Shadow of the Rose

Black Rose #4

by K.L. Bone

If you stay with the Lorcan Guard, you will honor your original vow, it is true. But you shall remain forever a shadow of the rose... For as long as she could remember, Sarah had wanted to be a knight. One fated evening, a man with dark eyes appeared at her mother's modest inn, and told her a story of love, loss, loyalty, honor, and a life of which Sarah had only dreamed. Devastated when the man is condemned to the dungeons by her own father, Sarah was told she would never see him again. She safeguarded his story, and secrets, resigned to them forever being the treasures of her imagination. More than twenty years later, he reappears, offering Sarah an opportunity beyond her wildest dreams. A half-mortal, illegitimate child of a lesser court, Sarah's struggle only begins with leaving all she has known. Her hope for a better future, amid the prejudice of those who look down upon her tainted blood, is maintained by a blossoming love, and being personally trained by the court's captains. An unexpected turn of events gives Sarah an opportunity to change her fate-a position of leadership in the Black Rose Guard. But to accept will mean abandoning both the man she has come to love, and her vow to Captain Edward. Loyalty and desire clash in one woman's quest to find her place in the immortal guard. *Featuring B & W map by illustrator Raven Quinn*

Genres: Fantasy

210 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2017

About the author

K.L. Bone is a USA Today bestselling author of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. Her works include the bestselling Black Rose Guard dark fantasy series. The bestselling Flames of Kalleen paranormal romance series. The Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series. And a stand-alone science fiction novel, The Indoctrination and numerous novellas.

Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in creative writing at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.

She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Belfast. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites that have inspired storytellers for generations.

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen]

*****5 Guard Stars*****

This copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

As always, Ms. Bone's words touch a piece of my soul. Her stories transport me into a world full of danger, fantasy and love.

Shadow of the Rose was the perfect example of her knowledge and imagination to keep me captivated from the first to last page.

This is definitely one of those series that I wait impatiently for the next installment.

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books)]

This was an amazing addition to the Black Rose Series and just what I needed to tide me over until Silver Rose comes out in August! I loved that we got a book from Sarah's POV I had wondered what happened to her after Mara & Edward left her at her mothers Inn and went back to the Lorcan Guard. Sarah was a great heroine, I loved that she was unsure at first about her life but as she gained strength as a guard she grew as a person. This book was full of angst (much like the rest of K.L.'s books) but it was also full of hope and swoony romance. I can't wait to read Silver Rose to see what happens to everyone but now I'm really curious to see if what Mara offered to Sarah at the end of the book will come to pass as well.

[Kathy]

This is the fourth book in this series and you must read them in order. I truly love this series. K.L. Bone writes a story that pulls you in and make you wish you could be a part of this world. This book is a little different than the others in the series. It is written from Sarah’s point of view. She goes back and tells of how she first meets Edward and how she meets Mara as well. How she became part of the guard and her story in general. I loved reading this book and seeing things from Sarah’s point of view. I can’ say enough about this book or the series. I can’t wait for the next book. This book/series is emotional, moving, and so much more. The characters go through so much. They live for so long and because of that they see and go through more than you can imagine. Not to mention what they are forced to face because of their queen who they serve. I can’t get enough of these characters. I highly recommend this book and the series.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.

[D.C.]

She did it again! I don't know how K.L does it but she sucked me in until I read the entire book in one sitting. Her writing pulls you in. It's not one of those books where you catch yourself scanning. It's not one where you want to. I hung onto every word.

First off, I thought I was going to be disappointed and honestly, I immediately was. This wasn't anything to do with the story itself. Just the fact that I was hoping to pick up where we left off on the third book. This didn't happen. Instead we got to travel back in time to see another love story play out. Jake and Sarah. Jake, in the present story, is Edward's second in command. Sarah, was Mara's third, but after Brandon's death became her second. Sarah is also the little girl Edward met before he was imprisoned for 20 years.

Reading Jake's and Sarah's story had me falling in love with Jake. I think he may be my new book boyfriend. He starts off as a friend for Sarah along with a mentor when she arrives to join the guard. You see their relationship progress and hope that what you think is happening is actually happening because let's give it to K.L. she doesn't give it away.

Little spoiler
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.
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Just a tiny one. I'm giving you far warning because it's not a crazy one so I don't want to block my review over spoilers.

When Sarah's mom asked Jake if he loved her daughter, I about lost my mind. I held my breath, gripping my phone tight as I read on.

“Tell me, Lord Jacob, do you love my daughter?”
Never before faced with the direct question, Jake was surprised to have the answer come so easily. “I do, my lady.”

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

It's not the story I thought I was getting. Seeing Edward's and Mara's story from new eyes was welcoming escape while we get to enjoy another set of characters coming together.

P.S. I didn't really like Jake too much in the other books. But after reading this one, looking back, other stuff makes more sense.

[Buffie Peterson]

THE BEST INSTALLMENT, YET! I know I rave about Bone all over my Facebook and Twitter. There's a reason. And this book just makes me want to rave all that much more!

We are met with our beloved Mara and Edward. But in this installment, they are far from the main focus. We are introduced to a new character, Sarah. I really can't go into her story without giving spoilers. But I will say, she doesn't enter the Guard in the normal way, nor does she have the past of what a knight would have. But this does not slow her down!!

Now, you may recognize who Sarah is. For those folks that need a refresher, she is the little girl at the inn Edward visits and leaves his things for Mara. Though, she is not a little girl anymore.

Of all the books Bone has written, Indoctrination, a stand-alone sci-fi book, was my all-time favorite. It's been bumped out of #1 by Shadow of the Rose. It's a must read!! Bring your Kleenex. It's not always a happy story as we well know with Bone's writing. I will say, other than Martin, Bone is the only other author who has ever made me mad by a decision they made in their book. Well done! If you can cheese off your reader, you're doing something right! This is filled with excitement, fear, laughter, and sadness. All the intensity we've come to know and love!

Excellent book!!! Read on!!!!

[Gladys Gonzales Atwell]

There once was an author, named, K.L. Bone whose books trapped me within their pages for days. I became a huge fan because I loved her writing. Her writing is fluid, like a slow tragic ballerina’s dance. Her stories are dark but is surrounded by beauty. With each book of hers I read the fangirl inside me gets giddy and excited.

Shadow of the Rose does NOT disappoint.

In this book, we dive into the world of the Braun Court, where a young half blood immortal keeps a 20 year old promise to a brave Knight of a mysterious realm. His honor drives her sense of honor and instilled value far more powerful. Loyalty.

Sarah embarks on a journey which leads her to humiliation, attack to her person and then self-actualization. It also leads her to friendship, honor and love.

We see with different eyes, the love and guilt that plague Edward and Mara. We also see the love blossom between Sarah and a member of the Lorcan court.

The peak into the lives of secondary characters took the series to the next level. I can not wait for the next installment in the Black Rose Guard series.

5 Stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat. A decadent depiction of the life of a half blood immortal living her dreams of being a knight! KL Bone has mastered epic fantasy and I raise a sword to salute her writing!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***

[Michelle Morrison]

Another winner in KL Bone's bestselling series of The Black Rose Guard. This one is a side story. It's a wonderful tale of a girl who hid a sword for a knight that was locked up by her cruel father. Sarah dreamed of one day growing up to be like the brave and kind knight she had met all those years ago. Now as an adult she is offered just that.. a chance to train to become a member of the royal guard. Her choice does not come easy as she is not of pure blood. This book is her story of all she must face and overcome to become what she has always dreamed of. With the help of Mara the princess in the stories she grew up dreaming about and a handsome young knight Jake, Sarah sets out to live out her dreams. Full of suspense, passion and romance this is one of my favoirtes of the series. Memorable new characters and beloved old ones make this story one heck of a good read. I couldn't put it down and look forward to the next on with eager anticipation.

[Dorothy Kirby]

Great romance novel with mystery, magic and battles between Knights. I enjoyed this story from the beginning. It ties all of the books in this series together but has enough background story to be a stand alone. Although filled with emotions and falability within the characters, all of them become real people to the reader. Well researched and presented in a fantasy story but more real than a fairy tale. A good book to get lost in.

[Suzie]

I adore this story!

I have been a fan of KL Bone from the first Rose story. She writes a beautiful love story that encompasses several centuries and legends. Mara and Edward's love is still part of this series but we meet Sarah and Jacob and learn of their love too. Ms Bone writes awesome fight scenes and is just as adept at describing the buildings, gardens, and forests. You feel as tho you are right there! I highly recommend starting with book one and reading each in turn. She has another available on pre order and I've already ordered mine!!

[BeckieG]

This is the first book I've read in this series and really enjoyed. Not a genre I'd usually go for but soon found myself wanting to turn the pages in the story to follow Sarah and Jacob and their journey in training as Knights of the Royal Guards.

The entwining tale of Mara and Edward is also captivating. From Edward first meeting Sarah, his capture and saving..it really has you gripped.

I really am not a fan of Queen Clarissa, Sarah's unwavering loyalty to her goes ignored because of her lineage and the Queen' s attitude really surprised me.

Matter of the heart between Sarah and Jacob leave you torn and questioning the decisions made but it's great to have that debate.

I've not read a book from this author before but really enjoyed her style, fluidity and details. Left me entirely informed and without knowing.

A really good book, look forward to Silver Rose.

I read this book as an ARC for 2 girls who love books blog in return for an honest review.

[Jeanetta Tarver]

Reviewed on behalf of Three Girls Who Love Books blog.

This book is the fourth book in the Black Rose series by K.L bone. I started reading this books knowing it was out of my normal “comfort zone” of books, and I absolutely loved it. The book kept my attention throughout, and I didn't want to put it down.

K.L did a wonderful job of describing and making the reader “see” what was going on in the book, though it wasn't a mushy gushy romance, there was a hint of a relationship brewing between two characters - but I won't ruin that for you.

The author had me tearing up on several occasions, K.L had me happy, angry, this book was definitely an emotional roller coaster for me, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series as I accidentally read them out of order.

[Anna]

*****I voluntarily received and reviewed this book as a courtesy from the author.****


LOVE this series. LOVE Mara and Edward. And this book made me LOVE Sarah and Jake.

KL Bone has this power to her writing that just makes you feel EVERYTHING. I felt the passion every second between Mara and Edward (as usual) and also with Sarah and Jake as well. It was funny, I was reading through Sarah's eyes and I still felt the same passion as if it was Mara herself talking, so powerful did Bone convey.

It was exciting and I was racing through it trying to see what happens next. I can't wait till Silver Rose!

5 stars, one of my favorite series and definitely an author I always look forward too!

[Christine]

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Shadow of the Rose by KL Bone is the fourth book in the Tale of the Black Rose Guard Series.

Shadow of the Rose turns to other characters in the epic saga: Sarah and Jacob. Sarah was a young girl who encountered a great knight just before he disappeared for 20 years. Jake is her best friend in the Guard.

The wonderful world KL Bone has built is so distinct, you can feel yourself in the Rose Garden, or on a horse flying through the forest. The characters are so in-depth, you feel their victories and defeats deeply.

I seriously recommend this series, and hope you start it soon! You are definitely missing out.

[Valerie Roberson]

As you know in today's world and I a fantasy world, blood line means everything. The more money your family has, the higher you are on the totem pole. Sara is a half breed, half human and half immortal. Because her Father was a mer lower Lord and she didn't grow up in the palace and her Father didn't clam her as his daughter, Sara is as low on that totem pole as can be. You are looked down upon as a low life. Can Sara rise above all this?
Sara was given the chance to become a knight, a dream come true. Since that day a tall brave handsome knight came into the Inn and told a 6 year old memorizing stories about a princess that became a knight and gave up her title. Edward and Mara both together after his rescue took her away from her home and trained her to be a knight.
Sara meat Jake upon arrival to the castle. She was put into his charge. She would train with Jake by Mara. Sara and Jake hit it off right from the start. They became good friends as they learned and worked hard together to prove they are worthy to be a knight of the Royal Guard.
On the night before Sara was to take her vow to be a knight, there was a knock at her door. thinking that it was Jake, she answered and was surprised to see Edward standing there with a solemn face. Sara's Mother was very ill and near death. He told her to go and be with her Mother one last time. She could take her vow when she got back. Jake asked Edward if he could go along so she wouldn't be alone and Edward agreed.
Jake got to find out how Sara grew up. He loved Sara's Mother, as they talked through the night and he confessed his love for Sara. After he Mother passed and they were ready to head home, Sara's was summoned to the Prince. Why? What on earth would he want of her? Now is when birth right comes in. People think they are entitled to what they think is there's because of it. As an offer was placed in front of Sara by the Prince, she learned about her birth right. It was a magnificent offer for a girl who grew up so poor. Will Sara take the offer and give up being a knight? Or will she leave with Jake and go home?
This story is about Sara and how she made over came her birth right and her Father. So would find out that her linage will affect her live for a very long time. It will hold her back for opportunities and acknowledgement.
K. L. Bone took something that happens every day in this world with a person's blood line and what it entitles. She also showed that wealth, royalty and linage doesn't mean that you are entitled to what you want. A real knight doesn't care about all that as a real person shouldn't either.
Awesome story line and very well put together. I enjoyed it as much as the first few books of this series. Glued to the pages and story line, fantasizing about being in the book. I look forward to the rest of the series.

[Andrea Stewart]

This book follows the life of Sarah, a half immortal from the lesser Bron Court, and her journey to knightship and her discovery of love.

I dove head first into this book and only came up for air when it was time to go to sleep! I loved every word of this book. I loved getting to hear the story of Sarah and how she got to be where she is in the Black Rose Guard. I loved reading about how she came to love Jacob and overcome all the obstacles that were in her way and threatened to keep her from becoming the one thing she wanted most, to be a knight, like Edward.

K.L. Bone has a way of sucking you into a story and making you want to stay there until the end! I was once again enthralled with her writing and the imagery she can create with words! I simply cannot wait to see where the story goes in the next book! Bravo to an amazing work of art!

[Candace Tidwell]

Another wonderful installment to this series. I'm normally not a big fan of storylines that expand past the main characters but the author did a beautiful job of expanding the focus to include a more in depth look into the lives of Sarah and Jake. I definitely enjoyed the the added dialogue for Mara and our lovely captain. I waited to write this review until I finished the Silver Rose and since I did I would like to make sure I point out to anyone curious to reading this series that you definitely need to read the books in the order released. K. L. Bone has become one of my more favored authors and I definitely will recommend this series to anyone that comes across this review.

[Andra]

Book 4 of the Black Rose series

Wonderfully Strong Characters. Detailed World Building.

"What will love cost us?"

Tainted Birth...Overcoming Barriers...Proving Oneself...Forming Bonds...
Bravery...Comfort...Duty...Honor...Choices...

This series continues to impress me with its detailed storyline spanning immortal ages. With each book progression I'm steadily drawn into the plot and increase my desire to find out the series finale. I loved having the backstory for Sarah and Jake in this book.

Excited to continue with book 5

[Amanda M]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. This book gave a different perspective on the overall storyline and how it related to Mara and Edward. It really gave you another viewpoint from someone else to show you how everything happened, the events that took place even. It not only did that it gave you Sarah's story. Of course Jake was a part of this too. I really liked the weaving of details and how the plot continues to expand. It's written well with wonderful characters too. I cannot get enough of this series and look forward to the next book.

[Annabelle]

Wow!!

I loved reading this perspective of Sara and Jacob. I love he insight that I have gained through this book as well as the back ground and the love and loss they both endured. I loved Sara and loved her heart. She is very loyal and I absolutely love that about her. I can’t wait to continue this story with the next book!

[Crimson Worthen-]

Love/hate relationship

One minute you will love a character, the next you will hate them. A lot of intense moments. If you like dark fantasy with breath taking moments, read this book, the 4th book in the black rose series.

[Michele]

This series keeps getting better. The cast of characters is not limited and the flaws and good in each is great. I can name a list of stories I would like to read more of. I enjoyed a great deal.

[Amanda M]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. This book gave a different perspective on the overall storyline and how it related to Mara and Edward. It really gave you another viewpoint from someone else to show you how everything happened, the events that took place even. It not only did that it gave you Sarah's story. Of course Jake was a part of this too. I really liked the weaving of details and how the plot continues to expand. It's written well with wonderful characters too. I cannot get enough of this series and look forward to the next book.

[Alicia Rust]

"If you stay with the Lorcan Guard, you will honor your original vow, it is true. But you shall remain forever a shadow of the rose…"

KL Bone takes you back in time to tell the story from a different perspective of the love and sacrifices Mara and Edward have had to go through all while telling the story of another great love that could have been.
This fourth instalment of the Black Rose Guard is one of my favorites. It tells the story from the POV of Lady Sarah, a brave girl who grew up at the mercy of a father who never claimed her, guilt over a Captain being held captive by said father and the torment that plagues Mara and Edward, the transformation into a young woman who knew the path she was destined to follow and despite the hardships sticks with it, and a love that should never have happened due to "tainted blood." But Jake is seriously that cinnamon roll guy you want in your corner all while still being a fearsome knight. KL Bone definitely knows how to pull at your heartstrings and not let go.

[Jennifer Billings]

Oh my these books keep getting better and better

I loved getting to learn more about Sarah. Her life with the guard and her love for Jake another beautiful and heart wrenching story. I am still waiting to know what happened with Mara and Edward with the way the last book ended, sneaky to leave us hanging like a good movie or tv series these books are amazing and I cannot wait to read the next one and the next one and the next one. I do see the importance of knowing Sarah's story considering her position at the end of the last book. I just want to know what is next with Mara and Edward.

[Jade]

This book was a great way to fill in missing pieces of the past leading into book 5 the silver rose. Follow the Roses... I can't wait to get into the next book