Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer

The second in the series following Defy the night continues the story of Tessa and Corrick and their quest to find enough Moonflower petals to cure the kingdom of Kandala from the dreaded fever that has been sweeping the land. When Captain Rian Blakemore an emissary from the neighbouring kingdom of Ostriary takes them onboard his ship to seek an agreement with their king about selling steel in return for Moonflower petals, the pair face unknown danger, while trying to sort out their relationship. Meanwhile back in the kingdom of Kandala, rebellion and treachery is rife and King Harriston must try to bring his people together. Who are the traitors planning to overthrow the King and what is Rian Blakemore hiding on board his ship?

For much of the story, Defend the dawn concentrates on Tessa and Corrick’s relationship told in dual voices. Tess is torn by conflicting feelings about Wes the man who crept through the night delivering medicine with her and the cruel things that Prince Corrick, the King’s Justice, had done to the rebels. This slowed the story down, but the introduction of an unnamed rebel added some suspense while readers will enjoy finding out more of King Harriston and his beliefs.

Lots of action aboard the ship and on land in the last third of the book made for a riveting read and the cliff-hangers at its conclusion will ensure that the next in the series is picked up as soon as it is published.

Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Rebels.

Pat Pledger