Brigid Kemmerer's Defy the Night captivates readers with its dynamic characters and fast-paced plot set in a dystopian world. Praised for its compelling romance and moral dilemmas, the novel does, however, receive some criticism for predictability and reliance on familiar tropes. Overall, it's an engaging read for fans of YA fantasy.

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer will captivate readers who enjoy fast-paced, dystopian fantasy with strong romantic elements. Ideal for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series and Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen, this novel appeals to those who appreciate resilient heroines, political intrigue, and richly built worlds.

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer is a young adult fantasy novel set in the kingdom of Kandala, which is ravaged by a plague with a single cure: the Moonflower. Protagonist Tessa Cade, a young apothecary, teams up with Weston "Wes" Lark to steal and distribute the medicine to those who can't afford it. Tessa discovers Wes is actually Prince Corrick, and together they navigate political intrigue and rebellion to address the kingdom's crisis. Topics include illness, violence, murder, and death.

Suspenseful / Romantic / Adventurous / Emotional

- Defy the Night is a young adult fantasy novel that was released on September 14, 2021, and is the first book in a series by Brigid Kemmerer.
- The book explores themes of power, inequality, and rebellion, drawing inspiration from the author's interest in how small acts of defiance can lead to significant change.
- Brigid Kemmerer is known for her skillful blending of fantasy elements with relatable, emotional storytelling, which is also evident in her previous bestselling series A Curse So Dark and Lonely.

**Tessa Cade**  
A young apothecary who is determined to provide medicine for those who cannot afford it, stealing from the wealthy and risking her life in the process.  

**Prince Corrick/Weston “Wes” Lark**  
The King’s Justice to his brother Harristan who also leads a double life as Wes, an outlaw aiding Tessa in her quest to distribute medicine to the poor.  

**King Harristan**  
The young ruler often viewed as harsh but gradually revealed to be surrounded by misinformation, impacting his ability to lead effectively.  

**Quint**  
Corrick’s sidekick, who provides comic relief and aids the main characters through his loyalty and resourcefulness.  

**Consul Allisander Sallister**  
A power-hungry advisor to the king, representing the Moonlight Plains sector, who leverages his control over the cure's ingredients for personal gain.  

**Consul Lissa Marpetta**  
A consul aligned with Allisander, whose discreet demeanor hides her involvement in creating and distributing fake medicine.  

**Consul Arella Cherry**  
A consul from Sunkeep, known for her revolutionary ideas and unique stance opposing some of the kingdom's harsh policies.  

**Karri**  
An apothecary shop worker trying to befriend Tessa, who becomes involved with the rebels to support their cause.  

**Lochlan**  
A rebel leader with complex motivations, striving for greater access to medicine but employing violent tactics to achieve his aims.

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