To be posted on Alisoninbookland.com & Goodreads on September 6. Amazon later.
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Once again, Kemmerer knocks it out of the park. Much like my beloved A Curse So Dark And Lonely, Defy the Night manages to nail all the great parts of a non-magic fantasy book (in my opinion).

-We have political turmoil.
-We have characters bound by what life has dealt them.
-We have characters wanting to do the right thing but there's no right way to do that for everyone.
-We have rebellion in the distance and everyone is right (but also wrong).
-We have a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
-We have surprising twists.

Seriously though, the plot? AMAZING. I was an anxious bundle of nerves seeing how things play out. I never wanted to put the book down. I always love when a book is able to show many sides of a problem and make you care about all the different sides/angles of it. Life is rarely ever cut-and-dry or black-and-white. Why on earth should a book be? Kemmerer manages to nail those nuances of problems and make you as a reader feel like your hands are tied as well.

The characters were absolutely fabulous. Tessa reminds me so much of Harper from ACSDAL. They're strong willed. Willing to fight for what's right even when it's terrifying. Willing to give everything even though it's still not enough.

It's hard to discuss too much without giving away the goods. Please just go into this and enjoy the ride.

Basically if you love politics in your YA fantasy, you're going to love Defy The Night.

Full Review Here: http://www.millennialbeautysisters.com/defy-the-night-review/

5/5 stars from me with ZERO hesitation. I am in LOVE. I was hit by cupids sparrow and I don’t care who knows it! (Anyone not catching The Office references around here is MISSING OUT on all the fun)

Corrick and Tessa are my new favorite power couple and I can’t wait to see how they handle all the challenges that will surely come next for them! King Harristan and Master Quint are also the perfectly lovable, learning, growing characters that I wanted them to be, I’m invested in case that is not glaringly obvious.

I can’t believe that I’m going to have to wait more than a year for another installment in this series. Impatience is my natural state of being it seems, being a reader does that to me, but the struggle is real here!

One of the biggest things I noticed was the difference in the kingdoms. I had Vow and Emberfall on the brain when I dove into Defy The Night. I was worried I would find myself comparing this new world to the one I already know and love, Kandala is vibrant and interesting, full of turmoil and strife, but it is not Emberfall. I was so happy to have another equally amazing setting to fall in love with, after the first few pages I didn’t find myself comparing the two at all.

Once again Kemmerer has blessed us with an amazing world that is populated by interesting and compelling characters. I laughed, I cried, I screamed a little, I cried some more, and then I did a little happy dance before crying just a tiny bit more (happy tears). The sibling element might have edged Defy a little ahead of The Cursebreakers series for me (gasp, I know).

I will definitely be back for more, I can’t wait to see where this world and these characters drag me, I’m obsessed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

I. Love. This. Book. It has so many things I love in a book—a beginning that hooks you, great pacing, romance, political drama and intrigue, dual POV, beautiful writing. I thought I had this book figured out after the first bit but NO I DID NOT. Get ready for some plot twists and turns! (For reference, I really enjoyed ACSDAL but I loved this book so much more)

Corrick may be one of my new fave book boyfriends. His journey as a character was by far my favorite part of the book. Tessa is everything I would want to be in an MC: a daring, intelligent, and compassionate girl next door who sees the best in those around her. The supporting characters are well thought out and oh so endearing. The dual POV sometimes made me want to scream at the characters (why don’t they just GET IT!!!😅) but I loved getting glimpses into both of their perspectives. The ending definitely left me excited for book 2!!

This book is magical and everyone better put it on their TBR so we can all scream about it together when it comes out on September 14. If you preorder now, you get an enamel pin included with your order!!

Defy the Night is the start of Brigid Kemmerer's new fantasy series, and let me tell you, I am here for it! Defy the Night follows Tessa Cade, an apprentice apothecary, and Prince Corrick, the King's Justice, who has to dole out harsh punishments during an incredibly tense and desperate time throughout the land. The land of Kandala is experiencing a sickness that is ravaging the land, and with the only known cure limited and people dying daily, uprisings start, putting everything the main characters work towards at risk.

