The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
bookishgoob's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Murder, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Medical content, Toxic relationship, War, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Child death, Chronic illness, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Grief, and Misogyny
zozo_reads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- 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
That cliffhangerrrrrr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Medical content and War
Minor: Child abuse
theespressoedition's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Kidnapping and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
More...