ARC Book Review: All That Glows

Author: Ryan Graudin
Publication Date: February 11. 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen

Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

“He’s a challenge. No one volunteers to guard him anymore. He takes too much energy. When’s your first shift?”

I start to breathe again. He’s forgotten all about the Green Woman. And that moment between us. Whatever it was.

“Emrys, you’re one of the best Fae in my Guard.” Breen is all severity. “You just need to deal with it. I know you can.”

“I won’t hurt you,” I begin. “It’s my job to protect you, to keep you safe.”

Emrys, a fiery young girl full of life and passion, has just been sent away from her homeland, the Highlands, back to London with a specific assignment: guardian to the royal Prince Richard. Prince Richard is notorious for his party boy reputation and his careless and carefree lifestyle and attitude. Both of these things make him susceptible to the dark magic that lies in wait. Emrys and Richard are about to meet their matches within one another. Their relationship sparks from the very first time they meet, and promises readers a thrilling adventure ride!

I loved this fantastically modern, faerie world that Graudin has invented. At first I picture a world that was old, historical, and charming but this world was really modern and changed the way I had it pictured in my head. There is dark magic afoot, murders, and paparazzi who can’t mind their own business, of course. She develops this world that is so completely different from how you might first imagine it. I am sincerely hoping that Graudin decides to write another book in this world! The world building was some of the best I have read so far this year.

The relationship between Emrys and Prince Richard takes a front row seat and in this book, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. I know a lot of readers who like to focus more on the adventure and less on the romance might not like the sound of it, but hear me out. Their relationship has stipulations and consequences because of what they both are and their place in society. From the moment they meet they are both on a wild goose chase because of all the dark magic that is circulating London. It really is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride, and their romance is only an added feature!

***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at HarperTeen in exchange for my honest review***