Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: April 20, 2010
Source: book provided by publisher

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

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?

I'll start off by saying that as much as we try not to, the real life around us and the moment in which we read a book has much to do with our enjoyment of said book. When I read Fragile Eternity, I was in a fast pace kind of mood, and of course it was less than satisfying. When I read Radiant Shadows, I was in need of some great writing, so boy was I satisfied.

As a fan of Ink Exchange and Marr's darker moments, this novel was delightful. I prefer reading about the Dark Court than about Summer/Winter dilemma. I took my time reading this book, because incredibly enough, as majestic as her other books have been, this is the best one yet. Unbelievably, Marr's writing and enchantment seem to have bloomed to a higher level. I might be biased though, because I drool over Irial. I had no idea he would be in the book until I suddenly read his name, and I swear my breath stopped. However, fans of the Summer Court triangle (with Seth as a new fairy) will be disappointed because they'll have to wait for the final book. Throughout the whole book you can sense something big is coming; she did a wonderful job building the setting for the resolution in book 5.

The book feels like paranormal poetry. The smooth way she enchants the reader with her words is mesmerizing. I normally read for the pull of it, I like things to happen fast, no page-wasting. Except when it comes to Marr, to her natural and magical storytelling that pull us into her unique faerie world of danger and revenge. This is a book to lay back and savor it's wonders.

Overall, I cant be more excited about the final book! I cant wait to see where all this is going. Highly recommended if you've enjoyed her other books and it can very well stand on it's own too.