If you are looking for some kind of unexpected ending, twist, or uniqueness to the story – this is not the novel for you. However, when I say this book was an easy read, I mean just that. That way I’m more confident I will finish it. I’m not a fan of not finishing a novel, so I try to read the synopsis and reviews before deciding to open a book. I’m often hesitant to start books I didn’t carefully select. I couldn’t stay awake to read no matter how hard I tried.

This was mostly due to being sick and then the final month of pregnancy. Prior to picking it up, I had been on quite a book-break. I enjoyed reading this novel and made my way through it quickly. “A spark of rebellion is all it takes to defy the night.” ― Brigid Kemmerer, Defy the Night As the story continues, the divide between the rich and impoverished grows until rebellion takes hold. This story has a strong Robin Hood vibe, with Tessa and her partner stealing moonflower from those who have an abundance and giving it to those in desperate need. While there is an elixir to hold off the effects of the sickness, access to the elixir is not available to all and only two sectors are capable of growing the delicate moonflower needed. Prince Corrick and his brother, King Harriston, began ruling the kingdom after the assination of their parents and shortly after the sickness began to spread. The story is set in Kandala, which is split into six sectors, some better off than others. This novel follows two main characters – Tessa Cade and Prince Corrick – as their kingdom battles a sickness sweeping through the land bringing heartbreak and corruption. For the most part, I found it enjoyable but that’s about as far as it went. I thought it was gorgeous and wanted to read it immediately. I received Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer in a recent monthly Bookish Box subscription and was immediately pulled in by the cover.

Defy the night plot