The thing I respect most about Grace Draven is her unbridled creativity. This woman will simply not let anything stop her from telling her story the way she envision it. Creativity comes at the risk of putting off other readers, but she refuses to let that risk stop her. 
 And I simply love her for that. 
 Radiance is one of the very few books that have earned both my respect and loyalty. I will definitely read it again and again and again. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to read it again right now, minutes after finishing it. The writing is perfect for me, and while Ms. Draven has a tendency to use flowery language, she manages to pull it off. The "flowery language" actually fit the story. 
 The characters are amazing as well. I simply adored Ildiko and Brishen! They're the type of people I'd actually want to hang out with in real life. Witty, positive, pragmatic, loyal, they're the most likeable lead characters I've ever encountered. They're both friends and lovers, and it was an honor witnessing their story unfold. 
 I understand where people may have reservations about the story, however. The Kai's descriptions may bother those with higher sensibilities, and I can totally get that. I know that it may have been hard or even cringeworthy to imagine Ildiko making love to a non-human, but for me, that's a really small issue. I wasn't even bothered by that, to be honest. Growing up reading sci-fi books and playing sci-fi videogames long acquainted me with the idea of non-humans and the like. So, yeah, the whole Kai thing didn't prevent me from appreciating the story in its entirety. 
 Again, I cannot emphasize this enough: Grace Draven books are not for everyone. She targets a niche market; it's either you dig her works or not. But let me tell you, coming from a fan of hers, her stories are so beautiful and addictive. It's a shame not to read them. The experience is unique every time. 
 (I probably won't read the next book, though. I have a big hunch as to where the story will go, and I'm sure that I won't like it. (view spoiler)[The idea of Brishen sleeping with a different woman to secure the throne just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. (hide spoiler)] I'll stop with this book, consider their story as closed, and savour the magic.)