Arc Review: Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night #2) by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night #2)
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: September 20th, 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a complimentary earc to review! All opinions are my own.

“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. . .” (Goodreads)

What a ride this book was! I thought I had it all figured out but this author knows how to keep me on my toes and a grin on my face, just admiring how well she crafted this plot. It’s definitely one of the best sequels I have read this year!

The book is written in the same way as the first, multiple point-of-views with one being a mysterious character. I thought this was well done again and I was guessing for quite some time on who the mysterious character could be. It wasn’t until some clues were given that it all clicked! I liked seeing a different side to that character.

The other characters were just as great as they were in the first book. Tessa and Corrick are very sweet together but there relationship is definitely tested. I can understand where both are coming from. They are both trying to figure themselves out as well as learn to navigate this budding relationship they have found themselves in after the masks have come off. It’s harsh waters ahead but they do manage to keep their heads up.

New characters are introduced and I couldn’t help but take a liking to a certain captain! He was very charming and a sailor. What isn’t there to like?

There was a lot to unpack from the beginning to the end. After the first book ended, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the sequel. It felt like everything kind of wrapped up, but I was wrong. There is still a lot going on when it comes to the medicine, rebels, and politics. I was very much shocked when certain events happened and the last 25% was very intense!

A few of the plotlines, mostly one in particular, were kind of eh and I still don’t know how I feel about the pulling and tugging that happened for the particular one.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I loved reading about these characters once again and meeting the newer ones. It was a fun adventure and I can’t wait to see how the rest unfolds in the next book.