The Ippos King

Wraith Kings #3

by Grace Draven

The demonic horde that threatened to devour the world has been defeated, but at great cost.

Plagued by guilt and nightmares, Serovek Pangion sets out to deliver the soulless body of the monk Megiddo to the heretical Jeden Order for safekeeping. Accompanying him is sha-Anhuset, the Kai woman he admires and desires most--a woman barely tolerant of him.

Devoted to her regent, Anhuset reluctantly agrees to act as a Kai ambassador on the trip, even though the bold margrave known as the Beladine Stallion gets under her skin like no other, and Anhuset fears he'll worm his way into her armored heart as well.

But guilt and unwelcome attraction are the least of their problems. The demons thought vanquished are stirring again, and a warlord with blood-soaked ambition turns a journey of compassion into a fight for survival. When the Beladine king brands Serovek a traitor, Anhuset must choose between sacrificing the life of a man she's grown to love and abandoning lifelong fealty to the Kai people.

A tale of loyalty and acceptance.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Adult

437 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2020

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

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo.... any news on a release date?

[Monique V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate you grace draven!! This is too romantic for my heart to take!

I will admit that after waiting so long for this book I did not expect it to like it this much. But This couple just made my heart flutter so many times I can't even express how much I love them!!! And the next book will probably be just as good and i am going to have to wait 3 years for it. I am kidding About hating you Mrs Draven. Thanks for a satisfying book

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We live for those we love,” she told him in bast-Kai. “We die for those we love. This is a privilege, Serovek, not a sacrifice.”

Embarking on this story was like having all my birthdays and Christmas rolled into one I was that excited to get started. This takes place in the aftermath of book 2 with a land clawing itself back from the devastation of a ruined and decimated kingdom, also, a people that has been leached of its very magic and its ability to capture the departed Kai’s mortem lights. A Land that has been brought to its knees by the previous Kai queen's ambitions. The events of this experience and battle against the malignant Galla has had a profound effect on all involved and the repercussions are still being felt by all especially the former wraith kings themselves. The mental and physical toll for both Brishen and Serovek is immense and both are having recurring nightmares.

We focus on two previous players fellow Wraith King and human friend and neighbour Serovek and Brishen’s second-in-command and cousin Anhuset. Serovek has taken great delight in his teasing of the prickly Kai female no matter how she tries to dissuade him otherwise and she constantly showcases her annoyance with his constant antics. Serovek can’t help but be fascinated and drawn to Anhuset he admires her resilience and strength of character and he makes no secret of the fact he is hugely intrigued by her.

So Serovek gets word from Megiddo’s brother regarding transporting the monk's mortal shell to the monastery in the Lobak Valley. Anhuset asks to accompany the Beladine Lord as a representative of the Kai and their close proximity along with their mutual respect and reliance further strengthens their existing bond. As you would expect from this author this is heavily plot led full of intrigue action with plenty of twists along the way. From the ruins of the Kai capital to the human Beladine court itself this was jam-packed throughout.

The Romance here is actually very slow burn but there was no lack of chemistry because of this.
Despite a gradual build-up, the connection resonates off the page with its sheer intensity and I believed wholeheartedly In the growing bond and affection developing. This is most certainly a story of friendship and trust before all else. I loved the evolving relationship emerging between Serovek and Anhuset. It showcased their strengths but also their vulnerability just so brilliantly and Anhuset is prepared to denounce everything to stand by the side of the man she has come to greatly admire and then love despite his human status.

“He resisted the temptation to close his eyes when she laid her hand gently against his cheek. “If the gods abandon us, I will be proud to die fighting at the side of Serovek Pangion, Margrave of High Salure and battle mate to Brishen Khaskem.”

A man that in return accepts her in her entirety for exactly who she is.

“I’m not sure I’d know what to do with a hair ribbon,” Anhuset finally said, addressing the stars above them.” “Probably strangle someone with it.” She choked on the wine she’d just sipped, and Serovek thumped her on the back until she quieted. Then she laughed, and he was lost.

This was also fantastically written the language used was lyrical but was also blunt when it needed to be not mincing its words and the descriptions were a carefully balanced blend of the two. I enjoyed this immensely and if you like historical-based fantasy that is predominately plot-driven and the romance almost a secondary concern this is the one for you. This world is just so fascinating and the world-building here is absolutely flawless. and I was captivated and drawn in from the second I picked this up losing myself in the unfolding story.

So you need to read this in order as it does follow a story arc throughout the series and you will struggle to follow along if you haven’t read books 1 & 2. but this third book does concentrate on a different but still connected couple. So yeah I Highly recommend this series this author always delivers for me and is a definite auto-buy. it was also definitely worth the wait I loved it a massive thumbs up.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent half the day gobbling this one up... SWOOOOOONNNNNNN!!!



Whoever said this isn't a romance, I beg to differ! Based on that comment I dreaded what I'd find coming in, but it IS a romance! It's ABSOLUTELY a romance! (just with not a lot of sex. Literally 1 pivotal scene and a cursory quickie described in 2 sentences toward the end. But it was enough. I could have used more, but it was not too little that I felt deprived)

Anywho... I created a new shelf with this one - favorite heroine. I'll have to mark the other books in which I loved the h with this new shelf too, but this is the book that created the shelf!

Anhuset is BADASS! Her character doesn't ever become "lesser" because of falling in love with a man. She becomes even stronger. LOVE HER SO MUCH!!

This couple is THE couple for me even when I read the other 2 books in this series by this author. I didn't really recall much about them except that they were good books and there was a human woman and a "alien" man involved - the Kai with sharp teeth and claws and serpent eyes and gray skin. That's all I recalled. I also recalled that the guy got his eye gouged out in book 2 that kinda pissed me off. I mean--WHY! I hate it when this type of "realism" comes into my romances.

But the most memorable about those 2 books was not the MCs. For me, it was this couple right here. I loved them from the moment they came onto the page. Serovek always had a BIG presence, and with a name like the Baletine Stallion (or somesuch) he had to have a BIG PRESENCE.



I'm happy to note that he's not a manwhore. Just a normal, charismatic man with appetites. Nothing overboard. Hate manwhores. But the author doesn't skirt around the fact that he has lovers but doesn't focus on it either, which I thoroughly appreciated.

The female MC --the Kai warrioress and second in command of the King, LOVE HER TO PIECES!!

And the 2 of them on the page--💥



I loved the development of their attraction (her fighting hers, him being very patient and just so MATURE). This book is 80% about their developing relationship, and I LOVE THAT!!

One of my fave books this year!

That being said, I didn't read every word like I do some other faves. But this is definitely a book I'd read again at some point in the distant future (not too attractive cover notwithstanding)

[Renegade ♥]

UPDATE (09/18/20)



For those who are interested, the author posted on her blog (on 09/09/20) that the release date for The Ippos King was changed from September 15, 2020 to October 6, 2020.

For further details from Grace Draven, see the link below:

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

***



For those who've been waiting and/or interested, here is the latest update (April 3, 2020) from GD:

https://www.blog.gracedraven.com/2020...



**SERIALIZED CHAPTERS NO LONGER AVAILABLE**

And here are the links to the serialized chapters (unedited and subject to change) being currently offered:

THE IPPOS KING – Rough draft serialization – part the first (April 3, 2020)

THE IPPOS KING – Rough draft serialization – part the second (April 10, 2020)

THE IPPOS KING – Rough draft serialization – part the third (April 17, 2020)



THE IPPOS KING – Rough draft serialization – part the fourth (April 24, 2020)

THE IPPOS KING – Rough draft serialization – part the fifth (May 1, 2020)



The book is now available for pre-order and set to come out on September 15, 2020:

https://www.amazon.com/Ippos-King-Wra...



***

Just thought I'd take a moment to share...

FB Update from Grace Draven (05/23/18):



So, an update on The Ippos King.

