‘Queen of Roses’ is described as a King Arthur retelling, which I wasn’t sure I would enjoy. Luckily, this wasn’t a true retelling — rather, this book used Arthurian characters, settings, and plot points as loose inspiration to weave a uniquely new story.

The novel flowed from a compelling first chapter into a slower middle section that was largely focused on character introductions and world building. The final 20% of the book was faster paced, with a twisty-turny cliffhanger ending. One particular plot point was particularly haunting/disturbing and I’m still thinking about it…and that’s all I’ll say to avoid spoilers.

I saw some reviewers commenting about Morgan’s naïveté. I felt like her characterization was a fair depiction for women in her position during medieval times, so I didn’t mind it. I look forward to continued character development of her and the MMC in the next novel.

I also enjoyed the LGBTQIA+ representation in this book, and how generally open-minded Camelot is (for example, that firstborn women remain first-in-line to ascend the throne).

3.5. This is a well written book but it wasn't for me personally. I think a lot of people will like this book, especially those of a younger audience.

😳😳😳 the ending of this book… I NEED to read the next one!

I received this as an arc through NetGalley and it did not disappoint, I finished it in 2 days.

A spin on the story of King Arthur the story follows his sister Morgan’s and her life as part fae part human. I don’t want to give anything away so just read it :)

There is minor spice in this first book, but the world building is great, looking forward to the rest of the series.

4.5/5 ⭐️
0/5 🌶️

An incredible Arthurian retelling set in a complex magical world that totally sucks you in!

This beautiful fantasy book has an incredibly well thought out detailed world with characters that either make you hate or love them, and some that you’re just not sure if you can trust. While this book contains next to no romance, it leaves you with the distinct impression that you’re in for a very very slow burn, in all the best ways.

I highly recommend this for my fantasy lovers out there who aren’t afraid of some intense world building with a very slow burn romance. There are darker themes so I recommend checking the warnings for this book.

I’ll be picking up the second book in this series immediately because it’s got that kind of ending that leaves you wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest review!

I devoured this book. I went into it not knowing it was a King Arthur retelling but the storytelling was great. I was so happy when my girl Morgan had found someone who cared for her only to have him be a traitorous, selfish, prick. It's always the ones that are too good to be true. The way Boleyn writes about Draven makes him seem so mysterious and more than he is, I truly want to be able to know more about him and how his goals align with keeping Morgan alive.

"You could tell a great deal by what a monarchy chose to remember about its own history-and even more by what it chose to forget."

The politics in this book were well thought out and Boleyn does a great job at showcasing how trauma manifests differently in two siblings who underwent the same experiences. I cannot wait to read the next book!

A wonderful start to a new series! I was a little hesitant at first because I haven’t read an Arthurian tale but this quickly sucked me in! I’m excited to see where the rest of the story leads.

First off, I’d like to thank NetGalley, publisher Starwater Press, and author Briar Boleyn for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished reading Queen of Roses and I’m still trying to piece my brain back together after that ending!

Friends, foes, strangers, anyone listening…this author has me hooked!

The story is an Arthurian tale with names you’ll recognize (King Arthur, Galahad, Merlin…), but these characters are not who you expect them to be and this is NOT the Camelot you think you know. (We have fae!)

I don’t like spoilers, so I’m not going to be super specific about the story/characters.

The first half of the book was slower, as is fairly common with the first book in a series where all of the world building and characters have to be established. What kept me hooked in the first half? 1) The reimagining of familiar, traditional characters into far more diverse and interesting people. 2) The female main character is named Morgan, and we discover/experience her trauma, naïveté, rebelliousness, courage, and struggle to make sense of the world in which she has grown up.

The second half of the book is where things really picked up. It came with a faster pace, more action and adventure, new characters, developing relationships. We’re on a quest here, friends. Morgan begins discovering and accepting truths about herself, her family, the world around her. I found myself intrigued by the landscape, the lore, the people and beasts we encountered. I say “we” because I felt like I was in that forest, too, okay? Part of me is still on that road, in that village, on the floor of that cavern.

What you can expect from this book:
- Familiar characters reimagined in intriguing ways
- Strong female main character on a sort of coming-of-age journey
- Fae vs. mortals
- Mythical beasties
- Broody, morally grey, darkly appealing male character
- Quest/journey/road trip introducing diverse scenery and landscapes
- Family drama
- Trauma (there are trigger warnings)
- Don’t touch her, who hurt you, she’s mine
- Very slight romance, very slight spice

I’m pausing long enough to write this review, messaging my best friend to update her on my thoughts/feelings about this book and tell her she needs to start this series, and then I’m diving headfirst into the next book in the series.

I’ll see you there!

I finished this book in 2 days, I had a really hard time getting into the story at first but by the half way mark I was hooked.

The action really picked up & it was amazing! I love the side characters just as much as the main characters

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This fantasy romance puts a fresh spin on the King Arthur and Camelot story, throwing in a fascinating fae twist that I found quite intriguing. The author has done a commendable job crafting the world, and I particularly enjoyed the chosen time period, which added a distinctive and appealing atmosphere. While the romance is subtly woven into the narrative of this installment, I'm convinced that the next book will delve even deeper into that aspect. I genuinely enjoyed this read and am eagerly looking forward to what unfolds in the next installment.

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn reads like a WattPad fanfiction that uses names from Arthurian legends. If that is your thing, you might like it. As for me, it was not my cup of tea.

The first 10% of Queen of Roses was enjoyable and I had high hopes. I found the idea of Arthurian characters - Arthur, Morgan, Kaye, Lancelot, etc. - with a dash of fairies thrown in, a great idea for a romantasy. I also love good dark fiction. At the beginning of the book, I found Morgan, the main character, to be believable. She was passive, but it felt accurate for the time and the dangers of court.

But then things began to take a turn. A new character enters and a typical plot trope is used that immediately makes the story feel forced, unbelievable, and tropey. Without spoiling, a major motivation in the first half of the novel for Morgan is assault with sexual undertones. It felt like Morgan was using sexual assault as a plot device to move the story forward and it felt very icky.

Beyond that, after the halfway point in Queen of Roses, Morgan became an insufferable character. She was rude beyond measure to everyone she met, made horrific and stupid choices, and had very few redeemable characteristics. The plot within the last 50% of the novel made little to no sense. For example: Morgan has taken potions to reduce her fae characteristics for the majority of her life, but also she does not believe in fae and neither does anyone around her. Plot holes such as this are commonplace throughout the story and made the novel feel less like a story and more like a fanfiction, or a device to get to some spicy scenes. Also, I am so tired of love interests who have the personality of a stone.

My last quibble: Queen of Roses uses Arthurian names and plot points (Excalibur), but the story itself does not align with actual Arthurian legends at all. If you are going into Queen of Roses because you love Arthurian legends, this book may not be for you.

If you are a lover of romantasy, pine for love interests who resemble a rock, and don't care if anything makes sense, Queen of Roses may be for you. Thank you Briar Boleyn, NetGalley, and Starwater Press for the ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

Queen of Roses (Blood of a Fae Book One) by Briar Boleyn
This is an ARC ebook, provided in exchange for an honest review. Big thank you to Netgalley, Starwater Press, and author, Briar Boleyn!

Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️/5

If you’re looking for a SLOW burn, dark romantasy, with “touch her and you die” vibes and major plot twists- look no further! Queen of Roses is an Arthurian retelling with fae and other fantastical beasts, loads of banter, found family, and major world building.

What I Love:
-The author puts such a focus on world building and history for the story for the first 50% of the book
-The Exmoor
-Draven (aka new book bf)
-The ending! I RAN to Book Two!
-The supporting characters are interesting and relevant to the plot

What I Didn’t Love:
-I’m a big fan of slow burn, but this was TURTLE PACE slow burn. Hoping for more of the Draven/Morgan bond in the next book!
-The beginning of the book leaves you going into the second half with a lot of questions. There were several times when I stopped and made sure I didn’t skip pages because I was like, “that’s it? There’s no explanation?”
-Vesper and Florian🤢

“Whatever might have happened to you, you’re choosing to fight back. I don’t see how that’s a bad thing. All of life is a fight. There’s no point in avoiding it.”

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Please read the triggers prior to starting this dark fantasy.

This was fun and one of the better debuts I've read. The chrmistry between the two main characters could have used some help but overall it was an engaging book. If you're a fan of From Blood and Ash you will like this slow burn romantasy.

I was lucky to be sent through this book from Netgallery for a honest review.

I found it hard to put this book down. I can’t wait to pick up and read the next one.

The main character is a female who is learning about her self and learning to be strong. She seems weak and fearful. But it is a very powerful coming to strength story that has not even scratched the bigger story yet.

There are 2 love interests with darkness and intrigue to both of them! It had be guessing who’s side I wanted to be on!

And the end was a fantastic cliff hanger making you thirst for the next book!

A great start of an epic fantasy series! Love the setting and all the lore. The first few chapters did a great job hooking me in and I enjoyed the rest of the book. Also love all the characters and the underlying arthurian theme. Looking forward to read the next one!

For now this book strongly lives in the romantasy realm. More romance they’re not. I’m not because there’s a lot of romance in this book, but because it is very very predictable. To the point that even the secret identity characters are immediately clear who they are and what they are.

I’m hopeful that this first book was just set up for a larger series and character development.

But I really don’t like Morgan’s character. She is so oblivious and blind and prejudice to her surroundings. I guess we’re using the excuse of her being a princess. But she’s been abused and neglected, she should’ve been at least a little bit world wise from that.

