Black Hellebore

Wraith Kings

by Grace Draven, Shelly McKewin (Editor), Isis Sousa (Illustrator)

Brishen and Ildiko return in this latest addition to the world of the Wraith Kings.

To protect his people and save his kingdom from destruction, Brishen Khaskem made an unthinkable sacrifice, stripping all but the youngest Kai of their magic in order to transform himself and four others into powerful Wraith Kings who would battle the ancient malice known as the galla.

But victory comes at a high price. The loss of their sorcerous heritage is a bitter consequence for the Kai. When an unexpected enemy threatens the lives of his beloved wife Ildiko and his adopted daughter, the queen regnant, Brishen may pay the highest price of all. What will be the ultimate cost of reviving a dead legacy and regaining a lost hope?

A tale of trust and deception.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Novella, Romantasy, Adult, Short Stories

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2025

About the author

I'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.

I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.

Reviews

[TRIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Mar 6, 2025

I NEED MORE! I WANT MORE! 😭💗

~~~

Feb 14, 2023 ❌
Mar 16, 2023 ❌

Need this now 🥺
Hoping for Grace Draven's recovery

[Katelyn Achatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Draven could write about Brishen & Ildiko filing taxes and I’d rate it five stars.

[Madly Creative]

I have searched amazon and everywhere else for this book. It says available March 16th 2023 and this is March 23rd yet I still cannot find it. What's going on?

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Headlines:
Returning to a fav couple
Knowing your partner
Dark magic

The Wraith Kings series was around on the romantasy scene before that word was even conceived and the joy of returning to an absolute favourite couple from the first two books was like coming home. Brishen and Ildiko eminate a solid and realistic coupling and seeing them face significant peril in a more settled life was both hard and gripping to read.

This is quite a hard book to review because it's so important not to share spoilers, the blurb is selective for this reason. Suffice it to say that apart, these two were strong and together, they were a force. I long to know more about their life with the young queen.

There is definitely more to unravel about the Kai loss of magic in future books and I look forward to being immersed in the fourth book at some point (soon I hope).

[Jody Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella takes place mostly right after the events of The Ippos King (Anhuset & Serovek's book). Ildiko and Brishen are living their super in love best lives, raising the queen regnant (the only royal survivor of the galla attack) as their daughter, and managing life after the galla were (mostly) defeated. Their love is SO SWEET ya'll. I was reminded why Radiance was one of my favorite books I read last year.

There are rumblings of discontent in the kingdom, unfortunately. Brishen had to drain all the Kai of their magic to raise his army of the dead (ok lol that this was my first fantasy series and now I'm just like, sure, as one does). There are those who will do anything to get their magic back (the Kai are cut off from their ancestor and burial ceremonies without it). When his wife and daughter are threatened, Brishen will do literally anything to get them back. I love the way Draven shows that while he knows the baby queen is most important for his country, literally nothing is more important to him than his wife. Also interesting, how the weight of ruling his way out of a catastrophe has Birshen turning to some of the methods of his parents, particularly his evil mother. Anyway, I don't want to spoil anything because it's a great adventure. Let me just say that the *first* reunion after the adventure, and how it went was perfectly handled (again, shut up Jody and let you read it yourself).

Draven remains a beautifully fluid and descriptive writer after this long hiatus between works. Her descriptions are so visual, anyone who thinks 3rd person can't put you right into the terror and emotion of storytelling should read these books. This story is a crackling adventure, and a beautiful meditation on the price and sacrifices people make to rule or follow their beliefs or protect those they love, and do what they know to be right (whether they are correct or not). More groundwork is laid for the next King's novel, and more teasers dropped about the status of our favorite haunted monk.

To close, I leave you with a quote that had me making the kindle note 'Uh Oh': "The Spider Queen's malice had infected every part of Kai existence. Thank the gods, and Brishen, that Secmis is dead, she thought." DUN DUN DUN (or not, who can say).

[Franck]

Yas !!! i cannot wait

[Mhollie]

Help Grace fight her cancer!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-author-grace-draven-beat-cancer

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Draven did romantasy before it was cool.







...and did it a lot better.

[Clarissa Labue-Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action packed novella that results in what will be interesting repercussions for the future of the series.

[Jess • justpeachyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ Grace Draven I am begging you, Ildiko and Brishen have suffered enough let these angels enjoy their HEA in peace PLEASE 😭🙏

[Kelsey | kjacksbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ildiko and Brishen 4ever

[shelly.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s here! Adored being back with these characters, and absolutely can’t wait to see where the series goes next! 🥰

[gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

i thought by the cover this was gonna be a lovey dovey nice book - WRONG!! I adore Grace Draven and want to rate this higher (it’s as well-written as she always is) but GOD this novella made me so uneasy. I just really didn’t like the plot and skipped a lot because I was too nervous at what was gonna happen lmao

Post-Radiance, do these 2 EVER have a happy moment together??? I love Ildiko & Brishen so much but MY LORD

Also if my husband was given the choice to save my life but he had to f*ck someone else - LET ME DIE!!!!! I CANNOT HANDLE THAT (that does not happen here but even the thought made me upset)

Wait I’m back LMAO - also the ending wasn’t even happy? Very ominous to me & again if my husband says something like that to me I’ll simply never forget it for as long as I live💔

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Brishen and Ildiko! They really can't catch a break. Ineni's plan was more devious than I would have ever guessed. (See the content notes for more info.) Despite that, their love more than prevailed. While it would have been great to have a novella where they're actually together for the bulk of it, this was still so satisfying. From the necklace to Brishen intuitively knowing something was wrong, these two are meant to be.

Plus, the epilogue introduced interesting possibilities for where the series will go from here. I can't wait!


Characters: Brishen is the Kai Herceges (regent) who is missing one eye. Ildiko is the white human Hercegesé (queen regent). They are the adoptive parents to Brishen's toddler niece Tarawin, who is the queen regnant. (Kai have gray skin, nacreous eyes, dark talons on their fingers, and a mouth full of sharp teeth.)

Content notes: intent of reproductive assault of MMC by secondary character (she casts a spell which transforms her into FMC and plans on seducing MMC but he catches on before she puts her plan into action), cutting for blood ritual, dying MC, nightmare, abduction, drug assault, imprisonment, murder, decapitation, torture (secondary character), physical assault, capital punishment, theft, corpse, lacerations, seizure, broken bones (secondary character), vomit, biological child desired over adoptive child by secondary character, family planning discussion by secondary character (Kai and humans cannot reproduce), MCs are adoptive parents to MMC's niece (her parents died in past massacre), past attempted infanticide, past mass casualties, past emotional abuse by MMC's parents, off page sex, alcohol, inebriation, casual ableism, ableist language


*Buddy read with Vicky!

[IULIIA VINICHENKO · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to return to my favorite pairing. But it feels like an unfinished novel to me. I suppose the second half of the story was written after the author recovered from illness (I’m so happy! Long live Grace Draven), and because time has taken its toll, the second half feels rough and somewhat rushed to a quick conclusion.

Still, I’m just glad to see the author return to us.

[Dani.Reads.Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Grace Draven, so I loved it.
I think this set up though is IMMACULATE for future novels. I can't wait.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this short story that gives us a fresh look into Brishen and Ildiko. Man I missed them!
There is a kidnapping and close call but it sounds like this is a small transition towards bigger next things! Can't wait.

LOL- Highlight and Spoilers:
"Ildiko snarled her frustration into the gag.
What she wouldn’t give at this moment to be Anhuset.
The Kai woman would have already chewed her way through the gag with those formidable Kai teeth, broken the knots in her ropes, kicked her way out of the wagon, killed the driver, and driven the wagon back home by herself."

I loved hearing the reason Anhuset had for suspecting an imposter :)
Although I had high hopes that something had happened and there might be a pregnancy by the end of the story, sadly no. Props to GD for the red herring.

The author says there were some eggs from the 2nd Black Wings book, which I have read many times, but for the life of me I can't remember- looks like time for another re-read of the whole series :)

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ildiko and Brishen.
In this short story in the world of the "Wraith Kings" Brishen has to face his worst fears and lose the last hope he held to restore his friend. Once more the relationship between them is put to the test.

I loved every word in this novella and can't wait for the next full installment in the series.

[Julie Pulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent as always

As always, amazing. Spending my afternoon with Brigden and Ildyko, the best fictional couple in existence, while getting crumbs of what is to come in the future book. Thank you Grace, I am so so happy you are well enough to write again. Can’t wait for your new series as well as the continuation of this one.

[BookWormYami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Wish it was longer 😍

[Sam ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these characters and that Grace Draven gave us more of them.

[SilverGlass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brishen and Ildiko are my comfort pair 💕 and though this was a nail-biting test of their strength and endurance, their love, as always, won the day.

Highly recommend this read to all fans of Grace Draven!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wraith Kings readers we are so back 👏

[Zeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story of one of my favorite romance couples in fantasy-romance genre. Brishen and Kai are doing well. Kai is trying to unite and lead but some people are still not happy with his choice of consort.

And those people are attempting to change that.

Brishen is kidnapped, along with their child, and Kai drops everything to find her.

