Thank you so much to the author, Briar Boleyn, Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I had a hard time getting into this book but I think it was entirely due to my brain chemistry and not the writing. Overall, I enjoy this book.

Three things I would caution against: check the trigger warnings, it's a very, very slow burn (if at all?) and huge cliffhanger. Thankfully the second and third book are out, just be prepared.

I think this book is a 3.5 - 3.75 stars for me but rounding up because I think it has potential. I don't necessarily feel like anything about the first book really grabbed me except the story line (characters are okay, romance was nearly non-existent) but I really want to see where this goes. It's fast paced so I don't think you'll be disappointed taking a chance on this series.

Overall, I loved this book, even though I initially had doubts when I found out it was a retelling of the King Arthur story.
The beginning was a little slow and I almost didn't complete it, but ultimately, I loved it. I'm happy I continued reading because after a few chapters, I couldn't stop and ended up finishing it in one night.

This is a true slow burn and enemies-to-lovers. Like absolutely no smut between FMC and MMC.

Despite a rocky beginning, I would rate it 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book.

A doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war...
A cast-off princess…

Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. 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.

A dangerous temptation…

As she travels, Morgan finds herself drawn into a strange group of outcasts, led by a dark and enigmatic warrior whose sharp wit and fierce beauty set her heart ablaze. But while Morgan struggles to reconcile her desires with her duty, she and her new comrades discover dangers that await them beyond anything in their wildest nightmares.

A slumbering kingdom awoken by blood…

Believed to have vanished generations ago, a fae kingdom dreaded by mortals is ascending once more, bound to reclaim what was lost by violence and bloodshed. As the fae world, with its intricate web of lies and mysteries, is slowly revealed to Morgan, she is led to the terrible realization that the secrets she carries in her blood make her a greater threat than she could ever have imagined

I thoroughly enjoy reading this. It has great world building, captivating plot. I immediately picked up the second book.

💥check trigger warnings before going into the book. The author has a list available in the book. 💥
3.5 stars!
Book 1 of the Blood of Fae series is a Camelot retelling. When I found this book I was questioning whether it was for me, because I don’t normally go for books during this time period.. when I tell you you need to read this if you love romantasy! It is a slow burn romance with betrayals you won’t see coming. By 30% I was hooked, and I cannot wait to dive into book 2.

Thank you Netgalley and Starwater Press for the e-book. This Arthurian fantasy series is right up my alley.

When I was a kid the stories of King Arthur always painted him in a fair and just light. I remember loving The Sword in the Stone. So it was kind of fun to read a fantasy novel where Arthur is a tyrant and Merlin is a priestess who opposes his wrath. The story centres around Morgan, the king’s half fae half sister, and her hunt for Excalibur.
I enjoyed the characters for the most part. Florian was a repugnant villain as was Arthur. Lancelet was the sassy, hardened friend Morgan needed. I actually loved Graven. I love a handsome brooding knight!
I did find a bit of the world building to feel repetitive and boring at times though that happens often in the first book of a fantasy series. It also felt like the relationship between Morgan and Vespers was really lacking. It was hard to believe that she would choose him as her first when she barely noticed him at other times. I get why but I felt like we needed to believe in Vesper and Morgan more for the ending to have the intended impact.
I’m really looking forward to continuing the series. Thank you for choosing me to be an advanced copy reader.

What did I just read? Why did I wait so long to read this? An outstanding story that was so wonderfully told. This also happens to be a brand new author to me but, not for long because I love her writing and cannot wait to dive into the second book.

If you are ever scared of those confusing first 100 pages of world-building in fantasy books, you will not have to worry about the in this book. Briar Boleyn excels at easing you directly into the book without the extensive and confusing new fantasy world. Her writing style is smooth and easy, making the reading experience of this book so captivating and immersive. Although it is an Arthurian retelling, it maintains uniqueness and excitement. I could not put down this book. Be warn, although this is a rommantasy book, the first book has very limited amount of spice. I anticipate the the later books will continue and advance the slow-burn relationship that is developing in the story.

This story started off pretty strong, it kept me captivated from beginning to end. The story revolves around Morgan Pendragon, a cast-off princess whose life has been marred by the heavy burden of duty and sacrifice. Boleyn's portrayal of Morgan's struggle to break free from the shackles of her predetermined fate is both poignant and relatable. The character development in this book is exceptional, and I found myself fully invested in her journey.

The narrative takes an interesting turn as Morgan embarks on a dangerous mission, setting the stage for a love story that defies the odds. The dark and enigmatic warrior who captures her heart adds a layer of depth to the plot, and the emotional tension between them is palpable. Boleyn's skill in portraying the complexities of love and duty is commendable.

The world building was crafted well and is filled with intricate webs of lies and mysteries. As the story unfolded, I was drawn deeper in. The 4.5 star rating reflects the book's undeniable strengths, but it also takes into account the occasional complexity of the plot, which may require careful attention to fully grasp. However, this complexity is also what makes the story so rich and engaging.

This is a must read for fans of epic type fantasy. 4.5/5 stars

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved it! The world building and plot put to shame any competition in this genre. It’s very slow burn so go into this knowing that you’ll actually have to care about the fantasy/drama of this book. It has an Arthurian theme. The magical elements are so much fun and I really enjoyed the quest portion of the novel. In some ways I would compare this to the blood and ash series but I think the author actually wrote out the entire story arc. 🙏
Thank you to NetGalley and Starwaterpress for this ecopy. I’m obsessed!

Why didn't I read this literary gem sooner? Without a doubt, it has secured its place among my top favorites of the year. It came into my life at just the right moment, and I thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

At its core, this narrative is a captivating reimagining of Camelot but with fae and a dark twist. Isn't that so cool? The author's world-building skills are nothing short of extraordinary, creating a realm that is both haunting and sensually alluring.

The character development is a true highlight, with each protagonist masterfully crafted to resonate with readers on a deep level.

If I were to nitpick, the only drawback lies in the fact that it serves as an introductory book, with the action taking a backseat until the final chapters. Admittedly, the first half of the book seemed to tread familiar ground at times. However, in the grand scheme of things, the narrative's allure far outweighs these minor concerns.

I devoured the entire tale in a single day! I can’t wait to put my hands on the second book.

Stumbled across this book/author on NetGalley and I was immediately intrigued by the fact that it was a King Arthur re-imagining. I ended up really enjoying this book but honestly do not see much in common with Arthurian legend except for names of characters, places & objects. I think it is defiantly more entertaining then traditional Arthurian lore and I really love the main female character Morgan.

This is a very slow burn dark fantasy with an ending that will make you want to read the second book immediately. I would definitely check out trigger warnings before picking up this book to read. I feel like Morgan's actions in this book can feel a little non-sensical and frustrating if you do not keep in mind her background trauma and desire to protect her little brother. Character development and world building are great. Beginning was a little slow but rapidly picked up pace. This was an addicting read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Like the stories revolving around King Author and Dark Fantasy Romances with lots of magic and Fae? Then this is the book for you.

The world-building is flat-out exceptional. All I could say is stick with it. For some it may feel like it's starting ‘slow’ but not only does it pick up quickly around the 20% marker, it works as a way to truly develop the world and help you visualize clearly the happenings once the pace speeds up.

I would say you could categorize this as a VERY slow burn, but somehow for how this is all written it seems to work. Though I do hope it picks up in the next book in the series.

Morgan grew so much in this book, I personally feel she has quite a bit to go, but I'm in for the long haul!

Lancelet ... *chefs kiss*

Draven is for sure my favorite. You'd think as little “show time” as he has he wouldn't be but I'm all for giant protective bossy men.

The last 15% of this book has me held hostage. I couldn't put it down even if I wanted to. And the ending… we’ll it won't be long before you're reading a review for book two I'm sure!

For starters, I LOVE that Briar Boleyn included a trigger warnings page before you even start the book, along with a pronunciation page that can be used to reference if you're not sure how to pronounce a characters name. Those little details are a wonderful addition to the book.

I did struggle a little bit to start getting into the book, but things picked up for me about the 20% mark. I think the character descriptions are done REALLY well.

I would say if you are looking for a heavy romance fantasy, this one wouldn't be for you (the first book in the series at least). NOT that that is a bad thing, I just think expectations should be adjusted accordingly.

I didn't totally understand the ending, BUT I don't think the reader is fully meant to, as I'm assuming it is to keep the reader interested in reading the second book (which I am).

*Bonus to following Boleyn on Instagram, they have posts with artistic renditions of scenes and characters to help you visualize the world and the people, although I think the author's use of descriptors throughout the book are absolutely phenomenal.

**Also, if you sign up for Boleyn's newsletter you get a bonus spicy scene (it's worth it).

I am newer to reading fantasy so sometimes the world building can get a bit confusing for me, but honestly Boleyn wrote everything so clearly and it was very easy for me to read and enjoy. I absolutely look forward to continuing this series.

First off thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I really enjoyed this King Arthur retelling with the authors personal twist. While the beginning was a bit slow, I feel that is necessary for a good fantasy series. The world building was in depth. There were a lot of similarities to other popular fantasy series I found, it felt like a mash up of many fantasy universes in one. I did really connect with the characters though. I went back and forth on wether I really liked it or not, as I felt it lacked originality, but in the end I got swept into the story of Morgan and Draven and am eager to read the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press for a chance to read and review this book! (No spoilers)

“Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. 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.”

As I kid I came across Arthurian Legend by happenstance and became invested in consuming it in its various forms of media, primarily movies and tv. So finding a book that had a loose retelling with a dark fantasy fae twist really piqued my interest. Though honestly I felt it was similar yet different enough to have garnered its own title and named characters.

