This was really good! Definitely check your trigger warnings before reading this, but this was a really cool retelling of King Arthur with fea and magic. This has some spice and some pretty dark things happen. Really looking forward to diving into the next book and seeing more of this world. I really enjoyed her twist and some old characters and giving them to new life.

King Arthur meets fae. High fantasy story involving creatures, mysteries, and magic. Loved seeing Morgan figure out who she is. One hell of a cliffhanger and can’t wait to read the next book!

This was a really fun read! I finished the majority of it in one day. I was enjoying it well enough during part 1 but once part 2 started the story line really picked up for me! I love Morgan’s character as well as Dravens! My only complaint is that we didn’t get their romance which is what I was hoping we’d get into with each turn of the page! But I suppose that’s on purpose of a slow burn and so you can follow them into the 2nd book which clearly works very well bc I am dying to get to that. This was a very solid first book is a fantasy series as we all know can be hit or miss. It was very easy to understand and I loved the mixture of fae and royalty that give its a fairytale feeling! I recommend this book and plan to purchase physical copies to continue the series ❤️

Thank you to Briar Boleyn and Starwater Press for the ARC copy in return for my honest review

Briar Boleyn is a fantasy romance pen name of best selling author Fenna Edgewood it's my first time reading books from this author.

Blood of Fae is the first book in a loose Athurian Mythological legend retelling.
Morgan is the first born daughter, a princess whose throne was taken from her by her father and handed to her cruel and corrupt brother Arthur who is feared by his kingdom..
This is all because she is Fae, Morgan's life has been planned out for her a life she does not want.
When her distrustful brother sends her on a quest in return for her freedom she readily agrees although not fully sure he'll betray her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book I really loved the twist of the characters it made for a more interesting book, the world of Aercanum and the development of the characters, A fantasy romance with slow burn enemies to lovers with a love triangle (too slow for me but can see more development)
This book offers betrayal from family, forced proximity with fae and magic. I was exhilarated by the ending and look forward to book 2 Court of Claws.
Briar Boleyn has trigger warning list for readers which is very indepth.

I enjoyed this book. The author built a complete fantasy world and the characters were well developed. I did not feel like anything in the book was dragged out. It was another great fantasy with a retelling of an old story. I do plan on reading the second book of the series.

One item is the plot appears to be very similar in the first half to From Blood and Ash.

Additionally, it appears the majority of the book has every sentence or two as a paragraph. This is a stylistic approach but I was flipping through most pages very quickly.

I am so thankful to author Briar Boleyn for allowing me access to the ebook, Queen of Roses.

I enjoyed reading it!!! It's a great fantasy that is filled with many characters from King Arthur. But the way its done is completely unique and had me hooked from the very beginning. There were indeed a lot of characters introduced in the book but I didn't mind it, nor did it make for a confusing read. I felt it flowed very nicely.

The twist at the end was a tad predictable but it still earned a dropped jaw reaction from me.

I highly recommend this book!

This review contains spoilers!

Thanks to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for gifting me an e-copy of this book!

This was an enjoyable read, but I did have some minor issues here and there. I felt there was a lot of namedroping and also some minor characters with to similar names which left me a little confused and bored. Some nice forshadowing (sprout of horns). And the killing of Florian was a nice twist. I know Morgan was under a charm with Vesper, but I did not feel at all convinced nor surprised by it. Felt it lacked a little more depth for her to like him that much. Also felt the LGBTQ representation was unnatural and forced with both best friends being gay. Nice ending and plot twist during the final chapters. But I was thrown off by the prologue, it felt off.


Overall rating: 3.5/5
Plot twists: 2/5
Build up: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Character Development: 3/5
Ending: 4/5

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did so pleasantly surprised. It was very easy to read and the concept of it being in Camelot but human/fae I enjoyed. Got confused about the romance for a bit but after that cliff hanger…sign me up to read the next book. I appreciated the nice but of spice thrown in too!

This book lulls you into a sense of understanding where the storyline is going, and then takes you quickly down a new path.

The first part of this book was an easy, mostly casual read. Lots of lead up to conflict and slow burn, but then the last part of the book? God, I felt like it turned on its head and I was so consistently surprised by what I was reading! I couldn't put the book down and stayed up far too late to finish it, and I'm really looking forward to starting the next one.

Reading how Morgan has learned to survive in her world is painful and relatable. Watching her rediscover her autonomy and allowing herself to go after what she wants was heart wrenching. I love her as a character and am excited to get back to her story - I'm picking up Court of Claws immediately after posting this review, I'm not even kidding.

First, I want to thank NetGalley, Starwater Press and Briar Boleyn for gifting me a copy of this book!

Briar Boleyn did an amazing job with Queen of Roses. I don’t know nearly enough about King Arthur or Camelot to really express how this fae version compares, but I really liked it and HAD to read the next book (even though it was 2am). I really enjoyed the first person point of view!

*potential spoilers ahead, read at your own risk!*
My favorite characters had to be Morgan and Draven. Their banter and the tension between them is so obvious (I ship them so hard). I really loved how complex Draven’s character was. He is this big, bad knight from some far away countryside who has seamlessly wiggled his way into the role of Captain of the Guard. I truly believe he is a cinnamon roll MMC. Morgan is an interesting FMC, and has experienced her own trauma that has shaped who she is and how she behaves. It broke my heart hearing how she witnessed her mother die, but I wish she gave herself more opportunities to do and want things for herself.

I really loved the plot. It did take some time to really get to the peak of the plot, but the world-building and character dynamic development was so so important to really shape the feelings I felt as a reader. When it did pick up, I was hooked and could NOT stop reading. It was fast-paced and there were so many twists. I did anticipate Vesper’s twist, but I had ALWAYS hated him. He felt slimy to me! BUT THE CHILDREN?!?! I was NOT expecting that at all.

The book ends with multiple questions left unanswered and a cliff hanger that really made me want to read Court of Claws. Who is Morgan really??? Who was the little girl??? Are they BONDED now?!?! *screams*

Thank you, NetGalley and the author who gave me a free reader's version/e-ARC for an honest review.

Okay. Whew. (pauses to catch a breath)

I was skeptical. I promise. I found this book by accident and wasn't sure of it.
But now I am.

Overall rating: 3.5/5
Plot twists: 2/5
Build up: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5
Ending: 5/5

<spoiler>
LETS DIVE IN

Okay first, Plot twists and why I rated it just 2:
I finished reading this book today and I can only recall 2 instances that made me think "o.m.g. did not see that coming."
1. Florian's killing, which was totally unexpected and awesome. It kinda reminded me of the Cruel Prince where Jude kills Locke.
2. Vesper's involvement via Arthur- I knew he was involved somehow, but it took me by surprise that Arthur had hired Vesper himself.
And that's just about it- nothing else stuck out to me as a plot twist per se.

---Build-up:
I've been reading a lot of books recently, and most of them either jump to the core plot, or have just a chapter or two before jumping in. But I enjoy the build up- it's necessary to get an idea of the world we're reading about and builds up the anticipation. This is the kind of thing I'd like to see more in books- a careful escalation into the plot along with world building. 5/5 for sure!

---World Building & Writing Style:
The world building was great and the writing style was better. I loved the descriptions- they transported me to the world. If I close my eyes, I could sink right into the scene and it'd be like I'm actually there. Sometimes it felt like a little too much but then again that was just me. The description of the room, the temple, the court, the coat of arms, everything was super immersive and detailed. I love that and I truly appreciate any author who describes things in such detail as Briar has done.

Just a random example of Briar's beautiful writing, it's not really a description per se, I just highlighted this and I really love it:

<blockquote><i> His voice was loud and angry as he cursed everything and everyone he could think of, or so it seemed at the time. The stars, the sky, the king, and, of course, Whitehorn. </i></blockquote>

another one:

<blockquote><i>"...he moves silently as a void. His blade is there and then gone, into nothingness. A shadow in the night. A ghost in the dark."</i></blockquote>

---Humor because it deserves its own section:
imma just quote a few coz I loved it and they speak for themselves.
<blockquote><i>"I have the ears of an exmoor and the tread of a fenrir," he said with a smirk.

"I'd say comparing yourself to wild animals was fitting, except the exmoor seems highly intelligent." </i></blockquote>
HaAHAHA.

---A special mention to our very own Merlin, who, mind you, is a WOMAN. Not an old man with a long flowy beard. She's a woman and she's cool and she's got one heck of a title:
<blockquote><i>Merlin, High Priestess of the Temple of the Three Sisters, Keeper of the Sacred Flame, Oracle of the Secret Mysteries, and Guardian of the Celestial Sanctum</i></blockquote>
pls i want a title like that

---Draven in one quote:
<blockquote><i>Violence became Draven. He wore it like I wore my hooded clothes.</i></blockquote>
p.s. i'm still hungover on this guy

---the one and only Morgan Pendragon:
She's the heroine. She's the badass woman, the embodiment of feminine power. I didn't always love her, she seemed childish sometimes but overall she's a great character.

---the ending was great. I loved the cliffhanger. It was timed perfectly and was well-written.

---the prologue:
this is the one thing I seriously disliked about this book. What even was that? Totally honest-it gave a sort of negative impression of the book. It was too vague and too dramatic, especially the "he was the air I breathed. I could not live without him." Girl slow down. Who? What? When? I know this is supposed to like build up anticipation and stuff but it just made me cringe.
The last chapter of the book (in Morgan's pov) seemed to parallel it? I mean, the wording was similar, but it wasn't the same. The whole prologue seemed unnecessary. The first chapter started off just fine. </spoiler>

there were a couple of grammatical errors here and there. Also, it was never mentioned in the blurb that it's an Arthurian retelling. A review I read said it had the Slavic Pantheon. It would've been nice to have that warning, if only because I'd have picked it up 10 times faster. Apart from that I don't really find any other complaints. It was a great read and I'd defo recommend it.

Once again, thank you Briar Boleyn for letting me be part of your e-ARC program.

Update: I just realised that the e-arcs for Book 2 have been archived on NetGalley :_(
Just 5 days late, guys. Just 5 days.

It was enjoyable but also predictable. Initially, I had a difficult time getting into the story due to the writing style, and couldn’t connect with the characters either. It took too long to get to the main plot.

thank you netgalley and briar boleyn from providing me with eARC

3.5/5
Morgan Pendragon is the sister to King Arthur. Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, her destiny has never been her own. Being part Fae, she has always had to hide who she truly is, leading her to a life lived in her brother shadow. So, when her brother commands that she seek out a fae weapon of legendary power, Morgan seizes the chance to break free from the chains of her fate.

I enjoyed this read. The pacing was good and the story was quite fast moving. This book was so actionpacked!
I absolutely love retellings, and this twisted version of King Arthur had me hooked. I loved reading about Morgan, as she ventures on a journey to find a mysterious fae relic.
I will say Vesper just irked me, I wasn't sure what part he played other than a second love interest, and his interactions with Morgan just didn't feel natural.
The cliffhanger though!

Queen of Roses follows Morgan Pendragon, a princess skipped for the throne who has been deemed a threat for her whole life due to being part fae. Under rule of her brother, a violent and paranoid king, Morgan is sent on a dangerous mission to recover Excalibur (from the King Arthur stories) along side two guards who have interesting allegiances.
This book has remnants of From Blood and Ash by JL Armentrout and is situated in the world of King Arthur but with fae and other magical creatures. As someone who is a huge fan of From Blood and Ash and fairytale retellings this book hit that spot. I found the main character Morgan to be interesting and while naive at times still strong and able to think for herself. I think in terms of character growth she still has a long way to go and am looking forward to how she evolves in book 2.
While there was so much world building and character introductions, the world still felt a bit flat to me. A lot of the characters motivations are still unknown and I just feel like there was some unnecessary descriptions and introductions. It will be interesting to see if these side characters and plot points were truly necessary throughout the series. Because of this extreme world building and setup for the plot, the journey mentioned in the summary of the book does not even get mentioned until like halfway through which was a little off for me.
Also, just personal preference, but I would’ve loved a little more romance. There was some, but not a lot at all.
Overall, Queen of Roses is a standard fantasy novel that will transport you to a world of kingdoms and mythical creatures while introducing you to a huge cast with a rich history. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a high fantasy novel that is at the start of a series and anyone looking for an escape from reality.

Queen of Roses

Plot: .5
Writing: 1
World building: .5
Characters: .5
Themes: .5
3/5

Spice: 1/5

What you can expect:
- Morgan le Fay retelling
- Fae
- 'Who did this to you?!'

This Arthurian re-telling of Morgan le Fay is full of twists and turns.
It started off kind of slow, it took until ~50% to really be invested in the story. I think if we got to the mission earlier in the story it wouldn't have felt as slow.

**SPOILERS***
We're told a lot of the world building but I feel like there's still so much more we're going to get in the next book. It's understandable given the naivitee of the FMC as we're being exposed to the world with her.

Though I was invested in the story by the end, I wasn't invested in the characters. If any of them died it wouldn't have made a difference to me. That said, I do believe we're just starting to see Morgan come out of her shell. I hope we'll see her train with her powers.
**END SPOILERS**

I am excited to get into book two! I think this is one where the collective series will be good even if each individual book is ok.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eArc of Queen of Roses. This book is also available now on Kindle Unlimited. This review is my honest opinion

I really enjoyed this one. Whilst I admit I found it a little slow going to start, before I knew it I was addicted and at the end with my jaw to the floor.

I really love the characters in this book, the world building is SPOT ON and the development of the characters is so engaging that I just couldn't put the book down. I really loved the book from when the characters went on their adventure that Arthur had set Morgan. I immediately liked Draven even though initially you're probably not supposed to. I also immediately HATED VESPER. He came across as instant slime and the author did a good job of sweeping you along with the story whilst their relationship developed.

The steam in this book was a little awkward, but I think it's because Morgan is unexperienced so that was written intentionally (or perhaps it was because I hated VESPER!!!) however I really really liked the ending. I loved that it opened up so many questions ready for book two. I'm also super glad I had book 2 to go straight into!

WONDERFUL!!!!!

Briar Boleyn's "Queen of Roses" is a wonderfully refreshing reinterpretation of the Arthurian legends we know and love. The story invites you into an imaginative world rich with riveting characters, engaging dialogue, and a narrative that, while predictable at times, remains a captivating read throughout.

The story centers around Morgan Pendragon, Arthur's sister, and offers a fresh perspective on the familiar tales. Boleyn beautifully merges elements of historical folklore, fantasy, and romance to craft a unique narrative that stands out in the genre.

One of the most striking features of this novel is its pacing. The story unfolds at a speed that allows for ample character development and world-building without losing the readers' interest. Boleyn's meticulous attention to detail and the depth she brings to the kingdom of Camelot create a beautifully immersive experience that leaves you entranced from start to finish.

The characters in "Queen of Roses" are skillfully developed and serve as another highlight of the book. Each character has their own unique personality and charm, making it easy for readers to get invested in their stories. The relationship dynamics, particularly the playful banter among the characters, add a delightful layer of entertainment to the narrative.

However, despite its many strengths, "Queen of Roses" does follow some predictable paths. Although this predictability might slightly diminish the element of surprise, it doesn't significantly detract from the overall reading experience. In fact, the predictability can also serve as a comfort, like returning to the familiar beats of a favorite song.

Briar Boleyn's "Queen of Roses" is a triumph of imaginative storytelling. It beautifully encapsulates the charm of Arthurian legends while bringing something new and refreshing to the table. Despite the somewhat predictable plotline, the journey itself is a joy to experience, leaving readers eager for the sequel.

So, for those who enjoy well-paced narratives, engaging characters, and a good dose of banter, "Queen of Roses" comes highly recommended. The enjoyment derived from this book is a testament to Boleyn's storytelling skills, and I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Well paced, well told and a really fun and interesting read. I enjoyed the basis of the book being a retelling of Arthurian legends but it’s so much more. Definitely recommended

King Arthur retelling in a fantasy romance world with Fae is about a girl named Morgan Pendragon. After Morgan watches her father kill her mother she lives with her trauma and sense of being less than because of her half Fae heritage. Morgan struggles to deal with the political issues arising from lack of food for the people that she wishes to help but not angering King Arthur who makes many shows of corrupt power all while protecting her youngest brother inside the castle. She fights to find her place where she can be content while avoiding marriage to an abusive powerful man or being celibate in the church or finding out who she actually is. Her life is changed when she is sent on a mission with Draven, the new guard, to find Excalibur, along the way finding new and old friends and defeating creatures she has only read about in stories. Does Morgan decide to side with her tyrant brother, King Arthur? Will she choose to keep her youngest brother, Kaye, and her friends safe while trying to help the land of Camelot? Will she side with her people, the Fae? Or will she choose herself to try to find happiness?

I loved loved loved Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn. 5 out of 5 stars hands down. I have nothing bad to say about the book at all, it is utterly perfect. The spice so far in the series is 1-2, very enticing and sweet. I absolutely loved the ending and all the turmoil and heartbreak and cannot wait to read the second book. I was intrigued by the unique lore and creatures that I’ve never heard of before. One of the best books I’ve read this year.

**Thank you to NetGalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boleyn for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**

My disclaimer for this review is noting that my favorite literary genre is typically historical fiction. While I enjoy fantasy, I have not read any of the SJM or HB series, or any other booktok hyped fantasy reads (though they may or may not be on my TBR list).

I honestly really enjoyed this book! This was my first NetGalley read and I wasn’t sure what to expect from a debut dark fantasy/romance novel based on a Camelot retelling. I was, however, intrigued by the description provided.

I loved the mix of fae, folklore, historical fiction, and mythical creatures. The first half of the book was slower paced, as there was a lot of world building and descriptors of the setting in Medieval times. However, I enjoyed the attention to detail and the author setting the stage for her readers. I loved how much imagination the author put forth in building the world and I am hoping the investment pays off with future books in the series. I loved the spin on the Camelot retelling with strong female characters, LGBTQ+ characters, and a fae spin that kept the story interesting. The next half of the book flew by and I found myself staying up WAY past my bedtime to read “just one more chapter” as the author worked to build up her characters. The depth and development of characters is well done and I found myself invested in the story. It all leads up to a cliffhanger and I’m dying to read book 2 to see what happens!! Below is a synopsis of the story line.

Morgan Pendragon is a princess of the Rose Court of Camelot. Her mother was part fae and her father the King. She loses both of her parents at a young age and is raised alongside her 2 younger half-brothers. Before his death, her father arranges to pull Morgan from the line of succession (because of her tainted fae bloodline) and instead, makes arrangements to offer her to the goddesses when she becomes of age. Her younger brother and eldest son, Arthur, usurps her to become king. King Arthur is a tyrant and Morgan sees much of her father's cruel and ruthless tendencies in him. A mysterious handsome stranger soon comes to Camelot and this man, Kairos Draven, becomes promoted within the Royal Guard. Morgan’s first encounters with the stranger have her despising him. King Arthur commands Morgan to set out on a journey to retrieve the mystical fae sword, Excalibur. He appoints Captain Draven as her companion on the journey. He is a fierce warrior and risks his life to protect her. Along the journey, they must learn to tolerate one another and the forced proximity, slow burn romance is palpable. They are faced with a near impossible task and must travel to distant lands, where a long forgotten fae kingdom awaits.