Wow just wow honestly Defy the night truly blew me away and the characters in here omg they completely stole my heart.

It's so funny i know Brigid Kemmerer is one of my favourite authors yet every time I read a new book from her I'm absolutely blown away and completely spellbound by the characters, the plot, the world, everything just sucks me in and I'm totally hooked on it all.

This book right here is the reason I still read YA and won't ever stop reading it. I love finding gems like Defy the Night, books thats really pull you in quick with a great plot and characters and fantasy worlds that are easy to understand.

The Author knows how to write amazing characters that I just wanted to protect from the first page, Tessa is such a great strong main character and I loved her fighting strength and passion to help people, along with Wes, Prince Corrick and King Harrison even Quinn was bloody brilliant honestly these are characters you'll adore.

The Robin Hood themes throughout this just make it all the more enjoyable, I honestly have nothing bad to say about Defy the Night it was perfect from start to finish and a really satisfying ending no cliffhanger which honestly we just great. I'm desperate for more from them all cannot wait for book 2 and 3.


Thank you so much to the publishers at netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me an ARC for review!

The story takes place in the Kingdom of Kandala where an incurable sickness is sweeping through the citizens. The only known medicine to work is made from Moonflower petals, an expensive plant only able to grow in 2 out of the 5 sectors of the kingdom. If you are lucky enough to be wealthy then you can buy this elixir with no issues, however the poor are left with little choice. The kingdom is ruled by 2 brothers King Harriston and his younger brother Prince Corrick, more crudely known as Cruel Corrick. The brothers rule with an iron fist and are cruel and hard...or so you think. The story is told from 2 POV's one of Prince Corrick and one of Tessa an apothecary apprentice living in the Wilds, doing all she can to help the poor, by stealing moonflower petals with her outlaw friend Wes from the rich and distributing them to the poor. The Kingdom is falling apart, revolution is in the air and not everything is as black and white as one would think.

What a great start to a new fantasy series! I got major Robin Hood vibes from this and loved Tessa! She is so fierce and loyal and despite everything she's been through does all she can to help everyone around her. She has such a good heart I loved seeing her develop throughout the story.
Prince Corrick has so many layers to his character and is the personification of don't judge a book by its cover! The world building is beautiful and descriptive, Brigid builds such a wonderful image in my mind when I read her books. The story has a good pace and I was never bored, it wraps up well with enough questions to lead us into book 2 nicely!

Wow! This book had me absolutely hooked from the first page. I loved the character of Tessa, sometimes a female lead character can be a bit annoying but she is just so tough and brave, you just find yourself rooting for her the whole time. I love the way that this book deals with the premise we can think something is bad based on the things we see on the surface and our opinions can change the more that we see the truth behind the actions. I think the author has done a brilliant job in showing the shades of grey that everything comes with in life and I honestly can’t wait until another book comes out. I thought the ending of this was perfect, enough was wrapped up so that you don’t feel disappointed it’s over but it still leaves you wanting more.

A sickness has spread in the Kingdom of Kandala. When the only known cure, an elixir made from the petals of the Moonflower, becomes limited, a full blown revolution is only a step away…

After the brutal assassination of their parents, Harristan and Corrick have no choice but to assume their new roles as King and King’s Justice. Hated by their people, they learn to become merciless to maintain order.

Out in the Wilds, Tessa does what she can to help those suffering from the sickness by stealing Moonflower petals and distributing the elixir to those without access. But when the cure no longer seems to be working, rebellion sparks, and Tessa finds herself in the royal palace, causing her to question everything she thought she knew.

This book truly blew me away. It is so well written, the characters are well developed, and the world building is spectacular. There was a plot twist near the start which I did predict, but it was still shocking. I loved the main characters, seeing them grow through their struggles and becoming more ‘human’. Seriously, I was HOOKED!
This is my first book by Brigid Kemmerer and I cannot wait to dive into her other works!

Gripping from the first page.

Kandala is a kingdom ravaged by a mysterious fever with only one cure - moonflower petals, and while each sector is granted an allotment, it’s never enough for the people who need it.
Tessa Cade watched her parents murdered in front of her for trying to help, and now she fights against the regime in the only way she can, by sneaking medicine to the poorest people who need it the most, assisted by her secretive best friend Wes.

But when rebels start attacking the shipments of moonflower petals, Tessa’s life changes in a way she could never have expected.

I was hooked from the very beginning. Brigid Kemmerer draws you in with hints and tidbits and little mysteries you just have to know the answers to, and weaves a tale of mystery, hopelessness turned to hope, and courage.
Tessa is the heroine every young girl needs - one who fights back not through magical powers or enormous riches, but by genuinely caring for her people, and doing what she can to help them.

