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The Guileful Rose
Amaria’s entire life was duality or circumstance, and she was a master at the game.
Magic controls the world of Cesmassia. It is in the air, in the soil, in the water, in the animals, and in Amaria’s veins. Magic is inseparable from the fabric of Thestitiunian society, and Amaria has always tried to use her magic for good. War has made that difficult. Destabilizing kingdoms has made that difficult.
Dark magical threats threaten every nation, imbalance magical energies, and worse, Amaria feels a draw towards their desires. She never wanted to be entwined with dark magic, but as a powerful mage, she must fight against evil.
Amaria must face the darkness in herself.
Magic controls the world of Cesmassia. It is in the air, in the soil, in the water, in the animals, and in Amaria’s veins. Magic is inseparable from the fabric of Thestitiunian society, and Amaria has always tried to use her magic for good. War has made that difficult. Destabilizing kingdoms has made that difficult.
Dark magical threats threaten every nation, imbalance magical energies, and worse, Amaria feels a draw towards their desires. She never wanted to be entwined with dark magic, but as a powerful mage, she must fight against evil.
Amaria must face the darkness in herself.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2023
40 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 10, 2023
What an amazing read!! Amaria’s story was so refreshing to go through all of the perspectives she has on the magic. It is everywhere and you try to be good but.. that gray and darkness? Is so tempting..!
I received this ARC for an honest review.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
October 26, 2023
I’ll be honest, i wasn’t able to feel that attached to the characters, so when we were supposed to strongly feel a certain way - i didn’t. Same with the romance and the relationship between the MC and LI, i wasn’t able to enjoy and be invested in them. And honestly, this is due to preference, i personally don’t like time jumps, especially massive ones as i think certain things like following the characters love story is so significant in books, because then i’m unable to see why they now love each other. And once again, personally i only found it to get interesting around the 80% finished mark, which should’ve been a lot sooner. However, as i said, a lot of the reasons why i wouldn’t rate this so high is because of MY personal preference in books. So with that being said, i do genuinely think this is a good book mainly for those wanting to get back into fantasy or are new to it, it’s easy to understand and simple. And although i said i didn’t feel emotional for the characters, i did like them and i did enjoy the bits of romance between the two characters, although i think they should’ve had more in the book, and the ending, it really was a surprise. I knew i was getting close but when i realised that was it my jaw dropped. That was the ending?? even though i haven’t rated this the highest, i still want to read the next book because towards the end it was really getting better. Also, i would love another series about the **spoilers** unborn daughter having to be in an arranged marriage with the faerie and it being enemies to lovers **no spoilers** even though that’s a really common trope and idea i think it’s just such a loved one you can’t get enough of it.
August 31, 2024
Guileful Rose is the first book about Amaria, a strong woman from a high-ranking noble family. She did not have a normal upbringing and was taught as a child to be tortured and tortured. In this world, that job is called an extractor, and it doesn't sound like a pleasant job to have. She has more magic than most mages and is a beauty. She and her husband live a life of political games and how to move the pieces. Amaria goes down a dark path when she loses her closest friend to murder, opening her to dark magic that she struggles to contain throughout most of the story. She loves the feel of the dark magic and what she can do with it but also knows it can destroy her. At the end of the novel, she is forced to make a horrible choice, and I found it to be a unique twist and can not wait to read book two.
October 13, 2023
"Life was artwork, brushes of colors and magic splattered in a way only the gods could find order in. And death should mirror it's sibling."
Easiest 5 stars ever given. I knew 20 pages in what rating I was going to give, and that's very rare with me. This was a riveting and spellbinding read! Each turn of the page was an advance into this mystical adventure.
In a time where marriage is for political advances we meet Amaria who is filled with magic from all the elements of nature. Because of the ties with nature this magic is made stronger. Along the way these characters meet conflict with other countries, dark mages, and a stolen ruby.
In fact, as the ruby is retrieved, we learn darkness overtakes Amaria. Over time she eventually gives in to these tendencies. Is she consumed by it? Is she able to overcome it? There is so much more to this book, but I dont want to give it all a way.
I just know this was a great diverting change from reading about fey centered books. With Guileful Rose we are introduced to mages, royalty, and mention of Gods and Goddesses. There is an appearance or 2 of fey but its not fully centered on them. The way the author describes her characters, rooms, and atmosphere is just hypnotizing. You are compelled to want to be there in that moment with these characters. You feel for them. I cant rave enough about it.
We need more! Guess its a good thing Book 2 is in works 😉🤭 Also, at the end, Mrs. Almanza provides you with a cast of characters and who they are, along with maps to help you visualize and navigate where these characters travel.
Some triggers may be imprisonment with torture, a fake pregnancy and miscarriage used for political gain and personal survival, graphic consensual sex scenes, death of horses/elephants, and harsh language.
Book will be available on ku Nov. 3rd. Dont miss out on it!!!
Easiest 5 stars ever given. I knew 20 pages in what rating I was going to give, and that's very rare with me. This was a riveting and spellbinding read! Each turn of the page was an advance into this mystical adventure.
In a time where marriage is for political advances we meet Amaria who is filled with magic from all the elements of nature. Because of the ties with nature this magic is made stronger. Along the way these characters meet conflict with other countries, dark mages, and a stolen ruby.
In fact, as the ruby is retrieved, we learn darkness overtakes Amaria. Over time she eventually gives in to these tendencies. Is she consumed by it? Is she able to overcome it? There is so much more to this book, but I dont want to give it all a way.
I just know this was a great diverting change from reading about fey centered books. With Guileful Rose we are introduced to mages, royalty, and mention of Gods and Goddesses. There is an appearance or 2 of fey but its not fully centered on them. The way the author describes her characters, rooms, and atmosphere is just hypnotizing. You are compelled to want to be there in that moment with these characters. You feel for them. I cant rave enough about it.
We need more! Guess its a good thing Book 2 is in works 😉🤭 Also, at the end, Mrs. Almanza provides you with a cast of characters and who they are, along with maps to help you visualize and navigate where these characters travel.
Some triggers may be imprisonment with torture, a fake pregnancy and miscarriage used for political gain and personal survival, graphic consensual sex scenes, death of horses/elephants, and harsh language.
Book will be available on ku Nov. 3rd. Dont miss out on it!!!
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October 16, 2023*DNF so I won’t leave a star rating*
This just wasn’t for me, the cover is stunning and drew me in but the synopsis is very vague doesn’t give you much information on what to expect.
It was well written, complicated and immediately serious, solemn and a little sad. Instant sympathy for Amaria and dislike for a lot of other characters.
Not the easiest to follow in terms of world building and understanding the world and culture; it would really help if it had pronunciation guide and a map.
Surprisingly Amaria is a bit of an anti hero, she actually enjoys torture and taking revenge. This did start to gain my interest and I was waiting for her to fight back and kickass… but nope.
The most uncomfortable awkward sex scene, forced marriage and so the Virgin FMC had to ‘consummate the marriage’ and get right to popping out babies.
Following that is a weird skip forward a year on 20% in, which throws you into an explicit labour/birth scene and the arranged-marriage-couple are completely in love...
Overall just entirely not my preference and a little too plain vanilla for me, very easy and sweet but the romance is flavourless and sex is really really bad. And just doesn’t feel like the plot was going anywhere or going to change to a story I would personally find interesting.
This just wasn’t for me, the cover is stunning and drew me in but the synopsis is very vague doesn’t give you much information on what to expect.
It was well written, complicated and immediately serious, solemn and a little sad. Instant sympathy for Amaria and dislike for a lot of other characters.
Not the easiest to follow in terms of world building and understanding the world and culture; it would really help if it had pronunciation guide and a map.
Surprisingly Amaria is a bit of an anti hero, she actually enjoys torture and taking revenge. This did start to gain my interest and I was waiting for her to fight back and kickass… but nope.
The most uncomfortable awkward sex scene, forced marriage and so the Virgin FMC had to ‘consummate the marriage’ and get right to popping out babies.
Following that is a weird skip forward a year on 20% in, which throws you into an explicit labour/birth scene and the arranged-marriage-couple are completely in love...
Overall just entirely not my preference and a little too plain vanilla for me, very easy and sweet but the romance is flavourless and sex is really really bad. And just doesn’t feel like the plot was going anywhere or going to change to a story I would personally find interesting.
August 26, 2024
DNF. This is the first book I’ve picked up and not finished but I just couldn’t keep going. I really didn’t like the third person point of view for the story telling, I feel like I couldn’t connect with the characters. And just not a fan of the writing. The way the thoughts were written from the character “Amaria” made it seem like she was very young or immature… like I was reading from a high school perspective. And the way the sentences were, it was like reading text message where people keep putting short sentences together to string together a paragraph or thought. I just couldn’t get through it.
November 3, 2023
This was an advanced copy I received. While the synopsis sounded intriguing, the book however left a bad taste.
I got through the book, and hoped for more. The characters did not seem to mesh well. The story seemed all over the place with the amount of kingdoms involved. The story got repetitive.
Amaria is a flawed human; rich princess type with Magic, though she is the strongest in the land, her powers are used more for dealing with the "Dark magics" of the land.
I would have DNF'ed this book at 34%.
I got through the book, and hoped for more. The characters did not seem to mesh well. The story seemed all over the place with the amount of kingdoms involved. The story got repetitive.
Amaria is a flawed human; rich princess type with Magic, though she is the strongest in the land, her powers are used more for dealing with the "Dark magics" of the land.
I would have DNF'ed this book at 34%.
November 16, 2023
It was a little hard to get through the book. However once I was past 60% the story did start to get interesting and pull me in. It was hard to relate and get into the characters and I feel the main couple should have had more focus in their relationship from the beginning. The story seemed to jump around a lot until 70% in. This story has so much potential and I will give the next book a try because the ending did get better and I am curious to know what happens.
October 19, 2024
The story is fantastic, Romance was great and one of the best magic systems and world building ever. Read this now if you haven’t.
