It’s no secret that Grace Draven is one of the best writers of modern fantasy romance. I could talk about her books all day. Her plots unfold against the backdrop of enchanting worldbuilding wrapped in lyrical prose. Her worlds have texture and that elusive fairy tale quality that many writers chase and never manage to acquire. But for me, it’s all about the characters.
A lot of speculative fiction can be sorted into two broad categories: ordinary character in an extraordinary world and extraordinary character in an ordinary world. The Hobbit, Labyrinth, and Alien are examples of the first, and Sherlock Holmes, House, and the entire superhero genre are examples of the second.
The Wraith Kings series falls firmly into the first category. There is Brishen, a prince of the Kai, who is a prince in the name only. There is the heir, and the spare, and Brishen, you go stand over there. Then there is Ildiko, who is a niece of the Gauri king. One day these two find out that they are to be married. They are not consulted about this. They have no power to alter this decision.
To make things worse, they are not of the same kind. Brishen’s people have more in common with the drow, and the Gauri are firmly human in the traditional sense of the world. The customs, the diet, everything is dramatically different.
There is something so refreshingly ordinary about watching these two trying to navigate this arranged marriage. They are so relatable, and they take so much care with each other’s feelings.
There are several books in the series now, and recently Grace added a new novella to it, titled Black Hellebore.
Did you know Black Hellebore was out? Yes, I didn’t either.
To celebrate this book birthday, I’ve imposed on Grace and made her sit down for this interview with me.
Interview with Grace Draven
Could you tell us how the world of Wraith Kings came to be? What made you want to write that first book?
Aww, thanks for the kind words, m’dear. I’d easily givel into the temptation of fangirling the storytelling juggernaut that is Ilona Andrews, but I know that isn’t why we’re here. Let me just say, before we go on, that I will never shop in a Costco or a Sam’s Wholesale the same way again after reading Innkeeper.
As to your questions, well you had a hand in that. Remember all those years ago when you declared “You need a website. I’ll make you one?” (Thanks for that, by the way) Well, I figured I’d try to bring traffic to my sparkly new Ilona-created website by posting a first-draft short story of no more than 12k words total to the blog section of the website for folks to read for free. One chapter a week (or maybe every two weeks, depending on my schedule). I remember telling my longtime editor, Evil Editor Mel, “It’ll just be a short story. I’m calling it RADIANCE. No more than 10k words tops.” To which Mel replied in the most doubtful tones, “Riiiiiggghhht.”
A few weeks into this plan, and I told Mel, “I think this is going to be a novella.” To which Mel replied, “Is that so?”
Spring forward a couple of more months, and I announced to Mel, “This is for sure shaping up to be a novel.” To which Mel replied, “You don’t say?”
After Mel (and my then second editor and principal brainstormer, Lora Gasway) edited RADIANCE and I officially published it to the various retailer platforms, I told Mel, “I have some ideas for a book #2.” To which Mel replied “Just send it on when you’re done.”
Once EIDOLON went live, I went back to Mel and said “Sooo, I’m certain this will be a 6-book series.” To which Mel oh-so-patiently replied, “I’m in for the long haul.”
And a long haul it’s been. Ten years, three completed Wraith Kings novels, three more to go, and several Wraith Kings novellas and short stories later, and I’m still on an adventure of discovery with these characters and this world. What a helluva ride.
What is it about Bishen and Ildiko that keeps you coming back to this series?
I’d have to say it’s the hope in a solid, long-term relationship. These two people are, first and foremost, each other’s best friend. When you combine the passion of romantic love with the grace and devotion of platonic love, you end up with magic that has staying power. I’d like to think that’s what these two have. Exploring aspects of their lives through the lens of that connection within a challenging, often violent world stretches my creative muscle and honestly, just makes me smile every time I write these two.
Could you tell us about Black Hellebore?
BLACK HELLEBORE is a revisitation of Brishen and Ildiko after the events in THE IPPOS KING (Wraith Kings, book #3). Brishen is now the regent of the Kai kingdom still reeling from the demonic invasion of the galla, the destruction of their capital city, and the wholesale loss of their magic (except for the youngest in their population). The world isn’t as safe from the galla as the Wraith Kings had hoped, and a desperate Kai with a plan to regain their lost heritage will do anything to succeed, even if that involves destroying all that Brishen holds most dear.
Could we look forward to more Wraith Kings in the future?
Yes. Definitely. I currently have two works-in-progress going, including THE NOMAS KING, which is book #4 in the Wraith Kings series.
Where do you see this series going?
As I mentioned earlier, this is a planned 6-book series with novellas sprinkled in between.
Will you branch out to other couples or stay with Bishen and Ildiko?
