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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
I enjoyed the story, but I didn't like the use of memories and the non linear storytelling
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
My notes reading this book:
The start was not what I was expecting at all, but what better way to start your marriage then by insulting your spouse.... :))
They are so respectful with her, even if she is alone and they consider her ugly. She is respected by them. 🤍
It s a little bit boring.
.
.
Hallelujah that this book ended. After the first half I didn t care about the Lord, his mother or any other. I just hoped this would end. The epiologue was more intersting, but a little confusing. Who was awaken from the dead and why was this scene in the epiologue??
adventurous
reflective
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
Brishen and Illdiko lives rent free in my head. From the first moment they met to their touching scenes, it's a favorite re-read from time to time.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Radiance was just ok! The friends to lovers plot was very sweet, but I just didn't didn't get the warm fuzzies like I did while reading Phoenix Unbound. I can't really pinpoint what was missing 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think it's interesting that Draven writes fabric dyeing into her books. I also found it amusing that the characters referenced green nettle dye, which is what the main character in her other series made. I don't know if that's intentional, but I love when authors link their works like that. I will say, Draven does have talent for making good food (stew and potatoes) sound just downright inedible!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a very cute read that was perfectly balanced with slightly more dark/serious and paranormal themes. Both the main characters were likeable, and I loved watching their relationship unfold.
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.25*
Draven gives us an interesting wold where humans co-exist with the Kai, a race of night dweller people with grey skin, claw tipped fingers, razor sharp fangs and yellow eyes with no pupils. For political reasons, a union is arranged between one of the human kingdoms and the kai, resulting in a marriage of 'lesser' royals. Both species are not just apprehensive but also deeply disgusted by the other's appearance. I found the Kai very compelling, as well as the way they see us. This alien perception of humanity was fascinating:
“Her eyes bothered him most. Unlike the Kai, hers were layers of opaque white, blue ringed in gray and black pinpoint centers that expanded or contracted with the light…the way that contrasting colors made it easy to see the eyes move in their sockets gave the impression they weren’t body parts but entities until themselves living as parasites inside their hosts’ skulls.”
Ildiko and Brishen know their positions and that this marriage of convenience is a necessity, but they unexpectedly find understanding and friendship in the other. This was the refreshing bit. No tantrums or 'love at first sight'. Instead, we have respect and communication based on equality. I absolutely loved Anhuset, another strong female character, Brishen's cousin who is also his commander and becomes a guardian of sort for Ildiko. Likewise, Sevorek could have been portrayed in the usual way but the author changes that too.
The fantasy aspect is quite simple but it works. The different factions, the threat from two sides, the rules of aristocracy, all create an interesting story. It is a romance but one that somewhat challenges stereotypes.
Draven gives us an interesting wold where humans co-exist with the Kai, a race of night dweller people with grey skin, claw tipped fingers, razor sharp fangs and yellow eyes with no pupils. For political reasons, a union is arranged between one of the human kingdoms and the kai, resulting in a marriage of 'lesser' royals. Both species are not just apprehensive but also deeply disgusted by the other's appearance. I found the Kai very compelling, as well as the way they see us. This alien perception of humanity was fascinating:
“Her eyes bothered him most. Unlike the Kai, hers were layers of opaque white, blue ringed in gray and black pinpoint centers that expanded or contracted with the light…the way that contrasting colors made it easy to see the eyes move in their sockets gave the impression they weren’t body parts but entities until themselves living as parasites inside their hosts’ skulls.”
Ildiko and Brishen know their positions and that this marriage of convenience is a necessity, but they unexpectedly find understanding and friendship in the other. This was the refreshing bit. No tantrums or 'love at first sight'. Instead, we have respect and communication based on equality. I absolutely loved Anhuset, another strong female character, Brishen's cousin who is also his commander and becomes a guardian of sort for Ildiko. Likewise, Sevorek could have been portrayed in the usual way but the author changes that too.
The fantasy aspect is quite simple but it works. The different factions, the threat from two sides, the rules of aristocracy, all create an interesting story. It is a romance but one that somewhat challenges stereotypes.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A