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A Forgery of Roses
Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.
From Sing Me Forgotten author Jessica S. Olson comes a gothic fantasy murder mystery perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Erin A. Craig.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.
From Sing Me Forgotten author Jessica S. Olson comes a gothic fantasy murder mystery perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Erin A. Craig.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,904 reviews
lost-interest
July 7, 2021"Stalking Jack the Ripper meets The Picture of Dorian Gray"??? YES PLEASE
and the cover!! its so beautiful🥺🥺
and the cover!! its so beautiful🥺🥺
March 28, 2022
A Forgery of Roses started out with an interesting premise, but ended up falling a bit flat.
Myra Whitlock’s parents went missing several months ago, leaving her and her younger sister to fend for themselves. Myra is a portraitist, and can alter people’s bodies via her portraits. She usually resists the urge to do so because her powers are thought abhorrent by some and coveted by others.
Until one night, the governor’s wife blackmails Myra into bringing her son back to life. She has four days before the body begins to rot. Upon her arrival at the governor’s mansion, Myra soon sees clues that the boy’s death was not a mere accident. As she tries to form a whole picture of his death, Myra notices other oddities in this cold home. She enlists the boy’s older brother to help solve this murder and hopefully prevent more.
I liked that there was some disability representation in this book, it’s not something I often see in fiction. There were lots of discussions on disability, ableism, and anxiety. Although, at one point, Myra described her disabled sister as a “walking corpse.” It’s kind of sad that a loving family member would think of their sister in such a way.
There were also some tropes that I’m not too keen on. Namely, insta–love and a love triangle.
My favourite thing about this book was the magic system. It was an interesting concept and uniquely done.
Although this wasn’t for me, I think frequent readers of YA Fantasy will enjoy it.
Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Myra Whitlock’s parents went missing several months ago, leaving her and her younger sister to fend for themselves. Myra is a portraitist, and can alter people’s bodies via her portraits. She usually resists the urge to do so because her powers are thought abhorrent by some and coveted by others.
Until one night, the governor’s wife blackmails Myra into bringing her son back to life. She has four days before the body begins to rot. Upon her arrival at the governor’s mansion, Myra soon sees clues that the boy’s death was not a mere accident. As she tries to form a whole picture of his death, Myra notices other oddities in this cold home. She enlists the boy’s older brother to help solve this murder and hopefully prevent more.
I liked that there was some disability representation in this book, it’s not something I often see in fiction. There were lots of discussions on disability, ableism, and anxiety. Although, at one point, Myra described her disabled sister as a “walking corpse.” It’s kind of sad that a loving family member would think of their sister in such a way.
There were also some tropes that I’m not too keen on. Namely, insta–love and a love triangle.
My favourite thing about this book was the magic system. It was an interesting concept and uniquely done.
Although this wasn’t for me, I think frequent readers of YA Fantasy will enjoy it.
Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
December 3, 2025
This book had all the things I usually adore — a moody, gothic setting, a hint of magic, art, mystery, and romance. However, it didn’t completely sweep me away, but it still offered a world I loved wandering through.🕯️🎨✨
📖 Book: A Forgery of Roses
🖋️ Author: Jessica S. Olson
🌟 Rating: 3.75 ✧
🖤 Genre: YA gothic romantic fantasy
🎨 Summary: In a world where art can literally reshape reality, Myra, a young artist, is pulled into a deadly mystery inside a dark, secret-filled mansion. To save her sister, she must use her strange magical gift to uncover the truth hidden beneath layers of lies, shadows, and beautiful illusions.
♡ What I loved most:
• The magic system: it was so original and beautifully woven into the story — it felt like watching art breathe ✨
• The gothic vibes: we had candlelit halls, eerie suspense, and that deliciously shadowy atmosphere 🕯️
• Myra’s artistic gift: it was strange, lovely, and it added such a fascinating layer to the plot 🎨
• The plot twist: it was smart and unexpected. It added the exact amount of intrigue 🖤
✘ What I didn't love:
• The love interest: he was sweet but his personality wasn’t my usual cup of tea — I couldn’t fully connect 🫣
• Slow pacing at times: the story moved a little slow here and there; I found myself wanting things to move faster 🕰️
• The underdeveloped romance: the romance was soft but undercooked — it felt more like deep friendship than true love 💞
• The hollow ending: it didn’t quite stir the emotions I hoped for 🖌️
───♡─────────────
୨ৎ Overall:
This book had all the things I usually adore — a moody, gothic setting, a hint of magic, art, mystery, and romance. However, it didn’t completely sweep me away, but it still offered a world I loved wandering through.
Despite a few missteps, this story had a richness to it that I really enjoyed. The setting, the magic, the sense of quiet danger — I loved getting lost in that world, even if the emotional pull wasn’t always there.
A beautifully built tale that felt like a painting with just a few brushstrokes left unfinished. 🎨🕯️✨
xoxo, until the next book 🌙💖📖
📖 Book: A Forgery of Roses
🖋️ Author: Jessica S. Olson
🌟 Rating: 3.75 ✧
🖤 Genre: YA gothic romantic fantasy
🎨 Summary: In a world where art can literally reshape reality, Myra, a young artist, is pulled into a deadly mystery inside a dark, secret-filled mansion. To save her sister, she must use her strange magical gift to uncover the truth hidden beneath layers of lies, shadows, and beautiful illusions.
♡ What I loved most:
• The magic system: it was so original and beautifully woven into the story — it felt like watching art breathe ✨
• The gothic vibes: we had candlelit halls, eerie suspense, and that deliciously shadowy atmosphere 🕯️
• Myra’s artistic gift: it was strange, lovely, and it added such a fascinating layer to the plot 🎨
“Art holds magic. It captures how it feels to be alive, with all its aches and sorrows and joy.”
• The plot twist: it was smart and unexpected. It added the exact amount of intrigue 🖤
✘ What I didn't love:
• The love interest: he was sweet but his personality wasn’t my usual cup of tea — I couldn’t fully connect 🫣
• Slow pacing at times: the story moved a little slow here and there; I found myself wanting things to move faster 🕰️
• The underdeveloped romance: the romance was soft but undercooked — it felt more like deep friendship than true love 💞
• The hollow ending: it didn’t quite stir the emotions I hoped for 🖌️
───♡─────────────
୨ৎ Overall:
This book had all the things I usually adore — a moody, gothic setting, a hint of magic, art, mystery, and romance. However, it didn’t completely sweep me away, but it still offered a world I loved wandering through.
Despite a few missteps, this story had a richness to it that I really enjoyed. The setting, the magic, the sense of quiet danger — I loved getting lost in that world, even if the emotional pull wasn’t always there.
A beautifully built tale that felt like a painting with just a few brushstrokes left unfinished. 🎨🕯️✨
xoxo, until the next book 🌙💖📖
June 10, 2022
Myra Whitlock has a gift. She is an artist who can change people’s real-life bodies and heal them. She must keep her gift a secret in order to keep her sister safe now that their parents are gone. But one day the governor's wife asks Myra to bring her son Will back to life and if she doesn't do it the governor's wife will expose Myra's secret. Soon she discovers that Will's death is not an accident and there are many dangers and secrets hiding at the mansion. Myra meets August, the governor's son and he helps her discover what happened to Will, but Myra soon discovers that she is in danger.
This was an enchanting and exciting fantasy with a mystery sub-plot. The pacing in the beginning was a little slow, but once it picked up I was completely invested in the magic and mystery. I really liked Myra she is brave, strong, caring and will do anything for her sister. I loved August, he is kind, determined, handsome and strong. I loved Myra's sister Lucy, she is sweet, resilient, determined and smart. Myra and August's relationship was so sweet and they are perfect for each other. I loved how realistic the characters were, they were all going through a difficult situation and each had their own ways of coping. I loved Myra's relationship with her sister, they both would do anything for each other, it reminded me of my relationship with my sister. I really appreciated that the author discussed important topics in the book such as illness and anxiety. There were many surprising twists and turns throughout the book that I didn't expect. The ending was so good!
This was an enchanting and exciting fantasy with a mystery sub-plot. The pacing in the beginning was a little slow, but once it picked up I was completely invested in the magic and mystery. I really liked Myra she is brave, strong, caring and will do anything for her sister. I loved August, he is kind, determined, handsome and strong. I loved Myra's sister Lucy, she is sweet, resilient, determined and smart. Myra and August's relationship was so sweet and they are perfect for each other. I loved how realistic the characters were, they were all going through a difficult situation and each had their own ways of coping. I loved Myra's relationship with her sister, they both would do anything for each other, it reminded me of my relationship with my sister. I really appreciated that the author discussed important topics in the book such as illness and anxiety. There were many surprising twists and turns throughout the book that I didn't expect. The ending was so good!
April 19, 2022
Quite an interesting magic system where the MC is able to manipulate the physical appearance of people through painting. A power she keeps secret because the ability is vilified in whatever time period/fantasy realm she is in. Plot is driven with a good ol’ murder mystery adventure (which to me felt a bit convoluted) and an anxious love interest to pair with the MC.
This was an okay story for me. Didn’t love it, but certainly do not regret the read.
This was an okay story for me. Didn’t love it, but certainly do not regret the read.
May 3, 2022
I was very excited by the premise of A Forgery of Roses, and it ended up being just as imaginative as I was hoping. Myra has the ability to alter people’s appearances and bodies by composing portraits of them, though it does come at a physical cost to her. Her parents and other ‘prodigies’ have disappeared, so she’s solely responsible for caring for her chronically-ill sister, Lucy, who’s health has been in decline for some time. When a wealthy client presents offers the chance to finally earn enough to pay for medical care for Lucy, Myra decides to attempt something she once had never thought possible—bring someone back to life.
What A Forgery of Roses then becomes is a kind of fantastical murder mystery, with Myra and her client’s son working together to find the dead man’s killer. The magic system is interesting, and out of all of the aspects of the story it’s probably the part that Jessica Olson spends the most time explaining the mechanics of. It’s a stand-alone that’s the length of a normal novel, not the massive doorstops we have been seeing more of in the YA fantasy space. So I wasn’t expecting Olson to delve too deeply into anything outside of the main storyline, but Myra’s world still felt very limited. I have no understanding of the town they live in, the government outside of the one governor, what life is like for the typical townsperson, etc. With all of the emphasis put onto the painting process each of the dozens of times Myra starts a portrait, some of the character development and other plot fell to the wayside.
Myra is an okay protagonist, but her most compelling characteristic is her devotion to her sister, rarely having any thoughts outside of Lucy or her eventual love interest. Lucy is significantly more engaging, but unfortunately she spends a majority of the time unconscious or seriously sick and plays only a minor role. I never really came around to , though I liked both the mental and chronic illness rep from him and Lucy. So while I appreciated the plights of each protagonist, it just seemed like they were missing that hook which would have endeared me to them.
In the middle I think the book ended up dragging, and some of the storyline verged on goofy instead of spellbinding. But there isn’t much I can point to and offer specific solutions for; the issues I had aren’t that tangible. The best I can describe it is that A Forgery of Roses was a pleasant but passive reading experience for me. No major complaints, but it’s also a good thing I’m writing this right after finishing or I’d probably forget something significant.
*Thanks to Inkyard Press for a complimentary copy!
**For more book talk & reviews, follow me on Instagram at @elle_mentbooks!
What A Forgery of Roses then becomes is a kind of fantastical murder mystery, with Myra and her client’s son working together to find the dead man’s killer. The magic system is interesting, and out of all of the aspects of the story it’s probably the part that Jessica Olson spends the most time explaining the mechanics of. It’s a stand-alone that’s the length of a normal novel, not the massive doorstops we have been seeing more of in the YA fantasy space. So I wasn’t expecting Olson to delve too deeply into anything outside of the main storyline, but Myra’s world still felt very limited. I have no understanding of the town they live in, the government outside of the one governor, what life is like for the typical townsperson, etc. With all of the emphasis put onto the painting process each of the dozens of times Myra starts a portrait, some of the character development and other plot fell to the wayside.
Myra is an okay protagonist, but her most compelling characteristic is her devotion to her sister, rarely having any thoughts outside of Lucy or her eventual love interest. Lucy is significantly more engaging, but unfortunately she spends a majority of the time unconscious or seriously sick and plays only a minor role. I never really came around to , though I liked both the mental and chronic illness rep from him and Lucy. So while I appreciated the plights of each protagonist, it just seemed like they were missing that hook which would have endeared me to them.
In the middle I think the book ended up dragging, and some of the storyline verged on goofy instead of spellbinding. But there isn’t much I can point to and offer specific solutions for; the issues I had aren’t that tangible. The best I can describe it is that A Forgery of Roses was a pleasant but passive reading experience for me. No major complaints, but it’s also a good thing I’m writing this right after finishing or I’d probably forget something significant.
*Thanks to Inkyard Press for a complimentary copy!
**For more book talk & reviews, follow me on Instagram at @elle_mentbooks!
March 8, 2023
*0.5
The captivating cover of a novel featuring a young painter imbued with the mystical ability to resurrect the dead initially piqued my interest in what promised to be a riveting tale of dark fantasy. However, the actual content of the book failed to live up to its alluring facade. Despite its ability to maintain a palpable sense of suspense, the story lacked any meaningful substance or appeal. Regrettably, I was unable to derive any enjoyment from its pages.
The captivating cover of a novel featuring a young painter imbued with the mystical ability to resurrect the dead initially piqued my interest in what promised to be a riveting tale of dark fantasy. However, the actual content of the book failed to live up to its alluring facade. Despite its ability to maintain a palpable sense of suspense, the story lacked any meaningful substance or appeal. Regrettably, I was unable to derive any enjoyment from its pages.
March 24, 2022
1.5 stars because I actually made it through and didn't DNF. But...
Lots of potential totally wasted here. I loved the idea of an artist being able to alter reality with her artwork. But the story itself was a mess. We've got all the major red flags including:
--Instalove
--One-dimensional characters
--Mary Sue
--Annoyingly precocious younger sibling
--Convoluted story that doesn't know what it's trying to do
--Forced love triangles to create ~tension
--No world building (what time period are we in? Because there are carriages but also the characters speak like modern-day teenagers)
--A title that has nothing to do with the story
--"Cliffhanger" ending that makes no sense
On top of all of this there's an "anxiety rep" that is so stereotypical that it's embarrassing. August supposedly has anxiety of some sort, but it manifests only at convenient times and is magically cured when Myra tells him to "breathe" and "write down his feelings." Lord almighty. This "rep" is more like a caricature of anxiety that perpetuates the idea that anxiety is easily curable if the anxious person just tries hard enough. It's offensive, honestly.
1/5 stars for trains though, because even though there were no locomotives in this story, I am counting the hot mess express that is the book itself.
Lots of potential totally wasted here. I loved the idea of an artist being able to alter reality with her artwork. But the story itself was a mess. We've got all the major red flags including:
--Instalove
--One-dimensional characters
--Mary Sue
--Annoyingly precocious younger sibling
--Convoluted story that doesn't know what it's trying to do
--Forced love triangles to create ~tension
--No world building (what time period are we in? Because there are carriages but also the characters speak like modern-day teenagers)
--A title that has nothing to do with the story
--"Cliffhanger" ending that makes no sense
On top of all of this there's an "anxiety rep" that is so stereotypical that it's embarrassing. August supposedly has anxiety of some sort, but it manifests only at convenient times and is magically cured when Myra tells him to "breathe" and "write down his feelings." Lord almighty. This "rep" is more like a caricature of anxiety that perpetuates the idea that anxiety is easily curable if the anxious person just tries hard enough. It's offensive, honestly.
1/5 stars for trains though, because even though there were no locomotives in this story, I am counting the hot mess express that is the book itself.
December 4, 2021
Color me delighted!
March 31, 2022
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson is a standalone young adult fantasy novel. The story within A Forgery of Roses is one that combines romance, magic and mystery in a gothic setting.
Myra Whitlock has a secret that she needs to hide everyday. You see Myra is a prodigy, her talent in painting can alter reality. When a woman hires Myra to paint her small dog Myra can’t help herself and heals a wound on the pup.
Myra finds that the woman isn’t just any random stranger who hired her, she is the Governor’s wife. The Governor believes prodigies should be stopped but his wife wants Myra to bring their son back to life after an accident but what Myra finds is his death was no accident.
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson was a fantasy that I easily fell into the story and didn’t want to stop reading. The idea of helping through art was engaging and interesting to learn about with how it worked and it was fun to have a mystery to solve thrown into the use of the magic. Myra was a likable character and I enjoyed how she cares for her sister all the while watching a romance unfold as another layer to the story. Definitely a great book to pick up with my love for a variety of genres.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Myra Whitlock has a secret that she needs to hide everyday. You see Myra is a prodigy, her talent in painting can alter reality. When a woman hires Myra to paint her small dog Myra can’t help herself and heals a wound on the pup.
Myra finds that the woman isn’t just any random stranger who hired her, she is the Governor’s wife. The Governor believes prodigies should be stopped but his wife wants Myra to bring their son back to life after an accident but what Myra finds is his death was no accident.
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson was a fantasy that I easily fell into the story and didn’t want to stop reading. The idea of helping through art was engaging and interesting to learn about with how it worked and it was fun to have a mystery to solve thrown into the use of the magic. Myra was a likable character and I enjoyed how she cares for her sister all the while watching a romance unfold as another layer to the story. Definitely a great book to pick up with my love for a variety of genres.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 1, 2022
Thank you to the publisher, Inkyard Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Forgery of Roses in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
I remember requesting “Sing Me Forgotten” last year through NetGalley; I was so excited by the premise that I just had to read it. I got declined and haven’t had a chance to read it yet.
When I got invited to join the blot tour to promote A Forgery of Roses I could barely contain myself.
Fast forward to just about now and all I can think of is “oh farts”. This is not going to be fun.
Ever had a book that made your brain itch? A book that you had to stop reading before that big blue vein inside your head pops? Yup, I’m pretty much there right now.
No kidding. What the heck did I just read?
And did I mention that A Forgery of Roses is listed by Goodreads as one of 68 most anticipated YA novels of 2022?
The Details
Honestly, I can’t get past the world building or serious lack thereof. What is this world? Where is this world? What bloody time period are we in?
These are the questions I was actually shouting at the book while I was reading it.
Please, someone explain to me how a population that is capable of producing plastic thinks that the best mode of transportation is a horse-drawn carriage. What am I missing.
The language in A Forgery of Roses equally got me all hot and bothered. At one point a character says “What the hell”, which is quite modern. A few pages later we have another character using the word “hence”, a relatively old/classic word to use.
It’s not like the reader is thrown out of the story when such discrepancies happen. There is no world that has been established in the first place!
I really did not care about the characters at all, because I couldn’t get past the mess of a narrative A Forgery of Roses is.
Plot is also all over the place. Is it a story about forbidden magic? Or a bloody murder mystery?
The Verdict
Overall, I have to stop this review before I start pulling out my hair. This has been the most frustrating story I have read in a while.
Again, this seems to be a rather unpopular opinion I’m having, but I can’t help myself. There was nothing redeeming or interesting about A Forgery of Roses.
It’s a pass for me.
September 5, 2021
Official blurb:
Marvelously magical and steeping with mystery, A Forgery of Roses checks all the boxes you could want in a fantasy. With a highly creative magic system reminiscent of The Picture of Dorian Gray and a lush romance, Olson’s newest is an absolute stunner that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Marvelously magical and steeping with mystery, A Forgery of Roses checks all the boxes you could want in a fantasy. With a highly creative magic system reminiscent of The Picture of Dorian Gray and a lush romance, Olson’s newest is an absolute stunner that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
June 22, 2025
[this is me, bringing attention to one of my most underrated faves]
Alexa, play the entire Lover album by Taylor Swift, please. Also, the entirety of her catalog in general. Also, any Dorian Gray inspired songs.
Alexa, play the entire Lover album by Taylor Swift, please. Also, the entirety of her catalog in general. Also, any Dorian Gray inspired songs.
July 4, 2022
THE ENDINGGG???????
TELL ME THERE WILL BE A SEQUEL FOR THIS????????
Ps: Absolutely love my Owlcrate edition of this book!
TELL ME THERE WILL BE A SEQUEL FOR THIS????????
Ps: Absolutely love my Owlcrate edition of this book!
May 2, 2022
~4.5 stars~
At this point, Jessica S. Olson definitely has my ultimate support and interest. she did it again with a brand new book. The story has a darker, Gothic feel to it, and it is atmospheric and ominous from the very first lines. I love Olson’s writing style! It’s so immersive and vivid, and I found myself pulled into the story pretty quickly.
I like the anxiety rep and the young man dealing with it. Surrounded by many people who don’t support him or understand anxiety, he faces a lot of his challenges alone. I thought that the author did a great job of realistically showing how anxiety affects people.
beautiful art by amazing morgananagrom
The only thing that I struggled with was that there are a couple moments where characters seemed to suddenly become different than they’d been all the way up to that point in the story. Those caught me by surprise (which is good) but also left me thinking, wait, where did this come from?
The ending was much happier than Olsen’s last book, which my poor heart greatly appreciated😪. However, it leaves you with just the right amount of tension and suspense to leave you wanting more. Sadly, I don’t think this will be a series, but oh how I wish it was!
At this point, Jessica S. Olson definitely has my ultimate support and interest. she did it again with a brand new book. The story has a darker, Gothic feel to it, and it is atmospheric and ominous from the very first lines. I love Olson’s writing style! It’s so immersive and vivid, and I found myself pulled into the story pretty quickly.
I like the anxiety rep and the young man dealing with it. Surrounded by many people who don’t support him or understand anxiety, he faces a lot of his challenges alone. I thought that the author did a great job of realistically showing how anxiety affects people.
beautiful art by amazing morgananagrom
The only thing that I struggled with was that there are a couple moments where characters seemed to suddenly become different than they’d been all the way up to that point in the story. Those caught me by surprise (which is good) but also left me thinking, wait, where did this come from?
The ending was much happier than Olsen’s last book, which my poor heart greatly appreciated😪. However, it leaves you with just the right amount of tension and suspense to leave you wanting more. Sadly, I don’t think this will be a series, but oh how I wish it was!
June 23, 2022
See this review and more at the blog, The Scribe Owl!
3.5/5 stars
As soon as I read the synopsis I was extremely excited to read A Forgery of Roses! The premise was unique and interesting, and I read it the first opportunity I got. Stalking Jack the Ripper meets The Picture of Dorian Gray?? Yes please, absolutely! Unfortunately, it fell a little short of what it wanted to accomplish. I can see all the great ideas that went into it, but they got all muddled up in the execution.
The characters are where Jessica S. Olson had the greatest chance of selling me and she got me about three-quarters of the way there. I loved Lucy and her relationship with Myra! The bonds between the two were palpable and that single relationship simultaneously brought so much levity and despair into the story. I honestly didn't like August at first (which is weird because he's exactly my type) but I warmed up to him over the course of the novel. Myra herself was a great MC and did a great job centering the cast of characters.
The magic system in A Forgery of Roses was really unique! I loved the whole idea of sevren, which are described as "soul threads" and the discovery and manipulation of them through painting. I will add though--the religion created for this story is really weird. It's really just a plot device to make Prodigies (people who can manipulate sevren by painting) outcasts, but it definitely weirded me out when they attempted to explain it.
Okay I'm sorry but I have to add one more thing real quick that is probably not that important in the grand scheme of things but bothered me to no end. So Myra's trying to figure out how this guy died, right? So she's looking at the body and she's like "hmmm he fell off a balcony so it had to be blunt force trauma." And then she finds this super suspicious-looking wound she identifies as a KNIFE WOUND and goes "yep! Blunt force trauma!" And continues with her day. I MEAN WHAT????? GIRL--
3.5/5 stars
As soon as I read the synopsis I was extremely excited to read A Forgery of Roses! The premise was unique and interesting, and I read it the first opportunity I got. Stalking Jack the Ripper meets The Picture of Dorian Gray?? Yes please, absolutely! Unfortunately, it fell a little short of what it wanted to accomplish. I can see all the great ideas that went into it, but they got all muddled up in the execution.
The characters are where Jessica S. Olson had the greatest chance of selling me and she got me about three-quarters of the way there. I loved Lucy and her relationship with Myra! The bonds between the two were palpable and that single relationship simultaneously brought so much levity and despair into the story. I honestly didn't like August at first (which is weird because he's exactly my type) but I warmed up to him over the course of the novel. Myra herself was a great MC and did a great job centering the cast of characters.
The magic system in A Forgery of Roses was really unique! I loved the whole idea of sevren, which are described as "soul threads" and the discovery and manipulation of them through painting. I will add though--the religion created for this story is really weird. It's really just a plot device to make Prodigies (people who can manipulate sevren by painting) outcasts, but it definitely weirded me out when they attempted to explain it.
Okay I'm sorry but I have to add one more thing real quick that is probably not that important in the grand scheme of things but bothered me to no end. So Myra's trying to figure out how this guy died, right? So she's looking at the body and she's like "hmmm he fell off a balcony so it had to be blunt force trauma." And then she finds this super suspicious-looking wound she identifies as a KNIFE WOUND and goes "yep! Blunt force trauma!" And continues with her day. I MEAN WHAT????? GIRL--
May 2, 2022
I think I'm over reading books about main characters who paint? Especially in YA. This was fine, but a lot of personal misses with this story and its characters.
Characters: ★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★★
Sense of Place: ★★
Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
Known a Prodigy, Myra has the rare and hunted ability to paint adjustments onto people. As in, if she paints a portrait, Myra can change someone's eye color, fix a broken nose, or radically alter someone's shape. A magical version of healing and plastic surgery all in one, if you will.
However, Prodigies are not beloved and cherished members of society—they are viciously hunted and persecuted against like witches. The Artist, this world's version of a higher power, is the only one able to adjust life according to the people in power.
So Myra paints in secret and tries to keep her abilities hidden.
This works pretty well, until her Prodigy mother and her father go missing one night, and Myra finds herself on the edge of poverty with his younger sister. She'll make any deal with the devil that she needs to in order to save her family... including taking up a dangerous job with the wife of the town's most powerful (and anti-Prodigy) senator.
The senator's son fell off a balcony and died, and they want Myra to fix him... as in, "bring him back to life," fix him.
It's a steep charge, but Myra needs the money and if she doesn't do it, the family threatens to out her as a Prodigy anyway.
With a mysterious mansion, a mysterious boy, and lots of murderous plot points, A Forgery of Roses sucks you in...
My thoughts:
Now, to be completely fair, I don't think I would have ever picked up this book on my own—it came in a book subscription box. Since I owned it, I decided to give it a try... and I just thought it was fine.
A personal issue for me what the fact that this entire novel hinged on the act of painting. If you don't like discussions of painting, descriptions of the act of painting, and more dialogue about painting, then this novel is not for you. I paint every once in a while in real life, so I'm definitely into the medium itself, but as a reader I am tired of young adult women who paint being featured in books—it seems to be the number 1 hobby for most young women in novels. I think this story would have felt a bit more original if the Prodigy element hinged on a different artistic medium than painting.
However, that pet peeve aside, I did think this novel had a great sense of pacing and character arcs. Lots of well done scenes between Myra and the other characters, as well as some memorable twists at the end to keep things interesting.
Definitely pick this one up if you love painting in books and are interested in a well-told, classic YA plot!
Blog | Instagram
Characters: ★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★★
Sense of Place: ★★
Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
Known a Prodigy, Myra has the rare and hunted ability to paint adjustments onto people. As in, if she paints a portrait, Myra can change someone's eye color, fix a broken nose, or radically alter someone's shape. A magical version of healing and plastic surgery all in one, if you will.
However, Prodigies are not beloved and cherished members of society—they are viciously hunted and persecuted against like witches. The Artist, this world's version of a higher power, is the only one able to adjust life according to the people in power.
So Myra paints in secret and tries to keep her abilities hidden.
This works pretty well, until her Prodigy mother and her father go missing one night, and Myra finds herself on the edge of poverty with his younger sister. She'll make any deal with the devil that she needs to in order to save her family... including taking up a dangerous job with the wife of the town's most powerful (and anti-Prodigy) senator.
The senator's son fell off a balcony and died, and they want Myra to fix him... as in, "bring him back to life," fix him.
It's a steep charge, but Myra needs the money and if she doesn't do it, the family threatens to out her as a Prodigy anyway.
With a mysterious mansion, a mysterious boy, and lots of murderous plot points, A Forgery of Roses sucks you in...
My thoughts:
Now, to be completely fair, I don't think I would have ever picked up this book on my own—it came in a book subscription box. Since I owned it, I decided to give it a try... and I just thought it was fine.
A personal issue for me what the fact that this entire novel hinged on the act of painting. If you don't like discussions of painting, descriptions of the act of painting, and more dialogue about painting, then this novel is not for you. I paint every once in a while in real life, so I'm definitely into the medium itself, but as a reader I am tired of young adult women who paint being featured in books—it seems to be the number 1 hobby for most young women in novels. I think this story would have felt a bit more original if the Prodigy element hinged on a different artistic medium than painting.
However, that pet peeve aside, I did think this novel had a great sense of pacing and character arcs. Lots of well done scenes between Myra and the other characters, as well as some memorable twists at the end to keep things interesting.
Definitely pick this one up if you love painting in books and are interested in a well-told, classic YA plot!
Blog | Instagram
February 21, 2023
I feel like this book had the potential to be amazing, but it doesn’t quite reach that bar.
But I did like it overall. While I did suspect one of the major twists, most of it was quite surprising still. The book read rather easily and fortunately didn’t fall into the pitfall of overly done purple prose.
The characters weren’t bad, and yet I never fully warmed to them.
Do I regret reading this book? No. It was engaging while it lasted.
But I did like it overall. While I did suspect one of the major twists, most of it was quite surprising still. The book read rather easily and fortunately didn’t fall into the pitfall of overly done purple prose.
The characters weren’t bad, and yet I never fully warmed to them.
Do I regret reading this book? No. It was engaging while it lasted.
April 5, 2022
DNF at 86%. I can’t force myself to read this drivel any longer.
Another reviewer said it best when referring to this story as a hot mess. Somehow, there’s almost zero world building and yet anachronisms abound. The characters are all 2-dimensional trope embodiments, the writing itself is overly simplistic and juvenile (much like the characters), and the aimlessly meandering plot is full of holes. And don’t get me started on the instalove. 🙄
I cannot.
The physical book itself, it must be said, is gorgeous.
Another reviewer said it best when referring to this story as a hot mess. Somehow, there’s almost zero world building and yet anachronisms abound. The characters are all 2-dimensional trope embodiments, the writing itself is overly simplistic and juvenile (much like the characters), and the aimlessly meandering plot is full of holes. And don’t get me started on the instalove. 🙄
I cannot.
The physical book itself, it must be said, is gorgeous.
December 4, 2021
The premise of A Forgery of Roses is so unique – Myra Whitlock is a Prodigy, an artist who can alter a person’s body through painting. It is a dangerous gift that Myra keeps hidden, even more so since other Prodigies, including her mother, have gone missing. When the Governor’s wife learns of Myra’s gift, she offers Myra a choice – save her son and earn a large sum of money or be turned in to the authorities. Myra’s been caring for her younger, ill sister ever since their parents’ disappearances, and the money offered would get Myra’s sister the medical attention she so desperately needs. However, when Myra goes to the Governor’s house, she becomes immersed in a mystery much more dangerous than she ever expected. Can Myra trust August, the Governor’s other son, and what really happened to August’s brother? The more secrets Myra learns, the more her life becomes endangered.
The story has a darker, Gothic feel to it, and it is atmospheric and ominous from the very first lines. I love Olson’s writing style! It’s so immersive and vivid, and I found myself pulled into the story pretty quickly. I also really like the idea of being able to change one’s physical appearance or health through art. It’s such a unique, potentially dangerous, and fascinating concept. Secrets and mystery surrounding August and his family, as well as many twists and turns and secrets on top of lies, adds to the darker mood and Gothic feel of the story.
In contrast to the dark, Gothic elements, Myra’s relationship with her sister is the bright spot in the story. Their sisterly bond is really strong, and it is what motivates Myra throughout the story. They have such a wonderful bond, and they are very close. Myra loves her sister more than anything, and she will do whatever it takes to help her sister get well. Myra puts her own life at risk many times to save her sister. This sibling relationship contrasts with August’s relationship with his brother, which is described as turbulent at best.
I like the anxiety rep and the young man dealing with it. Surrounded by many people who don’t support him or understand anxiety, he faces a lot of his challenges alone. I thought that the author did a great job of realistically showing how anxiety affects people. This character makes a really powerful point when he says, “Just because my battles aren’t visible doesn’t mean they aren’t as real or as difficult as yours.” His character, and others in the story, show that internal struggles are just as significant and complex as external, and I love that.
The book also makes some really interesting points about social class, the inequities of health care among people of different socio-economic backgrounds, society’s fear of the unknown, people’s willingness to vilify those who don’t conform to societal norms and expectations, and more. Myra’s desperation to earn enough money to get proper health care for her sister, as well as their impoverished living conditions, for example, stand in stark contrast to the opulence of the Governor’s home and life. Also, Myra’s constant fear of being exposed, people’s reaction to her phenomenal ability, and the hesitation in being with someone of a different class highlight themes of prejudice, control, and more. I thought these themes and messages were thought-provoking and developed, adding even more layers to a well-layered story.
I really enjoyed this book. It is unique, the premise is super intriguing, the writing is immersive, the mystery is unpredictable, and the sibling relationship is strong. Plus, there’s a bit of romance that totally keeps you guessing. I would definitely recommend the novel to readers who enjoy YA fantasy with mystery and romance and am so thankful to NetGalley, the author, and Inkyard Press for sending a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The story has a darker, Gothic feel to it, and it is atmospheric and ominous from the very first lines. I love Olson’s writing style! It’s so immersive and vivid, and I found myself pulled into the story pretty quickly. I also really like the idea of being able to change one’s physical appearance or health through art. It’s such a unique, potentially dangerous, and fascinating concept. Secrets and mystery surrounding August and his family, as well as many twists and turns and secrets on top of lies, adds to the darker mood and Gothic feel of the story.
In contrast to the dark, Gothic elements, Myra’s relationship with her sister is the bright spot in the story. Their sisterly bond is really strong, and it is what motivates Myra throughout the story. They have such a wonderful bond, and they are very close. Myra loves her sister more than anything, and she will do whatever it takes to help her sister get well. Myra puts her own life at risk many times to save her sister. This sibling relationship contrasts with August’s relationship with his brother, which is described as turbulent at best.
I like the anxiety rep and the young man dealing with it. Surrounded by many people who don’t support him or understand anxiety, he faces a lot of his challenges alone. I thought that the author did a great job of realistically showing how anxiety affects people. This character makes a really powerful point when he says, “Just because my battles aren’t visible doesn’t mean they aren’t as real or as difficult as yours.” His character, and others in the story, show that internal struggles are just as significant and complex as external, and I love that.
The book also makes some really interesting points about social class, the inequities of health care among people of different socio-economic backgrounds, society’s fear of the unknown, people’s willingness to vilify those who don’t conform to societal norms and expectations, and more. Myra’s desperation to earn enough money to get proper health care for her sister, as well as their impoverished living conditions, for example, stand in stark contrast to the opulence of the Governor’s home and life. Also, Myra’s constant fear of being exposed, people’s reaction to her phenomenal ability, and the hesitation in being with someone of a different class highlight themes of prejudice, control, and more. I thought these themes and messages were thought-provoking and developed, adding even more layers to a well-layered story.
I really enjoyed this book. It is unique, the premise is super intriguing, the writing is immersive, the mystery is unpredictable, and the sibling relationship is strong. Plus, there’s a bit of romance that totally keeps you guessing. I would definitely recommend the novel to readers who enjoy YA fantasy with mystery and romance and am so thankful to NetGalley, the author, and Inkyard Press for sending a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
October 10, 2021there is no doubt in my mind that i will not be content until i have this book in my hands
April 8, 2022
I have been pining away for this book for over a year!
Early in 2021, before final copies of Jessica S. Olson’s first book had even been printed, I’d added A Forgery of Roses to my list. I did not hesitate, despite knowing nothing of the premise yet, as I’d quickly fallen in love with the e-galley of Sing Me Forgotten and I desperately needed more of this author’s work in my life.
365+ days is a long time for expectations to build and expectations can be dangerous things.
So, yes, I did build the story up in my heart as the one that would completely blow my mind. I will say that I enjoyed it very much, although it wasn’t Sing Me Forgotten and it didn’t captivate my senses quite as much as that one had. I’ve nothing bad to say, as I do believe the emotions this failed to provoke largely pertained to the pedestal I had it on.
The writing, of course, was wonderful, and the mystery in A Forgery of Roses was completely impossible for me to figure out, which is a rare delight for me these days. I loved the representation of an anxiety disorder and chronic illness (focused on GI disease). These issues are, I know, near and dear to the author’s heart, and as a sufferer of both, seeing them well portrayed made my own heart happy.
I also enjoyed the slow build of the romance, allowing the characters time to get to know each other, which is always my preference in a love story. Myra and August balanced each other out well and I loved the way they supported one another.
A Forgery of Roses is a great book, even if it didn’t do to me what Sing Me Forgotten had, and I can safely say that Jessica S. Olson will be an auto-buy author for me going forward. I can’t wait to see what other magical tales she comes up with!
Early in 2021, before final copies of Jessica S. Olson’s first book had even been printed, I’d added A Forgery of Roses to my list. I did not hesitate, despite knowing nothing of the premise yet, as I’d quickly fallen in love with the e-galley of Sing Me Forgotten and I desperately needed more of this author’s work in my life.
365+ days is a long time for expectations to build and expectations can be dangerous things.
So, yes, I did build the story up in my heart as the one that would completely blow my mind. I will say that I enjoyed it very much, although it wasn’t Sing Me Forgotten and it didn’t captivate my senses quite as much as that one had. I’ve nothing bad to say, as I do believe the emotions this failed to provoke largely pertained to the pedestal I had it on.
The writing, of course, was wonderful, and the mystery in A Forgery of Roses was completely impossible for me to figure out, which is a rare delight for me these days. I loved the representation of an anxiety disorder and chronic illness (focused on GI disease). These issues are, I know, near and dear to the author’s heart, and as a sufferer of both, seeing them well portrayed made my own heart happy.
I also enjoyed the slow build of the romance, allowing the characters time to get to know each other, which is always my preference in a love story. Myra and August balanced each other out well and I loved the way they supported one another.
A Forgery of Roses is a great book, even if it didn’t do to me what Sing Me Forgotten had, and I can safely say that Jessica S. Olson will be an auto-buy author for me going forward. I can’t wait to see what other magical tales she comes up with!
May 6, 2022
Decent read but was just ok for me, the premise was intriguing but I felt a bit bored while reading it and was ready for the ending.
September 3, 2025
3⭐️
“A love for books is the best indicator of a curious mind.”
“Trust. A word people throw around but never mean”
“Trust is a luxury for the wealthy, the secure, loved.”
“Pink has always been my favorite color. Like sunrises and springtime, new beginnings, and hope.”
“Though he comes from a completely different world—one where people have garden mazes in their yards and glazed hams served for breakfast on fine china—he seems to know the ache I feel. The ache of trying so hard to be something that seems impossible. Of wanting desperately to do more, be more.
“I’ve known you for only a couple of days, but even in that short amount of time, I haven’t seen a failure. I’ve seen a strong, determined man. One who cares deeply and loves fiercely even when those he cares for and loves treat him poorly. I’ve seen sharp intellect and keen understanding.”
“No matter what happens. No matter if we lose everything. We will always have each other, and that is worth more than all the money in the world.”
“This anxiety will always be a part of me. It’s not going anywhere, and I’m going to have to live with it for the rest of my life. But I am not broken because of it.”
“I’m far stronger than you’ll ever be. Because I’ve fought for every victory. Because those fights have taught me compassion and kindness. They’ve taught me to see the world for what it is, not for what I think it should be.”
“But maybe perfection does not mean there aren’t things we wish were different. Maybe perfection comes from leaning into the things that we have to fight for because those are the things that bind us to the people worth keeping.”
~~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** My heart is a little broken. My library announced THIS MORNING that they are removing their contact from Hoopla at the end of this month. So, I have 30 days to read three books. 😭😭😭.
“A love for books is the best indicator of a curious mind.”
“Trust. A word people throw around but never mean”
“Trust is a luxury for the wealthy, the secure, loved.”
“Pink has always been my favorite color. Like sunrises and springtime, new beginnings, and hope.”
“Though he comes from a completely different world—one where people have garden mazes in their yards and glazed hams served for breakfast on fine china—he seems to know the ache I feel. The ache of trying so hard to be something that seems impossible. Of wanting desperately to do more, be more.
“I’ve known you for only a couple of days, but even in that short amount of time, I haven’t seen a failure. I’ve seen a strong, determined man. One who cares deeply and loves fiercely even when those he cares for and loves treat him poorly. I’ve seen sharp intellect and keen understanding.”
“No matter what happens. No matter if we lose everything. We will always have each other, and that is worth more than all the money in the world.”
“This anxiety will always be a part of me. It’s not going anywhere, and I’m going to have to live with it for the rest of my life. But I am not broken because of it.”
“I’m far stronger than you’ll ever be. Because I’ve fought for every victory. Because those fights have taught me compassion and kindness. They’ve taught me to see the world for what it is, not for what I think it should be.”
“But maybe perfection does not mean there aren’t things we wish were different. Maybe perfection comes from leaning into the things that we have to fight for because those are the things that bind us to the people worth keeping.”
~~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** My heart is a little broken. My library announced THIS MORNING that they are removing their contact from Hoopla at the end of this month. So, I have 30 days to read three books. 😭😭😭.
September 3, 2022
OH MY DAYS!!
I picked this up on a whim in the library on Wednesday and, wow, am I glad I did. The premise of this book was what first intrigued me, but the characters, sweet romance, and fast-paced plot held my attention.
The magic system was quite interesting and the plot twist!!!😱🤯 I'm honestly gobsmacked, I was not expecting that at all.
Myra is a wonderful, stubborn, and determined main character that I couldn't help but root for. August was probably my favourite character. He's so sweet, kind, trusting, and a bit shy. Also his struggle with anxiety is something not often discussed in books and I thought it was quite well represented and delt with. Lucy, Myra's little sister, reminds me loads of my sister and I love her fighting spirit!
Basically, if you like mystery's and painting, you'll love this book!
.....well, what are you waiting for? Go read it for yourself!
**
OVERVIEW
"Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Myra does her best to provide for her and her sister. They're relationship is beautiful. August is a good friend and a very kind boy. Messages of not apologising for who you are.
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
They worship a god they call Artist and his Dear Lady who was said to have made the world. Magic.
VIOLENCE
A bit more graphic than usual and may be disturbing to younger readers. Threats. A woman examines a dead body (kinda graphic and a bit disturbing). Talk if death and murder. Stab wounds. Weapons. Descriptions of illness, blood, pain etc. A girl is very sick. Fighting, punching, and attacks. Passing out.
SEXUAL CONTENT
A few almost kisses. Some kissing (semi-detailed). Mentions of strong attraction between a guy and girl. Holding, hugs, touching etc (not inappropriate). Mentions of betrothal.
LANGUAGE
"H--l" said throughout the novel. "D--n" and "d--ned" said a few times. "Bastard" used as an insult.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
A drug is used to knock someone out. Mentions of champagne and drinking (a girl gets a little tipsy).
OTHER NOTES
A brilliant story, I'm so glad I picked it up! Recommended ages 13-14+ for violence and alcohol use.
**
~Happy Reading~
I picked this up on a whim in the library on Wednesday and, wow, am I glad I did. The premise of this book was what first intrigued me, but the characters, sweet romance, and fast-paced plot held my attention.
The magic system was quite interesting and the plot twist!!!😱🤯 I'm honestly gobsmacked, I was not expecting that at all.
Myra is a wonderful, stubborn, and determined main character that I couldn't help but root for. August was probably my favourite character. He's so sweet, kind, trusting, and a bit shy. Also his struggle with anxiety is something not often discussed in books and I thought it was quite well represented and delt with. Lucy, Myra's little sister, reminds me loads of my sister and I love her fighting spirit!
Basically, if you like mystery's and painting, you'll love this book!
.....well, what are you waiting for? Go read it for yourself!
**
OVERVIEW
"Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Myra does her best to provide for her and her sister. They're relationship is beautiful. August is a good friend and a very kind boy. Messages of not apologising for who you are.
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
They worship a god they call Artist and his Dear Lady who was said to have made the world. Magic.
VIOLENCE
A bit more graphic than usual and may be disturbing to younger readers. Threats. A woman examines a dead body (kinda graphic and a bit disturbing). Talk if death and murder. Stab wounds. Weapons. Descriptions of illness, blood, pain etc. A girl is very sick. Fighting, punching, and attacks. Passing out.
SEXUAL CONTENT
A few almost kisses. Some kissing (semi-detailed). Mentions of strong attraction between a guy and girl. Holding, hugs, touching etc (not inappropriate). Mentions of betrothal.
LANGUAGE
"H--l" said throughout the novel. "D--n" and "d--ned" said a few times. "Bastard" used as an insult.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
A drug is used to knock someone out. Mentions of champagne and drinking (a girl gets a little tipsy).
OTHER NOTES
A brilliant story, I'm so glad I picked it up! Recommended ages 13-14+ for violence and alcohol use.
**
~Happy Reading~
July 16, 2023
A Forgery of Roses is a fantasy book with an interesting magic system and an intriguing mystery. Those two elements were actually the main pros of the book, as the story tended more than often to focus on the romance rather than the mystery.
The magic system, first of all, was the most elaborate, original and imaginative. The mystery was also dark and twisty. But the romance was forced, as if they simply HAD to end up together and have romantic moments that will bond them, rather than investigating the murder that was the main theme of the book. The love triangle, moreover, was laughable and easily resolved.
Also, the characters were annoying. Myra, our main girl, was simply hopeless, having only bursts of fighting spirit here and there, but overall, she was whiny and annoying. August, the main love interest, was even more annoying. He was suffering from social anxiety, but there was no reason for him to act out on everyone around him, especially on Myra, who was only trying to help him. And, now that we are on it, he didn't seem to have any problem fetching her with his carriage when they didn't even know each other, and conversing with her with ease.
Finally, the writing was enjoyable enough.
The magic system, first of all, was the most elaborate, original and imaginative. The mystery was also dark and twisty. But the romance was forced, as if they simply HAD to end up together and have romantic moments that will bond them, rather than investigating the murder that was the main theme of the book. The love triangle, moreover, was laughable and easily resolved.
Also, the characters were annoying. Myra, our main girl, was simply hopeless, having only bursts of fighting spirit here and there, but overall, she was whiny and annoying. August, the main love interest, was even more annoying. He was suffering from social anxiety, but there was no reason for him to act out on everyone around him, especially on Myra, who was only trying to help him. And, now that we are on it, he didn't seem to have any problem fetching her with his carriage when they didn't even know each other, and conversing with her with ease.
Finally, the writing was enjoyable enough.
May 24, 2023
4.5 stars
A Forgery of Roses was a pleasant surprise. While it was on my "most anticipated releases of 2022" list, I'd been disappointed by enough mainstream books (and enough mainstream books off of my 2022 list) to be cautious in my optimism.
Let's start with my biggest initial concern: When I picked up this book, I wasn't sure how far the romance would go. I was hoping based on reviews that it would stay tame, but it was of a genre and had such language in the blurb that I wasn't sure if that was a trustworthy expectation or if I would have a paragraph or two to skip. Fortunately, I had nothing to worry about! The most graphic A Forgery of Roses gets in the romance department is one particularly detailed kiss.
I was surprised by the level of violence/gore, however. While it wasn't quite beyond my tolerance, A Forgery of Roses does have more horror elements than the blurb suggests. Once I realized that, I could adjust and enjoy it for the way it was written, but I want to include that as the warning I didn't get, lol.
Content out of the way, let's start with the world in terms of story elements. The magic system in this book is really neat. I love arts-based magic systems, and Olson delivered what she promised! I would love to see more exploring this world and maybe some variations on what we get to see in A Forgery of Roses.
The characters were all great! Myra was a compelling protagonist, not too proud to ask for help, and driven by loyalty to her sister. (Strong family ties. I love to see them.)
August was also awesome, well-rounded and charming. His struggle was believable, as was his relationship with Myra. Overall I thought his anxiety was handled well, though the theme of "your anxiety doesn't need to be fixed" was maybe a little heavy-handed. I would have liked a bit more nuance, showing that mental illness doesn't make you less-than and does lend its strengths, but it is still an illness and it's not wrong to try to "fix" it or wish it weren't a struggle.
Now, I did think that Lucy was written wonderfully. She was determined, disciplined, mature for her age by necessity and yet still possessing a childlike innocence. Her chronic illness is handled exactly the way I wish August's mental illness had been. Her strengths are not overlooked, she is valued, and the drive and strength that has come from her illness is highlighted, but the difficulty and wrongness of her illness is also acknowledged and she and Myra are both happy to seek ways to heal her.
As someone whose best friend is studying to be a doctor and whose mom has a chronic illness and does tons of medical research, I would be remiss not to also mention that Lucy's interest in medicine was both really cool and very fitting for the context of her character.
Victor was compelling, also, and I didn't totally hate the brief love triangle in there. It read as a realistic conflict, it didn't take up too much space, and it was excellently tied in with the main plot.
Overall, a great read! I picked up A Forgery of Roses to break up my for-work reading and just read something to enjoy it, and I was not disappointed.
A Forgery of Roses was a pleasant surprise. While it was on my "most anticipated releases of 2022" list, I'd been disappointed by enough mainstream books (and enough mainstream books off of my 2022 list) to be cautious in my optimism.
Let's start with my biggest initial concern: When I picked up this book, I wasn't sure how far the romance would go. I was hoping based on reviews that it would stay tame, but it was of a genre and had such language in the blurb that I wasn't sure if that was a trustworthy expectation or if I would have a paragraph or two to skip. Fortunately, I had nothing to worry about! The most graphic A Forgery of Roses gets in the romance department is one particularly detailed kiss.
I was surprised by the level of violence/gore, however. While it wasn't quite beyond my tolerance, A Forgery of Roses does have more horror elements than the blurb suggests. Once I realized that, I could adjust and enjoy it for the way it was written, but I want to include that as the warning I didn't get, lol.
Content out of the way, let's start with the world in terms of story elements. The magic system in this book is really neat. I love arts-based magic systems, and Olson delivered what she promised! I would love to see more exploring this world and maybe some variations on what we get to see in A Forgery of Roses.
The characters were all great! Myra was a compelling protagonist, not too proud to ask for help, and driven by loyalty to her sister. (Strong family ties. I love to see them.)
August was also awesome, well-rounded and charming. His struggle was believable, as was his relationship with Myra. Overall I thought his anxiety was handled well, though the theme of "your anxiety doesn't need to be fixed" was maybe a little heavy-handed. I would have liked a bit more nuance, showing that mental illness doesn't make you less-than and does lend its strengths, but it is still an illness and it's not wrong to try to "fix" it or wish it weren't a struggle.
Now, I did think that Lucy was written wonderfully. She was determined, disciplined, mature for her age by necessity and yet still possessing a childlike innocence. Her chronic illness is handled exactly the way I wish August's mental illness had been. Her strengths are not overlooked, she is valued, and the drive and strength that has come from her illness is highlighted, but the difficulty and wrongness of her illness is also acknowledged and she and Myra are both happy to seek ways to heal her.
As someone whose best friend is studying to be a doctor and whose mom has a chronic illness and does tons of medical research, I would be remiss not to also mention that Lucy's interest in medicine was both really cool and very fitting for the context of her character.
Victor was compelling, also, and I didn't totally hate the brief love triangle in there. It read as a realistic conflict, it didn't take up too much space, and it was excellently tied in with the main plot.
Overall, a great read! I picked up A Forgery of Roses to break up my for-work reading and just read something to enjoy it, and I was not disappointed.
December 12, 2023
Alors j’ai trouvé que certaines choses allaient un peu trop vite et j’ai eu du mal à vraiment m’attacher aux personnages. Mais l’univers est très original et le côté enquête rend l’histoire addictive ! La serie de plot twist est vraiment pas mal, bien que la dernière partie du roman fasse un peu trop « bam bam baaaaam » a mon goût (je sais même pas ce que je veux dire par là, ça n’a aucun sens alors je vais arrêter d’écrire je pense)
March 30, 2022
A Forgery of Roses was dark and beautiful. In it, you will meet Myra. She is a prodigy with a very unique skill. She can alter a person's body through painting. It's a very dangerous gift to have and one she has to keep hidden. Especially since her mother, who was also a prodigy, is currently missing.
So, when someone (the Governor) finds out about her skill. Well, it's safe to assume that her life will never be the same. She's given a choice that seems more like an ultimatum. Save the Governor's son and earn some money or get turned in. Myra doesn't take long to make her decision because it's not only her life in the balance. Nope, she also has to look out for her sister who is ill.
After meeting the Governor, I don't think Myra would ever predict the unknown mystery lurking around the family. Each twist, turn and tension filled scene completely sucked me in. I just need to more about what happened and what secrets were going to come out to play. Plus, I absolutely adored August.
If I could steal August for myself, I totally would do. Definitely enjoyed watching them dance around one another. I also may or may not have danced a little happy jig towards the end too. Speaking of which, this ending was interesting. Kind of makes me wonder if we will get another book or not. Totally would love another book but that's just me.
So, when someone (the Governor) finds out about her skill. Well, it's safe to assume that her life will never be the same. She's given a choice that seems more like an ultimatum. Save the Governor's son and earn some money or get turned in. Myra doesn't take long to make her decision because it's not only her life in the balance. Nope, she also has to look out for her sister who is ill.
After meeting the Governor, I don't think Myra would ever predict the unknown mystery lurking around the family. Each twist, turn and tension filled scene completely sucked me in. I just need to more about what happened and what secrets were going to come out to play. Plus, I absolutely adored August.
If I could steal August for myself, I totally would do. Definitely enjoyed watching them dance around one another. I also may or may not have danced a little happy jig towards the end too. Speaking of which, this ending was interesting. Kind of makes me wonder if we will get another book or not. Totally would love another book but that's just me.
June 16, 2022
From the hypnotizing cover image to the unique theme of magically altering a person thru art, A Forgery Of Roses is an outstanding and immersive read deserving all 5 stars and more.
Jessica S Olson’s writing is lush and dripping in atmosphere, the gothic overtones of the Rose manor providing the rich and dark background to the story. Myra Whitlock has a talent, she is a prodigy capable of altering a person thru her art. But times are dreadful with prodigies being hunted and vanishing one after another, her parents have also gone without a trace, leaving Myra with her sister to fend for themselves. Troubled and in dire financial straits to treat her younger sister for a medical condition, Myra accepts a project that takes her into the Governor’s house, the Rose manor.
The manor house looms larger than life with its deep mysteries and secrets lurking around corners, and the inhabitants, all of them behaving oddly, Myra finds herself embroiled in a mystery that produces more difficulties than its worth. Myra with the help of August tries to unravel the questions that seem to pile up one after another but a murderer is at their heels and for every single thread being unwound, several other gets added.
It has always amazed me how some authors make you sit up and take notice of more than one theme running in their story with some clever writing. Ms. Olson in A Forgery Of Roses uses art and painting for her fantasy tale and weaves an engrossing story of love and sacrifices and it is not just a romance or finding one’s soulmate but the potent devotion of one sister for another. Myra’s relationship with her sister is filled with such warmth and tenderness, that many a time in the story with the illness and such, I had to close my eyes and take a breath before continuing. There is also August and his anxiety issues which have been conveyed wonderfully, and I absolutely loved how the story progresses, there is no magical ‘everything is OK’ scenario for Myra, her battles are hard-won with blood and loss, and the ending even though with a hopeful tilt is not all tied up with roses and ribbons which was honestly refreshing and kind of realistic in a fantasy story.
Twists and turns with an intense climax, A Forgery Of Roses unfurls as the beautiful rose on its cover.
Absorbing!
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Jessica S Olson’s writing is lush and dripping in atmosphere, the gothic overtones of the Rose manor providing the rich and dark background to the story. Myra Whitlock has a talent, she is a prodigy capable of altering a person thru her art. But times are dreadful with prodigies being hunted and vanishing one after another, her parents have also gone without a trace, leaving Myra with her sister to fend for themselves. Troubled and in dire financial straits to treat her younger sister for a medical condition, Myra accepts a project that takes her into the Governor’s house, the Rose manor.
The manor house looms larger than life with its deep mysteries and secrets lurking around corners, and the inhabitants, all of them behaving oddly, Myra finds herself embroiled in a mystery that produces more difficulties than its worth. Myra with the help of August tries to unravel the questions that seem to pile up one after another but a murderer is at their heels and for every single thread being unwound, several other gets added.
It has always amazed me how some authors make you sit up and take notice of more than one theme running in their story with some clever writing. Ms. Olson in A Forgery Of Roses uses art and painting for her fantasy tale and weaves an engrossing story of love and sacrifices and it is not just a romance or finding one’s soulmate but the potent devotion of one sister for another. Myra’s relationship with her sister is filled with such warmth and tenderness, that many a time in the story with the illness and such, I had to close my eyes and take a breath before continuing. There is also August and his anxiety issues which have been conveyed wonderfully, and I absolutely loved how the story progresses, there is no magical ‘everything is OK’ scenario for Myra, her battles are hard-won with blood and loss, and the ending even though with a hopeful tilt is not all tied up with roses and ribbons which was honestly refreshing and kind of realistic in a fantasy story.
Twists and turns with an intense climax, A Forgery Of Roses unfurls as the beautiful rose on its cover.
Absorbing!
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
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