Hello and welcome to FictionLit.com where we discuss fiction literature with a focus on fantasy.
In this article, I’ll be writing about frequently asked questions regarding Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer.
I hope you enjoy the article!
What genre is Defy the Night?
Defy the Night is a Young Adult Fiction Fantasy novel. It also contains dystopian and romance elements.
What is Defy the Night about?
Defy the Night follows Prince Corrick and apothecary Tessa through dual-POVs. Their kingdom of Kandala is suffering. A terrible sickness kills people rich and poor alike across the sectors. And a rare flower found only in two of the sectors offers a cure.
Defy the Night Book Summary
The kingdom of Kandala is on the brink of disaster. Rifts between sectors have only worsened since a sickness began ravaging the land. And within the Royal Palace, the king holds a tenuous peace with a ruthless hand.
King Harristan was thrust into power after his parents’ assassination. This left the younger Prince Corrick to take on the role of the King’s Justice. The brothers have learned to react mercilessly to any sign of rebellion. It’s the only way to maintain order when the sickness can strike anywhere. And the only known cure, an elixir made from delicate Moonflower petals, is very limited.
Out in the wilds, apothecary apprentice, Tessa Cade has had enough of seeing her neighbors die. And the the unyielding royals ignore their suffering. Every night, she and her best friend Wes risk their lives to steal Moonflower petals. From these petals they concoct a healing elixir and distribute it to those who need it most. But it’s still not enough.
As rumors spread that the cure no longer works, sparks of rebellion begin to flare. A cruel act from the King’s Justice makes Tessa desperate enough to try something impossible. She sneaks into the palace but what she finds upon her arrival makes her wonder. Is it even possible to fix Kandala without destroying it first?
Is Defy the Night a standalone or part of a series?
Defy the Night is the first book in a new fantasy series by Brigid Kemmerer. We do not know if Defy the Night is going to be a duology, trilogy, or contain more books. However, we at least know that Defy the Night is going to have a sequel. But as of the date of this article, details about the book and its release date are not known yet.
Does Defy the Night contain romance, and what kind of romance?
Defy the Night contains a slow-burn romance between Tessa and Corrick. The kind of romance is from friends to enemies to friends again before finally blossoming into romance.
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Is Wes, Corrick?
At the start of the book, we get to meet Tessa and Wes (Weston). From the beginning, we learn that Tessa has strong feelings for Wes, and he seems to have feelings for her. But then Wes gets killed, or so it seems. Tessa eventually sneaks into the palace, and when she does, she finds out Wes is still alive! Yes, Wes is Corrick, and he’s helping his country undercover. But for this, Tessa hates him.
[THIS PART CONTAINS SPOILERS]
Who does Tessa end up with?
It is ultimately unknown who Tessa will end up with if anyone since there will be a second book. However, so far we learn in Defy the Night that Tessa’s love interest is Corrick. Tessa still has feelings for Corrick since she has feelings for Wes. But it is complicated since she has always hated the king and the prince. Tessa helps Corrick during which time we read about how Tessa and Corrick grow closer.
Does Defy the Night contain a love triangle?
You could say Defy the Night contains a love triangle. Yet it is not a love triangle as the 2 male characters are one and the same. Tessa is divided by her heart. She loves Wes but always hated the prince for his brutal acts.
Who are the main characters in Defy the Night?
Tessa
Tessa is the protagonist of the book. When her best friend Weston dies, she makes a plan to sneak into the palace and kill the king for all the unjust acts he and the royal family have committed. Throughout the book, we learn more about Tessa and her thoughts since much of the book is from her perspective.
Weston
Weston is Tessa’s best friend. Years ago, he saved her life. And from that moment, they have been stealing Moonflower. They do this to help the people of Kandala. Tessa and Wes distribute the cure for an unknown sickness that has been killing the people of Kandala.
Corrick
Corrick, the King’s Justice, is a brutal prince who rules by his brother, King Harristan’s side. Their parents were loved and betrayed. Corrick believes that cruelty and fear are the best tools for ruling a kingdom.
Harristan
Harristan is the king of Kandala and Prince Corrick’s brother. He rules with a ruthless hand. He became king when his parents were killed by someone who betrayed them.
Quint
Quint is the Palace Master and Corrick’s only friend. He’s honest, witty, and observant. He is also the only one who knows that Corrick is actually Weston.
Books Like Defy the Night
If you enjoyed Defy the Night you might enjoy the following books as well!
- A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer – The Cursebreaker trilogy is another series by Brigid Kemmerer. Of course, the story is different. But the writing style and story structure is similar to that of Defy the Night.
- These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan – This is a first book of a duology about politics and intrigue in a world of Fae.
- Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber – This is the first book of a spinoff series from Caraval.
- Crown of Feathers by Nici Pau Preto – This is the first book in a trilogy about a girl dreaming of becoming a Phoenix Rider who are outlawed and hunted.
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black – This is the first book in a trilogy, with politics, intrigue and fae much like These Hollow Vows.
- Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson – This is a standalone book with a steampunk feel like Defy the night and a lot of banter and magic (and a cat)!
Are there different kind of editions of Defy the Night?
There are many editions of Defy the Night. Below I will discuss some of the editions of this book and what is unique about them.
Normal US Edition
The US edition of Defy the Night only has one difference from the UK version and that is the cover. Because they look similar it is hard to say which is which. However, the US edition shows the palace in the background.
Normal UK Edition
The UK edition of Defy the Night shares the color scheme with the US edition. That said, the UK edition has more focus on the Moonflower.
Barnes & Noble Edition
Barnes & Noble is a US company. Their edition looks the same as the normal US edition. However, this edition features a unique case stamp and foil, printed ends with a pattern, and a bonus chapter!
Fairyloot Edition
Fairyloot is a book box company based in the UK so their cover matches the normal UK edition. However, this edition also features solid lilac sprayed edges. and is signed by the author! It also has a ribbon bookmark and art on the reverse of the dust jacket.
Beacon Book Box Edition
Beacon Book Box is also a US-based company that shares the US cover. However, it also features solid coral glimmery sprayed edges and is signed by the author. Plus, it comes with a bonus dust jacket that has character artwork.
Conclusion
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions about this book!
And if you do have more questions please feel free to leave a comment below.
