Loved the world building, kept me intrigued to the last page. Sad this is the last book but I definitely recommend people to read this series. If you are into detailed descriptions, suspense, and action packed get this. Thank you penguin teen for this arc.

A thrilling end to the trilogy. I read it in under 24 hours. This series has a really nice ensemble cast. I love Shane, Perrin, Fi, Red, Cinzel, and Briar. I also love picking apart everything to see which fairytales went into their construction. I didn't realize until book 3 that Cinzel's name was a combination of Cinderella and Rapunzel. (Wolves are hairy. It makes sense.)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.

This book was much better than I expected. The author has greatly improved over the series as I kept liking the books more as the series progressed. If the first book was written this vividly and descriptive, I think I would have enjoy the series much more.

I feel like this book is when I feel at most connected with the characters. The descriptions used to describe the scenes, the character's feelings, and their interactions, made me feel more immersed into this world than any of the other books. I have come to care more about Shane, Red, and Fi. In regards to Briar Rose, I'm neutral about him. There wasn't much of him in this book due to the Spindle Witch and the previous books hasn't really made me have any real connections to him, so that is why I neither like or dislike him. Out of all the characters, the most strong personality is Shane. She radiates herself whenever she's in a room or with other characters. I can easily pick her out from a crowd. For Fi and Red, they have personality, it just didn't feel so unique. I couldn't connect with them and care for the troubles they had as much, but they were still likeable.

However, even though I've come to like the main characters in this book, they weren't the most interesting. The most interesting has to be the Paper Witch. He's here and there helping out the main characters, but there's no great focus on him. To which I find him the most intriguing. We barely see the extent of his powers and I wish there was more of him. I would love to have a story focused on him. Out of all the characters, he has to be my favorite, with Perrin as a close second. I want to see what more the Paper Witch can achieve. I want to learn about his past. I'm sorry main characters, but the Paper Witch was more captivating than any of you.

In regards to characters being fleshed out, that focus were on the main characters, the Paper Witch, and Perrin which makes sense, but I feel like there should've been at least something fleshed out for the people of Everlynd. It's constantly talked about in this book and the last, that they can defend themselves and they are soldiers, yet I couldn't believe it since it's only mentioned. We barely see them in action and so I perceived them as weak. I really don't have much confidence as them as an army to defeat the Spindle Witch and when they did, it doesn't feel as thrilling. The same goes for the Spindle Witch. We see her as the villain from the first book, but yet when she appears, the big bad villain aura kinda goes away with how late she arrives. It's hyped up for too long. It doesn't help that in this book she rarely appears as well. We see her use her powers and she can be powerful, but it doesn't live up to the hype that was built from the beginning. I just feel like she needed be involved more. She only appears when convenient. I need to see her more in action for her to truly live up as a villain. I only perceive her as weak compared to the hype due to her lack of appearances and her inactivity throughout this series. I consider the Witch Hunters to be a better villain than her.

With the more detailed terms used in this book, I was more intrigued into the plot than ever before. I figured what the ending would be, but I was intrigued on the journey towards it. This is why I gave it an extra .5 due to it being more lively than the other books. I do wish however there was a map. It seems like the characters are in the next location so quickly. I just assumed they're right next door. If they were, I'm surprised they weren't ambushed by the Spindle Witch. The best trait that carried throughout the whole series is how the author doesn't dilly dally with each chapter. It gets straight to the point, therefore there is a purpose to each scene.

Overall, the plot of this book was the best and it was a good conclusion to this series. I just wish I could've become more attached to the characters from the first book, otherwise I would've cared for them more. Sadly, the Spindle Witch wasn't really hitting me as the most powerful character due to her lack of appearances. The Witch Hunters seems to be doing a better job at that though. This was an average series and I believe more could've been done to make it better. This series had so much potential, but it came a bit too late.

I've been eagerly awaiting the book in this trilogy. Vedder created something really special with her world building and characterizations in this super satisfying conclusion. I am going to re-read this entire series to finalize my feels. But in the meantime, my love for this series is a triumph feeling I wont lose any time soon.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

4.5 rounded up to 5/5

"The Cursed Rose," the third installment in Leslie Vedder's Bone Spindle series, is a gasp-worthy finale that delivers on its promises of ancient secrets, broken alliances, and fierce friendships. Perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson, Holly Black, and Marissa Meyer, this twisted fairytale doesn't follow the traditional happily ever after formula, making it a refreshing and captivating read.

The plot centers around a cursed kingdom, with the fate of its people hanging in the balance. The once formidable group of Fi, Briar, Shane, and Red is now fractured, torn apart by the malevolent Spindle Witch. As Fi finds herself a prisoner in a tower with the monstrous Briar Rose, the Spindle Witch's web tightens around them. The race is on to decode the ancient riddle of the Rose Witches and prevent the Spindle Witch from acquiring the Siphoning Spells.

The characters, each with their unique qualities, contribute to the richness of the story. Fi is portrayed as clever, passionate, thoughtful, and brave, while Shane is an adorable, hot-headed warrior, and Red undergoes significant growth and emotional complexity. Briar adds a flirtatious sweetness to the mix. The interactions between the characters shine, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.

The weaving of new alliances, the introduction of vicious bone monsters, and the exploration of the Tomb of Queen Aurora add layers of excitement and intrigue. Vedder successfully ties up all loose threads, providing a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. The villain is remarkably fleshed out, adding depth to the narrative.

The gender-bent aspect of the fairytales brings a fresh perspective, with women taking charge of the rescue missions instead of being rescued. This progressive approach adds a layer of empowerment to the story, making it stand out in the genre.

The series as a whole is a delightful journey, and "The Cursed Rose" serves as a perfect conclusion. The characters, both individually and together, leave a lasting impression. The clever, heart-filled storytelling combined with unexpected twists makes this trilogy a must-read. Fans will find it hard not to be obsessed with the series from the first page of the first book. Here's hoping for intriguing spin-offs that continue to explore the enchanting world crafted by Leslie Vedder.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Cursed Rose is a wonderful conclusion to The Bone Spindle trilogy, providing more creative exploration of the fairytale world and the twists on the lore as we know it that worked so well in the first two. While that aspect is more prominent than the treasure hunting aspect, it was no less action packed and engaging from start to finish.
The characters remain fantastic, even if some of the partnership dynamic between Fi and Shane in particular was missing, due to each of them going on their own journeys this time. Shane in particular shines, and while she’s never lacked in confidence, I like seeing more of her dynamic with Red. And Red definitely grew on me a lot over the course of this book too, both in her own right and as a love interest for Shane…Shane being protective of Red is the sweetest thing.
Fi and Briar left me feeling a tad more conflicted. While I liked them a lot more at the end of the last book, I found them once again getting the short shrift. Fi as a character has a lot to do, so she’s delightful to follow as always, but Briar’s absence was very much felt, and I didn’t feel like they had a ton of page time over the course of the trilogy to make their ending the in epilogue fee “earned.”
I really enjoyed this series, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy YA fantasy inspired by classic fairy tales.

Lovely cover! Interesting storyline, the start magically pulls you in. This gives a little bit of everything witches, fantasy, fairytales, and mystery!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

So glad to have been introduced to this author through NetGalley, what a wonder. I love the magical fairytale vibes of this unique series, on top of the already compelling riddles and puzzles and the treasure hunter aspect. An excellent conclusion to an excellent series!

The thrilling conclusion to this series, The Cursed Rose brings our characters into more impossible situations. As Fi gets closer to the solution to the code from Briar's sister, the Spindle Witch becomes restless and everything is more dangerous. Shane and Red have their own obstacles, and Perrin and the Paper Witch are doing their part, too.

I really liked how things unfolded in terms of the puzzles and curses of the series. I also liked how things wrapped up, and the twists along the way were very well done. I think there could have been more at the end, but that was still done really well.

The trilogy's final installment is a radiant conclusion that continuously felt like stepping into a vibrant fairytale. The characters, from Fi's intellect and bravery to Shane's loyal intensity, Red's deep growth, and Briar's sunny charisma, create a rich tapestry of tenderness and camaraderie. Even the side characters, like Perrin and the fleshed-out villain, add depth and investment to the story. The epic finale brilliantly weaves together every element, offering a satisfying resolution while leaving a yearning to revisit this magical world, brimming with beloved friendships and romances worth championing.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Penguin/Razorbill for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I cannot believe this series has come to an end! It’s been such a lovely ride and I will be immediately picking up everything Leslie Vedder writes next!! The Bone Spindle series has easily slid into one of my all-time favourite series. I absolutely adore each book and the magical fairytale vibes woven throughout. It was an incredible ending to the trilogy and as captivating as book 1 and 2.

The Bone Spindle series is Indiana Jones meets gender-bent Sleeping Beauty. The books follow Fi, a bookish treasure hunter who loves ruins and riddles, Shane, a badass fighter who is all action, and Briar Rose, a prince under a sleeping curse waiting for true love's kiss. The series is full of found family, fast-paced action, intricately woven plots, curses, magic, and witch and witch hunters.

Fi and Shane are the most heartwarming and funny friends/treasure-hunter-partners I’ve read about in such a long time. I adored every scene that they’re together! And each of their romances was so sweet and swoony!

This series is absolutely incredible and perfect for anyone who loves fairytale retellings!

Thank you so much to Leslie Vedder and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill for this eARC. After reading books 1 and 2, this was a great ending to the trilogy. I love Fantasy and this series was amazing! I cant wait to read more from Leslie!

I really enjoyed this entire trilogy. A satisfying conclusion that didn't lose steam as it neared the end of the story. I appreciate how Vedder made an original story out of so many familiar fairy tale parts.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ability to read this book before release day. WOW did this book make me feel all of the feelings. Sometimes the third book in a series can be intimidating because they can be weaker than the series start, but I was so happy to see that that wasn't the case here. I absolutely loved EVERY second of this installment, and the character growth and expanding world. Leslie Vedder has a power with words, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

“Memories spring up all at once, like the seeds you grow in the garden. Forgetting, on the other hand, is a slow, inevitable decay.”

Wowza, this book took me down a whirlwind of emotions. Especially, towards the end, my goodness.

It picks up right where we left off in The Severed Thread, with Fi and Briar within the Spindle Witch’s clutches. Very similarly to the first books in the trilogy we are faced with a journey of difficult trials and uncovering lost histories. It’s dark and sad but full of hope.

“Hurt has a way of consuming from the inside out when left to fester in dark places.”

My only complaint is that I miss Briar, I wish we had more of his perspective. I missed him, but I feel the absence of Briar gifted us with more Perrin.

On the other side of the rails, we have Red facing her demons and Shane trying to power through everything with will of ten bulls. We get to see so much growth of Red’s character and the love between her and Shane fall into place.

This series gripped me from the start and I’m so sad it’s over, but it was so good and such a creative retelling. If you love YA fantasy, a little romance, and a well-executed retelling, then this series is for you.

Thanks so much to Leslie Vedder and Penguin Teen for the advanced copy. (Quotes are based on uncorrected text.)

Following the events of The Severed Thread, we find Briar Rose as a monster, Fi trapped with the Spindle Witch, and Red, Cinzel, Shane, and company with the Witches of Andar. Fi has promised the Spindle Witch that she can solve the riddle needed so she can take even more power and crush the remaining Witches. Shane just wants her partner back. Red is going through an identity crisis. Briar has no thoughts, head possessed. Can our favorite treasure hunters beat the Spindle Witch with all odds against them?

I love this trilogy. I was obsessed with the first book from the first page and am incredibly grateful to get to read the final installment.
I loved the inclusion of a very twisted Rapunzel story. The way the lore of Aurora, the Lord of the Butterflies, and the Spindle Witch unfolds throughout the books is nothing short of extraordinary and well paced. The treasure hunting aspect doesn't appear here as much, which was a shame, but understandable for the story.

The characters shine on their own, but they really dazzle when they're together. Fi is probably best suited to being on her own, but I did miss her and Shane's banter and interactions with each other. Fi doesn't have a ton of character growth, but she's unable to run away from her problems because her partner knows her a little too well. Shane is the most consistent character, which I find makes sense. She's always been self-assured and confident, now she just has a little more of her gooey center popping out. Red's character growth was stunning. She's always been seen as the seductive witch, and here we really see how much of that is a front and the lasting trauma from her childhood. Briar... there isn't too much I can say, he spends the novel as a monster who can barely communicate in dreams with Fi.

My main issue with the book is a lack of Briar and Fi. We only get a semblance of resolution in the last few chapters, and a true reunion in the second epilogue. I hope this is setting up for another series/spin-off, but for a book trilogy that started based on gender-bent Sleeping Beauty, there's a lack of the tension and romance from the first two books. Red and Shane fans, though, rejoice! There are plenty of romantic moments that make up for the crumbs of the first two books.

I think there's enough left here for multiple spinoffs. I would literally read about these characters going to the grocery store though. I mean, we need resolution for Shane and her twin, for the Lord of the Butterflies, for Fi and her family. I need my girls to get revenge on Armand. PLEASE.

At the end of the day, this is a beautiful fantasy crafted from fairytales that I think appeals to a variety of readers.

Once again, thank you SO very much to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)

I think the cover and the title work well for this genre. I didn't catch that it was a final book in the description. Must have missed this. I don't have the money or time to read the previous books in the series to read this before the book is archived, so I am going to have to pass on this one without reading it. It is unfortunate, as this does seem interesting, which is why I requested it in the first place! My bad.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great continuation of this series. I loved this book and thought it was so well done.

This series has been officially moved to my favorites shelf because I read each book in less than 24 hours.

The Cursed Rose is the heavily anticipated finale to Leslie Vedder's Bone Spindle series, and it is a beautifully written emotional rollercoaster.
I won't go too much into details of the plot because I don't want to spoil anything, but I read it basically in three sittings, only because I had to eat dinner and go to bed (otherwise I probably would've read the whole thing in one go). I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and the end had me furiously annotating my e-book with notes of how upset I was with certain turns of events.
The characters, once again, continue to shine through. Perrin grew on me a little in this book, surprisingly enough. I also think my opinions on Red have drastically changed since book one and I love Cinzel with my whole heart. Shane is still awesome and hilarious and she's probably one of my favorite female fantasy warriors. As for Fi and Briar? They're probably still my favorites and let me just say the angst that I went through in this book was insane. Thanks to the author for making me suffer, I enjoyed it a lot.
If you enjoyed the first two books, The Cursed Rose will not let you down. It's full of twists, puzzles, and one final adventure that will rip your heart apart and then piece it back together.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC! (No, really, thanks. When I got the email that my request was approved, I squealed like a toddler).
4.75/5

A great conclusion to this series.

The gender bent aspect is a fresh take on the story. And for once it’s nice seeing some women doing the rescuing.

As I read this book I feel like I noticed other fairy tales making minor appearances. With Shane and Red I got Red Riding hood. From the Spindle Witch, there’s the obvious sleeping beauty connection, but she’s described as having been locked in a tower and having long golden hair. Which to me screams Rapunzel.

I did love that at the end, even once the curse was broken, Fi was able to admit that she didn’t want to stay in one place. I think that alone showed a lot of growth in her character.