Radiance

The Wrath Kings

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Book Synopsis

~The Prince of No Value~

Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.

~The Noblewoman of No Importance~

Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn’t just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she’s known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.

Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.

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The Hook

Radiance by Grace Draven is a captivating tale that flips the traditional beauty and the beast narrative. As I delve into the story, I root for Brishen and Ildiko, who are thrown together in an arranged marriage between two vastly different species. Brishen, a Kai prince, is considered a beast by human standards, while Ildiko, a human noblewoman, finds herself in a world where she is the odd one out. The synopsis hints at their wedding, but beyond that, it leaves much to the imagination, sparking curiosity about the journey they will embark on together.

The synopsis may be sparse, but it’s clear that Brishen and Ildiko’s story is about more than just their wedding. It’s about the growth of their relationship as they navigate the complexities of their distinct worlds. I hope to see them face and overcome the inevitable challenges that come their way, discovering the depths of each other’s hearts in the process. Their initial awkwardness and differences seem ripe for a compelling narrative filled with tension, growth, and love.

I’m particularly intrigued by how their love will blossom despite their differences. The beauty of Radiance lies in its promise to explore the essence of love beyond appearances and societal expectations. Ildiko’s courage to embrace life with Brishen, despite his beastly appearance and Brishen’s willingness to cherish a human bride, suggests a story rich with emotional depth. I’m eager to uncover the layers of their relationship, the moments of tenderness, and the trials that will test their bond. As they navigate their new life together, I hope to find a narrative that goes beyond the surface, revealing the true beauty in their union.

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Book Review

By Blogger:

Dee Szuba

As I delved into Radiance by Grace Draven, the first installment of The Wraith Kings series, I hoped this wouldn't be just another run-of-the-mill Beauty and the Beast-type story. Some authors take a classic Disney tale or mythological story, dress it up, and flip some words around to avoid outright plagiarism. But this story is far from that. I love the dynamic between Brishen and Ildiko; they find a way to love each other beyond their appearances. The story's moral, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," was a refreshing twist.

Brishen and Ildiko's relationship goes deeper than physical attraction. They learn about each other as individuals, drawn together by their morals, beliefs, and the joy they find in life despite the hardships they've experienced. This deeper connection makes their love story captivating and genuine. It beautifully portrays how they navigate their differences and grow closer through mutual respect and understanding.

Grace Draven did an excellent job writing this story. It's not just a good flip on the Beauty and the Beast trope; it's a story that stands on its own, with rich character development and an engaging plot. Radiance is a hidden gem, offering a refreshing take on a classic narrative. The way Brishen and Ildiko's relationship evolves makes this book compelling, and I'm eager to see how their story unfolds in the rest of the series.

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Book Spoilers

Disclaimer: This section might contain Spoilers about the book because, as we read the books we try to provide readers with information that might catch them off guard and/or trigger them to in one way or another. This is the main reason for this blog was created.

One of the other positive aspects of Radiance is that there aren't many triggering events in the story. Towards the very end of the book, there is an inference of torture, but it isn't detailed. The author focuses on the aftermath of the torture, describing how Brishen no longer has an eye, his nails were ripped off, and he was bloodied from the ordeal. Grace Draven did a good job incorporating the element of torture without making the wording triggering for readers.

Spoiler alert:

Seckmiss is a vicious villain, and the portrayal of her malevolence that permeates every pore of her skin was beautifully written. Towards the end, when she summons an army of thousands of undead warriors, the narrative delves deeply into her viciousness and world-conquering personality. The epilogue hints at significant events in the next book of The Wraith Kings series, making me even more eager to read the second installment by Grace Draven. This continuation promises to explore further the dark and intricate world she has created, leaving readers excited for what comes next.

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