Thank you NetGalley & StarWater press for the chance to read and review this book!

Title: Queen of Roses
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ out of 5
Spice level: 🌶️ out of 5

Tags: Fae, Magic, Excalibur, protective bodyguard-trope, “who did this to you?”, “touch her and die,” betrayal, mild-spice, angst, witty banter, morally grey love interest.

I was pleasantly surprised with Queen of Roses. This is a fae retelling of King Arthur and Excalibur… with a twist. Not only is Arthur not the main character in this retelling, he is also the villain to our powerful FMC.

Morgan is our young and innocent MC; a natural born leader not fit to rule Camelot, or is she? Although it was obvious she was walking into a trap at the midpoint of the book, it didn’t stop me from rooting for her anyways.
Draven is our morally grey love interest that will have you rooting for him from the start. Not only is he fiercely protective of Morgan (for interests unknown), he is also widely knowledgeable about the fae from hundreds of years ago, what is he hiding?

The world and relationship building pulls you into the magic system and has you rooting (or hating) each of the characters. The sentence structure, descriptions of both locations and characters have you feeling as if you are experiencing the book yourself. The writing was superb and I am thoroughly interested in this series. A huge bravo to Briar Boleyn.

Running to get book 2!

This book is exactly what I needed to read right now.

Aurhurian legend but with Fae. What an enjoyable combination.

This is not a heavy world building book, it is fast paced and immediately I was invested in the story. Some parts maybe predictable but the end of it my jaw hit the floor. I’m ready to start book two.

I wish I saw more character development from Morgan but I suspect we will get that in book two.

Now Draven if that man told me to sit pretty I would do it without thinking. He is intimidating, protective and sarcastic, I really hope we get some spice from him in the next book cause 🥵🥵

Queen of Roses is debut novel by Briar Boleyn.
I absolutely love everything about King Arthur and Camelot and I was so happy to receive arc of this book by NetGalley and Briar Boleyn.

So as you probably guessed Queen of Roses is retelling of King Arthur with Fae and main character is Morgan who is Arthur’s older (half)sister.
Lancelot is a girl in this story and she is badass!
Amazing world building and plot of QoR with magic, together they make absolutely perfect book. This book contains so many plot twists that you won’t be able to put it down.
There’s also slow burn romance with enemies to lovers between Morgan and Draven 🫶🏻
I wish we knew more about Morgan’s mother but I believe there’ll be more about her in Court of Claws.

WHAT I LIKED:
-When Morgan killed her bully - such sweet justice
-The Exmoor Creatures - majestic and intelligent big cats - tell me more!
-The medicinal suppression of the lead character’s fae traits was really interesting
-The ending twists with Draven being “siabra”, Morgan’s conversation with the lady in the lake, and the child not really being a child all had me so curious about what happens next
.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
-So much of the story felt similar to From Blood and Ash
-The Camelot re-telling idea had so much potential, but wasn’t really explored. It felt like just the names from King Arthur stories were used, and that was about it.
-The idea of a child plague/killing child zombies was really out of left field and came out of no-where in a bad way
-The idea of portals just popped up sort of out of nowhere when Lancelot had suddenly showed up
-Some of the twists - like Vesper’s betrayal - were really predictable.
-Overall story felt a bit disjointed and disconnected. It felt like the author tried to go too many directions/do too many things in one book

I was given a copy by Netgalley for an honest review.

This was the first dark fantasy romance I have read. It gave off major Game of Throne vibes but different with magic! 😂 I really enjoyed this book and I’m happy to say I was granted the second book as well from netgalley and I cannot wait to continue on with this story!! Definitely a slow burn, morally gray MMC and a strong, trying to find her way, FMC. and the ending?! I definitely didn’t see that coming. I definitely suggest giving this book a try! First and second book are currently available on KU, with the third coming out in November! Happy reading!!

*I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley*

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - the first, but certainly not the last, I will read by Briar Boleyn. If you love dark fantasy Fae romances, and the idea of a slightly twisted Arthur & Camelot story intrigues you, this is the next book you should have on your TBR.

The story flowed at a good pace, without too much unnecessary waffling, and had plenty of action-packed battles and adventures. This is a VERY slow burn romance - there is very minimal steam in this book but, fortunately, Boleyn has hinted the second book in the series will include more spice! *Insert party face emoji*

My only criticism is that I have finished this book completely bewildered and with a whole host of questions - hopefully the subsequent book(s) answer these! The lack of steam with the MMC also left me a bit disappointed - especially when he comes out with things like “Who did this to you?” *SWOON*

If you have any triggers, please check the trigger warning content list before reading.

#QueenofRoses Wow! Okay so this ends on a cliffhanger but not to worry because book 2 is out! This fantasy by #BriarBoleyn is fantastic. This is a King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table retelling like you have never read before. There is war, fae, gods, Camelot, Excalibur, adventure, and so much more. I love that there are gender swaps along with LGBTIQA+ representation in the story done so smoothly you question the original tale. The characters are three dimensional, the world is solid, and the storytelling is everything you could want. This gets a huge 5/5 from me!

Thank you to Briar Boelyn, NetGalley and Starwater press for offering me a free copy in exchange for a fair review.

Queen of Roses is a fantastic dark Camelot reimagining with Morgan Pendragon as the hero and Arthur stepping into the role of tyrant. Several beloved faces of Arthurian lore are adapted and woven into the story along with Boelyn’s own spin on the world that creates a bleak but fun romp through a fantasy setting. It is a tale of fae and fantastical creatures, blooming powers and sense of self, political intrigue and the tension of not knowing who to trust.

The main draw back is the uneven pacing throughout the novel. The first half meanders through setting up the oppressive world that Morgan inhabits. However it does so an amazing job of setting the stage for everything that comes out later. The second half feels like the flow of a DnD game where there are long travel portions broken up by occasional combat. Although it meanders— it never felt like a slog to me. I ate up the vibes, even when Morgan’s naïve nature was stressing me out.

In doing it this way, Boelyn I believe shows her real strength as a writer. While I would’ve liked to see more even pacing the subtleties in the prose in character actions she does an amazing job of showing not telling interspersed with foreshadowing. Especially when our heroine is so easily taken with others perceptions. The author does an incredible job using Morgan’s limited POV and sheltered upbringing to create solid and steady tension throughout narrative by surrounding her with untrustworthy people.

There were twists I could see coming for sure but I found them satisfying in how they played out because they didn't come from nowhere. I felt rewarded for paying attention to the little details! And there were more than a couple I didn't see coming that felt good for the same reason.

The main slowburn romance is very fun to watch progress even as i was screaming at Morgan for fumbling it. The ensemble cast of Morgan’s allies (and has some queer rep) had little screen time but what we did see was fantastic. I’d honestly love to see a spin off series with Lancelet or Merlin!

Overall its a very fun adventure that i cant wait to see continue in Court of Claws!

Thank you NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for a review.

I really really enjoyed this book and was glad I didn't have to wait to roll onto the next one (like I will after finishing the 2nd book!) :)

I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about a retelling of Camelot/King Arthur/Excalibur but I REALLY enjoyed it, way more than I though I would.

Briar did a really great job of world building without being too lengthy or overwhelming. The characters were developed nicely also, outside of some of the FMC's....moments but I think that also leads to her character hahah

This one was SLOW burn but set book 2 up REAL nicely...thank goodnesss!

My favorite thing about this though was how inclusive it was! There are so many races AND sexualities represented in Queen of Roses! I loved it.

4.5 stars rounded.


There's so much to unpack here.

I've seen people say it was way to much information for just one book and that it should have been written as two separate ones, with that being said, I strongly disagree. This one book was incredible and well paced so it didn't feel like too much too fast.

I had been looking for something exactly like this though it did surprise me to see Arthur depicted like such a mean terrible king AND brother. But I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.

Morgan may have been too naive/innocent at first but she was also strong willed from the very beginning though perhaps she didn't know it herself. She kept ok trying to see the good in everyone and while she should keep on doing that, she should also be more aware that bad people do not always act like bad people.

Lancelet's ending broke my heart because she was so loyal to the people around her, I surely hope Galahad is safe...at least for the time being.

By the Three we had no chance to rejoice on Florian's dead when Vesper came along. Hated them. But at least Vesper brought a little more to the table than Florian.

While Morgan is a great character, I must admit Kairos Draven is my favourite, I don't need to add much more as to why, he's Kairos Draven.

Aside from Arthur and Lord Agravaine Pendrath seems like a really nice place to live.

Briar Boleyn does a great job at describing where we are, who we are with, she makes this book so nice and a doable read. I'm eager to start Court of Claws.

Arthurian books will always be a hit for me.

4.5 stars!

I loved the vast majority of this - I loved the main characters and there was so much to the plot, every page was a surprise. The plot was really, really fantastic and entirely unpredictable. The slow burn trope is also deliciously executed.

However, there were a fair few grammar mistakes and typos, which often made the dialogue feel stunted, but worse than that were the frequent occurrences of verbs switching from past to present tense, which I found removed the reader from the narrative completely. Secondly, while I appreciate the story being inspired by Arthurian legend, I would have preferred it if the plot and world stood entirely on its own, especially as the majority of it is far removed from Arthurian legend. I feel describing it as an 'Arthurian retelling' actually does it a disservice, as it is so much more than that. The author could have just written a foreword saying she was inspired by Morgan’s story etc. and then allowed the story to spiral away on it's own into a very different world.

These were just small gripes, however, and I am very, very much looking forward to the rest of the series!

Since this is a dark fantasy romance, please take the trigger warnings seriously guys. I liked the plot and it's execution in this book and I loved how smart and witty Morgan was. I liked the characters except a few vile ones and the creatures and the settings were described very well. And the enemies to lovers part with the MMC was top tier. I don't want to reveal much about the plot but I can say that I enjoyed the book. However, there was a spark missing. I couldn't really feel awed by the story. Hope the next book is better.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

Wow! This is an interesting retelling of Arthur and Camelot. The story is in Morgan's POV who is the half sister to Arthur. You can really feel Morgan's struggle as she tries to find a way to live that life that she wants, protect the kingdom and her brothers. I do enjoy Morgan's character growth and transformation and look forward to reading more.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

⭐ Characters – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Atmosphere – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Writing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
⭐ Plot – ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
⭐ Pacing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ World Building – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Enjoyment – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Wow, I have to say, I went into this book with modest expectations since it's a debut, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised! Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn is an enchanting debut that seamlessly blends romance, mythology, and fantasy into a captivating tapestry. Set in a beautifully imagined Medieval-Middle Ages fantasy world, the story embarks on a thrilling road trip adventure with a slow-burning romance full of unexpected twists and turns.

The characters in this novel are truly remarkable. Each one is expertly crafted, multi-dimensional, and their backgrounds and relationships are explored in a way that draws readers in. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ representation adds depth and makes the setting even more inclusive and heartwarming.

The atmosphere of Queen of Roses is nothing short of magical. Boleyn's vivid descriptions breathe life into the fantastical world, immersing readers in a realm of wonder and intrigue that keeps their attention piqued and their desire to keep reading intact.

Boleyn's writing style is nothing short of impressive. The prose flows smoothly and beautifully captures the essence of emotions and events, drawing readers even further into the story.

The plot is a definite strength of the book. Well-constructed and brimming with unexpected twists and turns, it keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The incorporation of a treasure hunt, mythical discoveries and creatures, friendships, family dynamics, and romance elevates the reading experience to a whole new level.

The pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to savor every moment without feeling rushed, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable journey.

The world-building in Queen of Roses is masterful. Boleyn has created a rich and intricate world complete with its own mythology and lore. The attention to detail and depth of this fictional universe will leave readers thoroughly impressed.

In conclusion, Queen of Roses is an exceptional debut that leaves a lasting impression. Briar Boleyn's storytelling skills shine throughout the narrative, making me eagerly anticipate the second book in the series. If you're on the hunt for a captivating fantasy romance with a unique blend of elements, this book is an absolute must-add to your reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Review posted July 20th - GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5700281733

🌹 TROPES & THEMES 🌹
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Dislike to 👁️🫦👁️
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Hidden Powers
✔️ Camelot/King Arthur vibes, but make it fae
✔️ He’s her guard/protector 😎
✔️ Going on a mission/travel together
✔️ That cliffhanger EEEEEEEEEEEEE 😵‍💫

Firstly, thank you so much for the arc NetGalley! And for the author, she’s so sweet as well. I really enjoyed this book!!

Morgan is our FMC, and she’s the kings daughter… and was meant to take the throne to become King. But family is TOXICCCC so they decided to send her to their temple to be celebrate for 30 years and her brother takes the throne instead. And he’s a NASTY ruler, just like theirs as was.

Their world has a lot of hate towards the fae. And they don’t even exist anymore. Some have fae blood, like Morgan. But they are very uncommon. She takes a medicine every other day to help to dull the fae side of her.

There is a lot of world building and story building at first. But I found it easy to follow and still fun! The side characters added to the story and I enjoyed them a lot!

