raytheneverland's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
if only they forced me to read this instead of forcing me to read Os Maias...
riverlasol's review
5.0
First of all, HUGE huge thanks to @entangledteen for this arc!! I feel so lucky to have gotten one! This was one of my most anticipated debuts for the year, but I never could’ve anticipated (see what I did there?) how utterly spellbinding this book was.
A Curse of Roses is a sapphic historical fantasy based on portuguese myth. This entire premise had pretty much won me over since sapphic, historical fantasy, and mythology/legend are basically my top three things that draw me to a book at this point. Then I started reading, though, and I was even more in love. I admit that the writing style was unlike anything I’d ever read before and it took me a little while to get into the groove of it, but once I did I was absolutely hooked. I spent my mornings of thanksgiving break laying in bed with this in my hands (basically heaven).
To get a little more specific here, allow me to break it down. The characters were wonderful, especially Yzabel. I absolutely loved seeing such a kind and deep-feeling character in YA and I easily sympathised with her story. The plot and the magic were fascinating and original. The romance was very realistic and the historical details made for an in-depth reading experience. I feel I must mention that there are several trigger warnings (which I was very grateful for). There was some very intense material in this book, which ultimately made it unforgettable and created a powerful message. However, before you add it to your tbr please check them out to see if this book is the right fit for you!
I can sincerely say that this is one of my new favourite books, one that I will never forget. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves sapphic fantasy/historical fiction (though please do keep in mind the trigger warnings). It is out as of yesterday! Yay!!
A Curse of Roses is a sapphic historical fantasy based on portuguese myth. This entire premise had pretty much won me over since sapphic, historical fantasy, and mythology/legend are basically my top three things that draw me to a book at this point. Then I started reading, though, and I was even more in love. I admit that the writing style was unlike anything I’d ever read before and it took me a little while to get into the groove of it, but once I did I was absolutely hooked. I spent my mornings of thanksgiving break laying in bed with this in my hands (basically heaven).
To get a little more specific here, allow me to break it down. The characters were wonderful, especially Yzabel. I absolutely loved seeing such a kind and deep-feeling character in YA and I easily sympathised with her story. The plot and the magic were fascinating and original. The romance was very realistic and the historical details made for an in-depth reading experience. I feel I must mention that there are several trigger warnings (which I was very grateful for). There was some very intense material in this book, which ultimately made it unforgettable and created a powerful message. However, before you add it to your tbr please check them out to see if this book is the right fit for you!
I can sincerely say that this is one of my new favourite books, one that I will never forget. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves sapphic fantasy/historical fiction (though please do keep in mind the trigger warnings). It is out as of yesterday! Yay!!
sumaiyachow's review against another edition
4.0
**Thank you for Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
Rating- 3.5/5 stars
A Curse of Roses is set in a Kingdom in Portugal where the people are starving and it follows our main character Yzabel as she goes to an Enchanted Moura named Fatyan to break her curse of turning food into roses. However, in exchange Fatyan asks for a kiss that will set her free. This causes Yzabel to experience unfamiliar feelings for a woman while being engaged to a King and trying to help the people in the kingdom.
I suck a summaries so I hope that makes sense! First of all I would like to say that I adored the concept of the book. The magic system is very intriguing and so is the plot. It had me hooked and wanting to know more. Along with that Yzabel and Fatyans relationship is so precious and adorable. I loved seeing their feelings for each other grow and seeing Yzabel come to terms with her feelings. They just made me feel so warm and happy.
Although I really enjoyed many parts of the book I personally thought that magic system could have been explained a little more. I was confused on how the magic started and the whole premise of it. I also was a little confused on the plot because a problem would arise but would immediately get solved within a chapter or two. It threw me off a little and had me very confused on what was happening. My last complaint is that it was way too short. I need more Yzabel and Fatyan with their cuteness and I just wish we got a little epilogue showing how everything wrapped up.
Other than that I absolutely adored the book. The relationships and characters had me smiling the entire time and I really connected with them. The authors writing is very easy to read and flowed nicely. Overall the book is cute but does deal with a few heavy topics which I also enjoyed. I would probably recommend this book if you’re looking for an adorable sapphic romance that deals with a few heavy topics.
Rating- 3.5/5 stars
A Curse of Roses is set in a Kingdom in Portugal where the people are starving and it follows our main character Yzabel as she goes to an Enchanted Moura named Fatyan to break her curse of turning food into roses. However, in exchange Fatyan asks for a kiss that will set her free. This causes Yzabel to experience unfamiliar feelings for a woman while being engaged to a King and trying to help the people in the kingdom.
I suck a summaries so I hope that makes sense! First of all I would like to say that I adored the concept of the book. The magic system is very intriguing and so is the plot. It had me hooked and wanting to know more. Along with that Yzabel and Fatyans relationship is so precious and adorable. I loved seeing their feelings for each other grow and seeing Yzabel come to terms with her feelings. They just made me feel so warm and happy.
Although I really enjoyed many parts of the book I personally thought that magic system could have been explained a little more. I was confused on how the magic started and the whole premise of it. I also was a little confused on the plot because a problem would arise but would immediately get solved within a chapter or two. It threw me off a little and had me very confused on what was happening. My last complaint is that it was way too short. I need more Yzabel and Fatyan with their cuteness and I just wish we got a little epilogue showing how everything wrapped up.
Other than that I absolutely adored the book. The relationships and characters had me smiling the entire time and I really connected with them. The authors writing is very easy to read and flowed nicely. Overall the book is cute but does deal with a few heavy topics which I also enjoyed. I would probably recommend this book if you’re looking for an adorable sapphic romance that deals with a few heavy topics.
sumaiyachow's review
4.0
**Thank you for Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
Rating- 3.5/5 stars
A Curse of Roses is set in a Kingdom in Portugal where the people are starving and it follows our main character Yzabel as she goes to an Enchanted Moura named Fatyan to break her curse of turning food into roses. However, in exchange Fatyan asks for a kiss that will set her free. This causes Yzabel to experience unfamiliar feelings for a woman while being engaged to a King and trying to help the people in the kingdom.
I suck a summaries so I hope that makes sense! First of all I would like to say that I adored the concept of the book. The magic system is very intriguing and so is the plot. It had me hooked and wanting to know more. Along with that Yzabel and Fatyans relationship is so precious and adorable. I loved seeing their feelings for each other grow and seeing Yzabel come to terms with her feelings. They just made me feel so warm and happy.
Although I really enjoyed many parts of the book I personally thought that magic system could have been explained a little more. I was confused on how the magic started and the whole premise of it. I also was a little confused on the plot because a problem would arise but would immediately get solved within a chapter or two. It threw me off a little and had me very confused on what was happening. My last complaint is that it was way too short. I need more Yzabel and Fatyan with their cuteness and I just wish we got a little epilogue showing how everything wrapped up.
Other than that I absolutely adored the book. The relationships and characters had me smiling the entire time and I really connected with them. The authors writing is very easy to read and flowed nicely. Overall the book is cute but does deal with a few heavy topics which I also enjoyed. I would probably recommend this book if you’re looking for an adorable sapphic romance that deals with a few heavy topics.
Rating- 3.5/5 stars
A Curse of Roses is set in a Kingdom in Portugal where the people are starving and it follows our main character Yzabel as she goes to an Enchanted Moura named Fatyan to break her curse of turning food into roses. However, in exchange Fatyan asks for a kiss that will set her free. This causes Yzabel to experience unfamiliar feelings for a woman while being engaged to a King and trying to help the people in the kingdom.
I suck a summaries so I hope that makes sense! First of all I would like to say that I adored the concept of the book. The magic system is very intriguing and so is the plot. It had me hooked and wanting to know more. Along with that Yzabel and Fatyans relationship is so precious and adorable. I loved seeing their feelings for each other grow and seeing Yzabel come to terms with her feelings. They just made me feel so warm and happy.
Although I really enjoyed many parts of the book I personally thought that magic system could have been explained a little more. I was confused on how the magic started and the whole premise of it. I also was a little confused on the plot because a problem would arise but would immediately get solved within a chapter or two. It threw me off a little and had me very confused on what was happening. My last complaint is that it was way too short. I need more Yzabel and Fatyan with their cuteness and I just wish we got a little epilogue showing how everything wrapped up.
Other than that I absolutely adored the book. The relationships and characters had me smiling the entire time and I really connected with them. The authors writing is very easy to read and flowed nicely. Overall the book is cute but does deal with a few heavy topics which I also enjoyed. I would probably recommend this book if you’re looking for an adorable sapphic romance that deals with a few heavy topics.
alex_the_birate's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
biblioellegraphy's review
4.0
Disclaimer: This is the second time that I've tried to read this book.
I bought it last year when I had done a haul of POC and LGBTQI+ authors, however I didn't really get into it when I tried to read it the first time.
BUT I gave it a second chance, and boy am I glad that I did.
A Curse of Roses is a beautiful story, and the romance is predictable, but sweet.
I bought it last year when I had done a haul of POC and LGBTQI+ authors, however I didn't really get into it when I tried to read it the first time.
BUT I gave it a second chance, and boy am I glad that I did.
A Curse of Roses is a beautiful story, and the romance is predictable, but sweet.
sethxo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
moonymars's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Homophobia, Self harm, Lesbophobia, and Religious bigotry