Member Reviews

This book was such an adventure!

Morgan is a sharp whitted, feisty soul and I loved her grit and determination!

The slow burn romance in this was utter perfection and the overall character development for our main characters was done so well.

I really enjoyed the Camelot retelling style of this book, a little bit of fantasy and ‘historical fiction’ thrown together seamlessly.

I am SO excited to see how this series continues!

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I’m a sucker for any good retelling, so this Camelot one was most likely going to be a win for me no matter what. The world building in this book 1 was great, although I feel like it isn’t done yet. I love the gender bending of Merlin and Lancelot (Lancelet), and I also love twisting it with Morgan as the hero and Arthur…very much not. Morgan as the passed over rightful queen in a country falling into ruin under her brother makes for a great story. Their relationship was very…interesting. Kairos Draven makes a great mysterious enemy/love interest and, with the way that book 1 ended, I expect to learn a lot more about this guy in book 2.

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This was a 10/5✨’s!!!!
My favourite books in the whole world are the ACOTAR series by SJM…but. This is the first book of the ‘Blood Of A Fae’ series and it might already be on top for me 🫢 dare I say it!

This was bloody brilliant! I could not put it down, I severely neglected myself of food & drinks because I just wanted to keep reading…I can not believe how brilliant this was! I can not wait to read the rest! Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC & to Briar Boleyn for this amazing read! I can not wait to read the rest!

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Title: Queen of Roses
Author: Briar Boleyn
Genre: Fantasy romance
Media: ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Favorite quote: N/A
Sum of this book in 5 words or less: N/A

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Themes: retelling, family, murder, assault

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Thoughts:

I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Short summary - Morgan is half fae and was rejected from being Queen by her father. Her brother, the current King, Arthur, has sent her on a mission to get Excalibur. She travels with two men and picks up others along the way.

I absolutely love the fact that there is women representation in this book. Merlin and Lancelet are women in this book. Badass women, to put the cherry on top! Arthur is a terrible vile human being, and Florian got what he deserved.

I got so excited when Draven was assigned to Morgan to take her on the mission. The cliffhanger at the end? Be prepared to start the next one!

I can’t wait to see how Morgan’s magic grows and what she’s able to do with it. This is on KU and I’m so glad because I’m onto the next one!

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Wow what a ride!! This story was dark, twisty, and fun to jump into! I am a sucker for slow burn romances so this was right up my alley. However, it was quite predictable, which didn’t allow me to become super intrigued with what happened next. Although I enjoyed the first book in this series, I will not be continuing the series as I didn’t grasp onto the characters and world as much as I wanted to. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Now, I'm not a particular fan on retellings. Maybe I've just never read one that was my cup of tea. So when I saw this book was a twist on King Arthur, I very nearly put it down!

Thank goodness I didn't.

I loved everything about this book. The writing is beautiful, and the world building is so descriptive and indepth, I was transported away to a medieval castle, surrounded by knights and royalty.

I love Morgan, I think she is a great character, and I really hope that as the series progresses, we see her become the fierce warrior queen that she was always destined to become. Obviously, I'm smitten with Draven, I mean, what's not to like? He's a swoonworthy, dangerous, and handsome Knight!!!

I enjoyed the story, the quest, and the setup for the next book. Although I maybe saw a few twists and turns coming, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.

I have already moved on to book 2 😍

Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with a copy to review 🙂

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I was pulled into this book because of the claim it was for fans of JLA. And truly, I could see quite a few similarities between From Blood and Ash and Queen of Roses. But this book takes on a life of its own in the way it adopts the Arthurian legends.

It was kind of refreshing to see Arthur be the vicious king. (And not in the way we love some vicious kings.) And all the ways in which Boleyn took the story we’re all familiar with and adapted it into a world wholly her own.

The prologue hooked me. And I knew from the first moment Kairos Draven stepped onto the page, I would love him. I loved Lancelet and Galahad. I loved the twists this story took along the way. Some I predicted. Some took me truly by surprise. I’m so eager to see how this series continues.

That being said, I feel like Morgan had more chemistry with one character, even though it was hinted that she should also feel something for another — the one I WANTED her to have chemistry with. I think the banter I’ve come to love so much in fantasy romance novels was lacking a bit in this one. BUT. The potential is there. Which, again, has me eager for what I’m hoping to find in book two. Especially after that ending.

I think Morgan herself was a decent mix of determination and grit while also recognizing that sometimes she needs someone to look after her. She’s competent in weaponry without it being her entire personality. She’s kind and open minded and forgiving. But she’s also unflinching in defending herself and biting back against those who’ve harmed her. Truly, an FMC worth loving. She felt well thought out in a way I feel like we rarely see in characters who are adaptations of ones who originated in another source.

Ultimately, I think this is the start of a series with vast potential and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

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5/5⭐️

Love, love, love!

I am in love. One of the best Fantasy Romances I've read this year! Made me wonder why I hadn't heard of this series earlier.

I loved and despised some characters in equal measure, as intended by the author, I'm sure. The characters were so well sketched out. Each unique and flawed in their own way. I loved the whole world this is set in and could not stop thinking about it long after finishing the book.

Unlike a lot of fantasies, the world-building did not leave me confused. It was lucid and was flowing throughout the book which made me enjoy the book even more. 30% in and I could not put the book down. The spice was spicy and the romance was top-notch!

There's adventure, political intrigue, outcast princesses, found family and a whole lot of slow-burn romance. I am a fan.

I am already starting book 2 as I write up this review.

I received an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you to NetGalley and StarWater Press for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
In this King Arthur/Excalibur retelling, Morgan, a princess born from a Fae mother and mortal King father, witnesses the tragic death of her mother at her father’s hands. 15 years later she’s trying to piece together her history and the plans her brother, King Arthur, has for their city Camelot. Her brother sends her on a quest to find Excalibur, in old fae territory that is believed to be abandoned. Threatening everything she cares for in the kingdom if she fails at retrieving and returning with the sword. Along the way Morgan begins to see herself for who she really is and her history is not as she believed. The ending leaves you needing to know what happens next and what the heck just happened in the first place!

Tropes:
Forbidden Romance
Who Did This To You?
One Bed/Sleeping Bag

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Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This is a dark romantasy with elements of King Arthur retelling but with fae. This is a true enemies to lovers trope and is a true slow burn. With fae, mythical creatures, a morally grey MMC and our FMC slowly discovering who she really is this story will have you dizzy from all the twists and turns! It’s a slow start with heavy world building, and character development but also comes with plenty of binge worthy plot. Also to mention it holds the “who did this to you” trope and ends in a cliffhanger! I am very eager to read the next book!!

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I recently finished reading "Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. The book is a beautiful blend of romance, adventure, and fantasy that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

What I loved most about this book was the author's ability to create a vivid and intricate world filled with magical creatures and breathtaking landscapes. The characters were well-developed and relatable, and I found myself rooting for Rose and Jack throughout their journey.

Overall, "Queen of Roses" is a captivating read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel. Briar Boleyn has truly outdone herself with this one and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

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I’m so sad I won’t be able to read this. Thank you Briar for the trigger warning list at the beginning of the book. Too many things listed that I’m uncomfortable reading about. Thank you NetGalley, Brair and starwater press for the ARC!

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~ Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review ~

This book was a little treat for my English degree. Arthurian legend but make it fantasy romance? I’m skipping with joy, I really am. And the story held up, too, it wasn’t just a thought the author had but they didn’t want to do their research or put effort into anything other than writing a retelling. This is more of an “inspired by” story that has all the research, but also unique ideas and I ate that up. Once I had a moment to actually read this book I went through it really fast, it was a very good read and also easy to get through (if you’re used to fantasy, world building can be a lot to take in but I feel it was done pretty well here).

I love Morgan as the main character, she is so interesting and there is a lot to unpack with her. Well, it sounds like there is a lot to unpack with her whole family. But we don’t have time for that right now. Her father? Horrible. Her brother Arthur? Horrible. Her brother Kaye? My precious little baby. Lancelet and Galahad? I absolutely love it. Draven? My precious boy. I feel like that is a great summary of the book.

But more specifically for Morgan herself, she has personality, she is into fighting but also isn’t just some gifted god at it, she doesn’t immediately fall for the love interest, and she has flaws! I love flaws in a character- give me a young girl making silly little mistakes because she’s still a little naive. Morgan’s 20, I don’t expect her to know everything about everything, especially if she doesn’t have experience. For example, her romantic relationship throughout this novel is something new to her, she isn’t going to be the best judge of character or listen to what other people think of the guy- it’s the first time someone who didn’t hurt her showed interest in her, she’s going to have clouded judgment.

I liked the plot, it kept me intrigued but also left room for some of Morgan’s personal relationships to grow how they needed to. There’s also so many different secrets being kept, but I’m loving it. I would definitely recommend picking up this book, it is worth the read!

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Loved reading the mesmerizing and engaging story. When Morgan is sent on a mission with Kairos Draven and Whitehorn, Whitehorn continues to minister the drink to Morgan each evening to suppress her fae tendencies, but Draven notices the ill effect it is having on Morgan. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of suspense and mystery, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the amazing author, Briar Boleyn!

