First, just look at the cover! If that doesn't catch your eye, I don't know what will. It practically screams fantasy and mystery to me. And the story delivers. The writing is wonderfully descriptive without being overly so, and the story is full of magic and mystery. It has a gothic feel, and I'd call it a dark fantasy with its talk of a murdered boy and bringing him back to life. Of course, this isn't the first time I've read a book with magic in art - The Picture of Dorian Gray comes to mind - but the premise here and how it's done is different than anything I've seen, which makes it all the more intriguing to me. I realize that I've been vague, but it's been quite deliberate. I don't want to give away the book's secrets, and this is one that I think should be experienced spoiler-free. I'd say if you like fantasy, this one is a must-read. It's magical, it's full of mystery and intrigue, and the writing draws you in and holds right on.

This book was super interesting. I really liked the mix of art, magic, and biology. This magic system was just so unique and intriguing. I enjoyed the regency-type story setting as well. The entire time I kept trying to figure out the “whodunnit” but I was not successful! (This is a good thing. I hate when the twist is obvious!!)

4.5* upped to 5
It’s not easy to define this novel as it mixes different genre making them work together and creating a riveting story that kept me turning pages.
There’s mystery, romance, fantasy all mixed in gothic atmosphere. There’s also an interesting side about sisterly bond and how being poor can affect the chances of getting better or dying.
The “young ill girl” is trope that was quite popular in the XIX century story, Beth anyone?, but the author was able to add fresh air and approach it in a contemporary way.
The magic system is one of the most original I read in a long time: a mix of religion and magic, art that affect the living being healing or resurrecting them. Those who can perform this type of magic are called Prodigy and someone is killing them.
Prodigy are also considered an abomination by religion and persecuted
Myra, a Prodigy called to a nearly impossible task, must find the killer before she becomes the next victim.
The plot was well crafted and, even it dragged a bit at moments, I read it in two setting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The mystery is quite solid and the romance, even if a bit too fast, was sweet.
I suppose this is the start of a new series and I would be happy to read more about this world.

I really wish I loved this one more than I did, but sadly the writing style and narrative flow just wasn't for me. Everything felt too obvious and "on the nose", the first-person narrative exacerbated that with the main character talking in circles about the obvious Red Flags, and then deciding to do it anyways.

I love the sibling relationship in this book and Myra's quiet determination to take care of her sister, no matter the risk. The scenes where they interact were so much FUN and I wish the narrative had more of the interactions rather than descriptions and being in the MC's head.

While A Forgery of Roses wasn't for me doesn't mean you won't enjoy it, we all have different tastes and preferences. Read my friend Meaghan's 4.5 star review before making a decision!

Representation: anxiety, chronic illness
Content warnings: abandonment, ableism, child death, gore, graphic injury, loss of a loved one, miscarriage

eARC provided by the publisher for my honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book nor the contents of my review. Quotations are from an unfinished proof and are subject to change upon final publication.

I was originally drawn to this book because it is a fantasy mystery. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and the end of the book. I thought that the middle dragged a bit.

It had an excellent atmosphere. However, I felt more connected to the setting, medical aspect, and magic more so than the characters.

Thank you so much to the publishers for a copy of this book.

What I loved: I thought the premise had unique elements to it that I have not read in other books. The building of the magic and society did not take long, nor did it feel overwhelming. It was a complex magic skill, but you learned about it as needed in the plot. I loved how the different characters in the Harris family all played different roles in the plot.

Not so much: At times, the writing felt a tad bloated-- descriptions that were too fluffed-- and the ending hospital scene should've been about half the amount of pages

Overall, I found the book to highly enjoyable!

What an enchanting read! The author did an amazing job creating and developing this world centered around artistry. The story pulls you and it’s an instant page turner as you try to predict what will happen and how the story will unfold. Beautiful imagery throughout this story. Highly recommend.

The mysterious disappearance of parents, unique magic system connection to painting, the murder of a famous royal, and a pair of siblings desperate to survive are the themes you find embedded in the pages of A Forgery of Roses. You won't be able to put this excellent enchanting novel down tell you have unraveled who murder the famous will and whether or not Myra will end up with the brother, save her sister and find her parents. I was engaged the entire time I read this book, and the attention to detail that the author painted on the pages as the Prodigies painted was done so well. I have not read her other book yet, but now I want to go back and see if it is just as unique as this one.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica Olson is a gothic atmospheric mystery set in a creative magical fantasy world with a cast of flawed and relatable characters who will grab your heart and never let go.

What I Enjoyed:
The magic system and world-building is my favorite aspect of A Forgery of Roses. This world calls its creator the Artist, and magic comes through Protegies who can paint things into being. It's a magic system that seems simple on the surface but is a very complex and nuanced system that requires a great deal from the wielder of the magic. It takes intelligence and knowledge of how things work to the most minor details. And, the spell can have serious repercussions, so you have to be careful how and on whom you use it. Protegies are not well thought of due to fear in the general population. I think that is very relatable since these rare individuals have the creator's power, and that kind of power is always going to be feared.

Chronic illness and mental health disabilities are covered in a loving, empathetic manner that provides a compelling message. Myra's sister living with an unknown affliction (chronic disease) and August dealing with anxiety provide such moving plot threads and add interest to an already mesmerizing world. The social ramifications of being ill as someone lower on the socio-economic strata versus someone on the upper end are compelling and relevant. Lucy and Myra lost their parents and have lived in poverty ever since. Myra can barely afford the roof over their head, and just the bare minimum of food makes medical care a luxury they can't afford. August is from a powerful, affluent family that hides him and thus his disability from the rest of the world. The way these two realities impact Lucy and August and the handling of their disability says so much about the state of care in this world and ours.

The mystery is complex, shocking, and completely unpredictable. I loved that the story is gothic in tone and imagery as it gave the story an atmospheric and ominousness that is pervasive and fear-inducing. I couldn't have even begun to puzzle out the mystery, it is that complex, yet all the clues are there staring you in the face. The suspense keeps the pace up to a nice clip, and the first-person narration gives A forgery of Roses just the right amount of that personal touch to keep the reader invested from start to finish.


Characters:
Myra is the main character and narrator of the story. Her loyalty to her sister is heartwarming and juxtaposes nicely to the direness of their situation. Myra's determination is tireless, and her skills are awe-inspiring. I couldn't help but feel her plight deep down as the story unfolds.

The support characters are also well-developed, each with their flaws and challenges that dominate the page whenever they are on it.

A Forgery of Roses has a strong plot but is arguably character-driven with a cast of characters who are up to the challenge of leading this tale.

What I Wish:
My only wish is that the story had not taken on an insta-love plot thread. The relationship never felt quite right to me and thus did not capture my heart as I hoped.

To Read or Not to Read:
If you love glorious fantasy worlds with original magic systems and dark, thrilling mysteries intrigue you, A Forgery of Roses will give you all of that and more.

This novel is for the artists. Olson's A FORGERY OF ROSES feels like a fresh take on THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. Surely Wilde would have been proud. The novel immediately grabbed my attention with all the painters that are mysteriously going missing. Then we find out our protagonist, Myra, is a Prodigy--a painter with a special gift.

From the beginning, Myra is an extremely sympathetic heroine. Not only is she talented and compassionate, but she also cares for her younger sister Lucy since their parents' whereabouts is unknown. The story itself is exciting with plenty of twists and turns. The lore/religion about the Artist is just fantastic worldbuilding. The ending answers all the questions asked along the way, but the epilogue clearly leaves things open for a potential sequel. I think I prefer the story as a standalone, but I would also be interested in seeing how Olson continued the story.

I really enjoyed this book! Super fun, fast paced YA murder mystery with a twist I did not see coming!

Awesome plot, great execution, lovely characters you learn to love and hate. I really enjoyed the premise of magic through artwork and how it was executed. Easy to read, easy to follow. I really liked it!

there are absolutely no words about the way i feel about this book. the book started a little slow for me and i was disappointed because i REALLY wanted to read this one, but then it picked up and from then, the book lived up to my expectations.

no spoilers from me because again some things may change when the book is fully released (which aka i cannot wait to have my hands on this book) but i will say i guess the plot twist early on (at least one half of it) and i prayed and prayed i was wrong because.. GAH. let’s just say i’ve been blasting backstabber by kesha for a good hour.

again, i’m not going to say much about the characters, relationships, or plots because i don’t wanna spoil anyone looking through reviews but i will say this: there are A LOT of characters you won’t like in this. but the ones you will love, they are angels. especially myra. i love that girl.

there are certain triggers in this book others should be aware of (i can’t name them all off the top of my head, but there a database somewhere that has all this info) but the rep for mental health in this book was great and i could really relate to that certain character (besides the richness of course).

also minor spoiler, just MINOR: this does have a trope i hate which is *cough* insta love but again it’s also slowburn so i don’t really mind it at the same time. this just shows how great the author was that she got me to stick through that trope and love them.

in conclusion, i really hope we get a second book because that ENDING? yeah im a mess. again my heart literally broken by a guy name who shall not be said and am i just naive or? because why am i still rooting for him. anyways. this might be my first 5 stars of the year and im so thankful for Netgalley, Inkyard Press, and Jessica for giving me a chance to read this arc early on in exchange for an honest review. i’ll definitely be in barnes and noble march 29 looking for this book.

4.5 star rating.

This book was a wild ride. A haunting, historical fiction, A Forgery of Roses will enchant you and keep you on the edge of your seat. I was intrigued from start to finish and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy! Olsen has written such an intricate magic system and it was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Overall, I was so pleased with every part of this story and would 100% recommend it to any fantasy lover in search of a good book.

I loved this book. Its tone was grim and mysterious, perfect for the story. The gothic elements made the town and mansion seem alive. There was great pacing and steady development as the world and lore developed. The characters made believable choices based upon their motives, and the relationships were well-developed. Lucy's chronic illness August's anxiety were respectfully written. Five stars.

4.5 STARS

In Myra's world, portraiture is an art drowning in conflict.

For some, it's a means of expression and beauty. For others, like the governor, it represents heresy, a mockery of the Artist who shaped the world.

And for Myra, it's nothing but dangerous, since her magic flares most strongly while she paints. It's a reality-altering magic, one that allows her to change physical features of her subject, and if anyone knew, it would make her a target for scorn. Or worse.

When the governor's wife discovers Myra's secret magic, though, it's Myra's only chance to secure a better future for herself and her sister, Lucy, even if it puts her dangerously close a powerful man who would condemn her very existence. Even if it means doing the impossible, and painting the dead back to life.

In only a few days, Myra must unravel the shadowy history in the governor's halls. If she fails to paint a portrait of the governor's dead son, fails to paint him back to life, she faces exposure to the governor and his unrelenting wrath. That is, of course, unless her gift makes her a target for other powers instead.


"Trust is a luxury for the wealthy, the secure, the loved. Not for us."

I loved Myra from the very start, and no one should be surprised. After all, she's the older sibling, working hard to protect her little sister from the harsh edges of the life they lead. The disappearance of their parents left them without financial support, and the illness that plagues Lucy has steadily drained their remaining funds. Only by working in an artist's studio does Myra bring home enough to keep a roof over their heads, some food on the table, and a nurse to assist Lucy in the worst bouts of illness.

But it isn't enough. Lucy grows weaker by the day, her flare-ups increasing in brutal strength, and Myra can't be around to support her, working as she is so often just to keep them from living on the streets. Everything she does, she does to protect her sister, keep her safe from the very worst that life has to offer. Accepting Mrs. Harris's terrifying request to paint her son back to life isn't just about keeping her magic a secret, because for Myra, it's a chance to at last afford treatment options her sister could never pursue, even when their parents were still alive. The Whitlocks are poor now, and the only way to receive care and support is to have money, money that the Harris family is offering, even though it comes with impossible conditions.

What can I say? I have a soft spot for protective sibling characters. They mean everything in the world to me, and more than that, I love reading about sibling bonds that practically glow with love and trust. Sure, siblings in conflict adds some spice, but siblings teaming up, tackling a problem together? I love it, I really do!


A Forgery of Roses also blends fantasy with murder mystery in a deeply satisfying way.

Myra's magic and the concept of Prodigies who can alter the world as they paint is fascinating in its own right. I mean, that's an incredible power to wield, even with the drawbacks that temper it. But if that hadn't hooked me, the murder mystery element would. Painting the governor's son back to life can't be done until Myra knows just how he died, and if the Harrises won't talk, she'll have to do some digging of her own.

She has help from the less popular Harris son, and together, they tiptoe their way through gloom and family secrets, desperate to find answers before it's too late, but always in danger of getting caught. The governor's mansion looms over them both as well, half empty and twisting with shadows. Altogether, it makes for a beautifully gothic feeling to A Forgery of Roses. Sprinkle in a winter chill and the ever present threat of death, and that gothic element only grows stronger.

Who am I to complain, really? This book gave me the joy of trying to solve a mystery before the main characters do, and the rich atmosphere that so often draws me to gothic novels. I can't ask for a whole lot more than that!


This book is for readers who like a little danger lurking in the shadows, and a glimmer of hope in their magic.

Plus, it's also got chronic illness rep through Lucy, and anxiety rep through August Harris, which were wonderful to see included. Even more wonderful is that they weren't seen as something to get rid of or cure, but something that has shaped Lucy and August's lives for better or for worse. Their arcs are more about learning how to live well with their disabilities while also minimizing the symptoms that do real harm (like Lucy logging which foods cause violent intestinal distress to avoid triggering a painful episode of her illness).

I have to recommend this brilliant little standalone across the board, and it's my hope that if you pick it up, you'll enjoy it just as much as I have! 🌹


CW: loss of a loved one, ableism, gore, graphic injury, miscarriage, child death

[This review will go live on Hail & Well Read at 8pm EST on 3/22/22.]

A Forgery of Roses is a YA Fantasy novel started out with an interesting premise, but ended up falling a bit flat.

Myra Whitlock’s parents went missing several months ago, leaving her and her younger sister to fend for themselves. Myra is a portraitist, and can alter people’s bodies via her portraits. She usually resists the urge to do so because her powers are thought abhorrent by some and coveted by others.

Until one night, the governor’s wife blackmails Myra into bringing her son back to life. She has four days before the body begins to rot. Upon her arrival at the governor’s mansion, Myra soon sees clues that the boy’s death was not a mere accident. As she tries to form a whole picture of his death, Myra notices other oddities in this cold home. She enlists the boy’s older brother to help solve this murder and hopefully prevent more.

I liked that there was some disability representation in this book, it’s not something I often see in fiction. There were lots of discussions on disability, ableism, and anxiety. Although, at one point, Myra described her disabled sister as a “walking corpse.” It’s kind of sad that a loving family member would think of their sister in such a way.

There were also some tropes that I’m not too keen on. Namely, insta–love and a love triangle.

My favourite thing about this book was the magic system. It was an interesting concept and uniquely done.

Although this wasn’t for me, I think frequent readers of YA Fantasy will enjoy it.

Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

https://booksandwheels.com

This YA historical(ish) fantasy has a little bit of everything including magic, murder, and medical mysteries.

Myra Whitlock has a secret: she is a Prodigy. In her world (a fictionalized version of mid-to-late 1800s England or possibly a colony), a Prodigy is an artist with the ability to change reality with his or her paintings. Due to their abilities, Prodigies are both feared and persecuted. Ever since her parents disappeared a year earlier, Myra has taken on responsibility for both herself and her ailing sister Lucy. With more bills piling up by the day, Myra simply can’t afford to bring Lucy to see a doctor. Meanwhile, Lucy’s illness is getting progressively worse.

One day, the governor’s wife shows up at the studio where Myra is employed and commissions a portrait. While painting the woman’s dog, Myra accidentally reveals her secret. Armed with this knowledge, the governor’s wife threatens Myra with blackmail: bring the governor’s recently deceased son back to life or be exposed as a Prodigy.

This book was a lot darker and grittier than I thought it would be, but I still enjoyed it. The magic systemic in well-developed and interesting. This is a YA fantasy, but in some ways, it reminded me of The Hunger Games (mostly through Myra’s relationship with her sister Lucy). I thought the differences between August and Will were fascinating, particularly their contradictory ideas regarding responsibility, morality, and love.

Part of the story revolves around the murder of the governor’s son Will. I’m usually pretty good at figuring out mysteries, but I did not see that ending coming at all!

3 stars

This book is pure, silly fun, and I had a good time with it. It does, however, demand to be read with an open mind, total suspension of disbelief, and a willingness to not take it very seriously. Honestly, reading it gave me the feeling of playing an otome game, and there’s a kind of simple joy in that experience that I refuse to deny.

The good: Our protagonist is a very kind, faultlessly loyal, and morally striving person who any reader would wish to identify with. The concept of a world that defines itself as a work of art created by the hands of a godly Artist, and magic taking the form of art changing the real world it depicts, is very fun to play with. The nod to biology in the “fervora” of Prodigies (magic users) and body-altering magic is a neat take. The love interests are cute. Lucy, the little sister with a chronic illness, is fantastic both as a character and as a motivation for the protagonist.

The not-so-good: Our protagonist makes a lot of wild decisions that only make sense when considered as devices to move the plot forward. She’s not terribly bright (but she’s so well-meaning I hardly mind). The mystery plot is wildly convoluted to the point of just being silly. Teenagers are much more accomplished than they have any right to be given a 24-hour day. Everyone finds our protagonist remarkable, charming, and attractive despite her thinking she’s plain and ordinary. The world, a modern-ish (possibly Edwardian? Telephones, plastic-polluted rivers, and horse-drawn carriages) fantasy, does not feel ‘lived in’; I can’t imagine any of it beyond whatever Myra is interacting with in a given scene.

The book is pure candy, and I loved almost every sugary bite. I’m not typically a fantasy romance reader or a YA lover, but I had a good time. If you like the odd otome game, or YA fantasy romance is your thing, give this book a spin.

Title: A Forgery of Roses
Author: Jessica S. Olson
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.

But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.

Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.

Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.

I enjoyed this! Myra was a great character, and her relationship with her sister was just wonderful, and made the book really shine. This book is fairly dark from the first page, but there are spots of brightness. August is another of them. The author portrayed his debilitating anxiety so well, and I was never sure if he would conquer it, or it would conquer him. His family, meanwhile, was absolutely horrible. A lovely read!

Jessica S. Olson lives in Texas. A Forgery of Roses is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 3/29.)

The most memorable thing about A Forgery of Roses is its unique magic system. Prodigies, like Myra, can paint alter reality with their paintings. Of course, their existence is considered an abomination by most, so they often hide their powers. But when the wife of the most anti-Prodigy official in town begs offers Myra a job, the artist can hardly turn her down.
What starts out as a danger-laden romance, quickly takes a turn into murder mystery territory. I quite enjoyed how Olsen melded genres here. They story was enjoyable, and though I did guess a few twists before they were revealed, I still recommend this read.