The Wolf of Blood Roses

by Ellie Tru

In the kingdom of Ascela, a rigid caste system demands that every child, upon turning seventeen, demonstrate their magical abilities before the royal family. Aria Byrne has spent her entire life preparing for this Exhibition under the tutelage of her father, the village healer. However, there is one major Aria has no magic. Under the law, this is a death sentence, or worse—it could result in her enslavement to the ruthless royal Westfall line. With her Exhibition fast approaching, Aria's survival hinges on her ability to outwit the Westfalls and leverage her charm and knowledge of herbalism to escape her fate.

Princess Rosalind Westfall, second-born child of the elite Gilded Wolf caste, is feared for her cruelty and cunning. Burdened by a haunting past, she has grown increasingly isolated, trusting few as she navigates the dangerous political waters of Ascela. As she vies with her merciless brother, Idris Westfall, for the throne, Roz's world is thrown into turmoil when she encounters Aria at the Exhibition. The collision of their destinies ignites a spark that will challenge everything they believe about the kingdom, its magic, and their place within it.

Genres: Fantasy

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[Barb Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and relationship dynamics! Storyline pacing kept me engaged throughout the entire story. Phenomenal narration!

[Mary Concannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness the sequel is already in the works!!

I’m so impressed by this debut novel. This is the fantasy YA novel I wish I had when I was in high school. The world building was awesome - I felt like it was familiar but so unlike other YA fantasy settings I’ve read before. I love when there is a map at the beginning, and the list explaining the social hierarchy was great! Also, having two queer women as the protagonists is so refreshing in 2025. And the anxiety/panic disorder representation is so well done. Hope was a central theme, and that made me so happy.

[Kelly Scriven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic YA fantasy that kept me glued to it the whole way. I love the characters and adore this world; I found myself wishing for more magic, but only because I am so intrigued by the magic system that I want to know more! The caste system is woven in well without ever overtaking the narrative, and it left me so ready for more.

I loved the narrator and audiobook too, great performance to complement a fantastic story.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an addictive and interesting book. I can't wait to read a sequel to this! I did have a little trouble with Roz at first but she grew on me. The world building is original. I cried a few times. it was sad too often. I'm hoping the sequel is more happy reads but in this troubled fiction world I doubt it.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! There were so many twists and turns, I can’t wait for the second one! Ellie is a wonderful writer, this is a must read!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moved a little slow, but that was mostly due to world building. A little predictable in parts, but a couple good twists. I liked the more unique plot points and magic. Looking forward to book two.

[Hayden Clemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVEDDD this book!!! Maybe I’m a little biased because I know the author, but it stood out to me. Beautiful romance, and I could hardly put it down!! The ending was evil though.