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I'm not usually one for fantasy but I looooved this! It truly was amazing and I'm already halfway through the rest of the series!!

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In a world of doomed love, perilous quests, and impending war, Morgan Pendragon, a forsaken princess, seeks to seize control of her destiny. Bound by duty and whispered to possess fae blood, her life is a pawn in the schemes of others. But when tasked by her brother, the king, to retrieve a legendary fae weapon, Morgan sees a chance for freedom.

On her journey, Morgan is ensnared by a band of outcasts led by a captivating warrior. Amidst conflicting desires, they uncover horrors beyond imagination. Meanwhile, a long-lost fae kingdom, feared by mortals, resurfaces, ready to reclaim its power through violence.

As Morgan delves deeper into her heritage, she realizes her blood holds dangerous secrets, making her a target in the brewing conflict. Caught between duty and desire, she faces a destiny more treacherous than she ever imagined.

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Some stories pull you in from the start and refuse to let go. This is what happened to me. I started reading and I just couldn't stop, I needed to know what happens next.

My favourite character is definitely Draven. The rude and annoying guy who turns out to be kind and compassionate and much much more.
Then Morgan. Now she at first seemed naiv but I have a feeling she will be fearsome and great.

I loved all the creatures in the story and I hope to know more.
Also immensely curious about the history behind everything.

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Queen of Roses
Author: Briar Boleyn
Blood of a Fae #1
Fantasy

Thank you netgalley for this arc! Fun fact: growing up, “Quest for Camelot” was one of my favorite movies 😂. I have always loved King Arthur and the story of Excalibur and everything surrounding that. This is a FAE retelling and it was so friggin good. A lot of world building, and lots of twists and turns, and characters to meet. Our main character is King Arthur’s sister, Morgan Pendragon, who has fae blood in her veins. King Arthur is a D-BAG in this book!!!! He sets her off on a seemingly unattainable quest, which ends up setting off a chain of events that really sets this up for an amazing series. It’s four books and it is complete! So excited to start the next.

The author did an amazing job with this book. I loved it so much. Nothing bad to say. Chefs kiss on this one. More people need to know about this book! I had never heard of it until I saw it on netgalley. Fae and fantasy loving girlies will go nuts over this!!!!

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This is a captivating and thrilling fantasy novel that follows the journey of Morgan Pendragon, a cast-off princess who is destined for a life of duty and sacrifice. But when her brother, the king, tasks her with finding a powerful fae weapon, Morgan sees it as an opportunity to break free from her predetermined fate. What follows is a dangerous and exhilarating adventure as Morgan joins forces with a group of outcasts, led by a mysterious and alluring warrior. As they navigate through the treacherous fae world, Morgan must not only confront her own desires and duty, but also unravel the secrets of her own blood that make her a target for the fae kingdom.
Boleyn's writing is enchanting and vivid, painting a rich and intricate world filled with magic, danger, and morally grey characters. The plot is well-paced and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The world-building is superb, with every detail carefully crafted to create a believable and immersive setting. But what truly sets this book apart is its characters. Morgan is a strong and determined protagonist, who struggles with her own identity and desires. Her relationship with the enigmatic warrior, whose sharp wit and fierce beauty captivates her, is slow-burning and full of tension. Their chemistry is palpable and adds a layer of depth to the story. The supporting characters are equally well-developed and add their own unique dynamics to the group. Each with their own secrets and motivations, they bring an element of unpredictability to the story. Overall, this is a must read for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah J. Maas.

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"I burn for you Morgan. You've set me aflame.."
"Then let the flames consume us."

After reading this book twice, I realized why I loved it both times! I read it one year ago when it was initially released and immediately was left feeling like I wanted so much more! Of course my TBR list got in the way and I didn't get around to reading the rest of the series, nevertheless I am so excited I reread it! At first I was disappointed there wasn't much spice, however after reading Briar Boleyn's excerpt at the end of the book, I understood exactly why. This is a SLOW burn novel, where the author spends time with the MFC, developing her background, introducing those close to her, and world building. This novel contains characters from the tale of King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table however not a direct retelling of that particular story. The MMC is still so mysterious to me I cannot wait to find out what occurs in the next book between him and the MFC. The shock at the end will leave you with your jaw dropped! There are some scenes where the MFC undergoes assault but do not fear she does get her revenge! It was great to see the MFC have real internal dilemmas about speaking out or acting out. She was not necessarily reckless with her decision making and even expressed her fear of what could happen as she had others to think of. Also, I think the author does an excellent job of really driving home the adversary of the MFC and MMC. Overall, I am so intrigued to see how the rest of the story plays out, I will definitely be reading the series!

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