A Robin Hood inspired story in its finest form, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Defy the Night, but I was enthralled and inspired by Tessa’s story, and I absolutely can’t wait for the sequel.

Wow.
I figured Wes out early on, but then slept between chapters and forgot until the 'reveal' happened. The storyline is great it's not too easy, there's danger, risk, and a desire to make the world a better place from both Tessa and Wes. As the characters develop along with the Palace cast I found myself really drawn into the story, and even welling up towards the end.

This is a great fantasy story that deserves to be on everyone's shelf and read at least once!

What an enjoyable book this is. You should read it.

Not only is it full of plots and mostly believable characters but it sets out very well the misunderstandings that can and most certainly do arise between the people and those in charge. Although set in a parallel time long past, it is definitely an allegorical story for our Covid times and I would like to suggest that it should be your next read.

Defy the Night is a brilliant start to a new YA fantasy series.

When I was reading Defy the Night I thought I knew the direction that Brigid was taken the story. But she would pull out something different. This kept me hooked and entertained through the book. I also liked that she wrapped up certain elements at the end, as well as living the story open to continue that next book.

The story is told via two POVs Tess and Corrick. I liked seeing the world Brigid has created. As they are at the different ends of the society spectrum. They also have great character growth and moments between them.

There is a pandemic infecting the people of Kandala. Brigid has created one that doesn't match the pandemic we are currently experiencing. It is especially interesting in the way they are treating it. And they are taking the medicine.

Overall Defy the night is a romantic adventure mystery YA fantasy.

My rating for Defy the Night is 4.5 out of 5.

A spark of rebellion is all it takes …

Defy the Night is a whole new YA series by Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of A Curse So Dark and Lonely. The novel is set in the same world but focuses on a new kingdom divided by corruption, as the royals desperately try to cling to power, a deadly fever ravages the population and a young girl risks everything to bring it crashing down.

Finally … a female Robin Hood! I love the twist on the mythology of the Prince of Thieves who upholds the philosophy of stealing from the rich to give to the poor. This time instead of riches and wealth, Tessa Cade is stealing medicine to stop those in poverty from dying of a strange, new fever. Brigid explains in her acknowledgements that despite the book’s echoes of a “new deadly virus” alluding to Covid-19, the book was drafted pre-pandemic so it’s subject matter and raw human experience of dealing with a pandemic is very relevant and immersive to our current experiences. Brigid explores what its like to be a ruler, someone in power during a pandemic and how quickly and swiftly people can turn against those in power when they are suffering. The political intrigue in this book is evocative and is closely tied to the fast-paced action and progression of Tessa’s storyline as she seeks to build a future world which is fairer and does not discriminate by wealth.

The only cure to the fever is an elixir made from Moonflower petals that only grows in certain areas of the kingdom and therefore, can be held ransom by political consuls demanding more money, bought by the highest bidder and raided and smuggled by black-market thieves for profit. The kingdom of Kandala is held together by a thread and rebellion looms as King Harristan and his brother Prince Corrick mercilessly strike at any sign of rebellion, which only fuels the rebels fire.

As rumours begin to spread that the cure no longer works and sparks of rebellion begin to flare, a particularly cruel act from Prince Corrick makes Tessa desperate enough to try the impossible: sneaking into the palace. But what she finds upon her arrival makes her wonder if it’s even possible to fix Kandala without destroying it first.

Whether you’re a fan of Brigid’s novels already or you are a fan of dark YA novels with a hint of romance, this will be a great read for you. I finished the arc in four nights and I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series.

An e-arc was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I actually couldn’t read this as the format on my kindle was appalling so I will have to wait for my preorder but I’m sure I will love it so giving it 5* in anticipation

Firstly. thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA for the opportunity to review this book by sending me an ARC!

I just adore Brigid Kemmerer, I love the Cursebreakers Series and highly recommend it, so I went into Defy the Night with HIGH HOPES. And I certainly was not disappointed. Every single page was such a delight to read and although I really did want to savour it, I ended up bingeing it in the course of 24 hours.

This story has been compared to Robin Hood as we have Tessa and Wes stealing medicine from the rich to give to the poor. But I also couldn't help but compare the petal's elixir to Tangled...perhaps it's because it is one of my favourite films, but I adored that parallel.

I loved all the characters even Harristan and Corrick, even if we're not supposed to love them as much as our rouges. It was such a fun novel that will definitely put a smile on your face. And it just proves that Brigid is such an incredible author who does not get the love she deserves.

I've already told all my friends to read this book because it is such a joyous tale and I cannot wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.

This may only be the second book that I've read in September, but it may be my favourite already!!!

A fantasy retelling of Robin Hood? I really don't mind if I do!
This is the first book I've read by Kemmerer and I'm now officially a huge fan! Set in the land of Kandala, ruled by a cruel King and his brother, Tessa and Wes are outlaws helping the poor. The land has been ravaged by a fever and the only cure is closely protected, meaning only the richest and most elite tend to be able to afford it. The story is told through the eyes of brave Tessa and the cruel Prince Corrick, who's lives start to intertwine. It's a story about the blurred lines between right and wrong, on both sides.

I genuinely had an issue trying to put this book down and do anything else. I was hooked from the start and the twist and turns had my heart racing. I felt I saw the big reveal coming but didn't feel let down by it all. The characters have so many layers to them and I adored the side characters in this too.

I'm already desperate for the next book in this series. Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving the opportunity to read this ARC. Definitely one I'll be buying for my bookshelves.

A spark of rebellion is all it takes to DEFY THE NIGHT.

Kemmerer’s new book Defy the Night explores a kingdom ravaged by a deadly sickness that affects poor and rich alike. Tessa Cade, an apothecary works alongside the handsome Weston, a masked young man, both determined to do what they can to save as many people residing in the Wilds, an impoverished state within the kingdom. King Harristan and the King’s brother Prince Corrick are forced to rule with an iron fist. The only thing that seems to keep the dreaded fever at bay is the petals of the delicate Moonflower plant, a flower which is monopolized by the wealthier states. Tessa and Wes risk their lives to help those around them. When Tessa witnesses an unspeakable act of cruelty ordered by the king, she decides that she must infiltrate the royal palace and find a way to protect the most unfortunate citizens of the kingdom.

Defy The Night had me hooked from the very first page. It is full of action and adventure and plays with your emotions throughout. This is the first book in a series and I am really looking forward to seeing what happens in the kingdom of Kandala. Kemmerer has created a captivating new world full of intrigue and mystery. It’s a world that is defined by power; who has it and who is without it.

Packed full of twists and turns, this book will keep you on tenterhooks throughout. I loved the characters brought to life in the pages of the book; the charming and mysterious Weston, the loveable and idealistic Tessa, the cruel duo of the King and his brother, the King’s Justice and one of my favourite characters, Quint, best friend of Corrick. The dynamics between the main characters is brilliant and Kemmerer truly brings their relationships to life within this story.

Defy The Night is an immersive, enjoyable YA read. I couldn’t help but relate the characters of Tessa and Weston to that of Robin Hood and Maid Marian and I think Kemmerer presents old and familiar tropes in a new and interesting way to the modern audience. I can’t wait for the next instalment!

Defy the Night will be released on the 16th September. Thank you to NetGalley and to Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange

There are no words to explain just how excited I was to get my hands on this book. I have been such a huge Brigid Kemmerer fan since she released her debut novel around 8-9 years ago. When I first heard about this book, I was so excited just at the premise as it sounded like the kind of book I would absolutely adore… and I was completely right. This book was utterly phenomenal! I loved every single moment of it and couldn’t read it fast enough. This one is a must-read that everyone needs to put on their to-buy list.

Defy the Night is set in a fantastic world that is currently being ravaged by a horrific sickness. The only cure is an elixir made by the illustrious Moonflower plant. But the king and his brother have strict control over this elixir and only those who can afford it can get it. So Tessa steals Moonflower to make elixir for the poor. But can she continue to do so when everything changes around her?

Defy the Night was utter perfection. I loved every single moment of it. I absolutely loved the Robin Hood vibes I got from this book. Tessa and Weston work together as outlaws to help make and distribute medicine to the poor. It’s such a heartwarming and terrifying premise. Everytime they were out on their ‘runs’ I was terrified they were about to be caught. It’s such a fantastic premise and I loved it. I always love the whole outlaws kind of storyline and this one is one of my all time favourites within that trope.

Brigid is such a phenomenal author. Right from the very first page, I was hooked. I was completely enamoured and obsessed with this world and it’s characters. They are such amazing characters to follow throughout the book. I loved Tessa, her fearlessness and drive to help those who can’t fend for themselves. I fell head over heels in love with Weston. He is just a phenomenal and swoon-worthy character. Everyone is going to just love him. I love them together so much… their journey throughout this book was so wonderful. I love that the romance isn’t the main focus of the book but what is there is so heartwarming and beautiful.

This book was filled to the brim with twists and turns. I guessed one of them pretty early on, so there was one event that I didn’t really feel the emotional punch that I would have if I hadn’t guessed it so early. But that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book whatsoever. There were still so many other twists and turns that I didn’t guess. I was left reeling, dying to know what was going to happen next and I couldn’t read this book fast enough.

Defy the Night is, in my opinion, Brigid’s best work to date. I loved it even more than Cursebreakers. It felt so much more epic fantasy to me, which is my favourite kind of book. I am left with my heart full and dying to get my hands on the next book. This is a definite contender for my favourite book of the year. This is one that you don’t want to miss out on. I adored every single moment.

A massive thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this review copy!

It’s been soo long since I got so immersed in a story like this! Wow!

I loved every second of it! I loved Tessa and Wes, and my heart wept at first until I knew the truth (I cannot say…you have to read it!)

I even loved Harriston and Quint! Even Lochlan in his own special way.

Corrick. My favourite of them all. I loved his different personalities.

At first, I thought this was a pandemic story, how very wrong I was. I loved the whole Robin Hood theme that the author based her story off. Stunning.

This is a book that you won’t, and can’t, put down. Breathtaking. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!

A really fun YA fantasy that takes old and familiar tropes and makes them enjoyable and unique. I still prefer Kemmerer’s contemporary but this was very entertaining.

There is unrest in Kandala, the people are dying from horrible fevers and their King has issued executions for anyone smuggling the cure to people who need it.

In this Robin Hood inspired retelling, we meet Tessa Cade, a daughter of an apothecary who's parents were brutally murdered by the King's Night patrol while trying to help the people in the Wilds of Kandala who are suffering from a life-threating epidemic. Tessa carries on her parents legacy with her only friend, Wes. Together, they smuggle the only known cure for the fevers, Moonflower, among the poor in their district.
The second POV we get in this series is Corrick, the King's Justice, the ruthless right-hand man to King Harristan. Corrick is notorious for brutally executing smugglers and black market dealers on behalf of his brother, King Harristan. After their parents were assassinated by one of the palace's consuls, Harristan and Corrick were forced into power. We see how the new King and his brother navigate a the illness spreading in Kandala.

If you enjoyed A Curse So Dark and Lonely, you'll love Defy the Night. The characterization really make this book, I found myself in awe of the strong, hot-headed, honest and fiercely kind Tessa is, on the other hand Corrick is powerful and threatening but there is so much more to his character than meets the eye. This book was chocked full of twists and turns, while some were predictable, it didn't take away from the story in anyway.

I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment of this thrilling new fantasy series

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC of this book.

After loving Brigid Kemmerer's Cursebreakers series, I hoped that this title would be a success. This book blew the other series out of the window - or maybe over the castle walls...

The novel follows Tessa who is fighting hard to adapt and deliver the kingdom's only cure for a fever that has been killing the population. This cure is controlled by the rich who take multiple doses even when they are not sick, leaving the poor to die from lack of access to medication. Tessa and Wes (who never see each other's identity) steal and distribute the medicine in the Wilds to the people that need it. With the consuls and courts bargaining for more profit for the medicine, the story develops to show how Tessa and Wes try to keep people alive - however they can... There are twists and turns, inside and outside of the castle walls, where everyone just wants to survive.

Kemmerer uses dual perspective narrative well to show two very different characters' views of events in the story. Inevitably they begin to twine, but Kemmerer set up some shock value early on! I loved both narrators and found Tessa to be a much stronger and more enjoyable character than Harper from her A Curse So Dark and Lonely books. Corrick, the King's brother reveals what life is like within the castle, showing that life isn't as easy there as it may seem.

A beautiful blend of betrayal, secrets, and survival where the best and the worst of the human character are explored. Defy the Night is one of my favourites of 2021.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW!
Many many thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for this advanced reading copy of Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer.
Having enjoyed her A Curse so Dark and Lonely series I was really excited to be able to read this story early and I was not disappointed.
The story has the same “feel” as the previous series. It was easy to get into, characters you’ll love and a story you won’t want to end. When is book two out please?
The map is gorgeous, Kandala is an intriguing place and I’m interested to learn more about the moonflower petals that are the only known cure for the “fevers” that are killing people across the country. Also excited to see how the characters try to create peace in the next book.
If there’s any negative it’s maybe just that there wasn’t much really “different”. I still really enjoyed it though.

Defy the Night is told in first person from two POV’s of Tessa and Corrick. There is a sickness in the kingdom of Kandala and some die who get the sickness and some survive, there is no guarantee. Prince Corrick is the king’s justice and his brother is the king. The king’s justice is a brutal role. Tessa Cade and her best friend Wes distribute an elixir to the people. There is a rebellion rising. Defy the Night is a rich, young adult fantasy tale that I really enjoyed. The characters were well developed and I will definitely be reading the next one in the series. The romance was really sweet too.