Queen of Roses, by Briar Boleyn
Book 1, Blood of a Fae series
First Release: April 2023
Rating: 5⭐️ | 2🔥

“My future had been set for me before I was old enough to question it” ~Morgan Le Fay

This book took me places! I don’t think I’ve been this excited over a fantasy book in a long time!!!
Once I started I couldn’t stop, I just needed to know more and could not get enough. It took me less than a day to finish and I even purchased the audiobook so that I didn’t have to pause the story whilst I functioned throughout my day… that’s how captivated I am with this book.
And need I remind you, I received a free ARC from netgalley and I still put my money down and will do so again for the rest of the Blood of a Fae series. It’s that darn good!

The world-building is exceptional, and I love the development of the FMC Morgan Le Fay.
The vibe’s giving elements of the misty Isle of Avalon and its mystic Priestesses who part the veil between the worlds. Add an Arthurian twist and you better believe I’m all the way here for it!

In a beautiful way, meeting Briar Boleyn’s written portrayal of Morgan Le Fay is like a redemption arc for an often maligned character and going on this journey of discovery with her thus far has been like finding a piece to the puzzle that younger me was forever looking for, for poor Morgan.

There’s a whole slew of characters unique to the BOAF verse along with familiar names from the Arthurian tales that play a part in this retelling, however nothing is as it’s typically told. Almost everything you previously knew about Arthur and his Camelot will be turned on its head. And it all unravels in the best possible way. Hands down, these plot twists are an absolute delight!
Wait ‘til you meet Merlin!

Then author, Briar Boleyn goes and slides the deliciously dark and moody Kairos Draven into the mix and oh you best believe we are all gonna get our knickers into a twist. This fine strapping gentleman, captain of the King’s guard, is some of the best that book bae’s are made of.

Overprotective with a don’t mess with me and don’t even think about looking at or touching Morgan schtick… again - a panty dropper! Morgan even compares him to being the equivalent of the bringer of death when she refers to him as… “Death in the shape of Kairos Draven, who had killed for me.” Now I know my dark romantasy fans out there love a man who’ll kill for his love, so double points for our guy right there!

In various scenes he gets all seething protector on Morgan and there’s just as many when he’s a dead-set flirt, steamy and Draven-sweet. Here are a couple of teasers…

“Who did this to you?” Draven’s voice was a guttural growl. The sound of a furious animal, not a man.
…”You won’t tell me? You think I won’t find out for myself?”

“To my recollection, I’ve never gagged a woman,” Draven said, looking thoughtful.
“To your recollection!”
“At least, not one who didn’t wish to be gagged.” He shot me a roguish smile and I felt my heart speed up a notch.”

“…He moved his lips to my ears. "I would burn for you, Morgan. You've set me aflame..."

From what I’ve heard from Briar’s Insta posts, the spice level burns nice and slow and keeps on burning ‘til it mounts to a good deep sear in the following books, so if you’re like me and like a good building climax, best you check out Queen of Roses.


Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
My review is given freely.

3.5⭐️ - I really struggled to get into this book for the first half but I stuck with it and then from that it had me hooked! I love draven 😍 and have added the rest of the series to my TBR because I NEED to know what happens!! Definitely stick with it because it was a good read. Would have been higher ratings if I didn’t struggle so much at the start

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.

I've read a few books that tried to be an "Arthurian Retelling" that just ended up sucking, but this wasn't one of them. Super excited for book two and to go deeper into the story.

Really enjoyed this book! Great characters, storyline and the slow burn! Just started book two and the world building is amazing. So glad that I have the whole series to binge!

Are you in to Fantasy or Romantacy?

This book is definitely for you. There are so many twists and turns! Don’t even mention it’s HOTTTTT!

I recommend this to all my Fourth Wing and ACOTAR lovers.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an arc copy of this book in return for my honest opinion/rating..

I had a hard time getting through this book.
I am typically a dark romance + dark romantasy girly, however, I don't think this is a favorite read of mine. Though I do see why people would love it!

I think I had a hard time connecting because I am usually not a King Arthur lover.

I did still enjoy this. There were many twists and turns I did not see coming as I am not too versed in King Arthur lore.

3/5 stars!

Magical, mysterious & adventurous...

Wow! If it wasn't for work & other
responsibilities I would have easily devoured this in a day - I LOVED it!

I really enjoyed Briar's style of writing and all of the characters & places that she has brought to life.

I adored the fact that there was a pronunciation guide!! Immediately bookmarked it to come back to, as it drives me mad when i don't know the correct way to pronounce a name or place!!

Camelot with a fae twist was just brilliant, along with discovering the lands beyond with their strange creatures & magic - I was hooked & intrigued from the very beginning.

Then there were plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout - I definitely was not expecting some of the events toward the end of the book, although I did guess some!

I really enjoyed this first installment, there is clearly much more to be uncovered & explored. I am so glad I have book two ready to dive into!!

Thank you for allowing me to read & review this!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the chance to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review. I liked this a lot, it was a refreshing twist on Morgan’s story. Draven was great, but, I felt it was a bit lacking in action for me.

Unfortunately this book for me is a DNF. I really wanted to like this book and get into the story but I was constantly pulled out as the Author has used Arthur as the kind of Camelot, Merlin (female) as his High Priestess and Lancelet as the MFC's best friend. I really couldn't fall into this new fantasy world of far when I was constantly being brought back to another world I believe is not mean to be connected.

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Queen of Roses - by Briar Boleyn

I loved this first installment of the 'Blood of a Fae' book series. I felt attached to the characters and enjoyed the beginnings of the world building. It reminded me of the first Wheel of Time books and the Blood and Ash series. Morgan and her companions travel to find a lost treasure in order to save her Kingdom.

I loved the ending and the build up was delicious, I am excited to read the second book.

Reader warning: trigger warning, but there is a helpful list at the back of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Thank you so much to Briar and NetGalley for the copy of this book.
An extremely good fantasy genre book, a great twist on the legend of Camelot.
Great world building, and given it's explained to/through the eyes of the sheltered FMC it's great to learn about the world along with her.<The last 100 pages are twisty turny, intense and yes I did pick up the second book as soon as I finished the first.
The cliff hanger was *chefs kiss*
For all fans who have and ACOTAR hangover, grab this series while you can!
I am so looking forward to losing myself in the rest of this series

<i>Remember to check the trigger warnings</i>

I was completely enamored by "Queen of Roses” right from the beginning, the first book in the Blood of Fae series. If you're a fan of the ACOTAR series, you'll find this Arthurian-inspired dark romantasy right up your alley. You can look forward to enemies-to-lovers romance, betrayal, faeries, mystical creatures, legendary swords, war, and adventure. It's hard to believe this is Briar Boleyn's debut novel!
The story centers on Princess Morgan, a half-fae, half-human royal barred from the throne due to her heritage. Her malicious and ruthless human brother, King Arthur, seizes power and manipulates her by poisoning her with what he claims is medicine to suppress her fae traits. He assigns her an almost impossible task: retrieving a legendary sword, accompanied by two deadly bodyguards.
Kairos Draven is easily one of my new favorite characters. He's irresistibly attractive, with a sharp tongue and dry humor. He's dangerous, icy, and focused on his mission.
"Queen of Roses" stands out with its witty dialogue, magical realms, and mysterious characters. Fans of ACOTAR will find themselves right at home in this world, drawn to the enemies-to-lovers romance, betrayal, and adventurous storyline.
While the spice level is mild, reviews suggest that book 2 turns up the heat. I'm okay with that because I prefer slowly getting to know and love the characters rather than "instalove."
Special thanks to NetGalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boleyn for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow. That's all I have to say. Actually it's not all I have to stay but I am dumbfounded. Thanks for NetGalley to let me read this book for free (it's also on kindle unlimited) in preparation for the third and fourth book coming out. And also in exchange for my honest review.

I loved it. If you like ACOTAR series you'll definitely like this. Enemies to lovers trope, romance, betrayal, faeries, mystical creatures, legendary swords, war, and adventure.

The story follows Princess Morgan, a half fae/half human princess who was rejected for the throne because of her half fae heritage. Her human brother rules the throne instead and is known for being cruel and vindictive, even to her. He sends her on a seemingly impossible journey to retrieve a legendary sword along with two murderous bodyguards. One of these bodyguards holds a secret, he is not who he says he is.

Kairos Draven is super hot and has a sarcastic, witty personality. He is dangerous, cold, and on a mission. He is 100% my type (I have issues).

The spice level is modest BUT the second one is promised to have more. I personally like a slow burn romance. I like to get attached to the characters before they start going at it like rabbits. I am going to the read the second and report on spice level. Because now I'm ready for some spicy action.

A fae centered Arthurian tale unlike any I’ve read so far. The author did a great job at descriptive world building, with scenes easily playing out in my minds eye. There was plenty of action, suspense, and even a touch of horror. An enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, a quest, with plot twist and turns aplenty. There was a love triangle, which I’m not usually a fan of but, it played out well in this story line. The FMC, Morgan Pendragon, was so blatantly naïve, yet I typically expect as much in a ‘book one’ of a series, especially one that features a fairly sheltered princess. I was happy to read that in spite of this, she still showed a strong sense of morals, fire, and spine. Now our MMC? Kairos Draven, aka Void’s Edge. Oh, how I’m a sucker for a smoking’ hot grumpy warrior alpha with a witty mouth, and a strong sense of “touch her and die” attitude, so you know who held all my cards. That ending? Just made me swoon all the harder. Now add a battlecat that rivals the size of a horse…and well Ms. Briar Boleyn you have well and truly stolen my heart. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here, and follow along to see more of the characters growth. I went into this story fairly blind, and I think I enjoyed it all the more because of it.

I finished this book in a whopping two days, which could have honestly been one. Once the story got going, it had me in an absolute chokehold and, it was difficult to put down. I only wish I would have started it sooner. Definitely won’t make that mistake with the rest of this series.

Special Thanks to @netgalley @saltwaterpress and @briarboleyn for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Devoured in a day. Can't believe this is the first time I'm reading anything from Briar Boleyn. I have no words other than this was one of the best books l've read in a long time. Off to book two!

Blood of a Fae. A Romance Doomed. A Precarious Mission. A Princess & Impending War.

"A Slumbering Kingdom Awoken By Blood..."


Morgan Pendragon was born to a life of politics and throwing away all that she loves for the sake of the throne. A princess that cannot love for herself, cannot think for herself. A princess who can only think of her bloodline, of the people that live in the shadow of the looming castle on the hill.

The people do not hold her in the same regard. For the princess who only thinks of duty and sacrifice has tainted blood, is a black rose in a garden of red blood ones. The princess is said to be of the Fae, known since she was child. Growing up to be the righthand of her brother, the king. Morgan was only to be reared in order to be gifted to the goddess herself.

One day, the king asks his sister to seek a weapon that shares the magic that flows through her veins. It is a Fae weapon. Instead of begrudging her brother this egregious request, the princess takes the task without looking back, feeling as a bird would to escape from the gold confines of its cage.

This is where we meet a unique gang of characters. This group of misfits is led by the dark warrior that catcher her eye. With her newfound family, the comrades navigate nightmares and dangers untold and unnumbered.

A Fae kingdom is awakened. They awake with a vengeance what once was lost to them. Morgan, our beautiful and fierce and brave leading character, finds more of herself than she bargained for in her quest for the legendary weapon.

This was a wonderful slow-burn romance with sufficient danger and action-packed scenes. The only reason I rate this as low as I do, is because I see no unique part of the story compared to countless other romantasy series. I will continue to read the following books, as it is not untasteful. I do hope there will be more to the story than what I explored in the first installment. 🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

I felt like this book was slow to start. There was a lot of world building which I understand is necessary for fantasy books but always drags on for me unfortunately.

I’m sorry I really tried to read this but I just could not manage to finish. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the writing, or with the story itself- I just did not find the plot compelling enough to continue. I got to about 20 percent. This book just was not for me. I was very bored and I did not care about any of the characters. I do think this is a personal issue and other readers would find this book very fun and enjoyable. I apologize for not being able to provide additional feedback.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a eBook in exchange for an honest review. I have been intrigued by this author for some time, having encountered her name in various reading lists. This particular work is a dark fantasy romance loosely inspired by the legend of King Arthur. It encompasses elements of magic, mythical creatures, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, tension, forced proximity, love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Additionally, it unfolds at a very gradual pace. Readers who appreciate these aspects may find this book enjoyable. I understand that it is part of a series comprising four books.

In my opinion, Morgan's character development was particularly well-crafted. She was portrayed in a relatable manner, which significantly contributed to the overall appeal of the book.

The writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, making it an accessible read. While it is the first book in a series, I am inclined to be optimistic about its potential, as many series tend to improve in subsequent installments. However, I believe the author could have exercised greater discretion in selecting moments for world-building. Elaborate descriptions of every room, for instance, can detract from the central narrative. World-building should be approached with finesse, rather than being applied indiscriminately.

Overall, I found this book to be an entertaining read, and I am likely to explore the other books in the series. However, it does not rank among my highest priorities.