I've resisted putting out a specific publishing date beyond 2018 for this book for multiple reasons. Here are a few:

1) Goodreads librarians like to keep things up to date there, so if they see a date being touted, that's what goes on there, and that's what GR followers see and treat as a concrete date, even if it's an estimated one.

2) I've not been far enough into my word count to even hazard a good guesstimate. I'm still not there, but I know what date I won't be able to meet. More on that.

3) My original goal of releasing this book in 2017 went by the wayside due to significant events in my personal life in 2016 and 2017. Shit happens. We don't expect it, we don't plan for it, and it throws the best laid plans right out the window. We're halfway into 2018. I'm sure something will pop up that will make a specific release date dicey. Crossing fingers I'm wrong.

Anyhoo, I had really hoped to get The Ippos King written, edited, revised and packaged for a publication date prior to July 25th. That will NOT be happening. Why so specific a date when I'd avoided them previously? Contractual obligations and non-compete clauses in my contract with Penguin.

Basically, I can't publish a novel-length work in my preferred genre two months before and three months after the Penguin title (PHOENIX UNBOUND) goes live. Its release date is September 25th, so that publishing moratorium on my other work goes in effect July 25th and lasts until December 25th.

I could rush The Ippos King, slap together the remaining 2/3rds of the book in 3 weeks, dump it in a rightfully pissed off Evil Editor Mel's lap and ask for a 4-day turnaround on edits. I won't. I'd rather take my time, write a better book, give my editor the time she needs to make it an even better book via edits and revisions and release it at the very end of the year.

So, while I'm still not going to give a specific date as of now, I can tell you the release won't, under any circumstances (breach of contract isn't a term I ever want to read in an email or hear in a phone call), be until after December 25th, even if I finish it in say...August. However, I will be working very hard to see that it does go live before end of 2018.

I almost never do pre-orders, but I might do it for this one. I'll keep y'all updated.

I've had some readers say they're tired of waiting for me to roll this book out, that they're done with me and won't read anything else of mine. Sorry to hear that. I hope you'll change your mind in the future. Fortunately though, there are some amazing books out there to snag and fill your library. And I'm always happy to recommend the authors I love.

For those of you who stick with me while I work on this book and series, I thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding.

I've a couple of other smaller projects lined up that will go out between now and end of year. Novella lengths, in which one is the re-release of an older story and another will be done in late fall. And of course, PHOENIX UNBOUND in September.

Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/grace.draven...



If you don't feel like reading the full update (though I think it would be worth your while if you're a fan of this author and/or series), here is some key info for those of you who may be champing at the bit:

So, while I'm still not going to give a specific date as of now, I can tell you the release won't, under any circumstances (breach of contract isn't a term I ever want to read in an email or hear in a phone call), be until after December 25th, even if I finish it in say...August. However, I will be working very hard to see that it does go live before end of 2018.

I don't know about you, but I'm thrilled to know this book might come out at the end of December (fingers crossed) or arrive at some point in 2019. If I enjoy this one anywhere near as much as I did both Radiance and Eidolon (and chances are good that I will with Serovek and Anhuset at the helm), it will have been definitely worth the wait!

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

3.5 - 4 stars

Teaser for The Ippos King on Grace Draven's Facebook Page.


Grace Draven
April 27 at 10:12am ·
Teaser from THE IPPOS KING - Wraith Kings Book #3:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serovek leaned down to rest his forearms on the balcony’s stone balustrade. A carpet of spruce treetops lay below him, so dark a green they looked almost black in the oncoming twilight. A few stood out from their brethren, their crowns dusted in a thin veil of snow that caught the last sparkle of light from the setting sun. The wind, gentler now as it glided through the mountain’s col and up its flank, whispered in his ears—mysterious words breathed by zephyrs, promising treasures beyond price and pleasures beyond imagining.
His companion stood beside him, oblivious to any seductive serenade. Her cloak swirled around her tall form, hinting at the lean, muscular body concealed by draping cloth. She raised a slender hand, her claws catching on the edge of her hood to fold it back and let it drop to her shoulders. Her head turned a fraction, just enough for Serovek to catch a glimpse of her yellow eyes edged in long, white lashes.
“Tell me again, sha-Anhuset,” he said in his most casual voice. “Why it is I must beg your forgiveness when it was you who stabbed me?”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE IPPOS KING
by Grace Draven
Copyright 2016 by Grace Draven
All rights reserved

There will be 6 books in the series! http://gracedraven.com/recent-faq/ [Read 7th paragraph]

"EIDOLON is the second book in the Wraith Kings series and the direct sequel to RADIANCE. There will be 6 books total in the Wraith Kings series. WK Book #3 is titled THE IPPOS KING and will go out in 2017. While Brishen and Ildiko will make appearances in the books in the series, they’ll be relegated to secondaries after EIDOLON. Book #3 focuses on Serovek and Anhuset."
-

[Kimmier]

I love Grace Draven's Books especially the Wraith Kings Series. I was excited to read this on Grace Draven Facebook page:
Ippos King-WK #3-Serovek and Anuset
The Nomas King-WK #4-Gaeres and Emerence
The Parias King-WK# 5-Andras and Zigana
The Anastas King -WK #6-Megiddo and Acseh

Keep on Writing Grace Draven!!!

[Bibi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clearly, something went awry in the intervening years since Eidolon because this was unexpectedly sophomoric.

The strength of Radiance and Eidolon was in the crescendoing chemistry between Brishen and Ildiko but also the escalation of conflicts. Whereas, The Ippos King, IMO, relied more on conflicts to spur a romance that was cringey and uninspired.
Sha-Anhuset was not a heroine I could support even if she had the beauty of 10 fair maidens or the strength of 20 stallions. Everything about her was awkward and an agony to read. Likewise, Serovek, the hero, who became an inept bumbling fool for no other reason than "love".

[Shanna Matheo · Rating 5 out of 5]

November 2020: I've waited... What is it 2? 3? years for this book. At one point I doubted we were never going to get it. And even if we did, how could it live up to expectations?

The short answer: It did.

The long answer: I don't have one yet. I need some time to let my thoughts settle. So, full review to come... maybe?



October 2020: It's... It's here? OMG it's here! Well Grace, you just slid that one in there didn't ya?



September 2019: Oh my Gods this cover!!! Anushet looks so bad-ass! I love it!



Expected publication DECEMBER 2019???!!



Why Grace? Just... Why?

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say but this installment wasn't quite worth the wait.

As happens more often than I like, the build-up for a particular romantic pairing was better than the reality. The culmination of finally getting these two together? It just fell completely flat. I felt very little real chemistry for the majority of the romance.

The tie-in to the big confict of book two is interesting, and I'm curious to see more of that play out in book four, but the actual telling of this story could've probably been summed up in a novella.

Draven has written some really great stories and I'm not convinced this series should be scratched off that list yet. I'm keen for book four -- whenever that's to come.

2.5 stars

Full review to come (wasn't going to blog this one but I ended up ranting/writing more than I thought, so, might as well!).

[Princess under cover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Thanks to Starr for rec'ing it. I love a real man, and Serovek is a man's man. I love a strong woman. And Anhuset is a strong freaking warrior woman.

The 2 of them combined - ride him, cowgirl! The Beladine Stallion. Neeeehhhhheeeee.... (that's meant to be a horse sound).

Great stuff.

[Aisling Zena]

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a sad bunny posting this rating but it is what it is. Anyone who knows me, knows that I recommend Grace Draven and this series left, right and centre but sadly The Ippos King was disappointing to me. This wasn’t a bad book, it was an okay read, but I found it inconsistent in terms of pacing and spark.

Anhuset and Serovek were a couple that Wraith Kings readers have been waiting for. The unlikeliest of pairings but I’ve always imagined them perfectly matched. The best thing about The Ippos King was these two as a couple. However, the tension and build between them wasn’t always there. When it was, it lit a fire and I felt Grace Draven’s spark in the writing.

I struggled with not feeling the story much at all for the first half of the book. It felt like there was some over-lamenting back to previous plots. However, at about 45% in the ebook, the story started to gain some traction for me and it kept going like that until about 75%. So you can see, I felt an inconsistency in the story keeping my attention with plot and pacing.

I definitely liked the ongoing story of the monk element of the Wraith Kings and I look forward to reading more in that vein. I liked some of the side characters and the main characters themselves. I just didn’t get that feeling I normally get with this author’s books.

I will continue to champion Grace and her other books and I’ll still look forward to book four in this series. However, I won’t eagerly recommending this installment.

Find this review at A Take From Two Cities.

[Mindy (Book Snitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE. Does not disappoint.

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10/13/20 Update!
OMGOMGOMG!!! ITS OUT!!!


But... Im broke until payday and this is not at the library yet. Ive waited 3 years for this to come out. I think I can wait another week. LOL!
********************
11/19/17 Update!
I want this noooowwww!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So there were parts of this that were slow. But these two were such a beautiful match for each other. And I enjoyed them so much. It was so great to watch them fall in love.

4.5/5 stars
2 chili peppers

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

The Ippos King is the third book in The Wraith Kings series.  I read Radiance, the first book in this series, back in 2015 where once upon a time a Mollusk and an Eel fell in love and absolutely decided Grace Draven books and I were going to be fast friends.  The remains true in The Ippos king, where another Mollusk and Eel fall in love.

Serovek isn't really a mollusk, but he is human with pink soft skin and eyes that dart everywhere disturbingly.  He is a Wraith king, one of the men who gave up their bodies for a time to fight a supernatural foe.  He lost a friend and warrior monk in the last battle and it is time to return his body to the monastery and his brothers.  Brishen can't go on this journey to return the man who saved them all but will send his second in his place.

Anuset is from an elder race.  They are sometimes compared to Eels due to the grey color of their skin, the yellow sheen of their eyes and how deadly they can be.  Aneset has made fun of her cousin in the past over his besottedness over his human wife.  She is about to get her nose rubbed into all of that as she falls for Serovek on this journey.

“I don't know how you weak humans ever got this far.” “We're cunning, feral, and afraid of dying.”

If you've read the other books of this series, you knew this was coming as the chemistry between the two was palpable.  On this journey, they will be thrown into danger and both Serovek and Anuset will have opportunities to shine.  This is definitely a romantasy where the romance and fantasy of the story are almost equal.  Serovek is so easy to fall in love with.  Sure he is manly and full of vigor, but he never tries to make Anuset feel less than or like she needs to diminish herself to make him feel more powerful.  He takes her intuition seriously and trusts her implicitly.  It is refreshing the way their relationship builds.  There are plenty of exciting fights along the way as well.

If you are looking for something with a good blend of both romance and a strong fantasy world, I would highly recommend this series.

[Jeffe Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeously written Wraith Kings installment from the stellar Grace Draven - and one of her best books yet! While I've been a steadfast lover of Master of Crows as my longtime Grace favorite, this book has possibly changed that. We've been waiting a long time for Anhuset and Serovek's story and the story is totally worth the wait. An epic fantasy ride full of mystery, magic, and a slow-burn romance of opposites that is both moving and passionate. Even more so than in Radiance and Eidolon, the hardened warriors from opposing races finding their way to being vulnerable enough to embrace the other feels like what we need in this world that has been too cruel of late. Anhuset and Serovek finding each other becomes the first step to healing their own horribly broken world--and serves as a delightful, riveting escape from ours, and as a lesson in hope.

[Averie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Wraith Kings series, with Radiance being the beloved first book! Radiance is my favorite romance of all time, so I was really looking forward to the continuation of this series!

This is the romance between Anhuset and Serovek. Serovek is a human man while Anhuset is a bad A warrior Kai woman. They are tasked to resolve some issues that stem from the second book in the series. They travel across the land together, and their growing affection for one another is finally revealed.

This unfortunately was not a full 5 stars from me. But I honestly think that it is totally my fault. I have been in a little bit of a slump when it comes to large books. This took me over a week to listen to, which is totally abnormal for me. I am probably going to reread this one at some point, and then we will see if my rating changes :)

TROPES: caretaking scene, fantasy romance, great banter, hero falls first, road trip, romance with magic

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like it took me forever to get through this one. I was so looking forward to their story, but I ended up pretty bored throughout.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Draven has quickly become one of my all-time favorite authors. This third book in the Wraith King series was phenomenal - an action-adventure story (think the most chilling parts of Game of Thrones - it's that intense and un-putdownable) that's also a wildfire-hot love story between two characters from the last two books (who I've grown to love) - courageous, bold and witty human Serovek and the acerbic, suffer-n0-fools Kai warrior Anhuset. A very different love story from the first book (where graceful Ildiko falls for congenial Brishen), but no less satisfying. Beautiful writing, incredible character crafting and world-building - just read this series! I wish I could read it again for the first time and am jealous of anyone who gets to :) My highest recommendation. All the stars.

[ShannaBanana✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! I couldn’t love Serovek and Anhuset more and I couldn’t be happier with the ending. It was everything. This book gave me all the feels. Thank you Grace Draven! I was really hoping the whole Megiddo fiasco would be solved but hopefully it will in the next book. I would love for Brishen and Serovek to stop suffering from their nightmares. I’m definitely giving this 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mar, Queen of Darkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Grace Draven book, I feel like I get smarter. Her writing is just so eloquent and descriptive and wonderful.

This series is awesome. I freaking loved Brishen and Ildiko's books and I freaking loved Serovek and Anhuset.

Serovek is my my favourite kind of hero. Alpha badass warrior who is confident enough in himself and his woman that he doesn't need to pull that macho "I'll protect the helpless female" bullshit. He knows when to let her take the lead and he's not triggered by it. In other words: he's a REAL MAN. Yay! And yum.

And Anhuset is so freaking badass that if he had acted even remotely like a tool, she would have cut off his balls and eaten them for breakfast. The woman kicked fricking ass!

So put them together and you have 🔥!

I can't wait to see where this series goes, but sadly, I think I'll be waiting a while...

[enqi ☾⋆˚*̣̩✩]

Update 27/3: Can't wait to submit my thesis so I can start this!!! I'm literally obsessed with Serovek after Eidolon. A man who's fierce, honorable, unfailingly loyal, self-sacrificial, banters as good as he gets, and will go feral for his lover? PLEASE 🥵🥵

As someone who is sometimes more enamored by Serovek than Brishen I need this book more than I need oxygen

[Jemailyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆

You learn from your enemy; your enemy learns from you.

The Ippos King continued where Eidolon ended, however in different povs this time. The MCs in this book are Anhuset, a Kai woman and the head of military in Sagara, and Serovek, a human man and the lord of High Salure. The Eidolon has remnants to Brishen and Serovek, who are both plague with guilt and nightmares about the fifth Wraith King and Nazim Monk Meggido's lost soul in the galla horde. When the Jeden Order requested for Meggido's body to be transferred to the monastery, this was fulfilled by Serovek and Anhuset. And so their adventure began.

Oh how I loved the story of Serovek and Anhuset! It's just so... beautiful to read at. A romance unlike any other indeed! I think I loved this more than I did for Ildiko and Brishen's story. If I could give it a 10/5, I would. Ms. Draven's storytelling has a way of holding me down until I finish her books no matter how simple or predictable they are. As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed The Ippos King from start to finish.

We live for those we love. We die for those we love.

[Anali · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anhuset's eyes narrowed. She had never been, and would never be, a prey animal.

[Zeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author's work. She remains an autobuy for me.

In this her third entry in the Wraith King series,characters introduced in previous novels finally come together. The heroine Anhuset, (pronounced either Ann-oo-set or Ann-hoo-set depending on your dialect according to the author), is of a race of magical beings who live with humans. They look different than us with sharp teeth and yellow eyes, but the play on what defines beauty really is something I find refreshing.

Anhuset is a "sha"- a designation of military rank I believe- to her King, whose story was told in the first two entries of the series. She's dedicated to her position of rank and is fierce and independent. Which is why she's resisted her attraction to the human Serovek Pangion.

Serovek is a warrior plagued by nightmares of the war with the demonic galla, he never-the-less takes on the duty to deliver the soulless body of a dear friend to a renegade order of monks in another Kingdom. He still feels tremendous guilt over his part of Megiddo´s soulless state, even though his intellect tells him it was needed to defeat the galla and he knows his friend willingly sacrificed himself, Serovek´s heart tells him otherwise.

Anhuset, carrying her own burden from the war, makes the decision to travel with Serovek to help him carry out his duty. In so doing they must defend each other from betrayers amongst them, what appears to be an enemy resurgence and a mad king threatened by the army´s loyalty to the man known as the Beladine Stallion.

I love a good journey-together-find-love-along-the-way romance. And though it sounds like a similar path as the last I read by her, (Dragon Unleashed), its different enough in terms of character to hook me right in. A bit of slow start once again to reacquaint us with the series, but ends up being super romantic-especially when Serovek discovers the white ribbon. ;)

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first fell in love with Anhuset’s character in Radiance. She’s fierce, loyal, honest, strong, talented, grumpy, and hilarious.

“I always knew you thought me handsome. About time you admitted it.”

Those slender white eyebrows crashed downward, and the tray made a screeching noise when she dragged her claws across the surface.

“Do you always court death?” She asked.

It’s so refreshing to read about an actual kick-ass heroine who doesn’t turn into a mushy wimp later in the book. If anything, Anhuset becomes stronger and more determined.

“We live for those we love,” she told him in bast-Kai. “We die for those we love. This is a privilege, Serovek, not a sacrifice.”

The parts about the hair ribbon absolutely melted me.

I did get a little tired of hearing about how huge Serovek's stallion parts were and how he was a renowned lover throughout the land. The romance takes second place to the political scheming and battles...not always a bad thing. I’m just a fan of wuv, tru wuv.

[Erika ♥OwlwaysReading♥]

Update: THE IPPOS KING – September 2020 (after Sept. 10th)
https://www.blog.gracedraven.com/2020...

This books not ready yet, but it will be. 😉


I'll be waiting 😉

[Corinne [hiatus] · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF for me on this one.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get into the story.
Anhuset and Serovek are not as interesting or as magical to me as Brishen and Ildiko.

[Hilda · Rating 3 out of 5]

“We live for those we love,” she told him in bast-Kai. “We die for those we love. This is a privilege, Serovek, not a sacrifice.”

This was Anhuset and Serovek’s story. It was all right. It was cute at times and I honestly believe these are suited for each other very much. It was just so slow in the beginning. The ending was great but getting there was a little rough. There was both too much story and not enough.

Also, the beginning was cringy to me. If I hear one more person compare Serovek to a damn horse one more time I was going to scream. We get it, he’s a “stallion” in bed and hung like one too. Why must it be mentioned so much. I just….ARGH!! And then, and then, AND THEN they finally get together and he’s all I’m so glad I can be rougher in bed I’m not scared of breaking her like I am of breaking human females. What? He’s such a slut too but it’s okay because he’s a man. *eye roll* I was just over it.

If you want a story full of back stabbing, greedy, lying jerks that want to over throw good people for monetary gain this is the story for you. There is a ton of this. Also, really cool warrior monks. I want more of that. Those monks are super cool. And most importantly one of fiercest woman warriors ever. Anhuset was the best warrior. Period. The story wasn’t bad either. I just wanted more of Anhuset and Serovek the story didn’t really seem about them. It just followed them.