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A review by rrickman33
Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
5.0
This is a wonderful first book in a new YA series. First off, the map in this book is gorgeous AND we get a breakdown of characters and where they are from in the Kingdom. My organized Type A heart SWOONED. Beyond the great world building we get complex characters, a fun plot, and a Robin Hood retelling that is more grey than black and white. There is also a sweet romance that is all substance and nothing shallow or fleeting.
Picture the setting: there is a fever that has reached epidemic proportions and the cure is a flower petal that is ground and added to tea. Tessa and Wes are "outlaws" that steal extra flowers from the rich who hoard them, and distribute them to the poor and dying. When Wes suddenly goes missing Tessa makes the decision to sneak into the Castle where the wicked King and Prince live... and her life is never the same.
These characters were so well rounded and full of morally grey thoughts and actions. The entire plot was shown from both sides, how do you distribute the flowers and run the kingdom while keeping the peace among everyone? It seems black and white until you're in it and trying to find the answer yourself. I loved following Tessa as her view of the world broadened and she tried to solve problems after seeing the other side.
Is it right to steal from the rich and give to the poor? Or should the laws boosting the rich be fundamentally changed to benefit all of society? I loved exploring these themes from both sides of the argument and I think this is such a great book for the YA audience to read to help them navigate real life, modern day politics.
I immensely enjoyed this Robin Hood retelling from a dark YA fantasy point of view and I can't recommend it enough.
Picture the setting: there is a fever that has reached epidemic proportions and the cure is a flower petal that is ground and added to tea. Tessa and Wes are "outlaws" that steal extra flowers from the rich who hoard them, and distribute them to the poor and dying. When Wes suddenly goes missing Tessa makes the decision to sneak into the Castle where the wicked King and Prince live... and her life is never the same.
These characters were so well rounded and full of morally grey thoughts and actions. The entire plot was shown from both sides, how do you distribute the flowers and run the kingdom while keeping the peace among everyone? It seems black and white until you're in it and trying to find the answer yourself. I loved following Tessa as her view of the world broadened and she tried to solve problems after seeing the other side.
Is it right to steal from the rich and give to the poor? Or should the laws boosting the rich be fundamentally changed to benefit all of society? I loved exploring these themes from both sides of the argument and I think this is such a great book for the YA audience to read to help them navigate real life, modern day politics.
I immensely enjoyed this Robin Hood retelling from a dark YA fantasy point of view and I can't recommend it enough.