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.

I devoured this book in 24 hours. It has been a while since I have been so engaged in a book on the edge of my seat. I love the twists and turns and the moments of "I KNEW IT!". I really enjoy when I have a feeling that something is going to happen but I can't piece together how and then when it does, the action is fantastic! Nothing felt forced or rushed and I cannot wait to see where book 2 takes me with all I've just learned!
The only issue is that when opening this on my kindle or through NetGalley, the map is sooooo tiny :( I love stories that have maps and wish I had been able to see it larger. It wouldn't even let me zoom

UNPUTDOWNABLE!
It’s been a long time since I read an awesome book based on Aurthurian legend. I was not disappointed by this one. The twists on the classic characters, the Fae element, action and slow burn made this first installment a very gripping page turner. I loved how Morgan was written. The world & character building done beautifully. I truly found myself immersed as if it all played out like a movie in my head. Such a unique take on Arther & Merlin. I’ll be delving into the second installment right away! Thank to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for the ARC. (I already purchased from Kindle)

This book swept me away into a mesmerizing retelling of the Arthurian legend, where Morgan le Fey takes center stage. Right from the start, I was captivated by the poignant backstory of our protagonist and the clever twists that breathed new life into the familiar tale. The slow-burn romance between Morgan and the enigmatic Kairos Draven had me positively giddy with anticipation. The sparkling banter between them added an extra layer of delight. The world-building transported me effortlessly into this enchanting realm, although there were instances of slightly overwhelming information towards the end. With its blend of betrayal, intrigue, and unexpected revelations, this book left me yearning for more. If you crave a spellbinding fantasy romance with rich characters and a fresh take on Arthurian lore, looking forward to the next one.

Queen of Roses offers a dark and intriguing twist on the legend of King Arthur, blending it with the magic and mystery of the Fae realm. The book is divided into two parts. Although the first half was rather dull, the second half more than makes up for it. The second half of the book features an impressive expansion of the world-building. Additionally, all the characters undergo significant development in this part of the book as well. However, I’m still unsure about my feelings towards the main character, Morgan. Although she has great potential, I feel that she remains rather underdeveloped by the end of the book.
Now, as for Draven, his role in the story is rather ambiguous and intriguing. He could be a hero, an anti-hero, or a true villain lying in wait. Since this is only the first book in the series, his true nature is yet to be revealed. He is however, the most fascinating character, with a mysterious background and a complex personality that defies easy categorization. He is also the most developed character, with layers of depth and nuance that appeal to fans of morally grey villains.
The book does feature a variety of secondary characters, but they could have been more fleshed out and memorable. The plot shows promise, especially in the latter part of the book, where the pace and tension pick up. The book also introduces some fascinating creatures that enrich the fantasy world. Despite the book having a slow start I did find the story to be good overall. I have a feeling that this is one of those cases in where the sequel will surpass the first.

A fair start to what can be an exceptional fantasy romance series!

The world building, society, lore and magic systems were really well thought out. The combination allows the reader to simply immerse into the story and focus on where the narrative is going rather than the details of the world it is occurring in. With the exception of the main character, Morgan Pendragon, the other characters are strong, interesting and definitely intriguing. Morgan begins as a very naïve, sheltered and unassertive individual who is surrounded by friends and enemies who are strong, assertive, intelligent and lethal. Her journey should mean more character development and while it happens to a degree I found her slow uptake very frustrating at times. But this is the first book and I am sure that her development will escalate as more challenges and truths are revealed. As for Kairos Draven, simply yes! Include some frustration with Florian and all is set for some romantic complications.

This gets a four star must try rating because of that exceptional world building and weaving in parts of Arthurian lore so delightfully.

Review of "Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn

Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Queen of Roses" is a book that left me with mixed feelings. It attempted to weave a tale reminiscent of Camelot and King Arthur, but in doing so, it often felt like it struggled beneath the weight of its own inspiration. Strangely, I found myself wishing it had detached itself completely from the legendary lore and built its own world instead. Once I managed to overlook the vague similarities, the story improved considerably. However, there were moments where I found myself puzzled, questioning the decisions of the characters.

The main character, despite being destined for greatness as a priestess and supposedly undergoing training with the guard, seemed oddly passive. Her actions didn't align with her roles, leaving me a bit bewildered. Additionally, certain plot points were predictable, and the slow burn promised by other reviewers seemed to continue without a satisfying conclusion. I couldn't help but feel that the story's potential was only partially realized.

Despite these frustrations, there was an odd allure to the narrative. It compelled me to keep turning the pages, even though I found myself questioning the foundation of the story. I have conflicting emotions about the book, yet curiously, I'm looking forward to the next installment. There’s an inexplicable intrigue that keeps me invested, despite my reservations.

In summary, I'd recommend "Queen of Roses" to readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure. However, if you're a fervent lover of Knights of the Round Table tales, be warned that this might not meet your expectations. It’s a book that challenges traditional Arthurian legends, and if you can look past that, you might find something compelling within its pages.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Queen of Roses (Blood of a Fae, Book 1).