‘Queen of Roses’ is a retelling from the protagonist view of Morgan Pendragon. The book is broken up into two parts:

Part one of the book is essentially an introduction to the MCs: Morgan and Draven, as well as its many side characters, precise world building, plus some harrowing backstory. It provides an insight into Morgan, her thought processes, her hurts, and a scope of the cruelty in which she grew up and lived. This part had the most difficult scenes, where I felt the primary trigger warnings lie. The honesty and ruthlessness of the prose in some scenes had me feeling some hate towards a few characters. It’s the slowest part of the book but it allows the reader to get a feel and understanding of all the characters involved and builds up the storyline.

Part two is where the plot really takes off and the adventure begins. We get to see new places, increasing dangers, and other frightening creatures who give the world an even broader scope as well as a new understanding of the Fae side of things. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the MCs; how they fed off of one another and how their companionship grew. I was carrying a torch for a good while until the introduction of certain new character who quickly snuffed it out. Love triangles just aren’t my thing. However a lot happens as the story develops - some plot twists, and open ended events that reeled me in time and again.

TLDR: Overall this book had a lot of things I liked and a few that I didn’t. Ultimately, it left me wanting to continue on with the series. The world building was perfectly apt, I could imagine everything pretty clearly as I read. The new take on Arthurian Legend is refreshing. The prose is consistent and doesn’t get convoluted or overly modern. The characters bring a fair amount to the table, though I am hoping to see more depth to Morgan and Draven over the course of the next few books. The slow-burn romance is indeed slow-burn but thankfully the author notes that we should buckle up for more steam. The plot twists keep it even more interesting and the ending leaves you hanging for the continuation of book two. The trigger warnings are earned, so I suggest taking a peak before you read if you feel you might be susceptible.

First, I received a ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (thank you!)

Now onto the good stuff…I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get to the rest of the series. I really like the world building and I LOVE the Arthurian vibes…Especially once you toss in some fae action too. Moreover I am an absolute sucker for good slow burn & enemies-enemies-lovers so this book was great!
Morgan is a little frustrating for me because I would lose patience with her being timid but I think that also leaves a lot of room for her character growth in the later books (hopefully!)

I definitely NEED to read the next book soon.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to leave an honest review on this ARC.

This is such a fun and engrossing book. I love all things Arthurian legend, and this turned it all on its head. Morgan is very well written - understandably timid in many ways and rather naive, but there is a bubbling frustration beneath the surface ready to break through. Draven's humor sets him apart from the stereotypical 'tall, dark and brooding' MMC. The interaction between the two is fun and helps shape Morgan's character growth, and the chemistry slowly builds in a realistic and compelling way.

The bad guys are despicable but - viewed through Morgan's complicated emotions - Boleyn keeps the baddies from being one-dimensional. The adventure unfolds quickly and steadily and the setting descriptions are immersive. The history and mythology are complex but clear and add a lot of atmosphere to the story. This book hit all the right notes for me and I am excited to read what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for the ARC!

I am a sucker for an Arthurian retelling and this book has been on my TBR for awhile so I was thrilled when I received and ARC.

I flew through this book and stayed up way too late finishing it.

Queen of Roses is an Arhurian reimagining where Morgan Lefay becomes Morgan Pendragon, sister to King Arthur and rightful heir to the throne of Camelot.

Morgan is removed from the line of succession after her mother dies because she is part fey. She lives a quiet life at court training and trying to help the citizens of Camelot until King Arthur sends her on a mysterious quest with the dangerous new Captain of the Royal Guard, Kairos Draven.

This book is so fun and fast paced. Their is a lot of worldbuilding but the author makes it easy to understand and it doesn't feel like big blocks of info dumping. The book really took off for me when Morgan and Draven leave for their quest.

Morgan is such a great heroine. She's strong and capable and sticks up for herself but we also get to see her deep insecurities as she questions who she really is and her desire for connection. Draven is a morally gray hero dream. Mysterious and brooding and we still aren't really sure of his true motivations by the end of the book. I am living for the extreme slow burn here.

This book is also filled with great side characters like a queer female Lancelot, Lancelet and acolyte in training Galahad.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and I am so glad I have the next one ready to go.

Queen Of Roses is a dark romance King Arthur retelling with a fae twist. The novel captivated me from the first page.. The story is enchanting and filled with romance, magic, and adventure.

What to expect from Queen if Roses:
- a well written extremely slow burn romance
- sibling love
- chosen family
- mythical creatures
- political turmoil

My favorite character is without a doubt Kairos Draven. His presence is magnetic, and his character adds an element of mystery that keeps the reader intrigued. I want to learn more about him..

The book ends with a huge cliffhanger that got me excited to start reading the next book in this series, Court of Claws, immediately.

Queen of Roses is a dark fantasy romance with a King Arthur retelling. It contains an enemies to lovers trope with slow burn which is incredible!! The story is filled magic, forced proximity, love, adventure, and so much more! I truly enjoyed reading this book and was fully committed from start to finish! The female main character is sassy, strong, and determined which are qualities I love in a female main character!! I can't wait to jump into the second book. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me enjoy this story in exchange for an honest review.