Radiance

This book follows Ildiko, a Gauri human woman of low royal standing, whose duty is to marry for political alliance. She's sent to the distant kingdom of Bast-Haradis after her wedding to the "Prince of No Value." On the afternoon of her wedding, as she takes one last walk through her castle garden, Ildiko meets a stranger with glowing yellow eyes and terrifyingly sharp teeth. He’s clearly one of the Kai, a citizen of her future home. They share a quick, pleasant conversation that calms the butterflies in her stomach. Their banter is sharp and witty, each finding the other strange and hideous in equal measure. Our other protagonist is Prince Brishen of the Kai—a race with nocturnal eyes, drow-like skin, and formidable claws, built for battle. Bound by duty, he must marry a human woman and bring her home to his kingdom. Resigned to his fate, he counts down the time until he meets his bride. That is, until he encounters a peculiar woman in a foreign garden. Her unsettlingly small eyes and equine teeth leave him bewildered. Still, her easy laughter and sharp wit captivate him. By the end of their conversation, he hopes his future bride will be as companionable as this woman. To both their surprise and delight, they reunite at the altar that very evening and head off to Brishen’s home together. What follows is a romance that blooms slowly and beautifully. They forge a deep connection while navigating court politics, facing dangerous encounters, exchanging ideas, and eventually sharing some VERY spicy encounters. By the time passion ignites, both wonder how they ever found the other ugly. This book is so charming! High fantasy with a touch of magic, richly developed political intrigue, and beautifully crafted character arcs. The worldbuilding is immersive, with well-thought-out cultures and captivating settings. The prose is stunning, the pacing perfect, and the romance one of the most genuine I’ve read in a long time. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader or curious about dipping your toes into the "monster romance" genre, this book is an absolute must-read. I cannot recommend it enough! 🌷

First, let me just say that I ADORE this cover. I’ll freely admit that I’m a cover whore. I’ve been known to pick a book based solely on the cover and, in fact, I decided to read this one BECAUSE of the cover. I just love the contrast of the characters and how the male’s skin color and nails show how not human he is. As for the story, this one is about Brishen and Ildiko, who are pushed into an arranged marriage to create an alliance. Neither want to be married to the other because their races are so different in not just culture but appearance. Brishen is of the night while Ildiko is of the day. Both find the others’ looks repulsive but their personalities allow them to find some common ground within their forced marriage. As the time passes and they spend more and more time together, they slowly start to realize that their feelings have developed to something neither of them expected and what was once hideous is now… radiant. When I picked up this book, I had NO idea what it was about besides knowing it was M/F, fantasy and had an arranged marriage. Once I started the book, though, I was drawn in immediately because of how refreshing and different the story is. This one isn’t about lust at first sight or how attractive the love interest is. The love story in this one is solely based off the characters personalities. They fall in love with each other because of how much joy and fun they have in one another’s company. I really loved that about the story because most of the books I read, it’s all about how handsome the hero is or how gorgeous and beautiful the heroine is. Ms. Draven went outside the norm and made a story where the heroine found the hero hideous and the hero found the heroine repulsive. As for the characters, I really loved them together because they started out as friends. But I also liked that Ildiko was so spunky and down to earth. She wasn’t a spoiled brat and demanded things but she was adaptive and fierce and had one hell of a sharp tongue! At the same time Brishen was very laid back, too, and, for being such an intense man, was very caring and attentive to Ildiko and her needs. They fit very well as a couple and I loved every minute of them together! I really, really, really loved this one! But I did have two issues. One, I felt like the dialogue was stilted at times and, while entertaining, a little runoff. Beyond that, I was a bit disappointed in the ending because I felt like it was rushed. We don’t get to see any of the preparations of finding Brishen and certainly didn’t get to experience his time while he was kidnapped. In the end, this was like a diamond in the rough. I’ve heard of Ms. Draven before but never looked into her stories. Now, I’m glad I finally read her because her writing style is definitely engaging and her characters have very strong personalities. I absolutely loved the world and the relationship between Brishen & Ildiko. I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series!

It's been a long time since any book instantly engaged me and refused to let go. Even with books I instantly buy based on sample, I find something to stumble over, some aspect to balk me, or some piece that just doesn't sit well. Not only did I fly through this novel, but the I instantly bought the second installment and read that in an even shorter time. I almost utterly ignored the final book in The Raven Cycle in my frenzy to absorb every word of this narrative, and I will now have to revise my prior declaration that Ms. Stiefvater's books would be favorite series of the year. Oh, there's no doubt I still hold them in high acclaim, but this quiet, self-published, paranormal romance with political intrigue has risen like cream to the top. The story opens with Ildiko, a Gauri noblewoman and human (that detail is important) preparing for her wedding ceremony with no joy. She is the daughter of the king's deceased sister and therefore the by law niece of the monarch and critical queen. She is, as the blurb states, "a noblewoman of no importance," at least in terms of agency. She's too highborn to be married to a commoner, but not royal enough to warrant a regal engagement. The young woman has known this her entire life, and it's given her a keen, practical viewpoint without the trappings of pretension or frivolity. This is not to say she's humorless. On the contrary, her wry, acerbic wit more than like grew from knowing and accepting her position. Ildiko was always aware she'd be married off in order to secure some political alliance and had no delusions that she was anything more than a clever pawn, but the young woman never suspected her bridegroom wouldn't even be human... Brishen, "the prince of no value," is of an ancient people known as the Kai. They're an elder race that's existed long before humanity, and while they're humanoid, they have an entirely different appearance and culture. With dark grey skin and luminescent eyes lacking both iris and pupil, the Kai are a people of the night and nearly blind by day. They also have long, black claws on their fingers and deadly fangs for teeth. I'm not clear on whether or not their entire mouth is filled with fangs or if they just have extremely sharp canines, but from certain contexts, I believe it's the former. Both claws and teeth are more than capable of tearing through living flesh. *spoiler* At one point, it's revealed that the Kai did once hunt and eat humans, but Brishen is very careful not to mention that to Ildiko. *end spoiler* Both humans and Kai find the other absolutely repulsive, and I was impressed with Ms. Draven flipping the script to focus more on the Kai perspective In most stories with a Beauty and the Beast vibe, the emphasis is on the other, but Radiance more than adequately portrayed how strange human features would look to alien eyes, and the author concentrated more on this in an almost gentle ribbing to her readers, as if to say, "Really look in this mirror I'm holding up." The biggest factor for Kai revulsion is human eyes. Since the older race has neither pupil nor iris, their eyes appear as one, uniform, nacreous surface, generally yellow in prime, turning whiter as they age. The appearance of eyes whose movement is easily discerned is both shocking and sickening; the way Brishen describes it is as though we have parasites or puppetry in our heads moving our orbs around. Every Kai is quite disturbed by Ildiko's "talent" at crossing her own (something she uses quite often to her advantage), which were quite hilarious scenes to read.. As a bride and wife, Ildiko is expected to fulfill "wifely duties" *rolls eyes* (ha) even though human and Kai can't produce offspring (I still hold to my predictions for the later books that somehow, possibly through magic, a hybrid baby will occur). This above all is terrifying to Ildiko. It's not like she didn't expect it as part of an arranged marriage, but it's one thing to bed some boring duke or viscount, it's quite another thing to share a marital bed with someone who isn't even human. Before her nuptials, Ildiko takes a walk in the garden in an attempt to clear her head and prepare for a life more horrifying than any woman, noble or common, can imagine. She runs into a hooded and cloaked Brishen (though neither knows whom the other is), which is how the Kai deal with the sun. They wind up having an easy and affable conversation despite their physical and cultural differences.. While her eyes unsettled him, his smile terrifies her as it reveals the mouth full of fangs. She says he makes her think of a wolf, while he laughingly admits her teeth put him in the mind of a horse. Then he asks her honestly what she thinks of his looks, and Ildiko admits if she ever saw a "dead eel" such as him in a dark room, she'd try to beat it to death. This causes riotous laughter, but the moment doesn't last as the noblewoman has to away for final preparations. As she flees, the Kai prince wishes that his bride will be half as pleasant and at least a fraction as clever. Somehow the Kai prince realizes right before the ceremony that the woman he met in the garden is none other than his bride-to-be, and breaking standard (or rather human) protocol, he insists on seeing her before the wedding. Though the queen is displeased by this, it's not worth causing an international incident. Ildiko is just as shocked and overjoyed that Brishen was the man from the garden, and she's even more surprised when he asks if they can hold off on the bedding, because he has just as much interest in that as she. I'm not going to summarize the entire story, but these particular points I wanted to hit. This book...is absolutely brilliant. I have never read a better novel about arranged marriage or one about about the blending of culture with the "stranger in a strange land" motif. Usually, it's the woman who suffers the most in that situation, having to endure sexual assault and often violence, but from the get-go, Ildiko and Brishen's relationship is about communication. They talk and respect one another even though they're from completely different cultures and species. Ildiko immediately starts sleeping during the day in order to acclimate herself to the night life of the Kai, since that's whom she'll be living among, and they both learn the subtle difference with how each of them express emotion. The young bride is extremely adaptive to all situations due to knowing her future would consist of an arranged marriage, and she soon realizes that Brishen is an honorable man. Because he's the "spare" with his brother and his brood securing the throne of Bast-Haradis many times over, the Kai prince also has a particular mien about him. He doesn't really partake in the unnecessary pageantry of royalty, rather choosing to use his power for the purpose of protecting his people. When three of them are killed in his service during an attack on the road, he volunteers as the bearing of one young Kai's mortem light. The elder race has ancient magic, though it's diluted with each generation, and when one of them dies, the essence of their spirit and memories is withdrawn in order to return it to their family and eventually to a place called Emlek, which sounds hell of a lot like the Farplane of FFX. The ritual to return the light to the fallen's mother involves what Brishen's parents (especially the queen, more on her later...) would consider lowering himself, but the prince couldn't care less about things like that. He's point of view is that anyone who's willing to die in his service deserves much more than this, and Ildiko is of a similar nature. When they eventually leave the royal seat, she only takes one of her Kai handmaids with her. When Brishen questions her on this, she explains that she only needed one and the other was related to the young man who died; therefore, her mother will need her help more than Ildiko.. This thinking about the welfare of others beyond just yourself is exactly what a leader should be like. In terms of feelings, Brishen and Ildiko always honest with each other. Neither finds the other physically attractive in the least, but both prince and noblewoman know that there's far more to someone than the mere physical. They respect each other from the start and have a solid friendship built on that mutual respect and regard. Despite the fact that Brishen's parents obviously arranged the marriage, his mother Secmis is nothing but vitriolic and insulting to her new daughter-in-law, and because the noblewoman doesn't know the full history of the Kai queen's poisonous nature, she has no problem returning each thinly veiled barb. This earns her a murder attempt by Secmis, which when Brishen confronts his father about it, the aged king laughs, asks his son if his wife is still alive, and when he's informed she is, states that Secmis must not have tried very hard. Brishen hates his mother for very valid reasons even beyond and before this assassination attempt. So yep, he has "mommy issues" as in his mother is the issue. Secmis appears far younger than her husband, because she practices what most would consider blood magic, taking the souls and essences of others in order to keep herself young and powerful. *spoiler* This is the catalyst for the plot of the second book as Secmis opens a door to a realm of demons that threaten to overrun the world, and her son has to deal with the problem she causes. She, herself, is killed in the act, reminding me of Arianrhod from The Mabinogion Tetralogy who died during her own bid for more power. *end spoiler* There's some other seriously creepy/disturbing things with her, but Brishen knows exactly what she is and will never be fooled or foolish enough to be taken in. There is a decided Egyptian motif to many of the terms used by Kai. The name of their capital city is Bast-Haradis, and the first part sounds like Bastet, an Egyptian warrior goddess. Other names have a similar sound like Anhuset, Brishen's cousin and lieutenant, who is often called sha-Anhuset as a term of respect. Anhuset sounds like Anubis, who is associated with mummification and the afterlife. I wish I were less rusty on my Egyptian mythology, because I could give a better analysis. This novel was such a refreshing departure from the typical arranged marriage motifs. I loved the fact that Brishen and Ildiko respected and liked each other from the start even if they didn't find the other attractive. Just because a person isn't considered beautiful, that doesn't mean they're not worthy of respect and fair treatment. The author didn't mince words in describing how she still found the Kai's appearance quite terrifying, but she wasn't going to judge them based on that alone, nor was Brishen going to abuse her,because she wasn't up to his standard of beauty. There is a definite statement about not treating others like lesser based on physical appearance, and even though I knew eventually they'd fall in love (who wouldn't fall in love with someone who respects you, shares your humor, and has been thrust into the same inescapable situation?), it didn't diminish my enjoyment or delight. I laughed aloud numerous times while reading this and was more than impressed with how Ms. Draven made me examine how a non-human sentient race would view humanity. It's both humbling and awe-inspiring, and Brishen and Ildiko's type of relationship is something I wish we saw more of in paranormal fantasy, fantasy, and just fiction in general. It would be the perfect paragon for real life to mimic.

I probably never would have picked up this book if not for the glowing recommendations of some of my trusted fellow bloggers. I know that you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the sad fact is, sometimes I guess I do. And if I would have ignored this book, I would have really missed out on a great fantasy romance. This is my very first book by Grace Draven. The good news about that is, if this story is any indication, I'm going to have a grand time rolling around in her backlist. Draven has created two interesting and likeable characters, who fall in love against the odds. It is a slow burn, but all the more satisfying for it... because I believed in it, which is no small task considering the circumstances. Ildiko and Brishen are both expendable members of their respective royal families. Their marriage was cultivated as a political alliance. That wouldn't be a big deal except that they are from different species who find each other hideous. Though each of them is considered good looking by their own people, they are entirely unappealing to one another --at least in the physical sense. Fortunately, these two are able to look past that. Brishen sees the political aplomb, courage, and humor in his new wife, as Ildiko sees the honor, integrity and strength in him. It's inside the bonds of a growing friendship and mutual respect that romance blooms. The world building here is very well done. It's an alien landscape, but Draven sets it up as naturally as breathing. We really learn our hero and heroine best when it's against the backdrop of their families and cultures. There is also plenty of things happening to keep the plot moving. There are political machinations, assassination attempts, and ancient magics. But at the core, this a romance, and one I adored. I loved the way Ildiko and Brished treated one another. I loved that they were ugly to one another, until they were not. I loved the intensity of their intimacy, once it entered the picture. In fact, I can't think of anything I didn't like, except that it ended leaving me feeling like there should have been more. I walked away feeling a little incomplete, but I guess that guarantees I'll be back for more when Eidolon (book 2) comes out. Rating: A-

3.5 STARS RADIANCE was an interesting adult paranormal fantasy romance, that I enjoyed, but didn't love. Beginning this novel I didn't have high hopes for RADIANCE, so it wasn't a big surprise when it was over and I still felt more meh then anything. But don't get me wrong, their were still parts and aspects that I liked about this book, but not nothing serious to WoW me into an excited frenzy! But I'll definitely still be reading the sequel, because that ending has me curios as to where this book will go, and hinted that it may be turning down a darker road then it's predecessor, and that sounds like a load of fun! Like I mentioned above, RADIANCE was a good read, but weird at the same time. While on one hand I liked it and thought it was cute and had some intriguing parts, but on the other, I found it annoying and quite boring. I didn't really feel anything for this book. I didn't have any love or hate for it, I just kept reading it because I was curios as to what would happen, but not excited to know. If that makes any sense? Anyways, it 's that kinda book that you don't hate or love, but you want to keep reading just for the hell of it. I found the characters one dimensional, and oddly different. I enjoyed their cute banter and quick-witted retorts. I thought the main characters Brishen, the Kai Prince, and Ildiko, the niece of the Gauri King, relationship to be lighthearted and sweet. They're relationship was very straightforward with no emotional hiccups. And I didn't like that. I wanted some tension, or ill-willed feelings because of their forced marriage. Some resentment or resistance against it all. SOMETHING!! But it was too perfect, too smooth from the very beginning, too much like a puzzle that was too easily put together to be fun. It just all fit too nicely, and because of that it felt like a one dimensional book. THE PLOT: Three Kingdoms are on the verge of war. . . But two of the kingdoms, the Kai and the Gauri have come to a truce, with the stipulations that the Kai Prince Brishen, and the Guari's kings niece Ildiko, will unite their kingdoms with marriage. Then they can open trade and live in a reluctant alliance. But the Beladine kingdom is unhappy with this arrangement, and have sworn vengeance and retribution to bring their kingdoms to their knees... With no say in their marriage, Ildiko and Brishen do what they're told, and marry into a hesitant, but agreeable marriage. As the first human and beast royal marriage, they are a spectacle, everyone wanting to get a look for one reason or another. And the woman behind it all, determined to make Ildiko's marriage a horror in disguise, is the queen of it all, Semis, queen of the shadows, and as beautiful as she is vile, and she is not happy with a human daughter, and will make her marriage to her son a living hell. . . With no choice if Ildiko wants to survive past her first month of marriage, her and Brishen must leave the royal court and travel back to Brishen's home. Far enough away from the evil queen that's determined to make her death look like an "accident." It's there in the secluded little world that Brishen has created for her, that all is truly hers, and nothing or no one is unkind or looks down upon her for her differences. It's there that she can finally be herself, and embrace her husband while exploring the depths of his soul, and getting to know the honorable man she's married. It's there she can finally live. . . UNTIL . . . They're newly constricted world comes crashing down around them when enemy solders strike, gaining the upper hand and taking something valuable from them. It's a time when Ildiko will find her inner strength and the courage to save the one she loves, even if it means risking herself, and the love they've just come to understand. . . Overall, RADIANCE was an okay book that had it's ups and downs for me. For the most part I was bored and couldn't fully attach to the characters and their struggles. I thought the plot was dull and really plain, and the romance, while on one hand was sweet and gentle, but the other was too perfect and not enough tension or drama, or spark to drive me to want to invest fully into this series. However, the ending left me believing the next book will be filled with darkness, evil magic and suspense. Definitely three things I love and can easily get caught up in!

Quote Ildiko brushed a feathery strand of his hair away from his eyes. "He pleases me greatly. This handsomest of eels." His cheekbones angled sharply under his palms. "So says this hag." "Who is most beautiful in the darkness." Brishen kissed her then.... End Quote It's so hard for me to find good fantasy romances that I can enjoy. What I loved about "Radiance" is Draven's natural voice. She packs so much into this short novel while constructing an interesting world without it being complicated. The hero and heroine also do something unusual. They begin as friends, displaying a mutual respect for one another. Their relationship steadily evolves into something more. They play the game of court politics; out-maneuvering their opponents. And I must say Ildiko's monster-in-law was a formidable player. The tension crackled when she was on the pages! My favororite parts are the scenes showing their physical and cultural difference. Both Brishen and Ildika are very attractive people...within their own race. No matter that each considers the other ugly this is becomes a moot issue. I loved how their perceptions altered! And I loved how Draven made eyes a humorous issue. After dabating on whether to round up or down, I've come to the conclusion that this story packs so much I had to go up. "Radiance" left me wanting more of this world. I continue to go back and re-read certain scenes. I see how this novel could have ended with a happy ending (mother-in-laws not included), yet I'm glad Draven left it open.

This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved the story, and the banter between the main characters was perfect! I also loved they became friends first then lovers. Their romance was slowly built and not rushed or forced. Im eager to see how this story ends in book 2!

5 stars. What a hidden gem! I won’t lie: without the very enthusiastic review of a fellow Goodreads friend I would never have read this book. I did not find the cover appealing and would have overlooked it. But the saying is true: don’t judge a book by its cover because this story is little treasure. That’s quite ironic as one of the main topics of this book is to see beyond outer appearance to discover the real beauty: that of the soul. Maybe every reader has to follow the same path our heroes did: disregard the plain book cover, go beyond the surface and look for true beauty nestled inside the pages. I’m really smitten with this story, with the gorgeous (I would say courteous as it has a medieval tint to it) writing, with the exceptional characters, with the topic broached, with the universe. The topic as stated above is about true beauty. It’s also about love, not insta-love but a love built on a partnership, on mutual respect. It’s about the fear of the other, the one different in culture and coloring from your people. It’s a timeless topic treated with finesse and grace. The intrigue takes place in a medieval/fantasy universe. Three kingdoms compete with each other, two inhabited by humans: The Kingdom of Gaur and the Kingdom of Belawat while the Kai Kingdom hosts the Kai people, some non-human creatures. Gaur will unite with the Kai through the wedding of the youngest Kai prince, Brishen and the Gaur King’s niece Ildiko. Both characters are “spare pieces” as they’re not destined to rule their kingdom and their value resides in such arranged marriage to strengthen strategic alliances. Ildiko with her red hair, blue eyes with black pupil , pale skin and flat teeth is ugly to every Kai as they’re black skinned with full yellow eyes void of pupil and harbor fangs and claws. Both people find the other abhorrent. One lives in daylight and the other in moonlight. They can’t conceive children together. They could not be more different. Ildiko is orphaned and has never known love at her uncle’s court. She avoids her aunt the Queen at all costs and finds solace in the beauty of the gardens. Conscious of her duty, she’s determined to be the best wife she can. Brishen is also lonely and has never loved his father’s court, a real nest of viper with his mother Queen Cimse being THE evil queen (trust me, the Queen in Snow White or The Sleeping Beauty are child’s play compared with Cimse). When they first meet, they’re not aware they’re in the presence of their intended. ”Brishen braced for an ear-pinning scream from his unexpected visitor. The Gauri woman who stared at him wide-eyed with her strange gaze did neither. He’d obviously startled her with his presence in the garden. She flinched away when he raised a hand in cautious greeting but she didn’t run. “Forgive me, madam” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.” They’ll both be honest and blunt throughout this encounter, enjoying a refreshing and honest moment, far from the court’s hypocrisy. I loved reading about their mutual perception, how they saw each other, both honest, curious but respectful at the same time. In a few sentences, I was enlightened about these characters and already in love with their souls. ”You find me ugly,don’t you?” “Hideous, a hag of a woman.” “And you”, he said. “you don’t think me a handsome man?” ”Thank you for not lying what you thought of my appearance. You might have a face to turn my hair white, but your honesty is handsome.” They’re both so accustomed to the lies of courtesans they value highly honesty. ”She was a challenge to look upon without wincing, but he very much liked her wry humor. Brishen had no expectation about his bride, but he hoped she might possess a small amount of the pleasant demeanor this woman exhibited.” As different as they seem at first glance, Ildiko and Brishen are very similar in their hearts. Brishen wasn’t human but he was “congenial and gracious”. He swore to help Ildiko and teach her about the Kai and Ildiko thought some women marry men “with handsome faces but ghastly souls”. They both found themselves very fortunate. Very soon, they formed a strong bond, a partnership built on respect and mutual admiration. They valued the other and what began as forced wedding evolved into beautiful and strong love once they saw beyond the appearances. ”Brishen would kill whoever had tried to hurt his wife, split his skull the way he’d done with the Beladine raider who attacked her. She was ugly; she was beautiful, and she was his.” I discovered two very lovable and strong characters. Both are the one you overlooked all your life, people of low importance, content to live far from the court’s conspiracies but lonely. They may be discreet but they don’t lack in strength, astuteness and determination. I really fell in love with the author’s writing. It has its own magic and flows effortlessly, with a graceful quality. It makes us think about what true beauty is it demonstrates that strength is not a show of brute violence but rather lies in tranquil determination. Ildiko will be seen as the ugly wife by the Kai people and will adapt to a new life, living at night and sleeping the day. She’ll have to adopt their customs, even the one consisting in eating pies prepared with very living deadly insects (they reminded me of gigantic scorpions). She may have no claws or jagged teeth but she has a strong backbone and can use her silver tongue like the best to duel with the formidable Queen Secmis. She has my utmost admiration as she handled all this with pride and poise. Brishen with his unwavering support, his huge brute force but true gentleness with his wife has also gained all my love. I’m so taken with this series I’m already 55% into the second book and I can already see a sleep deprived reader tomorrow. ”Will you be that for me, Ildiko? That beacon in the void?” Ildiko’s heart cracked. Loneliness had been her constant companion, the silent shadow that hovered over her for years. “The void is vast, like the sea at night and no land in sight. I’ll be the beacon, Brishen.”

I love how the story shows a fervent romance between two different creatures who did not chose each other but were destined to be together forever. Some scenes still remain a mystery to me. However, I will definitely buy the next installment.

"You find me ugly, don't you?" "Hideous. A hag of a woman. And you? You don't think me a handsome man?" "Had you crawled out from under my bed when I was a child, I would have bludgeoned you to death with my father's mace." *falls over laughing* The above takes place between our two main characters, Brishen Khaskem, a Kai prince with gray skin, solid yellow eyes, razor claws for fingernails, and teeth meant for tearing flesh, and Ildiko, a human woman who happens to be the niece of a king. They're destined to marry, and for that, everyone pities them. The two races find each other physically repulsive, and as you can tell, that extends to our MCs. While their appearances couldn't be more different, their souls share a kinship. They're both witty, intelligent, and quick to laugh. Which basically means that their interactions are frigging hysterical. They first meet just before their wedding, and recognizing this kinship in each other, form an alliance based on mutual respect and honesty. I KNOW, HOW REFRESHING, RIGHT?! Their marriage is one that will secure an alliance between their kingdoms, and while both were pushed into it, neither one resents it. BECAUSE - HOLY CRAP - THEY'RE BOTH DESCENT "PEOPLE". What follows can only be described as one hell of a love story, set against the backdrop of a world balanced on the brink of war. As there is no physical attraction between them (at first *waggles brows*), Brishen and Ilkido form a fast friendship. This love story is a slow burn, a realistic joining together of two souls with more meaningful things to draw them to each other. Like compatibility. I just blew your mind, didn't I? Trust me, this book blew mine. It was so incredibly refreshing to actually buy into a relationship for once, an ACTUAL relationship, and not just people lusting after each other for no frigging reason aside from the OMG, ABS/OMG, BOOBS that dominates most romance novels. My only complaint is that I wish there were more to this. I wish Draven delved deeper into this world. I wish there were more descriptions of journeys, surroundings, and cities. But honestly, that tells you just how much I enjoyed being in this world. And how sad I was to leave it.

Es uno de los mejores libros de su género que he leído. Realmente lo recomiendo. Y la historia se pone aún más interesante en el segundo libro.

Totally caught by surprise! Hey this book was really cool!! I totally was not expecting it!! ...ugh, i mean...okay, this is an honest review. This book had three elements that i love- 1. Fantasy Genre and Magic, 2. A Royal arranged marriage, 3. A swoon-worthy romance. I literally enjoyed and smiled throughout this book! I ate it up in a few hours because i didn't want to stop! This book is suitable for New Adults and Adults, there is some adult themes and blood and gore. If it were a movie, I'd probably rate it a...PG13+ Side Note- How much easier would finding books be if we rated them like movies?! Maybe I'll start doing that in my reviews Plot, let's get to the plot: Daughter of day. Human Race. Son of Night. Kai Race. Both pawns used by royalty to secure an alliance. An arranged marriage follows. Brishen is the youngest Prince of the Kai who is forced to Marry Ildiko the niece of the human king. Both feel like a noose has been wrapped around their neck. Both were meant to be insignificant, but now...there are plots and assassination lurking in every corner. More dangerous than that- Both Brishen and Ildiko may lose their hearts to one another. But can a man with gray skin, incisors for teeth and yellow eyes ever fall in love with a human woman? And can a human love a monster? ...She knocked him flat with another question. "You find me ugly, don't you?" ....he clenched his teeth instead, prayed he wouldn't start a war with their newest ally and answered honestly. "Hideous," he said. "A hag of a woman." Another peal of laughter met his words... "And you," he said. "You don't think me a handsome man?" ... She exhaled slowly. "Had you crawled out from under my bed when i was a child, i would have bludgeoned you to death with my father's mace." Brishen rocked back on the bench and howled. Tell me that didn't put a smile on your face?! if it's a no...then LIAR They did say the course of love never did run smooth! I loved, loved their banter! They're funny and extremely likeable as characters! "You make a very handsome dead eel, my husband," She said and winked. Sinhue and Kirgripa both gasped. "For a boiled mollusk, you wear black quite well, my wife," Brishen shot back, and his smile stretched a little wider." I'm really shocked at how much i enjoyed this story! Ohh and there's a CRAZY villain that gave me the crreeeepppppss! I think if you like a good romantic fantasy and you read some more mature books, then you'll love this one! If you can ignore some of the *cough, cough* this book has a pretty good story line! There are multiple enjoyable plot twists too. I felt like a 3 would be too low for this book but a five would be too high. While i did truly enjoy it, there were a few things that could have been done better. Like the pacing or maybe show a bit more struggle in the Kai accepting Ildiko. looking forward to the second book but i must admit I'm a bit confused of what it's going to be about...that ending felt SO final. Stay Awesome! -The Book Herald Tweet me- @thebookherald

I read Radiance about 5 years ago and it still is in my top 5 “read it to feel good” books. I love the language, the dialogue and sensible characters. It’s refreshing to read about two adults handling a difficult situation with grace and finding love in the process. Brishen and Ildiko are a wonderful couple.