Rose Crown

by Nina Clare

The only thing more dangerous than falling into Faerie is falling in love with an enchanted prince.

Lily has always been content living on the edge of Faerie, where the woods are wild, home life is simple, and the troubles of the kingdom feel far away. She has no wish for anything to change.

But change comes anyway. Treasure hunters swarm the border, her family mysteriously disappears, and she is dragged into a perilous quest through Faerie.

New friendships are forged, but family ties unravel as secrets are revealed. No one is who she thought they were, least of all herself, and navigating Faerie is deadly when a single misstep can mean more than losing just your way…

Rose Daughter is a reimagining of the Grimm’s fairy tale ‘Snow White and Rose Red’. Dare to venture into Faerie in search of lost treasure and stolen loved ones in this romantic adventure, part of the All That Glitters series – a collection of twelve books brimming with Tales of Treasure and True Love. Each book is written by a different author and can be enjoyed in any order, so pick a new favourite and discover that not all that glitters is gold.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Romantasy, Retellings, Magic

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2025

About the author

When she’s not writing stories or thinking up stories or reading other people’s stories, Nina likes to paint and collage pictures, get taken for long walks by her adorable dogs, and cook all things plant-based. She also does other things, like office work, but that’s the boring bit. She lives very happily in rural Cornwall, England with her family.

Reviews

[Reese Songbird · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I was expecting, and to be completely honest, it wasn’t really my thing, though I could see other people absolutely adoring this book!
I want to clarify that just because I wasn’t a huge fan of this book, doesn’t mean that it was bad. In fact, I think it was well written, and for other readers, a fantastic read.
I personally wasn’t a fan of the characters, except for Jory, who was a side character that didn’t have much of a role, but he still was in it. I liked him, and would have enjoyed it more if he had been more of a focus, though I understand why he wasn’t.
The plot had a lot of potential, and I think if this had been a full novel, and things drawn out a bit more, I would’ve been more interested. I think it just went by a bit too fast, and we didn’t get to sit very long in any scenario.
One way I can think of describing this book is like Alice in Wonderland mixed with The Wizard of Oz but I don’t know why nor can I explain exactly why I think that. It’s just the vibes and feelings I get from the book.

Content:
Magic, some violence, and kissing

[Cari Legere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! All the characters felt so real, and the romance was perfect. Best of all, it focused on the sisterly bond between Lily and Rose as well as Lily's romance. I love books that feature healthy sibling relationships. I also enjoyed the (more realistic) take on the whole enchanted prince trope.

Lily is an amazing female protagonist—strong yet gentle. She's not a kick-butt female character. Instead, her strength lies in her clever thinking and determination to save her sister. We need more characters like her.

The side characters all felt fleshed out, which I appreciated. I'd love to hear more about their escapades. :)

The romance was a bit unusual, but again, that's how it was in the original fairy tale (Snow White and Rose Red by the Brothers Grimm). When the couple finally got together, I couldn't help but audibly "aw." I wish I could go into more detail, but then that's entering spoiler territory.

(Side note: The minute I spotted the British spelling, my brain gave all the characters British accents.)

Anyway, this book is one of my favorites in the All That Glitters series, and I'll definitely be checking out more books by Nina Clare. 5/5!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a charming and imaginative retelling of Snow White and Rose Red! While I thought I had a sense of where the story might go, it surprised me in the best way. Nina Clare weaves a magical world full of danger, wonder, and heart—and I was fully swept up in it.

Lily was a standout for me. Her journey was both emotional and empowering, and I was so happy to see her get the happily ever after she deserved. The magical elements in this book were beautifully done—intricate without being overwhelming—and added real depth to the world of Faerie.

Nearly every character brought something special to the story, and even the one who irritated me a bit wasn’t poorly written—just believably frustrating in a way that made sense for the plot.

Rose Crown is a clean, romantic adventure full of heart and fae enchantment. I’d happily read more of Nina Clare’s work and would recommend this to anyone who loves fairy tale retellings that lean into the classic magic while bringing something fresh to the table.

