🌹Queen of Roses🌹

Need something to get your claws into?

What about a
DARK
FANTASY
ROMANCE

This is the first book in the Blood of Fae series by Briar Boleyn … also known as USAs bestselling author Fenna Edgewood.

First things first, I loved it!
I tried to go to bed at a reasonable hour and this book did not let me, it’s claws had sunken into my mind and play court political warfare. It had me plotting where I thought deception and betrayal would arise and how it’d come to light.

This is such a unique dark fantasy romance, it is not your typical dark fae book but one inspired / a retelling of King Arthur.

This book is filled with morally grey and dam right morally black characters. The court machinations and betrayals are unexpected and heartbreaking. Don’t even get me started on that weasel of a man Florian. (I need to vent about that man and maybe some other characters 👀)


Author Briar Boleyn has written a dark adventurous book that holds innocence and depravity within its tight claw, its jaw achingly blood thirsty whilst showing hope of a better life, world. One where all can be free to express themselves and live in harmony.

This book ends on a heart stopping end that will leave you desperate for more! I’ve so many questions and the tension 😍

⭐️4
🌶️2 1/2
💧3


🖤Tropes 🖤
🌹Who did this to you?
🌹Forced Proximity
🌹One Horse/bed
🌹Grumpy sunshine
🌹fae
🌹Slow burn
🌹King Arthur retelling
🌹Steamy

If you loved:
🗡️Cruel Prince
🗡️The Plated Prisoner series
🗡️From Blood and Ash
🗡️Throne of Glass series
You’ll LOVE this!

Thank you Briar Boleyn, publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. ❤️

Well, this is not an easy book to put down! This is a really refreshing twist on the Arthurian legend, only packed with slow burn romance, blurry round the edges morally grey characters and plenty of cool Fae.

The story centres around Morgan, older sister to Arthur, the king of Camelot who has been shoved out of the line of succession due to her heritage. Life at court is tough for her, despite her close friends Lancelet (who is a fantastic character, extremely well written) and Galahad, but life gets more difficult when Arthur sends her away to look for a sword, accompanied by two fairly unsettling guards.
I loved the story and the characters. Morgan's character development is great but hoping she can step up a little bit more in the next books. The slow burn romance is done really well, bit of misdirection making it even better!

In the next books I'd like to hear more about the histories and the events which have been referenced up until now. There is a drip feed of information all the way through, courtesy of some partially answered questions, and it really makes me want to know more!

Not only is this book great in itself, I think it's set up the rest of the series amazingly well.

I'd say this is probably more NA given the spice level, and the fact they apparently step up the spice as the series goes on. Check trigger warnings too.

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you Briar Boleyn and Netgalley for this Arc! I loved this book. I’ve been in a reading slump lately because I haven’t found any books to truly hold my attention. This book has a LOT going on.

This is a sort of retelling of Camelot, Morgan Pendragon is sent on a journey to fetch Excalibur for her half brother, the king, Arthur. There are a few twists and turns along the way, as well as mythical creatures, love, deception, and magic of course.

What I loved:

Exmoors! Battle cats!

The Fae twist

Draven! He’s dreamy. But WHAT is he?

The world building! I loved how much attention to detail there was. I could imagine every pillar and every landscape. It wasn’t overly wordy, it was just enough!

The plot has a lot going on. I did not expect the ending AT ALL- Vesper! I don’t want to post spoilers so that’s all I will say, except that I was SHOCKED!

What I didn’t love:

Not much for spice but apparently this is a slow burn leading up to book 2.

A LOT of characters up front. It’s hard for my brain to create and remember a lot of characters when introduced all at once. I often have to skim over some of the information at first and then come back to it later when the character is more relevant. But all of the characters here did become important at some point.

Dead zombie children 😂 omg nightmare fuel but I was so surprised by it, that I also kind of loved it.
That cliffhanger! I need the next book NOW!

This book was definitely outside of my comfort zone but I enjoyed the plot . I wish there was more development to the characters , I recommend this to those that enjoy slow burn book with fantasy .

Thank you to Starwater Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

Run don't walk to get this book!!! Loved this book!!!!! The characters were great. It was a little slow for me at the beginning only because it is a different read for me then what I am use to but still wanted something different. I really loved everything.

I LOVED this book! The characters, the plot and a clever retelling of Camelot.. I can’t wait to read the next book and lucky for me, I already have it 🙌

5/5 stars — Briar Boleyn is a great writer that keeps you turning the page just waiting to find out the next part in the story!

Thank you NetGalley & StarWater press for the chance to read and review this book!

Title: Queen of Roses
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ out of 5
Spice level: 🌶️ out of 5

Tags: Fae, Magic, Excalibur, protective bodyguard-trope, “who did this to you?”, “touch her and die,” betrayal, mild-spice, angst, witty banter, morally grey love interest.

I was pleasantly surprised with Queen of Roses. This is a fae retelling of King Arthur and Excalibur… with a twist. Not only is Arthur not the main character in this retelling, he is also the villain to our powerful FMC.

Morgan is our young and innocent MC; a natural born leader not fit to rule Camelot, or is she? Although it was obvious she was walking into a trap at the midpoint of the book, it didn’t stop me from rooting for her anyways.
Draven is our morally grey love interest that will have you rooting for him from the start. Not only is he fiercely protective of Morgan (for interests unknown), he is also widely knowledgeable about the fae from hundreds of years ago, what is he hiding?

The world and relationship building pulls you into the magic system and has you rooting (or hating) each of the characters. The sentence structure, descriptions of both locations and characters have you feeling as if you are experiencing the book yourself. The writing was superb and I am thoroughly interested in this series. A huge bravo to Briar Boleyn.

Running to get book 2!

This book is exactly what I needed to read right now.

Aurhurian legend but with Fae. What an enjoyable combination.

This is not a heavy world building book, it is fast paced and immediately I was invested in the story. Some parts maybe predictable but the end of it my jaw hit the floor. I’m ready to start book two.

I wish I saw more character development from Morgan but I suspect we will get that in book two.

Now Draven if that man told me to sit pretty I would do it without thinking. He is intimidating, protective and sarcastic, I really hope we get some spice from him in the next book cause 🥵🥵

Queen of Roses is debut novel by Briar Boleyn.
I absolutely love everything about King Arthur and Camelot and I was so happy to receive arc of this book by NetGalley and Briar Boleyn.

So as you probably guessed Queen of Roses is retelling of King Arthur with Fae and main character is Morgan who is Arthur’s older (half)sister.
Lancelot is a girl in this story and she is badass!
Amazing world building and plot of QoR with magic, together they make absolutely perfect book. This book contains so many plot twists that you won’t be able to put it down.
There’s also slow burn romance with enemies to lovers between Morgan and Draven 🫶🏻
I wish we knew more about Morgan’s mother but I believe there’ll be more about her in Court of Claws.

WHAT I LIKED:
-When Morgan killed her bully - such sweet justice
-The Exmoor Creatures - majestic and intelligent big cats - tell me more!
-The medicinal suppression of the lead character’s fae traits was really interesting
-The ending twists with Draven being “siabra”, Morgan’s conversation with the lady in the lake, and the child not really being a child all had me so curious about what happens next
.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
-So much of the story felt similar to From Blood and Ash
-The Camelot re-telling idea had so much potential, but wasn’t really explored. It felt like just the names from King Arthur stories were used, and that was about it.
-The idea of a child plague/killing child zombies was really out of left field and came out of no-where in a bad way
-The idea of portals just popped up sort of out of nowhere when Lancelot had suddenly showed up
-Some of the twists - like Vesper’s betrayal - were really predictable.
-Overall story felt a bit disjointed and disconnected. It felt like the author tried to go too many directions/do too many things in one book

I was given a copy by Netgalley for an honest review.

This was the first dark fantasy romance I have read. It gave off major Game of Throne vibes but different with magic! 😂 I really enjoyed this book and I’m happy to say I was granted the second book as well from netgalley and I cannot wait to continue on with this story!! Definitely a slow burn, morally gray MMC and a strong, trying to find her way, FMC. and the ending?! I definitely didn’t see that coming. I definitely suggest giving this book a try! First and second book are currently available on KU, with the third coming out in November! Happy reading!!

*I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley*

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - the first, but certainly not the last, I will read by Briar Boleyn. If you love dark fantasy Fae romances, and the idea of a slightly twisted Arthur & Camelot story intrigues you, this is the next book you should have on your TBR.

The story flowed at a good pace, without too much unnecessary waffling, and had plenty of action-packed battles and adventures. This is a VERY slow burn romance - there is very minimal steam in this book but, fortunately, Boleyn has hinted the second book in the series will include more spice! *Insert party face emoji*

My only criticism is that I have finished this book completely bewildered and with a whole host of questions - hopefully the subsequent book(s) answer these! The lack of steam with the MMC also left me a bit disappointed - especially when he comes out with things like “Who did this to you?” *SWOON*

If you have any triggers, please check the trigger warning content list before reading.

#QueenofRoses Wow! Okay so this ends on a cliffhanger but not to worry because book 2 is out! This fantasy by #BriarBoleyn is fantastic. This is a King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table retelling like you have never read before. There is war, fae, gods, Camelot, Excalibur, adventure, and so much more. I love that there are gender swaps along with LGBTIQA+ representation in the story done so smoothly you question the original tale. The characters are three dimensional, the world is solid, and the storytelling is everything you could want. This gets a huge 5/5 from me!

Thank you to Briar Boelyn, NetGalley and Starwater press for offering me a free copy in exchange for a fair review.

Queen of Roses is a fantastic dark Camelot reimagining with Morgan Pendragon as the hero and Arthur stepping into the role of tyrant. Several beloved faces of Arthurian lore are adapted and woven into the story along with Boelyn’s own spin on the world that creates a bleak but fun romp through a fantasy setting. It is a tale of fae and fantastical creatures, blooming powers and sense of self, political intrigue and the tension of not knowing who to trust.

The main draw back is the uneven pacing throughout the novel. The first half meanders through setting up the oppressive world that Morgan inhabits. However it does so an amazing job of setting the stage for everything that comes out later. The second half feels like the flow of a DnD game where there are long travel portions broken up by occasional combat. Although it meanders— it never felt like a slog to me. I ate up the vibes, even when Morgan’s naïve nature was stressing me out.

In doing it this way, Boelyn I believe shows her real strength as a writer. While I would’ve liked to see more even pacing the subtleties in the prose in character actions she does an amazing job of showing not telling interspersed with foreshadowing. Especially when our heroine is so easily taken with others perceptions. The author does an incredible job using Morgan’s limited POV and sheltered upbringing to create solid and steady tension throughout narrative by surrounding her with untrustworthy people.

There were twists I could see coming for sure but I found them satisfying in how they played out because they didn't come from nowhere. I felt rewarded for paying attention to the little details! And there were more than a couple I didn't see coming that felt good for the same reason.

The main slowburn romance is very fun to watch progress even as i was screaming at Morgan for fumbling it. The ensemble cast of Morgan’s allies (and has some queer rep) had little screen time but what we did see was fantastic. I’d honestly love to see a spin off series with Lancelet or Merlin!

Overall its a very fun adventure that i cant wait to see continue in Court of Claws!

Thank you NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for a review.

I really really enjoyed this book and was glad I didn't have to wait to roll onto the next one (like I will after finishing the 2nd book!) :)

I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about a retelling of Camelot/King Arthur/Excalibur but I REALLY enjoyed it, way more than I though I would.

Briar did a really great job of world building without being too lengthy or overwhelming. The characters were developed nicely also, outside of some of the FMC's....moments but I think that also leads to her character hahah

This one was SLOW burn but set book 2 up REAL nicely...thank goodnesss!

My favorite thing about this though was how inclusive it was! There are so many races AND sexualities represented in Queen of Roses! I loved it.

4.5 stars rounded.


There's so much to unpack here.

I've seen people say it was way to much information for just one book and that it should have been written as two separate ones, with that being said, I strongly disagree. This one book was incredible and well paced so it didn't feel like too much too fast.

I had been looking for something exactly like this though it did surprise me to see Arthur depicted like such a mean terrible king AND brother. But I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.

Morgan may have been too naive/innocent at first but she was also strong willed from the very beginning though perhaps she didn't know it herself. She kept ok trying to see the good in everyone and while she should keep on doing that, she should also be more aware that bad people do not always act like bad people.

Lancelet's ending broke my heart because she was so loyal to the people around her, I surely hope Galahad is safe...at least for the time being.

By the Three we had no chance to rejoice on Florian's dead when Vesper came along. Hated them. But at least Vesper brought a little more to the table than Florian.

While Morgan is a great character, I must admit Kairos Draven is my favourite, I don't need to add much more as to why, he's Kairos Draven.

Aside from Arthur and Lord Agravaine Pendrath seems like a really nice place to live.

Briar Boleyn does a great job at describing where we are, who we are with, she makes this book so nice and a doable read. I'm eager to start Court of Claws.

Arthurian books will always be a hit for me.

4.5 stars!

I loved the vast majority of this - I loved the main characters and there was so much to the plot, every page was a surprise. The plot was really, really fantastic and entirely unpredictable. The slow burn trope is also deliciously executed.

However, there were a fair few grammar mistakes and typos, which often made the dialogue feel stunted, but worse than that were the frequent occurrences of verbs switching from past to present tense, which I found removed the reader from the narrative completely. Secondly, while I appreciate the story being inspired by Arthurian legend, I would have preferred it if the plot and world stood entirely on its own, especially as the majority of it is far removed from Arthurian legend. I feel describing it as an 'Arthurian retelling' actually does it a disservice, as it is so much more than that. The author could have just written a foreword saying she was inspired by Morgan’s story etc. and then allowed the story to spiral away on it's own into a very different world.

These were just small gripes, however, and I am very, very much looking forward to the rest of the series!

Since this is a dark fantasy romance, please take the trigger warnings seriously guys. I liked the plot and it's execution in this book and I loved how smart and witty Morgan was. I liked the characters except a few vile ones and the creatures and the settings were described very well. And the enemies to lovers part with the MMC was top tier. I don't want to reveal much about the plot but I can say that I enjoyed the book. However, there was a spark missing. I couldn't really feel awed by the story. Hope the next book is better.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

Wow! This is an interesting retelling of Arthur and Camelot. The story is in Morgan's POV who is the half sister to Arthur. You can really feel Morgan's struggle as she tries to find a way to live that life that she wants, protect the kingdom and her brothers. I do enjoy Morgan's character growth and transformation and look forward to reading more.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

⭐ Characters – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Atmosphere – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Writing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
⭐ Plot – ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
⭐ Pacing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ World Building – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Enjoyment – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Wow, I have to say, I went into this book with modest expectations since it's a debut, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised! Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn is an enchanting debut that seamlessly blends romance, mythology, and fantasy into a captivating tapestry. Set in a beautifully imagined Medieval-Middle Ages fantasy world, the story embarks on a thrilling road trip adventure with a slow-burning romance full of unexpected twists and turns.

The characters in this novel are truly remarkable. Each one is expertly crafted, multi-dimensional, and their backgrounds and relationships are explored in a way that draws readers in. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ representation adds depth and makes the setting even more inclusive and heartwarming.

The atmosphere of Queen of Roses is nothing short of magical. Boleyn's vivid descriptions breathe life into the fantastical world, immersing readers in a realm of wonder and intrigue that keeps their attention piqued and their desire to keep reading intact.

Boleyn's writing style is nothing short of impressive. The prose flows smoothly and beautifully captures the essence of emotions and events, drawing readers even further into the story.

The plot is a definite strength of the book. Well-constructed and brimming with unexpected twists and turns, it keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The incorporation of a treasure hunt, mythical discoveries and creatures, friendships, family dynamics, and romance elevates the reading experience to a whole new level.

The pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to savor every moment without feeling rushed, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable journey.

The world-building in Queen of Roses is masterful. Boleyn has created a rich and intricate world complete with its own mythology and lore. The attention to detail and depth of this fictional universe will leave readers thoroughly impressed.

In conclusion, Queen of Roses is an exceptional debut that leaves a lasting impression. Briar Boleyn's storytelling skills shine throughout the narrative, making me eagerly anticipate the second book in the series. If you're on the hunt for a captivating fantasy romance with a unique blend of elements, this book is an absolute must-add to your reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Review posted July 20th - GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5700281733