4.5 rounded up to 5/5

"The Cursed Rose," the third installment in Leslie Vedder's Bone Spindle series, is a gasp-worthy finale that delivers on its promises of ancient secrets, broken alliances, and fierce friendships. Perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson, Holly Black, and Marissa Meyer, this twisted fairytale doesn't follow the traditional happily ever after formula, making it a refreshing and captivating read.

The plot centers around a cursed kingdom, with the fate of its people hanging in the balance. The once formidable group of Fi, Briar, Shane, and Red is now fractured, torn apart by the malevolent Spindle Witch. As Fi finds herself a prisoner in a tower with the monstrous Briar Rose, the Spindle Witch's web tightens around them. The race is on to decode the ancient riddle of the Rose Witches and prevent the Spindle Witch from acquiring the Siphoning Spells.

The characters, each with their unique qualities, contribute to the richness of the story. Fi is portrayed as clever, passionate, thoughtful, and brave, while Shane is an adorable, hot-headed warrior, and Red undergoes significant growth and emotional complexity. Briar adds a flirtatious sweetness to the mix. The interactions between the characters shine, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.

The weaving of new alliances, the introduction of vicious bone monsters, and the exploration of the Tomb of Queen Aurora add layers of excitement and intrigue. Vedder successfully ties up all loose threads, providing a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. The villain is remarkably fleshed out, adding depth to the narrative.

The gender-bent aspect of the fairytales brings a fresh perspective, with women taking charge of the rescue missions instead of being rescued. This progressive approach adds a layer of empowerment to the story, making it stand out in the genre.

The series as a whole is a delightful journey, and "The Cursed Rose" serves as a perfect conclusion. The characters, both individually and together, leave a lasting impression. The clever, heart-filled storytelling combined with unexpected twists makes this trilogy a must-read. Fans will find it hard not to be obsessed with the series from the first page of the first book. Here's hoping for intriguing spin-offs that continue to explore the enchanting world crafted by Leslie Vedder.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Cursed Rose is a wonderful conclusion to The Bone Spindle trilogy, providing more creative exploration of the fairytale world and the twists on the lore as we know it that worked so well in the first two. While that aspect is more prominent than the treasure hunting aspect, it was no less action packed and engaging from start to finish.
The characters remain fantastic, even if some of the partnership dynamic between Fi and Shane in particular was missing, due to each of them going on their own journeys this time. Shane in particular shines, and while she’s never lacked in confidence, I like seeing more of her dynamic with Red. And Red definitely grew on me a lot over the course of this book too, both in her own right and as a love interest for Shane…Shane being protective of Red is the sweetest thing.
Fi and Briar left me feeling a tad more conflicted. While I liked them a lot more at the end of the last book, I found them once again getting the short shrift. Fi as a character has a lot to do, so she’s delightful to follow as always, but Briar’s absence was very much felt, and I didn’t feel like they had a ton of page time over the course of the trilogy to make their ending the in epilogue fee “earned.”
I really enjoyed this series, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy YA fantasy inspired by classic fairy tales.

Lovely cover! Interesting storyline, the start magically pulls you in. This gives a little bit of everything witches, fantasy, fairytales, and mystery!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

So glad to have been introduced to this author through NetGalley, what a wonder. I love the magical fairytale vibes of this unique series, on top of the already compelling riddles and puzzles and the treasure hunter aspect. An excellent conclusion to an excellent series!

The thrilling conclusion to this series, The Cursed Rose brings our characters into more impossible situations. As Fi gets closer to the solution to the code from Briar's sister, the Spindle Witch becomes restless and everything is more dangerous. Shane and Red have their own obstacles, and Perrin and the Paper Witch are doing their part, too.

I really liked how things unfolded in terms of the puzzles and curses of the series. I also liked how things wrapped up, and the twists along the way were very well done. I think there could have been more at the end, but that was still done really well.

The trilogy's final installment is a radiant conclusion that continuously felt like stepping into a vibrant fairytale. The characters, from Fi's intellect and bravery to Shane's loyal intensity, Red's deep growth, and Briar's sunny charisma, create a rich tapestry of tenderness and camaraderie. Even the side characters, like Perrin and the fleshed-out villain, add depth and investment to the story. The epic finale brilliantly weaves together every element, offering a satisfying resolution while leaving a yearning to revisit this magical world, brimming with beloved friendships and romances worth championing.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Penguin/Razorbill for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I cannot believe this series has come to an end! It’s been such a lovely ride and I will be immediately picking up everything Leslie Vedder writes next!! The Bone Spindle series has easily slid into one of my all-time favourite series. I absolutely adore each book and the magical fairytale vibes woven throughout. It was an incredible ending to the trilogy and as captivating as book 1 and 2.

The Bone Spindle series is Indiana Jones meets gender-bent Sleeping Beauty. The books follow Fi, a bookish treasure hunter who loves ruins and riddles, Shane, a badass fighter who is all action, and Briar Rose, a prince under a sleeping curse waiting for true love's kiss. The series is full of found family, fast-paced action, intricately woven plots, curses, magic, and witch and witch hunters.

Fi and Shane are the most heartwarming and funny friends/treasure-hunter-partners I’ve read about in such a long time. I adored every scene that they’re together! And each of their romances was so sweet and swoony!

This series is absolutely incredible and perfect for anyone who loves fairytale retellings!

Thank you so much to Leslie Vedder and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill for this eARC. After reading books 1 and 2, this was a great ending to the trilogy. I love Fantasy and this series was amazing! I cant wait to read more from Leslie!

I really enjoyed this entire trilogy. A satisfying conclusion that didn't lose steam as it neared the end of the story. I appreciate how Vedder made an original story out of so many familiar fairy tale parts.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ability to read this book before release day. WOW did this book make me feel all of the feelings. Sometimes the third book in a series can be intimidating because they can be weaker than the series start, but I was so happy to see that that wasn't the case here. I absolutely loved EVERY second of this installment, and the character growth and expanding world. Leslie Vedder has a power with words, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

“Memories spring up all at once, like the seeds you grow in the garden. Forgetting, on the other hand, is a slow, inevitable decay.”

Wowza, this book took me down a whirlwind of emotions. Especially, towards the end, my goodness.

It picks up right where we left off in The Severed Thread, with Fi and Briar within the Spindle Witch’s clutches. Very similarly to the first books in the trilogy we are faced with a journey of difficult trials and uncovering lost histories. It’s dark and sad but full of hope.

“Hurt has a way of consuming from the inside out when left to fester in dark places.”

My only complaint is that I miss Briar, I wish we had more of his perspective. I missed him, but I feel the absence of Briar gifted us with more Perrin.

On the other side of the rails, we have Red facing her demons and Shane trying to power through everything with will of ten bulls. We get to see so much growth of Red’s character and the love between her and Shane fall into place.

This series gripped me from the start and I’m so sad it’s over, but it was so good and such a creative retelling. If you love YA fantasy, a little romance, and a well-executed retelling, then this series is for you.

Thanks so much to Leslie Vedder and Penguin Teen for the advanced copy. (Quotes are based on uncorrected text.)

Following the events of The Severed Thread, we find Briar Rose as a monster, Fi trapped with the Spindle Witch, and Red, Cinzel, Shane, and company with the Witches of Andar. Fi has promised the Spindle Witch that she can solve the riddle needed so she can take even more power and crush the remaining Witches. Shane just wants her partner back. Red is going through an identity crisis. Briar has no thoughts, head possessed. Can our favorite treasure hunters beat the Spindle Witch with all odds against them?

I love this trilogy. I was obsessed with the first book from the first page and am incredibly grateful to get to read the final installment.
I loved the inclusion of a very twisted Rapunzel story. The way the lore of Aurora, the Lord of the Butterflies, and the Spindle Witch unfolds throughout the books is nothing short of extraordinary and well paced. The treasure hunting aspect doesn't appear here as much, which was a shame, but understandable for the story.

The characters shine on their own, but they really dazzle when they're together. Fi is probably best suited to being on her own, but I did miss her and Shane's banter and interactions with each other. Fi doesn't have a ton of character growth, but she's unable to run away from her problems because her partner knows her a little too well. Shane is the most consistent character, which I find makes sense. She's always been self-assured and confident, now she just has a little more of her gooey center popping out. Red's character growth was stunning. She's always been seen as the seductive witch, and here we really see how much of that is a front and the lasting trauma from her childhood. Briar... there isn't too much I can say, he spends the novel as a monster who can barely communicate in dreams with Fi.

My main issue with the book is a lack of Briar and Fi. We only get a semblance of resolution in the last few chapters, and a true reunion in the second epilogue. I hope this is setting up for another series/spin-off, but for a book trilogy that started based on gender-bent Sleeping Beauty, there's a lack of the tension and romance from the first two books. Red and Shane fans, though, rejoice! There are plenty of romantic moments that make up for the crumbs of the first two books.

I think there's enough left here for multiple spinoffs. I would literally read about these characters going to the grocery store though. I mean, we need resolution for Shane and her twin, for the Lord of the Butterflies, for Fi and her family. I need my girls to get revenge on Armand. PLEASE.

At the end of the day, this is a beautiful fantasy crafted from fairytales that I think appeals to a variety of readers.

Once again, thank you SO very much to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)

I think the cover and the title work well for this genre. I didn't catch that it was a final book in the description. Must have missed this. I don't have the money or time to read the previous books in the series to read this before the book is archived, so I am going to have to pass on this one without reading it. It is unfortunate, as this does seem interesting, which is why I requested it in the first place! My bad.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great continuation of this series. I loved this book and thought it was so well done.

This series has been officially moved to my favorites shelf because I read each book in less than 24 hours.

The Cursed Rose is the heavily anticipated finale to Leslie Vedder's Bone Spindle series, and it is a beautifully written emotional rollercoaster.
I won't go too much into details of the plot because I don't want to spoil anything, but I read it basically in three sittings, only because I had to eat dinner and go to bed (otherwise I probably would've read the whole thing in one go). I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and the end had me furiously annotating my e-book with notes of how upset I was with certain turns of events.
The characters, once again, continue to shine through. Perrin grew on me a little in this book, surprisingly enough. I also think my opinions on Red have drastically changed since book one and I love Cinzel with my whole heart. Shane is still awesome and hilarious and she's probably one of my favorite female fantasy warriors. As for Fi and Briar? They're probably still my favorites and let me just say the angst that I went through in this book was insane. Thanks to the author for making me suffer, I enjoyed it a lot.
If you enjoyed the first two books, The Cursed Rose will not let you down. It's full of twists, puzzles, and one final adventure that will rip your heart apart and then piece it back together.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC! (No, really, thanks. When I got the email that my request was approved, I squealed like a toddler).
4.75/5

A great conclusion to this series.

The gender bent aspect is a fresh take on the story. And for once it’s nice seeing some women doing the rescuing.

As I read this book I feel like I noticed other fairy tales making minor appearances. With Shane and Red I got Red Riding hood. From the Spindle Witch, there’s the obvious sleeping beauty connection, but she’s described as having been locked in a tower and having long golden hair. Which to me screams Rapunzel.

I did love that at the end, even once the curse was broken, Fi was able to admit that she didn’t want to stay in one place. I think that alone showed a lot of growth in her character.

Y'all...this series has my heart forever. I can't believe it's over! I will go to the ends of the earth to read a retelling but I don't know if I'll ever be able to look at Sleeping Beauty the same way again. The worldbuilding in this series is absolutely incredible and the way she tells Briar's story is like nothing you've ever read before. The addition of the lore of the Queen Tomb really elevated this one to the next level, and I truly had no idea where this ending was headed. After all of the secrets and betrayals from book 2, i thought this was a very satisfying conclusion and wrapped everything up perfectly. Shane continues to remain my favorite bad ass, and i encourage anyone who loves fairytale fantasies to read this trilogy.

I was so excited for this and it didn't disappoint! I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

In "The Cursed Rose" by Leslie Vedder, readers are taken on a gripping and emotional journey as the remnants of a once formidable group battle against the wicked Spindle Witch and her ever-tightening web of darkness. Filled with twists, alliances, and the exploration of both past and present, this series conclusion captivates with its taut storytelling and heartfelt moments.

The story picks up with Fi, a prisoner confined in a tower alongside the monstrous Briar Rose, under the control of the Spindle Witch. As the witch inches closer to finding the Siphoning Spells and destroying Andar, Fi must decipher the ancient riddle of the Rose Witches to save Briar from the clutches of darkness.

Meanwhile, Shane, driven by her determination to save Andar and her partner, embarks on a quest to find a weapon left by the enigmatic Lord of the Butterflies—a weapon that holds the key to the Spindle Witch's downfall. Red's betrayal puts her in danger, as a new enemy emerges in the form of the Spindle Witch's executioner, the powerful and cruel Wraith.

The fate of Andar rests on the secrets of its past, leading Fi and Shane to face their greatest challenge yet—the Tomb of Queen Aurora. In their quest, they encounter vicious bone monsters, forge new alliances, and encounter surprises at every turn, pushing them to the brink.

Leslie Vedder delivers a thrilling and action-packed conclusion to the series. The pacing is tight, with each chapter propelling the story forward and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author skillfully builds tension and suspense, making it difficult to put the book down.

The characters continue to evolve and face their own internal struggles. Fi and Shane, in particular, undergo significant growth as they confront their fears, make difficult choices, and learn the importance of trust and friendship. Vedder adeptly balances the action with heartfelt moments, creating a strong emotional connection between readers and the characters.

The world-building remains immersive and vivid, with detailed descriptions that bring the settings and creatures to life. The introduction of new alliances and surprises keeps the story fresh, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.

While "The Cursed Rose" is a satisfying conclusion to the series, some readers may find certain plot developments and resolutions to be predictable or familiar within the fantasy genre. However, the strength of the storytelling and the character dynamics overshadow any minor predictability, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable reading experience overall.

In conclusion, "The Cursed Rose" delivers a thrilling and heartfelt conclusion to the series, filled with twists, alliances, and emotional depth. Leslie Vedder's skillful storytelling, intricate world-building, and well-drawn characters make this book a must-read for fans of fantasy adventures. Prepare to be swept away by the tension, surprises, and heartfelt moments that permeate this captivating series finale.