Brigid Kemmerer covers much more than one genre with her writing; she is a multifaceted and talented author, with the capacity to write characters that we can’t help but fall in love and empathize with.
From contemporary stories such as the emotionally charged and beautiful standalone book Letters to the Lost, to her fantasy series that begins with, A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Kemmerer has become a cherished writer across genres. Her book collections, including the Cursebreakers and Elementals series, are fan favorites.
Her current series, which began with Defy the Night, is her most ambitious yet, leaving readers in suspense since the second installment, Defend the Dawn. Filled with romance, drama and characters that ignite interest, the most recent release, Destroy the Day, is a must-read that is electric and full of passion. It’s finally time for readers to dive into the powerful finale of this series, and say goodbye to beloved characters.
Conclusion to Thrilling YA Fantasy
Destroy the Day is not just a conclusion to Tessa and Prince Corrick’s story of bravery and their powerful connection. The book will leave readers reeling and hoping for more about the characters and their tales as they turn every fast-paced page. And fast-paced they are. Readers won’t be able to put this one down — and that’s a promise.
In the previous installment, Defend the Dawn, Tessa and Corrick are separated, with Corrick held captive by the vicious Oren Crane. Now, his only way of survival is to unite forces with the enemy, Lochlan, who wants Corrick’s destruction and death more than anything else.
It keeps readers wondering if any character that was shady from the start of the series could ever really be redeemed. Or is it a clear trap that will result in even more struggles for Corrick and all involved?
Emotional Depth and Plenty of Angst
Tessa and Corrick’s separation makes the story emotional and gives it as much heart as the other books in the series. Corrick is presumed dead by Tessa, who experiences immense grief when she realizes that she might never see him again or even be able to return to her known world and home. Caught with Rian, yet another person she never trusted, Tessa also finds herself relying on someone who is an enemy.
There’s a side story that follows King Harristan, the former ruler who is now desperately on the run. The novel gives us alternate points of view, showcasing each character’s vulnerable side, the results of their past choices, and the way they have connected and leaned on each other.
The recurring theme of the book is about life and the choices we need to make to succeed and find our way to our destiny. It’s also about how easily trust can be broken and how hard it is to gain. This series conclusion is powerful, leading readers to root for the characters’ survival and for them to keep those who matter close, and lose those who are dangerous and untrustworthy.
Destroy the Day takes inspiration from its title and destroys all prior misconceptions about love, grief and power. As readers immerse themselves, they’ll root for true love and a satisfying conclusion for all characters. Will they find their way back to each other, or return to the world they long for? Will they be able to save the kingdom? Can they also find and work on themselves and help each other? Readers will close the book feeling like the characters will always live inside of them.
BookTrib had the chance to chat with Brigid about this powerful read, concluding her series, and what’s next for her.
An Interview with Brigid Kemmerer
Your recent novels take place in the world of YA Fantasy. You also have written some well-received contemporary novels. What do you enjoy about writing in two different genres? Have you found that there are overlaps or commonalities between the two?
I love writing both contemporary and fantasy! What’s funny is that I often joke that my fantasy novels are really contemporary stories wrapped up in magical elements and fantastical creatures. I love to tackle complex real life issues in my novels, and writing fantasy gives me a chance to tackle heavy themes like abuse, the loss of a parent, depression, or discovering who we’re meant to be, but I can put it in a really accessible story for any readers who want to escape the real world for a little while.
The Defy the Night series combines multifaceted characters with drama, immersive fantasy and dark themes. What can readers expect from Destroy the Day, the third and final book in the series?
Tessa and Corrick – and King Harristan! – are not having an easy time of it at the end of book two, Defend the Dawn. When Destroy the Day opens, all three characters are divided for the first time, and they need to work with some really unexpected partners to get what they want. I loved having the opportunity to bring more characters to life in this third and final book, and I can’t wait for my readers to have a chance to meet them all.
Is Destroy the Day the last of these characters, or do you have plans to revisit them in the future?
At the end of the Cursebreaker series, I knew I had more story to tell, which is why I began a new spinoff series with Forging Silver into Stars. But with this series, it feels very complete. I love where the characters end up. I don’t have any plans to continue. (That said, I never say never. There are definitely enough threads for future stories.)
Your official website provides fans and readers with a section for writing advice. Why do you think collaborating as writers and reading this advice is important for aspiring authors? Is there any advice you received as a young writer that made a difference?
No one creates in a vacuum. Every author, at some point in their career, will need advice, insight, a shoulder to cry on, a cheerleader, etc., and the best person to give it will be another writer who’s been in the trenches. I’ve been given advice from a variety of sources over the years, and I do my best to pass that information on to others whenever I can. The best advice I’ve ever heard is to be kind to everyone along the way, because you never know who you’re going to meet.
News broke recently that you have an upcoming adult romantasy series in the works — what else can you share about this?
Yes! I am so excited about Warrior Princess Assassin, which will be my first adult fantasy novel. It’s about a princess who’s secretly best friends with an assassin … until he shows up the night before her wedding to the king of a rival nation, and tells her that he’s been assigned to kill them both. I’m so excited about it, and I can’t wait to share more.
Are there any other exciting creative projects that you can talk about?
I know readers are dying for news about the follow-up to Forging Silver into Stars, and I’m happy to confirm that the second book is coming soon, and to watch my social media for updates in the next few months!
About Brigid Kemmerer:
Brigid Kemmerer is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen dark and alluring novels like Defy the Night, A Curse So Dark and Lonely, and Letters to the Lost. Her stories always feature complex characters facing the challenges of life, both in realistic settings and rich fantasy worlds, making her a beloved author among young adult readers. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her husband, her boys, her dog, and her cats. When she’s not writing or being a mommy, you can usually find her with her hands wrapped around a barbell.
Photo Credit: Emily Karcher Photography LLC
