Also in this series: Eidolon
Series: Wraith Kings #1
on January 13th 2015
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 297
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
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.
Summary
Ildiko, as the niece to the King of Gauri, knows that her husband would always be chosen for her. That it would be a match for political reasons only. But what she never imagined, was to be mated to a Kai prince. This marriage will be a pact for power and safety for both of their people. Both the Gauri and the Kai find each other distasteful and ugly. When Ildiko finds herself seeking peace in her garden before the marriage, she meets a Kai, and although not the handsomest of creatures, there is something fascinating abou tit, and he makes her laugh. Then she learns that Kai that made her life, is Brishen, her future husband. Ildiko and Brishen start out in their marriage, knowing that there isn’t much of a physical attraction present, but they have a connection that they can’t explain. Both Brishen and Ildiko learn that their marriage can be whatever they make of it. It doesn’t have to be just a political alliance, but a merging of hearts.
The Hero
Brishen, is the spare of the king and queen of the Kai. He grew up in a home of parents that were cruel and viscious…most especially to each other. Brishen somehow has managed to keep a heart of gold, despite where he came from. Brishen is considered less important to his family. Brishen is a able leader and fighter, and lives on the edge of their territory. He is respected and admired by many. Brishen is quite the character….and I just adored him. Now he isn’t any pretty boy, but there is quite a bit of substance to his personality. He is honorable, loyal, and dedicated. He is protective of those under his care, What I grew to really admire about Brishen, is the way that he handles conflict and the way that he treats Ildiko.
The Heroine
Illdiko, will do whatever duty demands of her. She lost her family a long time ago, and she is considered to be not as important because she is the daughter of the King’s younger sister. She is then told to marry a Kai Prince. She knows that her future isn’t too bright, and that she will have to be away from the only things that are familiar, but when she realizes who is to be her husband, she is more than willing to take charge of her life and embrace her life with him. Illdiko is passionate, sweet, and funny. She has a charm to her that isn’t easy to resist, she is accepting of other, and she is very compassionate. I adored her as the heroine. She was quite endearing and very easy to relate with. I could see myself being her, and she faces challenges in the most patient way. She has spunk and the perfect blend of spirit.
Plot and Story Line
Radiance is the first in the Wraith Kings. I had heard so many great recommendation of this story, and so I decided to get it, especially since it’s at a great price for the quality of the story that you get. Radiance is a fantasy themed romance, and I don’t get to read these two often. Radiance begins with seeing two people from opposite lifestyle, being joined in matrimony. Ildiko and Brishen are as alike as fire and ice. They are completely different from each other in every way, from looks, personality, culture and even food tastes. But there is one thing that they do well…they become good friends and make each other laugh with insults. The insults…oh they were hilarious. These two definitely have some sparks from the very beginning, but they are more of an emotional connection at first. Both characters are determined to make the best of the situation that they find themselves in. But from the moment that they discover desire for each other…whew…watch out or you may get burned. These two can create some heavy fireworks. The romance is so sweet and tender yet passionate. I really love the whole “marriage of convenience” theme we have here, and the author does a splendid job of blending together a beautifully crafted plot, with in depth characters and some intense intriguing elements that add a certain depth to the story you don’t expect. Reading Radiance, made me realize how much I have missed reading this genre. I don’t get a chance to read it too often, and so this book was such a treat for me…and what delicious one it was too.
Cover
The cover matches the story line pretty well I would say. Now if I had looked at the cover before the blurb or any ratings… not sure I would have picked it up. But I have grown to love it now. I love the pose that they are in, has that poignant yet sensual hint to it.
Overall View
Radiance is a powerful fantasy themed romance, a story of sacrifice, danger, and love. A tale that will leave you wanting for more…This is a must read for any romance lover…ASTOUNDING!!
“This should never have happened, Brishen. We were unimportant, you and I. We weren’t supposed to mean anything to anyone.”
“Woman of day,” he said slowly. “You mean everything to me.”
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