Radiant Shadows (Melissa Marr, HarperCollins, 2010, ISBN: 9780061659225) is a fast-paced novel featuring a cast of fascinating characters that are sure to bewitch teen and adult readers alike. It is the fourth book in Marr's Wicked Lovely series, following Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and Fragile Eternity. This review of Radiant Shadows includes a brief plot summary and the release date of Darkest Mercy, the next book in the series. It also contains a list of recommended fairy-themed books for teenagers who enjoy Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely books.
Radiant Shadows Plot Summary
Radiant Shadows takes on the points of view of Ani and Devlin, both relatively minor character in the first three novels. Aislinn, Seth, and other characters featured prominently up to this point take their places as minor characters; readers expecting a continuation or resolution of the events in Fragile Eternity are likely to be disappointed.
Ani, halfblood daughter of Gabriel, the "Hound" of the Dark Court, is caught between two worlds: human and faery. The novel shifts between her perspective and Devlin's, a High Court faery who is likewise trapped between two worlds: the court he has chosen to serve, and the Dark Court from which he was made. Unfortunately for Ani, she catches the attention of the embodiment of war, Bananach, who plans to use her as a pawn to sow discord between the courts. Ani flees with her newfound protector, Devlin, who falls predictably in love with her. War erupts, and to stave off the threat of chaos in Faery, Ani and Devlin seal off the gateway between it and the human realm, and establish their own kingdom, the Shadow Court.
Radiant Shadows Review
Those who haven't read the first three books in the Wicked Lovely series should do so before reading Radiant Shadows. The plot, which its myriad characters and conflicts, may prove challenging even for those well-versed in the lore. Marr is to be commended for her refusal to allow secondary characters be secondary - each individual is complex, and one gets the impression that they all could have novels written about them.
While this is one of the book's strengths, it is also one of its weaknesses. Marr imbues each character with such superhuman charm and foresight (the author's clear favourites being the fairies of the Dark Court) that it is difficult to feel attached to any particular one. This is problematic for the main characters, who are interesting in their own ways, but cannot distinguish themselves from the rest of the cast fully enough for their problems and desires to be truly compelling.
The book has other weaknesses; Marr favours internal monologue too heavily, and many scenes drag on far longer than they should. But really, with characters as compelling as these ones, and a world as complex as the urban Faery of Marr's imagining, one can't blame her too much. Teens are sure to find much to enjoy in this novel, though some readers may wish to have something more to grab onto amidst this complex brew of magic, romance, and relentless charisma.
Darkest Mercy: Release Date
The fourth and final book in Marr's Wicked Lovely series, Darkest Mercy, will be told from Aislinn's point of view. According to Melissa Marr's official website, the release date of Darkest Mercy is currently scheduled for February 22, 2011.
Fairy Books for Teenagers
For teens who enjoy fairy books like those of Marr's Wicked Lovely series, the following novels are highly recommended.
- Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
- Tithe by Holly Black
- A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce
- Blackbringer by Laini Taylor
Any review of Radiant Shadows would not be complete without praising Melissa Marr for the complexity of her characterization. While the novel has its flaws, teens who enjoy fairy-themed books are sure to enjoy this latest installment in the Wicked Lovely series, and eagerly await its conclusion in Darkest Mercy.
Additional reviews of teen fantasy novels:
Libba Bray's A Great and Terrible Beauty: Review
Guy Gavriel Kay's Ysabel: Review
Elizabeth C. Bunce's A Curse Dark as Gold: Review
Review of Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black
Heather Fawcett - Heather Fawcett is a Vancouver-based writer and editor. She holds an M.A. in English Literature and specializes in teen fiction, having ...
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