Queen of Roses – An almost 3.5-Star Adventure into the Enchanting Realm of an Arthurian Retelling

Briar Boleyn’s Queen of Roses is an enthralling Arthurian retelling that weaves a magnificent tapestry of lore, half-fae mystery, and a hint of suspense. While the story has numerous strengths, certain character quirks and the enigmatic nature of the plot left me with mixed feelings.



Queen of Roses ♦ Briar Boleyn

Opinion

Morgan Pendragon, half-fae and the main female protagonist with a unique blend of enchantment and royal lineage, is at the center of the story. Boleyn’s world-building is outstanding, it transported me to a fantasy environment where fae magic and Arthurian legends coexist flawlessly. The rich descriptions of the landscapes and courtly life aroused awe, brought me into the story’s heart.

One of the novel’s most intriguing characters is the enigmatic Kairos Draven. Draven’s mysterious atmosphere is maintained with subtlety throughout the book, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. His enigmatic personality creates tension, and Boleyn skillfully builds expectation for the disclosure that ultimately arrives at the cliffhanger end. Draven’s involvement is crucial to the plot, and the author’s talent in keeping the mystery surrounding him alive is commendable.

Despite her unique lineage and well-read temperament, Morgan Pendragon’s portrayal leaves something to be desired. Her innocence is shown in a critical sequence, and it feels at odds with her character’s established depth. Given her experience and the difficulties she faces, one might anticipate a more nuanced approach in key situations. This component might be addressed to boost Morgan’s overall character development and credibility.

Conclusion

Despite these minor flaws, Queen of Roses is an engaging read for aficionados of Arthurian retelling and fae fiction. Boleyn’s style is poetic, conjuring us a vivid picture of a world where magic and fate combine. Even if certain character components fall slightly short of expectations, the narrative’s strengths, particularly the intriguing characterization of Kairos Draven and the beautiful world-building, make it a great contribution to the genre. And the next installments of the Blood of a Fae series holds enough space for more character development.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading. ( )

Morgan doesn't want to be Queen, but knows fate has a plan for her. So, when she has a chance to escape by taking on a mission suggested by Arthur, she takes it. Morgan encounters various other characters during her venture. The story is adventure- and action-packed, never standing still. The story is also heavy and dark, covering various subjects such as abuse and animal cruelty/death. This is not a casual read.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )

I really enjoyed reading "Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn. The storyline is captivating and kept me hooked from the start. However, I noticed that the writing style changed a lot, which made it a bit confusing. It felt like the author couldn't decide on one way to tell the story, and it took away from the experience. Also, some parts of the story felt rushed, especially when it came to how the characters' relationships developed. I wish there was more time for things to unfold naturally. Despite these things, I see a lot of potential in the book. The foundation is strong, and I'm excited to see what happens in the sequel. I hope the author works on making the writing more consistent and gives the characters more time to grow. Looking forward to the next book! ( )

Morgan doesn't want to be Queen, but knows fate has a plan for her. So, when she has a chance to escape by taking on a mission suggested by Arthur, she takes it. Morgan encounters various other characters during her venture. The story is adventure- and action-packed, never standing still. The story is also heavy and dark, covering various subjects such as abuse and animal cruelty/death. This is not a casual read.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )