So after thinking this over, maybe I should have passed on this book because it even says for fans of Red Queen and I didn't really like that book like I had wanted too. It just sounded so cool and that cover was stunning! I mean look at the cover! It's so beautiful! I just want to hug that cover and stare at it forever. If only what was inside was as good....

The book isn't bad by any means, it throws you right into the story, nothing is slow about this book and that is nice but to me, that also means the world building is lacking a little. A few of the characters feel flat to me.

I do love what the book represents, it's a great metaphor for the world today today I think. There's a group of people who hold all the power and money and the others have no say at all. So they start a rebellion and yeah. I like that our MC joins in and even helps when she can.

So I love the themes in the book and the road the characters do down but I just also found it boring... and I hate that I didn't like it as much as I did. I also love that the love interest is totally a PoC, which I love seeing more of in books! We need that.

So yeah... I guess I'm just sad that I didn't love it that way I did. That doesn't mean it's a bad book by any means, just not my taste. This book just put me into a month long reading slump.


Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1906447321

It will go live on my blog on 3/4/2017 - http://sweetcherry69.blogspot.com/

Unfortunately, this was a mess of about 4 different ideas that never seemed to fit together coherently. I was disappointed to find the Eastern European setting undermined by the fact that the protagonist is British (and, thus, the whole narrative is through a Victorian/Western lens).

There were flashes of things i really enjoyed, but ultimately the protagonist spent the entire book doing nothing. She watched things happen, her magic meant she didn't actually do anything, things just happened around her, even the final defining moment of the book isn't hers because another character had to--literally--force her hand.

The book felt like a westerner's attempt to write a vaguely Eastern European story, which, is exactly what it was. It just didn't work. If this book had had a protagonist who was truly invested in the Hungarian revolution for her own reasons maybe it would have been believeable, but it simply wasn't. Everything fell flat.

I have to say - this one totally surprised me and it surprised me in the best possible way. Admittedly, I walked into this thinking I was going to get another typical supernatural fantasy story with a society raised heroine who is overlooked because she's doesn't have powers, then things are revealed and blah, blah, blah . . . In some ways, I did get that story, however, it was also so much more than that. I have to give a hand to the author who really delved into the politics of this world. I LOVED THAT!!! It felt well researched and authentic and provided an interesting contrast (and balance) to the supernatural elements of the book. Bravo indeed for being to do that in a way that is interesting and compelling for teen readers. It will be interesting to see what direction Eves takes the subsequent books in the series - and I can definitely say that I am anxiously awaiting their release!

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this novel.

Well guys, not my favorite. I didn't get into Red Queen but I wanted to give this book a shot on its own because I feel each book deserves its own chance. However, this fell short of my expectations as well. I loved that it took place in Hungary, I liked the summary, but just couldn't get into the book itself.

I quite liked this. It was nice to read a historical novel (even if it was a fantasy historical novel) that takes place somewhere other than Paris. Not that I have anything against Paris, but there's so many other places in Europe, and I'm really glad the author set the book in Hungary. It was interesting reading about a few Hungarian folktales and having the language included.

Anna was a pretty capable main character. She wasn't completely oblivious or helpless, and when she said "I would not be one of those girls who remake herself and her beliefs for the attention of a man, even for Gábor. He would have to love me for myself - or not at all" I cheered. It's so nice to have strong female characters who don't rely on men to save them, and who also don't change themselves for the attention of them. It seems like that happens way too much in YA novels, so I'm always glad when I read a book with female characters I can get behind.

It was a little hard to remember some of the details because they went by so fast, while other parts weren't explained as well. The pacing could have been a little better, but it wasn't overly bad. And I know a lot of people were really turned off by the whole kissing cousins thing, but that was a pretty common occurrence in that part of history,

I am wondering where this series is going to go. Unlike most first books in a series, there wasn't much of a cliffhanger, though I do have predictions on the small epilogue.

This is an interesting historical fantasy with a nice blend of adventure, magic, adventure, romance and history. It's well written and keeps the reader anxious to find the ending.

I originally requested this book because it takes place in Hungary, and I really love that country. I'm so glad I did! This book was excellent; and I enjoyed reading the alternate universe of the 1847-48 revolution. The Binding and the use of magic in this world is intriguing. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series!

Historical setting + magic= Y e s

I’ve never been one for magic in modern settings (never read or seen HP), but I adore it in historical settings because it just seems more magical that way to me. So I was pleasantly surprised with Blood Rose Rebellion and enjoyed the story much more than I thought I would. The first few chapters made me think Blood Rose Rebellion was going to be as generic as Red Queen because it sounded like every other book out there, but then quickly became more interesting when Anna left for Hungary.

I liked Anna, her cousins, and especially Gabor (what a babe). I’m not sure that I like Anna and Gabor as a couple yet. But I am happy a romance wasn’t overshadowing the plot (and no love triangle) or the main focus of Anna’s thoughts. She had a hard decision to make, on breaking the binding or not, and was sensible about it—at least I believe she was.

Though, on a side note, I kind of ship Anna and Hunger. I think they had more chemistry (in a weird way) than Anna and Gabor did in the entire book. If there are other books, I hope he returns.

“Blood Rose Rebellion” by Rosalyn Eves is a great young adult fantasy. The magic system is complex and yet easily understandable. The story is a fantasy historical retelling which is not terribly common which gave it an edge. The main character is a bit frustrating and naïve. Although, I found commonality with her emotional reactions and appreciated her ability to act instead of sit around and allow things to happen to her. This was interesting story and definitely worth reading for those who enjoy history and fantasy.

Although I love the concept of the story, the book's development and structure were not particularly breathtaking. The characters were cliche, a little too much so even in an average YA book.

Sixteen-year-old Anna Arden is shunned in her society. Why? Because although born into a family that is part of the Luminate, powerful magic users, she does not have any ability to use magic. But when she breaks her sister's spell, unintentionally, she is exiled to her family's once powerful home, Hungary.

Isolated from everything she has known, Anna, realizes that Hungary, although not in its former glory, is not what it seems and her "ability" to disable spells are valuable to those she least expect. Faced with a hard choice, Anna must decide if the world she has always known is better than a changed world.

*Short Review*

Jumping right into this, I didn't like this book. Anna was a selfish, snobby human being that expected people to do what she wanted although she regarded them like crap. She was a spoiled brat that lacked respect.

From the beginning, I couldn't get into the book. Nothing about it really interested me and Anna's personality didn't help either. I did however, liked the scenery in the book and the details of the environment. But the story although focuses on the rich (in money and magic) and the poor (in magic (supposedly) and money, it took some time for me to feel the intensity between the two classes. I understand that it has to build and there needs to be a huge point of tension but it didn't feel real and if this was a on going thing, it didn't begin until Anna was in Hungary.

I wanted to see the tension, see the divide before Anna's exile. Yes, it happens fairly soon in the book but Anna stays in a bubble even when things are falling in her face. I just didn't feel a connection with this book and not only did I try to read it once but I put it down and read it a second time.

Overall, this book wasn't for me but that is not to say that someone else may not enjoy it.

1 Pickle

Original take on magic upper classes versus non-magic lower classes, incorporated into mid 1800's Hungarian revolution era. I liked how the protagonist slowly comes to know of the Romani culture. Ana herself an outcast within her class because she can't wield magic, she can better relate to the hardships presented to the Romani. My favorite character was Hunger and the Lady. I hope they make a bigger appearance in future books.

Left review on Goodreads and will also leave on Amazon

I was afraid this would be another potato chip off the factory YA processing plant, but was gratefully surprised to find out otherwise. Major points: there is no insta-romance, no whining princess, and it's got good world building!

The world building was really good. The book is set during Hungary's revolutionary period during the Hapsburg dynasty (for all you history lovers. But if you're not a history fan, that's cool, cuz I'm not a major buff, but learned a lot and enjoyed it). While the story doesn't stick to strict history (I'm pretty sure the Hungarians didn't have magic, but I didn't pay attention in all my history classes), it does give it a unique setting with enough foreign terms and ideas that I feel like I'm in a great alien culture. Stick in magic, and you have a great formula for success.

The characters were well developed, as was the magic system. I liked how Anna had to deliberate between the greater evils before the book ended. It wasn't a simple answer, and it showed how neither choice was truly black or white. It was very mature, and something that's really lacking in most YA books where the characters do things on impulse, without thought to the consequences. (Incidentally, there are hardly ever any majorly bad consequences in those cases. Somehow, things always turn to the best outcome.)

All in all, this was a great read for the plot and world building, and I recommend it. I rate it at 4.2.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Y'all... I didn't like this book at all. It was honestly your typical book about magic to be honest. There was nothing spectacular about this book at all.

I somewhat enjoyed how the author wrote. It was decent enough to make you want to keep reading, but not anything awe inspiring. Even the storyline was mediocre. Honestly the only amazing thing about this book was the cover. Because you see that cover?? It's gorgeous.

I personally disliked the main character very much. She's in this world where if you aren't a "Luminate", you are looked down upon and considered lower class. So, of course the main character would be born into a magical family and not be considered special by any means. OH< but guess what. She is. She's the most dangerous "Luminate" of all. (Yeah. Talk about originality.) Anna (the main character) can block spells. Because thats supposed to be dangerous how? I don't even know to be honest. And after a while I just stopped caring for this main character. She was hateful and thought down on a lot of people. Then there was this problem with her sister. And yeah sure her sister is rude, just like she is, and they hate each other (the only parts that I enjoyed were the hate scenes.) It didn't even seem at times like they were sisters. Or that they were even a close family to be honest.

ALSO, the Harry Potter references were just ummm... off putting? Like really, you're going to have a character named Ginny... and then give her red hair? Really. And then throw her into a magical world. That wasn't very original. And then there was the main group of Magical Authority which was called the "Circle." But it really reminded me of the Ministry of Magic at times. A few of them were corrupt and just funky, and then they had sooo much power over all the "Luminates" that it got super annoying. ALSO, the Circle is exactly what Valentines group is called in the Mortal Instruments series. So that was just a no. Honestly, this whole book was a no.

The only thing that was different and somewhat interesting was the Hungarian folklore and mythology and stuff. But it still wasn't enough to redeem the story.

You can give it a shot if you want. I can't stop you. But if I could, I would. I recommend going and rereading Harry Potter... because um its Harry Potter, why wouldn't you want to??

Anyways, Solo is out.

Repetitive info dumps, left field plot twists, and uncomfortable cousin kissing. Yeah, this book was a chore to read, to say the least, and it is easily the worst book I've read so far in 2017.

“Has no one told you, child, not to wander in unfamiliar woods? Have you not read your fairy tales?”

This is a historical fantasy novel, set in 19th century Hungary, with some Hungarian folklore. The author actually places real people from Hungarian history in her story, too, so I'll give her a little credit for a unique setting, but it didn't help the actual enjoyment of this book..

I think it is important to note that I am not Hungarian, but Lex's review is very important in terms of accurate representation, and is just amazing in general. If you are questioning the authenticity on certain elements of this book, her review is a must read.

At this point I feel like all the "new" YA fantasy is just the same. You can take your pick, if you've read one you've read them all, but Blood Rose Rebellion still feels a little worse for some reason, even with the more unique setting.

I didn't care about any of the characters, I felt no chemistry for any relationship, and I never believed in any of the friendships. This book reads cold and stoic.

The basic storyline is that our main protagonist, Anna, lives in a society where your worth is dependent on your magical ability. The trick of this statement is a powerful society, the Luminate, which her family is a part of, announce whether children have magical abilities or not.

Anna is deemed barren, yet everyone else's spells seem to break or backfire around her. After she ruins her sister's magical debutante party, and while doing so because they both have a crush on the same boy, the Luminates become much more interested in Anna.

After an offer to go to Hungary with her grandmother, Anna's parents force her to go in hopes that it will clear her sister's good name, so she can be married off like a proper lady, and that Anna can escape the radar of the Luminates. So off to Hungary Anna and her grandmother go.

And this wouldn't be a historical fiction novel if the highborn lady didn't fall in love with a Gypsy boy. So in Hungary, a weird sort of love triangle ensues, with sexual tension involving Anna's third cousin, along the "meat" of the story, which will be information dumping alongside mixed messages to confuse you constantly.

The author will then throw in twists to try to rationalize the story along. Then tragedy will strike to pull at your heartstrings, but the story has been so convoluted for so long that you won't even care who lives or who dies, you'll just want it to be over.

“I did not want to be remembered. I had only wanted to be loved.”

I'm sorry, I really am, but this book was one of the books I knew I should have DNFed, but I hate DNFing ARCs so here we are. Again, I never want to turn people away from trying a book, so I hope if you give this book a try that you will feel differently than I did.

I’d like to thank NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rosalyn Eves weaves shadows and darkness into things with clawed hands and teeth that gnash, which pushed me to read every page faster. Eves brings Hungarian myths to life with such clarity and emotion that it has left me wanting to learn more about the culture. Blood Rose Rebellion is an alternative history mixed with fantasy.

Blood Rose Rebellion doesn’t deviate from the tried and true norm of a girl finding herself at odds with society, shunned for her differences only to eventually learn that she is the key to save that society. BUT what it does challenge you to figure out where you stand on the each issue the novel brings up.

Eves paints revolution in varying shades of gray. She uses Anna Arden to take us through each side’s argument for unleashing magic or for keeping it bound to a small elite group. There’s a list a mile long of pros and cons for both arguments, and Anna is caught in the middle. Anna learns that trusted companions can make or break you. She learns that there are fair weather revolutionaries. They’ll talk the talk, but not walk the walk when the tide turns and becomes a deadly force. There are some really good points that are brought up in this novel:

“Change is never without cost.” -Gábor

“People do terrible things when they are afraid.” –Anna

"You should not dismiss me because I am only a girl, Even a small dog can bite… a microorganism smaller than the head of a pin can kill a grown man.” –Anna

These three quotes are so applicable to the world we live in today, and it is important to remember that no matter if you are just one person, that you can still have an enormous effect on the world around you.

I have to say thank you for including a glossary. I love glossaries, especially in fantasies. There is no way I would have kept each magician order straight in my head without. Bless you!

If you’re a fan of Cassandra Clare’s The Infernal Devices series, I think you’ll enjoy Rosalyn Eves’s Blood Rose Rebellion.

This book confused me. I didn't really understand the title, and while it seemed like it desperately want to be Fantasy, it was stuck in the real world. I also couldn't tell how much of the book was supposed to really be taken seriously. How much logic from the real world had been thrown out, and how much was the fantasy side? The book wasn't bad, but it just didn't move fast enough for me to get completely invested in it. I liked the minor characters better than the major ones, and while Anna was a pretty good protagonist, I wanted more of some of the others as well. Overall, I probably wouldn't buy this book, but I would sit down in a library and read it.

Ruby is seventeen years old and she is a Fireblood. What is a Fireblood? Fireblood is a person who has a power of heat and flame and in her world, Firebloods are illegals, so Ruby has spent her entire life concealing her power and hiding from the Frostblood ruling class. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their king, she agrees to help them in order to have her revenge.

Ruby starts training with the rebels even with the annoying and infuriating Arcus, she doesn't know what his problem is, and he is just as cold as his powers. Before the rebels and Ruby can go through with their plan, Ruby is capture and brought to the king, where he makes her compete in his tournaments where Firebloods prisoners fight against Frostblood champions. With each win, Ruby gets closer to destroy the crazy ruler who has taken everything from her, but will she be able to do it?
Ruby is stubborn and her desperation for revenge makes you cheer for her throughout the whole book. But what really makes this book different is how this book is written and it makes the characters real and you feel what they feel and you just connect with them. Yes, Ruby is courageous and a freaking weapon with her powers, but when she is about to fight or even when she is fighting, she tells you what she is feeling and many times she says that she doesn't think she is going to be able to survive and she feels weak and that's make this character and book more amazing.

I totally, totally recommend this book, once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. 5 out 5 stars