A Wild Radiance

by Maria Ingrande Mora

A searing and romantic fantasy adventure about an oligarchic state on the verge of a magical industrial revolution—perfect for fans of Arcane, Wicked, and Iron Widow!

Josephine Haven is about to find out exactly where she fits into the march of Progress. Her outbursts are infamous at the House of Industry, the school for children who can wield radiance, an electricity-like magic. She's tried to follow the rules, but her fiery nature is at odds with the core tenet of the Never form attachments. If she is meant to feel nothing, why are her emotions so volatile?

No one is surprised when, upon graduation, Josephine is banished from the city to a remote Mission. In Frostbrook, she must work under standoffish Julian, the former golden boy of the House of Industry who seems determined to watch her fail. And then there's Ezra, the flirtatious stranger who's a little too curious about how the Mission operates.

But there are bigger problems than Julian and Ezra's secrets. A deadly disease is spreading across the countryside, and in Frostbrook, not everyone is eager to embrace Progress. As Josephine questions the system that raised her—and gives in to desire she's been taught to suppress—she must decide what she's willing to sacrifice to expose not just corruption within the House, but the devastating truth about the radiance in her core.

An epic and romantic fantasy that reimagines the War of the Currents, A Wild Radiance explodes with the same queer chaotic tension, magical industrialization, and class revolution themes that made Arcane a #1 Netflix sensation.

Perfect for readers who love Queerplatonic and Poly Relationships, Anti-Capitalism, Hurt/Comfort, Sunshine/Grump/Gremlin Dynamics, Messy Exes, and Fantasy Road Trips!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Queer, LGBT, Romance, Dystopia, Steampunk

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 20, 2026

About the author

Maria Ingrande Mora (they/she) is the acclaimed author of Fragile Remedy (Flux, 2021) a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, Ranger Academy (2024), and The Immeasurable Depth of You (Peachtree Teen, 2023), Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award finalist, which earned three starred reviews, with Kirkus calling it “[r]aw and compassionate.” A queer single parent, Maria Ingrande Mora lives in St. Petersburg, FL with their two teenagers and three cats.

Reviews

[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 starts. No notes. Absolutely perfect. 

I loved this book so much I cried when I finished it. It was so, so good. I think I did it backwards because I haven't read Iron Widow and A Wild Radiance is compared to it, so you bet I will be running to get it immediately. And while I wanted to read a lot more about these characters and I know it would work perfectly as a series, selfishly I am grateful I won't have to wait for a sequel. (However I would very much like a novella with just the three of them learning to live a normal life and being cute and in love) 
Sometimes I read a book that reminds me why I still love to read ya even as an adult, and this is a perfect example. The writing, the crafting of the characters and their relationships, the magic system and the overall message for the book is all immaculate. Maybe I just haven't read the right adult fantasy books, but ya is superior in my mind when it comes to the genre. 
The author's note in the beginning was very enlightening, this is not a book about politics, even if it does a brilliant job in touching the topic, love it's the central part of the book. Queer, unapologetic and various forms of it. It's also about freedom, about an oppressive regimen and how it is possible to come out on the other side not unscathed but alive and with a brighter future. 
I could give you a summary of what the book is about, but I believe this is a book where you should go in blind and just enjoy the experience. I hope just my feelings towards it can make you curious enough to add it to your tbr.
In short, I need everyone to read this book because it just became a new favorite. 

Thank you Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC!

[Starr ❇✌❇]

"Perfect for readers who love Queerplatonic and Poly Relationships, Anticapitalism, Hurt/Comfort, Sunshine/Grump/Gremlin Dynamics, Messy Exes, and Fantasy Road Trips!"

Y'know I wasn't sold by the synopsis, but now........

[Fanna]

I heard this has disaster bis and I'm here!

[Helen Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows Josephine, an apprentice Conductor trained to channel radiance, a force the House of Industry claims is safe and superior to “wild magic.” I didn’t fully get into the story until about 40%, and the romance was confusing, making it hard to stay fully engaged at first.

Once the plot picked up, Josephine uncovers a system built on exploitation. The city’s energy relies on enslaved people whose radiance is stolen, harming both them and the environment. She sets out to challenge this unjust system, seeking ways to use radiance ethically while protecting those who depend on it, navigating complex relationships and difficult choices along the way.

I do think readers will enjoy this book more than I did!

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we take a moment to just appreciate the love I have for queernormative worlds in fantasy? Nothing makes me happier than the idea that being who you are isn’t some crime that’s held against you from a fascist regime of absolutely hateful human beings. And while this story (or any book for that matter) may not be out right political, those minor things (and let’s be real, being accepted as yourself is the least people can do) speak volumes.

Side note: You know a story is really good when you have such an intense reaction when you finish it.

Have you heard the sound “I want two boyfriends and I want my boyfriends to be boyfriends”? That is exactly what I repeated in my head as I read A Wild Radiance. While I went into it knowing there is a polyamorous relationship, I didn’t know who it would be between. I’m bad at reading a synopsis and I like to go in semi-blind. But as the characters and relationships unfolded throughout, I had my fingers and toes crossed as to who it would be. And I was not disappointed.

Creating a new and fascinating magic system that keeps the reader interested has to be the hardest part of building a fantasy world. Having it be based around electricity gave it a very steampunk vibe that I really enjoyed. Radiance is the absolute perfect name for it, because it just glows in my mind like I imagine it was meant to do.

I love Maria Ingrande Mora’s worlds so much. They bring me joy in so many ways and I’m thankful to know them. I was lucky enough to be asked to early read and while I’m the worst and am only just now finishing it, it was worth every second of that wait to meet and fall in love with Josephine, Julian and Ezra. I’ll be revisiting them in audiobook format as soon as the book is out in the world.💜

Thank you to the author and publisher for my early copy of the book. You can preorder your copy of A Wild Radiance now, which releases on January 20th, 2026.

[Cass Biehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sent sparks through my heart. Fiery, sharp, and relevant, A WILD RADIANCE dazzles with its clever characters.

[Dr. Andy]

Adds to Highly Anticipated 2026 TBR.

[Rallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Fans Of: Anathem, His Dark Materials, Arcane, Sunrise on the Reaping, Iron Widow

"He'd been right that this place had changed me. But the wilderness hadn't upset my sensibilities. It had awakened them. How could he expect me to put my mind back to sleep?"

Mora's writing captures an experience that a lot of people might find familiar - when did you first start to question what you had been taught? The book deals with deprogramming from propaganda with nuance, giving Josephine time in the story to learn and question things. The pacing was for the most part spot-on with action interspersed with meaningful dialogue and moments of reflection; although the final 10% of the book felt both rushed and stilted in some places.

I really liked how Mora wrote Jo, Ezra, and Julien's relationship. "Found family" is a common trope but it takes a different tone in a lot of queer literature, especially queerplatonic stories that heavily depart from heteronormative familial connections. The three main characters mean everything to each other and are completed by one another.

"The House of Industry had power far beyond the radiance at our fingertips. The Elders were ministers of state, of transportation, even of war. We were only children in the woods."

Describing the setting as "steampunk but make it magic" comes close to capturing the unique world Mora has crafted. An economy built around, effectively, radiation wielded by those indoctrinated since youth in service of the literal constant expansion of industry makes for an already intriguing concept, add in the terminology based around electricity (Conductors, Transistors, Generators) alongside manifest destiny (Missions, Progress) and you have created a magical capitalism that is both chilling and uncomfortably realistic.

"For a long moment, we stood side by side, and I wondered if we were not Children of Industry but children of stars. Stars that could not and should not be harnessed."

This is not a book that pulls any punches. There are emotional highs, often when Jo has had a moment of introspection that leads her to a greater understanding of the world; as well as moments that suck all the wind out of your sails (looking at you, Chapter 20) and feel as empty as Jo does. However through it all there is an intense pervading sense of hope, the kind that Boaventura de Sousa Santos calls upon when he says "another world is already possible." Jo takes on the wager and calls us to do so as well - there's no way to know if revolutions will succeed or whether a more just world can be built, but in order for that to come we have to choose to believe in its possibility and fight for it.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and think that it has the potential to open up anticapitalist dialogue with people who might not otherwise come into contact with leftist theory on their own. It flirts with operaismo and immediately defies vanguardism (especially in a scene towards the end that made me cry, when Jo emerges from the fighting to find the streets already flooded with support ). Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with access to an eARC and to the author for gifting me a physical book. I am leaving this review by my own choice.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wild Radiance has such a unique take on electricity and magic! I love a character with anger issues who always stays ready for a fight but when faced with true violence had remorse and guilt yet still did what was needed. The poly dynamic between Ezra, Josephine, and Julian was perfectly executed! They were all so cute and endearing in their own ways. I really ate up the conflict and thought the overall story was super entertaining. A Wild Radiance is a really great standalone that touches on greed, societal politics, and what home truly means that doesn't leave you wanting by the end. I'd love to see more from Ingrande Mora in this genre - I couldn't put this book down!

Thank you to Peachtree Teen, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

[Brittany Kilinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[.⋆｡⋆☂˚｡Polaris ｡˚☽˚｡⋆.]

DID YOU SAY QUEER PLATONIC

[Rachel P · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's one thing I can count on Maria Ingrande Mora for, apart from fabulous prose and characters so real you feel like you've met them (or been them), it's for writing books I wish I'd read as a teen. A queer poly relationship featuring both romantic and queerplatonic love, where the queerplatonic love is given exactly the same weight and significance as the romance? in a YA?? revelatory. also loved the strong neurodivergence coding on the protagonists

setting wise I really enjoyed the steampunk flavouring to a fantasy setting with a disturbingly familiar political context. the book is never afraid to shy away from the darker aspects of its setting or of oligarchy. (I'm so weak for traumatised characters who keep fighting anyway, especially if they're queer and mentally ill, which Josephine, Julian, and Ezra most certainly all are) as for the ending, all I'll say is I almost never cry in books and I choked up twice in the last third of the novel. it felt hopeful in a way beyond its pages, and that counts for a lot these days

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't tend to pick up a lot of YA as I'm not the target demographic. Curious about the relationship anarchy tag, offered an ARC, and intrigued given my enjoyment of the author's book Fragile Remedy, I do not regret picking this one up! It's a messy, tender, and lovely exploration of hope, resistance, violence, and the many shapes that love can take. The relationship the builds between Ezra, Jo, and Julian feels so real and grounded within the fantasy setting. I love that there aren't any labels put on it, it just is what it is. The tenderness that builds between them amps up the building plot and helps bring it home. This is the kind of book we need right now.

[Eloise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 - A Wild Radiance is a beautiful tale of electric magic, queer love, and the fight against oppression.

The worldbuilding and electricity-based magic system, known as “radiance,” are fascinating. I love this alternate Industrial Revolution setting, where people power an oligarchic state with their own abilities, and the story’s focus on taking that power back from their oppressors.

I also loved how queernormative this world is, and how polyamorous and queerplatonic relationships are shown in such a beautiful light. These characters love each other deeply, and not always romantically, which feels so refreshingly real and tender.

While the story is wonderful as it stands, I couldn’t help but feel it had the potential to be even bigger. Perhaps as a duology or a full series, it could have explored the magic system and the characters’ relationships in more depth, letting both breathe and grow.

As much as I adore the evolution of the three main characters’ relationship, there were moments when I found their emotions a little confusing, particularly Jo’s shifting feelings toward Ezra and Julian. The transitions from frustration to fondness, or from hate to platonic love, sometimes happened so quickly that I had to reread to make sure I read it right. A bit more space for those changes would have made their bond even more powerful.

