Defy the Sun

February 14, 2020

Gr 7 Up-In a sequel taking place immediately following Beware the Night, Veda has been appointed the Lunalette and leader of the Night, while her best friend/love interest Nico is on the opposing side after being named heir to Raevald, the High Regent, and Veda's grandfather. The series continues to be told in alternating points of view as the characters go on parallel journeys, each working to get back to the other and both realizing the system they once believed in is terribly flawed, led by men who care more for power than people. The previously established love triangle among Veda, Nico, and Dorian, a member of the Night, continues, though it does become obvious early on who Veda will end up with. The world-building is not substantially enhanced from the previous book, though characters are let in on the true nature of their history. New characters are fully fleshed out, with Raevald's personal assistant, Salazar, gaining a more featured role that includes a clandestine romance with an enemy. The vast Night spy network is also expanded upon, with previously unknown members introduced and others revealed as spies. VERDICT A riveting and satisfying conclusion to a two-volume set, with a timely message: teens realize they can't rely on adults to fix the problems in society, but must do it themselves.-Rebecca Greer, Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.