Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

"Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn is a captivating journey into a world of magic and love. The characters are relatable, the plot is intriguing, and the magical setting is enchanting. Though some dialogue feels a bit formal, it's a fun and delightful fantasy read. Can't wait for more from Boleyn!

I love a good dark fantasy romance, especially when there's Fae involved. A little bit tropey, for sure, but still endlessly engaging nonetheless. Arthurian legend has always been an area of interest for me, so I perhaps might be a bit biased, but I strongly believe that anyone who likes well known stories with a fae twist will enjoy this one. I saw it described somewhere as if A Court of Thorns and Roses and From Blood and Ash had a baby and I could not agree more.

To be very honest, I found this book a little rough and slow in the beginning. Morgan is a little hard to connect with throughout and honestly feels like a doormat half the time I am reading. She did get better just at the end, but it wasn't enough to save my thoughts on how I felt about her. The character death near the end infuriated me and I really wish it had not happened because it felt useless.

However, it is the plot that kept me coming back. The world as well which has clearly been built well. We will see how things fair with the next book. I am hoping it pulls me in more than this one did.

(Somehow this ended up on my list of titles twice? This is my same review as the last time. Sorry for the odd doubling up.)

Just WOW! I wasn’t sure if I would like the slow burn that this book had to offer, but I was very quickly captivated by the characters and couldn’t wait to see how their futures would entwine and play out. The description, world building and character revelations that built beautifully throughout the story ensured that the slow burn was teasingly included and did not detract from the story progressing. The story and characters were loosely based on the legend of Arthur and the accompanying tales, giving a good twist to the plot overall - although there were plenty of twists there to intrigue as the story went on…and the cliffhanger at the end!
The good guys in this story were brilliant: kick-ass, always fighting for the underdog and ready to take on the bad guys, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. The morally grey character… what a guy! All the traits of a great book boyfriend! And brilliantly written bad guys that I loved to hate, who got everything that they deserved.
I can’t believe that I missed out on the ARC of the second book - now to wait for it to be delivered!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this for fans of slow burn fantasy, who are looking for the next great series to get caught up in.

Thank you to NetGalley, Briar Boleyn and Starwater Press for and ARC of this book in exchange for my feedback and honest review of this book.

ALRIGHT! We have another Arthurian retelling BUT we get this one from Morgaine, Morgan La Fey aka Morgan's perspective. Boleyn leans hard into the half fae myth and thus starts a journey for her to overcome her evil, homophobic, sociopathic brother, Arthur (yea he's trash AF in this book).
Morgan was the stereotypical heroine:
Young-Check
Beautiful-Check
Innocent-Check
Stubborn even though she has no clue what she is doing-Double Check

Did I like her? No. Did I care about her trials? Also, no. I found her dumb AF and caught myself being REALLY annoyed with a fictional character and hoping for her to get maimed or something.
Now, did I keep reading? Yes. Did I finish this book in 3 days? Also, yes.
Big question: Am I going to continue this series? Yes I need to know what happened to Lancelet (stan) This sucked me in like Fourth Wing did.

This didn't break the mold, BUT I enjoyed the retelling from Morgana's POV. Thank you NetGalley & Starwater Press for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book and think it may be one of my new favorites! I've already bought and pre ordered the next two on kindle!

This retelling of the classic tale of Camelot is great for fans of ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash. with similar fae themes and romance. The characters are easy to love (or hate- looking at you, Arthur, Florian, and Vesper) because of Briar Boelyn's wonderful character building skills.

There isn't anything really about this book that I didn't like, I am excited to find out what happens next in the series!

The story began at a promising pace with the world being built meticulously and the characters introduced intimately. Morgan’s personality was explored before the love interest was introduced, which gave her a sense of an individual identity, without the influence of her relationship with the hero. Kairos Draven’s character slowly unfolded which was intriguing to read about because you could tell he had a lot more going on than what was initially revealed. The exploration of mythical and fantastical beasts was so interesting to read about. It was like a mini guide book inside the original story (I’m especially talking about the Exmoor as the furriest, cuddliest companion).

The romance was not as angsty as I had expected, the characters have minimal interactions which doesn’t give them enough time to build chemistry. There was a last act surprise entry which seemed very convenient to give the readers a shock, but it didn’t really work because it was sudden and suspicious. Overall, although the characters were fleshed out in the beginning, they each followed a certain cliché which did not make them exceptionally rememberable.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

Fans of Merlin and The Sword in the Stone will love this book. It's told from the point of Morgan, half sister of King Arthur sent out on a quest to retrieve Excalibur. Enter Draven and Whitehorn her quest companions.

This is the first book of the series. You will devour the story and yearn for more.

Do you even just stumble across a random series that hits right?
The Blood of a Fae came along at the perfect time, I was in a bit of a reading slump, everything I read felt like a slog and I really just needed something a lil different.
This series is a dark fantasy is a wonderful twist of the Legend of King Arthur with the monster of the decade - fae.

🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
💗 One bed trope (tents count too)
🗡️ Forced Proximity
💗 Touch her and die
🗡️ Found Family
💗 Fake relationship
🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
💗 Slow burn

Blurb: Queen of Roses follows Morgan Pendragon, who’s grown in the shadows of her brother because of the tainted fae blood in her veins. Now that her kingdom is on the brink of war, she is forced on a journey to seek out a legendary weapon that’ll save them from their doom…

Morgan is a bit of a change from what we're used to seeing in a FMC, at least earlier in the series. She's timid, submissive and completely naive about the workings of the world - also lacking life experience. Draven on the other hand was absolutely every gals dreamy broody tall, dark and handsome MMC, and was well placed within the slow burn building relationship.

“He moved his lips to my ears. "I would burn for you, Morgan. You've set me aflame..."
"Then let the flames consume us," I whispered back.”

This magical book had delightful world building, gratifying reimagining of Arthurian characters (Lancelet is such a babe), and shows so much promise as a series!
Queen of Roses ended on a juicy cliff-hanger, and I'm so glad I also had the opp to read Court of Claws!

I've had the biggest urge to rewatch the 1998 movie Merlin (I cant find it on any of my streaming services in Aus!!) 😅

Thank you Briar Boleyn for the review copy!

"I would never deny it. Never again deny who I was, what I was. Never try to hide myself away for another person's comfort ever again."

4.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

I really enjoyed this book! It's a King Arthur retelling with a Fae twist, which is so interesting to me and something I've never read before, and I loved every moment of it!

The world building, the characters and their development, and the story in general, was just amazing! Morgan is a great character, and I'm so excited to see how she grows in the next book. She's so strong after everything she's been through. I love how we were introduced to lots of different characters, and were rooting for them, but there were of course some you couldn't trust even if you wanted to!

It's definitely a slow burn romance, and I'm really excited to see how it develops in the next book, especially after the ending of this!

Morgan's backstory is very emotional and there also seems to be a lot of secrets that need to be figured out, which hopefully will be explored more in the sequel.

If you enjoy books that are well written, have good world building, fantasy retellings, Fae, slow burn romance and lots of betrayal, then I think you'll love this book!

And finally, can I just say - Kairos Draven 😍

The things I loved most about this book:

- King Arthur retelling with a Fae twist
- Well written
- Great world building and descriptions
- Slow burn romance
- "who did this to you?"
- He cares for her when she's unwell
- Kairos Draven >>>
- Betrayal
- Cliffhanger

I loved this book, though it was definitely a slow burn and it took me about 30% in to get into it. The lore/world building required to make the story flow and understandable contributed to this greatly, as well as the fact that Morgan seems dead set on hating the potential love interest despite his obvious efforts. Morgan’s character has been through so much and I enjoyed the character development. In the end, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to start Court of Claws!

Queen of Roses (Blood of a Fae #1) by Briar Boleyn
Genre General Fiction ( Adult), Romance, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Romance
Book Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice Rating 🌶️🌶️/5

“More primordial than the stars. My name was on his lips as he promised unspeakable darkness to any who came between us.”
Right from the start, I was drawn in by the prologue!!!

I’m a big fan of “touch her, and you die” vibes, but I mean, what’s also not to love about a unique Arthurian retelling with gender twists, a treacherous royal court, a dangerous quest, magical Fae & mystical monsters, entwined with a bit of spice!

Morgan, Princess of Pendrath and true heir to the throne has spent most of her life dimming her light to feel safe and to make others comfortable. She is treated as an outcast in the court and repressed by her family due to the blood of the Fae within her and forced to join the Temple of the Three as a priestess in training to one day replace Merlin.
Her brother, King Arthur, who reminds me of Joffrey from Game of Thrones, later tells her that he has other plans and offers her a choice of the Temple or to marry her off for political gain, unless… that is, she can journey through the great unknown and return with a long-lost fae weapon with enchanted powers known as Excalibur.
Her quest begins with a roguish crew that includes the mysterious, arrogant, and heart-tuggingly handsome Captain of the Royal Guard, Kairos Draven, whom she can’t decide if she wants to stab or indulge in pleasure with. Insert devil horns
Along the way are plenty of surprises, mystical creatures, and betrayal, all while Morgan uncovers more of the truth about herself and who she can trust.

What I loved:

The author’s attention to detail! - The magic rituals and descriptions of the Pendrath Deities were exceptional, and I can’t wait to see how it all ties into what happened to the once-powerful Fae.

The world-building and authentic supporting characters were very creative and charming. None of it felt forced, overdone, or incomplete, like some other books I have read.

The action scenes! I love a good battle that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Draven!!- a haunting beauty with dark hair & piercing green eyes. Mischievous lips curving upwards into smartass grins! Protective badass warrior. Need I say more?

Morgan- Armed with a dagger always. Broken yet brave. She stops fearing her true nature and hiding herself away. She has one heck of a glow-up!

Cute but fierce Ride or Die Battle Cats!

The cliffhanger ending! It totally has me wanting to read the next book ASAP! Thankfully I already have a copy!

What I didn’t love:

I wanted more of an irresistible/possessive type connection between Morgan and Draven! I’m a sucker for a slow burn but needed a little more spice, which, thankfully, the author promises more of and offers us in a special caliente bonus scene if you sign up for newsletters on her website!

This book had intriguing storylines and lovable characters that kept me turning pages and wanting more. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds and comes together in book 2, Court of Claws, which I just started reading!!

Read if you’re into-

Dark Fantasy/Romance
Slow–Burn
Question Everything
Magic and Action
Fae
Arthurian Legend
Stabby/Broken FFC
Morally Gray MMC
Forced Proximity

Queen of Roses is perfect for Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for providing me an ARC of the first book in the Blood of a Fae Series in exchange for an honest review.

Please check the trigger warnings page in the table of contents before reading this book.

I

W.O.W.

WOW. WOW.

This has got to be one of my top reads of the year. I am absolutely blown away.

This book infuriated me in the best way. I was so angry during so much of it and hated the characters in the best way. I almost threw my kindle when I was done because how DARE it end when it did? I am so glad I already have Court of Claws queued up and ready to go because man if I didn't I'd be raging.

This book was written in such a way that made it easy to read and so accessible, even for people who do not normally read fantasy. It is the SLOWEST OF BURNS. Go into it being aware of that. If you like people to like each other from the get this is not for you.

I could not breath during several parts of this book and I stayed up late into the night reading it and read at times I was definitely not supposed to be reading because I could not get enough of it.

Read this if you're looking for:
Epic quests
One of the worst villains I've ever read
A strong willed and physically strong FMC
A broody MMC
LGBTQ+ representation - and like, wow what a world where people can just love who they want to love and no biggie? Love to see it. Sucks it's only in fantasy novels.
Slow slow slow burn enemies to something
Twists and turns you don't see coming
Familiar characters turned on their heads

For real - pick up this book. I'm going to scream it from my roof so everyone around me reads it.

A King Arthur retelling wasn't something I was interested in, but... A FAE TWISTED KING ARTHUR RETELLING!!! Well, I would love to read that, and a cast-out princess was even better.

Some things that I loved are how well thought this book is for a debut novel. It is so well thought out, with a great magic system, world-building, and characters that do not feel flat and have great personalities.
The love interest was actually charismatic and a great person, the slow burn was so worth it.

After the middle I was absolutely hooked, however, I would not say this was too dark but I do feel it is coming in book 2.

TROPES:
Spicy fantasy romance
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Only one bed/tent
Forced proximity
Guard and princess
Found family/ride or die BFFs
«Who did this to you?»
«Touch her and...»

Thank you netgalley and Briar Boleyn for this advanced copy.

This was a fantastic debut novel!

I love the Arthurian retelling (especially with the far twist!). The world building was extremely well thought out & I appreciate the attention to detail Briar put into this novel.

We follow Morgan, whom due to her fae lineage is cast aside. She has been barred from being Queen and set to live the rest of her life in temple - or worse - married to a vile man in the name of politics. When the king, her brother, tells her she will be going on a journey to fetch a fae made sword she embarks on a extraordinary adventure with a morally gray bodyguard.

Although this book was a bit of a slow start, around the 50%-60% mark I was hooked. I love the slow burn romance trope and MMC has my heart.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read! I can’t say I enjoyed the second male character that was introduced about 75%ish of the way through. The FMC could also get annoying at times. However, the story was intriguing and I will definitely be reading the second book!

PSA- PLEASE read the trigger warnings before starting this book.

***thank you to NetGalley, and Briar for the e ARC

Trigger Warnings: Alcoholism, domestic abuse, parent death, homophobia, misogyny, death in childbirth, child death, animal death, execution, child abuse, murder, violence

Queen of Roses is a retelling of King Arthur & Knights of the Roundtable but follows Morgan Pendragon who's the sister of Arthur. It's advertised as a dark fae "romantasy" however, I would say that this first book in the series is definitely more on the "fantasy" side with a romance side-plot thrown in. I think my expectations for this book were incorrect going in as I expected a bit more romance than what we got. The romance that was there consisted of a love triangle and never gets spicy. However, I would guess that the romance side of this series will heat a bit more in the subsequent books.

The world building is great and there's a lot thrown in there (I wish there had been a map included in either the beginning or end of the book for reference). Boleyn is very descriptive with her scene setting. However, at sometimes her scene setting/world building/character development could be repetitive. Furthermore, I often felt that the writing could be flushed out a bit more - at certain parts it felt a bit 'wattpad'-y. I loved the blending of fae & King Arthur characters/world (Camelot, King Arthur, Morgan Le Fay, Galahad, Merlin, Lancelot) along with the gender-bending twists - it really was a cool idea.

The FMC, Morgan, requires a bit more character development (along with Draven, her male love interest). She's advertised as this bad*ss who knows sword work and has a bold personality but, in reality, she's quite naive, timid, submissive and unsure of herself. I was hoping for a personality arc along with her physical changes throughout the book, but that never happened.

The ending though....IT HOOKED ME! The twists, turns & non-stop action the last 80 pages had me SWEATING.

BOTTOM LINE: Overall, this was a good start to this series. It felt like the first book was more of a prologue/starting point for the series overall with its complex world-building and buddings of a romance. The series requires some character development for the FMC but, the ending cliffhanger has me wishing for more.

Thank you to Starwater Press, Brirar Boleyn & NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was alright, I liked the concept of the story and the characters were likable. Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Thank you to Starwater Press and Briar Boleyn for an ARC copy of this book to review.

An imaginative retelling on the classic Welsh Arthurian legends of King Arthur and Camelot. There is a lot to love about the world-building and the plot of this book. The descriptions are vivid and jam-packed with lots of mythical elements enriching the narrative and adding edge to this new imagined dark-age fantasy Camelot.

It’s got a gripping first chapter that’s brutally riveting, ensnaring you into the Dark Age court of the tyrant Pendragon king and the twisted family dynamics of this royal line. Action-packed plot drives this story with well-developed pacing, refreshing twists on Arthur’s legends (like making Arthur the villain!) and plenty of battle, blood and death.

Woven masterly into the story are the infamous names of the Knights of the Round Table and the legendary Merlin. Cleverly written these knights of old have been brought to life in new forms and rewritten as more inclusive representation of characters. Lancelet is a bad-ass swordswoman with bags of attitude. The gender-switch for Merlin’s character to a priestess was a particular stroke of genius. I wished to see more of this enigmatic Merlin, she stole the show for me.

For me, I felt a little let down my Morgan’s character. At first, I thought she was well-imagined, with spark and playing a role to survive in her psychopathic brother’s rule. Then quite suddenly, Morgan seems to become an entirely different personality all together leading her to dim, act stupidly and lose the plot (literally!)

I felt cheated by the romance set up too and the cliff-hanger at the end comes too late to be a saving grace for me. The first love interest Kairos Draven, a mortally grey guard on the rise at Arthur’s court, who watches Morgan very closely and rescues her from dangerous ventures she finds herself in. He has all the dark fantasy ‘who did this to you’ and ‘unlive those who threaten’ vibes that delight. The slow burn between Draven and Morgan is engaging, witty and the chemistry explosive. But then this drip appears, ruining Morgan/Draven vibe and seducing her away for some uncomfortable spice scenes that I skipped through to finish the book.
That said, the world-building and premise of this book is captivating and kept me turning the page even as my dislike of Morgan’s character grew. Some might disagree with me about Morgan, she wasn’t the protagonist for me, but the rest of the book I enjoyed reading rounding this up from a 3.5 to 4 star read.

This disappeared from my shelf so I was unable to read it. I believe it was only there for a week or two which unfortunately didn't give me enough time

I was so deeply in the mood for a romantasy that this should have been an easy five stars. But discussing what exactly went wrong here is complicated, and I don't want to be overly critical here because at the end of the day, once I got into this, I really was just swept away by the world and I absolutely devoured the last third.
I guess issue one would be the quality of the writing. At times it's wonderful. There are a couple of scenes that are a little spicy, and Briar Boleyn writes them flawlessly. There's heat and tension and everything you'd want. Likewise, action scenes are genuinely scary. Without spoilers, the penultimate battle genuinely made my skin crawl, and I'm not entirely sure I was breathing properly until it was done. And then at other times we get this:

I thought of something. "Draven, how do you know where to go?" [...]
He turned back with a frown, then patted the pocket of his trousers. "I have a map."
"Oh. Yes, that makes sense," I mumbled.
"A map of the location of a god-made treasure? Does it?" Vesper pursed his lips into a thin line.
I scowled. "On second thought, when you put it that way."

It was frustrating. Our heroine, Morgan is (as demonstrated) occasionally so stupid that it is almost jarring, while the rest of the novel is populated by a variety of cardboard cut-outs who serve a function in getting the plot from one scene to the next. And let's not talk about the clichés. Really, let's not. There is legitimately a scene where two characters are making out,l and they are suddenly interrupted by a noise. The girl gasps and goes "What was that?" I then had to put the book down to stare out a window for a bit and come to terms with the fact that someone actually wrote that and (presumably) thought it was original.
Similarly original, there are a lot of Arthurian names for places and characters used, but I completely failed to find any references to the tales outside of that, which felt like a waste. Frustrating is really the best word for it. There's potential here, and Briar Boleyn is clearly a talented writer, but I do feel like maybe this could have gone through another draft.