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Wraith Kings #1.5
Night Tide
Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares.
Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator drawn by a hunger for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day fight to save a world.
Originally published in the 'Teeth, Long and Sharp' anthology, Night Tide is a stand-alone novella that takes place in the world of the Wraith Kings series.
Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator drawn by a hunger for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day fight to save a world.
Originally published in the 'Teeth, Long and Sharp' anthology, Night Tide is a stand-alone novella that takes place in the world of the Wraith Kings series.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2018
145 people are currently reading
2865 people want to read
About the author
Grace Draven
53 books7,688 followersI'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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
October 3, 2020
✨ 3.4 STARS️ ✨
May 13, 2018
Grace Draven is not a writer who releases a book every few months , as a matter of fact it can be a LOOOONG stretch between them, but what she does release is a pure gold. There is nothing " novella " about Night Tide except the length of it. I am in love with Ms Draven's writing , as a matter of fact her Radiance is my " go to " book when, after particularly dismal reading experience I need to remind myself what beautiful reading experience should be like. There was also a sentence at the end which send my fangirl's heart aflutter, mentioning that the main characters will return in Book 5 . Since we are waiting, rather impatiently for Book 3 to arrive, it was wonderful to find that there are plans for more. Meanwhile, thank you, Ms Draven, for this gem.
August 29, 2023
"Night Tide" is a short story in the "Wraith Kings" universe.
As any book of Grace Draven I've read so far, it's imaginative, engaging and well written.
A creepy sea creature stalks the waters at night in the seaside village where Ziga lives, luring villagers to their demise.
Ziga has a sixth sense for the mood of the water and she's able to tell if there's any danger near by, forwarning her fellow shrimp trawlers (who even knew that such a thing existed in real life?). She feels that it's her responsibility - due to her gift - to protect the village from this creature and with the help of her beautiful horse Gitta (who is more like a childhood friend) sets out to patrol the beach....
The story gets more complicated with the return of her half-sister and her husband Andras (who is one of the Wraith Kings in the next book Eidolon) and I'm really intrigued by the dynamics between the three of them.
I feel that Andras has a lot of potential as a character. At first he is described by his wife with an unflattering way but later he portrays a completely different personality. So I'm really curious about him...
He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. "Ziga", he said, and he murmured her name as if he invoked it in prayer. "We'll meet again soon." He indicated Gitta with a thrust of his chin. "Take care of your child of earth. She is exceptional."
Until later then....
As any book of Grace Draven I've read so far, it's imaginative, engaging and well written.
A creepy sea creature stalks the waters at night in the seaside village where Ziga lives, luring villagers to their demise.
Ziga has a sixth sense for the mood of the water and she's able to tell if there's any danger near by, forwarning her fellow shrimp trawlers (who even knew that such a thing existed in real life?). She feels that it's her responsibility - due to her gift - to protect the village from this creature and with the help of her beautiful horse Gitta (who is more like a childhood friend) sets out to patrol the beach....
The story gets more complicated with the return of her half-sister and her husband Andras (who is one of the Wraith Kings in the next book Eidolon) and I'm really intrigued by the dynamics between the three of them.
I feel that Andras has a lot of potential as a character. At first he is described by his wife with an unflattering way but later he portrays a completely different personality. So I'm really curious about him...
He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. "Ziga", he said, and he murmured her name as if he invoked it in prayer. "We'll meet again soon." He indicated Gitta with a thrust of his chin. "Take care of your child of earth. She is exceptional."
Until later then....
July 6, 2018
A novella set in the world of Radiance. I'm really curious to see how Ziga's story will continue. And the horses were so beautifully described!
March 4, 2019
Bitter sweet.
This sits between Radiance and Eidolon. I've read Eidolon and I had forgotten how much I didn't like Andras in it. Good thing because I loved this short story and look forward to reading more about him and Zigana and her horse, Gitta in the 4th book of the series.
Something stalks the small seaside village where Zigana lives with her parents.
Then her half sister Jolen returns with her husband, Andras and small daughter, in disgrace from the king's court.
A very short creepy story!
Safety is good
This sits between Radiance and Eidolon. I've read Eidolon and I had forgotten how much I didn't like Andras in it. Good thing because I loved this short story and look forward to reading more about him and Zigana and her horse, Gitta in the 4th book of the series.
Something stalks the small seaside village where Zigana lives with her parents.
Then her half sister Jolen returns with her husband, Andras and small daughter, in disgrace from the king's court.
A very short creepy story!
Safety is good
May 27, 2021
I had a lot of fun reading this one!! Can't wait for the full-length book!
Reviewed in my most recent vlog:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixLp4...
Reviewed in my most recent vlog:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixLp4...
February 4, 2021
(3.75)
If you're even thinking of reading this novella, please don't do what I did and read this before Eidolon. It definitely works better that way.
If you're even thinking of reading this novella, please don't do what I did and read this before Eidolon. It definitely works better that way.
November 8, 2022
This is an unfinished story about a girl who's story will conclude in a future book. There is the start of a romance that has no end. I get frustrated with these because by the time the next wraith king book comes out I will have forgotten this story
January 2, 2026
It’s well written but only 70 pages and idk that I like having this background if/when these characters show up in future books…kinda got the ick from them
April 19, 2020
***sibling double dipping alert***
Fuck this. There's no plot in this "novella" and it's definitely not stand-alone. It's a prequel for book 5 in the series. That's right: BOOK FIVE.
I'm not interested in a story where the heroine lusts after her half-sister's husband. What's worse...
Scratch that, the worst is that they look very much alike:
Thanks, but daddy shagging the look-alike auntie is not my thing.
The fact that her sister is a bitch might help and I guess there will be no sister in their book, but still. Disgusting.
I'm very disappointed GD will write this shit. I thought she was different. Sigh.
2 stars because I'm keeping the 1 star for The Parias King.
Fuck this. There's no plot in this "novella" and it's definitely not stand-alone. It's a prequel for book 5 in the series. That's right: BOOK FIVE.
I'm not interested in a story where the heroine lusts after her half-sister's husband. What's worse...
Scratch that, the worst is that they look very much alike:
“You look like my mother.”
Thanks, but daddy shagging the look-alike auntie is not my thing.
The fact that her sister is a bitch might help and I guess there will be no sister in their book, but still. Disgusting.
I'm very disappointed GD will write this shit. I thought she was different. Sigh.
2 stars because I'm keeping the 1 star for The Parias King.
June 20, 2019
Mostly a bit of backstory for a relatively minor character in book 2, who will eventually get his own story in a later book in the series. It's atmospheric and interesting, but not a whole lot happens.
October 1, 2023
Such a magical, lovely tale. Grace Draven’s writing never fails to capture me. I devoured every second of this novella and cannot wait to read more of Zigana, Andras, and fearless Gitta in the future!
December 8, 2023
2.5
As much as I adore her writing and the characters I definitely felt absolutely bored through this novella. There is a lot to love in this however it did not work for me as I had hoped.
As much as I adore her writing and the characters I definitely felt absolutely bored through this novella. There is a lot to love in this however it did not work for me as I had hoped.
May 17, 2025
can ziga catch a break
August 5, 2020
Grace Draven is officially a favourite author of mine.
This novella started slow, which was quite understandable because it had to set the world/plot and establish characters and relationships. What can I say, I like action and a fast moving plot.
The last 20 pages though...wow!
(1) There was family drama.
(2) A bittersweet (unrequited???) romance involving a married man. (Which I am heavily invested in for some reason). It made my heart hurt and I like it.
(3) And an awesome fighting scene involving a badass heroine that could wield a harpoon and her giant of a horse!
The writing was also amazing and poetic. Grace Draven really doesn't disappoint.
This novella started slow, which was quite understandable because it had to set the world/plot and establish characters and relationships. What can I say, I like action and a fast moving plot.
The last 20 pages though...wow!
(1) There was family drama.
(2) A bittersweet (unrequited???) romance involving a married man. (Which I am heavily invested in for some reason).
(3) And an awesome fighting scene involving a badass heroine that could wield a harpoon and her giant of a horse!
The writing was also amazing and poetic. Grace Draven really doesn't disappoint.
January 3, 2023
An epic novella, with an interesting story. It's a shame that these characters won't reappear until the 5th book though. Maybe my thoughts will change once that comes out but for now it didn't have much of an impact on me as I'm not familiar with these characters, and I was desperately wishing for some characters who were closer to Brishen and Idilko.
July 19, 2024
I was mostly annoyed about having to read this before Eidolon, but after a slow and ordinary, almost lame start, it got better. A bit.
The fact that Zigana was a widow came as a surprise since it was merely mentioned in passing in the middle of the story instead of at the beginning. And it didn't have any particular meaning either, also surprisingly.