This for me gets good a little in when the kidnapper, disguises herself as Brishen in an attempt to trick Kai into impregnating her. Will he look past his fear- and relief to have Brishen back in his arms- to see through the ruse before he does something neither can come back from?

[Dragana · Rating 4 out of 5]

After years of waiting, Grace Draven has finally released a new addition to the Wraith Kings series! Sure, it’s only a novella—but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. And I’m definitely not complaining, because this story brings back my favorite romantasy couple of all time: Brishen and Ildiko. 😍

As always, they’re facing new troubles, but their love shines through beautifully. I enjoyed every page from start to finish—such a comforting return to a world and characters I love.

Now I’m just crossing my fingers that we won’t have to wait quite so long for the next book. More Grace Draven, please!

Solid 4 stars—a must-read for romantasy fans who’ve missed these two as much as I have. 💫

Warning: This novella is not a good place to start if you haven’t read the series before. Go read Radiance instead —and thank me later!

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much anticipated masterpiece from Grace Draven.

I have I have missed Ildiko and Brishen, reading this novella just makes me want to read the Wraith Kings series again.

Brishen and Ildiko are still dealing with the aftermath of the Galla attack, and the fact that the Kai lost their magic. Political intrigue, and other threats still loom in the shadows. As one Kai’s desperate and deadly actions put Ildiko in terrible danger, Brishen is ready to tear the world to get his family back.

The love and devotion Ildiko and Brishen have for each other is the most beautiful thing. This novella will have one chewing their nails as we see the usually cool and calculated Brishen barely keep his control as he plans, strategizes, and sets in search of his abducted wife and daughter.

As usual, people underestimate Ilko. She may just be merely a small human woman, but she’s fierce, relentless and she never gives up hope.

It’s been wonderful getting to spend some more time with the fierce Anhuset, ant little Tara win is just the most adorable baby guy queen.

This is a story full of action, nail biting suspense, clever strategy, magic, and what stands out most, is the strength and undying love between Brishen and Ildiko.

There’s also some very tantalizing clues to the next books in the series and I am so excited to see where the story will go!

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars just to have Ildiko & Brishen back again, although I would have preferred a longer story, of course. I definitely didn't spot the Brush of Black Wings easter egg, but I haven't re-read it in years.

Radiance remains one of my all-time favorite romances, and I am still impressed by Ms. Draven's ability to turn what I think was intended to be a stand-alone into a viable series (I may be wrong, of course). That's not an easy things to do and most authors make a hash of it, whether it was intended to be a stand-alone or not. So many first-in-series should have been stand-alones...

I like that although they are raising the queen regnant as their own, Ildiko & Brishen cannot have children of their own. As someone who intentionally stopped with step-children, reading books in which the author seems to think that adding a kid will fix everything, it's nice to not be burdened with a child character (often poorly written) who has been inserted as a lame plot device.

This was very well done, fits perfectly into what we know of the canon and the characters, and I am looking forward to the next one.

[Gator Girl Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebook owned
4 stars
Spoilers possible

Excellent novella. Gave us more of Brishen and Ildiko.
Ildiko and the baby Queen regnant are kidnapped. (spelling? I thought regent was correct spelling. But regnant is how it’s spelled in the book.)

Ineni, character from previous books who I didn’t remember, has a desperate plan to get ‘more’ magic since the galla took the Kai’s magic. I say desperate because I don’t see how she thought this would actually work. She takes some of Ildiko’s blood and the baby Queen’s blood, mixes it, uses some sorcery and drinks it. Voila, she’s transformed into a physical copy of Ildiko. Next in the plan is to get it on with Brishen and get pregnant with his baby. Kai magic!

Doesn’t take long for the rescue team, Brishen, Anhuset and the baby’s guard to figure out that fake Ildiko isn’t the real Ildiko.

The biggie in this story is that Brishen sacrifices the last of the magic he had to save Ildiko’s life. ( It’s the spark of Megiddo’s magic, the imprisoned monk that they were going to try and return to his body, I believe.) And now it appears to be coming to the surface within Ildiko.

The next book is this series will be interesting.

[Anna (Bobs Her Hair) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to an Ilona Andrews blog post I found out this precious gem was released earlier this year. I had been afraid that Grace Draven left this series to languish and would not complete it. “Black Hellebore” not only gave me hope there will be more to come but it’s also reaffirmed this author’s expert skill with the pen.

This novella was set after “The Ippos King,” book 3 and centers around Ildiko and Brishen, one of my favorite fictional couples. Their short story was emotionally nuanced, fast-paced, and let Wraith King series fans know there’s more to come in this series. This novella is not a stand alone. I’d advise you to start with “Radiance”m,” book 1 and one of my favorite romantic and fantasy recommendations. On a side note and as a fan it’s my secret hope that Ms. Draven writes a way for Brishen and Ildiko to bear a child. It’s not necessary to complete this couple. Just this reader’s little wish.