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Grave Flowers
A twisty, dark royalcore YA fantasy that takes the courtly intrigue of Hamlet and infuses it with the vicious ambition of the Boleyn family. For fans who love Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas.
Marry the prince, then kill him.
Princess Madalina and her twin sister, Inessa, were born attached at the hand and separated right after. That’s the only time the sisters ever held hands. The girls’ personalities have been shaped in the Sinet family’s drive to make their kingdom more than what it unrespectable and loathsome, a damp place where deceit fills the palace walls like mold.
Madalina is different from her family. She’s considered the weak one and only finds peace in the garden, tending her magical flowers, which are pejoratively called grave flowers because they are ideal for torture and torment. Secretly, she dreams of escape and a new life.
Then Inessa, who was betrothed to the heir of a wealthy kingdom—Prince Aeric—gets trapped in Bide, a terrifying purgatory, and begs Madalina to set her free. Now, not only must Madalina take her sister’s place as Aeric’s bride-to-be, but she also must finish Inessa’s secret Inessa wasn’t just sent to marry Prince Aeric, but to kill him, too, and solidify a profitable pact with his traitorous uncle.
On behalf of her family, Madalina will need to resist the infuriatingly clever prince—as well as her own heart—if she’s to free her sister and finish the job.
Perfect for fans
· Enemies to lovers
· Royal rivalry
· Arranged marriage
· Deadly games
· Dark royalcore
· Reluctant ruler
· Bloodstained family
Marry the prince, then kill him.
Princess Madalina and her twin sister, Inessa, were born attached at the hand and separated right after. That’s the only time the sisters ever held hands. The girls’ personalities have been shaped in the Sinet family’s drive to make their kingdom more than what it unrespectable and loathsome, a damp place where deceit fills the palace walls like mold.
Madalina is different from her family. She’s considered the weak one and only finds peace in the garden, tending her magical flowers, which are pejoratively called grave flowers because they are ideal for torture and torment. Secretly, she dreams of escape and a new life.
Then Inessa, who was betrothed to the heir of a wealthy kingdom—Prince Aeric—gets trapped in Bide, a terrifying purgatory, and begs Madalina to set her free. Now, not only must Madalina take her sister’s place as Aeric’s bride-to-be, but she also must finish Inessa’s secret Inessa wasn’t just sent to marry Prince Aeric, but to kill him, too, and solidify a profitable pact with his traitorous uncle.
On behalf of her family, Madalina will need to resist the infuriatingly clever prince—as well as her own heart—if she’s to free her sister and finish the job.
Perfect for fans
· Enemies to lovers
· Royal rivalry
· Arranged marriage
· Deadly games
· Dark royalcore
· Reluctant ruler
· Bloodstained family
Audible Audio
First published September 2, 2025
About the author
Autumn Krause
6 books577 followersAutumn Krause is a writer in Orange County, California, where she can most often be found wearing a black lace dress and boots.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
March 2, 2025
Official blurb coming when I’m coherent but I adored it.
August 31, 2025
Haunting, harrowing, and strangely healing. Mysterious ghosts, tarnished thrones, and flesh-eating carnivorous flowers that can get rid of evidence. Heavy familial expectations, sibling bonds, and two people who don't know how to love but want to love each other. All wrapped up in Krause's stunning prose. I got swept up in the intrigue of it all and couldn't look away, spent a lot of the second half gasping at the twists (THE TWISTS), and while this is a complete story (hooray!) I'm SO GLAD we're getting a sequel. I need more.
I really loved it and I'm so glad. 4.5 stars from me!
*content warnings for some horror aspects, murder, gaslighting, and some kissing and mild innuendo
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
I really loved it and I'm so glad. 4.5 stars from me!
*content warnings for some horror aspects, murder, gaslighting, and some kissing and mild innuendo
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
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September 20, 2025firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
dnf’d @37% — this wasn’t bad, i just don’t think it was for me at this moment in time, so soft dnf for now
dnf’d @37% — this wasn’t bad, i just don’t think it was for me at this moment in time, so soft dnf for now
June 15, 2026
3,75/5⭐️
Do tej książki przyciągnęła mnie okładka i sam tytuł. Mroczny, gotycki klimat i do tego romantasy. No to let’s go 🫡
Chyba jestem większą fanką świata i klimatu niż samej relacji. Początek wprowadza nas w królestwo Radiksu i ich kwiaty grobowe, które nie są zwykłymi roślinami, są niebezpieczne, świadome, zabójcze. Zamek wydaje się zaatakowany przez te kwiaty, wszystko jest przesiąknięte deszczem, mgłą, duszącym zapachem tych kwiatów. A chwilę po tym autorka przerzuca nas do królestwa Acus, które jest słoneczne, lekkie, „bardziej cywilizowane”.
Moimi ulubionymi fragmentami były wycinki z przewodnika po kwiatach grobowych do tortur i mąk.
I te wszystkie dziwactwa, duchy, nieco obrzydliwe prawie że horrorowe wstawki jak z tą blizną? Też było ciekawie.
Był jeden plot twist, którego się nie spodziewałam, dotyczący duchów, które widzi Madalina. No zaskoczyło mnie to.
Relacyjnie też nie było źle, sam początek jest dość mocny bo Madalina, nasza główna bohaterka musi wyjść za księcia Acus, który był narzeczonym jej siostry bliźniaczki. Bliźniaczki, która zmarła po udaniu się do Acus by wyjść za tego właśnie księcia, a co ciekawe miała za zadanie go zabić. I teraz Madalina ma przejąć nie tylko narzeczonego, ale i zadanie pozbycia się go.
Książę na początku wydaje się lekkoduchem, imprezowiczem, totalnie nienadającym się na króla. Ale wiadomo, że coś tam kryje się pod spodem.
Podobało mi się, że Madalina jest skonfliktowana wewnętrznie, nawet jak zbliżyła się do Aeryka z tyłu głowy nadal wiedziała, że będzie musiała się go pozbyć, że nie ma wyboru. I to trwało, co mnie cieszyło bo nie było odrazu wiadome jak sprawy się potoczą.
Jedyne co to mam wrażenie, że ta książka była za krótka. Brakowało mi czasem rozwinięcia wątków lub relacji. Między Madaliną i Aerykiem nie wydarzyło się za dużo, a zaczęły padać wyznania. Szkoda, że niektóre rzeczy były wyjaśnione tak szybko i nie mogłam się w to wczuć.
W sumie czy to napewno było romantasy? Bo tego romansu nie było tak dużo, raczej skupialiśmy się na intrygach i próbach rozwiązania śmierci bliźniaczki.
Ogólnie do polecenia na deszczowy wieczór 🫡
Do tej książki przyciągnęła mnie okładka i sam tytuł. Mroczny, gotycki klimat i do tego romantasy. No to let’s go 🫡
Chyba jestem większą fanką świata i klimatu niż samej relacji. Początek wprowadza nas w królestwo Radiksu i ich kwiaty grobowe, które nie są zwykłymi roślinami, są niebezpieczne, świadome, zabójcze. Zamek wydaje się zaatakowany przez te kwiaty, wszystko jest przesiąknięte deszczem, mgłą, duszącym zapachem tych kwiatów. A chwilę po tym autorka przerzuca nas do królestwa Acus, które jest słoneczne, lekkie, „bardziej cywilizowane”.
Moimi ulubionymi fragmentami były wycinki z przewodnika po kwiatach grobowych do tortur i mąk.
I te wszystkie dziwactwa, duchy, nieco obrzydliwe prawie że horrorowe wstawki jak z tą blizną? Też było ciekawie.
Był jeden plot twist, którego się nie spodziewałam, dotyczący duchów, które widzi Madalina. No zaskoczyło mnie to.
Relacyjnie też nie było źle, sam początek jest dość mocny bo Madalina, nasza główna bohaterka musi wyjść za księcia Acus, który był narzeczonym jej siostry bliźniaczki. Bliźniaczki, która zmarła po udaniu się do Acus by wyjść za tego właśnie księcia, a co ciekawe miała za zadanie go zabić. I teraz Madalina ma przejąć nie tylko narzeczonego, ale i zadanie pozbycia się go.
Książę na początku wydaje się lekkoduchem, imprezowiczem, totalnie nienadającym się na króla. Ale wiadomo, że coś tam kryje się pod spodem.
Podobało mi się, że Madalina jest skonfliktowana wewnętrznie, nawet jak zbliżyła się do Aeryka z tyłu głowy nadal wiedziała, że będzie musiała się go pozbyć, że nie ma wyboru. I to trwało, co mnie cieszyło bo nie było odrazu wiadome jak sprawy się potoczą.
Jedyne co to mam wrażenie, że ta książka była za krótka. Brakowało mi czasem rozwinięcia wątków lub relacji. Między Madaliną i Aerykiem nie wydarzyło się za dużo, a zaczęły padać wyznania. Szkoda, że niektóre rzeczy były wyjaśnione tak szybko i nie mogłam się w to wczuć.
W sumie czy to napewno było romantasy? Bo tego romansu nie było tak dużo, raczej skupialiśmy się na intrygach i próbach rozwiązania śmierci bliźniaczki.
Ogólnie do polecenia na deszczowy wieczór 🫡
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May 31, 2026Well this is definitely the first YA fantasy romance I've ever read that references Romans 7 in the final chapter.
GRAVE FLOWERS is my first Autumn Krause read, but surely won't be my last. This book takes a bunch of very well-worn YA fantasy tropes - the princess sent to marry the neighbouring prince as a preliminary to killing him (but oh no he's cute) - but breathes new life into the tropes by a) justifying them beautifully and b) loading the story with a bunch of very distinctive flavours.
There's the Renaissance inspired worldbuilding for a story which draws on Shakespeare's HAMLET and the history of the Boleyn family to great effect, preventing the book from feeling like a generic renfaire fantasyland. There are horror elements employed to brilliant effect, from deadly flowers with magical properties to vengeful ghosts. There are delectably morally grey characters forced to choose between justice and survival. It's beautiful.
I loved Madalina, our protagonist, for her cunning and ruthlessness: immense respect to Autumn Krause for writing a YA heroine who isn't afraid to kill people (but who also reacts with believable distress afterwards). As a reader, it's unusual and refreshing to find a fantasy heroine who feels like she could outwit one. I also loved Aeric, our love interest, who has perfectly reasonable motives for distrusting Madalina, is clever enough to outwit her, and feels like a real, vulnerable human being instead of HotToxic Badboy Fantasy Love Interest #427,998. I mean how can you not love this dynamic:
"May we speak frankly?" Aeric asked.
"I always do," I lied.
"As do I," he lied back.
That, plus we've got a few banger twists and not one but two sibling relationships that are antagonistic and treacherous and yet still end in affection. I loved it.
What didn't I love? The prose regularly made my inner editor twitch ("populous" for "populace", "coronated" for "crowned"), but that's pretty much my only complaint. I loved this book; not since CRUEL BEAUTY has this kind of plot been done so well.
GRAVE FLOWERS is my first Autumn Krause read, but surely won't be my last. This book takes a bunch of very well-worn YA fantasy tropes - the princess sent to marry the neighbouring prince as a preliminary to killing him (but oh no he's cute) - but breathes new life into the tropes by a) justifying them beautifully and b) loading the story with a bunch of very distinctive flavours.
There's the Renaissance inspired worldbuilding for a story which draws on Shakespeare's HAMLET and the history of the Boleyn family to great effect, preventing the book from feeling like a generic renfaire fantasyland. There are horror elements employed to brilliant effect, from deadly flowers with magical properties to vengeful ghosts. There are delectably morally grey characters forced to choose between justice and survival. It's beautiful.
I loved Madalina, our protagonist, for her cunning and ruthlessness: immense respect to Autumn Krause for writing a YA heroine who isn't afraid to kill people (but who also reacts with believable distress afterwards). As a reader, it's unusual and refreshing to find a fantasy heroine who feels like she could outwit one. I also loved Aeric, our love interest, who has perfectly reasonable motives for distrusting Madalina, is clever enough to outwit her, and feels like a real, vulnerable human being instead of Hot
"May we speak frankly?" Aeric asked.
"I always do," I lied.
"As do I," he lied back.
That, plus we've got a few banger twists and not one but two sibling relationships that are antagonistic and treacherous and yet still end in affection. I loved it.
What didn't I love? The prose regularly made my inner editor twitch ("populous" for "populace", "coronated" for "crowned"), but that's pretty much my only complaint. I loved this book; not since CRUEL BEAUTY has this kind of plot been done so well.
January 27, 2026
This book had a strong start for me. The world building was immersive, and the political setup was interesting enough to pull me in right away. About a third of the way through, it started to lose steam. The pacing slowed, and the story did not keep the same spark. I liked the ideas, but the execution did not fully land for me.
May 12, 2025
I absolutely adored this one! Autumn Krause’s writing is so immersive—I just wanted to crawl inside this magical, deadly world of enchanted blooms, family secrets, and eerie floral lore. The grave flowers experiment field notes sprinkled throughout were such a unique and chilling touch; I genuinely looked forward to every one of them as it was so fascinating to learn more about these deadly flowers and their powers and I generally just laughed out loud at what a ridiculous character the King was.
Autumn knows how to craft characters like no one else, each one bursting with personality, quirks, and motivations that feel so real. From the banter to the betrayals, the twisted family ties, and (sometimes literal) backstabbing had me fully hooked. I loved watching the dynamics shift and unravel as the story unfolded.
At the heart of it all is Madalina’s emotional tug-of-war between her heart and family expectations. Her journey of uncovering the hidden sides of her lineage and deciding who she wants to be was handled so thoughtfully and so beautifully. A mystical, banter-filled twist on Hamlet and Anne Boleyn, this one has just the right balance of suspense, danger, and swoon!
Autumn knows how to craft characters like no one else, each one bursting with personality, quirks, and motivations that feel so real. From the banter to the betrayals, the twisted family ties, and (sometimes literal) backstabbing had me fully hooked. I loved watching the dynamics shift and unravel as the story unfolded.
At the heart of it all is Madalina’s emotional tug-of-war between her heart and family expectations. Her journey of uncovering the hidden sides of her lineage and deciding who she wants to be was handled so thoughtfully and so beautifully. A mystical, banter-filled twist on Hamlet and Anne Boleyn, this one has just the right balance of suspense, danger, and swoon!
September 10, 2025
✨ 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 🍵 𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Princess Madalina is more comfortable talking to her magical, carnivorous grave flowers than dealing with palace drama. When her twin sister gets trapped in a ghostly limbo, Madalina has to step into her sister’s shoes, marry a prince, and pull off a deadly revenge plan. But of course.. nothing goes smoothly and suddenly you’re questioning who’s playing who.
I was hooked from page one.. the mix of royal scheming, magical plants, and dark humor had me snickering and gasping at the same time. Madalina is such a chaotic heroine and the tension with Prince Aeric? Chefs kiss.. it’s messy, thrilling, and absolutely binge-worthy. I kept imagining what I’d do in her shoes and lowkey plotting my own flower-powered takeovers.
🫶 Thank you to @peachtreeteen for this gifted copy!
🌹 Dark royalty
🗡️ Revenge plots
🌱 Magical flora
👯 Twin drama
🩸 Deadly secrets
🎭 Court intrigue
Princess Madalina is more comfortable talking to her magical, carnivorous grave flowers than dealing with palace drama. When her twin sister gets trapped in a ghostly limbo, Madalina has to step into her sister’s shoes, marry a prince, and pull off a deadly revenge plan. But of course.. nothing goes smoothly and suddenly you’re questioning who’s playing who.
I was hooked from page one.. the mix of royal scheming, magical plants, and dark humor had me snickering and gasping at the same time. Madalina is such a chaotic heroine and the tension with Prince Aeric? Chefs kiss.. it’s messy, thrilling, and absolutely binge-worthy. I kept imagining what I’d do in her shoes and lowkey plotting my own flower-powered takeovers.
🫶 Thank you to @peachtreeteen for this gifted copy!
🌹 Dark royalty
🗡️ Revenge plots
🌱 Magical flora
👯 Twin drama
🩸 Deadly secrets
🎭 Court intrigue
September 28, 2025
More like 3.5, but a high 3.5/5. The plot just got very convoluted near the end. I did really enjoy the build up of the characters and plot, but it felt like a slog at 50% when nothing had really happened yet. I could've done without Inessa's ghost and more focus on Madalina's story. I did enjoy the twists with Yorick, but the subplot with the grave flowers got confusing near the end. Very ambitious fusion of Hamlet, the Tudor court and a fantasy plot with magical flowers. I still prefer her last book, but I did enjoy this one a lot.
Want to Read
December 17, 2024I AM SO EXCITED TO READ THIS!
May 30, 2026
3,75 ⭐️
Kwiaty grobowe to jedna z tych książek, która przyciągnęła przede wszystkim pomysłem i klimatem. Mordercze kwiaty, mroczne królewskie dwory, polityczne intrygi, kr.ew, rozkład i gotycko-fantastyczna atmosfera.
Bardzo doceniam też to, że autorka nie bała się wejść w mrok. Ta książka potrafi być krwawa, duszna, momentami obrzydliwa i nieprzyjemna, ale właśnie to budowało jej charakter.
Podobał mi się kontrast, jaki Autumn zbudowała pomiędzy Radiksem a Acus. Radiks jest mokry, lepki od słonego powietrza, ciemny i niebezpieczny, podczas gdy Acus lśni słońcem, nagością, życiem i pozorną lekkością, choć pod tą powierzchnią kryje się równie wiele zagrożeń. Kiedy Inessa, a później Madalina, trafiają do Acus, to, wraz z nimi do tego świata wkrada się rozkład, niepokój i coś chorego, choć zdaje się to zauważać tylko nasza bohaterka.
Do tego wszystkiego mroczne kwiaty, które w tej historii nie są tylko ozdobą czy ładnym elementem tworzenia świata, ale czymś realnie groźnym, dziwnym i fascynującym. Klimat był więc ogromnym plusem - całość jest przesiąknięta dramatycznym, gotyckim nastrojem, przez który bez trudu można wyobrazić sobie ciemne korytarze, zakrwawione suknie, trujące ogrody i dworskie uśmiechy skrywające sekrety.
Jednocześnie nie mogę powiedzieć, że byłam w tę historię w pełni zaangażowana. Miałam poczucie, że sam pomysł, atmosfera i świat były mocniejsze niż moje emocjonalne przywiązanie do bohaterów czy fabuły. Były elementy, które mnie ciekawiły, ale zabrakło mi tej iskry, przez którą naprawdę przeżywałabym ich decyzje, relacje i konflikty. Momentami bardziej podziwiałam to, co autorka stworzyła, niż faktycznie czułam się porwana samą historią.
Mimo tych zastrzeżeń, Kwiaty grobowe nadal uważam za bardzo ciekawą i oryginalną książkę. To nie jest historia, o której zapomnę po kilku dniach, bo jej klimat jest naprawdę charakterystyczny.
Jeśli Wy lubicie gotyckie fantasy, królewskie intrygi, trujące ogrody, brutalne baśniowe klimaty i historie, w których piękno idzie ramię w ramię z przemocą, to tak książka może być dla Was bardzo interesującą lekturą.
Kwiaty grobowe to jedna z tych książek, która przyciągnęła przede wszystkim pomysłem i klimatem. Mordercze kwiaty, mroczne królewskie dwory, polityczne intrygi, kr.ew, rozkład i gotycko-fantastyczna atmosfera.
Bardzo doceniam też to, że autorka nie bała się wejść w mrok. Ta książka potrafi być krwawa, duszna, momentami obrzydliwa i nieprzyjemna, ale właśnie to budowało jej charakter.
Podobał mi się kontrast, jaki Autumn zbudowała pomiędzy Radiksem a Acus. Radiks jest mokry, lepki od słonego powietrza, ciemny i niebezpieczny, podczas gdy Acus lśni słońcem, nagością, życiem i pozorną lekkością, choć pod tą powierzchnią kryje się równie wiele zagrożeń. Kiedy Inessa, a później Madalina, trafiają do Acus, to, wraz z nimi do tego świata wkrada się rozkład, niepokój i coś chorego, choć zdaje się to zauważać tylko nasza bohaterka.
Do tego wszystkiego mroczne kwiaty, które w tej historii nie są tylko ozdobą czy ładnym elementem tworzenia świata, ale czymś realnie groźnym, dziwnym i fascynującym. Klimat był więc ogromnym plusem - całość jest przesiąknięta dramatycznym, gotyckim nastrojem, przez który bez trudu można wyobrazić sobie ciemne korytarze, zakrwawione suknie, trujące ogrody i dworskie uśmiechy skrywające sekrety.
Jednocześnie nie mogę powiedzieć, że byłam w tę historię w pełni zaangażowana. Miałam poczucie, że sam pomysł, atmosfera i świat były mocniejsze niż moje emocjonalne przywiązanie do bohaterów czy fabuły. Były elementy, które mnie ciekawiły, ale zabrakło mi tej iskry, przez którą naprawdę przeżywałabym ich decyzje, relacje i konflikty. Momentami bardziej podziwiałam to, co autorka stworzyła, niż faktycznie czułam się porwana samą historią.
Mimo tych zastrzeżeń, Kwiaty grobowe nadal uważam za bardzo ciekawą i oryginalną książkę. To nie jest historia, o której zapomnę po kilku dniach, bo jej klimat jest naprawdę charakterystyczny.
Jeśli Wy lubicie gotyckie fantasy, królewskie intrygi, trujące ogrody, brutalne baśniowe klimaty i historie, w których piękno idzie ramię w ramię z przemocą, to tak książka może być dla Was bardzo interesującą lekturą.
May 15, 2026
There’s a lot to like here, from an imaginative retelling of Hamlet to a creative magic system built around grave flowers and a strong gothic atmosphere. The overall structure of the story also felt solid, especially in the way the twists land and everything gets resolved. I really enjoyed one character reveal that I genuinely didn’t see coming, and the final 20% was definitely the strongest part of the book.
That said, I’ve got a few critiques. The most obvious one is that the romance between Madalina and Aeric was really underdeveloped and emotionally flat, even by YA standards. I’d even argue the book might’ve worked better completely without it than in the form we got. I also think the ending would’ve hit harder with a deeper exploration of Inessa’s character, since she doesn’t feel as fleshed out as she needed to be. I’m not really a YA reader anymore, so I also couldn’t shake the feeling that this concept could’ve landed much stronger as an adult novel or even something leaning into horror. Still, it’s not really fair to judge a book for what it isn’t instead of what it is.
In short, a really interesting idea with strong plot beats, but could’ve used a bit more development in key areas.
That said, I’ve got a few critiques. The most obvious one is that the romance between Madalina and Aeric was really underdeveloped and emotionally flat, even by YA standards. I’d even argue the book might’ve worked better completely without it than in the form we got. I also think the ending would’ve hit harder with a deeper exploration of Inessa’s character, since she doesn’t feel as fleshed out as she needed to be. I’m not really a YA reader anymore, so I also couldn’t shake the feeling that this concept could’ve landed much stronger as an adult novel or even something leaning into horror. Still, it’s not really fair to judge a book for what it isn’t instead of what it is.
In short, a really interesting idea with strong plot beats, but could’ve used a bit more development in key areas.
October 7, 2025
2025 reads: 283/300
i received a complimentary finished copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
combining the court intrigue of hamlet with the vicious ambition of the boleyn family, grave flowers follows princess madalina of the sinet family, who have made their legacy out of doing whatever it takes to make their kingdom better. madalina is considered the weak one, preferring the company of grave flowers to that of other people. but when her twin, inessa, gets stuck in a sort of purgatory, she begs madalina to set her free…which involves carrying out inessa’s mission to marry, then kill, prince aeric.
this was my first book by autumn krause, but i’m sure it won’t be my last! i enjoy stories about the black sheep of the family, and the fact that the family in this book was sort of wicked made this even more interesting. the romance was also phenomenal, though i will admit, i wasn’t sure if i was meant to be rooting for the couple when i went into this. even still, i loved seeing madalina and aeric’s relationship progress! aeric turned out to be a much better character than madalina originally perceived him as. overall, this was a lovely book. i look forward to more from the author.
i received a complimentary finished copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
combining the court intrigue of hamlet with the vicious ambition of the boleyn family, grave flowers follows princess madalina of the sinet family, who have made their legacy out of doing whatever it takes to make their kingdom better. madalina is considered the weak one, preferring the company of grave flowers to that of other people. but when her twin, inessa, gets stuck in a sort of purgatory, she begs madalina to set her free…which involves carrying out inessa’s mission to marry, then kill, prince aeric.
this was my first book by autumn krause, but i’m sure it won’t be my last! i enjoy stories about the black sheep of the family, and the fact that the family in this book was sort of wicked made this even more interesting. the romance was also phenomenal, though i will admit, i wasn’t sure if i was meant to be rooting for the couple when i went into this. even still, i loved seeing madalina and aeric’s relationship progress! aeric turned out to be a much better character than madalina originally perceived him as. overall, this was a lovely book. i look forward to more from the author.
June 1, 2026
OCENA: 3,5 ⭐️ Bardzo lubię kreację świata: mrok Radiksu i lekkoduszność Acus, jednak trochę brnąłem przez tę historię. Jedne rozwiązania wydawały mi się „pobieżne”, za to inne bardzo interesujące. Pewien zwrot akcji zgrabnie mnie zagiął. 🥀🩸
January 9, 2026
thank you to peachtree teen and holiday house books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
a unique retelling of hamlet, we are following princess madalina immediately after her twin sister has been murdered. forced to take over her sister’s engagement to another kingdom’s prince, madalina is thrown into a literal deadly badly of court politics. she’s forced to avenge her sister’s death while also trying to assassinate aforementioned prince, of course, when all she really wants is to is to take care of her flowers.
i really appreciated the twist on the traditional shakespearean hamlet. madalina is not our typical protagonist, she’s forced out of her comfort in order to find her sister’s killer and play at court politics. i found her story and the grave flowers very compelling. she doesn’t know who she can trust, not even the spirit of her twin. we see her somewhat lose her footing while also trying to discern who she can truly trust, her supposed allies that want the prince assassinated or the prince himself. i struggled a bit to see the devlopment between madalina and prince aeric, i wish we had more interactions between the two of them. although, i understand why she wouldn’t really have had the direct access to him most of the time.
unfortunately, that last quarter or so lost me just a tad with the large cast we we’re trying to keep track of, mostly of her father and of the other court. as you’d expect, there are a lot of moving parts and people with motivations. we see a bit into it, and especially with the underlying tones of racism towards madalina's mother's ethnicity. i would love to see it further explored, but as krause stated in her author's note, she was not really given the chance to explore her bi-racial identity in the story as this sheltered princess. it's very briefly touched, but pushed a bit on the back burner for the more pressing political issues in aeric's court.
also, the concept of the grave flowers themselves confused me a bit too and how they came into play at the end. i think i’m just generally unsure of how they really work, magic-wise. i wish i had more explanation there!
a unique retelling of hamlet, we are following princess madalina immediately after her twin sister has been murdered. forced to take over her sister’s engagement to another kingdom’s prince, madalina is thrown into a literal deadly badly of court politics. she’s forced to avenge her sister’s death while also trying to assassinate aforementioned prince, of course, when all she really wants is to is to take care of her flowers.
i really appreciated the twist on the traditional shakespearean hamlet. madalina is not our typical protagonist, she’s forced out of her comfort in order to find her sister’s killer and play at court politics. i found her story and the grave flowers very compelling. she doesn’t know who she can trust, not even the spirit of her twin. we see her somewhat lose her footing while also trying to discern who she can truly trust, her supposed allies that want the prince assassinated or the prince himself. i struggled a bit to see the devlopment between madalina and prince aeric, i wish we had more interactions between the two of them. although, i understand why she wouldn’t really have had the direct access to him most of the time.
unfortunately, that last quarter or so lost me just a tad with the large cast we we’re trying to keep track of, mostly of her father and of the other court. as you’d expect, there are a lot of moving parts and people with motivations. we see a bit into it, and especially with the underlying tones of racism towards madalina's mother's ethnicity. i would love to see it further explored, but as krause stated in her author's note, she was not really given the chance to explore her bi-racial identity in the story as this sheltered princess. it's very briefly touched, but pushed a bit on the back burner for the more pressing political issues in aeric's court.
also, the concept of the grave flowers themselves confused me a bit too and how they came into play at the end. i think i’m just generally unsure of how they really work, magic-wise. i wish i had more explanation there!
November 4, 2025
Grave Flowers is a hauntingly lyrical, darkly romantic masterpiece that completely swept me away. Autumn Krause’s prose is beautifully poetic, lush, evocative, and brimming with atmosphere. Every sentence feels like it was carefully chosen to bloom on the page, creating a reading experience that is both immersive and unforgettable.
One of my favorite aspects of Grave Flowers was the flower magic in this world, which is so utterly unique. The flowers, especially the Beauties, were equal parts beautiful and unsettling. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, and the way Autumn intertwines it with themes of grief, power, and identity adds so much depth to the story! The magic system feels organic and alive, full of symbolism and danger, and it enhances the gothic undertones of the novel perfectly. In a market saturated with magic, Autumn brings a breath of fresh air with a new and intriguing magic system!
For the romance readers, the heart of the story is the slow-burn, tension-filled connection between Aeric and Madalina. Their chemistry crackles off the page with every glance, every conversation layered with things unsaid. The tension is palpable and full of so much yearning, mistrust, and magnetism rolled into one. Watching their dynamic evolve was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. I am a sucker for a good yearning and this provided!
Autumn Krause has such a gift for crafting stories that grip you from the first page and don’t let go. Her writing is immersive, emotionally charged, and addictive. Grave Flowers is no exception. It’s a gothic fantasy that blooms with beauty, danger, and aching romance. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already counting the days until I can step into THE SEQUEL!! Which was recently announced and I am so, so excited for!
Overall I give this book five stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a must-read for fans of lush gothic fantasy, fated enemies romance, and magic that cuts as much as it heals. Autumn, you brilliant soul, you have done it again!
One of my favorite aspects of Grave Flowers was the flower magic in this world, which is so utterly unique. The flowers, especially the Beauties, were equal parts beautiful and unsettling. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, and the way Autumn intertwines it with themes of grief, power, and identity adds so much depth to the story! The magic system feels organic and alive, full of symbolism and danger, and it enhances the gothic undertones of the novel perfectly. In a market saturated with magic, Autumn brings a breath of fresh air with a new and intriguing magic system!
For the romance readers, the heart of the story is the slow-burn, tension-filled connection between Aeric and Madalina. Their chemistry crackles off the page with every glance, every conversation layered with things unsaid. The tension is palpable and full of so much yearning, mistrust, and magnetism rolled into one. Watching their dynamic evolve was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. I am a sucker for a good yearning and this provided!
Autumn Krause has such a gift for crafting stories that grip you from the first page and don’t let go. Her writing is immersive, emotionally charged, and addictive. Grave Flowers is no exception. It’s a gothic fantasy that blooms with beauty, danger, and aching romance. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already counting the days until I can step into THE SEQUEL!! Which was recently announced and I am so, so excited for!
Overall I give this book five stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a must-read for fans of lush gothic fantasy, fated enemies romance, and magic that cuts as much as it heals. Autumn, you brilliant soul, you have done it again!
June 24, 2025
Wow. What a gorgeous, meaningful haunt of a story. Grave Flowers completely enchanted me—from its spellbinding magic to its aching, tender themes. The grave flowers themselves were such a unique and beautiful concept, and the entire book felt wrapped in velvet-dark atmosphere and emotional resonance.
Madelina is the kind of heroine who quietly wrecks you. A princess caught in the grip of others’ expectations, she’s been told her kindness is weakness—and has started to believe it. She doesn’t think she is lovable and it absolutely breaks my heart because she doesn’t know me, but I adore her in all her complexity.
And Aeric? Absolutely, devastatingly perfect. A tortured soul hardened by betrayal, knowing Madelina might a chess piece be used against him—but still wishing he could love her. Watching both of them flinch at the possibility of love, and hope anyway, was such a rewarding emotional journey.
The romance is swoony, slow-burn, and sweet (no spice—just longing and lovely kisses). The prose? Stunning. Autumn Krause is an extraordinary wordsmith—her writing is some of the most beautiful I’ve read all year. I will read anything she writes.
What elevated this story most was its theme: the courage to be a transitional character—the one who breaks the cycle of generational pain. The exploration of family trauma, tradition, resilience, and healing was powerful and timely. It spoke right to my heart.
There are mature topics, but nothing gratuitous or glamorized. It’s definitely best suited for older YA readers and fans of darker, fairytale-inspired fantasy. (Think Gilded by Marissa Meyer with a bit more emotional depth and haunting flair.)
I’m genuinely sad the book is over. It was marvelous. Poetic, haunting, healing. One I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Madelina is the kind of heroine who quietly wrecks you. A princess caught in the grip of others’ expectations, she’s been told her kindness is weakness—and has started to believe it. She doesn’t think she is lovable and it absolutely breaks my heart because she doesn’t know me, but I adore her in all her complexity.
And Aeric? Absolutely, devastatingly perfect. A tortured soul hardened by betrayal, knowing Madelina might a chess piece be used against him—but still wishing he could love her. Watching both of them flinch at the possibility of love, and hope anyway, was such a rewarding emotional journey.
The romance is swoony, slow-burn, and sweet (no spice—just longing and lovely kisses). The prose? Stunning. Autumn Krause is an extraordinary wordsmith—her writing is some of the most beautiful I’ve read all year. I will read anything she writes.
What elevated this story most was its theme: the courage to be a transitional character—the one who breaks the cycle of generational pain. The exploration of family trauma, tradition, resilience, and healing was powerful and timely. It spoke right to my heart.
There are mature topics, but nothing gratuitous or glamorized. It’s definitely best suited for older YA readers and fans of darker, fairytale-inspired fantasy. (Think Gilded by Marissa Meyer with a bit more emotional depth and haunting flair.)
I’m genuinely sad the book is over. It was marvelous. Poetic, haunting, healing. One I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
November 18, 2025
Aww wow!!! I really enjoyed this 🫶🫶
Excellent characterization, lush scenery and descriptions, and incredible intrigue. A story of love all forms. And I loved our main character. The mystery at the center was FANTASTIC, and kept me guessing constantly. I have a feeling I will be coming back to this book later and thinking about it often. Really incredible 💗
I didn’t give it 5 stars only because I would have loved a little more from some of our side characters, it was enough to get the job done - just not enough to make me love all of them the way I loved Madalina. Also, the ending could have given madalina a little more agency and been a little bit more fleshed out BUT what can I say I still loved the story.
But I will definitely be reading this author’s works in the future!!!
Excellent characterization, lush scenery and descriptions, and incredible intrigue. A story of love all forms. And I loved our main character. The mystery at the center was FANTASTIC, and kept me guessing constantly. I have a feeling I will be coming back to this book later and thinking about it often. Really incredible 💗
I didn’t give it 5 stars only because I would have loved a little more from some of our side characters, it was enough to get the job done - just not enough to make me love all of them the way I loved Madalina. Also, the ending could have given madalina a little more agency and been a little bit more fleshed out BUT what can I say I still loved the story.
But I will definitely be reading this author’s works in the future!!!
October 1, 2025
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (PeachTree Teen) for promotional purposes.
Wow! What a phenomenal YA fantasy!
First off, the blend of Hamlet, the Tudors, and deadly flowers were an amazing combination. It all worked together perfectly. It had a gothic feel with a touch of horror. I loved it!
Let’s take a moment to talk about the grave flowers themselves. These killer flowers had a life of their own and were so fascinating.
The world building was outstanding. Both kingdoms, Radix and Acus, were well developed. I felt fully immersed in them and their court politics.
The characters were also noteworthy. I loved the main character, Princess Madalina. She was both soft and strong. Prince Aeric was another interesting character. He was complex and had many layers to him.
The story had so many twists and turns! It took me on a ride and it never felt predictable. I was constantly shocked by where the story went. It was creative and felt new and fresh.
The author’s writing style is gorgeous. I need to read more of her books because she creates a dark yet beautiful atmosphere through her prose.
Lastly, I want to end with a quote that stuck with me. Madalina reflects, “Mothers were women first, and women could be anything. They could eat fire and spew it out like dragons just as easily as they could rock a baby to sleep—in fact, they could do both at once: wield a knife while holding a babe” (pg. 58).
Overall, this is one of my top reads of the year. If you’re looking for a new fantasy novel to fall in love with, read this one!
Wow! What a phenomenal YA fantasy!
First off, the blend of Hamlet, the Tudors, and deadly flowers were an amazing combination. It all worked together perfectly. It had a gothic feel with a touch of horror. I loved it!
Let’s take a moment to talk about the grave flowers themselves. These killer flowers had a life of their own and were so fascinating.
The world building was outstanding. Both kingdoms, Radix and Acus, were well developed. I felt fully immersed in them and their court politics.
The characters were also noteworthy. I loved the main character, Princess Madalina. She was both soft and strong. Prince Aeric was another interesting character. He was complex and had many layers to him.
The story had so many twists and turns! It took me on a ride and it never felt predictable. I was constantly shocked by where the story went. It was creative and felt new and fresh.
The author’s writing style is gorgeous. I need to read more of her books because she creates a dark yet beautiful atmosphere through her prose.
Lastly, I want to end with a quote that stuck with me. Madalina reflects, “Mothers were women first, and women could be anything. They could eat fire and spew it out like dragons just as easily as they could rock a baby to sleep—in fact, they could do both at once: wield a knife while holding a babe” (pg. 58).
Overall, this is one of my top reads of the year. If you’re looking for a new fantasy novel to fall in love with, read this one!
April 5, 2026
I enjoyed this! By the last third, I was pretty gripped and read it all in one sitting.
I felt it didn’t fulfil its potential. Something about the pace at which the plot unfolded felt a little rushed - slow for the first half of the book and then everything unravelling all at once.
The characterisation also felt a little inconsistent, and those inconsistencies were perhaps papered over as character growth?
Though like I said, there’s unfulfilled potential here, and I’d be interested in what this author goes on to write.
I felt it didn’t fulfil its potential. Something about the pace at which the plot unfolded felt a little rushed - slow for the first half of the book and then everything unravelling all at once.
The characterisation also felt a little inconsistent, and those inconsistencies were perhaps papered over as character growth?
Though like I said, there’s unfulfilled potential here, and I’d be interested in what this author goes on to write.
May 27, 2026
I fear I love Madalina.
January 6, 2026
DNF at 35%-ish. I severely dislike the writing. It is quite direct at times and never conjures any exciting or interesting imagery. The characters feel a little flat and the world doesn't seem that well fleshed-out. I had really hoped to enjoy this, but alas
September 16, 2025
This was really good and loved how unhinged the characters were but still liked the FMC. Interesting magic system with the different kinds of grave flowers and how they worked. Solid 4 stars.
January 11, 2026
Grave Flowers was an interesting gothic tale with fantastical elements I wish had been explored more.
I loved the gothic vibes of the book and the court politics at the start of the book were interesting, though as the book progressed, the political elements became less and less interesting and central and that was disappointing as it was one of the stronger elements at the beginning of the book.
One of my biggest disappointments with this book, and the reason it didn't hit 4 stars for me, was the actual grave flowers. It was really interesting learning about the different varieties through the journal entries throughout the book, but they didn't play a big enough role within the actual story until the very end. Which was a shame as it was one of the most interesting aspects of the book.
I did quite like the FMC and MMC in this book, though I do wish we had got more from the MMC in terms of page time, he felt infrequent for a book with an arranged marriage trope tied to it. Because of this I found the romance within quite lackluster and everytime it cropped up, the emotions being expressed didn't marry up with where the relationship was.
I did like how trapped by expectations Madalina was and the insight and depth it gave to her character. I also liked how we saw her views on manipulation and planning and reading people. How she did darker things despite not wanting to. She felt like a well developed character even if she could be far to trusting.
Overall it was a pretty decent gothic YA read, though there were definitely elements I think could have been utilised better.
I loved the gothic vibes of the book and the court politics at the start of the book were interesting, though as the book progressed, the political elements became less and less interesting and central and that was disappointing as it was one of the stronger elements at the beginning of the book.
One of my biggest disappointments with this book, and the reason it didn't hit 4 stars for me, was the actual grave flowers. It was really interesting learning about the different varieties through the journal entries throughout the book, but they didn't play a big enough role within the actual story until the very end. Which was a shame as it was one of the most interesting aspects of the book.
I did quite like the FMC and MMC in this book, though I do wish we had got more from the MMC in terms of page time, he felt infrequent for a book with an arranged marriage trope tied to it. Because of this I found the romance within quite lackluster and everytime it cropped up, the emotions being expressed didn't marry up with where the relationship was.
I did like how trapped by expectations Madalina was and the insight and depth it gave to her character. I also liked how we saw her views on manipulation and planning and reading people. How she did darker things despite not wanting to. She felt like a well developed character even if she could be far to trusting.
Overall it was a pretty decent gothic YA read, though there were definitely elements I think could have been utilised better.
November 6, 2025
Boring. Boring. Boring. Had a cool idea, but the magic system was non existent. The love story was non existent. And it draggggggeeddd. I feel like this needed more editing down and more information not just filler.
August 26, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was such a wild ride. The setting, the atmosphere, and the horror elements (not many but definitely enough to keep me on my toes as not-a-horror-reader) lent so well to this darkly decadent tale of betrayal, bloodlust, and madness.
I really loved the Hamlet-inspired elements, and I felt like I should have seen one particular thing coming and didn't! I gasped aloud while reading.
The grave flowers are so intriguing, and I wonder what they were like before they were "corrupted".
Madalina is a soft girl who at the same time will do what she has to do to survive and protect her kingdom. My heart broke for her, and Aeric too, as we learn through the story it seems like he actually would make a good king, while powerful people want him dead.
This is also a story about sisters, and it's really hard to express my feelings on that without spoilers so please, read this book!!
I'm really excited there will be a sequel!
*I received an earc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
This was such a wild ride. The setting, the atmosphere, and the horror elements (not many but definitely enough to keep me on my toes as not-a-horror-reader) lent so well to this darkly decadent tale of betrayal, bloodlust, and madness.
I really loved the Hamlet-inspired elements, and I felt like I should have seen one particular thing coming and didn't! I gasped aloud while reading.
The grave flowers are so intriguing, and I wonder what they were like before they were "corrupted".
Madalina is a soft girl who at the same time will do what she has to do to survive and protect her kingdom. My heart broke for her, and Aeric too, as we learn through the story it seems like he actually would make a good king, while powerful people want him dead.
This is also a story about sisters, and it's really hard to express my feelings on that without spoilers so please, read this book!!
I'm really excited there will be a sequel!
*I received an earc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
January 7, 2026
I was fully engrossed with this book from chapter one all the way to the last sentence. This has to be one of my favorite books of all time. PLEASE YES JUST GIVE IT A READ. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Descriptive, romantic, thrilling, dreadful Gothic atmosphere, and incredible writing. You will not be disappointed. I am SO OBSESSED with Aeric and Madalina’s dynamic and their love story (and that’s me, coming from a lesbian). I think the enemies to lovers troupe was done so well. The FMC has a clear personality, inner struggles, and motives (a simple and clear character arc too). Even the love interest, Aeric, was super interesting to try to figure out. Their banter had me GAGGED. I’m so glad I gave this story a chance, because it’s so delicious in every way and made my heart race with the tension and plot as well. It was creepy and grotesque in just the right amount. While I do think the ending is a bit rushed with lots of lore drops, the wedding and character arcs and dramatic deaths made it all worth it.
December 27, 2025
Have I known about this book for almost a year now? Yes, yes I have. Does this make me even more excited for its arrival? You better believe it!! I'm so incredibly anxious/excited for this book.
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