[Lisa Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Crown by Nina Clare is a retelling of "Snow White and Rose Red" from the multi-author All That Glitters series. Although I've lost track of how many books I've read from this series, this one was a lovely addition. It covers a lesser-known and rather odd story that doesn't get adapted frequently, and turns it into a beautiful, dream-like tale. The book takes place in the faerie and human realms and includes some of my favorite tropes, such as a lost princess and mermaids. It borrows just enough content from the original fairy tale to feel like a true adaptation while adding enough original elements to feel fresh and new. The cottagecore and fae imagery throughout the book gives it an overall sense of wonder and nostalgia.

Lily and Rose live in a cottage in the woods at the edge of the gateway between the faerie and human realms. Their mother has an unprecedented amount of magical knowledge for their humble upbringing and provides guidance to keep them safe in their cozy haven. Lily's best friend is a fae bear she rescued from a trap and nicknamed Beran. Her life turns upside down when their quiet home is invaded by two treasure hunter brothers named Jack and Jory, and Rose is kidnapped by a mysterious fae. Without her Beran or her mother to guide her, Lily must trust a group of strangers to journey into the fae realm to recover her lost family. She discovers many secrets about their past along the way.

This book does not contain much budding romance, but there is an abundance of male companions. I spent way too much time trying to figure out who was going to end up with whom. Jack and Jory provide endless comedic relief with their morally grey antics while Sir Oswain is a paragon of chivalry and honor. All three men are seeking the crown of the lost prince and the treasure that goes with it, but take a detour to help Lily on her quest to recover Rose. Many of the implied love interests are red herrings since the book ends similarly to the fairy tale, but I won't spoil it for those who are not familiar with it. There are also some fun animal sidekicks, a magic lamp, and mermaids!

The appeal of this book lies more in the world than it does in the story itself. If you are a fan of fairy tales, princesses, and magical girly aesthetics, this book is a comforting escape from the real world. There are so many unexpectedly welcome tropes from various princess stories that pop up throughout the book. The world is similar to the comforting landscape of Sofia the First or Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, and is full of surprises and enchantment. As she travels through this whimsical landscape, Lily learns the truth about where she came from and discovers her true potential.

Rose Crown is a charming and enchanting retelling of "Snow White and Rose Red" that will transport you to a whimsical world of faeries, magic, and wonder. With its dreamy cottagecore aesthetic, lovable characters, and exciting adventures, this book is a perfect escape for fans of fairy tales and princess stories. Nina Clare's adaptation skillfully weaves together familiar tropes and original elements, creating a fresh and captivating narrative that will delight readers of all ages. If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good story with a touch of magic, Rose Crown is a must-read.

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun reimagining of Rose Red and Snow White! I was really excited to read this and it was so fun!
Lily was so engaging! I really enjoyed her narration and she felt very real. I was invested in her story from the first few chapters. She was quick and observant, while being fiercely loyal to her family. A lot of the other characters were really supportive of her journey. I feel like they could be easily described through their roles in the story. I really enjoyed how they complemented and contributed to Lily’s adventure: Jack and Jory providing humor and lightness, Sir Oswain as the noble from court
The story felt like a very classic fairytale adventure. I loved the way that the themes of the story were woven in as well as other fairytale tropes. It was fun to see the journey through Faerie and I was really engaged throughout. I loved the magic of the setting and how Lily grew into herself, while still staying true to who she knew she was. She loved her sister and mother so deeply and yet understood her place in the world. There was a light romance that mostly came in the end that was very sweet too! Overall, this was a lovely read with adventure and magic!
I received an ARC.

[Mildly Mad Hatter · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. Nothing bad, just okay. Plus there was basically no romance until around 80% and even then it was barely any. So yeah, good but I don’t care for it very much.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book with a great plotline and characters.

I found it engrossing and loved the plot twists, and I would have loved more of the romance in the story.

