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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
This was my first Grace Draven book and I get the hype. Gah this book was so good! Exactly what I needed, breath of fresh air and all that jazz. Their relationship wasn’t shrouded in lies, miscommunications, and lust like a lot of romantasies but rather instant friendship and mutual respect that grows to be more. All of Brishen’s sweet platonic touches and forehead kisses despite him finding her ugly just proved how much he adored her as a person. They had each others back no matter what. When it develops into more HOO DAWGY made me so darn happy. It is a bit of a slower pace but I didn’t mind that at all in this case, it suited them and a made their relationship feel way more fleshed out. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
This was phenomenal - Grace Draven has been on my list for so long after seeing her repeatedly listed as one of the most underrated romantasy authors. Safe to say I was not disappointed - Brishen is an absolute KING
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
Radiance has been on my radar for a while now- always popping up on booktok & my reading recommendations based on other books I've read (SLM, The Traitor Queen, etc etc) and I've always put it off because, well, I love romance and this book starts off with the main characters physically horrified at each other (lol). I wasn't sure how I would like a book that had little physical attraction. Hey, I'm not ashamed, I like smut in my adult romances! Anyway, Draven gives the readers a beautiful love story- a true not-quite-enemies to friends to soul mates tale. And don't worry- the horrified reactions don't actually last long! The characters' personalities take over and you just fall in love the same way the characters do. I adored how Brishen reacted to other people finding Ildiko attractive. What can I say, I love a good protective man. It's like the flood gates opened for both of them.
I will say, despite loving this story, I thought the ending with the Queen was a bit anti-climatic. I was really hoping for some big battle between them. I guess I'll see how it goes in book 2!
I will say, despite loving this story, I thought the ending with the Queen was a bit anti-climatic. I was really hoping for some big battle between them. I guess I'll see how it goes in book 2!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I've been wanting to read this book for a long time. The premise for this story has been calling to me and I finally gave in.
Grace Draven has a writing style that is easy to latch on to. I immediately felt comfortable when starting this story. The plot was interesting and intrigued me. While the plot kept my interest, I found myself confused about the world-building on more than one occasion. I enjoyed the feel of the world-building but had a hard time keeping some things straight. Also, the pacing of this story felt too fast which made the plot feel rushed.
The characters are the strongest thing in this book. I truly enjoyed them. The character development was great for both of the main characters. I felt connected to them and eager to learn more about them. Apart from a few of the secondary characters, the rest of them seemed to blend into the background.
The romance in this book was also quite strong. I was rooting for this couple and felt very invested in their romance. I loved how the two of them became friends before lovers despite their arranged marriage. They had an easy rapport from their first meeting that steered their romance effortlessly. They had kindness for and understanding with one another. They joked around with each other and felt comfortable in each other's presence. That soon grew to them wanting to be around the other and then beyond.
Overall, this was an entertaining fantasy romance with lovable characters and a riveting romance. While this isn't a new favorite for me, I still enjoyed this story very much and will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Grace Draven has a writing style that is easy to latch on to. I immediately felt comfortable when starting this story. The plot was interesting and intrigued me. While the plot kept my interest, I found myself confused about the world-building on more than one occasion. I enjoyed the feel of the world-building but had a hard time keeping some things straight. Also, the pacing of this story felt too fast which made the plot feel rushed.
The characters are the strongest thing in this book. I truly enjoyed them. The character development was great for both of the main characters. I felt connected to them and eager to learn more about them. Apart from a few of the secondary characters, the rest of them seemed to blend into the background.
The romance in this book was also quite strong. I was rooting for this couple and felt very invested in their romance. I loved how the two of them became friends before lovers despite their arranged marriage. They had an easy rapport from their first meeting that steered their romance effortlessly. They had kindness for and understanding with one another. They joked around with each other and felt comfortable in each other's presence. That soon grew to them wanting to be around the other and then beyond.
Overall, this was an entertaining fantasy romance with lovable characters and a riveting romance. While this isn't a new favorite for me, I still enjoyed this story very much and will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Such a refreshing read. Very low on conflict between the main characters, just two people who become friends and grow to love each other as spouses. Limited miscommunication, no contrived break ups. Just a romantic, imaginative, funny book
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture
It was a very avarage romance fantasy read! I don't know if I want to continue with the series so maybe when I'm in the mood.
this book overall just felt very slow. i do like our characters for the most part and i enjoyed the relationship dynamics but i didn’t feel very connected to any of them. this + the fact there was very minimal plot and I wasn’t in love with the world building either made this a meh kinda read for me
Notes to self: Really good! 4.5 stars. Should have been longer. Great communication between the couple. Talking solves issues, novel concept in romances but this one is legit. Possibly worth reading the other books on the series, does seem it’ll be more pure fantasy going forward but worth checking out later.