I love writing Brishen and Ildiko, but the arc of their particular story was started in RADIANCE and completed in EIDOLON. I revisited them again in BLACK HELLEBORE because, honestly, I missed them. However, the remaining books in the Wraith Kings series will focus on other characters already introduced in RADIANCE and EIDOLON, specifically those Wraith Kings who fought with Brishen in EIDOLON. Each one of those kings gets their story, and the third book in the series, THE IPPOS KING, is already out. I really loved telling the story of the jovial yet deadly Serovek, his passion for the formidable Kai warrior woman Anhuset, and their mission of mercy to protect an imprisoned Wraith King.
We are very curious about your writing process. What is a typical writing day like for you?
Fractured, full of distractions, loud, and the absolute definition of catch-as-catch-can. I write whenever I can carve out the time (which is limited and precious). So that can be at 7:30 on a Saturday morning or 2:00 a.m. in the wee hours of a Wednesday. I mostly write at my desk which is tucked into a corner of the game room which is the pass-through to one bathroom and two bedrooms. It’s also the brawling space for four rambunctious dogs as well as the hang-out for two college kids and any of the friends or boyfriends that drop by to visit. When it gets too wild and loud, I’ll grab a spiral notebook and handwrite in the bathroom, my car, the backyard deck and one time in the laundry room while I was waiting for a particular load of laundry to dry. Tuning out is my super power. The glamor…it never ends.
Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long and involved process. How does that usually work for you?
I’m a pantser, or a discovery writer (whichever term you prefer). I start with a nebulous plot idea, a stronger character idea and it’s off to the races. Character is always “louder” in my head than plot. I’ll have the spine of a story, but plot for me solidifies gradually, fleshed out and informed by a mountain of research that I do for every single book. When it comes to research for a book, I definitely adhere to Hemingway’s iceberg theory in which the reader only sees the tip above the surface, while underneath is the bulk of the iceberg or the unseen foundation that gives the story its heft and solidity. When I research, I build a house. When I don’t research, I build a house of cards.
I will often draft any and every expert in a particular topic into helping me understand how something is done, something is made, something works. The long-suffering Mr. Draven is on the receiving end of most of this. He’s had to explain to me how to fix the engine of a dirigible, how to use various types of weaponry from medieval to contemporary, and how to sew a pair of leather boots. Those are just a few examples. He blocks scenes with me as well, battling vacuum cleaners with broom sticks and rolling on the floor of the foyer in a simulation of dodging a horse while on the ground (during which my delighted dogs instantly dog-piled him on each occasion). God bless supportive spouses.
Once the story is done, I down a celebratory shot of bourbon or single malt, dance around the living room like a mad woman, call Mel to scream joyously in her ear, and announce to the family that as far as me cooking dinner is concerned…NOT TONIGHT, SATAN!
Then I email the entire mess to Evil Editor Mel for the king of all editorial passes we both fondly refer to as The Full Evil ™.
Do you have a concept editor and what role do they play?
Evil Editor Mel wears a lot of editorial hats for me, and this is one of them. Typically, she doesn’t see the manuscript until I’m ready for her to do a Full Evil ™ on it, but I will often message with her or call her to discuss some things. And as you’ve experienced firsthand, I’ve leaned into you for help in seeing my way out of a predicament when I’ve wrapped myself too tight around my own axel to see the fix.
And of course, the most important question: what’s next?
I love the Wraith Kings world and writing in it, but sometimes other worlds call to me, so I’ll take a detour on occasion. While I am working on THE NOMAS KING, I’m putting most of my focus during 2025 on writing and completing a fantasy romance titled THE BLADE MAIDEN. This is the first book in my planned Blade and Dagger trilogy and is centered around one of a set of identical twins who act as enslaved bodyguards to a possessed princess. Resigned to a life of bondage alongside her twin, Solunada soon discovers she must save a priest-king and his Otherworld kingdom from annihilation while also trying not to die at the hands of the assassin who loves her.
Oh, and she has a Girl Scout meeting on Tuesdays.
Just kidding.
Grace recently updated her website and because we are friends, I found out that she is reviving her newsletter. Apparently there will be a bonus scene sent out to newsletter subscribers at the end of next week, and it will be an intimate scene, so if you haven’t signed up, now is your chance. Grace’s site is at gracedraven.com and here is the link to her newsletter.
First?
Certified 🥇!
Woo hoo! And I even got a Mod R response. Life challenges completed!!
Mod R is very present in the comments section. She’s responded to me many times. Oftentimes in 5 minutes or less, after I post a comment. She really lives up to her title.
I love wraith kings! on a Kate note, my feed brought up Sean Dagher and Les Delices doing an acapella sea shanty of “Storm along”, and I had a Saiman flashback.
Yay for more books in my TBR pile!
OMG yay thank you for posting this!! I’ve been waiting for Black Hellebore for years, and check her website occasionally. So glad to hear she’s recovered and that the book is finally out! Hooray! Hard agree with your praises for her characters and worldbuilding, I love falling into her stories.
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Second?
Okay – not 2nd, but top 5!
And also love Grace Draven! Just started Black Hellebore! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Woo hoo! More beautiful gorgeous books!
Also love Grace Draven (especially Master of Crows) and just started Black Hellebore. Can’t wait for rest of series.
Happy Friday, another author to check out.
Love the Wraith King series, specially Radiance, it holds a special place in my heart. Wishing her the best and success, can’t wait to read Black Hellebore now that it’s out, those Hellebore flowers are gorgeous too, been thinking of getting them lol.
I love Radiance so much too!
Ilona is totally right about the Grace Draven prose, it has such a beautiful lyricism to it, but what sticks with me is how much I laughed when Bishen lost his mind at Ildiko rolling her eyes at him and seeing the whites 🤣.
And every time I rewatch Star Trek and the Klingon culinary marvels I think of the scorpion pie in the book hehehe.
Gotta love a book in which the two main character’s nicknames for each other are “Dead eel” and “boiled mollusk”, neither of them particularly meant as a compliment. Bought and finished Black Hellebore last week!
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ty ty ty ! ❤️ Grace Draven
I love Grace Draven’s work! I have to be pat!@t and wait on her books and Hugh and Arabella and Puffles and…..
You didn’t know? I kept checking on its progress and bought it the day it dropped and almost posted here that it was out but I wasn’t sure that would be appropriate.
As soon as I’m done posting, I’ll get Black Hellebore. I didn’t realize it was out. Eeee!
All of Grace’s series are great. Radiance came at a time I needed an escape. The scene in the garden before Brishen and Ildiko were married set the whole journey between the two. Also, the potato scenes make me laugh.
I like how Serovek put it that the potato and the scarpatine are good together. 😁😂😂😂😂
I’m so glad there’s more to come with the Wrath Kings. Maybe a certain king will be able to get out and return to his body? Hmmm…🤔
Love, love Grace Draven. Just finished The Ippos King.
I also really loved the fact that the world of “Master of Crows” is the world of the Wraith King, but so far into the future that the character we know are all but forgotten. And the connections between both of them and other stories like “Entreat Me” and the “Undying King” and the short stories that connect them.
These connections made me look at our own world history totally differently. So, so interesting.
I agree. When I’ve read the other stories, I would think “wait a minute, I know I read something about that somewhere” when reading about Neith and the clansmen’s home in Master of Crows. Saggra and High Salure in the Wrath King times. 😀
Love, love Master of Crows! Hope to hear more about them as well!
Great interview. Just ordered the book. Thanks! 😀
Black Hellebore was amazing, as are all the books in this series ☺️
Thanks for the interview! I discovered Grace Draven on this blog, and have been reading her books ever since. I have a couple of favourites, but have read Radiance multiple times. I’m so glad to hear that there are more books coming!
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Lol! She sounds like a cool lady. I need to check out her books.
I read GD before I found House Andrews; Radiance was my first GD and I loved the story; The Wraith Kings is a great series. I’ve read most of her work, but didn’t know BH was planned, let alone out! Thanks for the heads up.
Nice! Thanks for the interview! I did actually already buy and read the novella since I love that series. Had no idea six books were planned though. Such good news!
I love Grace’s work and I especially like Brishen and Ildiko! I purchased the novella when it was released (March 4). I enjoyed it, but I recommend reading the first the books before you enjoy this one. Thank you for the interview!!
So much agreement on Grace Draven! One of my favorite authors and an auto-buy. Incidentally, I follow her on Goodreads and Amazon and this is the first I’ve heard of this book. Notifications glitch? I don’t know, but I’m buying it immediately. Thanks for the heads up!
Thank you for the heads-up! Grace is an autu-buy for me, and I had no idea she’d just released a new novella! I loved the interview, especially the bit about the future of this series and the new one she’s planned.
I’m off to buy the book and then sign up for her newsletter 🍾
PS Even though I “follow” Grace on Amazon, I never got an alert. Bad Amazon, tsk, tsk.
I LOVED this new novella! Revisiting Brishen and Ildiko was such a treat. The crisis moment had me holding my breath until the end. These two always have my heart.
I loved Black Hellabore! I stalk the FB pages for updates so I got the notification that it was out. 😂 It helped to pull me out of a reading slump. The snippet of the Blade Maiden sounds really great too! Cant wait for more of her books
Good Friday to all. Going thru “No Friday Hugh Withdrawal”. Mod R, can you give us a fix???? Have you seen the novella that house Andrews is working on? Can you give us a hint? Does it have a dragon in it?
Thanks
It has wraithy monsters in it, does that count? 😀
Yes! Thank You!
I absolutely loved Entreat Me and the Fallen Empire series. I think this particular series is on my wish list in Audible.
Great interview. Thanks for sharing.
I was just thinking of rereading Radiance and Eidolon. Looks like it’s perfect timing.
I have not read any of her work but I think I will give it a go. Thank you
Grace is back! So glad she recovered. I love her writing and have read all her books because HA recommended her years ago. Off to buy the novella. 😍
Happy this is out, thanks for letting us know!
Love this series! So glad she put a new book out!
Thank you, thank you for the recommendation. After reading the blog (while sitting in bed with a coffee on a Saturday morning (Australia)), I bought the ebook of Radiance and started it. I very reluctantly it down after an hour so I could shower and dress. I am about to pick it up again and that’s what I’ll be doing today. It is fabulous. (I also take character over plot any day). It is also very funny.
so happy that Grace is doing well and back to writing!
Fairly sure my introduction to Grace Draven’s works was through IA’s blog. And I’m so VERY grateful. *happy reader dance* I believe the only books of hers that I haven’t read yet are the MASTER OF CROWS. RADIANCE is one of my favorite books and I recommend it often. If you do decide to dive into the world of Wraith Kings, don’t miss her WK novellas, as well. Her website has them listed in read order with novels.
Oh my gosh, I astound myself sometimes: Grace sounds like such a fun person and the descriptions of her books sound so intriguing (plus, they have the IA stamp of approval so they must be good!) Therefore, I decided to get one of Grace’s books for my Kindle so I can check this out.
Low and behold, I already own some of Grace’s works! Then it came to me: when Grace was first diagnosed, Ilona mentioned this in the blog, hoping that if they felt so moved maybe the BDH would buy some books and help Grace and family out during a rough time.
I was only too happy to oblige…but then stupidly forgot about it and never read the books! So, let me thank you for this reminder….and also YAY, new books for me to read! 😂
Yay! I love Grace’s books and have been waiting for this one. Off to buy it now!
Omg I didn’t know this was out!!! I LOVED Radiance. And yay subscribed to her newsletter now!! Thank you!
I adore Grace Draven! I’m so happy to hear she’s well and writing once more. The Andrews + Draven confab is a bonus! Quality people, exceptional writers. Thanks for the update.
Thank you, Ilona and Grace, for sharing this truly delightful discussion with us! The Wraith Kings has been moved from TBR to Binge Immediately status……
Wishing you both fabulous inspiration on your current projects!
Sending peace, health and safety to you all!
So fun!!! Thank you. Once or twice a week I sit down with this blog & enjoy a mug of hot chocolate & it’s my special “mommy time.” I will say again this is SO fun! I have read most of the Wraith King series & also did not know that Black Hellebore was out. SUPER EXCITED for this Blade and Dagger trilogy! And hearing about triumph in a chaotic writing process feels so comforting. If you’ll excuse me now, I need to go sign up for a newsletter…
thank you for this, u did happen to know that Black Hellebore was out, I think i was only a few weeks late to the party, loved loved loved it, so good revisiting these characters again. and because of a hint given at the end, party of my is tempted to go into the master of crows series, not another party of me wants to wait out the yrs until the 3 final elidorn books are out…dilemmas dilemmas 🙂
out was great seeing behind the scenes via this gift of an interview, while I tight I had signed up for the newsletter…figured there was no harm in doing so again to be on the safe side, esp with a snippet in the offering… the hoard is ever devouring 😆
Can’t find the newsletter sign up form on her website, I used the website search function …
The last words of the article you’re commenting under are a direct link to the newsletter 🙂 . Here it is again https://www.gracedraven.com/newsletter-form/
You might have to scroll down the page of the link Mod R mentioned above to find the newsletter sign up information.
Yay – thanks for posting this – last week I back to reread Radiance after reading the Ippos King – great to hear that Hellebore is out! (While we are being p*tient 😉
Thanks for this! I love Grace’s work and missed the new one.
Love her! She is a gorgeous writer! I LOVE the Wraith King series so much. I’m so glad she is better and can’t wait to read the latest installment. I’ve read all her books but Radiance will always be my fave.
Grace was before I read House Andrews, LOL. I think it might have been undying king that I read first? But I’ve always loved her work. I pretty much read everything she has put out. Now my question become where is Meggido? and who is the Witch? and what or where is the Gate to? And why doesn’t the Wtich want to open the Gate? Sadly, I may never find out … then there is Solunadra ? and the lim. I am thinking I’ve read about the lim somewhere before can’t place it though…Shrugs. I”ll get that book when that book comes out :), its already on order, ha ha. But I won’t forget about Meggido’s story!
Read the second book after Master of Crows. The answer is in that book. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. 😁
Thank you read it, but it still doesn’t tell me what happened to Meggido, I so wanted a HEA but I don’t think Grace writes those… all the time. I would also love to know that Brishen could know he was ‘saved’… that’s just me tho. The story was grand…
Thank you – didn’t know this was out either. Love the guest interview
Thank you for the recommendation!! I just started listening to her book Radiance on audible, and I love it!!!
Thank you so much for this!! I have really struggled to find more fantasy writers that live up to the expectations you’ve set in me, so I’m now rereading hidden legacy for the umteenth time! Thanks for the recommendation!
Good morning. 🙂 After your much deserved brake have you decided what group of stories you will continue with. I’m bursting at the seems to find out what happens next in the Inn Keepers series. I just listened to Sweep of the Heart again so it’s fresh on my mind. LOL Have a wonderful day.
P.S. I am NOT trying to hurry you please take all the time you need for your wellbeing I was just curious.
Ilona and Gordon are currently working on the proposal for Maggie 2, which once direction is approved, is due in first draft manuscript in November.
But umh…when was this break you speak of? Hehe.
Ilona and Gordon have been working non-stop, giving us Hugh 2 partial serial on the blog, extras to Maggie, a different novella that might be serialised, a potential surprise release I can’t say anything about yet, admin, more admin, assisting Graphic Audio productions, cover approvals, galleys, maps and probably a host of things I am not even aware of!
And on top of what Ilona and Gordon have you work on, you also are the Horde wrangler. Mod R, you have your hands full too. Whew!
No Hugh day this week ?looking forward to the next post. Love Grace Draven ,have all her books…hope the Nomas king will not be a long wait.
Hi Maureen,
Last Friday was the last Hughday, unfortunately, as announced in the post https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/secret-giveaway-winner-and-hughday/
A combination of contractual commitments and health concerns mean that Hugh 2 will go on the backburner and not be posted on the website any longer. We will continue to get all sorts of goodies and House Andrews haven’t forgot about us, but for now it won’t be Hugh.
Thank you! I had also missed this but have swiftly rectified the oversight, purchased it, read it, loved it (unsurprisingly, think I have loved all of her books so far)
I am so angry right now that I feel like a wraith queen myself.
You tried distracting me from Hughday by giving me a new series. And it worked!
And it was a nightmare!
Now I can’t enjoy a nice pie or cake without seeing a huge cockroach inside. This is the worst diet ever.
I feel like you had a private meeting with my nutritionist behind my back.
I was given a warning about the psychopathic trees lady massacring bugs. I prefer that than eating them. Alive.
Hehehehe. I love the food in Radiance, it reminds me of Klingon food. Mmmmm, fresh Gagh, when it’s still squirming!
The plotting with your nutritionist bit made me snort so hard!
When I was an evil little pre-teen in 1999, the movie the Mummy came out. My mom has an absolute horror of bugs. I think my fellow Millennials will know exactly what happens next in the story 😀
There’s a scene where a scarab crawls over Imhotep’s face and he snatches it and chews it. I would call my mom into the room each time that played, under various pretexts, just to prank her. It’s a miracle Mama R has not disowned me!
Yeah, I am a millennial too and I remember this scene too. But that was a weirdo. 😂
Giving your new wife a cockroach to eat when you were supposed to be on your honeymoon is evil. And he still has the gall to be whiny about a potato.
Thanks so much for introducing me to a brand new author I’d never heard of before. Now I have a whole new fantasy world to love.
How is she feeling? She sounds energetic and is making jokes, so I am speculating she is “better” or on the road there. I am not asking you to breach HIPAA laws or her privacy. She was pretty open about her situation at the start of things. Sending her and you best wishes for these spring holidays.
According to Grace’s most recent update on her own social media “My 2-year anniversary for the end of my cancer treatment comes up end of next month. I have my usual 3-month monitoring appointment then. According to my oncologist, if I manage to stay in remission, my chances for recurrence drop 50%“, which we are all manifesting for her! 🙂
Hello, After reading this post, I bought the first 3 books, I still have to read Black Hellebore. I LOVED!
Adeus,
PaulaC
Thanks so much for this! I really like Grace Draven’s books and did not know about this!