SUMMARY: Queen of Roses is a dark fantasy romance retelling of Arthurian legend that follows Morgan, the heir to the Pendragon throne who has been cast aside because of her fae lineage. Her tyrannical brother, Arthur, cruelly displays his hatred for the fae and his thirst for power. He tasks Morgan with a mission, threatening her loved ones if she doesn’t comply.

REVIEW: I enjoyed Queen of Roses. I didn’t have any expectations going in beyond reading the blurb. Make sure to take a look at that long list of trigger warnings - some items on that list go into detail.

The story felt like it started out a bit slow. There’s a lot of setup and following Morgan to establish what her life in Camelot is like. The first 14 chapters of the book took me a bit longer to get through, but once Morgan departs on her quest, I felt like I couldn’t stop reading. In hindsight, I really appreciated the slower world-building and getting to know the cast of characters because once things ramp up, there’s no stopping. There’s so much action, and we get hints of what’s really going on along the way. The last chapter was crazy and ends on a major cliffhanger. It made me immediately want to pick up the next book in the series, Court of Claws.

This is most definitely a slow burn, with the promise of more spice later in the series. I won’t go into to detail about the romance due to spoilers, but prepare to be frustrated (in a good way).

Overall, I’d recommend Queen of Roses to readers who like From Blood and Ash. There are some common themes/tropes, and I think the female protagonists have a lot of similarities, but vary enough for it to feel like a different story.

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


I really enjoyed this one. It's quite an interesting Camelot reimagining, where fae exist, Lancelot is now Lancelet (a female), Merlin is a woman and a priestess, Galahad is about to enter the temple, and Morgan is sent on the quest for Excalibur at the behest of her younger brother, Arthur. Old characters who you may have known as being noble and good, are now evil and corrupt, and it's difficult trying to discern the new characters' motives throughout. This is still a magical tale, and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the original stories of Camelot, or to anyone who loves tales involving the fae. Excuse me now while I run to grab book 2.

I enjoyed this story very much. It grabbed me with its first sentence. The characters are well done. I did get a little confused with the King Arthur and the knights of the round table names especially since the male names were women (Lancelot and Merlin are women,) but I quickly figured it out. I understand the story is based off the King Arthur and his knights but it ad libs in the best way. Fae, Fae creatures, cruel brothers, and handsome men swoon. Exciting with some great twists. I’ve already started book 2. Can’t wait to read more.

Engaging. Addictive. Enthralling.

First of all, thank you to Briar Boleyn and Starwater Press for sending me this book on NetGalley, I am very grateful.

Second of all, wow! I have read so many fae romance and dark fantasy books and honestly, this is certainly up there with the best. I was hooked from start to finish, as I write this, I am currently a quarter of the way through the second book!

This Arthurian retelling was seductive, exciting, and kept me enthralled throughout, the characters felt so real, and I felt as if knew them personally. For me, that is the sign of a fantastic fantasy series. The world building was fantastically paced; some fantasy books, particularly first books, often ram loads of strange names down your throat and leave the reader overwhelmed or they give too many long paragraphs of boring lore. This was not the case; the lore was interweaved seamlessly throughout and didn’t feel overwhelming at once. I particularly love a world that features corruption in power and the contemplation of the lesser evil. I am a HUGE fan of The Witcher books and games, and this is the only other novel I’ve read that has gotten me close to the feeling of that world, the darkness and corruption, the twists and turns and the monsters, both human and non-human.

In terms of the Arthurian concept, I thought this was very well done. There are so many Arthurian retellings that just stay to the traditional story, and I loved that Boleyn put her own spin on this and adapted some of the characters. Lancelot (Lancelet) and Merlin being women was brilliant and totally worked. I love strong women and these characters really embraced that. Speaking of a strong woman, let’s talk about our main girl Morgan.
Morgan was a brilliant protagonist, in many romance novels strength is gained due to love or to save the one they love, in this Morgan is strong already. I loved that she wasn’t fighting for a man and her sole purpose being that of justice and helping those who do not have the power to help themselves. She is likeable from the start; I can’t wait to see how her character and her strength develops in the series.
Vesper was annoying, at first, I thought he reminded me a bit of Dandelion from the Witcher but as the book went on, he irritated me more and more. Which I’m guessing was the desired effect.
Kairos is sexy. Really intrigued to see where things go with him... That’s all. (hehe)

It was also great to see some LGBTQ+ representation, I love that the fantasy genre is becoming more and more inclusive. I look forward to seeing, hopefully, some inclusive romance further on in the series! I also hope that there will be some more steamy scenes further on, which I see has been promised by Boleyn already, so I am excited for those.

Thank you Briar Boleyn for this wonderful addition to the romantasy genre, I look forward to binge reading the rest of the series!

thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is the first book in a series. This book is a great retelling of the tales of Camelot, Arthur, Merlin and all the others from the great tale. This was a good fantasy story with some romance. The romance is a slow burn be prepared, if you are looking for spice this is not the book for you. The book was fast paced and very little was predictable. The plot was great and so was the world building. The book does end on a cliff hanger and I think a lot of things that may have been small plot points will be important in the next book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.