
One of my fave things about Brigid’s books is the guaranteed fun I’ll have while reading!! I was as hooked into this as I was with Defy the Night & the only sad thing about reading it this soon is the one year I’ll have to wait on for book 3 BECAUSE THERE WILL BE A BOOK 3!! There has to be with the way this book ended!!
I was ready to throw hands because I got to the second to last chapter thinking THAT was the last chapter and I literally felt panicked 😂
While i found that this was slower in progression, I was soooo invested in the characters that I read through it so quickly. Time literally flew while I was reading this, but that’s a constant with any of Brigid’s books for me. I’ve ended up loving them all because her writing is so easy to get into and I love the multiple POVs and that it’s written in first person.
while I of course love Corrick and Tessa (duhhh this is a given), I also just love the brother bond between Harristan and Corrick!!
GREAT JOB BRIGID I will likely be bugging you now until book 3 is in my hands
Thank you Bloomsbury YA for the ARC! You guys are the best ❤️
November 4, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I need the third book IMMEDIATELY 😭😭 this was such a rollercoaster and that cliffhanger????? JAIL
I need the third book IMMEDIATELY 😭😭 this was such a rollercoaster and that cliffhanger????? JAIL
Want to read
March 6, 2022THAT COVER IS SO GORGEOUS AND THE TITLE!
More Brigid Kemmerer?- YES!
I'm looking forward to more Corrick and Tessa, who knows what Brigid has in store for us..
More Brigid Kemmerer?- YES!
I'm looking forward to more Corrick and Tessa, who knows what Brigid has in store for us..
May 4, 2024
4 Stars!
Why is this series so underrated? T_T
Why is this series so underrated? T_T
April 16, 2023
5/5 patronat
Gdzieś w połowie tej książki zapomniałam jak się oddycha.
Tessa i Corrick starają się zaopatrzyć całe królestwo w lek - płatki Księżycowego Kwiatu, negocjując warunki z senatorami. Niczym manna z nieba, z dalekiego królestwa zjawia się ambasador, który proponuje wymianę handlową: lek za stal. Reprezentacja królestwa wsiada więc na statek.
Tak rozpoczyna się kolejna przygoda, tym razem na morzu, na którym znalazło się kilkanaście osób, którym nie można ufać. Tajemnice piętrzą się jak fale oceanu, intrygi zacieśniają się niczym sznury na rei, a napięcie, które jest niczym żagle na wietrze, towarzyszy bohaterom. W końcu, każdy z nich myśli, że znalazł się na pokładzie, by zginąć, doszukując się oszustwa.
Czas podróży to także test relacji Tessy i Corricka. Charyzmatyczny kapitan, który jest wzorem ideałów w oczach Tessy, skrada jej uwagę i oczernia brata króla, na każdym możliwym kroku wytykając mu wady, które są szpilką niezgody między bohaterami, prowokując do rozlewu krwi. Wyobrażenia dziewczyny o oby dwóch adoratorach, przeplatają się, a sama zielarka stara się utrzymać ster swoich uczuć prosto, mimo że w głowach i w sercach tej trójki dzieje się sztorm, który może zakończyć się tylko w jeden sposób: ktoś wyląduje za burtą.
Podczas gdy Corrick i Tessa płyną do drugiego królestwa, w Kandalii pojawia się Lis, który potajemnie przejął ich misję - pomaga mieszkańcom biedniejszych wsi, tym samym dając nam szerszą perspektywę na to, jak sytuacja z dostawami kwiatów i wojną domowa rozwija się pod okiem króla Harristana, który pierwszy raz nie ma przy sobie brata. Jeśli brakowało wam dreszczyku emocji, to Lis wam go zapewni.
Brigid kolejny raz udowodniła, że potrafi prowadzić wartką akcję przez całą książkę, upewniając się, że czytelnik jej nie odłoży, dopóki nie przewinie ostatniej strony i nie krzyknie "gdzie kolejny tom?".
Gdzieś w połowie tej książki zapomniałam jak się oddycha.
Tessa i Corrick starają się zaopatrzyć całe królestwo w lek - płatki Księżycowego Kwiatu, negocjując warunki z senatorami. Niczym manna z nieba, z dalekiego królestwa zjawia się ambasador, który proponuje wymianę handlową: lek za stal. Reprezentacja królestwa wsiada więc na statek.
Tak rozpoczyna się kolejna przygoda, tym razem na morzu, na którym znalazło się kilkanaście osób, którym nie można ufać. Tajemnice piętrzą się jak fale oceanu, intrygi zacieśniają się niczym sznury na rei, a napięcie, które jest niczym żagle na wietrze, towarzyszy bohaterom. W końcu, każdy z nich myśli, że znalazł się na pokładzie, by zginąć, doszukując się oszustwa.
Czas podróży to także test relacji Tessy i Corricka. Charyzmatyczny kapitan, który jest wzorem ideałów w oczach Tessy, skrada jej uwagę i oczernia brata króla, na każdym możliwym kroku wytykając mu wady, które są szpilką niezgody między bohaterami, prowokując do rozlewu krwi. Wyobrażenia dziewczyny o oby dwóch adoratorach, przeplatają się, a sama zielarka stara się utrzymać ster swoich uczuć prosto, mimo że w głowach i w sercach tej trójki dzieje się sztorm, który może zakończyć się tylko w jeden sposób: ktoś wyląduje za burtą.
Podczas gdy Corrick i Tessa płyną do drugiego królestwa, w Kandalii pojawia się Lis, który potajemnie przejął ich misję - pomaga mieszkańcom biedniejszych wsi, tym samym dając nam szerszą perspektywę na to, jak sytuacja z dostawami kwiatów i wojną domowa rozwija się pod okiem króla Harristana, który pierwszy raz nie ma przy sobie brata. Jeśli brakowało wam dreszczyku emocji, to Lis wam go zapewni.
Brigid kolejny raz udowodniła, że potrafi prowadzić wartką akcję przez całą książkę, upewniając się, że czytelnik jej nie odłoży, dopóki nie przewinie ostatniej strony i nie krzyknie "gdzie kolejny tom?".
February 8, 2024
4 Silver Stars
with Golden Sparks
a short review, because, why not?
✦ Highlights of this book (beside the beautiful cover!):
Harristan having POV! yay! & we realize some interesting things about his character. (this factor is one of the reasons I was considering giving this book a 5)
Corrick being Corrick
Quint being Quint
the Captain & his crew, especially Anya (soooo sweeeeet!)
Corrick & Rian's frenemies bonding, always at each other's throat & the sass overload! good times!
Lochlan near the end
the Plot twist near the end & the cliff hanger!
& I started to sense some chemistry building (this is my wishful thinking, but I hope we'll see this couple in the next book! because this tiny aspect probably the only thing this series lacked so far)
can't wait for the next book!
I liked Defy the Night more, it had more surprises & twists & terrifying moments & actions, but this one was great & cute too, in the end I was a little tempted to give it 5, but you know how rarely & hard I give a 5, when I enjoy almost every pages & it wasn't the case here (partly because of the not-much-happening around the middle (though it was good times & fun reading the banters, but the flat line of adrenaline), & partly because of Tessa, she's not in the list of my favourite heroines anymore. though I admire her intelligence & will & character's strength, she's not annoying or anything, she's just, idk, doubtful? willing to "forget" what really had happened & certain things & somehow, judging even though she knew the truth, but swaying by some stranger's opinions, anyway)
so, solid 4 it is. no possibility of rounding up.
-
Plot: ★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★/5
Writing style: ★★★★/5
World expansion: ★★★★/5
General idea: ★★★★/5
with Golden Sparks
a short review, because, why not?
✦ Highlights of this book (beside the beautiful cover!):
Harristan having POV! yay! & we realize some interesting things about his character. (this factor is one of the reasons I was considering giving this book a 5)
Corrick being Corrick
Quint being Quint
the Captain & his crew, especially Anya (soooo sweeeeet!)
Corrick & Rian's frenemies bonding, always at each other's throat & the sass overload! good times!
Lochlan near the end
the Plot twist near the end & the cliff hanger!
& I started to sense some chemistry building (this is my wishful thinking, but I hope we'll see this couple in the next book! because this tiny aspect probably the only thing this series lacked so far)
can't wait for the next book!
I liked Defy the Night more, it had more surprises & twists & terrifying moments & actions, but this one was great & cute too, in the end I was a little tempted to give it 5, but you know how rarely & hard I give a 5, when I enjoy almost every pages & it wasn't the case here (partly because of the not-much-happening around the middle (though it was good times & fun reading the banters, but the flat line of adrenaline), & partly because of Tessa, she's not in the list of my favourite heroines anymore. though I admire her intelligence & will & character's strength, she's not annoying or anything, she's just, idk, doubtful? willing to "forget" what really had happened & certain things & somehow, judging even though she knew the truth, but swaying by some stranger's opinions, anyway)
so, solid 4 it is. no possibility of rounding up.
-
Plot: ★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★/5
Writing style: ★★★★/5
World expansion: ★★★★/5
General idea: ★★★★/5
September 29, 2022
Alternate title: Corrick Tries Not to Punch Every Other Male Character and Fails.
Alright. I’m a bit bummed with this one, as I sadly didn’t enjoy it as much as Defy the Night, which I loved. I think part of this is due to the fact that some of the relational conflicts that arise between some of the characters felt really childish, pointless, and frustrating.
The plot itself also felt a little too politic-heavy. I actually like royal and political intrigue when it is done well and balanced with adequate amounts of action, romance, or other such subplots. However, I felt the balance was off in this one, and I was unable to enjoy this installment as much as I did the prior book because of it.
➳ 3.5 stars
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Language: A couple uses of d—mm and a—s.
Violence: A few fist-fights; characters are shot with crossbows; mentions of executions; a cannon ball fight occurs between two ships; mentions of war and torture; blood; death.
Alcohol/Addictive Substances: Characters drink wine, brandy, and ale somewhat frequently.
Sexual content: A couple kissing scenes; part of the story’s conflict revolves around rumors of an affair between two characters; frequent sexual implications.
Trigger Warnings: Blood, death, recollection of war.
Alright. I’m a bit bummed with this one, as I sadly didn’t enjoy it as much as Defy the Night, which I loved. I think part of this is due to the fact that some of the relational conflicts that arise between some of the characters felt really childish, pointless, and frustrating.
The plot itself also felt a little too politic-heavy. I actually like royal and political intrigue when it is done well and balanced with adequate amounts of action, romance, or other such subplots. However, I felt the balance was off in this one, and I was unable to enjoy this installment as much as I did the prior book because of it.
➳ 3.5 stars
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Language: A couple uses of d—mm and a—s.
Violence: A few fist-fights; characters are shot with crossbows; mentions of executions; a cannon ball fight occurs between two ships; mentions of war and torture; blood; death.
Alcohol/Addictive Substances: Characters drink wine, brandy, and ale somewhat frequently.
Sexual content: A couple kissing scenes; part of the story’s conflict revolves around rumors of an affair between two characters; frequent sexual implications.
Trigger Warnings: Blood, death, recollection of war.
January 22, 2024
If I’m being picky it’s a 4.5 but nah this book was great!
I was truly hooked by page 1 and I couldn’t put it down once the action started. I like the characters a lot and the new crew introduced spiced things up nicely.
The political storyline really gripped me in this one way more than it did in book 1. I loved where the author took the story. Again, the characters are amazing! Dialogue is smart and fast and kept me on my toes.
I had such a good time that I had to give it 5 stars. VERY happy with how the romance turned out as well.
No language at all. One kiss scene. Lots of violence and injuries and blood. Very fun!
I hate to say this but if you can get through the slowness of book 1, I really think this is an excellent sequel and worth the read!
I was truly hooked by page 1 and I couldn’t put it down once the action started. I like the characters a lot and the new crew introduced spiced things up nicely.
The political storyline really gripped me in this one way more than it did in book 1. I loved where the author took the story. Again, the characters are amazing! Dialogue is smart and fast and kept me on my toes.
I had such a good time that I had to give it 5 stars. VERY happy with how the romance turned out as well.
No language at all. One kiss scene. Lots of violence and injuries and blood. Very fun!
I hate to say this but if you can get through the slowness of book 1, I really think this is an excellent sequel and worth the read!
October 12, 2022
This was amazing and this entire story gave me so much delightful stress. That cliffhangers was epically brutal and I can’t wait for the next book.
January 25, 2024
THIS SERIES IS ELITE!!!!
I liked this book even more than book 1 if that’s even possible. It’s so addicting. Onto book 3 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I liked this book even more than book 1 if that’s even possible. It’s so addicting. Onto book 3 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
September 22, 2022
i really, really do not like politics
*rtc*
pre-read:
THE COVER IS SO PRETTY OH MY GOD AND WE GET MORE TESSA AND CORRICK
please someone give me an arc. please. im begging you.
*rtc*
pre-read:
THE COVER IS SO PRETTY OH MY GOD AND WE GET MORE TESSA AND CORRICK
please someone give me an arc. please. im begging you.
August 25, 2022
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 as 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.
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 as 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.
January 31, 2024
Okay but the ending???????🙃
This book wasn't quite the 5 star I wanted it to be, but I still enjoyed it. Brigid never dissappoints me. After the fast paced first book I expected this one to slow down a little bit, but I should have known better.
I found myself not knowing who to trust and constantly changing my mind about some of the characters. I was never not worried for Corrick, Tessa and Harristan.
Sadly, Tessa is perhaps the book’s weakest element, which is a real shame given how the feisty, rebellious heroine was such a highlight of the series’ first installment. however, she wasn't at her best here. Specially her relationship with corrick. I actually excpeted them to heat up more, but it turned out complicated.
Harristan’s last words gave me goosebumps. The reveal about him though😃. Rian… I don’t know. There’s a part of me that wants to like him and yet a part of me is just content to… kind of, maybe, on principle, hate him?
Gimmie the next book Ahhhh
This book wasn't quite the 5 star I wanted it to be, but I still enjoyed it. Brigid never dissappoints me. After the fast paced first book I expected this one to slow down a little bit, but I should have known better.
I found myself not knowing who to trust and constantly changing my mind about some of the characters. I was never not worried for Corrick, Tessa and Harristan.
Sadly, Tessa is perhaps the book’s weakest element, which is a real shame given how the feisty, rebellious heroine was such a highlight of the series’ first installment. however, she wasn't at her best here. Specially her relationship with corrick. I actually excpeted them to heat up more, but it turned out complicated.
Harristan’s last words gave me goosebumps. The reveal about him though😃. Rian… I don’t know. There’s a part of me that wants to like him and yet a part of me is just content to… kind of, maybe, on principle, hate him?
Gimmie the next book Ahhhh
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