The Hag and the Dead Eel: Radiance (Wraith Kings) by Grace Draven

Beautiful writing! A darkly beautiful story. Successfully done literature. I went in search of fresh writing and came up on Radiance. I read the summary and decided to give it a look and it looked right back. I was thoroughly engrossed by the writing style of Grace Draven. The language is not overwhelming but is not stripped down to basic use of words and punctuation. There is a crafty grace and elegance to the writing in this book.

The characters were beautifully and wholly written. Brishen and Ildicko were well developed and strong lead characters. Their strengths and weaknesses were put on display at the right moments. Even though they were two completely different creatures, especially physically and specie, their personality and outlook on life brought them together.

They were at first reluctant to accept the notion of each other but a chance meeting in the first chapter gave a realistic beginning of a friendship. The mixture of honest, unabashed, unapologetic humour and witty banter made their friendship more believable. The story line allowed their friendship grow through all that they wentthrough and blossom into love.

Of course with the development of an emotional relationship, the physical intimacy came along. It didn't feel forced but felt natural and there was a slow burning for it.Even I felt that gradual building of heat and passion.

There were other noteworthy characters such as Anhuset who was Brishen's cousin and second in command. She became a friend to the lone lead female character. 

This is a true story that gives character dimension and plot dynamics, essentially complete writing.

-TC

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