Also, I really hate when authors and let it character know something that they never reference ever again. Like, Morgan’s mom‘s last words to her and Morgan never even thinks about them or considers them.

So far it’s meeh… nothing special, if’ve you read any books in this genre, you already know the content of this book just with a Camelot background.

Queen of Roses is book 1 in a dark romantasy retelling of Camelot/Arthur legends. This was a great first book in the series which sets up the characters and world. It's only very loosely based on the legends and felt more of a fae fantasy series so it would be enjoyed by fans of Sarah J Maas and similar. There is a little bit of spice but it's a slower burn romance with more to come on later books. I enjoyed the one POV even if the main female character was a little naïve at times. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley.

An easily digestible dark romantasy. I felt like I could turn my brain off and enjoy what was being given to me. This is a sexy Fae King Arthur retelling. The slow burn had me on my knees BEGGING. Also, the cliffhanger at the end had me feeling every emotion all at once. A solid 4 star read for me: thank you Net Galley!!!!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am not going to lie, I did not like this book in the beginning (Please read to the end!!!). I felt the writing was very simplistic and choppy. The narrative seemed bored and flat. It seemed like the MC had no real emotions or thoughts and was just going through the motions in a very 2D sort of way.

This series is inspired by Camelot and King Arthur. It has many parallel characters to the origin story but has a twist of Fae. It follows Morgan as she leaves Camelot on an adventure to retrieve Excalibur. Other that the main character being half-fae, it really takes 90% of the book before the Fae twist really comes into play. It was hard to get into the book and to feel any connection to any of the characters to begin with, other than Arthur. He was written in a way that makes the reader hate him instantly. I feel that the author just forced in some LGBT+ characters that really weren't well thought out and seemed out of place. (Nothing against these characters, I just feel they didn't get written into the story well). The name changes and gender swaps seem unnecessary and again forced. I kept rolling my eyes at the name Lancelet (Lancelot) and Merlin being a high priestess. It's a bit of a stretch, however, I could move past that once I stepped out of the mindset of the origin story.

This book is split into 2 books and I gave the first book 2 stars max. Some of the story line seemed very rushed like the author was trying really hard to dump background information and character dump that left that flat feeling. It felt like the author was just trying to rush to the second book. There was necessary background information, but I don't think it was well introduced.

Another thing I really did not like were the conversations between characters. They seemed to drag on and take forever to accomplish the point of said conversation. For example when Sir Ector was trying to warn Morgan about Captain Draven [(He started as a recruit at the beginning of the book and in the course of a week (maybe 2) he was promoted through the ranks to Captain.) (Seemed very forced to me to push to the second book plot)] the conversation was so drawn out, if it actually happened that way in real life, they would have been interrupted and nothing of importance would have been said. It would seem if you were really trying to warn someone, you wouldn't drag it out for the other person's feelings, but would speak your truth quickly so everything could be said.

However, I absolutely loved book 2. It honestly felt like the 2 parts were written by different people (other than the conversations). Book 2 is much better paced, has more action, and the story progresses nicely. There is quite a bit of foreshadowing, and it was nice to be correct about characters. I am glad I continued to read through part 1 and gave this book more of a chance than I originally was going to. There are a ton of questions not answered by this book and the last 10% just caused more questions to come up.

This book is an extreme slow burn with just a couple "spicy" scenes. Always interrupted though. The main character is a virgin meant for the temple. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I was hooked enough by the second part to instantly start reading the second book in this series, Court of Claws. I am very excited to continue the series and see where the author takes us.

I would rate this book 4/5 because the beginning was very slow and not enjoyable to me, but the second part made up for it.

Morgan is not your typical Princess, half fae and training with knights, she’s more woman than most.
Having had a painful childhood and current circumstances not getting any better, a trip away from home could make things better or more worse.
I enjoyed the depth of history given in this book, the immediate connection felt with Morgan.
Her relationships with other characters were established well and enjoyable. The later characters maybe slightly predictable but understandable for a young woman.
My only slight negative of this book and the only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was that I felt the chapter lengths were a bit long. Personally I like them to be broken down a little more just to make it easier to squeeze in a chapter or two during work breaks. Especially as I didn’t want to put the book down!
I look forward to the next book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Starwater Press I for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book!!!

This is an interesting retelling of the King Arthur series that has all the characters completely recast into new roles and I was HERE for it!! I loved that Merlin and Lancelot were females and that there were FAE scattered into the mix- because let's face it, at this point, Fae make everything better! :)

This was engaging and I found myself getting hooked pretty quickly. I felt like some of the aspects of it were kind of juvenile and listening to Morgan's train of thoughts could get a little tedious since she seemed so simplistic, but I also really liked how her character evolved. I am giving it a solid 3 stars as a start to a series and am interested to see where it goes!