Originally posted on The Book Unicorn Actual rating 2.5 I was so torn about this book. And kind of sad. After hearing so much about Blood Rose Rebellion, I wanted to love it. But, I just couldn't fall in love with this book, despite my best efforts. There was so much potential: an interesting setting, magic, a group of plucky rebels trying to create a better world...all the elements of what should have been great story. Which is why I was pretty disappointed when the reality proved less exciting. To be perfectly honest, I'm pretty sure the main reason I couldn't get as into this book was the characters. Again, in theory, this should have been an entertaining cast that I would have adored. I feel like Eves tried to set her characters up to be certain ways, but they ended up not coming across that way as I read. I knew how I should feel about them, but I just didn't. Which made it even more frustrating. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate the characters (although, I admit, Anna bugged me a little bit). I just didn't like them as much as I felt like I should. The plot also seemed to drag sometimes. I had moments where I would start to get into the story and feel interested, and then things would just kind of tapper off for a little while. And there seemed to be a few plot holes that could have been filled. I'm pretty sure there's going to be another book in this series, so I'm guessing some of the plot holes might be explained then, but they still left me feeling a little dissatisfied by the end. Overall, this book was ok. It wasn't amazing, but it definitely wasn't bad either. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book, but I'm glad I gave this one a try. It was worth a read, even though ultimately it ended up somewhat disappointing me. Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I gave this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the historical fiction elements mixed with magic. I loved how she tackled also race and female roles in society and also prejudice. I various magic systems were the coolest part of this novel. I also enjoyed the various setting that we went to in this novel. I thought the story towards the middle did slow down and did get lost in some of the details. But i was really engaged by the lead. I am excited to see what book two brings.

Hey Everyone! I'm sorry I have been away recently. I have been crafting as I was above my Goodreads Challenge by 6 books, which is like 6 books for me; But now I am back on the ball. So many books are coming out recently which I have to read and with the release of A Court Of Wings And Ruin, next week on the 2nd, there is no way I can sit back and not kick up the feet with a book and some tea. If you view or follow my Instagram, www.instagram.com/books_with_phoenix/, you will notice that I have been reading a fairly new book. Blood Rose Rebellion. A small synopsis below. In a world with magic governed by nobility and the purity of blood one girl is Barren, Anna Arden. No magic can be used or controlled by her. Or can it. When she breaks her sisters illusion at a Debut, Anna finds she is not a regular magic user. She has something far more scary. She holds the fate of the magic world in her hands. I have just finished Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves. Its not what I thought it was. I liked it. Its a very well written book and don't get me wrong, if there is to be a second I would read it but, unfortunately I didn't find this a special book. I loved the historical aspect as there aren't to many Historical Fantasies at the moment and having a book set in England as well as other European countries that we can pronounce. But we also know these places. It makes the book hit home a bit more. Unfortunately I didn't find that connection that I normally do with great books. I liked it well enough and I'm hoping that, if there is another book, this one will grow on me a lot more and I will be able to flow into it easier. Please don't disregard this though. Rosalyn Eves has put her heart and soul into this book and it shows. Its a very easy to follow story that in places will leave you wanting more. For all of this I am going to give the book a solid 4 stars.4stars

4.5 Stars. I received an ARC of this book from PenguinTeen. Why didn't people like this book? I LOVED this book! Blood Rose Rebellion was fantastic! And maybe its because I'm coming off from reading a book I hated about a English noblewoman dealing with dark powers, but this English noblewoman dealing with dark powers was such a better read! BRR is exciting, it's well-paced, it's fun and engaging. The main character Anna is super relatable, and she's written as such a realistic character. I feel like other's might critique her indecision at points, but come on, the fate of the world is in her hands and she's constantly getting new information. You're telling me you would know exactly what to do? Eves' writing is beautiful, especially her descriptions. She managed to do great magic-society world-building within Victorian era England and Hungary without beating you over the head with it. And the way she writes Anna is so perfect! Also, the characters were great! Matyas, Noemi, Gabor, William, were all great because like Anna, they were flawed. They had real issues holding them back, and it translated fantastically into the plot of the story. The romance felt natural, and though it may have been a little rushed, it didn't feel forced, which is the important thing. It's set in HUNGARY? I've never read a book set there before! I got to enjoy a slightly fictionalized entirely new-to-me culture(s). I can't tell you how glad I am to read a book set in this era not set in London for the millionth time. Not too mention BRR shows a realistic depiction of a Hungarian revolution, how its not all battles and honor but hard choices. It also shows the social inequity between Hungarians and Romanis, something I never thought about and found super significant. Eves' managed to show the hypocrisy in man's nature in the fight for freedom and equality, and I admire her for it. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fantasy, or anyone just looking for a fun YA novel.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGallery. You the man! This is my opinion and my opinion only. I hate when a book has a lot of potential and it falls flat. That's what happened here. The writing was good enough, the story was interesting, the setting was cool, the characters weren't likable but I didn't hate them either.. it honestly felt like a chore to get through. I got about half way and found myself thinking about the next book I was going to read. I can't do it.