Still, those are small critiques in an otherwise remarkable book. A Wild Radiance remains a fabulous story rich with queernormative love, political intrigue, and an electric magic system that crackles with originality. It’s a story that both captivates and provokes thought about power, anticapitalism, and resistance.

[Lesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin Teen Canada and Peachtree Publishers for the advanced copy of this book!

A Wild Radiance is the queer, anti-capitalist book of my dreams! I absolutely loved every minute of this read.

Josephine, Ezra, and Julian are such wonderful characters and work so hilariously well together! I loved the grumpy x sunshine x gremlin dynamic that develops between them, and the way they come to care so deeply for one another is so beautiful. I felt that Josephine’s journey was reminiscent of Sciona’s from Blood Over Bright Haven, and I loved the way her values and viewpoints were challenged throughout the book, especially as her walls started to come down.

This book was so tender and hopeful despite also being full of grief and trauma, and the author does such a great job of allowed the duality to walk hand in hand. I will be thinking about this book for a long time, I loved it so much!

[Anne Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang this book was SO good! I absolutely loved the depth of the characters, the yearning and queer love, and the beautiful journey that these characters took to fight back against oppression. Amazing!!!!

[yashelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys… you are NOT ready for this book. 🔥
I went in with zero expectations and came out absolutely blown away. This story grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go: it’s powerful, emotional, and just so beautifully written. I’m still thinking about it.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, Peachtree Publishers | Peachtree Teen, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

Josephine Haven's outbrusts are famous at the House of Industry, the school for children who teach them how to wield radiance, a sort of electricity-like magic. She believes in rules, she tries to follow them, but she's curious and her emotions are volatile, so where does she fit in the march of the Progress? When she's sent at the mission of Frostbrook, she's determined to prove herself and she has to work under the cold and quiet Julian, a former golden boy at the House of Industry. And there's Ezra, a flirtatious boy curious about her and the Mission. Both boys hide something and, slowly, Josephine starts to realize not everything is like what she has learned at her school. There's a disease spreading and not everyone is willing to embrace progress. And, maybe, her radiance can cause more problems than ever. As she starts to ask questions, form relationships, going against the rules she was raised to obey, Jo starts to understand the secrets at the core of the Progress and what's doing to people and country. And letting her curiosity and desire go free mean growing up and chance. And she's ready for it. But not alone.

A wild radiance is a romantic fantasy that reimagines the War of the Currents, set in a world where radiance, a kind of electricity magic, is used for the Progress and those who have it are raised to believe in the oligarchic state and in its rules. Josephine starts as a piece of a machine, willing to do the Progress' works, believing in it, but when she comes in Frostbrook and comes to face with the nature, people. Ezra and Julian, everything change and she's start a laborious process of shedding her previous beliefs and being open to others, to be willing to fight against what she was raised to believe.
Mixed with a magical industrial revolution, made of protests, people fighting against the House of Industry and revealing its dark secrets, like how dangerous the radiance is and all their lies, there's a polyamorous relationship between the characters and I loved how it grew in the book.
From the clumsy and quiet Julian, who shares a past, but never lost, relationship with Ezra, to Ezra himself, flirting with both Julian and Josephine, to Josephine, who learns what it means to loved and be loved against all she was taught before.
Josephine grows from being indoctrinated to think with her own head, to fight for herself and others, to be able to recognize the truth and reality around her and to love and be loved.

A sweet and compelling romantic fantasy adventure, with amazing characters and their bonds. I love these three so much and they are amazing in supporting, helping and loving one other. A big shout to Nikola, who is incredible and I want her as a friend!
Class revolution themes, queer relationships, a cute sunshine, a grumpy shy boy and an exhuberant young woman set to change the world. What could you ask for more?

[RP]

Frothing at the mouth to read this book thanks 🙏🙏🙏

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book confirms it: 2025 is the year for me falling in love with trios in books.

I requested A Wild Radiance from Netgalley because it sounded vaguely like Victoria Lee's The Fever King, and it took my expectations and ran with them. I probably would've read this in less than a day if I'd had the time (I tried not to skip too much schoolwork so I could read it), and I legitimately couldn't get it out of my head when I wasn't reading it. It's rare that I finish a book and immediately want to reread, but here we are. The criticisms of capitalism, the queer rep, the lovable characters - it's all perfect, and I will be telling everyone I know to read this.

Children of the Industry wield radiance - a magic similar to electricity - and they dream of the day they will get to further the march of Progress by bringing industrialization to the outskirts of society. In Josephine Haven's case, however, her struggle to abide by the strict rules of the House means she's given a remote Mission in distant Frostbrook under the Industry's golden boy, who seems to dislike her for no good reason. But the people of Frostbook have a different perspective on progress, and Josesphine has to decide where her heart lies. The pacing is fast, there's plenty of action, and the suspense had me postponing going to bed because I desperately needed to know what happened next. Also...the relevance of the themes? ("'Sentiment is what makes us different from the Elders who don't care about what radiance is doing. We have to care and keep caring, or we'll never succeed.'"). It felt similar to Blood Over Bright Haven, but with a different outlook...one that I think I liked better. In addition to being enjoyable, it's just super impactful, and it could not have been published at a better time. The ending is satisfying - though I would read 800 pages of just the main trio hanging out, so any addition to this world would be welcome if the author is interested - and I just adore the storyline and magic system.

2025 is the year of trios for me. It started with the trio from Emily Lloyd-Jones's The Wild Huntress and then Aden Polydoros's Bone Weaver, and now I'll be adding this book to the list. Josephine is such a compelling main character because her emotions are so strong, but also her arc is just interesting, and I enjoyed seeing her grow. She's very neurodivergent-coded, which I believe is intentional, and I'm also just a huge fan of how quick she is to protect those she loves. Ezra reminded me a lot of Vanya from Bone Weaver because witch boys + plants. His banter is great, and I liked how he balanced Josephine and Julian's personalities. I also love Julian (I don't think he's supposed to be a burnt-out gifted kid, but that's how I'm seeing him) and his contrasts with Josephine. Seeing his sweetness emerge from his rocky exterior was rewarding. And the three of them together? Perfection. The balance, the tenderness, and the banter are beautifully written. Also, if you haven't checked out the fan art on the author's Instagram page, I highly recommend it because it's all so lovely to look at. The side characters are fairly interesting, too, but this main trio is what made me fall in love with this book.

A Wild Radiance is a YA fantasy novel about the world on the brink of industrial revolution, but more than that, it's for the queer kids and the kids who want to want to change the world; this is a story about hope.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4.75/5

[Rachel Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: epidemic, climate change, death of children during a riot, lobotomy like surgery, colonialism

I loved this book, and believe it is needed for teens to read. However, I do have some small problems with it.

But first, the plot (taken from the back): "Josephine Haven is about to find out exactly where she fits into the march of Progress. Her outbursts are infamous at the House of Industry, the school for children who can wield radiance, an electricity-like magic. She’s tried to follow the rules, but her fiery nature is at odds with the core tenet of the House: Never form attachments. If she is meant to feel nothing, why are her emotions so volatile? No one is surprised when, upon graduation, Josephine is banished from the city to a remote Mission. In Frostbrook, she must work under standoffish Julian, the former golden boy of the House of Industry who seems determined to watch her fail. And then there’s Ezra, the flirtatious stranger who’s a little too curious about how the Mission operates. But there are bigger problems than Julian and Ezra’s secrets. A deadly disease is spreading across the countryside, and in Frostbrook, not everyone is eager to embrace Progress. As Josephine questions the system that raised her—and gives in to desire she’s been taught to suppress—she must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to expose not just corruption within the House, but the devastating truth about the radiance in her core."

The characters are the best part of this book. Josephine reminds me a bit of myself-someone who feels deeply, who doesn't know how to channel her anger. Her deconstruction was really believable and I'm glad that her anger and capacity for violence wasn't condemned outright.

I loved Exra and Julian. Ezra was the first person to pull Josephine out of the system and without spoiling too much, you can see why. Julian is a tougher nut to crack, but also well worth it. His ultimate fate at the end had me crying tears of joy.

I wish the worldbuilding was more significant however. There's a large portion of this book spent in travel, and the places were very indistinct for me. There were also allusions to real world people in character names, which may put off some people. But this is a character forward book, and it did succeed there.

I appreciate the queer representation, and the fact that it seemed to be relatively normal in this world except for the Children of Industry. There was kissing and allusions to sex in this book, but no explicit scenes. I love the depiction of a queerplatonic relationship as well. It's a rarity in fiction and I enjoyed it.

I can't wait to see what's next for this author.

Thanks to Peachtree Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

For my drink paring and other reviews, check out my blog: https://theredreaderreviews.blogspot.com

[Evita · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

“Home was this — existing in the world, eyes wide open.”

First off, I have to mention how captivated I was by the world that Maria Ingrande Mora has created for this book. The magic system is so cool and I always love some steampunk vibes. Give me an old-timey-train and a creepy old house and I’m sold! Add in a messed up system, designed to keep everybody under control, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic premise for a grand adventure.

But of course, it was not only the world I liked. Josephine was such an interesting main character and I enjoyed watching her challenge her beliefs and open her mind. Ezra was immediately likable and just the kind of chaos I like to see next to the seriousness of Josephine and Julian. And speaking of Julian, he was one of those characters that you just know is gonna be so much more than you expect. And at the same time the absolute grump you do expect (to quote Ezra: “He’s such a spectacular bitch when he wants to be.”) Watching these three navigate their messed up world and getting to know each other in different ways was my favourite part of the book. I loved their different dynamics.

As someone who loves multiple POV, I would have been so happy if this book also had Ezra and Julian as POV characters, just to indulge my own curiosity. I wanted to know what they were thinking and feeling at different points in the story. That being said, the single POV didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book at all.

I think you should give this book a chance if you like:
⚡️Queer af characters
⚡️Poly dynamics
⚡️Electricity-style magic
⚡️Steampunk vibes
⚡️Tearing down the system

Thank you so much to Maria for sending me an early copy of this book. A Wild Radiance is out January 2026 and you should absolutely add it to your TBR!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚡If rebellious magic girls, forbidden feelings, and questioning a broken system are your thing this book is calling your name.

I flew through A Wild Radiance, and honestly? Here are all the reasons you should read it. First, Josephine Haven is a phenomenal protagonist angry, emotional, messy, and powerful in a world that demands obedience and emotional detachment. Her radiance and electricity-like magic is tied so closely to her feelings that every outburst and quiet moment crackles with tension. I loved watching her push back against the House of Industry, a rigid magic school obsessed with progress, control, and never forming attachments.

Second, the setting and stakes are right on point! Being exiled to a remote Mission, navigating a mysterious disease, clashing ideals between tradition and progress, and uncovering corruption gave this story serious dystopian fantasy vibes with a thoughtful edge. Add in Julian’s cold disapproval, Ezra’s intriguing curiosity, and the slow unraveling of everything Josephine thought she knew about her magic and I was completely hooked. This is thoughtful YA fantasy, magic systems with meaning, rebellion, and just enough romance to make everything deliciously complicated.

✨️Thank you Peachtree Teen and Maria Ingrande Mora for sharing A Wild Radiance with me!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced reader's copy review

I devoured this book! Read the entire thing in one sitting. I was just so gripped by the story, from the characters to the magic. For starters, I loved Josephine. We are introduced to her perfectly, getting an immediate picture of her rage and fear. And she had such amazing development learning to embrace her emotion and curiosity and break free from the rigid expectations forced upon her to find her own happiness and love. I also of course loved Julian and Ezra and the dynamic trio they all formed together. They definitely needed to work on their communication skills a bit more even at the end, but they formed such strong bonds with one another and they all deserve the entire world. As for the plot, I had no idea what I was getting into and I was blown away. It was so action packed but still had room for deep character building and growth. I also loved how the plot revolved around the magic system, and how we learned about it alongside Josephine. I did think the end was a bit fast, but overall I loved this book so much!

Thank you Peachtree Teen and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Astrophel R · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Publishers for an arc. All opinions are my own.

Dude, when I tell this book destroyed me... omg. Genuinely, this is everything I love about YA.

I NEED this e to be everyone's next YA fantasy obsession because I am desperately in need of people to talk to about this. This book made me want to write essays and do research on the industrial revolution. And the characters???? I love them. I'm obsessed with their messy queerness and the way they all love each other but also love to get on each others nerves.

This book also feels so large despite being a <400 page standalone. Like, the tension and stakes are build and maintained so well the entire time.

Me when Josephine:

[Emma Denhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by this book. When I saw it was Enemies(ish) to lovers, why-chose romance I was sold. And boi-oh-boy did it ever deliver! There was a super interesting and novel approach to the magic system that was easy to understand and consistent. Each love interest was a whole and intriguing character. There were other, interesting and engaging side characters that also drew you in. The world building was super interesting. There wasn’t a tone of unnecessary info-dumpting, but relevant info was shared when we the reader needed it. I loved every page. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy in a few months!

**This review is based on an e-ARC generously provided to me through Netgalley**

[Sam B · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

“A Wild Radiance” is a standalone industrial fantasy based on radiance, an innate power harnessed to provide Progress. Josephine is a newly graduated trainee sent on her first assignment, a rural backwater, as a punishment for her excessive emotionality and propensity for violence as a student. Her character felt very inconsistent, since the moment she arrived in Frostbrook she suddenly acts shy and timid and needs everything explained to her. She uncovers a secret that radiance is killing people around its users, and joins a resistance. My other struggle with this book was really disliking Julian and the power dynamic between him and Josephine, as well as not feeling that they really had any chemistry. The ending was reasonably satisfying, and the writing fine.

My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[The Atlas of Stars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Peachtree Teen, and Maria Ingrande Mora for an eARC of this!

When I say I couldn't get enough of this book, I mean it. This deserves to be on your TBR.

Given the strong messages in this book about anti-capitalism, propaganda, indoctrination, and greed (among other things), I'd say that this is coming out at the perfect time given the state of the world.
I was on an emotional roller coaster from start to end with this book and the fact that the main characters were so easy to fall in love with made this just an absolutely phenomenal read. Ugh and the last like 2 or 3 chapters, I was an absolute mess. What a beautiful, complex, and thoughtful read.

[Lisa readandrepeet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5, rounded up
Publication Date: January 20, 2026

If Anne from Anne of Green Gables was put in an even-more-queer version of Arcane.

This was electrifying (no pun intended) from the beginning. This is an unapologetic, take-down-the-system, queer YA story that is seemingly an action-packed fantasy? But is actually a story about the strength and vibrancy of unchained love. The characters are very real and easy to get to know. My half a star instead of 5 was really only that the constant bickering, even after it became amiable, eventually got old. Overall would 100% recommend to anyone looking for fighting oppression, a little magic, and queer love.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wild Radiance is not my typical read but I'm so happy I did. Maria Ingrande Mora created a stunning magic world and wonderful complex characters that you can't help but relate to them! The book was very easy to be drawn in and the world building was very easy to understand which is what I love. Parts of the book in the beginning felt a bit rushed but overall it was a beautiful story that had me reading it in one sitting! I would definitely recommend!
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."