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The Rose Chronicles #1
Graveyard Rose
"She clings to life as tenaciously as the rose which grows from the cold, inhospitable graveyard soil," spoke the stranger at her side. "A graveyard rose!"
In a world where vampires, werewolves and other strains of such demonic creatures run at large, Lenara Gerrickson is a young Guardian appointed among the ranks of men, to protect human lives. Under the burden of a broken heart, she risks her life for her sister and struggles to maintain her position as the lone female Guardian; to uphold the honour and grandeur of her noble House. The company of Guardians rides forth to face the threat of a new breed of werewolves wreaking carnage throughout a rural village. Though her male cohorts are confident of victory, Lenara's intuition warns of unforeseen horrors.
Is there any hope for her to find love in this dark and desolate world, or will she perish in the line of duty? Here begins the incredible tale of a lost maiden, and of a mysterious, gentle man who calls himself a beast...
In a world where vampires, werewolves and other strains of such demonic creatures run at large, Lenara Gerrickson is a young Guardian appointed among the ranks of men, to protect human lives. Under the burden of a broken heart, she risks her life for her sister and struggles to maintain her position as the lone female Guardian; to uphold the honour and grandeur of her noble House. The company of Guardians rides forth to face the threat of a new breed of werewolves wreaking carnage throughout a rural village. Though her male cohorts are confident of victory, Lenara's intuition warns of unforeseen horrors.
Is there any hope for her to find love in this dark and desolate world, or will she perish in the line of duty? Here begins the incredible tale of a lost maiden, and of a mysterious, gentle man who calls himself a beast...
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2016
143 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Clyde
35 books21 followersI am an indie author who started off with writing fanfiction. Nuada is my favourite fantasy character from Guillermo del Torro's movie Hellboy 2: The Golden Army and I just could not live with him being dead as in the original story. So, I started my own fanfiction story and gave a new dimension to his universe.
I have a background in engineering but since last year, I have taken up writing and can't seem to stop! I lived in Scotland for a while and there, I met real-life witches, gypsies and story tellers who introduced me to a world of magic and fantasy which made me realise that I have my own tales to tell the world.
Please support me by buying my books which will cost you no more than a cup of coffee! "Like" my page on facebook and get the latest information on book releases.
I have a background in engineering but since last year, I have taken up writing and can't seem to stop! I lived in Scotland for a while and there, I met real-life witches, gypsies and story tellers who introduced me to a world of magic and fantasy which made me realise that I have my own tales to tell the world.
Please support me by buying my books which will cost you no more than a cup of coffee! "Like" my page on facebook and get the latest information on book releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 15, 2019
4 stars
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Lena is a great character. Strong, independent, loyal, compassionate and knows what she wants. Christopher is mysterious and intriguing but, has a tenderness that is so appealing. I like that this isn't your typical vampire book. There is a unique, cleverness she brings to the genre. Definitely want to read more of this series.
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Lena is a great character. Strong, independent, loyal, compassionate and knows what she wants. Christopher is mysterious and intriguing but, has a tenderness that is so appealing. I like that this isn't your typical vampire book. There is a unique, cleverness she brings to the genre. Definitely want to read more of this series.
August 8, 2016
Graveyard Rose by Ginny Clyde is definitely something different. An interesting blend of old-world charm and straight-up fantasy, it’s a wonderful retelling of old myths. The new spin Clyde puts on the creation of vampires and werewolves is well-done and very creative. While narrative-style writing is not something I’m familiar with, she handles it well. I was never left confused as to whose point of view I was in. As the first book by a new author, there are the usual, to be expected, minor technical errors, but I believe with time, Clyde will grow into a skilled author.
I recommend the book to anyone who loves fairy tales with a twist, but expect to be left wanting more as this only the first part of the novel.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
I recommend the book to anyone who loves fairy tales with a twist, but expect to be left wanting more as this only the first part of the novel.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
April 6, 2020
Graveyard Rose takes place in a world where the monsters come out at night to kill and destroy . Only the guardians , a group of highly trained fighters from several elite families come together to protect society .
In a Mulan like moment Lena decides to take her weak and ailing father's place and join their ranks - which are decidedly male. Lena must fight against mysterious monsters , but even worse she must fight side by side with her detestable old flame .
Lena is just an amazing female character. She's the the poster girl for ' We can do it ' . She's not like other female leads ,you know the ones I'm talking about the ones who allegedly don't have feelings and are all tough but somehow end up in a love triangle ?
She doesn't try to hide her feminity. She doesn't fight to be recognized , she fights to protect her beloved sister and father . She is willing to go to a horrible death to protect the innocent and helpless .
Christopher another one of our characters is such a classy guy here are two examples that speak for themselves ;
"Bending forward, he took her hand. He was slow to bring it up to his lips, giving her every opportunity to snatch her hand away from him."
"It felt like Christopher was rather hiding his talents and strengths instead of showing them off."
This dude's is a classy guy.
Also this keeping it real ;
"When she went out to parties... the men couldn’t stop showing off their fancy, expensive clothes. Somehow, only women were accused of vanity. The men remained blind to the airs they put on themselves."
Can I get an AMEN !
Content : PG
Two instances of very mild language
Talk of catching a man cheating
Fighting and wounds
Also if this link decides to work this is a lovely classical movie music playlist from movies like Jane Eyre , little women , and Pride and Prejudice ! ☺️ ( I listened to it while reading this)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HD...
In a Mulan like moment Lena decides to take her weak and ailing father's place and join their ranks - which are decidedly male. Lena must fight against mysterious monsters , but even worse she must fight side by side with her detestable old flame .
Lena is just an amazing female character. She's the the poster girl for ' We can do it ' . She's not like other female leads ,you know the ones I'm talking about the ones who allegedly don't have feelings and are all tough but somehow end up in a love triangle ?
She doesn't try to hide her feminity. She doesn't fight to be recognized , she fights to protect her beloved sister and father . She is willing to go to a horrible death to protect the innocent and helpless .
Christopher another one of our characters is such a classy guy here are two examples that speak for themselves ;
"Bending forward, he took her hand. He was slow to bring it up to his lips, giving her every opportunity to snatch her hand away from him."
"It felt like Christopher was rather hiding his talents and strengths instead of showing them off."
This dude's is a classy guy.
Also this keeping it real ;
"When she went out to parties... the men couldn’t stop showing off their fancy, expensive clothes. Somehow, only women were accused of vanity. The men remained blind to the airs they put on themselves."
Can I get an AMEN !
Content : PG
Two instances of very mild language
Talk of catching a man cheating
Fighting and wounds
Also if this link decides to work this is a lovely classical movie music playlist from movies like Jane Eyre , little women , and Pride and Prejudice ! ☺️ ( I listened to it while reading this)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HD...
January 3, 2018
We've all seen the movies and read the books. The big bad warewolves and the vicious blood thirsty vampires.
The setting of this book at first had me thinking it was just like the others.
In fact it was much more!
Carrying on her families legacy Lenara takes in a position that most only see fit for men. Hand picked by the beautiful vampiress Annabella, Lena keeps her family on the map and out of the awful pigheaded Stephan Jeagerson's filty paws.
After her mothers unfortunate death, she is also charged with the care of her sickly sister Isabella, whom she adores with her life. She will do anything to see that her sister has a long life and her father Daniel is cared for.
Heading out on a mission all she can think about is them. With an unfortunate and near death experience she crosses paths with Christopher, who has some secrets of his own.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series to see where they all end up and what Christopher's secrets are.
The setting of this book at first had me thinking it was just like the others.
In fact it was much more!
Carrying on her families legacy Lenara takes in a position that most only see fit for men. Hand picked by the beautiful vampiress Annabella, Lena keeps her family on the map and out of the awful pigheaded Stephan Jeagerson's filty paws.
After her mothers unfortunate death, she is also charged with the care of her sickly sister Isabella, whom she adores with her life. She will do anything to see that her sister has a long life and her father Daniel is cared for.
Heading out on a mission all she can think about is them. With an unfortunate and near death experience she crosses paths with Christopher, who has some secrets of his own.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series to see where they all end up and what Christopher's secrets are.
Want to read
December 1, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/01/2017)! 💝
November 4, 2018
Graveyard Rose is a wonderfully written fantasy! I loved every word of it! And the cover is beautiful and dark!
September 7, 2016
Lena Gerrickson is a Guardian, tasked with protecting the realm of Transylvania from werewolves and beast-like nulan vampires. To be a Guardian is a great honour, and only those from the rich noble houses are chosen. With Lena's mother dead and Father old and retired, it's up to her to not only keep their family away from those who might do them harm, but to also look after her younger sister who has a disease that requires a special potion to cure.
Set in the Dark Ages (I think anyway), Transylvania is a country run by a high society of vampires, who are quite happy with the way things are. The Guardians are employed to keep the local monster population down to stop drawing attention of the church and other civilisation who might want to do the masters harm. Most of the background lore is explained in Chapter 3, and whether this comes across as an info-dump or a necessary quick tour of the world given the novella length of the story will be up to the reader to decide. Personally, though, I think it could have been woven into the main text which would have given it more life. That's just a minor point though.
After a series of strangely coordinated werewolf attacks terrorise a nearby village, the Guardians are sent to investigate. Can Lena, a young woman of 18 years, make it in a male-dominated role and overcome the sexist attitudes of some of her fellow soldiers? And who is the mysterious stranger who helps her out of a bad situation?
I'll be the first to admit, that as a middle-aged bloke, I'm probably not the target audience for this kind of story, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. It's a good, well written, easy read and I was rooting for Lena as a character from the start.
Having Lena's mother dead at the beginning allows the author to explore the protective maternal side of Lena as well as the warrior public face. It also acts as a good introduction to the character as we meet her trying to get some potion ingredients in a dangerous situation. Lena is also slightly cynical and hurt as far as men are concerned, having had a bad experience with a suitor who tried to take advantage of her. Given the upcoming romance angle of the story, this gives her character somewhere to grow.
The world that Lena inhabits is well described, from eerie forests to grandiose parties, and her fellow guardians are given enough life and variety that I cared what happened to them.
Graveyard Rose is described as Part 1 of the 'Rose Chronicles'. Consequently, this book is a set up for the series so don't go in expecting any resolution to the various plot threads - it's more like a first act or pilot episode for a TV series. Hopefully part 2 and beyond will expand on the existing world-building and overall story arc - I would love to learn and hear more about the ruling vampires, for example, and how they respond to the new threats facing the Guardians.
In summary, Graveyard Rose is a well written and well-presented novella, and I hope that future instalments build on the strong start.
4/5
Set in the Dark Ages (I think anyway), Transylvania is a country run by a high society of vampires, who are quite happy with the way things are. The Guardians are employed to keep the local monster population down to stop drawing attention of the church and other civilisation who might want to do the masters harm. Most of the background lore is explained in Chapter 3, and whether this comes across as an info-dump or a necessary quick tour of the world given the novella length of the story will be up to the reader to decide. Personally, though, I think it could have been woven into the main text which would have given it more life. That's just a minor point though.
After a series of strangely coordinated werewolf attacks terrorise a nearby village, the Guardians are sent to investigate. Can Lena, a young woman of 18 years, make it in a male-dominated role and overcome the sexist attitudes of some of her fellow soldiers? And who is the mysterious stranger who helps her out of a bad situation?
I'll be the first to admit, that as a middle-aged bloke, I'm probably not the target audience for this kind of story, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. It's a good, well written, easy read and I was rooting for Lena as a character from the start.
Having Lena's mother dead at the beginning allows the author to explore the protective maternal side of Lena as well as the warrior public face. It also acts as a good introduction to the character as we meet her trying to get some potion ingredients in a dangerous situation. Lena is also slightly cynical and hurt as far as men are concerned, having had a bad experience with a suitor who tried to take advantage of her. Given the upcoming romance angle of the story, this gives her character somewhere to grow.
The world that Lena inhabits is well described, from eerie forests to grandiose parties, and her fellow guardians are given enough life and variety that I cared what happened to them.
Graveyard Rose is described as Part 1 of the 'Rose Chronicles'. Consequently, this book is a set up for the series so don't go in expecting any resolution to the various plot threads - it's more like a first act or pilot episode for a TV series. Hopefully part 2 and beyond will expand on the existing world-building and overall story arc - I would love to learn and hear more about the ruling vampires, for example, and how they respond to the new threats facing the Guardians.
In summary, Graveyard Rose is a well written and well-presented novella, and I hope that future instalments build on the strong start.
4/5
September 10, 2016
This book promises to reveal the secrets hidden in the silence of darkness. As the night falls, the cursed creatures rise in the wilderness searching for fresh human blood.
Maldorfina is a large territory in the legendary county of Transylvania- the land of blood thirsty Dracula-like vampire lords. Here the royal Drakes are not as savage as the medieval folklore. Infact they are considered protectors of the kingdom and its people having made a pact with them to survive along with the humans. To protect their people from all kinds of dangers they created warrior clans from the royal lineage and named them as the Guardians. The story is about Lena from the Guardian clan of Gerricksons who is desperate to get a permanent cure for her ailing sister. Read more at www.thereadersexpress.blogspot.com
Maldorfina is a large territory in the legendary county of Transylvania- the land of blood thirsty Dracula-like vampire lords. Here the royal Drakes are not as savage as the medieval folklore. Infact they are considered protectors of the kingdom and its people having made a pact with them to survive along with the humans. To protect their people from all kinds of dangers they created warrior clans from the royal lineage and named them as the Guardians. The story is about Lena from the Guardian clan of Gerricksons who is desperate to get a permanent cure for her ailing sister. Read more at www.thereadersexpress.blogspot.com
December 9, 2016
I finished reading Graveyard Rose last night and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It tells the story of Lena, Gerrickson, a feisty, independent and courageous girl who has been made a Guardian within a strange world threatened by werewolves, vampires and even unpleasant human beings, like her ex-fiancé Stephan. He made my hackles rise more than the monsters. I could perfectly visualise the dangerous fantasy world the author skilfully described. She made me care enough about the heroine, Lena, to want to find out about what will happen between her and mysterious, masked Christopher in the next book.
October 2, 2020
The first book in this series is more of an introduction to the characters and this world. Set as a historical, it’s a cleverly written world that is very original, but does lack depth that longer novels have. Lenara is a strong lead character and is a Guardian – an elite group of warriors that get rid of threats, especially of the paranormal type. On a mission gone bad, Lenara is rescued by a mysterious hunter, who cares for her wounds and heals her, but reveals little of himself. I have my own ideas of who he is, and even though we don’t meet the royal vampires in this book, I’m looking forward to the next book and to peel back more layers of this world.
November 12, 2019
I was relieved that it wasn't a typical 'vampire, werewolf and pretty girl' book.
The story was original and managed to keep me interested.
Lenara is a strong and independent young woman, who goes to the woods every new moon to gather special berries and make a healing potion to keep her little sister alive. She is also one of the Guardians who protect people from the monsters...
Now some dialogues were too short, for example Lena is waiting to meet her father before heading to the celebration to only tell him: "Please rest well and give Bella her medicine. Good night." What was all that wait for? Was it really necessary? She could have told him that in their previous encounter.
Then again, at the meeting with the Guardians, they all enter, take their seats, the captain gives instructions (one paragraph only), everyone agrees and that's all. I mean, people traveled to the town for these few sentences. He could have just sent them a letter...
About Christopher, can I simply say I love him.
The only thing I found annoying was that he had to constantly save and heal her.
All in all it was an interesting book with original story and strong characters.
I really enjoyed the story, it was engaging and at times I found it hard to put the book down. I can't wait to get my hands on the next books from the series!
The story was original and managed to keep me interested.
Lenara is a strong and independent young woman, who goes to the woods every new moon to gather special berries and make a healing potion to keep her little sister alive. She is also one of the Guardians who protect people from the monsters...
Now some dialogues were too short, for example Lena is waiting to meet her father before heading to the celebration to only tell him: "Please rest well and give Bella her medicine. Good night." What was all that wait for? Was it really necessary? She could have told him that in their previous encounter.
Then again, at the meeting with the Guardians, they all enter, take their seats, the captain gives instructions (one paragraph only), everyone agrees and that's all. I mean, people traveled to the town for these few sentences. He could have just sent them a letter...
About Christopher, can I simply say I love him.
The only thing I found annoying was that he had to constantly save and heal her.
All in all it was an interesting book with original story and strong characters.
I really enjoyed the story, it was engaging and at times I found it hard to put the book down. I can't wait to get my hands on the next books from the series!
July 8, 2020
Getting started
I thought this story started off strong. We get to see an independent and courageous FMC do what she can to save her sister. We learn a bit about the guardians and their social status. Things slow down a bit when we go on the first mission and I feel like there could have been a bit more detail. After that I feel like the main character kind of devolved into a true damsel. I'm not sure how I feel about that in terms of character development. Then the ending felt a bit rushed. However, I do feel like there was enough there to give me a good base idea for the story and I really do like it. I plan on reading the next book to see if our characters evolve in better ways.
I thought this story started off strong. We get to see an independent and courageous FMC do what she can to save her sister. We learn a bit about the guardians and their social status. Things slow down a bit when we go on the first mission and I feel like there could have been a bit more detail. After that I feel like the main character kind of devolved into a true damsel. I'm not sure how I feel about that in terms of character development. Then the ending felt a bit rushed. However, I do feel like there was enough there to give me a good base idea for the story and I really do like it. I plan on reading the next book to see if our characters evolve in better ways.
January 4, 2020
Graveyard Rose was a pleasant read but I was left with unanswered questions by book end. The action was slower in some parts because the characters were developing their relationships in a realistic manner over a series of weeks. Meanwhile, some plot points went unresolved giving the book a feeling of a very effective draft instead of a final work. Graveyard Rose is the first in a four part series, So I am sure the next work will pick up where this piece ended. I enjoyed the world building and the world's history was introduced in a clever manner. I liked what I read and I would consider reading the second book.
March 15, 2018
Graveyard Rose
Short but very enjoyable. A unique take on the paranormal creatures of Transylvania(?). I would like more depth to the characters and world, it truly seemed unique and it just seemed like we got glimpses. I liked what I saw a lot I just wanted more. I like Lena a lot and her loyalty to her family, can't wait to see what book two brings and hopefully see more of Christopher!!
Short but very enjoyable. A unique take on the paranormal creatures of Transylvania(?). I would like more depth to the characters and world, it truly seemed unique and it just seemed like we got glimpses. I liked what I saw a lot I just wanted more. I like Lena a lot and her loyalty to her family, can't wait to see what book two brings and hopefully see more of Christopher!!
May 18, 2019
This is a first read for me with this author. Loved the characters, the suspense, and the fact that this isn't the end for Christopher and Lena. I had a feeling that he would be far more than meets the eye. What I'd really like to know is what happened to the others in her hunting party. This is one of those books I couldn't put down and finished in a couple of hours. I fully recommend picking it up and reading it ... before going onto Book 2.
April 19, 2018
Magical and wonderful
Having read the blurb at the end of this book, I was amazed to discover this was the first book. The story is wonderful...Lots of magic, myths, adventure and so much more. It is beautifully written with just the right level of detail and intrigue and most definitely wets your appetite for more
Having read the blurb at the end of this book, I was amazed to discover this was the first book. The story is wonderful...Lots of magic, myths, adventure and so much more. It is beautifully written with just the right level of detail and intrigue and most definitely wets your appetite for more
March 5, 2020
3,5 stars
I loved the writing... Also the way Myths and legends were Knitted together to create unique tales....
I Adore the MC her loyalty and her love for her family, a quick read as she as a part of a group that hunt to protect.
I did find the family structures a little overwhelming but definitely would read book 2.
I loved the writing... Also the way Myths and legends were Knitted together to create unique tales....
I Adore the MC her loyalty and her love for her family, a quick read as she as a part of a group that hunt to protect.
I did find the family structures a little overwhelming but definitely would read book 2.
November 21, 2017
Interesting but lacks depth
Plot is very interesting and will keep me going on to book 2. However, I felt like the story just skims through without much depth to it. Like the author had to write a short story and not go over a certain word limit.
Plot is very interesting and will keep me going on to book 2. However, I felt like the story just skims through without much depth to it. Like the author had to write a short story and not go over a certain word limit.
May 1, 2018
Beautiful
Beautifully written. I cannot wait to get the next one and read more. Who is Christopher? I think he's the last of his family that's said to be gone. We'll anything more bloom between him and Len? I need more
Beautifully written. I cannot wait to get the next one and read more. Who is Christopher? I think he's the last of his family that's said to be gone. We'll anything more bloom between him and Len? I need more
September 2, 2019
Captivating Heroine!
Lenara Gerrickson, 17, shows great courage and strength of character in this exciting beginning to the Rose Chronicles series. An intriguing tale of vampires and werewolves set in Transylvania. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Enjoy!
Lenara Gerrickson, 17, shows great courage and strength of character in this exciting beginning to the Rose Chronicles series. An intriguing tale of vampires and werewolves set in Transylvania. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Enjoy!
January 1, 2020
I will admit I only made it to about page 90. After reading that their big guardian meeting consisted of "Lets meet at 9am sharp to practice our moves" I couldn't go on. Interesting world idea though.
September 18, 2023
Short story I really enjoyed! the characters where interesting they had their own history and secrets and the storyline was full of action. I couldn't put this book down as the author explains this it's similar to a fairytale I'd like to read more.
October 8, 2017
It was a nice pleasure to read this book, but why it's so short? :( That's actually why I'm giving only 4 stars. It would be only for the good of the book and the plot to make it a bit longer.
March 21, 2018
Very enjoyable, ready for the next book in the series!
December 31, 2020
A quick, short read. Okay as a time filler for myself but not a read that I would personally recommend. 2.75 stars.
July 7, 2023
I found this was a cute little read, I'll read the next book as I want to know more. This book was a very short read but enjoyable 😊
October 9, 2019
This is the beginning of an awesome series. I loved it. Each book was as awesome as the last. This author created a world that blended old things and new ones. The concept of a land in the Carpathian Mountains protected by Vampires Royalty that appointed Guardians from the most wealthy families.
Great Read!!
Great Read!!
December 28, 2016
Graveyard Rose is the first book in The Rose Chronicles by Ginny Clyde. It follows the tale of Lenara (Lena) Garrickson and her quest to find a cure for her ailing sister, Isabella. As the story progresses, we learn Lena is a Guardian, tasked with protecting the realm of Transylvania from werewolves and beast-like nulan vampire.
Ginny Clyde's characters are very well developed, the plot is intriguing and I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Unfortunately I did feel a bit let down due to the the story just ending without a feeling of the story being complete. The reader is left with unanswered questions such as who the mystery masked man named Christopher is, and what happened to the Jaegerson family after the attack with the werewolves.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Ginny Clyde's characters are very well developed, the plot is intriguing and I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Unfortunately I did feel a bit let down due to the the story just ending without a feeling of the story being complete. The reader is left with unanswered questions such as who the mystery masked man named Christopher is, and what happened to the Jaegerson family after the attack with the werewolves.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 12, 2016
Lena Gerrickson is a loving daughter and a doting sister. Oh, and did I mention that she’s a vampire killing, werewolf fighting Guardian by profession? But after her sister becomes ill she finds herself having to risk her life in finding a cure. Ginny Clyde’s Graveyard Rose is an enchanting story and I found myself being sucked into the plot without even realizing it.
Okay, on with the review:
Major douchebag alert! I despised Stephan Jaegerson. He was grotesque, vile, and any other synonym for disgusting you’d like to call him. I was horrified by how intolerable he was and easily my least favorite character.
Lena, on the other hand, is by far my favorite character and why shouldn’t she be? She is, after all, the main character. Yes, there are times where the main character should give you all the reasons in the world to hate them, but at the end of the day you still love them to death. Those stories have their place, but this isn’t one of them. Lena’s character is above reproach and we wouldn’t have it any other way. She is strong, brave, and her devotion to her family is commendable. She is a symbol we should all aspire to be.
There's also a strange masked man named Christopher that appears in the story and while reading I couldn’t help but be reminded of Beauty & The Beast. It is definitely not the same story, but I was pleasantly reminded of it when Lena isn’t afraid of Christopher or of the fact that she could be in grave danger.
Regarding the author’s writing, I felt like some of the chapters were out of order which made it really hard to follow the plot. There were times where it would start at one point in the story and then backtrack to a previous point in the next chapter, although the writing didn’t make it entirely obvious that this is what was happening. While I understand that authors often do this to gather interest, I felt like in this particular story it was a bit awkward and unnecessary.
However, I immensely enjoyed the author’s tone throughout this short story. It is mysteriously delightful and weaves bouts of twists and turns to keep you on your toes until the end. What Ginny Clyde has created is a beautiful fantasy filled with adventure.
Star Rating Report Card:
4.71 Stars out of 5
1) Were the characters believable?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
2) Did you like the characters?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
3) Does the story move at a good pace?
★★★★ - 4 stars
4) Are there holes in the plot?
★★★★ - 4 stars
5) Is there conflict?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
6) Is the point-of-view consistent?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
7) Did you enjoy the story overall?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
Okay, on with the review:
Major douchebag alert! I despised Stephan Jaegerson. He was grotesque, vile, and any other synonym for disgusting you’d like to call him. I was horrified by how intolerable he was and easily my least favorite character.
Lena, on the other hand, is by far my favorite character and why shouldn’t she be? She is, after all, the main character. Yes, there are times where the main character should give you all the reasons in the world to hate them, but at the end of the day you still love them to death. Those stories have their place, but this isn’t one of them. Lena’s character is above reproach and we wouldn’t have it any other way. She is strong, brave, and her devotion to her family is commendable. She is a symbol we should all aspire to be.
There's also a strange masked man named Christopher that appears in the story and while reading I couldn’t help but be reminded of Beauty & The Beast. It is definitely not the same story, but I was pleasantly reminded of it when Lena isn’t afraid of Christopher or of the fact that she could be in grave danger.
Regarding the author’s writing, I felt like some of the chapters were out of order which made it really hard to follow the plot. There were times where it would start at one point in the story and then backtrack to a previous point in the next chapter, although the writing didn’t make it entirely obvious that this is what was happening. While I understand that authors often do this to gather interest, I felt like in this particular story it was a bit awkward and unnecessary.
However, I immensely enjoyed the author’s tone throughout this short story. It is mysteriously delightful and weaves bouts of twists and turns to keep you on your toes until the end. What Ginny Clyde has created is a beautiful fantasy filled with adventure.
Star Rating Report Card:
4.71 Stars out of 5
1) Were the characters believable?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
2) Did you like the characters?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
3) Does the story move at a good pace?
★★★★ - 4 stars
4) Are there holes in the plot?
★★★★ - 4 stars
5) Is there conflict?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
6) Is the point-of-view consistent?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
7) Did you enjoy the story overall?
★★★★★ - 5 stars
February 12, 2017
Graveyard Rose by Ginny Clyde is the first book in a series called The Rose Chronicles. At about a hundred pages it is more a novella than a full-blown novel. It accomplishes the mission that such an introductory novella is supposed to. It introduces us to the fictional world in which the story takes place, as well as introducing us to the back story and major characters. Graveyard Rose is a novel of magic and monsters. The setting is a village in Transylvania, so you can probably guess that at the very least we are dealing with vampires, but trust me, there is so much more. Ginny Clyde paints a realistic portrait of how life in such a village would be, and the types of deals with the devil, villagers would have to make in order to survive. Every vampire series has its own mythos and rules about what the vampires can and cannot do. I like the particular mix that Ginny Clyde has created. They are not totally evil. I like it that sometimes the humans are the ones who look and act like monsters. Fear will do that.
The strong point in Graveyard Rose, for me is the main character, Lenara. In a world where beautiful women are saved by handsome princes, she is her own hero. She is strong, but make no mistake, she is still very feminine. That combination is sometimes hard to get right but Ginny Clyde does it well. Right behind Lenara herself, what appealed to me most was her relationship with her little sister. I never had a sister, though I wanted one and my relationship with my brother was as much competitive as loving so I really enjoyed this relationship where the big sister would to anything for her little sister and the little sister just loves her with all her heart in return. I like that. I like this book. I give it five stars.
The strong point in Graveyard Rose, for me is the main character, Lenara. In a world where beautiful women are saved by handsome princes, she is her own hero. She is strong, but make no mistake, she is still very feminine. That combination is sometimes hard to get right but Ginny Clyde does it well. Right behind Lenara herself, what appealed to me most was her relationship with her little sister. I never had a sister, though I wanted one and my relationship with my brother was as much competitive as loving so I really enjoyed this relationship where the big sister would to anything for her little sister and the little sister just loves her with all her heart in return. I like that. I like this book. I give it five stars.
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