October 1, 2024
{2.75/5}
CW: violence, some gore, some spice, some others.
If repetition is the key to remembrance, I’ll know more about this world’s politics than I do any other’s.
Amaria is a weapon— a mage, trained as a spy, dutiful to both country and feminine expectations. Born to be a political tool, yet incredibly strong in her own right. Between the magic and the political maneuverings of her country (and their enemies), Amaria is constantly torn between what she wants and what is required of her.
Somehow, this book manages to have a lot of things happen and also very little. If you like stories with a lot of politics and low key subterfuge, you may enjoy it more than I did. If you want action, or fighting, or a FMC who relishes in throwing off all expectations and wields her abilities like the weapon they are, you’re going to have to find it elsewhere. Outside of just personal preferences, though, I had some significant issues with the book.
By far the most noticeable problem was the repetition. Recurrence of key themes, phrases, or visuals is a common tactic that can be utilized with great efficacy, but that’s not what this was. Here, it just felt like every callback to relevant information was presented as though it was the first time learning about it. For example, the FMC has a traumatic event that occurs prior to this story taking place. We learn about the event within the first few chapters, as it’s a significant thing that greatly impacts her choices and concerns. The same event, though, is discussed repeatedly throughout the story, each time treated as though it were new information for the reader. This doesn’t just happen with this event, though— it happens with almost everything. The politics of the world, the FMC’s inner thoughts, almost every action or bit of information is introduced to the reader multiple times, with little to no new information being added during those later occurrences. While it did ensure that the content was hammered into the reader’s brain, it greatly slowed the pacing and made the whole thing feel unwieldy and repetitive. After a certain point, it even became irritating, and I found that I just wanted the book to be over.
The FMC is also a sticking point for me. She vacillates between desire and duty, which is fine and reasonable, but it’s not conveyed in a way that really showcases it as a duality of nature and nurture. Instead, it feels like she fluctuates based on whatever makes the story work best in the moment. In one of the most personally aggravating examples, the FMC hops back and forth between ‘I can do anything, why must men constantly underestimate women, we’re meant for more than this’ and ‘women literally only exist to be broodmares, and that’s okay, it’s just our lot in life.’ It’s not even presented like she thinks that way because she was taught to and secretly has reservations about it; she seems to really, truly believe it (as an equally horrifying issue, if I saw the term ‘breed/breeding’ one more time in a non-k!nk-related setting, I was going to throw up. And by the FMC?! Absolutely not). It just made for a really unlikable character, and I found myself disliking her more and more by the time the book ended.
In what should have been a slam dunk of a book for me (powerful magic, a spy, and a FMC who knows how to use the resources she has), I found myself severely disappointed. The overall plot could have been enjoyable, but the rampant structure issues and a firmly detestable, poorly portrayed MC had this dead in the water early on with little to no improvement by the end.
CW: violence, some gore, some spice, some others.
If repetition is the key to remembrance, I’ll know more about this world’s politics than I do any other’s.
Amaria is a weapon— a mage, trained as a spy, dutiful to both country and feminine expectations. Born to be a political tool, yet incredibly strong in her own right. Between the magic and the political maneuverings of her country (and their enemies), Amaria is constantly torn between what she wants and what is required of her.
Somehow, this book manages to have a lot of things happen and also very little. If you like stories with a lot of politics and low key subterfuge, you may enjoy it more than I did. If you want action, or fighting, or a FMC who relishes in throwing off all expectations and wields her abilities like the weapon they are, you’re going to have to find it elsewhere. Outside of just personal preferences, though, I had some significant issues with the book.
By far the most noticeable problem was the repetition. Recurrence of key themes, phrases, or visuals is a common tactic that can be utilized with great efficacy, but that’s not what this was. Here, it just felt like every callback to relevant information was presented as though it was the first time learning about it. For example, the FMC has a traumatic event that occurs prior to this story taking place. We learn about the event within the first few chapters, as it’s a significant thing that greatly impacts her choices and concerns. The same event, though, is discussed repeatedly throughout the story, each time treated as though it were new information for the reader. This doesn’t just happen with this event, though— it happens with almost everything. The politics of the world, the FMC’s inner thoughts, almost every action or bit of information is introduced to the reader multiple times, with little to no new information being added during those later occurrences. While it did ensure that the content was hammered into the reader’s brain, it greatly slowed the pacing and made the whole thing feel unwieldy and repetitive. After a certain point, it even became irritating, and I found that I just wanted the book to be over.
The FMC is also a sticking point for me. She vacillates between desire and duty, which is fine and reasonable, but it’s not conveyed in a way that really showcases it as a duality of nature and nurture. Instead, it feels like she fluctuates based on whatever makes the story work best in the moment. In one of the most personally aggravating examples, the FMC hops back and forth between ‘I can do anything, why must men constantly underestimate women, we’re meant for more than this’ and ‘women literally only exist to be broodmares, and that’s okay, it’s just our lot in life.’ It’s not even presented like she thinks that way because she was taught to and secretly has reservations about it; she seems to really, truly believe it (as an equally horrifying issue, if I saw the term ‘breed/breeding’ one more time in a non-k!nk-related setting, I was going to throw up. And by the FMC?! Absolutely not). It just made for a really unlikable character, and I found myself disliking her more and more by the time the book ended.
In what should have been a slam dunk of a book for me (powerful magic, a spy, and a FMC who knows how to use the resources she has), I found myself severely disappointed. The overall plot could have been enjoyable, but the rampant structure issues and a firmly detestable, poorly portrayed MC had this dead in the water early on with little to no improvement by the end.
December 9, 2023
4.5/5 rounded up to 5 for Goodreads
"The Guileful Rose" by Emily Almanza is a spellbinding tale that seamlessly weaves together the realms of magic and military strategy. Set against the backdrop of a fantastical world, this novel introduces readers to a powerful mage and a skilled military strategist whose union not only sparks a profound love story but also unleashes a captivating journey of political intrigue and strategic manipulation.
Almanza's storytelling prowess shines through as she crafts a narrative that effortlessly immerses readers into a rich and vividly imagined universe. The characters, particularly Theodmon and Amaria, are masterfully developed. The powerful mage and the strategic genius are portrayed with depth, allowing readers to connect with their strengths, vulnerabilities, and the complexity of their evolving relationship.
Almanza masterfully combines elements of fantasy and strategic maneuvering, creating a story that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The protagonists' joint efforts to disrupt enemy territories provide a unique and exhilarating dimension to the storyline.
"The Guileful Rose" stands out for its meticulous world-building. Detailed settings and magical systems seamlessly integrate into the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience. Almanza's vivid descriptions breathe life into the fantastical elements, enabling readers to vividly envision and immerse themselves in the meticulously crafted world.
While the narrative is engaging and the characters well-drawn, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven, specifically in Part 4. Some sections move swiftly, while others linger, disrupting the overall flow. The ending also felt a bit off to me - perhaps a bit rushed or crammed in. Nevertheless, these minor flaws do not overshadow the novel's many strengths.
In summary, "The Guileful Rose" is a captivating fusion of magic, strategic intrigue, and fantastical elements. Emily Almanza's ability to create a world filled with compelling characters and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats is commendable. Despite occasional pacing nuances, the novel offers a gratifying reading experience, leaving readers eagerly anticipating future works from this talented author.
"The Guileful Rose" by Emily Almanza is a spellbinding tale that seamlessly weaves together the realms of magic and military strategy. Set against the backdrop of a fantastical world, this novel introduces readers to a powerful mage and a skilled military strategist whose union not only sparks a profound love story but also unleashes a captivating journey of political intrigue and strategic manipulation.
Almanza's storytelling prowess shines through as she crafts a narrative that effortlessly immerses readers into a rich and vividly imagined universe. The characters, particularly Theodmon and Amaria, are masterfully developed. The powerful mage and the strategic genius are portrayed with depth, allowing readers to connect with their strengths, vulnerabilities, and the complexity of their evolving relationship.
Almanza masterfully combines elements of fantasy and strategic maneuvering, creating a story that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The protagonists' joint efforts to disrupt enemy territories provide a unique and exhilarating dimension to the storyline.
"The Guileful Rose" stands out for its meticulous world-building. Detailed settings and magical systems seamlessly integrate into the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience. Almanza's vivid descriptions breathe life into the fantastical elements, enabling readers to vividly envision and immerse themselves in the meticulously crafted world.
While the narrative is engaging and the characters well-drawn, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven, specifically in Part 4. Some sections move swiftly, while others linger, disrupting the overall flow. The ending also felt a bit off to me - perhaps a bit rushed or crammed in. Nevertheless, these minor flaws do not overshadow the novel's many strengths.
In summary, "The Guileful Rose" is a captivating fusion of magic, strategic intrigue, and fantastical elements. Emily Almanza's ability to create a world filled with compelling characters and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats is commendable. Despite occasional pacing nuances, the novel offers a gratifying reading experience, leaving readers eagerly anticipating future works from this talented author.
March 6, 2024
Filled with dark magic, political intrigue, warfare, and strategic maneuvering in a breathtaking fantasy realm. The narrative follows Amaria and Theodmon, a formidable mage and a brilliant strategist, as they unite against a common foe and forge a profound connection.
Almanza's prose is enthralling, plunging readers into the enchanting world of Cesmassia, where magic reigns supreme. The author masterfully paints a vibrant tapestry of diverse landscapes, compelling characters, and intricate magical systems, captivating readers and immersing them in a mesmerizing and multifaceted universe. A notable highlight is the inclusion of a map and a character guide, enhancing my experience by providing pronunciation and background details.
At the heart of the tale are Amaria and Theodmon, whose journey is marked by perilous challenges and personal struggles. Their relationship, initially born of mutual respect, blossoms into a deep bond of love and trust, enriching the narrative with emotional depth.
Almanza dives into themes of morality, power dynamics, and identity, prompting readers to ponder the complexities of good versus evil and the significance of free will versus destiny.
