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When Rose is passed over by Jack for an assignment she wanted, and given busy work on realm instead, no one anticipates she will face the greater threat. Wanting to impress both her father and Matvei, she keeps the discovery that her mission is less benign to herself, and begins to single handedly expose shady dealings in town. This mission will test more than just her skills as a ruler or ability as a soldier.

213 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2023

4 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Lucretia Stanhope

84 books116 followers
Lucretia Stanhope is a relentlessly optimistic crone who refuses to let her growing collection of rare illnesses steal her sparkle. She prefers to think of herself as medically fascinating as opposed to disabled. Seriously, half of these diseases sound less realistic than her most fanciful novels.

Powered by the support of an amazing husband and family, when she isn’t cuddling with her rescue chi-mixes, Thor and Moxie, she spends her days in creative pursuits that range from drawing and painting to crochet and writing.

This is the landing page for all the pen names that include solo and collaborative novels. Please note genres and content advisories as these novels range from YA friendly, to adult only romances and graphic horror, with a touch of everything in between.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Kayla Krantz.
Author 46 books739 followers
November 13, 2018
So Rose is a different type of character than previous books have made her seem. She's quiet and witty, depending more on her physical abilities to fight than her magic. There's something admirable about that. This book reminded me of the beginning books in the series with the hunt for missing witches. As always with Miss Stanhope's books, there's plenty of suspense, and I can't wait to see where the series takes Gwen's family next!
Profile Image for Nikki Landis.
Author 144 books2,112 followers
August 24, 2018


The continuing story of Gwen and her family of 'special' witches takes the reader on a grand adventure through the eyes of the feisty, heroic, strong, and warrior priestess Rose. From the moment we are introduced to her character in earlier books, she's captivating with her headstrong and domineering personality. Rose is lovable with her no nonsense approach to love and life, both flawed and sweet, cunning and morally sound.

When Rose is finally given her own assignment there's a lot more at stake than finding missing witches. A deadly game of cat and mouse begins to play out into an explosive conclusion that was shocking, fantastically dark and twisted, and I have a whole new appreciation for deadly games of chance. Rose is not to be dismissed easily and her perseverance catapults her to the top of my favorites list. These witches never disappoint . . . but oh those deliciously dark vampires.

As always, I'm never disappointed with this author or her flawless writing. She's unique, descriptive, and thinks of monsters and characters that completely blow me away. I'm entirely captivated by this series and will continue to read them all. A MUST OWN addition to your library.

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5

Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
Profile Image for J.B. Trepagnier.
Author 126 books827 followers
December 31, 2017
I think Rose is probably one of my new favorite characters in this series. I liked Gwen, but she kind of quietly plotted in the background and let things happen. Rose is not like that at all and more like me. Rose is a fighter and when she wants something, she just goes and gets it with some sarcasm and snark thrown in.

Rose thinks she is given a sort of sissy mission as her first mission because Brac and Jack don't trust her to handle herself because she's a girl. The mission ends up being more dangerous than anyone expected, but Rose doesn't take it lying down. In fact, she fights like hell to save the witches and anyone who has wronged her and her family.

I loved the scenes when Rose flung a little snark at Nora and Maryanne and find both of these characters nearly as unpleasant as some of the vampires. I'm enough of a vindictive little snot to want to see Rose epically take those two down in later books as much as some of the vampires
Profile Image for Jessica Wilhelmsson.
186 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2017
This is amasing! It just get better and bettee

