I am always excited to read a retelling, and I was particularly excited for this one as I have never read a retelling of the tales of King Arthur and Merlin and Morgana before. However, I just couldn’t keep reading this book past 41% for a few reasons. I felt like there was no clear dividing line in this story between historical accuracy and modern-day inflections. For example, despite it being set in the distant past, female promiscuity and gay relationships were normalized, however in the same world a female character is literally branded with no consequences for the male attacker. It felt a bit like Boleyn wanted to have her cake and eat it too with injecting two radically different moral codes into this one society. This was something that personally bugged me whilst reading, and after a while it became too irritating to continue.
This book also, although based on a fresh origin story, felt very similar to other books of the same type (the From Blood and Ash series specifically) which isn’t a bad thing if the characters are intriguing enough to still warrant reading about; unfortunately for me, these characters just weren’t.

Morgan Pendragon is the oldest child of Uther Pendragon, but her mother was rumored to be fae. As soon as her cruel father declared her brother Arthur legitimate and his heir, he also promised her to the temple. Arthur has grown up as cruel as their father and now orders her to travel and find him a fae weapon of legendary power. Along the way, she sees more than the kingdom of Camelot and learns that the fae weren't driven away from the world after all. Her potentially fae blood could find Excalibur, but it also makes her a threat to the kingdom she loves.

The warnings say this is a series that has a tame beginning, but this is a world that owes more to Game of Thrones than the courtly Arthurian legends most are used to. We open book one of the duology with a scene of domestic violence, Uther killing Ygraine in front of a hidden Morgan. This tells us what life in the kingdom is like right away. Arthur tends to be aggressive and cruel, reveling in the power he has and the worsening conditions of the people that he created. Everything must be done at his command, and minor issues are an affront to his sense of power and self. He's vicious, prejudiced against the fae, women with authority, homosexuality, magic, and even the three major goddesses of the land. Instead, he venerates a god of war that once was worshipped with bloody rituals and sacrifice. He was fully aware of the cruelties heaped on Morgan's head because of the rumors that she was part fae and shares in the same belief that she's a born traitor and after his throne.

Once on the road, the tone of the book doesn't change right away, but there's an uneasy alliance with the assassin leading Morgan to Excalibur. Of course, this brings on the forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers trope, but it's a slow burn and complicated by the addition of another guy into the group. We know who the better match is, but Morgan was sheltered enough in some ways that she has no idea what healthy relationships look like. She sees the outside world and learns how much worse Camelit is, and the final third is where the stereotypical fantasy adventure party enters the dungeon and battles magical creatures. The ending is something of a cliffhanger; we don't know why Morgan is so important or why her heritage was hidden, who last-minute additions really are, and what to make of changes in her love interests. I'm sure these questions will be answered in the next book of the duology, but it left me a bit unsettled to have so many unanswered questions about what was really happening.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved that there were action scenes, the inclusion of animal "helpers", and many side characters that joined along for the journey. Morgan as a character really grew on me as the book went on, I loved how she got to discover things about herself and her power. Her growth from trauma and abuse is something that many people can relate to. I would like to see more between Draven and Morgan, it would create more buy in from me at least, to believe that there is something between them. But i'm sure that will most likely be explored in Book 2.

I did not finish this book. I made it about 40% in before calling it.
I loved the blurb of the book and I thought I would really enjoy this, but I just felt like it didn't keep my attention very well. I also love a fantasy retelling of classic lore/literature, however, I wish that the character names would have been different than the original Arthurian tale.
I am rating this 3 stars, because I do not feel that it's fair to rate a book I didn't finish, but NetGalley requires a star rating.

So I am betting I am like most of the readers for this one. We grabbed it because of that last line. Great for fans of Holly Black, Jennifer Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas. Well that was nothing but lies. This story had so much potential but it fell so short. From the characters being under development to the plot being a mess at times. I wish that I would have loved it. Because with some simple tweaks it would be amazing.

This was honestly a really fun easy read. A Camelot retelling with a unexpected fae twist. The story read a lot like From Blood and Ash and What Lies Beyond the Veil, but if you enjoy those stories (which I did) then I would recommend this book. Although a bit predictable there were still some aspects that I was not expecting which made the story refreshing. A very promising debut fantasy novel by Briar Boleyn and will definitely be reading the next one! (Although hoping for a more original story)

Wooow! This was just wooow, unbelievably amazing! I literally didn’t know what to expect because although I do know some bits and pieces about Camelot, King Arthur and the legend of it all, I don’t really know the story well. I went in blind and was absolutely pleasantly surprised, this is everything i ever wanted in a fantasy book and so much more.

I loved the whole story, even the crazy parts, it is so well written and that ending!!! I really liked the fae twist and the magic, everything was really easy to follow and the FMC is amazing. Ahhh I need to read the sequel already!

This book had good world building and the characters were interesting. We love a good re-telling of a well known story with the authors personal touches to the storyline.

I really liked this twist on the traditional tale of King Artur. This book was full of intrigue and a fantastic journey with many mythical beasts through long forgotten lands. I enjoyed that the protagonist was Morgana (Morgan in the book) and that she was big hearted and naive even though so many times the people she trusted treated her badly (Arthur, her father, uncle, Florián, etc). I will look forward to the next installment, though I wish this one did not end on a cliffhanger.

This is a new and very original take on the Morgan le Fay and King Arthur tale. I really enjoyed reading Morgan's journey from being an unwanted fae half-sister sent on a quest by her unbalanced brother Arthur to find Excalibur alongside her smouldering bodyguard knight Draven and how she grows into her fae powers and sense of self-worth. I can't wait for part 2 of this exciting series!

Thank you Netgalley and Starwater Press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the world-building! It wasn’t complicated to keep up with everything and it was super easy to picture everything.

If you enjoy slow-burn romance, King Arthur retellings, morally grey characters, and quests in a rich fantasy world full of fae, fantastical creatures and magic, then you will love this tale! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series because that cliffhanger definitely left me wanting more.

This is a dark fantasy story, so please ensure you check the trigger warnings, which can be found in a link in the Table of Contents for the ebook!

*** I was given an ARC by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest Review ***

I have never read any fantasy retellings of Camelot, King Arthur, and Excalibur so I was SUPER excited to get my hands on this one…Unfortunately I almost put this down throughout the first 50% of the book BUT the last 50% had me hooked…Not that I found anything wrong with with concept, the world building showed depth but I think for me the characters needed more???

Book 2 Court of Claws is expected to be released June 30 2023 and I cannot wait to see what unfolds

Queen of Roses (Book 1, Blood of a Fae) - Briar Boleyn

I was given a copy of this story through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Briar Boleyn is a Canadian author, however that is her pen name. Her real name being Fenna Edgewood – a bestselling romance author, with books such as her Gardner Girls series.



Morgan Pendragon is the older half-sister of the famed King Arthur, but she is also part Fae. From her mother who was brutally murdered at the hands of their father, who mercifully is now long dead.

Yet Arthur is not the kind and gentle soul she loved and protected, now he is exactly like their father – cruel, vicious and unrelenting in getting whatever it is that he wants. And at this moment that means starting a war where there was no need for it and having Morgan gone and out of his life – permanently. His plan to achieve this? A weapon thought to be a myth and supposedly hiding out in the deserted lands that once belonged to the Fae.

So, he sends Morgan to retrieve this item along with just two of his warriors to assist her – one whom is an assassin for hire – Draven. So, she can only imagine how long it will be before she is dead and in the ground.

Part of her wants to get this item for Arthur in the hopes he would allow her to choose her own destiny and he would let her live in peace, but deep down she fears the destruction he would bring if something that powerful were to ever fall in his hands.

She knew this wouldn’t be an easy task but it’s something she could never have prepared herself for. The further she ventures from Camelot and the closer she gets to what she is seeking - the more her true Fae self comes out and in ways that sometimes scares her.

Yet Draven is not exactly acting how Morgan expected an assassin would. Yes, he does exude an air of dangerousness and outright lethalness that is almost graceful and beautiful with the skill he uses his gifts with. But he hasn’t tried to kill her, in fact he has protected her and saved her life quite a few times. But what is even more puzzling he seems to know exactly where they are going, almost like they have been there before. He knows more than he is letting on about this mission Arthur sent them on and about the Fae, a lot more than he is willing to tell her about.

The secret, the truths he is keeping hidden, is so much more than what she could have ever predicted. But there are also secrets about who Morgan truly is, what she truly is – that her family have kept hidden from her, her whole life.



“Queen of Roses” is a divergent interpretation of the tale of Morgan Pendragon and King Arthur. It is a thrilling and unique tale that tells a story of heartache, loss and betrayal. It portrays King Arthur as a cruel and manipulate tyrant with no heart and Morgan as the fair and innocent damsel – a refreshing change of pace from the typical King Arthur tales. Morgan is strong and determined with a strong love of family despite everything they have done to her- but this quest Arthur sends her own and completely shatters her world and everything she thought she knew. This story was absolutely captivating, thrilling and just a little bit naughty – so pretty much exactly what I want from a fantasy tale. The ending was really - wow – something else. I suspect the next instalment in this tale we are really going to see Morgan coming into her own. Maybe potentially becoming the Morgan I’ve always read about or the potential to become that version of Morgan. But from the way the author has written the characters - I don’t think they will let that happen this their Morga.

While this may not be my cup of tea, it can be for someone else! I just didn’t really connect to Morgan and found her kind of whiny. There was also very little action and more description than I expected

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of queen of roses this was wonderful and i ordered it for my store. i also adore the cover.

this was a very good book, gripped me from the start all the way through, a dangerous mission, a doomed love and a kingdom on the brink of war, what more could you want?
morgan carrys a tained blood line of the fae, shes told to carry out a misson for her brother the king, which she does but thats when everything changes for her, its a very gripping story line and will keep you hooked all the way through, look forward to book two in this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Queen of Roses

This book is 100% not what I expected! And while I will admit I really struggled in the beginning as this isn’t the usual type of book I’m into - because of the King Arthur trope - and the first 40% of this book is more background/history of sorts. But I reached around 60%, for the life of me I couldn’t put it down!

I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Morgan at the start. She was a fierce protector of her little brother, her friends and the kingdom that is rightfully hers. But in the beginning I struggled with her almost lack of ‘fighting back’ capabilities, but as the book went on I could see I was too quick to judge. I loved her character development and transformation that she wen through, throughout this book! And her quirky banter with Draven was honestly all I lived for and I 100% wanted more! Which I hope we get in the next book!

This is a book that I definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings, this book does touch on some disturbing content.

But man, did that cliff hanger at the end leave me yearning for more! Briar, how could you do that to us! I need more now! Looking forward to the next book!

This was a really awesome retelling of the legend of Arthur! I loved Morgan from the very beginning, even though I want to shake her at times for being so naive. Draven was probably my favorite character. I feel like there is more to him than meets the eye, and I look forward to seeing his and Morgan’s story develop in the series. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this story and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

3.5 stars
Book 1 of ? in the Blood of a Fae series. (Single POV/Ends on a Cliffhanger)
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 3/5

Synopsis: Morgan is the eldest daughter to the late king, but due to her having human-fae blood, she is over looked for the thrown out of prejudice. Her brother, Arthur, rules instead - and with his dark morality and greed, the kingdom begins to fall into troubling times. Believing that a sword will save them, Arthur sends his sister Morgan on a quest to find Excalibur in a far off land under the trusty watch of the new captain of the guard, Draven. Can the princess trust Draven, or is he not quite what he seems?

Review: This book gave me major From Blood and Ash vibes with a side of Shattered Kingdom. The story had such a strong start, and had one of my favorite tropes (Who did this to you...), but then I found it kind of took a strange turn during their voyage. The character of Morgan began to devolve I felt after she and Draven met up with their new travel companion. It is later alluded to as to what may have caused that, but it did ruin the enjoyment of the story flow for me just a bit. I also thought the story got a little stagnant around 60%, the journey really did just go on and on, though the banter between Draven and Morgan definitely kept me going. I enjoyed the twists and side characters and the progression that Morgan made as a character, so over all I do recommend this read. However, I will caution that it does end on a not so enjoyable cliffhanger .... you know the kind where they dump a juicy deet on us and then peace out ....

I'm giving it a 4/5 but it was more of a 3.5/5.

A really good entry into fantasy. When advertised as being for lovers of Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas, the book has big boots to fill. Unfortunately, those boots are a little too big. The main storyline is intriguing and different enough that I wanted to know how it ends and I will likely read the rest of the series. This feels like a good introduction into fantasy for people that don't read it often as it is a bit more simplistic. It could have done with a bit more character development and worldbuilding but I may just be picky as I read so much fantasy.

It was a good book, interesting and I liked it. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.