The novel's swift pace and gripping action, coupled with unexpected twists and turns, ensure that readers remain captivated until the final page. The fusion of magic and strategy infuses the narrative with excitement as characters employ their wits and skills to outmaneuver adversaries.
While 'The Guileful Rose' boasts many strengths, including its originality and compelling storytelling, it is not without its flaws. Some sections suffer from uneven pacing, a huge time jump, and the conclusion may feel somewhat abrupt, leaving loose ends untied. Nevertheless, these shortcomings do not detract from the overall quality of the novel. This book is a must read for fantasy lovers.
Almanza's prose is enthralling, plunging readers into the enchanting world of Cesmassia, where magic reigns supreme. The author masterfully paints a vibrant tapestry of diverse landscapes, compelling characters, and intricate magical systems, captivating readers and immersing them in a mesmerizing and multifaceted universe. A notable highlight is the inclusion of a map and a character guide, enhancing my experience by providing pronunciation and background details.
At the heart of the tale are Amaria and Theodmon, whose journey is marked by perilous challenges and personal struggles. Their relationship, initially born of mutual respect, blossoms into a deep bond of love and trust, enriching the narrative with emotional depth.
Almanza dives into themes of morality, power dynamics, and identity, prompting readers to ponder the complexities of good versus evil and the significance of free will versus destiny.
The novel's swift pace and gripping action, coupled with unexpected twists and turns, ensure that readers remain captivated until the final page. The fusion of magic and strategy infuses the narrative with excitement as characters employ their wits and skills to outmaneuver adversaries.
While 'The Guileful Rose' boasts many strengths, including its originality and compelling storytelling, it is not without its flaws. Some sections suffer from uneven pacing, a huge time jump, and the conclusion may feel somewhat abrupt, leaving loose ends untied. Nevertheless, these shortcomings do not detract from the overall quality of the novel. This book is a must read for fantasy lovers.
November 3, 2023
"The Guileful Rose" by E. A. Almanza is a book that falls right in the middle for me, earning a 3-star rating. It had its strengths and drawbacks that left me with mixed feelings.
What stood out for me was the captivating character of Amaria. Her badass attitude and the complexities of her relationships, especially with her father, added depth to the story. The unique plot and writing style are commendable, as I couldn't readily compare this book to others in the genre, which made it refreshingly distinct.
However, there were certain elements that didn't entirely resonate with my preferences. While revenge arcs are a strong suit for some readers, I found myself less captivated by this aspect of the story. The occasional pacing issues made it challenging to maintain consistent engagement, and at times, I felt the plot meandered rather than driving forward.
In conclusion, "The Guileful Rose" delivers a unique narrative with a compelling main character, but it didn't align perfectly with my personal taste. If you appreciate revenge arcs and a distinct writing style, this book might be worth your while. I'm curious to see how the sequel addresses these aspects and whether it might resonate more closely with my reading preferences.
What stood out for me was the captivating character of Amaria. Her badass attitude and the complexities of her relationships, especially with her father, added depth to the story. The unique plot and writing style are commendable, as I couldn't readily compare this book to others in the genre, which made it refreshingly distinct.
However, there were certain elements that didn't entirely resonate with my preferences. While revenge arcs are a strong suit for some readers, I found myself less captivated by this aspect of the story. The occasional pacing issues made it challenging to maintain consistent engagement, and at times, I felt the plot meandered rather than driving forward.
In conclusion, "The Guileful Rose" delivers a unique narrative with a compelling main character, but it didn't align perfectly with my personal taste. If you appreciate revenge arcs and a distinct writing style, this book might be worth your while. I'm curious to see how the sequel addresses these aspects and whether it might resonate more closely with my reading preferences.
March 20, 2025
Political Grim Dark at its Best (Literary Rich Dessert)
Picture a morally grey female main character with the focus and determination of the Punisher and the irreverence of Deadpool. This sums up the essence of Amaria’s personality, but she’s very sophisticated and keeps these opinions to herself and her husband Theo, until she’s had enough. They’re both likeable anti-heroes, but Amaria will make you snigger, cheer, and want to hit someone for her.
The politics in this book are very complex but the author presents them seamlessly so you can follow them easily, even for non-political people like me. The story also has an underlying secondary storyline along with politics that makes me wonder: What will she do next? How will she fix that?
I consider this book to be what I call “literary rich dessert”. It’s definitely not a speed read – you have to plan to read this slower so you can get the benefit of the little nuances and threads of the story. This story is intriguing and ends on a satisfying note, but yet you wonder what’s going to happen in the next book.
Highly recommended! Enjoyed it thoroughly!
November 3, 2023
Arrange marriage
Mages
Gods
Fairies
Political Arrange marriage
Political plots
War
Old worldly
High fantasy
Mortally grey characters
Villainess/ anti hero
Old torture methods
Revenge
Third person
Some Spice
Babies/ motherly love
Fake pregnancy/ miscarriage (the way it is written I felt it wasn’t an emotional occurrence)
Okay wow!!!! Let’s just say the last 70% of the book had me at suspense and intrigue! I couldn’t put it down!!! It’s a third person read and I adore that in a more high fantasy book. This book the main fantasy aspect was mages, fairy’s and the badlands with creatures lurking like unicorns and not the friendly kind. The kind that lures and eats people. This book has a lot of politics/ court etiquette which can be slower paced but the book really pick up to the point that I need the next one. I adore that Amaria is more of a villainess. She plots and schemes and plays by court rules. She’s bloodthirsty. She also has this love for the people she cares about. She would sacrifice the world for them especially her son. She’s in love with her husband Theodmon. She feels safe and he has this calming effect on her. I’m no going to lie at one point I thought Theodmon was going to betray her. I don’t like the fact that she can’t read the one language and she relies on him. Although I absolutely adore there relationship!! I really hope there love is true because he seem like the type that would do absolutely anything for her and he does prove that a time or two. There are so many little things happening in this book that I can’t wait to find out what’s to come! Hoping for an HEA. This ends with the knowledge the story’s not complete but no huge cliffhanger more of an intermission.
Mages
Gods
Fairies
Political Arrange marriage
Political plots
War
Old worldly
High fantasy
Mortally grey characters
Villainess/ anti hero
Old torture methods
Revenge
Third person
Some Spice
Babies/ motherly love
Fake pregnancy/ miscarriage (the way it is written I felt it wasn’t an emotional occurrence)
Okay wow!!!! Let’s just say the last 70% of the book had me at suspense and intrigue! I couldn’t put it down!!! It’s a third person read and I adore that in a more high fantasy book. This book the main fantasy aspect was mages, fairy’s and the badlands with creatures lurking like unicorns and not the friendly kind. The kind that lures and eats people. This book has a lot of politics/ court etiquette which can be slower paced but the book really pick up to the point that I need the next one. I adore that Amaria is more of a villainess. She plots and schemes and plays by court rules. She’s bloodthirsty. She also has this love for the people she cares about. She would sacrifice the world for them especially her son. She’s in love with her husband Theodmon. She feels safe and he has this calming effect on her. I’m no going to lie at one point I thought Theodmon was going to betray her. I don’t like the fact that she can’t read the one language and she relies on him. Although I absolutely adore there relationship!! I really hope there love is true because he seem like the type that would do absolutely anything for her and he does prove that a time or two. There are so many little things happening in this book that I can’t wait to find out what’s to come! Hoping for an HEA. This ends with the knowledge the story’s not complete but no huge cliffhanger more of an intermission.
November 4, 2023
When I say Mrs. Emily popped offff with this book!!! It was absolutely amazing. I honestly loved it from page one alll the way to the end. I was disappointed for it to end because I was so intrigued with the novel, I wanted more lol. I know it’s a series so I’ll be impatiently waiting on more 😂😂 this book kept me captivated. The writing is just beautiful, it is very descriptive. I could imagine scenes while reading. Everything I read, I pictured in my mind. I am in love with the characters in this book, especially Amaria and Theodmon. There is a little blurb at the end that has the pronunciations & description for each character which I loved and was extremely helpful. This book was action packed, also filled with love & laughter. This book made me happy, laugh, tear up, angry; every emotion you can feel was felt lol. Very beautifully written and I would recommend to EVERYONE!! Stunning cover, it is so pretty! Also, this book did have a little bit of spice in it & let’s just say I was not disappointed lol!
January 13, 2024
It took me awhile to finish this book life happened then the holidays and needless to say this is the longest it has ever taken me to finish a book! I do apologize but can I say how much in love I am?!?! I usually am not the biggest fan of SUPER political books but I was invested with the main characters story from the very FIRST chapter and that doesn’t happen all the time! I loved how the she (the author) mixed in the story with the explanations of everything going on so the reader wasn’t lost and having to back track! Also the fact that there is a character guide in the back letting you know who everyone is helped so much! I think it ended in the perfect spot as well! I could go on and on about this book but I don’t want to give any spoilers but if you looking for an intensely fantastic touch her and die fantasy read? I highly recommend you give this one a try and devour every last page like I did. I can’t WAIT to see where the Lord and Ladies story goes next!
October 17, 2023
This book introduces distinct characters and kingdoms that are very well thought out and creative. Amaria is a likable female main charatcer and deserved so much better in so many scenarios. I really like Theodmon and Amaria's connection. They are cute and connect well. The author also has an excellent grasp of fantasy writing and understanding medieval ages, arranged marriages, and making things quite realistic with a spin of fantasy.
I do have to take away a star because the beginning felt rushed. The time jump after the arranged marriage seemed rushed to me and out of place with where the story was going. I also am not a fan of anything smutty, but that's just my personal dislike.
Overall, if you like an anti-hero female main character, fantasy, magic, and emotional stories I think you would enjoy this book!
I do have to take away a star because the beginning felt rushed. The time jump after the arranged marriage seemed rushed to me and out of place with where the story was going. I also am not a fan of anything smutty, but that's just my personal dislike.
Overall, if you like an anti-hero female main character, fantasy, magic, and emotional stories I think you would enjoy this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
"You'll be a queen among all mortals, and you will be despised for it."
"Idealism would get her killed. But was she human without having a shred of it? Idealism wasn't just a childish fancy. It was hope."
*Mages & Fae
*Anti-hero
*Arranged Marriage
*Pregnancy/Motherhood
This book was far from a hero's journey...Amaria is the embodiment of an Anti-hero. Sometimes you want to strangle her, and others you somehow end up rooting for her...either way, she always seems to come out on top. If you like villian stories with these tropes this book is for you. Girlies all about that revenge!
This was not My normal style book but was still good nonetheless. Definitely curious as to where this will lead in coming books..especially with that ending! I have no clue what's going to happen or even who to fully trust
****Arc Review****
"Idealism would get her killed. But was she human without having a shred of it? Idealism wasn't just a childish fancy. It was hope."
*Mages & Fae
*Anti-hero
*Arranged Marriage
*Pregnancy/Motherhood
This book was far from a hero's journey...Amaria is the embodiment of an Anti-hero. Sometimes you want to strangle her, and others you somehow end up rooting for her...either way, she always seems to come out on top. If you like villian stories with these tropes this book is for you. Girlies all about that revenge!
This was not My normal style book but was still good nonetheless. Definitely curious as to where this will lead in coming books..especially with that ending! I have no clue what's going to happen or even who to fully trust
****Arc Review****
November 7, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. The book is plot driven and the author started the action off very quickly. The character development for the morally grey FMC provided increased depth and personality over the course of the book. This book was a single point of view from Amaria (FMC) so I felt like I really got to know her and her motivations. The timeline did jump ahead after some significant events occurred (this was done by breaking the book into parts) but I enjoyed this as it kept the reader engaged and I still understood the background. This is book 1 so the story is ongoing and does not end with the conclusion of the intrigue but I didn't feel like it was too much of a cliffhanger. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy magic, fantasy, low spice, and political intrigue!
September 18, 2024
The vibe with this fantasy book felt different, not in a bad or good way, just hard to explain.
I loved how little fucks Amaria gave by the end of this book. Being delicate on the outside but deadly and no one suspecting. The spicy scenes were ok but more practically like it would be in real life for someone in her station. I actually loved that her and her husband complimented each other well and managed to love each other. Even the pregnancy I wouldn’t consider a pregnancy trope per se. Natural consequence of sex and it was her job , plus it did not stop her from being an unstoppable force like frequently happens when woman has a child. The torture sections were hard to read but believable.
I look forward to watching these children grow up and how similar /different they will be and what part the faeries will now play come book 2
I look forward to it
I loved how little fucks Amaria gave by the end of this book. Being delicate on the outside but deadly and no one suspecting. The spicy scenes were ok but more practically like it would be in real life for someone in her station. I actually loved that her and her husband complimented each other well and managed to love each other. Even the pregnancy I wouldn’t consider a pregnancy trope per se. Natural consequence of sex and it was her job , plus it did not stop her from being an unstoppable force like frequently happens when woman has a child. The torture sections were hard to read but believable.
I look forward to watching these children grow up and how similar /different they will be and what part the faeries will now play come book 2
I look forward to it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
DO IT! READ IT NOW!
Ok, so, this book packs a punch right from the start, there is action and betrayal and shock everywhere you turn!
It felt a little slow in places, but that is just my preference in pacing.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy novel, that is not ENTIRELY about Fae, there are mages, unicorns, fae and an assortment of other magical beings in this novel. The magic system as well was awesome, I love elemental magic, it gave me sort of avatar the last airbender vibes with the rarity of some magic and element combinations and I really loved it!
Now the relationships.... *DROOL* love it, wont say too much but long may it continue! The tension, the love, the touch her and die vibes, I am here for it all!
Pick it up right now and read it!
Ok, so, this book packs a punch right from the start, there is action and betrayal and shock everywhere you turn!
It felt a little slow in places, but that is just my preference in pacing.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy novel, that is not ENTIRELY about Fae, there are mages, unicorns, fae and an assortment of other magical beings in this novel. The magic system as well was awesome, I love elemental magic, it gave me sort of avatar the last airbender vibes with the rarity of some magic and element combinations and I really loved it!
Now the relationships.... *DROOL* love it, wont say too much but long may it continue! The tension, the love, the touch her and die vibes, I am here for it all!
Pick it up right now and read it!
May 26, 2024
I won't release any spoilers, but I do want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was amazing. Glad there was also a TW, but the violence isn't too bad actually, and the book also had a lot of good suspense. I couldn't guess what happened next which made the book even better for me! I always try to guess what will happen and there were amazing twists and turns in this one that kept me guessing, but I was wrong for the most part each time and to me, that makes for a fantastic read! I also felt like I could relate to the main character so much at times and that was another thing that made me enjoy this book as well. 10/10. Absolutely loved it! Hoping there will be a sequel. - Caitie Lamb
September 23, 2024
This book is different…it took me some time to get through. I very rarely declare a book a DNF, I was nervous this would be one.
The story itself and intent has potential.
The characters lack depth, they’re truly defined by their roles only.
The quality of the story doesn’t not improve until the last 20%.
This has magic/mages, noble families, deceit, manipulation, war, faes (at the very end). All the right ingredients just missing the execution.
The story starts flowing and then your hit with a sudden section change/flash forward.
I didn’t feel a deep connection within characters it was all superficial or meeting a mutual need.
Will try book 2 to see if there’s growth from book 1. Fingers crossed 🤞🏽
The story itself and intent has potential.
The characters lack depth, they’re truly defined by their roles only.
The quality of the story doesn’t not improve until the last 20%.
This has magic/mages, noble families, deceit, manipulation, war, faes (at the very end). All the right ingredients just missing the execution.
The story starts flowing and then your hit with a sudden section change/flash forward.
I didn’t feel a deep connection within characters it was all superficial or meeting a mutual need.
Will try book 2 to see if there’s growth from book 1. Fingers crossed 🤞🏽
October 19, 2023
I absolutely loved this story! High fantasy at it's best! Full of court intrigue, deception, and magic, with some sword action thrown in. Amaria, an extremely powerful, self-interested, yet heroic mage, has to navigate her way through an arranged marriage, political allies and enemies, and an evil sorceress, all while pulling the strings of war, famine, and the overthrow of a rival government from behind the scenes. As love for her new husband and child grows, she has to fight against the evil that has invaded her magic and threatens to turn her into a merciless destroyer. This story is made for anybody who loves 'Shadow and Bone' and 'Game of Thrones'.
November 5, 2023
The Guileful Rose for me started off a bit slow, and the writing felt a little like it was finding its feet in the world, however, once we got moving, I was able to really lean more into Amaria’s story and the world building. This had some nice tropes for me, forced marriage, strong fmc, and a nice revenge arc. Amaria is deeply flawed, and that’s noted from the start, often making choices I didn’t always agree with, and whose character development has been slow, perhaps a build up for the future book/s?
The magic system was easy to follow, and the world building was ok, I will be reading the next book when it’s out, and I’m excited to watch this Authors career ❤️
The magic system was easy to follow, and the world building was ok, I will be reading the next book when it’s out, and I’m excited to watch this Authors career ❤️
August 23, 2024
It’s always hard being dropped into a world you know nothing about, fantasies often do this. But Almanza does an amazing job of bringing the reader up to speed without completely info dumping and overloading you with pointless information and backstory.
From the start of the book, the stakes are high and the reader is put on edge, constantly being as vigilant as Amaria. Almanza also does a fantastic job of building the romance in a way that feels natural
There are some slow parts of the novel where you really wait for things to get moving, but once the plot picks up it’s nearly impossible to set the book down.
I am so excited for the sequel and can’t wait to read what happens next
From the start of the book, the stakes are high and the reader is put on edge, constantly being as vigilant as Amaria. Almanza also does a fantastic job of building the romance in a way that feels natural
There are some slow parts of the novel where you really wait for things to get moving, but once the plot picks up it’s nearly impossible to set the book down.
I am so excited for the sequel and can’t wait to read what happens next
February 23, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book so very much!! I felt so many emotions reading The Guileful Rose and became so attached to the main characters! I loved the plot, the magic system, and the politics of this story! I adored Amaria’s character development- a morally grey lovable main character can be hard to portray but it was done so well! Amira is the definition of resilience, despite all of the traumas and obstacles set in her path. I also ADORED Amaria and Theodman’s relationship so much! They are beautiful! If you want a book that will make you both laugh, cry, and swoon, then read this book ASAP!
October 18, 2023
What a great Fantasy book!! The magic system is fun to learn and the politics that run thru the realm is MESSY but in the best way. I love the relationship the FMC and MMC have. They are devoted to each other and would do anything to protect their family. We just got a taste of the Fae realm and I'm sooooo excited to see where that goes! This book is a 5 star read EASILY. If you love Mages, magic, Fae, Political drama between kingdom's, and a strong FMC pick this book up!!!!
I am an ARC reader and giving my honest opinion!
I am an ARC reader and giving my honest opinion!
October 30, 2023
I loved this book! There is nothing I enjoy more than a strong fmc, who has strengths AND weaknesses. The fmc, Amaria, felt extremely relatable to me. She is tough when she needs to be, adaptable, loving, haunted, and feminine in both her emotional journey and her revenge journey.
The Guileful Rose follows Amaria, a woman with power, who has already been through so much, and continues to survive many trials throughout her journey. She falls in love, builds a family, and goes to war.
There is magic, espionage, politics, manipulation, and a HEA (thankfully, I was worried.)
The Guileful Rose follows Amaria, a woman with power, who has already been through so much, and continues to survive many trials throughout her journey. She falls in love, builds a family, and goes to war.
There is magic, espionage, politics, manipulation, and a HEA (thankfully, I was worried.)
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