kevinscorner 's review for:

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

5.0

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Destroy the Day is the epic conclusion to the YA fantasy trilogy Defy the Night. Our lead trio have been separated and must work their way back to each other again. Prince Corrick is prisoner to Oren Crane alongside rebel leader Lochlan and they must settle their differences if they want to get back to Tessa. Tessa is grieving for Corrick and held hostage by Rian who needs her to negotiate with Harristan. Back in Kandala, King Harristan is a fugitive in his  own kingdom with Quint and a couple of guards, and he must work with the rebellion who once tried to oust him if he wants his throne back.

This book was just fantastic and closes the trilogy in grand, emotional, and epic fashion. Each of the three plotlines are just as interesting, investing, and engaging with tons of action, personal stakes, and touching moments. I do wish we had gotten more time with the three of them together as they are now, but the very nature of the story means they are apart through much of it. That’s what raised the stakes even more.

I loved seeing the development of Corrick and Lochlan’s relationship from bitter enemies to reluctant allies to something akin to brotherhood. It very much reflects on Corrick and Harristan’s own fraternal relationship. Speaking of these two royal brothers, it was genuinely touching seeing their brotherhood bond even through just recollections and reflections as they spend the entire book completely separate. Harriston also gets a surprising romance and I was all for it with all its coyness and desperation. Tessa won me over again after her backslide in the previous book as she stood against Rian with the help of her guard Rocco and as she mourns the supposed death of Corrick. And of course, they get the ever after they deserve.

Destroy the Day ends the trilogy on a high note, delivering a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.