The Rebel's Rose

The Witches of Astria #0.5

by Meredith Kasian

Astria is at war.

Crown Princess Seren Beddoe has been promised in marriage to Rebellion Leader Will Masson in an attempt to broker peace. She wants prosperity for the people she will one day rule. He wants justice for the countless lives lost to her father's deceptions.

They think they stand on opposite sides of this war, but what if their deepest desires achieve the same end?

Set 500 years before the events of The Witches of Astria duology, this standalone prequel novella forces Seren and Will to confront lies, long-held beliefs, and an inconvenient attraction as they strive to save their country...and themselves.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

When not dreaming up new fantasy worlds or teaching her toddlers how to recognize her favorite bookish characters, Meredith can be found curled up with a book or planning adventures with her husband. Though a chemical engineer by day, she's been writing stories for as long as she can remember, most notably finishing her first novel (which will never be published) at the age of 12. After growing up in Virginia, she now lives outside of Philadelphia. Find her on Instagram @meredithkasianauthor to learn more about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter!

Reviews

[Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader]

🖤 THE VIBE CHECK
The Rebel’s Rose is a High Fantasy prequel novella to The Witches of Astria duology with a political marriage, enemies to lovers, and rebellion.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Flawless Execution
Spice: 🤍 Sweet & Slow (Spicy Bonus Scene)
Format: Ebook

🔮 The Curated Plot
The Rebel’s Rose takes place 500 years before The Witches of Astria duology, when the royal family ruled over Astria following the Crown Princess Seren Beddoe and the rebellion leader Will Masson as they marry in an attempt to bring peace to Astria.

✨ Sisterhood and Rebels
This was an excellent prequel novella that connected so flawlessly to the duology, which I’ve already read and adored. I love how Meredith portrays sisters as we read about Seren’s bond with her sister Bronwyn. They reminded me of the Astor sisters yet were very different. Both sets of sisters were sheltered from truths. I loved Will and how he interacted with Seren’s youngest siblings. He may be a rebel but he is kind hearted and ultimately, he and Seren both want the same future for Astria. As they go into their marriage, they both have certain ideas about one another which don’t hold up as they spend more time together.

⭐ The Cozy Conclusion (Rated: 5/5 Curated Coziness)
I highly recommend The Rebel’s Rose to my fantasy loving readers looking for their next Epic Fantasy world with Elemental Magic and Political Intrigue. If you have already read The Witches of Astria duology but haven’t read this, read it! It was just what I needed to fully immerse myself in the world of Astria one last time.

The Tropes We LOVE:
• High Romantasy
• Elves, Humans & Witches
• Enemies to Lovers / Political Marriage
• Elemental Magic / Shadow Mommy
• Rebellion
• Prequel Novella

[Krista Nicole]

I loved getting the opportunity to dive back into this world with this novella, and read an all new story! While you technically know how it ends as they talk about the history of how the government came to be in the first duology, getting to see the previous monarchy and royal family as characters made for an exciting story.

Everything is not what it seems for the princess and her worldview changes when she marries rebel human and learns maybe she’s been lied to. I loved their story and how they learned to trust each other and the ending was somewhat unexpected and even though I was aware of what would happen there were still twists to keep me on the edge of my seat! Overall I enjoyed this book, my rating 4.3/5!

[cheyanne jae]

This was a prequel novella to The Wielder's Discovery and it was absolute perfection! It truly gives so much amazing history that is important to understanding how the world got to where it was in The Wielder's Discovery. it was such a good enemies to lovers story. You know it's good when a novella has you completely emotionally invested. The climax of the story (ch. 12) had me in absolute tears, screaming!!! This was si good and the way the ending tied everything to The Wielder's Discovery was so perfect!!!

[shyandlonelywriter]

BOOK REVIEW


Astria is at war. Princess Seren has to marry the Rebellion Leader Will in an attempt to broker peace. This standalone prequel is set 500 years before the events of The Witches of Astria duology.

Seren is one of the most determined characters that I know. She'll do anything to stop the war she'll even marry a man that she doesn't know. Will is truly amazing. He wants to help his people so he'll marry the crown princess. They're so different but their love is so strong.

Even though it's a prequel my opinion is that you should read it after the first book.

[kristiana]

It is a short Fantasy Novel. Really enjoyed
A marriage treaty between Serena, Princess of Astria and Will, trusted leader of rebellion.
Will is in the mission,rebellion wants the kingdom to be destroyed. This is the reason Will tries not to fall for Astria and in the other side Astria doesn't trust him in the beginning and she tries to keep her distance from him but in the same time she doesn't leave him out of her side.
Secrets lien between them and love doesn't let some promises to be completed.

[Emily Born]

The Rebel’s Rose is a prequel novella that takes place hundreds of years before the events of The Wielder’s Discovery. Meredith flawlessly pulls you into the time period, its problems, and its characters in such a way, you’re sucked in instantly. The enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, shadow mommy, and espionage keep this piece high stakes while the sibling relationships, tender MMC, and fantastical elements keep it cozy. This is a must read coming this Fall!

[Sally]

I am screaming about this story, I laughed, I sobbed, I didn't expect the ending! But with that ending out there, the connections it made to the main series make a few things make more sense, but they also make me want the next book yesterday.

This is absolutely a 5 ⭐️ read, with bonus points for the emotions that made me cry in public!

[Jeannie Storm Hayes]

I really enjoyed it!! it was a nice short story that I didn't want to end. I wanted to learn more about the magic and the kingdom and continue the adventure that seemed to just beginning. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Astria series.

[Anna Belle]

The book was so short unfortunately and the ending was so sad and I can't stop thinking about it and mourning the loss of good people just because they are sons and daughters and wife of an idiot king, but it's a good start before reading the next book.

[Miryam Drakon]

This was an interesting short story — I was intrigued, and now I'm excited to continue with The Wielder's Discovery. That ending though — I'm curious to see how Kallum is related to Kael from TWD.