“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!

Oh, and I can't forget, any book where the FMC has a dagger is one I usually devour!!
And Morgan, armed with a dagger as always, inspired me to create this Dagger Necklace. Like Excalibur, it has a hand carved and cast rose on the hilt representing the rose court, but also, it sits at the center of a triple moon symbol which represents the Temple of Three. A blood red ruby the color of the rose court and the blood on her hands. 

PLOT

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!

WHY I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

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 YOUR 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 fans of Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas.

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.

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