I enjoyed the plot of this one. I think it's a bit of a risk doing a book with an illness being a major plot point during COVID times, but I appreciated the way the book was able to reflect and portray real life concerns while still enabling me to escape the real world and know that this was a fantasy/fictional book. The pacing and action was completely on point. It flowed smoothly and I was so sucked in that I read this book in one day.

I also really loved the characters. I was a little nervous about how certain characters story arcs would progress, but for the most part, I think it was all handled very well and there was enough backstory and emotion to get the reader to where they needed to go.

I really appreciated Brigid's author's note/acknowledgements at the end where she gave a bit of context on this book and how it came to be, especially in light of the pandemic. I think that context was important and made me appreciate this book more and value the thought and effort that was put in to produce this book while also being sensitive during the real-life pandemic.

Lastly, I love fairy tale retellings. I haven't read a Robin Hood retelling before, but I now believe it to be up there with my favorite retellings!

My only critique would be that I wish the book closed out with some type of hook that pulls me into the next book. I absolutely will read the next book and will be anxiously awaiting it, but I still would have loved and appreciated that "whoa/OMG" type moment that leaves me desperate for the next book.

This was a great start to the series and I am so excited to see where it goes. I'll buy a physical copy of this book and anxiously await future installments.

I would put it at 4.5 stars, likely rounded down to 4 just due to that lack of hook for future books, the fact that the end wrapped up a little too nicely, and as much as I love "C" and think his arc came together better than I anticipated, there was such a disparity in him that was, at times, hard to wrap my head around.

another great story. I loved the intrigue and the romance. I loved that Wes and Tessa were outlaws helping others. I liked in the different point of views. I loved the political intrigue and trying to figure of who was burning the palace down. I hope that there is book for the sully. I hope that he finds love too. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. another great book.

Net Galley Review: Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

Release date: 09/14/2021

Thank you to Net Galley and Bloomsbury for providing me with an ARC!

Brief Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer comes a blockbuster fantasy series about a kingdom divided by corruption, the prince desperately holding it together, and the girl who will risk everything to bring it crashing down.

The kingdom of Kandala is on the brink of disaster. Rifts between sectors have only worsened since a sickness began ravaging the land, and within the Royal Palace, the king holds a tenuous peace with a ruthless hand.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW:

I want to preface this by saying that Brigid is one of my ALL TIME favorite authors, but that it in NO WAY affects my review of this book.

As most of you know, I am a HUGE fan of the Cursebreakers trilogy and I was afraid I would never find a story I loved as much as it again.. but then I read Defy the Night!

At this point, I consider Brigid to be the QUEEN of retellings. I want her to write every retelling in existence because she has a unique way of making the retelling feel so close to the story you know and love, but also as fresh and new as if you are being introduced to it for the first time.

Brigid has mentioned that Defy the Night was heavily inspired by the global pandemic we are currently facing which can easily be seen as we are introduced to the world of Kandala that has been heavily impacted by a strange fever that has swept across the land.

Defy the night has elements of Robin hood as it follows Tessa Cade who is stealing Moonflower Petals to make elixirs for those less fortunate who do not have the means to get doses.

Of the many things I loved about this book is how much darker it felt than the Cursebreakers trilogy.. which also had some rather dark moments and elements.

From only a few chapters in.. I realized that Brigid was NOT holding back.. which I very much appreciated.

One of the best things I've come to know and expect from Brigid's writing is the effortless way she creates characters that capture your heart.

Brigid excels in world building, character arcs, and overarching story themes. There is never a single character in the page that feels like a background character, because she writes every single character with such depth. Even if you only see them briefly, you are fully aware at how intricate their lives are.

Brigid has once again showcased her talent at entwinining action and adventure with romance and political intrigue.. all which keeping the reader turning the page and wanting more.

Defy the Night was almost 500 pages and I desperately wanted more which makes me SO excited that a sequel may be in the midst.

Do yourself a favor and pick up Defy the Night and support this incredibly talented human!

Overall rating 5/5

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I read Defy the Night so fast and absolutely loved it! There were so many twists, turns, and betrayals, that made me so hooked.

The book starts off and you meet Tessa, she smuggles medicine to people who aren’t able to get it for a fever with only one treatment. You then meet Corrick, a prince, who at first you think the worst of. The story starts off seeming like a simple revolution novel. It’s not. From there, you realize there is so much more to the story than what you first think.