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Rose couldn't be more different as sisters. Rose prefers to stay inside, doing more household related tasks, and wishing for a life away from the cottage. Lily lives to be free and wild and roams the forest around the cottage while doing all the outdoor chores. Their cottage sits near the border between mortals and faerie with the border allowing mortals to cross once a year. The king has tasked adventurers and treasure seekers to find his missing crown before but this year his desperation has started to increase. With both of his children missing with no direct heir, the crown is a prize worth a small fortune. Lily and Rose are familiar with the treasure seekers and know to stay indoors, only going out as needed with a rose for protection. However, this year is different for the roses allowed newcomers to approach their cottage. When the fog thickens and Rose goes out to visit Sir Oswain without her crown of roses she is taken into Faerie. Lily is determined to save her while leading her band of unlikely companions armed with the knowledge that Mother gave her about Faerie and her affinity for magic and the wild.

This was a tale I wasn't as familiar with and this retelling was a great introduction to it. The roles of Rose and Lily are reversed from the original tale but the way this story is written makes it fit so much better this way. I like the subtle hints that the Mother is more that what she claims to be. The journey through Faerie was fantastical and made me want to punch Jory for how he left but fit his character. The journey that Lily went on was fitting for her character and allowed her to discover what she wanted. I can understand the sentiment at the end about moving on. Something I thought was well done was Beran and how that story line was handled. I don't want to spoil anything but I thought how that character's ending was fitting for them and their circumstances. This was a very well done story.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5 stars~
Rose Crown was a fun, fast-paced read! It was a cozy read, perfect to sink into after reading an in-depth series!

This is a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red. To be honest I only recently learned that there is a second part of Snow White. I still haven’t read the original, but this was an interesting introduction to the story.

This was a very fast-paced story. On one hand this was a benefit; it kept the story moving and there was a sense of urgency. One the other hand it kept me from really sinking into the story because it was constantly moving.

I enjoyed the main character, Lily. She was relatable in a way many characters aren’t for me. She just wanted to live in her cottage with her mother and sister, as well as make sure her friend is okay.

I liked the other characters well enough, but I don’t know that I got to know them on a deeper level. They made a really fun, dynamic team. I loved their banter.

The romance. I couldn’t really see where the romance part of this book was. I think this could have been a wonderful book about friends, family, and siblings. The romance really let me down, primarily because it was not developed and I didn’t really get to know the love interest. I think it had potential, but it needed more development.

One of the best parts of this book were the sibling relationships. We had sisters Lily and Rose, and brothers Jory and Jack. This book did a good job of showing these two different relationships! I also really enjoyed how the purpose of this book was Lily wanting to save her sister.

This book did take place in Faerie. Lily actually lives on the border of Faerie, but the story takes them to Faerie and living so near it has a big effect on the characters. I don’t really enjoy the Fae and Faerie. This one wasn’t too bad, but it still isn’t my favorite. If you enjoy the Fae then this is for you, or if you want more of an introduction.

Rose Crown by Nina Clare is a cozy, fast-paced, clean romance retelling of Snow White and Rose Red with adventure, siblings, Faerie, and friends!

*I received an ARC copy from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Makayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and charming retelling of Rose Red and Snow White! This is the first book I have read that held elements of the story of Rose Red and it won't be my last! While I did feel like the book is more geared towards younger teens, I still enjoyed it! If you want a charming fun read then Rose Crown is for you! It is a sweet and clean retelling with plenty of adventure and a couple plot twists along the way! Nina Clare has a gift for weaving a wonderful story that you feel as if you are living the story alongside the characters.

Lily and Rose are sisters who live with their mother in a small cottage near the border of Faerie and the human realms. Their mother holds a lot of magical knowledge about Faerie which does align with their upbringing at the cottage. Each year just before the border to Faerie opens for a brief time Lily's best friend, a fae bear she nicknamed Beran returns for a brief visit. The bear and Lily struck up a friendship when Lily as a young child rescued Beran as a bear cub when he was stuck in a trap. Lily's peaceful world is turned upside down upon the arrival of the treasure hunters who arrive to search for the king's long-lost crown when the border to Faerie briefly opens. Among the arrivals are brothers Jack and Jory. When Rose is kidnapped by a mysterious fae, Lily teams up with Jack, Jory, and the nobleman Sir Oswain (who has secretly been visiting Rose), to rescue her sister. Along the way, Lily will unravel many secrets about her past, form new friendships, and learn the truth about her friend Beran.

Overall, Rose Crown is a fun adventure you are not going to want to miss!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Lily’s point of view

-there are two uses of the word beginning with a ‘j’ for donkey, not used as a curse word though used in a demeaning manner between siblings

Review:

I’ve read a few of Nina Clare’s books and I still can’t get enough!

I loved this story and getting to know this world that Lily lives in! I loved Lily’s spunky approach to life and that she wasn’t willing to sit back when she could do something. I loved that we also got an array of different characters that Lily and her family met. They were all interesting to listen to/watch and I wasn’t really sure what they’d do or if they’d actually be helpful in the search. I also loved seeing the hints of the original Snow White and Rose Red tale and trying to figure out where Nina Clare would decide to keep true to it and where she’d add to it to make a version all her own!

Also, this particular story is similar to The Goblin & the Dancer by Allison Tebo (in that there was more focus on the adventure with a lighter happily ever after ending) and I loved returning to that kind of a story!

Summary:

Lily has grown up with a happy life in the forest on the border of Faerie. Her mother and sister are all the companionship she needs, even with her great curiosity for the unknown.

But as with every year, their forest is invaded with treasure seekers hoping to make their fortune by retrieving something for the king from Faerie. Unlike other years though, Lily’s family go missing and she is determined to find them. With new friendships and alliances, Lily will venture deep into Faerie with the knowledge of the fae her mother instilled in her to bring them back.

Only nothing goes to plan and Lily must contend with shocking revelations about each member of her family… including herself…

[Amanda McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I begin, I would like to thank Nina Clare for allowing me to read a copy of her upcoming book, Rose Crown, which is part of the multi-author All That Glitters series and is available starting June 14th, 2025.

Lily loves living near the border of Faerie, having a simple life near the wilderness and away from the kingdom. She doesn’t want anything in her life to change, but it does anyway. Treasure hunters are arriving at the border, her family disappears, and she goes on a dangerous adventure to get them back. She forms new friendships and learns family secrets that make her question everything she’s ever known. Can Lily find her family, survive her journey into Faerie, and figure out what she wants to do in life?

This book was a great story. You have Lily, a smart, sassy, loyal, kind, and beautiful young woman that loves living with her mother and sister. The interactions between Lily and her sister made me smile, and Jack and Jory’s made me chuckle. The worldbuilding was very detailed and had great faerie lore referencing Celtic mythology, and the twists were wonderfully written. Romance was present later in the book, but it wasn’t the main focus of the story. Rather, the determination to find answers and sisterhood were and it was nice. Overall, if you like fairy tale retellings, great banter, fantastic worldbuilding, and sweet romance with low spice, then I would recommend this book.

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the adventure. That's not why I picked up the book, but it was an entertaining journey with interesting companions. The reason this didn't get more stars is that it didn't really live up to my view of the series' premise and was sorely lacking in romance - based on a fairy tale with two romance options.

Lily (Snow White) has an enchanted bear friend. They only have a couple scenes together, and she worries for him when he's away due to nightmares. The bear (missing prince) is her love interest. During the quest to save her sister (Rose Red), Lily travels with Sir Oswain, Rose's love interest, and two brothers. Lily spends more time with Oswain than she does with her own love interest and more than Rose does. After the bear friend is rescued and turned back into the prince, Lily doesn't know how to act around him and he struggles to speak. They then spend a couple days recovering before he returns home. They are apart for months, then he returns and they marry. It wasn't a satisfying romance. I would have preferred the bear be a companion to see more of their bond. As for the idea that love/people are worth more than gold, that's really portrayed through the two brothers.

[One Last Petal Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and her sister Rose have lived their whole lives on the border with the faery lands, a border that opens just once a year. As adventurers and treasure hunters alike gather for the approaching opening, Lily and Rose each befriend some of them. When Rose is kidnapped just as the border opens, Lily must round up her new friends on a harrowing adventure across the faery land to bring her home. But through it all, she worries for her friend Beran, a bear who often visits her in her dreams. Is he safe? And what is he trying to tell her?

This was a really fun and sweet story. I loved the connection between the two sisters and the faery lands were a delight to explore.
I would have liked a bit more detail on the background. The king seemed a very irresponsible one, having lost three quite important things over the years that took decades to find again? And we’re never really told what happened?
The romance was cute, but Rose’s was more believable.
Adorable overall and I’d love to learn more about the world!

5 Roses
Depictions of smoking
Some kissing
No swears
Some battle injuries, nothing gory or overly descriptive.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The author Is a very creative and the world building was fantastic. The Prose didn't really hit home for me, it felt very YA. This isn't a BAD thing because it is a YA book. I think for a younger person this could be a fantastic book.

I simply wasn't the intended audience. If I had a daughter or a younger cousin I would absolutely buy this book for them. It is beautifully written and like I said the world building is fantastic.

I wish there had been more focus on the romance. The romance was cute but it felt kind of rushed. I think for a younger audience, that is okay...but as an adult... it took a little bit from the book for me...

If you are an adult who likes the YA style writing you will most likely enjoy this book. I do recommend for those who like true YA books.

As an adult:
World building: 5 stars
Romance: 3 stars
Prose: 3ish stars

If I were younger:
World building: 5 stars
Romance: 3-4 stars
Prose: 4-5 stars.

If you Iike YA or have aa daughter, niece, cousin, granddaughter etc I definitely recommend this book.
.I will round up to 4 stars on Aamazon.

I was given an ARC copy of this book, but I was late reading it so I read on KU.

[Noella Russon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely delightful!

I should preface this by saying that I love the fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red. I think it is beautiful and I love it when authors choose to retell it.

This book was so sweet. The romance(s?) was very subtle and understated, but I felt satisfied nonetheless. It was a fulfilling story, one that made me feel contented and happy.

I loved watching Lily grow into herself and take action. She wasn't brash or mean, but she knew what needed doing and did it. She had an understated strength that I found beautiful. Her ending was beautiful and exactly what is best for her.

The relationships in this book are one of the things that make it so great. Rose and Lily's sisterly relationship. Their relationship with their mother. The romance relationships seem equally organic and I find that to be nice.

Also, the side characters are incredible! Jack is one of my favorite characters and I would be more than happy to see his story at some point. And the margool! I love dragony characters!

I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing Plot But Hard For Me to Connect with Characters

Snow White and Rose Red is a fairy tale I’ve always loved. That alone made me eager to pick up this book. I found the plot to be quite good. It lived up to my expectations on that front. The characters were where I struggled. Jory was selfish and annoying. Jack was naive and mostly just a sidekick who caused more problems than he solved. The noble also proved to have a lack of a brain most of the time. I’m confused at how they all made peace and became friends by the end. I wasn't a fan of how the revelation that Lily was a foundling was handled. Lily compares herself to a pet, and her mother just argues in one line that she was loved, while Sir Oswain thanks the mother for being kind in taking her in like a charity case. I would have liked to see more nuance and a more emphatic rebuttal to the pet comparison. As someone who's adopted, that just rubbed me the wrong way. However, that scene was fairly quick, just a few lines on a page. Moving on to the romance, the romances were either instalove (Rose’s) or childhood friend-to-lover without any real buildup (Lily’s). For a romantic fantasy, it’s very lacking in romance. However, for a quick fantasy read, this is a good book.

[withlucylane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal rating: 5/5 stars
Spice rating: 1/5 - kisses but they come towards the end
Language: 0/5
Plot: 5/5

This is a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red and is a part of the All that Glitters multi author series.

Personal thoughts:

I love anything Nina Clare. Her books take me on an adventure and Rose Crown was no different.
I loved following Lily as she journeyed through Faerie, watching as she handled all the revelations about her past and that of Rose’s. She was just the best sister, daughter and friend in my opinion and I am so happy she ended up with her best friend in the end.
It might be a small thing but I loved how realistic Beran’s transformation was…normally the enchantment wears of and we have a man who has all his manners and speaks perfectly but with Beran ( I know his real name is not Beran but to me he is Beran) that was not the case, he struggled with his speech and to fit into court and I just wanted to give him a big hug. But I loved the reality and I definitely need more of Lily, Rose, Beran and Jack, I need a Jack story.
But all in all this was an amazing book and I just loved it.


