bzliz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Olson blends a unique magical system with lovable characters and just the right amount of regency style will they-won’t they between Myra and the governor’s other son August. I highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a historical fantasy wrapped up in a murder mystery.
Spoilers for the ending:
Spoiler
I did not see that twist coming at all. I was convinced that Vincent and Nigel were co-conspirators but I never could have guessed that they were the same person magically disguised. Even as Vincent was beginning his villain monologue, I thought he was a secret third son that the Harris family has cast aside. I’m still in shock that he was actually Will all along.
Mind the content warnings.
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Violence, Vomit, Blood, Death, Murder, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Medical content
vivavia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Chronic illness, Classism, Gaslighting, Miscarriage, Blood, and Panic attacks/disorders
krystlethegreat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Child death, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Classism and Violence
ofpagesandink's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
So many twists and turns and it really kept me guessing. Nothing felt obvious or used as just a way to drive the plot. Everything was well planned and well executed.
Pacing was great. A good mix of slow where necessary and fast when needed.
The magic is balanced and there is growth and character development. There are lessons to be learned here. I really enjoyed this read.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, Miscarriage, and Medical content
Moderate: Gaslighting, Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Grief
Minor: Child death, Grief, Pregnancy, Classism, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
tarfish's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Chronic illness, Death, Gore, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Stalking, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
r1vana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
secure, the loved.
Not for us.”
This book could have been much shorter. It felt like a filler. The beginning was just chunks of aspects of the plot.
I had expecting for this book but it didn’t meet it ends…
The magic system is quite interesting, but I wished there was more of it. But the missing points are the repetitive explanation/ talk of the mystery murder quests and the magic system. The world building is practically non-existent (in my opinion.)
One thing I don’t understand is why is she telling people about her sister’s illness or her so-called secret prodigy powers… If people like her a being hunted and killed, why would she tells people she barely know and especially people who are in a “similar situation”. as her?
-
In a way I understand Myra, her being the breadwinner and having the burden to be financially responsible when both of her parents have diseappered and the need to take care of her younger sister who is on constant bed rest at a young age.
The chemistry between Myra and August felt lacking.
-
And the end was not satisfactory. I was sus of Vincent but surprised of him being Will and why he was killing people…
But the families of Vincent’s victims never got justices??
-
Quotes:
“Perfection comes from leaning into the things
that we have to fight for because those are the
things that bind us to the people worth keeping.”
“If love were magic, it would have saved us long ago.”
-
TW: death of close ones; sickness; murder; death body description; vomit; loss of baby
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, Death, Blood, Confinement, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
tylerbriggs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Stalking, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Body horror, Mental illness, and Miscarriage
Minor: Vomit
snipinfool's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The governor, Mr. Harris, outlawed painted portraiture as he thinks it does not honor "The Artist" (the diety worshipped in this story). The governor's son was reported to be ill. One day, the governor's wife, Mrs. Harris, comes to the studio to hire Myra to paint a portrait of her dog. Myra notices a small cut on the dog's leg. She heals the dog by painting it as if the leg was never injured. Mrs. Harris discovers the magic performed to heal her dog and hires Myra to paint her ailing son to heal him.
The story had many twists and turns and I did not see that ending coming at all! I enjoyed reading how Myra's magic worked and learned more about oil painting. Having the ability to heal others in that way would be an interesting skill to have, but I can see how one would have to be very careful not to have that ability exploited.
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Murder, Torture, Blood, Body horror, and Violence
Moderate: Chronic illness
ratedbookish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
-
title: A Forgery of Roses
author: Jessica S. Olson @jessicaolson123
genre: YA fantasy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
💭Thoughts:
Alright so this book, y’all. 🥹
Myra is our FMC. She’s brave, intelligent and has a tad bit of an attitude. 😍 August, our MMC, is anxious, awkward, and adorable. Their friendship and chemistry is so heartwarming and sweet. I saw other reviews saying #instalove but to me it was more like insta chemistry 🥰
This book took me on a trip. 🧳
I originally started reading it as a part of @owlcrate bookclub in April 2022, but I’m a mood reader and I didn’t finish it. I am so MAD at myself for not finishing it sooner.
I sat down to read a few chapters before bed, then next thing I know it’s 4 am and I read over 220 pages of this bad boy and finished it! I felt transported into this gothic, creepy-yet-magical world.
This book has fantasy, magic, mystery, suspense, romance, and even some slight gore/horror-ish moments. 🚨definitely check the TW, there’s a lot going on here🚨
The magic system is unique. Myra is able to manipulate people’s appearances with her magic, by painting portraits. 🎨
I found all of the characters likable, even the bad guys. Well, except the Governor, but you’ll find he doesn’t play a huge part in the actual plot. Which is fine because he sucked. 😂
Throughout this book there is many instances of “invisible disabilities”. As someone who struggles with chronic health issues and mental health, it was refreshing to see how Olson accurately and realistically portrayed how “invisible disabilities” can affect someone and the people around them.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Vomit, Blood, Body horror, Gore, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent and Miscarriage
lastblossom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Good for fans of determined heroines with secret powers, and the boys who love them. A satisfying standalone mystery that unfolds at a quick pace. Somewhat fuzzy world building.
About:
Myra Whitlock is a Prodigy - born with a forbidden power to alter reality with her paintings. When the governor's son dies in a terrible accident, she is secretly summoned to try to paint him back to life. But was the young man's death really an accident? And if not, what would someone do to keep him dead?
What I Liked:
An interesting power set with well-defined rules that don't make the protagonist OP, but still clearly a danger. I appreciated the detail given to the act of painting itself. Some very well-written gothic vibes, especially exploring the house at night. Seriously gave me shivers! The depiction of August's social anxiety and how he learns to live with it was thoughtfully written. I really enjoyed how well-paced the clues to the mystery were. I figured out the culprit early enough to feel smart, but not bored.
What Wasn't For Me:
The rival love interest late in the book didn't do much for me, and
Spoiler
his confession that he was doing everything for the love of another woman really diluted his motivationModerate: Chronic illness, Classism, Death of parent, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, and Body horror