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calicat42's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
bookishgoob's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, War, and Injury/Injury detail
zozo_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content and War
Minor: Child abuse
theespressoedition's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual content