Arthurian lore but make it fae? Say less! The synopsis promised so much and I truly thought this had the potential to be a five star read for me. However, I’m not sure it entirely lived up to my expectations. I liked the writing style and the tone. I enjoyed the world building, even though the connections to Arthurian lore felt a little off to me. I really struggled to connect with the main character. But I did enjoy the witty banter and some of the tropes. The plot was solid enough and kept me engaged. It was still a fun read for me and I enjoyed it enough to continue reading the series. A solid three stars for me. I’d probably recommend it to a more niche audience and I would be interested in checking out other books by this author in the future.

Wow a fantastic book. An interesting retelling of king Arthur that focuses on his sister Morgan. It has mythical creatures and some great twists which had me turning the pages effortlessly.

Plot-★★★★★
Characters-★★★★★
World Building-★★★★★
Spice- 🌶️
POV- Morgan

I was born to be a queen. But even queens could be set aside and forgotten.

An amazing retelling of the Arthurian legend and Camelot, with a fae twist. I’ve had this book on my wish list for months, so when I got the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review I practically jumped with joy and anticipation. And this book did not disappoint. It was a rollercoaster and so many twists and turns, and no matter how hard I tried I could not predict what was going to happen.
Morgan was only 5 when her father killed her Fae mother in front of her. Before her father died he announced that Morgan would not inherit the throne because of her being part-fae, instead her younger half brother would be the king. Her brother King Arthur despises all fae, and sends Morgan on a quest to retrieve the legendary sword Excalibur together with a royal guard and another guard.

There are secrets, magic, steamy romance that keeps you on your toes wondering will they or wont they? And of course there is betrayal. If you enjoy a FMC that can fight, take care of herself and is not afraid to say what’s on her mind? This book is for you!


Thank you so much NetGalley and Briar Boelyn for giving me the opportunity to read this book! All these opinions are my own and unbiased.

A Camelot retelling where Lancelot and Merlin are both female? Sign me up!

We follow Morgan La Fae (Morgana Pendragon) who is forced to suppress her fay traits and was cast out of the succession because of her "tainted" blood. The throne was instead given to her brother Arthur who is becoming more evil by the minute. He sends her on a dangerous mission to find Excalibur. Along the way a host of characters join her causing her to question who she can truly trust while she is also under going serious self-discovery.

There is court intrigue, unaliving people, enemies to lovers with forced proximity, and a half of a chili-pepper spicy slow burn romance

I am giving this 4 stars because spice was alluded to as being a prominent theme of this book and it just was not there and because this story leaves you on a very abrupt cliff hanger. I don't mean a good cliffhanger where you are on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen, but one that was so out of the blue and abrupt, that I wanted to throw my Kindle. This book is clearly meant to lay the ground work as the beginning of a series as the first half of the book gives a lot of backstory/history/world building that gives it a pretty slow pace. The pace picks up in the 2nd half and there was more action and twists and turns.

Overall, I enjoyed this book (despite the lack of spice and the questionable cliffhanger). It grabbed my attention enough that I will read the next book in the series once it is released.

✨Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my review✨
This book is an interesting retelling of the legend of King Arthur and his quest for Excalibur with a magical twist and added fantasy. I really enjoyed this book and was GLUED to the pages the entire time. I finished it in 1 day because I really couldn’t put it down. I felt so immersed in the story the whole time! I loved that the author described the characters and environments so well that they were easy to picture and just so well written. I felt like the main character could have used a little bit more substance and character development but with this being a series, I’m sure that’s to come in later books. I love a good slow burn romance and this was giving it! The added mystery and deceit from multiple characters built up so much suspense and made the plot twists shocking.
One of my only disappointments was the end. It ended with so many unanswered questions and like 7 cliffhangers that left it feeling rushed/unresolved despite a pretty good stopping point in the plot. I’m sure this was intentional to add suspense for book 2 and, though I appreciated the POV switch, I was hoping for a little more character development and was left with a lot of confusion. I’m looking forward to seeing how the main character develops as well as other characters as the story continues in the next book! Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy quest/journey with some slow burn romance, friendship, and magic.

I was immediately hooked on this story for two reasons: Camelot retelling and the inclusion of fae. As I continued to read, Morgan swept me further in with her courage and the details of the mission that she is sent on by her brother. I enjoyed the details of the world building and the magic system. I couldn't put it down as I rooted for Morgan! Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press for a gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

I was to check out this book after reading the description. Who doesn’t love a story with fae, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and touch her and 💀. I will be honest, though, I’m not very knowledgeable of King Arthur/Camelot (I knew there was something with a sword and a round table 🤣) but I still loved this book!

Morgan Pendragon’s life has been anything but easy. Even after witnessing her mother’s death and having her birthright stolen, she never lets anything keep her down. When she is forced by her tyrant brother, King Arthur, to go on a quest to find a magical fae weapon, she is determined to succeed no matter what so she can have some power in her future.

I think Boleyn did a good job with the world building! It was so well written and easy to become immersed in this story. The first part was a little slow but that’s understandable since it does take time to explain the setting, characters, and world. I can tell this book is laying the foundation for the next book in the series and I’m excited to see what happens. The ending left me with so many unanswered questions and I will be picking up the sequel ASAP.

This was my first read by Boleyn but it definitely won’t be my last! I highly recommend if you’re looking for a book with
-fae
-enemies to lovers
-slow burn
-forced proximity
-grumpy MMC
-banter

Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for the opportunity to read Queen of Roses.

A fresh retelling of the legend of Camelot that is deliciously dark, sexy, and magical. Briar managed to take the classic Arthurian tale and turn it into an action-packed new series brimming with imagination, danger, and spellbinding slow-burn spicy romance with all the feels plus Fae. This reader is now enthralled with this kingdom and all its characters.
If you like danger, temptation, fantasy, and royalty, you will love this Imaginative tale. The story comes alive in rich detail.
I read this in the kindle version through ARC Netgalley and will be purchasing the physical book to have and hold in my hands forever. Run, don't walk, to your favorite book retailer and join the court.
I give this 5 stars for action-packed enchantment and immersive realm building. Honestly, this is the best fantasy retelling of Arthur and Camelot I've ever read.

Queen of Roses by B. Boleyn, published by Starwater Press, is the first book in the Blood of a Fae trilogy.
It's the introduction to a new world where Fae are unwelcome, set like a reverse Camelot/ leaned on King Arthur Saga.
Morgan is a 20 year old half fae with brothers Kaye 11, and Arthur, King.
I just wanted to take a peek in the book, but soon I was intrigued enough to rea the whole book, cover to cover, in one sitting.
It's a dark fantasy romance that deals withe sensitive subject, consider you warned. Next up is Court of Claws. Both books are currently in KU.

I will be honest, all of the Camelot references when over my head as I had no idea this was supposed to be a retelling until all the familiar names started to annoy me and I looked up more about the book. That aside, I enjoyed the story told on Queen of Roses a lot. Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and I wish it was developed more in this book. This book is really establishing the ground work for book two (definitely read both) in regards to that trope as well as the romance in general and world building. There is enough in Queen of Roses to enjoy it on it’s own but it very much felt like it was mostly setting up Court of Claws (book 2) after finishing both. Both books could have been combined into one larger book and it would have still felt like an appropriate length. Recommend reading both if you enjoyed ACOTR or the Blood and Ash series.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read Queen of Roses.

I would definitely recommend this book if you love an enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine and spice!!! Definitely gave me GOT vibes

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn is a captivating and enchanting fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the magical realm of the Fae. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and immersive storytelling, this book deserves a solid 4-star rating.

Briar Boleyn weaves a vivid and intricate world in Queen of Roses, immersing readers in a realm where magic and mystery intertwine. The attention to detail and the descriptions of the fantastical elements create a vibrant and captivating backdrop for the story.

The protagonist, the Queen of Roses, is a complex and strong-willed character who embarks on a perilous quest, filled with twists and turns. Her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces along the way add depth and intrigue to the narrative. The supporting cast of characters is equally compelling, each with their own motivations and secrets that enhance the overall storyline.

The writing style in Queen of Roses is evocative and atmospheric, capturing the essence of the magical realm and the emotions of the characters. Boleyn's prose flows smoothly, making it easy to become fully immersed in the story and the lives of the characters.

The book offers a delightful blend of action, adventure, and romance, as the Queen of Roses navigates treacherous landscapes and encounters allies and enemies alike. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping the reader engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries that unfold.

While Queen of Roses offers an immersive reading experience, there were moments when certain plot developments felt a bit predictable and the spelling errors though minor should have been fixed. Some aspects of the world-building could have been further explored. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment and enchantment of the story.

In conclusion, Queen of Roses is a captivating and enchanting fantasy novel that transports readers to a magical realm filled with adventure, romance, and captivating characters. Briar Boleyn's talent for world-building and storytelling shines through, making this book an engaging read for fans of fantasy and those who crave immersive and magical tales.

#QueenOfRoses #BloodOfAFae #BriarBoleyn #FantasyNovel #EnchantingStory #BookReview

3.5 ⭐️ If ACOTAR and FBAA had a baby, and it was slightly unhinged.

So, I'm not the biggest ACOTAR fan. Everyone knows... I'll shut up about it someday. But I couldn't make it pass the awful first introduction to a series that book continues to be. It's a through away- a waste of paper and time. Again, I have strong feelings about it. But the absolute betrayal of a plotline that book made me experience feels similar to how I think this series will unfold when it comes to timing and pacing.

I don't have that much issue with this one, though, because the author made it make sense within the characters and their arch. It also reminded me of FBAA, with the whole 'fmc is the chose one, it's just her, no one else will do', and the fact that her court given protector ends up trying to protect her over the court, which in my opinion is always fun to read. There's betrayal, heartbreak, abuse and death... It's, again, a dark and hinged version of other more popular fantasy romances. And also somehow a retelling of the stories of King Arthur of Camelot, and Merlin, and Morgan... It was a lot. Fun, but a lot.

I kind of think that there were times where the (TW:) SA and abuse that she suffers at the hands of Florian was kind of gratuitous, as well as the homophobic remarks the King uses to threaten her friends. I understand that the author was trying to make the villains out as obviously evil as possible, but it felt like a cheap shot at times. Then again, this is a dark fantasy romance, so I was expecting some things to go down.

The ending was sort of expected, and although I'm excited to continue reading the series, I don't know if I'll enjoy book #2 very much, unless the fmc actually starts fighting for herself a bit, and not just wishing she could and letting others do it for her. There's a lot of potential here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🌶 / 5

This review has already been uploaded to Goodreads :)

3.5 stars but I finished it in a day so rounding up to 4

An Arthurian retelling but with fae, Queen of Roses was a fun read. There were some similarities to FBAA, but I really appreciated the fact that this was a lot shorter at 350 pages.
I feel like this book is setting up a lot for future ones, with deities and fae races kind of being introduced but not fully explained, and with romance being more of a sub-plot/slow burn. But I'm definitely curious to see what happens next and that ending has left me with a lot of questions.

It would've been more of a solid 4 stars if it had just given a bit more of everything, particularly more of the ongoing politics and more depth to the MCs.

Overall, I'd recommend to anyone interested in YA/NA fantasy romance, and I'm definitely going to continue the series.

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this review copy

When I originally added Queen of Roses to my reading list, I hadn't realized it was Arthurian fantasy.

I know, I know, it's right their in the summary, but somehow it didn't click, and when it finally did, I was thrilled!

I'm an absolute sucker for Arthurian fiction, and this non-traditional take on the legend is amazing!

I loved all the diversity woven into the story, and all dark twists and turns make it truly unique.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, 3.5 stars

The plot of this story is bingeworthy! When I say bingeworthy I devoured this book in two days’ time.

When the name Pendragon appeared in this story, I immediately thought of a very well loved British show. But although the main characters names are similar this author goes into a vastly different story line. King Arthur is the villain in this story, and I love the twist and gender bending of some of the main characters in the Camelot lore.

I like the character development for Morgan as her true identity is slowly revealed. As the truth is revealed it quickly becomes clear that the Pendragons suppressed her powers. But for her protection or their own?

I really wanted to give this story four stars because the plot has such potential. The characters are interesting and diverse. But there are a few editing issues with words missing. Also, I wanted to dive more into the world building and more relationship growth between the characters.  

The cliffhanger ending sets up for more slow burn between grumpy male lead and Morgan. I am really hoping the second book addresses my above concerns, because this is such an impressive plot and has so much potential.

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press for providing me with and eARC of Queen of Roses in return for my honest opinion.

I didn't really have many expectations going into reading this book but WOW... This is the retelling of Camelot and the Arthurian legends that we didn't know we wanted, but we certainly needed. Briar Boleyn's Camelot has not only the characters we love from the Arthurian legends, but with a fae twist!

Boleyn gives us so much in Queen of Roses; a bad-ass half-fae Morgan Pendragon (our FMC), a cruel young prince Arthur, FEMALE Merlin and Lancelet, Queer rep in side characters, adventure, fae magic and a slow burn romance?! Say less...

The plot of this book is intriguing and the world building is done in a captivating way that doesn't slow down the plot at all. I loved the magical creatures that the author chose to include in this book, especially the Exmoors (as a cat lover I am now officially obsessed with the idea of Exmoors).

The romance in this book is extremely slow burn (but in the best way), there is a little bit of another romance included for our FMC, but that ends in an ultimate betrayal so I'm choosing to ignore it for the most part. Our MMC is a morally grey knight whose intriguing mysterious past adds to the plot and development of the stories and characters. This book has the tiniest bit of spice (not between our FMC and MMC), but the author does have a bonus "what if" scene linked at the end of the book.

My only con to this book was that I did notice several grammar/punctuation errors that hadn't seemed to be picked up in editing.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and the massive plot twist/cliffhanger left me extremely excited for the next book in this series, and incredibly grateful that I had been approved for an eARC of the second instalment in the Blood of Fae series, Court of Claws.

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.

Yes please! I was hooked early and devoured this book!

This is a Morgan le Fay (King Arthur/Camelot) retelling with a Fae twist!

Morgan, who was next in line to the throne until her father promised her to the temple before his death, lives in Camelot under the rule of her heinous younger brother, Arthur. She faces abuse and ridicule partly due to her half-fae background before a dark assassin comes to town and takes her on a mission to find Excalibur. It is clear that Arthur does not care if Morgan comes back alive, as long as he gets the sword. They meet a traveling minstrel (who happens to be pretty good with blades) along the way and Morgan finds herself in a bit of a love triangle.

This story has adventure, a handsome and mysterious MMC who gives Commander Rip/King Ravinger vibes, and a strong FMC who has come out on the other side of trauma with strength and love for others.

There were parts that I definitely saw coming (but was satisfied in being right) and twists that were a complete surprise. This ends on a cliffhanger, but luckily book 2 (Court of Claws) is already out so you can dive right in like I did!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️

A fabulous Camelot retelling with a fae twist!


I received a free copy of this e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  This book really surprised me with how good it is.  I truly hope it blows up because it absolutely deserves to.  Hands down the best fantasy Netgalley book I've read so far!  The characters are so well developed, the pacing is perfect, and it is well written.  Desperately looking forward to seeing this series evolve!