I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read.

Book 1 of a new series. I'm obsessed. I can't wait to read book 2. A wonderful, new, and fresh retelling of Camelot and Arthur. Morgan is such a strong and interesting character. I can't wait to see how her story unfolds.

It took me a while to start this ARC, which I requested after being intrigued by aesthetic and plot hints on TikTok. Not having delved into any fantasy Arthur retellings before, I saw this as an ideal introduction. The book held considerable promise, especially in the first half, where its unique approach to a dark fantasy King Arthur-inspired story caught my attention. Briar Boleyn draws from traditional Arthurian tales but introduces an entirely different twist, including some gender swaps. Although the story started off slow, the pace eventually picked up, keeping me engaged towards the end.

OMG I loved, loved this book and could't put it down. The story telling with the twists from the original was just amazing and the characters really did make you love or hate them. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

A huge shoutout to NetGalley & Briar Boleyn for the chance to dive into Queen of Roses! 🌹📚

What a ride this dark fantasy romance turned out to be! It’s got a fresh twist on King Arthur that kept me hooked and craving more. The journey was such a thrill, and I absolutely loved every page!

Meet Morgan Pendragon: once a "denounced" queen destined for the temple while her younger brother, King Arthur, holds the reins of Camelot. Morgan, a half-blooded Fae with only a hint of her Fae heritage, is sent on a quest by her cruel brother to find Excalibur.

With her ragtag "guardians," she faces epic challenges, unearthing the secrets of Fae and Gods along the way. 🗡️✨

Can’t wait for book two in the Blood of Fae trilogy to see where Morgan Pendragon’s adventures take her next! 🌟📖

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn is a captivating fantasy novel that delves into themes of power, love, and betrayal against a backdrop of lush world-building and intricate plotting. A wonderful novel and I had fun reading it.

I was excited to start this book and couldn't wait to dive in. Having read a couple of books based on Arthurian legend I was intrigued to see what this one had in store for me. I have to say the world-building was excellent and the slow burn was definitely slow burning. At times I felt the story could have been shorter but it was still an enjoyable read.

Very interesting and engaging story. Great world building and background. Already submitted feedback for this book to publisher previously.

Really enjoyed this book!! Found it very easy to get hooked into. My first by this author but will not be my last!!

I felt this book was a bit slow to start with however it really picked up in the second half and I could not put it down.

The world-building is so well done and creative, this alone would have made the book worth reading even if it didn’t include anything else.

I loved the characters and felt really invested in their story. The characters are well written and authentic.

This is a great introduction to the series, which gets even better in the following books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Corp for providing me with this arc.

dnf, unfortunately a case of me not appropriately assessing trigger warnings. would recommend this series with caution but based on the little under 20% i read, and raving positive reviews i’ve seen from friends and mutuals, it seems to be a great start to the series!

3.5 ⭐️

This book was a very slow start & I did contemplate putting it down & trying again another time. However, having checked out other reviews I saw that if I kept going it would be worth it & I have to agree. When you hit 60% this book takes off, it's just a shame that the build up is so long.

Some people said it was like Blood & Ash, but I just didn't see that. However, I am looking forward to the next book & finding out what happens next.

This book is super similar to the first Blood and Ash book. So if that interests you, definitely check it out.

The beginning of the book was incredibly addictive, I loved it. After a bit though, it slowed down a lot and it took me a while to continue. This was in the first half of the book. The main character started to feel bland and a bit inconsistent at times. Plus, I was feeling 0 chemistry between the main characters.

I am glad to say though, the book regained strength in the second half of the story. I read it literally in one sitting. I liked the relationship and the characters and all of it absolutely hooked me in. The ending was really good and it definitely left me interested to read the next one.

The story is quite predictable, but that’s never been a problem for me since I enjoy that. If that bothers you a lot, though, keep it in mind. The other thing I want to say is that the dialogue was a bit rough at times.

I know after all that it doesn’t seem like it, but the story as a whole was something I enjoyed and like I said, I definitely was left hooked and wanting more and more of these characters.

And a very important thing: definitely check the triggerwarnings.

I'm not sure how it passed me to forget to make the review here, but I finished this series some time ago. So I'll be pasting the same review on the series. I LOVED IT. Couldn't put it down honestly. I loved Boleyn writing style and the way that she wrapped me up in her world.

I’m not a fantasy reader at heart, but "Queen of Roses" by Blair Boleyn had me hooked from the start! If you're into slow-burn romance, dark fantasy vibes, and plot twists that will leave you speechless, this book is a must-read. With its Arthurian retelling, fae creatures, and plenty of banter, "Queen of Roses" is a wild ride from beginning to end. And let me tell you, that jaw-dropping plot twist at the finale? It's a game-changer that will have you scrambling to get your hands on the next book ASAP! Trust me, you won't be able to resist diving into this fantastical world.

Thank you Blair Boleyn and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Briar Boleyn's *Queen of Roses* is a spellbinding fantasy novel that sweeps readers into a world of magic, political intrigue, and emotional depth. From the moment you open the book, Boleyn's lush prose and intricate world-building create an immersive experience that makes you feel as though you are stepping into an enchanted realm where danger and beauty coexist in perfect balance.

The story follows Elara, a young queen thrust into power amidst a kingdom teetering on the brink of chaos. As Elara navigates the treacherous landscape of court politics and ancient magic, readers are drawn into a journey filled with emotional highs and lows. You will feel her strength and resolve as she faces formidable adversaries, her vulnerability as she grapples with the weight of her crown, and her passion as she fights for her people and her heart.

Boleyn's character development is masterful, making Elara a heroine who is both relatable and inspiring. Her journey is marked by moments of triumph and heartache that will resonate deeply with readers. You will feel her struggles and victories as if they were your own, experiencing the full spectrum of her emotions. The relationships she forges, whether marked by loyalty, love, or betrayal, add layers of emotional complexity that keep you invested in her story.

The world of *Queen of Roses* is rich and vividly imagined. Boleyn's descriptive writing paints a picture of a kingdom filled with breathtaking landscapes, from verdant forests to glittering palaces. The magic that permeates this world is both wondrous and perilous, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the narrative. As you read, you will feel the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets and the tension of looming threats, making each page turn a captivating experience.

What sets *Queen of Roses* apart is Boleyn's ability to weave deep emotional truths into the fabric of the story. Themes of duty, love, sacrifice, and identity are explored with nuance and sensitivity. Elara's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is both touching and empowering, encouraging readers to reflect on their own paths and the choices that define them. Her resilience and determination will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

As the plot unfolds, the stakes rise, leading to a climax that is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying. Boleyn masterfully balances action and introspection, ensuring that the emotional journey is as compelling as the physical one. By the time you reach the novel's conclusion, you will be deeply invested in Elara's fate and the future of her kingdom, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for what might come next.

Briar Boleyn's *Queen of Roses* is a breathtaking and emotionally rich fantasy novel that will captivate readers from beginning to end. With its beautifully crafted world, compelling characters, and profound themes, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that blend magic, adventure, and heartfelt emotion. Prepare to be enchanted and moved by Elara's incredible journey.

Queen of Roses is a slow burn romantasy. I really enjoyed this book. It gave Blood & Ash vibes (one tent, one horse trope). I enjoyed the world-building and plot more than the romance aspect. The world-building was done very well and wasn't overly complicated to understand. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a great fantasy story - thorough world building, well written characters, epic journey, self discovery and magical powers. However, there was no need for this book to use names and location from the story of Arthur. I have read this in a few fantasy stories recently and I find it to be too derivative when the story, in my opinion, would have been much better if Arthur, Lancelet, Galahad and all other "Arthur and the Round Table" related names, locations, etc. were replaced with unique names that the author had created. If all of these things were replaced, the story would not feel as if it were losing anything, so why does it need to be there in the first place? Half the characters were unique but then throwing in a character like Merlin in the middle of it didn't make any sense to me and took me out the world the author did a great job of building.

The plot and the world was intriguing, so I do plan to continue reading the rest of the series and overall really did enjoy this book. Since I've read so many fantasy books, I'm always looking for something unique that's going to blow me away and I feel this book had the potential to do that if not for the Arthur and the Round Table related aspects.

Total rating: 3.5

From the very beginning, I was drawn into the richly crafted universe Boleyn created. The blend of familiar mythological elements with Boleyn's original twists made for an intriguing read.

Character development was another strong suit of the book. The characters were well-rounded and their growth throughout the story was compelling. Each twist and turn in the plot kept me on my toes, eager to see what would happen next. The mix of romance and fantasy was well-balanced, making it easy to stay invested in the storyline.

While I appreciated many aspects of the book, there were moments where the pacing felt uneven.

However, the story is a captivating read with impressive world-building and a fresh take on Arthurian legends. Despite some pacing issues, it offers a unique and enjoyable fantasy experience. If you're a fan of romantasy with a mythological twist, this book is definitely worth a read.

This one has been on my tbr for far too long, I'm actually annoyed at how long it took me to read it!
Queen Of Roses was fantastic! An Arthurian legend retelling with fae - what's not to like?
So much depth with the different characters. Poor Morgan, she's not had the best time of it really. Her brother Arthur is horrible to put it mildly, especially when she's only ever wanted to be his sister. Eurgh I hate him and I hope he gets what's coming to him in the most satisfying way possible.
I have thoughts and suspicions based on what I think is going to happen and I can't wait to find out how far off I am 😂