Draven is a big ol mystery, starting out as coming from a farm to join the kings guard. He and Morgan butt heads. In the best of ways. 🤣

Morgan starts to see that the kingdom is not all sunshine and rainbows - their people are starving. And her brother doesn’t care. He eventually tells her she must go a long distance to find a legendary weapon to bring back and prove her loyalty to him - the Excalibur.

This part of the story was so fun!! Lots of plot twists. The ending was WILD!!! I’ll need book 2 like today. 🤣 I had a lot of fun reading this. It checked off a lot of my must-haves for a romantacy. I can’t wait to see where the story goes!

A retelling of the traditional Camelot stories with a twist, instead of Arthur being a hero he is instead the villain of the tale, focusing instead of his sister Morgan (who with rumoured fae blood has been outcast within the royal household) who is sent by her brother to look and recover a legendary fae weapon, beginning a tale of fantasy, adventure and naturally romance in the form of enemies to lovers trope.

An interesting take on Camelot lore, though I do think it's the kind of book I would have enjoyed more as a late teen than I do as an adult? Definitely a series for those into fantasy romance.

Fabulous Fae quirky re telling of Camelot. What if Arthur was the villain, Merlin a high priestess, Lancelot a female Knight who beds women and the true hero a suppressed Fae/human princess who should have been queen? I flew through the pages of this book and devoured it in one day, absolutely loved the plot and morally grey characters. Please be warned that the book may contain triggers for some readers, the book does have a list of these triggers.
Spicy, gory, fantasy at its best!

Queen of Roses (Blood of a Fae #1)
by Briar Boleyn

3/5 ⭐

Queen of Roses is a Morgan Pendragon (Camelot) retelling through a fantasy romance lens. It is the first book in the planned Blood of a Fae seies by Briar Boelyn. I am not a huge King Arthur/Camelot gal, so this character and the storyline were all completely new to me.

I liked but didn't love this book. It had a lot of tropes I enjoy, including:

*enemies to lovers
*touch her and die
*who did this to you
*witty banter
*slow burn
*forced proximity

That said, something just didn't click with me. I enjoyed going on Morgan's travels but I didn't get fully emotionally invested. There was enough good stuff there that I would read the next book; I think there is a lot of potential. It wouldn't be the first time I've thought a first book was just setting the table for a fabulous full series.

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn (pen name of Fenna Edgewood) is the first book in the Blood of a Fae series. It’s a retelling of the Camelot stories with a fae twist. The book follows Morgan Pendragon, the princess of Camelot whose rumored fae bloodline has caused her to lose her birthright to the throne. Her younger half-brother, King Arthur, sends her on a quest to recover a weapon of legendary power as he anticipates an upcoming war. She finds herself on a perilous journey with two guards, of equal dangerousness. Readers follow her on her journey as she gets to know her guards, explores new-to-her lands, and meets new people along the way.
 
Overall I enjoyed this book. It felt a bit slow at the beginning but quickly picked up the pace. There’s a lot of history and information that I was left wondering about by the conclusion and I have a feeling the next book will reveal all of most of that. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens next! I think most fantasy readers would enjoy this series. It’s available on Kindle Unlimited.

Such a fun twist in the Arthurian legend and definitely a series I wish to continue . Our heroine is what you could describe as a cast off Princess due to being removed from her ascension to the throne as her younger brother Arthur was named instead. I won’t repeat the history of just why but Morgan whilst dissatisfied is still very protective of her two brothers and clearly wants to be supportive. When told she must search out a powerful Fae weapon she’s absolutely gobsmacked because for so long she’s been considered less and virtually unimportant ! The Fae have left the world so why such a dangerous request although if I’m honest there’s absolutely no way for Morgan to refuse as those she’s trusted turn on her . Morgan finds herself in a strange land having to rely on a dangerous male but her journey has just begun with everything she was told truly being turned on its head !
Such a fabulous idea to take characters we all have perceived ideas about and do something completely different with them. Whilst not exactly a romance the stage is definitely set for Morgan and Draven to at some point light up the pages because he’s just so protective and yep pretty dreamy ! Haha I love slow burn and enemies to lovers tropes but what tickled me here was the juxtaposition of Lancelot and Galahad and I sincerely hope for more of the same. I think the next book will show a different side of Morgan as she’s no longer under her brothers control and I cannot wait to discover more about the Fae .
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair