Defy the Night

Defy the Night is a delightful introduction to Kemmerer’s new series. The assassination of a much loved monarch and the rise of a suspicious fever has the kingdom on the cusp of rebellion. The new young king and his brother both struggle with the strain their public personas are placing on their personal beliefs. Each is determined to protect the other, despite the cost to their own hearts. As the fever spreads and more people are dying, the rebellion gains momentum, creating a thrilling us versus them situation. Each side is convinced they are doing the right thing but are blind to the larger picture. At the center is a girl with the trust of both sides who is simply trying to stop the violence and save the people.

Kemmerer’s writing is captivating and effortlessly weaves a poignant narrative. The reader’s desperation builds alongside the characters’ as we learn of the layered and nuanced challenges of combating the fever afflicting the land. What was truly remarkable was the number of times I switched sides throughout the story. By the end, I was neither rebel nor elite but a hopeful third option.