Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - 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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beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition

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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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lujisa's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

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

4.0

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maddiementions's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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theespressoedition's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Brigid, you continue to blow me away with your incredibly immersive and breathtaking worlds. This book is yet another masterpiece!

As someone who is often disappointed by sequels for whatever reason (not as exciting as the first, slow and politically heavy, characters take a nosedive, etc.) I can easily say that Defend the Dawn did not let me down in the slightest. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when starting it, but by the time I finished, I was an emotional wreck who really didn't want to put it down!

One thing that does hold true to Brigid's other sequels is that you will find yourself disliking characters you loved previously. I used to think that this was something I didn't enjoy in her books, but after seeing it happen more than once, I can now objectively say that it's a really strategic move that winds up benefiting the story overall. These characters - both beloved and brand new - are so detailed and really take you on an emotional rollercoaster!

The start of the story is a bit slower, but it doesn't take long for things to pick up. Before you know it, you'll be holding your breath, poring over every word, not even realizing how many chapters have flown by. It sucks you in! I think that having each chapter told from a different perspective makes a huge difference here. It gives you a much broader view of the story and helps you understand all of the elements in a more detailed way. I especially enjoyed reading from the POV of "The Outlaw" (who I will not reveal in this review so as to avoid spoilers).

THAT ENDING!!! I wasn't anticipating what was coming in the final chapters and it surprised the heck out of me... and made me furious that the next book couldn't be in my hands immediately after I finished! I can't wait for whatever comes next in the world of Tessa and Corrick.

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shannnne_reads_words's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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