*[Blog Tour Review] Defy the Night by Heather Munn & Lydia Munn

Summary:

If no one will do anything, she’ll have to do it herself.

In 1941 France is still “free.” But fifteen-year-old Magali is frustrated by the cruel irony of pretending life is normal when food is rationed, new clothes are a rarity, and most of her friends are refugees. And now the government is actually helping the Nazis. Someone has got to do something, but it seems like no one has the guts—until Paquerette arrives.

Smuggling refugee children is Paquerette’s job. And she asks Magali to help.

Working with Paquerette is scary and exhausting, but Magali never doubts that it is the right thing to do. Until her brash actions put those she loves in danger.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 311 pages (Paperback)

Source: Review Copy

Available Formats: Print/E-book

Publication Date: February 1st 2014 by Kregel Publications

If I had to describe Defy the Night in one word it would have to be addictive. I have a weird wariness for historical fiction set during WWI and WWII but the summary for this one really caught my eye when I got the tour invite, it just sounded like a book I shouldn't miss which I'm glad I didn't because it had me up reading until 5 a.m. yesterday morning. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end and, even then I was left wanting more. I just love that feeling when a book I'm curious but wary of turns out to be a fan-freaking-tastic good read.

I was completely captivated by Magli's story right from the get go. I thought it was wonderful to have such a young heroine be so determined in her quest to not become like the others she knows who are so compliant to the Nazi's even though she knows the risks to herself are high. She was such a strong young girl I was rooting for her the whole way through. While, I thought she was a fantastic character it isn't because she was perfect. She's a teenager and while there are extreme differences in being a 15 year old German girl now compared to then that teenage angst is prominent and the basic teenage growing pains are still there. She has whiny moments, selfish moments, but all of that for me made her even more likable because she was easier to connect with because of those faults which I can't exactly call faults, but have to for lack of a better word. She's just one of those characters you love and get attached to. Plus I loved how she looks up to Paquerette and how inspired she is by her, the reverence she feels for her really came through in the writing.

I also really enjoyed  Paquerette. She was saving lives and putting herself in harms way so that future generations of young Jewish children could survive and thrive. I love how while she was so young as well, she was so hopeful in her struggle.

This book definitely had me all over the place emotionally. The voices of mother-daughter writing duo Heather and Lydia were compelling and I love the way they told this powerful, emotion filled glimpse into a time not all that long ago when one of the most horrific occurrences in human history occurred. After reading Defy the Night, I was left emotionally crippled because the book was just that raw, I had to take a moment to really process it. I loved the plot, the characters and the fast paced story really packed a punch and I'm so glad I read it.

I would recommend Defy the Night to everyone, but I can see fans of historical fiction and WWII fiction really loving this novel featuring a strong young heroine who knows the difference between right and wrong and is willing to stick up and help those who are being victimized.

 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Loved It!
★★★★★

 

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