The Rose Queen

Author: Alison McBain

Published: June 28th, 2018 by Fairfield Scribes

Genre: Fantasy, Retelling

Explain The Rose Queen in one word: immersive!

I was drawn into the story very quickly, and the claws of the beast clung to me all the way through.

What I love most about the story is how it is multi-dimensional. The world and the characters were brought to life on the pages. As a reader, I saw everything clearly as though I were watching a movie.

I think it's quite clear I love Beauty and the Beast retellings, especially after reviewing Hunted by Megan Spooner. The Rose Queen, however, took the retelling to a whole new level! (no spoilers!)

Something else I really loved about reading it, was I thought I knew how it was going to end. I was certainly taken for a loop, and even though my romantic side was disappointed, my logical side applauded how real; how natural the ending felt.

On the writing, it flowed for the most part. There were only a few spots that stuck out to me as something I would've worded differently, but that's just me, and it did not take from the value of the story in the least.

The plot came around, tying everything up neatly, answering the majority of my questions (remember, this is only book 1!)

I was able to finish reading and close the book with satisfaction. You can bet it has a permanent place on my bookshelf for me to see it everyday and remember the wonderful journey on which it took me.

The Rose Queen will get 4.5 stars from me. That's, like, on the re-readable list! I look forward to reading more from Alison McBain, and urge others to read The Rose Queen if you haven't already!