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lostinfantasy 's review for:
Radiance
by Grace Draven
Actual rating: 3.7/5 stars.
What fan of romance doesn't enjoy a unique and captivating slow burn love story? And if you are a fan of Fantasy as well (like me), then you won't be able to resist this book.
And it is refreshing not just because of the fascinating fantasy it is, but because as a "romance", it depics a beautiful and mutually respectful relationship that you can admire. (Sadly some books in the genre fall short of that). The depth of the two characters' connection is based on understanding and a sweet friendship that pulls you in as it develops into a wonderful love story.
Ildiko and Brishen are such endearing characters. Their story starts with a politically arranged wedding between them. But it is truly unique because the conflict is not really in a marriage of strangers but a marriage of people of different species! (Or two different races of creatures - not sure how to describe it.)
Ildiko is human and Brishen is from an older race of people (once magically powerful) called the Kai, and they have gray skin, sharp teeth and claws. But the Kai people find humans just as repulsive looking as the humans find them. and Brishen and Ildiko are not an exception to that perspective. Brishen and Ildiko's first meeting is one of my favorite scenes in the book!
But it is not a hate-to-love relationship. It's one that builds on honesty and friendship and finding the beauty in each other despite their differences. Everyone pities them for their marriage but they build something wonderful that's all their own. As characters, they are very likable. ildiko is a strong and patient character in the face of all the changes she has to make in her life. And Brishen is understanding, sweet, and protective without being overbearing.
The world building is interesting with hints of magic and political conflicts that threaten the couple's safety - not to mention Brishen's evil mother and her dark plans. But this is mostly a Romantic Fantasy that focuses on the two main character's personal journey together. So there aren't that many epic battles or strategizing wars you'd find in High Fantasy, for example. But still, there is brewing danger in political schemes, and some brutal action at critical points.
Also, the book introduces unresolved threats and even greater new ones (political and magical) that I think will be a huge part of the sequel's plot.
The supporting characters are also very likable and important without taking the spotlight from the main characters or being pushed to the background. I really like Brishen's fierce and loyal lieutenant and cousin/best friend, Anhuset. She's a great female character! And Serovek, his friend and ally from an enemy country. I think there will be more focus on the two of them in the upcoming books!
I had only one issue with something in the book (but it bothered me till I had to get over it) and it's why I took down my own rating instead of giving this a full 4 or 4.5/5 (like I wanted to). To mention it would be a spoiler, though, and it's really just one thing that didn't happen how I wanted. So, maybe no one else will be bothered by it.
But overall, this book is a delight! And a page turner despite the lack of epic action. I always hope to find some good Adult or New Adult Romantic Fantasy books (I read YA mostly) but am always wary of how the romance and male characters are written. This one is a wonderful find, that is captivating and memorable as a love story and a quick and easy read overall.
What fan of romance doesn't enjoy a unique and captivating slow burn love story? And if you are a fan of Fantasy as well (like me), then you won't be able to resist this book.
And it is refreshing not just because of the fascinating fantasy it is, but because as a "romance", it depics a beautiful and mutually respectful relationship that you can admire. (Sadly some books in the genre fall short of that). The depth of the two characters' connection is based on understanding and a sweet friendship that pulls you in as it develops into a wonderful love story.
Ildiko and Brishen are such endearing characters. Their story starts with a politically arranged wedding between them. But it is truly unique because the conflict is not really in a marriage of strangers but a marriage of people of different species! (Or two different races of creatures - not sure how to describe it.)
Ildiko is human and Brishen is from an older race of people (once magically powerful) called the Kai, and they have gray skin, sharp teeth and claws. But the Kai people find humans just as repulsive looking as the humans find them. and Brishen and Ildiko are not an exception to that perspective. Brishen and Ildiko's first meeting is one of my favorite scenes in the book!
“You find me ugly, don’t you?”
He clenched his teeth, prayed he wouldn’t start a war with their newest ally and answered honestly. “Hideous,” he said. “A hag of a woman.”
“And you,” he said. “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.”
But it is not a hate-to-love relationship. It's one that builds on honesty and friendship and finding the beauty in each other despite their differences. Everyone pities them for their marriage but they build something wonderful that's all their own. As characters, they are very likable. ildiko is a strong and patient character in the face of all the changes she has to make in her life. And Brishen is understanding, sweet, and protective without being overbearing.
The world building is interesting with hints of magic and political conflicts that threaten the couple's safety - not to mention Brishen's evil mother and her dark plans. But this is mostly a Romantic Fantasy that focuses on the two main character's personal journey together. So there aren't that many epic battles or strategizing wars you'd find in High Fantasy, for example. But still, there is brewing danger in political schemes, and some brutal action at critical points.
Also, the book introduces unresolved threats and even greater new ones (political and magical) that I think will be a huge part of the sequel's plot.
The supporting characters are also very likable and important without taking the spotlight from the main characters or being pushed to the background. I really like Brishen's fierce and loyal lieutenant and cousin/best friend, Anhuset. She's a great female character! And Serovek, his friend and ally from an enemy country. I think there will be more focus on the two of them in the upcoming books!
I had only one issue with something in the book (but it bothered me till I had to get over it) and it's why I took down my own rating instead of giving this a full 4 or 4.5/5 (like I wanted to). To mention it would be a spoiler, though, and it's really just one thing that didn't happen how I wanted. So, maybe no one else will be bothered by it.
But overall, this book is a delight! And a page turner despite the lack of epic action. I always hope to find some good Adult or New Adult Romantic Fantasy books (I read YA mostly) but am always wary of how the romance and male characters are written. This one is a wonderful find, that is captivating and memorable as a love story and a quick and easy read overall.