radiant shadows

radiant shadows
wicked lovely series #4
melissa marr
ya/fantasy/horror
harpercollins
published 2010

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers. 

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death. 

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other? 

Big things are happening in Faerie and in the mortal world.  It's so amazing to see this world that Marr has created.  When you think you've learned all of it and now it's just a matter of building on the existing story she adds more.  Layers and layers of rich, alluring faerie goodness.

The story is complicated.  It's not a he loves her, she loves him kind of plot.  It's just so great.  It pulls you in and I love how dark and violent everything gets without being overboard.  The threat is there, blood is drawn, gore is but a mere whisper and it doesn't feel forced or showy.  She's not trying to shock the reader, she's just trying to show that these aren't Tinkerbell faeries.  Each book has ended in a way that gives you a bit of satisfaction with some resolution, but the bigger picture is still hanging there so you want to just jump right into the next book.

There's something to be said for waiting so long to start the series!  At least I don't have to wait for the next book to come out....