Her power was cool, plus, it was nice for a change that her village trusted her and believed in her and her power, relied on it even.
I'm not sure how I feel about that hint of a future romance. I don't like the circumstances aka the dude being her sister's husband. But that will have probably changed later.
She wasn't a bad heroine, however, the novella was overall just meh. Not much on its own, and I don't see yet what it adds to the novels, how it's even tied to them at all and why it's so important reading it before Eidolon. At least it's out of the way now.
The fact that Zigana was a widow came as a surprise since it was merely mentioned in passing in the middle of the story instead of at the beginning. And it didn't have any particular meaning either, also surprisingly.
Her power was cool, plus, it was nice for a change that her village trusted her and believed in her and her power, relied on it even.
I'm not sure how I feel about that hint of a future romance. I don't like the circumstances aka the dude being her sister's husband. But that will have probably changed later.
She wasn't a bad heroine, however, the novella was overall just meh. Not much on its own, and I don't see yet what it adds to the novels, how it's even tied to them at all and why it's so important reading it before Eidolon. At least it's out of the way now.
October 8, 2018
72 pages.
72 fucking pages and Draven got me to root for a couple that might not even stand a chance in hell.
And to make it worse? She's making me wait for the 5th book to see them again.
...
The 3rd isn't even out yet.
...
There isn't a release date.
...
Draven, are you trying to kill me?
Aside from my impatient fury, 72 pages is such a little amount of time to fully immerse your reader in an unfamiliar landscape and culture.
...
Colour me fully immersed.
I might be mad at you, Draven but you're still a literary wizard who reduces this damned organ in my chest to a puddle of fantasy-based goop.
...
G O O P
72 fucking pages and Draven got me to root for a couple that might not even stand a chance in hell.
And to make it worse? She's making me wait for the 5th book to see them again.
...
The 3rd isn't even out yet.
...
There isn't a release date.
...
Draven, are you trying to kill me?
Aside from my impatient fury, 72 pages is such a little amount of time to fully immerse your reader in an unfamiliar landscape and culture.
...
Colour me fully immersed.
I might be mad at you, Draven but you're still a literary wizard who reduces this damned organ in my chest to a puddle of fantasy-based goop.
...
G O O P
January 5, 2019
Ugh I need more of these characters!
This novella was wayyyyy too short! I mean, no it was probably the right length, but I didn't want to let these characters go yet! Such an interesting world, interesting characters... honestly, this felt like a prequel to a book... maybe?? please??
I'm really starting to love this author.
This novella was wayyyyy too short! I mean, no it was probably the right length, but I didn't want to let these characters go yet! Such an interesting world, interesting characters... honestly, this felt like a prequel to a book... maybe?? please??
I'm really starting to love this author.
May 6, 2018
A mesmerizing tale!
Fresh characters and an intriguing story. The last moments had me on the edge of my seat! I am looking forward to more of these characters in future novels.
Fresh characters and an intriguing story. The last moments had me on the edge of my seat! I am looking forward to more of these characters in future novels.
June 11, 2018
Not a romance. But it kind of feels like a prelude to a romance. Though considering the romance would be with a sister's husband, maybe not...
January 11, 2019
I need ziga and andras’ book nowwwww
May 8, 2019
Short but sooooo good. Draven lives up to my expectations EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
September 6, 2020
2.5 sis was thirsting too hard on her brother-in-law
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2020
I just need more of these series. Because every time
I read one more, I total forget all the other ones that came before. And it’s frustrating, because the wraith king series is da bomb. This was such a short but sweet little story. Her writing really shines in these types of setups.
I read one more, I total forget all the other ones that came before. And it’s frustrating, because the wraith king series is da bomb. This was such a short but sweet little story. Her writing really shines in these types of setups.
January 12, 2025
Beautiful story, short. I enjoy the way this story takes you to completely different lands and it’s challenges ✨
September 29, 2025
This was a fast paced reading which left me wanting more of the MCs: Zigana and Andras.
The story revolves around a small fishing town which has a problem: a sea creature who’s alluring humans through their pain and grief, to eventually kill and leave them ashore.
Overall, I liked Ziga’s personality: she likes being around her family and her visiting half-sister. She’s responsible in her own way and she gave me the impression of being an independent woman who will not accept any man in her life if she’s not truly free of taking her own decisions.
This is a novella which is between book 1 and 2 of the Wraith Kings. Some people recommended to read it in this order and I think that’s because one of the characters appears later in the main series.
It was well written and intriguing as Radiance, so I hope I can jump to book 2 ASAP.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
Radiance
The story revolves around a small fishing town which has a problem: a sea creature who’s alluring humans through their pain and grief, to eventually kill and leave them ashore.
Overall, I liked Ziga’s personality: she likes being around her family and her visiting half-sister. She’s responsible in her own way and she gave me the impression of being an independent woman who will not accept any man in her life if she’s not truly free of taking her own decisions.
This is a novella which is between book 1 and 2 of the Wraith Kings. Some people recommended to read it in this order and I think that’s because one of the characters appears later in the main series.
It was well written and intriguing as Radiance, so I hope I can jump to book 2 ASAP.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
Radiance
August 24, 2024
A short eerie story with new characters. I liked it.
September 19, 2018
This was a very good novella, set before Eidolon (#2) in the Wraith Kings' world, but now it just leaves me impatient for more! The FIFTH Wraith King novel is to be Andras', but Ms. Draven is only just at the rough-drafting stage of #3 (9/2018). Zigana's mercurial, entitled half-sister, exiled Lord Andras' resentful wife, stands in the way of any happy ending for Zigana and Andras, but Jolen's death would leave Zigana grieving, so divorce maybe?? We'll just have to wait and see how the events of Eidolon affect circumstances in this little fishing village and its castle.
Anyway, back to this book...
The horse-trawling shrimpers are a fascinating traditional lifestyle and trade that I saw an article (plus vid) about, and it made a great setting for the story. The atmosphere is beautifully described, both the sea as Zigana loves and respects it, and the darkness that's invading it. The protagonists are well-drawn and sympathetic, from Zigana and her stepfather (both "water-sighted"), her gossip-loving mother, and of course strong, fierce Gitta, her trawler draft horse; to Andras, and his and Jolen's little daughter. The only PoV is Zigana's, told in 3rd-person-limited, as she fears for her family and the other villagers.
I don't want to say too much about what the nature of the threat turns out to be, except to say that it's new to me, and very creepy.
N.b., I did a web search for , but the only "monster" result is of a grim (maybe I should say Grimm?) Czech picture-book called "The Nameless Monster", which seems unrelated. I don't even know whether using the same name was coincidental, or deliberate. (Ms. Draven does tend be venturesome, linguistically, borrowing and adapting some names and terms, and stretching a reader's vocabulary with others.)
Kudos to Ms. Draven for creating something which haunts and twists the characters' dreams, and may do the same for some readers!
The climax is exciting, and we are given enough denouement to be satisfying.
As for editing, it's good but not perfect: I caught 4 assorted errors related to quotation marks, and one confusion where the wrong name is put in (Gitta for Zigana!).
I'm going to see what else I own by Ms. Draven that I haven't read yet.
Anyway, back to this book...
The horse-trawling shrimpers are a fascinating traditional lifestyle and trade that I saw an article (plus vid) about, and it made a great setting for the story. The atmosphere is beautifully described, both the sea as Zigana loves and respects it, and the darkness that's invading it. The protagonists are well-drawn and sympathetic, from Zigana and her stepfather (both "water-sighted"), her gossip-loving mother, and of course strong, fierce Gitta, her trawler draft horse; to Andras, and his and Jolen's little daughter. The only PoV is Zigana's, told in 3rd-person-limited, as she fears for her family and the other villagers.
I don't want to say too much about what the nature of the threat turns out to be, except to say that it's new to me, and very creepy.
N.b., I did a web search for , but the only "monster" result is of a grim (maybe I should say Grimm?) Czech picture-book called "The Nameless Monster", which seems unrelated. I don't even know whether using the same name was coincidental, or deliberate. (Ms. Draven does tend be venturesome, linguistically, borrowing and adapting some names and terms, and stretching a reader's vocabulary with others.)
Kudos to Ms. Draven for creating something which haunts and twists the characters' dreams, and may do the same for some readers!
The climax is exciting, and we are given enough denouement to be satisfying.
As for editing, it's good but not perfect: I caught 4 assorted errors related to quotation marks, and one confusion where the wrong name is put in (Gitta for Zigana!).
I'm going to see what else I own by Ms. Draven that I haven't read yet.
November 2, 2019
As with all her novellas, this I've leaves me wanting more and wishing her full length novels would be released sooner
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews