I requested this because it was giving King Arthur vibes, which I really like. It's basically along those vibes, Morgan Le Fay, Camelot, etc. but with fae, which is a really interesting twist.

The book itself was decent enough, it felt like the characters could have done with a bit more fleshing out. It reminded me a bit of From Blood and Ash, which isn't a bad thing. There was some good spice!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this book! The plot was fast paced and the fae twist was enjoyable.

I think the book does need more character development with the FMC being a tiny bit annoying sometimes!

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Firstly, I just want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Morgan Pendragon as the main FMC. She is relatable in so many ways, and through her, I feel like many women can say that they too have shared some of the same experiences. She feels a strong sense of duty to protect her younger brother Kaye from their evil and cunning other brother King Arthur, and we also experience her trials through love, both unwanted and wanted.

I enjoy a nice morally grey guy, and Kairos Draven is certainly that (especially in the last few pages in which my mouth was hanging open trying to process everything)! Together, Draven and Morgan are sent out by King Arthur on a quest to find the legendary sword Excalibur and in the process seem to find and fight all manner of creatures - all the while trying also to fight off any feelings they might also feel for each other.

If you enjoy slow-burn romance, King Arthur retellings, morally grey characters, and quests in a rich fantasy world full of fae, fantastical creatures and magic, then you will love this tale! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series because that cliffhanger definitely left me wanting more.

Thank you to @netgalley and Starwater Press for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Why I loved this Title
-Arthurian tale retelling
-Fae centered
-Some gender bent roles
-fabulous pacing
What I wanted more of
-slightly more character development
-a lighter hand with dialogue tags
Who I recommend this title for
If you love Arthurian retelling with a dash of spice Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn is the right book to pick up.

I LOVE a good retelling, and this was no different. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. While I feel as though the secondary characters could have been more developed, I thought Morgan was well thought out and I felt her fear, anger, and confusion while reading. I will say that some more significant scenes did seem a bit rushed to me and not as fleshed out as they could have been. Additionally, I wish we had continued to see Morgan and Draven’s relationship continue to grow even when Vesper came into the picture. That being said I can not wait to read the next book in the series.

3.5/5

I have read lots of retelling lately, and I know there are several Arthurian retellings too, but this was my first one.

I really liked how the story was reimagined, with magic coming from fae blood and some characters being a different gender than what we are used to. I think the integration of the fae in the story was really well done, even though some twists were quite easy to guess.

I didn't like how villainous Arthur was depicted to be at the end. I liked it at the beginning, where he was this more complex character - just a boy trying to do his best, but not doing great due to the terrible role model he had - and being cruel because of that. Rendering him just plain evil kind of ruined things (I mean, not even doing anything while his sister, who saved him, was being bullied and almost raped? Come on!). I know it's easier to make people hate a character and make them a villain if they are evil, but they lose three-dimensionality. I prefer when you have a villain but you can also understand why the villain did what they did. Anyway, just my personal preference here.

I liked the two main MCs. And their relationship started as my favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers and slow burn. But then suddenly things changed and two of my least favorite tropes were added: a love triangle and an insta-love. And okay, there was a reason for the insta-love. But I still didn't care for the other guy. I just wanted him gone XD

And then, out of nowhere, there were zombies? Really? I did not expect that... and I'm still not sure I like it. I don't think it was necessary?
Anyway, yes, there were some things I didn't like. But the second book will be out in a few months. Will I read it? Yes, I probably will. Because so many questions very left at the end and now I need to know what happens next!

🥀Queen of Roses - Briar Boleyn🥀

‘I burn for you Morgan. You’ve set me aflame….’
‘Then let the flames consume us,’
*fan girl scream*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars
🌶️.5 spice


This book is a retelling of King Arthur and Camelot with a fae twist. Fast telling yet slow burn romance, Morgan is a born to an evil human King who murdered her fae mother when she was 5. Morgan was then placed in the care of the Queen.

Morgan gets sent on quest to find a rare fae weapon with two royal guards, one being Draven, captain of the royal guard. Along the way they meet Vesper. Throughout the book Morgan shows attraction and undeniable chemistry with both.

🥀Fae fantasy
🥀Enemies to lovers
🥀Close proximity
🥀King Arthur and Camelot retelling
🥀Great world building

Thank you to Starwater Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

In this unique spin on the King Author of Camelot story, the king’s half-sister, the fae-blooded Morgan, must embark on a quest for the legendary Excalibur.

This book was just what I needed to get out of my slump. The most indigestible part of fantasy books is the world-building portion of the exposition. However, I think this story did a good job establishing where/when/and what was going on right from the get-go. I really appreciated that the exposition didn’t get overwhelmed with unnecessary details and extensive lore. It was easy to follow and have to story pick up from there. I would argue that the world may not be too impressively developed, but the next book comes out June 30th, so I’m not sweating it. I appreciated the MCs relationship dynamics with her friends and family, it felt believable and it was easy to follow. The romance was a bit rushed for my taste and not as drawn out as what would be realistic. Some of this is done on purpose, but I still roll my eyes at “insta-love”. There were also some unexpected horror elements in this that I actually enjoyed! This was a creative spin on a classic tale, available on Kindle Unlimited for anyone who wishes to experience it themselves!

3.5 Stars. Queen of Roses, the first book in the Blood of a Fae series, invites readers to embark on a fantastical journey through a world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests with a diverse cast of characters. Forget what you know about Camelot, this is a brand new perspective that is inspired by the classic tale rather than a retelling. Our journey begins with Morgan Pendragon, older sister to King Arthur, who has been passed over as heir to the throne on account of her part-fae ancestry. She becomes unwittingly thrust into an adventure that may shape the fate of the realm. Merlin is a high priestess, Lancelet is a lady knight in training, and Galahad is an acolyte of the temple. The fae who once ruled have disappeared and all that remains is their abandoned cities and diluted bloodlines. While the initial instalment has its ups and downs, it lays the foundation for an exciting and expansive narrative.
One of the notable strengths of Queen of Roses is it's world-building, while not overly heavy or hard to grasp it is easy to slip into this reimagined Camelot. The author has crafted an immersive universe, complete with detailed lore, unique cultures, and a palpable sense of history. The magic system, though not fully explored in the first book, shows glimpses of complexity and potential, leaving me hungry for deeper revelations in future instalments.
The characters in Queen of Roses are a diverse and intriguing bunch. Morgan shows promise as a protagonist, with enough depth and internal conflict to keep readers invested in her journey. The supporting cast is a mixed bag, with some shining brightly and leaving a lasting impact, while others remain on the periphery, waiting to be fully fleshed out in subsequent books. I would have liked to see a bit more angst between our MCs but this is my personal preference for enemies-to-lovers. This is a true slow burn with little spice in book one, but it seems there is plenty more steam to come. With the groundwork laid, I eagerly anticipate seeing the characters' growth and relationships deepen in the next instalment.
The plot weaves a tapestry of political machinations, personal quests, and a looming threat that keeps the reader engaged throughout. There were a few unexpected twists and while there were moments of excitement and intrigue, the pacing occasionally faltered, with certain sections feeling drawn out or lacking the necessary momentum. The prologue had me riveted and wanting more but then the first 30% felt a tad slow. After that it picked up and the characters became far more interesting. The last 30% had me on the edge of my seat and eager to know what would happen next. The groundwork has been laid for future plotlines that have the potential to elevate the series to new heights.

In conclusion, Queen of Roses serves as a promising beginning to the Blood of a Fae Series. While it may not have fully lived up to my expectations of the first book, I find myself hopeful and eager to continue the journey in the next book. With a captivating world, a diverse cast of characters, and a narrative teeming with potential, this series has all the ingredients for a good fantasy romance. If you're a fan of slow burn romance with forced proximit & quests, and you enjoy watching characters grow and evolve over time, I recommend giving Queen of Roses a chance. I remain optimistic and will keep my eyes peeled for the next book, as the true potential of this series may yet be realised.

Thank you Briar for a copy.

I definitely love the fae twist to this retelling. It was fast-paced, but a slow burn for the MCs, which I wished would have had more development, but with the ending, I could see it was setting it for the second book. I would definitely put this in my pile to possibly read again.

The story started slowly for me. I am glad I stuck with it as the story picked up the pace and improved enough that I want to know what happens in the next book. I wasn’t aware it was based on the Arthurian/Camelot legend (not my favorite) but it worked. I want to see how Morgan comes into her own, what happened to the Fae, and who Kairos really is.

Thank you to NetGalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boleyn for the eARC.

Wow! I am a little speechless, eyes still wide in wonder at that ending. So many questions, so much anticipation. This story will leave you gasping for air, drowning in the myriads of unanswered questions. That may sound like a bad thing, but I assure you it is a pure adrenaline boost of anticipation. I cannot wait for the next story as the need to know more is a physical ache. The characters in this story are so well told that you will feel every moment of longing and every betrayal as deeply as Morgan herself. This is a world where nothing is as it seems. A story told with the hint of familiar legends and lore, and yet blended into a new story that is unlike anything you’ve ever known. Every twist sneaks up on you, leaving you unable to resist the lure of the next page. A phenomenal debut into fantasy and I am so glad there is more to come because one book is simply not enough to contain what is proving to be a remarkable story. Full of suspense, self-reflection, and delicious “who did this to you?” style possession, strength and tenderness combined to perfection. I simply must know what happens next!

It was a slow build, but it paid off in the end. I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next book!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. I was initially attracted by the cover. How could I not be? It’s gorgeous! Turns out, the story is pretty amazing also. I’m definitely interested in reading more from this series. Be warned though, although it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it does end with more to come—and I desperately want to know what will happen next.

This is the story of Camelot told in a different universe with Morgan as the hero and her brother Arthur as the evil king who must be stopped. He sends her on a mission to retrieve Excaliber and sends two men to accompany her—both trusted members of his royal guard. Men Morgan does not trust. The plot follows the journey of this trio into parts unknown, which becomes very dangerous and features frightening monsters. These stressful scenes are described clearly, with great attention to detail, bringing the monsters and settings to life.

Morgan is never entirely sure of what is happening and believes that Draven, one of her guards is an assassin. They meet Vesper, a mercenary and musician who charms them and worms his way into Morgan’s heart, even though Draven never quite trusts him. It’s suspenseful and uncertain. We never quite know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys because so many people have lied to Morgan over the years.

Morgan is a strong heroine, part-fae, but her human part means she makes human mistakes and has human insecurities. She allows herself to be a victim too many times to count, and that bugged me. These are weaknesses that compel her to rely on Draven, and even Vesper. It’s an odd trio because we know that Morgan is very attracted to Draven and feels a strong, inexplicable connection to him, but she also finds Vesper attractive, and he’s more flirty and flattering toward her. If she had more experience, she might suspect him of being a love bomber. But he seems sincere and he seems to genuinely wish to take care of her. Still, we know, at some point, she’ll be forced to choose and we don’t know how that will happen.

Draven is a mystery. It’s clear he has a history he is hiding, and even though Morgan was told he was an assassin who killed children and babies, she begins to suspect that’s not true. He makes no effort to convince her he’s a good guy—probably because he’s not. He is almost super-human in his ability to fight, his quick healing abilities, and his knowledge of things no one else seems to know. At times, I wondered if he were also fae. His dedication to keeping Morgan safe is unquestionable, even if she fears he might kill her once she retrieves Excaliber.

The story moves quickly. It’s packed with action and intrigue. Although the work itself could use some additional editing, the mistakes don’t detract from the story enough to affect my rating. This is a debut work from a new nom de plume. I’m hopeful the editing of this series will improve over time. Overall, I highly recommend the book. It’s very enjoyable and I’m anxious to read more.

This is not your typical fae fantasy retelling and ended with me wishing book 2 was already released. The first little over half of the book is world building and character development in Aercanum. I loved that this was a twist on the story of Camelot which I haven’t seen many retellings of and I enjoyed the author’s interpretations of these characters in their book. It was necessary to learn about Morgan Pendragon and her family and associates prior to her adventure with Draven. You see the plotting of her brother Arthur and then can connect the dots as to why he sent her on that quest for Excalibur. I knew Vesper was not all that he seemed but was still surprised with the outcome of his story. I NEED to know more about Draven and who he truly is. Will he and Morgan team up with other fae perhaps to fight against Arthur and return their kingdom to what it used to be? Also, what becomes of Lancelet? I don’t believe Vesper as far as I can throw him so is there a possibility that she returns? Not a ton of spice but hoping that this slow burn leads into more in the next book. Overall I give this book a 4.5/5 stars, only because it was a bit slow moving in the beginning. But once I was hooked, I couldn’t put the book down. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I am fairly new to the fantasy genre, having read only about 30 to 40 books in the genre. I am so glad I took the plunge and read it because I was so hooked! I read it walking from my office to different offices as I had to go to meetings or get things done kind of hooked. As I was reading, I was given enough information but not overloaded with it so I could follow along with the story and characters. It is a book newbies like myself and long time fantasy fans can enjoy. There were a few twists that I did not see coming which made me go "WTF" and keep reading late into the morning.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing the chance to discover such a wonderful story and characters!

I am really hard to please with Arthurian cycle retellings, especially if you’re going to make Morgan your main character. This was fine. More of a fantasy romance version with a soft magic system and very little rooting in the huge body of myth. Which actually worked really well for it. Honestly, this was so much better than Sophie Keetch’s Morgan is My Name despite the two books being effectively different genres, that I was willing to cut it a lot of slack. If you want a light entertaining fantasy with Arthurian vibes, you’ll probably really enjoy this.

This book is an awesome spin on the tale of King Arthur, Camelot, and Excalibur, where King Arthur is not the hero. It has Game of Thrones-like characters, a top-secret mission, magic, and of course FAE! Morgan does not know much about her fae heritage and does not understand why her brother, the king, sends her on a mission to retrieve something that she is not even sure exists. I am obsessed with the "morally reprehensible" captain of the royal guard, and I cannot read more about him!! I was sucked in right from the prologue, and I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you so much for the arc I loved this book and I can’t wait for book two!

It took me awhile to get into it, the first 35% was slow for me but once it picked up and the plot line of this journey to Excalibur started I was so into it! I tore through it on one sitting once I got into it. I linked my review on Goodreads below.

I have some technical notes, there were a few times the story felt repetitive, she mentions her own hair 60 times- and the mention of hair in total is insane I just don’t care about anyones hair that much. I understand he hair is important to the plot but it was just brought up too often for me. Beyond that there were a few typos I picked up on that maybe aren’t typos- I wasn’t certain. I can’t be sure if they were intentional or not. On page 189 it says “a corpse can’t get the king what wants” twice both times missing the word he before wants, is this medical talk I just didn’t know about? It pulled me out of the plot when I noticed. On page 321 it said “nothing with not harm you” I think the not was accidentally included again this could be proper speech from back then I just don’t know about but as a reader it inhibited my reading journey

I'm going to average this one and give it 3 stars. Mostly because the first half was definitely 2 stars for me. Almost to the point of giving up completely and not finishing. However, the second half was a strong 4 Stars and interesting enough that I want to read the next book.
This is a retelling of Camelot/Sword in the Stone, but it is completely different from any other that you will read. For one, Arthur is the villain in this story, and boy is he evil. Be forewarned, there are scenes of abuse, torture and one that looked like rape, but you find out later it wasn't. Still very uncomfortable to read. Our heroine is Morgan (known as Morgana in the original stories). She is brave and extremely resilient, considering Arthur makes her life quite uncomfortable. So looking forward to seeing where her magic is going to take her as the books progress. There is a VERY slow burn romance aspect to this one, considering she was sort of with someone else for half the book. I'm really interested to know more about who Draven really is and see where things go!