The world building was very well done and well paced. I loved the characters and even after finishing the book, I could tell their was more to some of the characters that I wanted to find out!

The only real issue I had, was Tessa seemed like she was about to cry or was crying about every three pages. I don’t really know why this stood out to me, but it did. She was going through a lot, but at some points I felt like she was crying for no real reason. Which, I guess makes it kinda realistic. I mean, if I was in Tessa’s shoes I would probably cry a lot too. And just because you cry, doesn’t mean you aren’t strong, I just felt like it was mentioned a lot that she was crying.

I loved the romance. Enemies to lovers is probably my favorite trope and the book hit that trope hard and it was written so well. They were so sweet together and the banter was amazing. They had so many setbacks in their separate lives and their love, but they kept fighting no matter what was thrown their way

This tale was woven so well. If you’re looking for enemies to lovers, found family, deep characters, and a revolution, look no farther than Defy the Night! I definitely recommend this book! Now I really want book two!

WOOOOOOOOW. WOW WOW WOW. Brigid Kemmerer knocked this out of the FREAKING park. I love most of her books but this one was absolutely incredible and is already my number one. No doubt that this will make it onto my best of the year list, because it is easily my favorite 2021 read so far.

Defy The Night hits the ground running and does NOT let up until you turn the last page. I was completely hooked after two chapters and my excitement only grew because the plot is entertaining as heck. I really loved the worldbuilding and thought the politics were detailed but easy to folllow. I hope we get to expand the world a bit more in further books!

Dual POV books are always my jam but this one was on a different level. Tessa and Corrick, I would DIE FOR YOU. Both of their voices were so distinct and Brigid is sooo good at banter and emotional angst. I can’t tell you how many times it felt like my throat was closing because the emotion was SO GREAT, RIGHT IN YOUR FACE AMAZING. The romantic turmoil is top notch. I thought I had a handle on the plot twist but then Brigid comes in and crushes all of my expectations and I was like whaaat and then says SIKE, and I was left reeling. It was exhilarating and incredible and fantastic. Can’t remember the last time I was so hyped by a twist, ESPECIALLY one that I had already expected.

Also there’s quite a few side characters in this to love (another area I feel Brigid excels in)! My favorite was Rocco but I also really liked Quint! I’m wary of Harristan but hoping for the best with him. Overall this book just completely took over my life for two days. I read nearly 75% in one sitting because it was actually physically impossible to put down. I am SO STOKED to see this series continue and you bet that I’m gonna be preordering a physical copy of this ASAP. My goodness.

What a treat to read a new book by Brigid Kemmerer with a whole new world and new set of characters! I enjoyed every minute of this exciting, riveting adventure. The characters were well-developed, the contrast between "good" and "evil" kept me riveted and eventually a little unsure of who to root for. Evil is not always what we expect, eh?

And the romance! No one writes romance like Ms. Kemmerer. Can't wait for the next book in this series.

Oh, Brigid Kemmerer....you've done it again. I loved her Cursebreakers series (a Beauty and the Beast inspired trilogy) and now Brigid is back with an amazing start to a new fantasy series (inspired by Robin Hood). And let me tell you, I need the second book now!!! I won't go over the plot, since it's posted everywhere, but I can say that this book features all of the author's trademark items - strong, feisty female lead, broody, dark and oh so loveable male lead (s) and a complex fantasy world full of dangers and adventure.

Keeping with Brigid Kemmerer fashion, another winner! Suspenseful plot, passionate characters, romance, and nonstop action. The only downside is waiting for the next book.

Brigid Kemmerer has done it again! She's provided an engaging tale with flawed but worthy characters who pull at your heartstrings. This is a tale of outlaws working for the greater good amid the twisted events that destroy a black and white world, turning it into a miasma of gray unknowns. Told in alternating perspectives between two characters, it further emphasizes that there is no one story; all tales have multiple perspectives that color the reality we see. I quickly fell in love with the protagonist Tessa and her work for the greater good. I felt her pain when she was trying to ease the suffering of others while simultaneously fighting the devils of her past and the realities of her poor social class. I felt her anguish when her love for others led to extreme fear for their lives. But most importantly, I shared her hope for a better world.

While this fantasy tale clearly takes place in a medieval world, the corollaries to today's life are still present: sickness that goes unabated despite a leader's best efforts; wealth and class disparities that cause conflict; and a Robin Hood-like approach to spreading the good that comes from wealth. The thematic topics are quite prevalent. Thoughts on loyalty, family, brotherhood, leadership, and justice abound and provide the fodder for many excellent conversations that pertain to life today.

This is an action-packed novel that is difficult to put down, and fans of Brigid Kemmerer will find the engaging prose to their liking. I can easily see myself repeating catch phrases from the book. While there is a bit of romance as one can expect from Kemmerer, explicit intimacy is limited to kissing and the sensual descriptions of characters. It is totally appropriate for readers in 7th grade and up.

I anxiously await the sequels to what will be a terrific fantasy series. Enjoy, my friends!

Fantastic! This series is going to be ICONIC! It’s fresh, fun, and highly entertaining. I am in LOVE with the characters already and I want more!! Brigid Kemmerer continues to outdo herself and it’s so great to watch an author get better and better with every book. PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK NOW! YOU WON’T REGRET IT!

Actual rating: 3.5 (rounded down)

First thing’s first: this was a very quick read for a nearly 500 page book! I was surprised at how fast I got through it.

The big plot twist you can see coming from a mile away. I had a thought—for an excited, fleeting moment—that the author would give us a double fake-out… but no. Another downside was that this felt a little like ‘been there, done that’ in terms of characters, story, and dialogue. It’s not the author’s fault, though. The YA Fantasy genre is oversaturated, to the point where tropes and cliché have made it incestuous.

In terms of characters… well, they were fine. Really. I didn’t grasp anything nuanced or surprising here. I get it, though: Corrick, the morally grey Prince (who I am sure will have people fangirling, fanboying, and fantheying—I will not be one of them!), and Tessa, the bleeding heart apothecary. I’ve encountered these characters many times before. Nothing new to see here. I think my favorite characters were King Harristan and Quint.

I wish the romantic aspects were less obvious (and less frequent!). This is coming from me, though: Someone who doesn’t care much for romance in literature to begin with. In this instance, with Defy the Night, everything about the romance was trope-y and expected. I will never not roll my eyes at a female character “gasping” or blushing when a male character takes his shirt off, or a male character left speechless mid-sentence when a female character enters a ballroom with her hair done up… or some sappy sh*t like that (which happens quite a bit in this book).

I so wish there had been a map of Kandala! The surrounding territories are mentioned a LOT, and I wanted a visual representation of the geography of this world. This being an ARC, I’m thinking it wasn’t ready (maybe?)? I’m hoping there’s one provided in the finished copy.

All that aside, I was all-in on the political intrigue, violence, and (surprisingly) socially-relevant themes. I like it when a YA titles veers more towards the “adult” side of the genre. I don’t really know where the story will go from here… it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, which is a nice change of pace, but it did end in a very saccharine way, which I didn’t like (again, I’m a curmudgeon when it comes to romance and lovey-dovey passages). We shall see, I guess. I’m 65% sure I’ll read the next in series.

Fans of Cursebreaks and Brigid Kemmerer will rejoice over another amazing novel! Kemmerer's signature writing along with her detailed world building will have you not wanting to take any breaks!

A king and his brother, a young girl fighting to help the those in need, and a kingdom struck with sickness, Defy the Night is by far one of my favorite YA fantasy reads of 2021. I cannot wait for you to experience it, I am blown away!

Brigid Kemmerer has not only created a SWOON worth duo with Tess & Weston, complete with secrets and Robinhood vibes...but a fast-paced action-packed fantasy romance you won't be able to put down.

Told in the dual POV of Tessa Cade, an apprentice apothecary, and Prince Corrick--it's filled with just the right amount of romance, a looming rebellion, and royal politics.


A huge thank you to Bloomsbury & NetGalley for my ARC.

Brigid Kemmerer is magic. I can't think of many other authors in the YA genre who delivers such fast-paced action with compelling characters in quite the same way. Writers often have character-driven stories or plot-driven stories – and most of the time, the other suffers for the stronger component. But Kemmerer delivers both in Defy the Night just like always.

At some point in every one of her books, I reach a point where I cannot put it down, and Defy the Night was no exception. This book has high-stakes political intrigue, real-life consequences, a kingdom battling threats on multiple sides, and heartwarming romance.

Defy the Night follows Prince Corrick and apothecary/rulebreaker Tessa through dual-POVs. Their kingdom of Kandala is suffering. A terrible sickness kills people across the sectors indiscriminately, and a rare flower offered only in two of the sectors offers a cure. There's not enough to meet demand, and those that can't afford to pay for the remedy, especially the poor and vulnerable, are left to suffer and die. Tessa and her best friend Wes are determined to do what they can to save those who cannot afford the cure – even if it means breaking the law.

Prince Corrick may not want to be known as Cruel Corrick, but as the King's Justice, he has no choice but to lay down the law and show no mercy or weakness. When Wes doesn't come back from a supply run, Tessa and Corrick's fates collide in unexpected ways. Will they be able to overcome their differences to save the kingdom?

Defy the Night is an engrossing, action-packed fantasy romance from one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend it for any fans of Brigid's work, Sarah J Maas, Jennifer Armentrout, Laura Thalassa, or Alex Bracken.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this e-arc. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

I was so excited to get approved to review this ARC, Defy the Night is one of my most anticipated books of 2021.

Brigid has done it again she has built a world that completely entranced me and wouldn't let me go, I'm still thinking about this book its gonna be a long journey to book 2, but I'm ready to wait. but without anymore delay lets get into it, shall we?

Defy the Night is set in the fantasy world of Kandala, where a pandemic rages and the only cure, Moonflower, is limited in quantity. only the rich can really afford the cure while the poor is left to die, and if you haven't caught on can you tell its a robin hood retelling?? because I'm screaming, that was one thing that had me so excited.

The characters and their growth is one way this story really shines, im gonna start off with Tessa, she is your robin she seems to be just an ordinary girl but she steals Moonflower from the rich to help out the poor shes carrying on what her parents died doing. Tessa is strong willed and will let nothing break her as along as she can save her people and the ones she loves, but if only it were that simple.

Now lets go to Prince Corrick, who's position on his brothers council asks him to be cruel and unkind to anyone who betrays the law, but in reality he doesn't want any of it he wants his people and his brother to prosper and for them to love him an his brother but they've learned a awhile ago sometimes you have to be cruel, but is that always right? that's for you to find out when this book comes out.

Onto the plot it was magnificent and enthralling, it really took the plot of robin hood and made it so beautifully interwoven with some modern time struggles all being blended into this gorgeous fantasy world. this by far one of my most favorite reads of the year and its not even out yet. Brigid will always blow me away with her writing and this is just pure perfection.

to wrap this up Defy the Night is an amazing YA fantasy filled with romance, action, and politics. One thing that will always be win for me is how the development of the relationships between different characters evolve and grow. The bond between Corrick and his brother Harristan, was by far one of my favorite things to see develop before my eyes along with another that is spoilery so you'll just have to read to find out.


If you're intrigued by political intrigue and romance in your YA fantasy books, I highly recommend this book.

First, thanks for Netgalley and the publisher who gave me an arc of this book. I have really loved it. The cover is also really pretty. This story is inspared of Robin Hood.

An illness is taking the kingdom of Kandala of the verge of disaster. Since the day the sickness is ravaving, the rifts between the rich and the poor is only bigger.

After is parents assassination, King Harristan was trust the power, while is younger brother, prince Corrick , have now the cruel role of the King's Justice. The two brothers have quickly learn to act mercilessly to any signs of rebellion. Thinking that it's the only way to maintain order with the sickness.

Tessa, is an apprentice apothecary. She's tired of ignoring her neighbors dying, and that the Royals don't seems to do a thing about it. Every night, she and her best friend Wes, risk their lives to steal Moonflower petals and to distribute the elexir to those in need. But its still not enough...

As the rumors of a cure is not even working anymore, the rebellions is growing. Tessa will try to broke into the palace, a she's gonna learn something that Wes have been hidding from her.

I'm really looking foward to the sequel.

It was amazing to get to read another book by Brigid Kemmerer! I first read her Cursebreakers trilogy and fell in love. The way she writes characters is phenomenal and Defy the Night is no exception! I am truly excited to read more from her in the future. Her world building is top notch and the stories enrapture you with an amazing plot! Thank you so much Netgalley for the e-arc!!!