Thank you to the author, Nina Clare, for an ARC of Rose Crown. All opinions are my own.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!!

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean fairytale retelling of Snow White and Rose Red. It is also part of the All That Glitters series. The main characters are Lily and Beran. Lily’s sister Rose gets taken so she sets out to save her. Will her and the companions that go with her be able to save Rose? Along the way Lily finds out stuff about her past and her family. Will she be able to handle what she learns? Faerie can be a dangerous place to be but they have no choice but to go to save Rose. Will they be able to stay safe and out of danger? I loved Beran he was so amazing. I do wish this book had more romance between Beran and Lily but that’s okay. This book was full of adventure which I loved. The side characters were amazing. I love the bond Lily and Rose had as siblings. I have never heard of the Rose Red fairytale but I didn’t feel lost while reading this. This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. Overall, this was a great book.

[Elizabeth Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Nina Clare and I really enjoyed being able to read it. At first, I only read maybe a chapter a day so it started off a little slower but then I ended up binging it to the end.

Lily finds herself in a comfortable position, taking care of the garden of roses, her goats, chopping wood, taking care of the dishes, and spending time with her mother and sister, Rose. When the king decides to make it a quest to anyone who might venture into Fairie, the sisters didn’t expect to gain a few guests. But when her family goes missing, she finds herself going to a place she’s only heard of from her mother’s warnings.

I was happily surprised how much of an adventure this story took. I wish to see more of these characters, their character growth only made me grow attached! I wasn’t sure what to expect and am thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily lives a quiet life with her mother and sister in a cottage near the border of Faerie. Once a year, when the door to the magical world is open, treasure hunters gather in the area and Lily has to stay away. But this time her sister goes missing and Lily has to venture into Faerie.

Another sweet YA novel from All That Glitters series, and a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red by the Brothers Grimm. I'm not at all familiar with the original fairytale, so this became a totally new story and I had no really clue to what was going to happen. Some parts were easy enough to guess, but I truly enjoyed that almost nothing was as it seemed!

Faerie felt just as magical and unpredictable as I expected, and it was so much fun to follow Lily and her companions through their adventures. The romance is not a big part in this book; the focus is on relationships between sisters and friends. A rather classic fairytale that will suit most people!

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Crown by Nina Clare
🌹The edge of Faerie
🌹A deadly land
🌹A search for treasure
🌹New friendships
🌹Sweet romance, a kiss (no spice)
Genre: Fantasy
Loved this one! Perfect fairytale feel! Lily was content living in their cottage with her sister and mother, but when change comes, things will never be the same...
A retelling of Snow white and Rose Red (a lesser known fairytale) and very well done! I enjoyed every moment. I loved Lily's character and the friends she met along her quest. I felt each personality was well-done and distinct. I plan on reading more from this author and would highly recommend!
Standalone in the All That Glitters series
Favorite characters: Lily, Beran, and the margool
Opening lines: "They say it is neither safe nor wise to dwell near Faerie. I say things are never that simple."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC (will be published June 14), all opinions are my own

[Bookish Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great tale! I love the writing and world building of Nina Clare. The characters are original and each have such individual personalities. Jack is hilarious and so endearing! Lily’s connection to the plants and animals hints at something magical, but the protective Roses are just the icing on the cake. I love how they are used throughout the story in different capacities as well. A great adventure with so many different paths within the story. I read this so fast because I needed to know what happened! The ending is perfect! Lily is so strong and knows exactly what she wants, even if it’s difficult. The fairy godmother tie in reminds me of the Jane Austen fairy tales and I love that correlation! Such a great read from this series! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't get into scrapes. I'm too busy getting everyone else out of them."

3.5 Star Read
I'm not very familiar with the original Snow White and Rose Red story so I didn't really know what to expect with this one, which was kind of fun and made it unpredictable for me! I liked the main characters and their adventures as the traveled Faerie searching for Lily's missing sister. It had a little of everything you would expect to find in a fae story-magic, mermaids, dwarves, a sea monster, a lamp that grants wishes, an important quest and enchanted roses!
The happy ending felt a bit rushed to me and I had times that I struggled to follow the story (mostly due to my own fault of being tired while reading, not the writing) and keeping up with what was happening.
Overall a good quick story with no language.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like stepping into a magical world that’s a little wild and mysterious. The main character, Lily, isn’t your typical hero who fights with swords or magic instead, she’s smart and really cares about her family. The story is about her trying to figure out what’s going on when things start changing around her, and she ends up on a risky adventure.

What I liked most was how real the characters felt, especially the relationship between Lily and her sister. Their bond is super important and really well done. There’s also a romance, but it’s not your usual love story it’s kind of different and sweet in its own way.

The world-building is cool but not overwhelming, and the story moves along nicely. If you like fairy tale vibes with a fresh twist, this one’s a nice pick. Plus, it’s part of a series, but you can jump in anytime without feeling lost.

[Bethany Aich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much. It was fun to see the relationship between sisters and mother, and then the addition of odd new friends. I loved the plot, the theme of friendship, and the happily ever afters.

I especially loved how sweet this book was romance-wise. With only a light kiss or two (not descriptive at all), it is yet another in this MAS* that I’ll be adding to my shelf, and I am perfectly happy to recommend it to any age person who wants to read it.

Violence: some fighting, but it’s pretty minor. We do see a death in a fight with an animal, but no descriptions

*Please note that though there are several books in this multi author series that have spice levels (being the lack thereof) that I am very happy with, it is not something I would give as a blanket statement for the whole series.

[PAT MONT Mont · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this story. It kept me engaged and sustained every emotion in every page I read.

My Strong Points:

🌸Clare creates a fascinating world with a rich and detailed mythology, including fairies, dwarves, and other magical creatures.

🌸Lily is a strong and independent protagonist, with a special connection to the fairy world.

🌸Magic isn't the center of the plot; rather, it's used to enrich the world and the characters' experiences. Clare does a good job of integrating elements of magic into the characters' daily lives without making it seem artificial.

🌸The novel reads smoothly... seriously, it only took me two days to read this wonderful book.

It's worth noting that I received an ARC in exchange for a review, and as promised, here it is. 😊

[Martha Braebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Nina Clare and I loved it! Faerie is one of my favourite settings for high fantasy and I loved how Nina Clare perfectly explored the fae's motivations and lack of regard for mortals. I also loved how Nina Clare told the story and built such an incredible world! Lily was such a likeable character. Her love for her mother and sister was so touching - even though she later realised that they weren't really related, she still loved them. I just wished that Nina Clare had explored a little more of the romance between Lily and Beran, but otherwise this book was a really gripping, interesting read. I can't wait to read more by this author!

I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Tammy Villiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Nina (the first one Stepsister one)—was a good story. While Lily and Rose were very different in their interests and personalities—they were both caring and had the same loyal traits that made their relationship wholesome. And yeah they fought—every sibling pair does that, especially when making significant decisions. The romance was sweet and I really liked reading about it.

The plot was interesting—but I wish it was more deep and explored more, the faerie realm and the human one! That would’ve been more complex and more intriguing!

Now if we revisit this world with Jack or other characters stories, that’d be cool!


I received an ARC and this is my review!

[Hannah Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun and unexpected. The people you meet and the places you go defy expectations. It is a wonderful retelling of Snow White and Rose Red.

Lily lives with her mother and sister on the border to the faerie realm. Every year adventurers come to try their luck at retrieving the king’s missing treasure. When Lily’s sister is taken in not faerie, Lily teams up with an eclectic group of adventurers to save her sister.

Highlights:
The roses 🌹
Jack son of Jago 🥰😂
Lily interacting with the Faerie Queen
Beran the bear

I love Lily because she is wild and loves freedom and nature. I love how clever and loyal she is.

“THEY SAY it is neither safe nor wise to dwell near Faerie. I say things are never that simple.”