ByJessica Wilhelmssonon November 2, 2017

Its only get better and better! This is a 12Star book!
Rose, Gwens granddaughter stepped right in to nr 1 in my heart! This was such an adventure to read that I almost chew on my nails and a lot of times want to scream to her -"Watch out!! You missed a clue!
This book is so far the best in the serie, I think it is because you/I have found your favorite characters and know them all if you read all books I think to get the most out of this book yoy must have read them all but if you look for a really exciting story you can read it as a standalone.
I really really loved this story and Rose have taken Gwens place as nr 1. Gwen is awesome but nothing near Rose. I was actually disapointed of how Gwen seems to tackled of in this book. It felt like she has closed her self down and just not use her gifts. Well I shouldn't say to much so I ruin the story for someone. You have to read it to see what I mran
Profile Image for Rebecca.
769 reviews37 followers
April 19, 2019
I loved this story. It takes the series to a new level in so many surprising ways. Enter the world of infidelity among the royals; arranged (loveless) marriages to ensure a powerful bloodline--with witches and vampires each having their own agenda. It's a fascinating journey that continues the saga of Gwen's family. In this installment, you get to follow Rose and her adventures. When I met her in the previous book, she was an arrogant, proud little girl who flirted with the danger Matvi offered. A few years later, she's matured, but still the feisty person she was before. Her feelings of being second-best to everyone in her life make her fight harder to be better than others. What would it take for someone to accept and love her the way she wants? You can't help but love Rose despite her faults--especially her adoration of Matvi, despite him warning her that he IS the monster her mother thinks he is. Lots of exciting action takes place to keep you up late at night.
Profile Image for Ellie Midwood.
Author 47 books1,207 followers
February 16, 2018
After reading Brac’s story it was a delight getting to know Brac’s daughter, Rose. She is a wonderful central character, feisty and determined, who certainly won’t back down from any danger just to prove to her parents and everyone around her that she’s much more than a defenseless princess. When several witches go missing without a trace, Rose throws herself into the investigation which soon turns into quite a dangerous affair: a new magic enhancer is involved, and the ones profiting from its sales will stop at nothing to prevent Rose from discovering their secrets.
“Thorns” is probably one of my favorite installments in this series. It was impossible to put down and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the mystery element certainly added more excitement to the already engaging plot. Loved it, and looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Bookish .
Author 20 books171 followers
December 5, 2018
Another excellent book in this great series!

This seventh book in the Elemental Witch Trials series focuses on Rose, Brac’s daughter, take over as the main character, Brac still features prominently in the story, while Gwen and other family members continue to take supporting roles. Once again, the author achieves a natural and smooth progression that enriches the series without losing continuity or cutting off the stories of other family members.
Rose is a formidable character, not afraid to use both her physical and inner strengths to achieve her goals. She is complex and conflicted, which adds a very relatable layer of depth to her story.

As with every other instalment of this excellent series, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Sandy Quinn.
Author 6 books3 followers
October 11, 2017
Rose relies more on her sword than magic, she is tenacious and single-minded in her quests. The story revolves around the mystery of some missing witches (like the good old days of Gwen's crime solving adventures). But expect more blood and gore from Rose. Her connection and loyalty to vampire Matvei puts her in an interesting position of half-witch-half-vampire. This character has depth and complexities which makes her a worthy successor to Gwen who has mainly retired to wedding cakes tasting nowadays. I look forward to seeing more of Rose in the upcoming series.
Profile Image for Yvette Bostic.
Author 26 books50 followers
February 16, 2019
This book in the series was a little darker than the others. Rose's already dark personality falls deeper into Matvai's realm of vampires. While I'd like to see her stray back towards the light, I'm not sure that's in her future. I look forward to the next installment and hope we get to see more of Brac's new connection to fire.
Profile Image for Laurie Mault.
98 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2017
Awesome

The adventure continues! I was afraid that I may not like the newest generation of witches but I was so very wrong. The series continues to be one of my favorites.
Profile Image for C.A. King.
Author 123 books2,690 followers
June 24, 2019
I didn't think it was possible, but this series keeps getting better. I am completely in love with the characters, the plot, the writing and the magic - I'll be browsing through the next in line if you need me! Worth more than 5 stars!
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books326 followers
November 23, 2017
Another excellent installment of this fascinating fantasy tale, this time delving more into Rose's story.

Rose is a complex character - warrior, woman, insecure and wanting love. The relationship with her mother is strained...and, quite frankly, who'd want Maryanne as a mother? Brac is constantly misunderstood by her but is under orders... She is loved, however.

I will never like Matvei and wonder if things are going to change.

Rose faces huge battles, both emotionally and physically and things are forever changing, feeding her insecurities. And as for her intended...get rid!

I hope I haven't given away too much, but really, I am amazed there aren't numerous positive reviews for this series.

Brilliant, well-written and highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews