Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Defend the Dawn

This book felt like it was stretched a bit too thin without quite enough happening. It's hard to say without the third book being out yet where the story is going (I am anticipating the release and will be reading right away!) - but it felt like a series being stretched into a trilogy that could've been edited down into a duology. The first book Defy the Night is probably the best YA political fantasy I've read, and this one focused a bit too much on a character driven plot without a lot of other plot happening. Basically they were on this ship for a long ass time and nothing really happened? I love these characters so that's what was keeping me reading, but I did get a bit bored at parts. Protect Corrick and Harrison at all costs.
I am glad I waited to read this until right before the third book comes out...

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Defend the Dawn is a worthy second book in the Defy the Night trilogy.

Brigid Kemmerer has delivered mightily in terms of character and plot. It is well-paced, with a good mix of both action scenes and quieter moments, as well as several well-timed twists - especially towards the end of the novel. The character work is excellent (almost too good in places, there were times when I felt Kemmerer was telling us how the characters were feeling rather than showing it). My favourite thing about this series so far has been the close relationship between brothers Harristan and Corrick, and Defend the Dawn offers up plenty to savour there (although I still could have used more!).

I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in this series and how all the various plot threads will be resolved.

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