Defy the Night

In the Wilds of Kandala, apothecary apprentice Tessa Cade has been watching people suffer for too long. A mysterious sickness is ravaging the land and the cure, Moonflower Elixir, is only available for the wealthy. So every night, she defies the royal edicts and sneaks out, stealing Moonflower petals and leaving the elixir for those in need.

In the palace of Kandala, Prince Corrick serves as the King’s Justice, meting out vicious punishments and striking fear into the hearts of agitators and outlaws. Corrick knows he must play this role convincingly--with a shortage of elixir and threats of rebellion looming ever closer, the King’s grip on power is tenuous at best, and Corrick knows his brother is the kingdom’s best hope for survival.

But when an act of unspeakable cruelty brings the royal and the outlaw face to face, the natural enemies are faced with an impossible choice--and a surprising spark. Will they follow their instincts to destroy each other? Or will they save the kingdom together . . . and let that spark ignite?

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing.

Book club questions for Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

What do you think about Tessa and Weston and their Robin Hood activities?

What are your first impressions of Corrick from his chapter's perspective?

Between Tessa and Corrick's chapters, how do you imagine the kingdom of Kandala?

There's a big twist in chapter 13 - did you see it coming? How does it change your perspective of the first twelve chapters?

Prince Corrick and King Harristan are struggling to keep the peace, between greed consuls, suffering people, and dangerous rebels. What do you think of the way they're ruling, and what would you do differently?

Why do you think Corrick continues to keep his relationship with Tessa a secret from Harristan?

What do you think of the Moonflower supply and the benefactors?

Lochlan's character becomes a bigger part of the series. What's your impression of him now in Defy the Night?

What do you think of the confrontation at the end between the royals and rebels? What do you think that means for the future of Kandala?

How do you feel about where we leave Corrick and Tessa? Are you picking up any other hints of romance?

Defy the Night Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Defy the Night discussion questions

“A kinetic tale of the tension between duty, love and trust.” —Cassandra Clare, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Sword Catcher

“Defy the Night has everything you want in a story: a complex, dangerous world where anyone could be your enemy, a tortured hero, and my personal favorite: plenty of kissing. This book is unputdownable.” ―Isabel Ibañez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What the River Knows

“A captivating combination of thrilling adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and royal intrigue.” —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Once Upon a Broken Heart

“Immersive and engaging. . . . A romantic epic that blends magic and politics with a deft hand.” —Adrienne Young, New York Times Bestselling author of Fable and Spells for Forgetting

“A twisty, edge-of-your-seat fantasy that has it all--outlaws, court intrigue, rebellions, and romance.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

“A high stakes fantasy with heart and originality. Kemmerer is a master of nuance and political intrigue.” —Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Spin the Dawn and So This is Love

“A breathtaking, tender, and fiercely page-turning story. . . . Left me thinking and questioning, which is the best thing any book can do.” —Mary E. Pearson, New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles