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Defy the Dusk
  • Published: 1 December 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529955217
  • Imprint: Del Rey
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 672
  • RRP: $65.00

Defy the Dusk

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
3 Nov 2026
Hardback
1 Dec 2026
Hardback
10 Nov 2026
EBook
3 Nov 2026
Audiobook
3 Nov 2026
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The first book in a new post-apocalyptic fantasy romance duology from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood.

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 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom comes the first book in a gritty post-apocalyptic fantasy duology.

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 will 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
  • Published: 1 December 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529955217
  • Imprint: Del Rey
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 672
  • RRP: $65.00

About the author

Danielle L. Jensen

Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-three languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.
DL.

Also by Danielle L. Jensen

The Tempest Blade
The Bridge Kingdom
A Fate Inked in Blood
The Traitor Queen
A Curse Carved in Bone
The Twisted Throne
The Endless War
See all

Praise for Defy the Dusk

I didn’t know I needed a Mad Max inspired fantasy until I read this book. Riveting. Fresh. Unique. A standout favorite read of the year! Five stars for Defy the Dusk!

Devney Perry, #1 New York Times bestselling author 

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. All aboard Duskchaser.

Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempest

Defy the Dusk is Danielle L. Jensen at her absolute best. A fresh, gritty, high-octane fantasy world is the perfect background for a memorable cast locked in a fight for survival that is sure to grip readers from the first page to the very last. Fantasy fans, this is a must read.

Elise Kova, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Arcana Academy

A thrilling new post-apocalyptic fantasy set in an absolutely brutal world where monsters rule the night, and the only way to survive is to outrun them. Between the non-stop action and the angsty, forbidden romance, I had to keep turning the page. And the ending?! Shocking!! I will be counting down the days until I can read the sequel.

Demi Winters, New York Times bestselling author of The Ashen series

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

Buckle up, babes, we’re chasing the dawn! Defy the Dusk has all of my favorite things—found family, wickedly great worldbuilding, and a hero and heroine having a sexy good time (with some murder on the side!). You won’t want to miss it!

Katee Robert, New York Times bestselling author