Defy the Dusk: Book One of The Sundering Duet
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Defy the Dusk: Book One of The Sundering Duet

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  • AuthorDanielle L. Jensen
  • PublisherDel Rey
  • Pages672
  • ISBN9780593975121

About this book

When darkness means certain death and survival depends on reaching the dawn, the woman whose magic broke the world will carve another path: defy the dusk. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom comes the first book in a gritty post-apocalyptic fantasy duology.

This stunning first edition hardcover features designed sprayed edges and endpapers, a custom foil-stamped case, and a deluxe jacket with foil—while supplies last!

“Propulsive and unstoppable, Defy the Dusk is a furious machine of a book, with a tremendous heart at its core.”—Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempest

In the Sundered world, there are two options: Ride the dawn, or face what rises in the night.

Twenty years ago, Lirien’s magic fractured the world and unleashed nocturnal creatures that brought civilization to its knees. Amidst the carnage came salvation: The most powerful survivors were invited to board Dawnrider, a high-speed rig that would deliver those aboard into a new era.

The rest of humanity was left to die.

Instead, a king rose from the darkness to lead them.

In the years since, Lirien has dedicated her magic to Dawnrider while secretly plotting to overthrow the tyrant who rules the rig with an iron fist. But just as Lirien is ready to strike against him, she is violently abducted by Vox—the king of the feralists.

The mercurial Vox gives her two choices: Fight the creatures that hunt the night or be fed to them. Lirien agrees to join his ranks, but embarks on a strategy of seduction that will return her to Dawnrider.

Yet as Vox pushes the limits of her magic, Lirien begins to question whether defying the dusk is the true path to salvation. Intoxicated by both Vox and his war against the night, Lirien must decide where her loyalties truly lie—and how far she’s willing to go for redemption.

Book One of The Sundering Duet

Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: 2026-11-03
Pages: 672
ISBN: 9780593975121

Praise for this book

I didn’t know I needed a Mad Max–inspired fantasy until I read this book. Riveting. Fresh. Unique. Defy the Dusk is a standout favorite read of the year!
#1 New York Times bestselling author Devney Perry
Fantasy fans, this is a must-read. A fresh, gritty, high-octane world is the perfect backdrop for a memorable cast locked in a fight for survival that is sure to grip readers from the first page.
Elise Kova , #1 New York Times bestselling author of Arcana Academy
The stakes couldn’t be higher in Defy the Dusk, an action-packed post-apocalyptic fantasy where the dark is deadly. Nobody writes enemies to lovers (and back again!) like Danielle L. Jensen.
Jennifer Estep , New York Times bestselling author of Queen of Foxes
In a stunning, fast-paced fantasy, Jensen delivers delicious yearning and characters readers will root for as they race to outrun tragedy and reclaim the night.
Laura R. Samotin , author of The Sins on Their Bones
Defy the Dusk has all my favorite things: found family, wickedly great worldbuilding, and a hero and heroine having a sexy good time (with some murder on the side!).
New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert
Propulsive and unstoppable, Defy the Dusk is a furious machine of a book, with a tremendous heart at its core. I would follow Lirien, Vox, and the crew anywhere.
Victoria Aveyard , #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempest

Quoted in excerpt, with attribution. Follow a source link for the full review.