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kmartbooks 's review for:
Defy the Night
by Brigid Kemmerer
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fast-paced, engaging start to a series that balances rebellion, political unrest, and character-driven storytelling. I had a great time with this one, especially with how it explores the messiness of leadership and what it means to do the right thing when the “right thing” isn’t always clear-cut. Or, at least, that’s what the characters tell themselves.
Tessa is an easy protagonist to root for. She’s bold and compassionate, and I really appreciated how her perspective evolves as she gains a better understanding of the power structures at play. She learns how complicated governance really is, but she never loses sight of her kindness, even when everything around her urges her to harden. Corrick is a great foil: torn between morality and duty, burdened by his role as the brutal face of justice. His inner conflict adds depth, and the tension between him and Tessa worked for me.
That said, I have to admit: reading this in today’s political climate makes the “we want to do the right thing, but our hands are tied” angle wear a little thin. Corrick and his brother are in power, so why do they seem so powerless? It’s not that the story ignores the pressures of politics, but sometimes it leans too hard on that excuse, and I found myself rolling my eyes at their passivity. Do the right thing, you’re the rulers!
Still, the pacing is excellent, the stakes are high, and the moral ambiguity is compelling. I appreciated that no one is entirely right or wrong, and that everyone is forced to make hard calls. If you like thoughtful rebellion stories with high stakes and strong character arcs, this one delivers!
Thank you to Storygram Tours, Bloomsbury Books, and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Tessa is an easy protagonist to root for. She’s bold and compassionate, and I really appreciated how her perspective evolves as she gains a better understanding of the power structures at play. She learns how complicated governance really is, but she never loses sight of her kindness, even when everything around her urges her to harden. Corrick is a great foil: torn between morality and duty, burdened by his role as the brutal face of justice. His inner conflict adds depth, and the tension between him and Tessa worked for me.
That said, I have to admit: reading this in today’s political climate makes the “we want to do the right thing, but our hands are tied” angle wear a little thin. Corrick and his brother are in power, so why do they seem so powerless? It’s not that the story ignores the pressures of politics, but sometimes it leans too hard on that excuse, and I found myself rolling my eyes at their passivity. Do the right thing, you’re the rulers!
Still, the pacing is excellent, the stakes are high, and the moral ambiguity is compelling. I appreciated that no one is entirely right or wrong, and that everyone is forced to make hard calls. If you like thoughtful rebellion stories with high stakes and strong character arcs, this one delivers!
Thank you to Storygram Tours, Bloomsbury Books, and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.