ARC Review: Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer

When a mysterious ship docks with a crew, supposedly from Kandala, baring Moonflower, our fearless King, his Justice and Apothocary are left trying to figure out who this captain is and if the story he tells can be trusted.  Rian tells a good tale and seems to have a crew loyal to him, but can Kandala trust him?  How does this play into the rebellion?

Wow.  There was a lot of turmoil in this one, leaving readers trying to figure out who could be trusted.  At various points, Corrick, Tess, and Harristan were casting doubt in all directions that you had to wonder if it would be possible to unweave the giant tangle they found themselves in.  Court intrigue was definitely at an all-time high!  This installment moved a bit slower at first as we court dramatics play out, but once Tess and Corrick make their way to Rian’s ship, the pace picks up and a lot happens.  The character I loved most in this book was Harristan.  He became more than his illness and we saw that backbone he liked to hide behind Corrick.  I never questioned him wanting what was best for Kandala, but now he was forced to do things that he would have relied on his brother for.  It was great to see him show people what he was made of.

Next year can’t come soon enough for the next book.  I’ll be over here waiting patiently for it.