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The Rose Trilogy #1
The Rose Queen
The Rose Queen was a fantasy finalist for 2019 IAN Book of the Year, and also a finalist for the 2019 Literary Classics Book Award. In addition, it was named as one of the best books of 2018 by the reviewer website Bookshine and Readbows. What makes it so intriguing? Perhaps it's because the Beast doesn't always wait for Beauty. Sometimes, Beauty IS the Beast. Princess Mirabella is betrothed to a repulsive old man a year after her mother's death. She refuses the marriage, only to find out her betrothed is a sorcerer as well. He takes his revenge by transforming her into a savage and frightening beast, giving her an she has three years to solve the mystery of her curse—or die. Exiled to her mother's estate to hide the scandal, Mirabella learns that the sorcerer was not alone in keeping secrets. Her grandfather was murdered before Mirabella was born, and her mother's death is looking less and less as if it came from natural causes. The only point in common to all their ruined her father, the king. Faced with a conflict between saving her family and saving her own life, the choices Mirabella makes will change the future of the kingdom—and magic—forever.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
324 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2018
About the author
Alison McBain
36 books38 followersDiversity is one of Alison McBain's passions. With dual Canadian-U.S. citizenship, a Japanese-American mother and a B.A. in African history and classical literature, she has an eclectic background and a wide range of experience. She grew up in California and moved to the East Coast in her mid-twenties. Recently, she moved back to Alberta, where she is raising her three daughters.
She started her writing career at age four with a "self-published" horror story about the monster in the closet. The story was highly lauded by her closest family members. Since then, she's received a number of writing awards and accolades from people not even vaguely related to her, but she still has a soft spot for that first short story.
Her interest in diversity also extends to fiction. With over seventy publications to her name, her stories and poems range in tone from serious to silly. They cover nearly every genre, including literary, romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, history and adventure.
When not writing fiction, she follows her own personal mantra of, "Do something creative every day." She serves as the Associate Editor for the literary magazine ScribesMICRO. She also blogs about local events, showcases her art and conducts author interviews on her website, http://www.alisonmcbain.com/. When life gets a little too hectic, she does origami meditation or draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids.
She started her writing career at age four with a "self-published" horror story about the monster in the closet. The story was highly lauded by her closest family members. Since then, she's received a number of writing awards and accolades from people not even vaguely related to her, but she still has a soft spot for that first short story.
Her interest in diversity also extends to fiction. With over seventy publications to her name, her stories and poems range in tone from serious to silly. They cover nearly every genre, including literary, romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, history and adventure.
When not writing fiction, she follows her own personal mantra of, "Do something creative every day." She serves as the Associate Editor for the literary magazine ScribesMICRO. She also blogs about local events, showcases her art and conducts author interviews on her website, http://www.alisonmcbain.com/. When life gets a little too hectic, she does origami meditation or draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 8, 2023
So in the end I was sort of correct. Beauty and the Beast (gender flipped) meets The Wicker Man. Sort of, but there isn't much romance and there isn't much magic.
Soft romance.
Soft magic.
The roses met expectations however.
I'm not a romance girlie, so I wasn't disappointed at that but neither was I terribly gripped by the story or the main character. I think other people would really like it. It is well written, the characters (major and minor) were vividly drawn, and the pacing and plot were well constructed. It will be interesting to see where the author goes in the next book. I'll need to see a synopsis before I decide if I will read it.
Trigger Warning: there are child assaults in this book, both male and female.
I won this Kindle copy in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Soft romance.
Soft magic.
The roses met expectations however.
I'm not a romance girlie, so I wasn't disappointed at that but neither was I terribly gripped by the story or the main character. I think other people would really like it. It is well written, the characters (major and minor) were vividly drawn, and the pacing and plot were well constructed. It will be interesting to see where the author goes in the next book. I'll need to see a synopsis before I decide if I will read it.
Trigger Warning: there are child assaults in this book, both male and female.
I won this Kindle copy in a Goodreads Giveaway.
December 31, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Rose Queen is a beautiful and cleverly written reimagining of the tale of Beauty and the Beast: what if they were one and the same?
More than that though, here Alison McBain has created a new fairytale based on the old story. Here is the curse, the Beast, the rose, the youngest child of a wandering merchant and so forth. But McBain has taken these parts as mere reference points to build a new story of her own, with respectful nods to the old.
Instead of a tale of love against appearances, this is a more complex plot with a focus on duty and responsibility, and how we handle the hand we are dealt. Mirabelle is more than a princess: she makes a brave and complex heroine, with flaws and misjudgements, which all make her more human and more empathetic.
All of the oft-criticised plot holes in the source material are neatly resolved here by the different directions in which McBain steers the plot and the different motivations she gives her characters. With the addition of her own unique elements, like a box containing a cure, it becomes clear that this book is not bound by its inspiration and I had no idea where the plot would end up as it twisted along!
In fact, the only criticism I have here is that it doesn’t appear that the rest of the trilogy has been released yet, and I need them NOW!
Lovers of well-written, unique fairytales will adore this book and be as eager as I am to find out what happens next. Highly recommended!
Brina chafed her hands in a kindly manner, then creaked to her feet. She shuffled off to an adjoining room, and Mira sat before the fire and watched its flames flicker and dance.
She longed for such freedom. With her whole heart, she wished to be able to let herself go, to abandon the choking restraints of her days and to spring free. If only the king were someone different. If only she could be different, too. Someone unbound from the strictures of her station.
The fire popped and a log shifted, and the wish disappeared behind a golden flame. Illusion, all of it – a fancy for something more. The truth had been revealed today. The king was what he was. And she, too, was what she was. But what that meant to the outside world, she had no idea.
– Alison McBain, The Rose Queen
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The Rose Queen is a beautiful and cleverly written reimagining of the tale of Beauty and the Beast: what if they were one and the same?
More than that though, here Alison McBain has created a new fairytale based on the old story. Here is the curse, the Beast, the rose, the youngest child of a wandering merchant and so forth. But McBain has taken these parts as mere reference points to build a new story of her own, with respectful nods to the old.
Instead of a tale of love against appearances, this is a more complex plot with a focus on duty and responsibility, and how we handle the hand we are dealt. Mirabelle is more than a princess: she makes a brave and complex heroine, with flaws and misjudgements, which all make her more human and more empathetic.
All of the oft-criticised plot holes in the source material are neatly resolved here by the different directions in which McBain steers the plot and the different motivations she gives her characters. With the addition of her own unique elements, like a box containing a cure, it becomes clear that this book is not bound by its inspiration and I had no idea where the plot would end up as it twisted along!
In fact, the only criticism I have here is that it doesn’t appear that the rest of the trilogy has been released yet, and I need them NOW!
Lovers of well-written, unique fairytales will adore this book and be as eager as I am to find out what happens next. Highly recommended!
Brina chafed her hands in a kindly manner, then creaked to her feet. She shuffled off to an adjoining room, and Mira sat before the fire and watched its flames flicker and dance.
She longed for such freedom. With her whole heart, she wished to be able to let herself go, to abandon the choking restraints of her days and to spring free. If only the king were someone different. If only she could be different, too. Someone unbound from the strictures of her station.
The fire popped and a log shifted, and the wish disappeared behind a golden flame. Illusion, all of it – a fancy for something more. The truth had been revealed today. The king was what he was. And she, too, was what she was. But what that meant to the outside world, she had no idea.
– Alison McBain, The Rose Queen
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
March 3, 2019
To read The Rose Queen by Alison McBain is to be drawn into a beautiful fantasy world where amazing things happen. The Princess Mirabella is cursed by a sorcerer and is consigned to live for three years as a beast, an ugly animal with no control over her appearance or her bestial rages. It is a lonely life, but with the help of her nurse and constant companion, Brina, she takes on the responsibility of doing good for the people on the estate she rules. Apart from the challenges presented by her beast status, Mira also struggles throughout the story to solve mysteries surrounding her parentage.
A fresh take on the traditional fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast," this charming novel is intended for a young adult audience, but can be enjoyed by adults as well. The writing is clear and full of lovely imagery of a fantasy land, which at times we all wish we could inhabit.
A fresh take on the traditional fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast," this charming novel is intended for a young adult audience, but can be enjoyed by adults as well. The writing is clear and full of lovely imagery of a fantasy land, which at times we all wish we could inhabit.
November 3, 2018
This take on B&B is breathtakingly good. The heroine's agency is outstanding as she's exercising actual political power, not just claiming ownership of her own fate.
The story manages to be very close to the original with its details without forcing it, the parts merge effortlessly into something new.
Although the story got a (for me) satisfying ending I'm thrilled there will be 2 more novels - even if the B&B tale is resolved the dark magic of this world and the complexity of the characters definitely hold potential for more.
It even made me write this review even though I was resolved not to do this anymore.
The story manages to be very close to the original with its details without forcing it, the parts merge effortlessly into something new.
Although the story got a (for me) satisfying ending I'm thrilled there will be 2 more novels - even if the B&B tale is resolved the dark magic of this world and the complexity of the characters definitely hold potential for more.
It even made me write this review even though I was resolved not to do this anymore.
March 7, 2022
I decided to read The Rose Queen and gave myself a week. I said I would read 2 hours each evening because of my busy schedule. I read two hours on Thursday, then one hundred pages on Friday and spent the weekend finishing up. I just couldn’t put it down. When I was done the first words that came out of my mouth, “that was delicious.” So yummy. I wanted more. I am so glad it is a triology and looking for to see what is next for this heroine!
March 15, 2019
Based on 'Beauty and the Beast', McBain takes the old familiar story and injects new vitality and perspective. It's not a Disney musical, but a more personal take, exploring what such a situation would do to a woman in the Beast's position - in a much more dangerous world. It's a clever, inventive twist that deserves attention.
August 30, 2018
A fabulous gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Wonderous worldbuilding, complex characters, and a palpable sense of magic that leads the reader to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended!
February 9, 2022
This is a fantastic spin on Beauty and the Beast, with the gender roles reversed. It is beautifully written and a great escape!
March 10, 2023
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. Not exactly a Beauty in the Beast retelling but it was still good. The main charecter has a rose and has to find love before the rose dies, similar premise to the original, but if she doesn't find love, she dies.
April 12, 2019
THE RUB: The Rose Queen is a gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast, a story that's been retold more times than petals have fallen off that cursed rose. Written in the style of the old fairy tales, the story bears a similar time-honored and otherworldly mysticism in which you know you've initiated some fantastical endeavor just by cracking open that first page. But for a story so universally familiar, The Rose Queen is anything but predictable.
All the clues are present: horrific beast, check; enchanted rose, check; super inconvenient curse, checkCheckCHECK - but they're merely mile-markers through uncharted and exciting territory. Alison McBain uses them as building blocks to create a fascinating world of looming danger, haunting secrets, and profound discoveries. Strap in, my ladythugs and gentledudes - The Rose Queen's journey takes us off the safety of the merchant's road.
THE WHO'S: Mirabella, a princess longing to take control of her life - for better or for worse - grapples between duty and independence when she's abruptly engaged to a super-sketch dude. Her refusal lands her with a nasty curse that must be broken if she wants to live, and she's exiled to an abandoned chateau to idle out her beastly days. On the upside, losing everything has enabled Mira to discover the strength and liberation she's yearned for. She takes some blows learning how to wield that power, struggling to balance the beauty and the beast within herself.
THE WHEREFORES: There's intrigue a-plenty straight out the gate, when Mira dances with a mysterious suitor, and soon after receives a curious gift from an unknown source. Even with her sheltered upbringing, her mother's death has never sat well with her, and as she discovers more about her origins, the secrets she unveils present her with deep internal challenges. All while Mira's curse lingers in the background, dwindling what's left of her humanity.
X-FACTORS: Yo, this is just the first installment in a trilogy, so not all of the rose petals will land before the end, if you catch my drift. There is resolution, however, which left me wanting more but not unsatisfied.
All the clues are present: horrific beast, check; enchanted rose, check; super inconvenient curse, checkCheckCHECK - but they're merely mile-markers through uncharted and exciting territory. Alison McBain uses them as building blocks to create a fascinating world of looming danger, haunting secrets, and profound discoveries. Strap in, my ladythugs and gentledudes - The Rose Queen's journey takes us off the safety of the merchant's road.
THE WHO'S: Mirabella, a princess longing to take control of her life - for better or for worse - grapples between duty and independence when she's abruptly engaged to a super-sketch dude. Her refusal lands her with a nasty curse that must be broken if she wants to live, and she's exiled to an abandoned chateau to idle out her beastly days. On the upside, losing everything has enabled Mira to discover the strength and liberation she's yearned for. She takes some blows learning how to wield that power, struggling to balance the beauty and the beast within herself.
THE WHEREFORES: There's intrigue a-plenty straight out the gate, when Mira dances with a mysterious suitor, and soon after receives a curious gift from an unknown source. Even with her sheltered upbringing, her mother's death has never sat well with her, and as she discovers more about her origins, the secrets she unveils present her with deep internal challenges. All while Mira's curse lingers in the background, dwindling what's left of her humanity.
X-FACTORS: Yo, this is just the first installment in a trilogy, so not all of the rose petals will land before the end, if you catch my drift. There is resolution, however, which left me wanting more but not unsatisfied.
October 28, 2019
Princess Mirabelle was a striking beauty with wit and wisdom to match. She was young, and defiantly brazen, despite the duties to which was bound. Just one year after her mother's death, her father the king announced her betrothal to a man twice her age. It was a marriage of alliance, arranged by a man who regarded her only as a pawn to use to his advantage to seal a treaty. But despite her obligation, she defiantly refused to marry the duke, an evil sorcerer, and entirely grotesque man. Taken aback by her refusal to marry him, the duke cast a spell upon the princess, turning her into a hideous beast. Only love could reverse the spell, and she had only three-years-time before it would all be too late.
Author Alison McBain puts a clever spin on the familiar Beauty and the Beast tale with this utterly enchanting retelling of the classic story. Wonderfully penned and altogether a joy to read, The Rose Queen, is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Author Alison McBain puts a clever spin on the familiar Beauty and the Beast tale with this utterly enchanting retelling of the classic story. Wonderfully penned and altogether a joy to read, The Rose Queen, is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
January 21, 2020
An unexpected journey through a tale we thought we all knew well
In its unaltered form, the tale of the beauty and her beast has always held an enduring enchantment for me, and I never tire of revisiting it. I always welcome the idea of fresh takes on the story and have encountered many competent ones, but not since science fiction and fantasy writer, Tanith Lee’s “Beast” in the Datlow and Windling edited fairy tale anthology, “Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears” have I been so captivated by such an astounding retelling. Mirabella is no damsel-in-distress as the often distant and misunderstood princess, and the how the Beast is embodied is not easily relegated to a two dimensional caricature of kind heart residing in a hideous physical form. In this fairy tale, you do not simply love the seeming heroes and loathe the supposed villains; they spring out messy, and human, and fallible—fully realized characters—and you are enthralled and repulsed with each in turn (which makes for a so much more engrossing read!). I cannot wait to delve into the next installment.
In its unaltered form, the tale of the beauty and her beast has always held an enduring enchantment for me, and I never tire of revisiting it. I always welcome the idea of fresh takes on the story and have encountered many competent ones, but not since science fiction and fantasy writer, Tanith Lee’s “Beast” in the Datlow and Windling edited fairy tale anthology, “Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears” have I been so captivated by such an astounding retelling. Mirabella is no damsel-in-distress as the often distant and misunderstood princess, and the how the Beast is embodied is not easily relegated to a two dimensional caricature of kind heart residing in a hideous physical form. In this fairy tale, you do not simply love the seeming heroes and loathe the supposed villains; they spring out messy, and human, and fallible—fully realized characters—and you are enthralled and repulsed with each in turn (which makes for a so much more engrossing read!). I cannot wait to delve into the next installment.
January 17, 2020
Sometime within the last few years, I have read another retelling of the Beauty and the Beast. Two very different stories by two very different authors. The Rose Queen by Alison McBain puts a woman in the role of the beast. The story, written for teens to adults, advances slowly, adding wonderful characters along the way, before advancing to an ending where the reader feels satisfied. But also, expects a sequel. The beast in this retelling is forced to face her own weaknesses as well as the outcome of the curse's magic. Additionally, the outside world is affected by the curse and its consequences. This Literary Classics award-winning book will delight those who enjoy the retelling of fairy tales and stories of human compassion and struggles.
August 6, 2018
A fairy tale with a twist - The Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" is a woman. It's an interesting concept, and Alison McBain has created a world where magic, curses and plain old bad guys rule. Unlike the original story, where we know little of the Beast's struggles to come to terms with his appearance, this book gives the back story a lot of space. There are plenty of moral issues for our strong-willed heroine, and plenty of hard-to-resolve questions about whether she is mainly animal, or mainly human.
It's the first volume of a trilogy, so the fact that there's only a partial resolution at the end means we have to wait for Volume 2 to see what happens next.
It's the first volume of a trilogy, so the fact that there's only a partial resolution at the end means we have to wait for Volume 2 to see what happens next.
February 5, 2020
I’m really hoping that book 2&3 come out quickly! I have my own curse of reading unfinished series that take years and years to be completed (looking at Author Lindsay Mead to release book 3!)
It took me a long time to adjust to the idea of a female beast, and I never did quite get the mental image of a princess Beast wearing cravat and suit jacket with breeches from my head despite the many times it mentioned her wearing a dress.
It was interesting. Good back story. Very unique and captivating. Though I’m undecided if love actually redeemed her or not. Waiting for the next book before I truly decide and I really hope love wins the day and plays a larger role in it.
It took me a long time to adjust to the idea of a female beast, and I never did quite get the mental image of a princess Beast wearing cravat and suit jacket with breeches from my head despite the many times it mentioned her wearing a dress.
It was interesting. Good back story. Very unique and captivating. Though I’m undecided if love actually redeemed her or not. Waiting for the next book before I truly decide and I really hope love wins the day and plays a larger role in it.
August 12, 2020
Extraordinary Fairytale Retelling!
I was skeptical when I began “The Rose Queen.” I usually dislike fairytale reimaginings, but this one was different. It was much better and more interesting than I could have hoped. It grabbed me at the beginning and held onto me until the end.
The writing was quite masterful. It forged a new story and characters from the old — similar in theme and elements but with twists that broke tropes and set it apart.
Even if this were the only book, and not part of a trilogy, I would be quite satisfied. Keep in mind, I do not impart such praise often. This tale deserves it. I highly recommend it.
I was skeptical when I began “The Rose Queen.” I usually dislike fairytale reimaginings, but this one was different. It was much better and more interesting than I could have hoped. It grabbed me at the beginning and held onto me until the end.
The writing was quite masterful. It forged a new story and characters from the old — similar in theme and elements but with twists that broke tropes and set it apart.
Even if this were the only book, and not part of a trilogy, I would be quite satisfied. Keep in mind, I do not impart such praise often. This tale deserves it. I highly recommend it.
February 26, 2020
A contemporary retelling
While the story takes place in a time long past, the princess has a modern take on womanhood, and it means to be a leader. I appreciated this new take on a classic story. Well done!
While the story takes place in a time long past, the princess has a modern take on womanhood, and it means to be a leader. I appreciated this new take on a classic story. Well done!
July 14, 2026
THE REVIEW
This was a compelling and unique retelling of a classic fairytale. Immediately, the author made the story stand out by steering away from the usual romantic tropes of beauty and the beast by combining the two protagonists into one character, and leaving behind the romance in lieu of a story of family, duty, and the lengths people are willing to go to in order to do the right thing. The world-building is astonishing, as the author really makes this kingdom and the characters unique and visceral in their depiction.
The rich atmosphere and the immersive experience readers get from delving into this narrative form provide a solid foundation on which the author can develop and bring to life a completely new take on this fairytale, turning it into an epic fantasy driven by nefarious politics and family secrets. Mirabel is a fantastic protagonist who stands out not only for the curse she must bear, but for the twists and turns that reveal harsh realities about her family, and the foes she must face are also stellar on the page, as they also highlight the struggles many young women must face when dealing with outrageous actions of the men in their lives.
THE VERDICT
Compelling, entertaining, and thoroughly entertaining, author Alison McBain’s “The Rose Queen” is a must-read fantasy novel and a much-needed twist on a classic fairytale. Filled with untold dangers, secrets, and lies, magic, and sorcery, and twist, and turns that readers will not see coming, this narrative is one book readers will not want to put down.
This was a compelling and unique retelling of a classic fairytale. Immediately, the author made the story stand out by steering away from the usual romantic tropes of beauty and the beast by combining the two protagonists into one character, and leaving behind the romance in lieu of a story of family, duty, and the lengths people are willing to go to in order to do the right thing. The world-building is astonishing, as the author really makes this kingdom and the characters unique and visceral in their depiction.
The rich atmosphere and the immersive experience readers get from delving into this narrative form provide a solid foundation on which the author can develop and bring to life a completely new take on this fairytale, turning it into an epic fantasy driven by nefarious politics and family secrets. Mirabel is a fantastic protagonist who stands out not only for the curse she must bear, but for the twists and turns that reveal harsh realities about her family, and the foes she must face are also stellar on the page, as they also highlight the struggles many young women must face when dealing with outrageous actions of the men in their lives.
THE VERDICT
Compelling, entertaining, and thoroughly entertaining, author Alison McBain’s “The Rose Queen” is a must-read fantasy novel and a much-needed twist on a classic fairytale. Filled with untold dangers, secrets, and lies, magic, and sorcery, and twist, and turns that readers will not see coming, this narrative is one book readers will not want to put down.
February 6, 2023
“Beauty belonged to the young. One might say that age itself made one beastly, created a stranger out of familiar territory.”
That is just one example of Alison McBain’s brilliant sentence work. Countless gems of wisdom, humor, and heartbreak decorate the walls of the entire story.
I am a fan of turning traditional fairy tales on their heads. I did worry that The Rose Queen, which is inspired by Beauty and the Beast, might celebrate narcissistic abuse as a way to “win” love, like the original story does. Not to spoil, but I’ll say Alison kept her version turned on its head. Mad respect.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the trilogy!
That is just one example of Alison McBain’s brilliant sentence work. Countless gems of wisdom, humor, and heartbreak decorate the walls of the entire story.
I am a fan of turning traditional fairy tales on their heads. I did worry that The Rose Queen, which is inspired by Beauty and the Beast, might celebrate narcissistic abuse as a way to “win” love, like the original story does. Not to spoil, but I’ll say Alison kept her version turned on its head. Mad respect.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the trilogy!
October 13, 2023
found this book lovely, romantic and whimsical to read. I loved how the story panned out. The Rose Queen is a Medieval Beauty and the Beast Retelling who follows Princess Mirabella who is faced with a conflict between saving her family and saving her own life, the choices Mirabella makes will change the future of the kingdom—and magic—forever. If anyone is looking for a Medieval Beauty and the Beast Retelling with twist and turn from its original story. please check out The Rose Queen. It was a beautiful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2023
Fairy tale re-worked rather than re-told
The author’s version of this classic has many of the main elements yet is a bit darker. The background is more robust as are the various relationships. Just like in real life, the characters learn a little bit at a time and fill in the blanks until they have the entire story (makes for a bit of intrigue).
Fave quote:
‘But are we ever who we want to be?’
The ending perfectly sets up a sequel and I *definitely* want to find out what happens next.
The author’s version of this classic has many of the main elements yet is a bit darker. The background is more robust as are the various relationships. Just like in real life, the characters learn a little bit at a time and fill in the blanks until they have the entire story (makes for a bit of intrigue).
Fave quote:
‘But are we ever who we want to be?’
The ending perfectly sets up a sequel and I *definitely* want to find out what happens next.
August 31, 2023
A 3 1/2 kisses read for me. While i really wanted to adore this book, I just couldn't get myself into it as well as I would have liked. It seemed to me that I really couldn't get into the character of Mira enough. It was as if the author wanted the beast to take over, and no one was rooting for her, except her nursemaid. Hearing she had a sister, and yet couldn't meet her, was hard for me to accept as well.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2023
Such a fantastic twist on beauty and the beast. A world that just sucks you into it. Mira’s development as a person is beautifully chilling. The struggles she faces within herself and her environment are so overwhelmingly personal.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2023
Beauty and the Beast was one of my all time favorite movies! This retelling was so good. I loved reading from the beast perspective. I also enjoyed that the female was the beast and not the guy. I cannot wait for book 2 to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2023
Finished in Two Days! A reimagining of a classic that feels quite original, has a compelling main character, and reads fast. It's thought-provoking and led me to contemplate themes of transformation, sacrifice, love, and the costs of our desires.
April 7, 2023
Read it in less then a day so good
I received this book from a #goodreadsgiveaway.
I loved this book. A somewhat retelling of beauty and the beast. The way the story flowed was amazing. Mystery, magic, love, honor and learning the best and worst of yourself. Great book.
I received this book from a #goodreadsgiveaway.
I loved this book. A somewhat retelling of beauty and the beast. The way the story flowed was amazing. Mystery, magic, love, honor and learning the best and worst of yourself. Great book.
July 31, 2023
We are proud to announce that THE ROSE QUEEN (Rose Trilogy #1) by Alison McBain has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
October 19, 2023
Another beauty and the beast retelling for my collection! This was a darker version but still very romantic with interesting characters. Well done!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2023
Something new and refreshing, and leaving me curious to read the second installment. I'll take than and give it a hefty 3.5 stars and even up it to a 4. Let's see if book 2 holds up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews