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War of Gods & Men #1
Deception's Rose
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
21 days and 08:10:05
100 copies available
U.S. only
She wears a thousand faces, but only one can destroy the shadows of the kingdom.
The Goddess of Light has fallen, summoning an era of darkness. Born of dark magic, Shadows reign beside the corrupt rulers of this age, suffocating what dying virtue remains. In the wake of darkness, the gods bestowed their chosen people magical gifts.
As a server to the gods, Rhoswen Fallen must plunge into the darkness to dismantle the kingdom from the inside out. The God of Deception chose her when her father aimed to take her life, and the god has not left her mind since. She is a shapeshifter, a deceiver, and a liar to the crown. Seducing lords, collecting secrets, she leaves ruin in her wake.
Rhoswen's new orders were tear down the estate and the lord who rules. But the most powerful estate in the realm hides more than influence. It is bound by dark magic, guarded by secrets, and bent on unraveling her mission. For within an era drenched in shadows, nothing remains simple for long.
Haunted by her past, harrowed by her god, Rhoswen must fall into the shadows, become one with the dark she is sworn to destroy, to bring forth a new age of light.
Step into dark waters, drown in the shadows, but in the realm of Andrael, even the gods bleed.
The Goddess of Light has fallen, summoning an era of darkness. Born of dark magic, Shadows reign beside the corrupt rulers of this age, suffocating what dying virtue remains. In the wake of darkness, the gods bestowed their chosen people magical gifts.
As a server to the gods, Rhoswen Fallen must plunge into the darkness to dismantle the kingdom from the inside out. The God of Deception chose her when her father aimed to take her life, and the god has not left her mind since. She is a shapeshifter, a deceiver, and a liar to the crown. Seducing lords, collecting secrets, she leaves ruin in her wake.
Rhoswen's new orders were tear down the estate and the lord who rules. But the most powerful estate in the realm hides more than influence. It is bound by dark magic, guarded by secrets, and bent on unraveling her mission. For within an era drenched in shadows, nothing remains simple for long.
Haunted by her past, harrowed by her god, Rhoswen must fall into the shadows, become one with the dark she is sworn to destroy, to bring forth a new age of light.
Step into dark waters, drown in the shadows, but in the realm of Andrael, even the gods bleed.
888 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
Hannah Stewart
1 book20 followersHannah Stewart is an upcoming fantasy author, building worlds with parchment and ink. In the pages, ancient gods and tangled morals intertwine to bring a breathing world of ruinous beauty. Her debut series is one of darkness and magic. Stones decay, mist clings, love is blight, shadows consume, and light is dying.
Raised in a forest and entranced by The Lord of the Rings and The Elder Scrolls, Hannah has always had a deep-rooted love for all things fantasy.
When Hannah closes her computer, she can be found sketching characters, loving on her dogs, enjoying time with her husband, and dreaming up the next dark tale.
Raised in a forest and entranced by The Lord of the Rings and The Elder Scrolls, Hannah has always had a deep-rooted love for all things fantasy.
When Hannah closes her computer, she can be found sketching characters, loving on her dogs, enjoying time with her husband, and dreaming up the next dark tale.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 24, 2026
Deception’s Rose follows Rhoswen Fallen, server of the gods, master of deception, and formerly the Princess of the kingdom. Rhoswen wears many faces literally and figuratively in order to help save the world from darkness after the Goddess of Light has fallen, and the people have turned on the gods. She was chosen by the god of deception when she was young and when her father (current king) attempted to end her life. She was able to escape with deception’s help and found a guild of other god servers that sought solace in, including Vera. Rhoswen is very loyal and often completed missions on behalf of the guild, including infiltrating important houses and bringing upon their downfall. However, her one weakness is that she could never directly end a person’s life no matter what crimes they have committed. Rhoswen’s newest order from the guild is to investigate some rumors of a face-changing potion by infiltrating as an advisor in the most powerful estate. She is aware of the high stakes but is fortunate to have deception’s assistance as she navigates her new role in the raven estate, who has recently been taken over by Lord Alistair after his father succumbed to his death. Tensions between Rhoswen and Alistair start to rise, especially after she noticed that he is inflicted by the shadows, which further complicates her mission. Rhoswen learns that nothing is what it seems in the realm of Andrael and is torn between her emotions and instincts and her duty to the gods.
Deception’s Rose is filled with immersive world-building and a unique magic system. The author does an amazing job bringing the story to life. The concept of gods and light v. man and shadows is really interesting, and I loved that the author portrays the complexities and flaws of both sides. I also really enjoyed reading Rhoswen’s journey and loved her character development. And I love the relationship development between her and Alistair despite both of them harboring numerous secrets. I would say the pacing is a little bit slow in the beginning but definitely picks up later on. Thank you so much to the author Hannah Stewart for the gifted arc of Deception’s Rose 🌹
Read more reviews on my blog! https://christinaschapterblog.com
Deception’s Rose is filled with immersive world-building and a unique magic system. The author does an amazing job bringing the story to life. The concept of gods and light v. man and shadows is really interesting, and I loved that the author portrays the complexities and flaws of both sides. I also really enjoyed reading Rhoswen’s journey and loved her character development. And I love the relationship development between her and Alistair despite both of them harboring numerous secrets. I would say the pacing is a little bit slow in the beginning but definitely picks up later on. Thank you so much to the author Hannah Stewart for the gifted arc of Deception’s Rose 🌹
Read more reviews on my blog! https://christinaschapterblog.com
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from author
I am still reeling a bit from this world! From the moment I picked this up, I was completely pulled in by Rhoswen. There is such an incredible emotional weight to her journey; she feels like a character who has truly lived, and seeing how her past informs her present made every decision she made feel so earned and natural.
One of my absolute favorite things about this story was the relationship between Rhoswen and Vera. Their trust that feels instinctive and deep-rooted. It’s the heart of the book for me. Then there’s Alistair, who was such a pleasant surprise. I’ll admit I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but seeing his heart and his vulnerability unfold really won me over. I ended up caring for him so much more than I anticipated.
I also really appreciated how the story plays with moral tension. It’s not always clear who you should be rooting for right away, and I loved that uncertainty. Questioning the motives of the gods and the shadows kept me constantly engaged, and it was so satisfying to see that moral ground become clearer as the story unfolded.
That ending, though... I am officially craving more! I’ll be recommending this to all my friends who love a story that is as emotionally satisfying as it is atmospheric. I’m not ready to leave this world behind yet!
I am still reeling a bit from this world! From the moment I picked this up, I was completely pulled in by Rhoswen. There is such an incredible emotional weight to her journey; she feels like a character who has truly lived, and seeing how her past informs her present made every decision she made feel so earned and natural.
One of my absolute favorite things about this story was the relationship between Rhoswen and Vera. Their trust that feels instinctive and deep-rooted. It’s the heart of the book for me. Then there’s Alistair, who was such a pleasant surprise. I’ll admit I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but seeing his heart and his vulnerability unfold really won me over. I ended up caring for him so much more than I anticipated.
I also really appreciated how the story plays with moral tension. It’s not always clear who you should be rooting for right away, and I loved that uncertainty. Questioning the motives of the gods and the shadows kept me constantly engaged, and it was so satisfying to see that moral ground become clearer as the story unfolded.
That ending, though... I am officially craving more! I’ll be recommending this to all my friends who love a story that is as emotionally satisfying as it is atmospheric. I’m not ready to leave this world behind yet!
April 21, 2026
This book was very good and loved how the author wrote it! Loved how it felt like I was in the book while reading it! Loved all the plot twist!
April 21, 2026
Oh my wow this was such an amazing book!!! I absolutely loved it and couldn’t get enough of it!!! I can’t wait to read more books from this author!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deception’s Rose is a tale of a deadly battle between shadows and gods. Shadows are marking men, but gods have gifted powers to their chosen people. The main character, Rhoswen, has to play a game of deceit for her role in this war, but she has an advantage. The god of deception dwells in her mind, gifting her the ability to shape shift and manipulate.
This book, the world, the characters, the history and the plot were well developed, and it was very easy to tell the author had put a lot of time and effort into writing it. Each character, even the supporting ones, had a story and substance.
The main character, Rhoswen, was likeable. Her morality was more clean cut than some of her comrades and I’m glad of that. I enjoy a main character whose actions I can root for. Also, as much as she was committed to fighting this war, Rhoswen’s heart complicated matters. This made her feel more human and more relatable. The MMC, Alistair, was introduced dramatically, and I was left wondering how I could like his character. But as I learnt of his complexities, I found myself as intrigued by him as Rhoswen.
Deceit was an interesting character. His commentary on Rhoswen’s every action was entertaining, especially as he disagreed with a lot of what she did.
In an ever darkening world, I was worried the book might’ve felt too heavy, but there were plenty moments of light to even out the dark. The slowly evolving romance was one of them. I’m a big lover of slow burns and this book hit the spot. The romance wasn’t rushed and this allowed me to believe in the characters feelings.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The story was well thought out and each chapter had a purpose. There was danger, death, desire and, of course, deception.
This book, the world, the characters, the history and the plot were well developed, and it was very easy to tell the author had put a lot of time and effort into writing it. Each character, even the supporting ones, had a story and substance.
The main character, Rhoswen, was likeable. Her morality was more clean cut than some of her comrades and I’m glad of that. I enjoy a main character whose actions I can root for. Also, as much as she was committed to fighting this war, Rhoswen’s heart complicated matters. This made her feel more human and more relatable. The MMC, Alistair, was introduced dramatically, and I was left wondering how I could like his character. But as I learnt of his complexities, I found myself as intrigued by him as Rhoswen.
Deceit was an interesting character. His commentary on Rhoswen’s every action was entertaining, especially as he disagreed with a lot of what she did.
In an ever darkening world, I was worried the book might’ve felt too heavy, but there were plenty moments of light to even out the dark. The slowly evolving romance was one of them. I’m a big lover of slow burns and this book hit the spot. The romance wasn’t rushed and this allowed me to believe in the characters feelings.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The story was well thought out and each chapter had a purpose. There was danger, death, desire and, of course, deception.
April 24, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for the advance reader copy 🤍
This is truly the slowest of slow burns — and if that’s your thing, you are in for a ride.
I’ll be honest: I struggled a bit in the beginning with the world building and writing style. It takes some time to settle into the world. But once everything clicked, I was completely hooked — I read about 70% of this (and it’s a long one at 800+ pages) in less than 48 hours.
The story follows Rhoswen, a servant of the god of Deception, in a world consumed by shadows where sunlight no longer exists. The atmosphere is dark, immersive, and very unique. She’s part of a guild tasked with taking down powerful lords, and during one of her missions she crosses paths with Alistair Raven.
From there, the story unfolds into something much bigger — filled with secrets, shifting alliances, and layered political intrigue. Every time I thought I had a grasp on things, more was revealed.
This book has:
* enemies to lovers
* extremely slow burn (like… truly slow)
* found family
* gods vs fae vs humans
* lots of tension and hidden motives
I especially enjoyed the plot twists and the way the story kept expanding. The tension between the characters builds gradually, and the payoff feels earned.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with Deception’s Rose. While the beginning was a bit challenging for me, the story more than made up for it once it found its rhythm.
If you enjoy dark fantasy, lyrical writing, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
"Naked, standing within my father’s house...
I traded romance and desire for gods and oaths."
This is truly the slowest of slow burns — and if that’s your thing, you are in for a ride.
I’ll be honest: I struggled a bit in the beginning with the world building and writing style. It takes some time to settle into the world. But once everything clicked, I was completely hooked — I read about 70% of this (and it’s a long one at 800+ pages) in less than 48 hours.
The story follows Rhoswen, a servant of the god of Deception, in a world consumed by shadows where sunlight no longer exists. The atmosphere is dark, immersive, and very unique. She’s part of a guild tasked with taking down powerful lords, and during one of her missions she crosses paths with Alistair Raven.
From there, the story unfolds into something much bigger — filled with secrets, shifting alliances, and layered political intrigue. Every time I thought I had a grasp on things, more was revealed.
This book has:
* enemies to lovers
* extremely slow burn (like… truly slow)
* found family
* gods vs fae vs humans
* lots of tension and hidden motives
I especially enjoyed the plot twists and the way the story kept expanding. The tension between the characters builds gradually, and the payoff feels earned.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with Deception’s Rose. While the beginning was a bit challenging for me, the story more than made up for it once it found its rhythm.
If you enjoy dark fantasy, lyrical writing, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
"Naked, standing within my father’s house...
I traded romance and desire for gods and oaths."
May 8, 2026
READ THIS BOOK!!! 🥀
I was fully immersed in this story, the writing was so lyrical and beautifully rich and the descriptions and world building created a dark and eerie gothic atmosphere in my mind that had chills going down my spine!
This world is bleak, the gods have been overthrown by Shadows and the men they corrupt. It seems all hope is lost, but there is a group of devout followers who are standing against the darkness.
The female main character, Rhoswen, is strong and resilient, and uses the art of deception granted from her god to deceive the lords of shadow in this realm in order to defeat them. I loved her character and how she begins to question everything she believes in as the story unfolds. The secrets about her lineage and past were shocking and heartbreaking!
The male main character, Alistair, is such a complex individual. He is Rhoswens next target, but the more time she spends with him the more she begins to see who he truly is. Alistair is fierce and deadly, and has been corrupted by Shadows, but she refuses to believe that there is no light in him.
The God of Deception who lives in Rhoswens head is clever and poetic, and holds secrets of his own. I was creeped out by him at first but by the end of the book I was rooting for him!
This story is filled with tension, political maneuvering, lies and deception, hidden identities and pasts, undead creatures, morally gray characters, an aching slow burn and the brutal battle between light and darkness.
I cannot wait to see where she takes this story next 🖤
I was fully immersed in this story, the writing was so lyrical and beautifully rich and the descriptions and world building created a dark and eerie gothic atmosphere in my mind that had chills going down my spine!
This world is bleak, the gods have been overthrown by Shadows and the men they corrupt. It seems all hope is lost, but there is a group of devout followers who are standing against the darkness.
The female main character, Rhoswen, is strong and resilient, and uses the art of deception granted from her god to deceive the lords of shadow in this realm in order to defeat them. I loved her character and how she begins to question everything she believes in as the story unfolds. The secrets about her lineage and past were shocking and heartbreaking!
The male main character, Alistair, is such a complex individual. He is Rhoswens next target, but the more time she spends with him the more she begins to see who he truly is. Alistair is fierce and deadly, and has been corrupted by Shadows, but she refuses to believe that there is no light in him.
The God of Deception who lives in Rhoswens head is clever and poetic, and holds secrets of his own. I was creeped out by him at first but by the end of the book I was rooting for him!
This story is filled with tension, political maneuvering, lies and deception, hidden identities and pasts, undead creatures, morally gray characters, an aching slow burn and the brutal battle between light and darkness.
I cannot wait to see where she takes this story next 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deceptions Rose is what gothic dreams are made of! I loved this book SO MUCH!! The story is so unique and mysterious, and also a bit scary! You don’t know who to trust or who to root for. It is light vs shadows and what you think is good vs bad but then you come to realise everything is not so black and white. The world building was so beautifully done and i loved the unique magic system!!
I love Rhoswen so much! Shes such a great FMC and I love how equally bad ass and vulnerable she is. I also love how complicated of a character Alister is! through the whole book you don’t really know what his intentions are and I’m sooo obsessed with him! Vera is also a great character and I loved her sisterhood with Rhoswen it was very sweet. Evandor was also a stand out character for me! I love an arrogant/playful character and I LOVED the bromance between Alister and Evandor! And of course I was obsessed with the God of deception and his dynamic with Rhoswen was amazing! They were so fun together and had me laughing at times then also cursing his name at times 😂 the best combo!
This is a delicious slow burn romance and it had me kicking my feet! This book had the most perfect amount of spice and it didn’t get in the way with the plot which is a big thing for me!
Over all this is one of my favourite reads on 2026 so far! It’s such a beautifully written story that keeps you on your toes the entire time and I cannot stop thinking about it!!!
I love Rhoswen so much! Shes such a great FMC and I love how equally bad ass and vulnerable she is. I also love how complicated of a character Alister is! through the whole book you don’t really know what his intentions are and I’m sooo obsessed with him! Vera is also a great character and I loved her sisterhood with Rhoswen it was very sweet. Evandor was also a stand out character for me! I love an arrogant/playful character and I LOVED the bromance between Alister and Evandor! And of course I was obsessed with the God of deception and his dynamic with Rhoswen was amazing! They were so fun together and had me laughing at times then also cursing his name at times 😂 the best combo!
This is a delicious slow burn romance and it had me kicking my feet! This book had the most perfect amount of spice and it didn’t get in the way with the plot which is a big thing for me!
Over all this is one of my favourite reads on 2026 so far! It’s such a beautifully written story that keeps you on your toes the entire time and I cannot stop thinking about it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is so GOOD! Deception's Rose is a brilliantly written book that dives into a world of magic, corruption, forbidden love and changing fates. This book is action packed with plot twists, sexual tension, forbidden thoughts, and multiple enemies.
Gods, humans and shadows are at war with one another fighting for their version of a proper world. But as you dive more into this book, you start to question whether any outcome will result in a "happy" world, or if what you are being told will end up in some sort of corruption or devastation.
You start to question if what is considered good actually good and what you are being told is evil, is actually evil.
You have the Guild, which has people who are chosen by the gods and are gifted their powers to fight against a corrupt kingdom whose strength is in dark shadow magic. The kingdom is also trying to eliminate anyone who is different or opposes their rule like the guild members and the Elven race.
Rhoswen Fallen has powers from a God can shape shift and mentally manipulate, control and deceive others. When she is asked to go to her next target, Lord Alistair Raven, everything changes...
Thank you, Hannah Stewart, for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Gods, humans and shadows are at war with one another fighting for their version of a proper world. But as you dive more into this book, you start to question whether any outcome will result in a "happy" world, or if what you are being told will end up in some sort of corruption or devastation.
You start to question if what is considered good actually good and what you are being told is evil, is actually evil.
You have the Guild, which has people who are chosen by the gods and are gifted their powers to fight against a corrupt kingdom whose strength is in dark shadow magic. The kingdom is also trying to eliminate anyone who is different or opposes their rule like the guild members and the Elven race.
Rhoswen Fallen has powers from a God can shape shift and mentally manipulate, control and deceive others. When she is asked to go to her next target, Lord Alistair Raven, everything changes...
Thank you, Hannah Stewart, for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deception’s Rose was one of those reads that when I got to the last page I kept looking for more pages, because I wasn’t ready for it to end!
A few things that I really liked…
The gods vs. corrupt kingdom in a gothic setting was very unique to me. There was quite a bit of world building but it blended in with the plot in a way that made it all easier to digest. I haven’t experinced a fantasy book with magic worlds/sytems like this before and it was refreshing to have something so different to read.
The FMC was my kind of gal. She’s a loving caring person, but also gonna get stuff done. Rhoswen serves the gods and is often time accompanied by her god Deceit. Which for me was a love hate relationship, but I liked how Rhoswen could hold her own even with a voice literally in her head.
The SLOW BURN! Yes yes and yes. The yearning was amazing and the pay off in the end is DELICIOUS! But, while the slow burn was a very fun part of the book, the story held its own without any of the romantic elements.
I really enjoyed Deception’s Rose and would say this is a must read for all the fantasy readers!
A few things that I really liked…
The gods vs. corrupt kingdom in a gothic setting was very unique to me. There was quite a bit of world building but it blended in with the plot in a way that made it all easier to digest. I haven’t experinced a fantasy book with magic worlds/sytems like this before and it was refreshing to have something so different to read.
The FMC was my kind of gal. She’s a loving caring person, but also gonna get stuff done. Rhoswen serves the gods and is often time accompanied by her god Deceit. Which for me was a love hate relationship, but I liked how Rhoswen could hold her own even with a voice literally in her head.
The SLOW BURN! Yes yes and yes. The yearning was amazing and the pay off in the end is DELICIOUS! But, while the slow burn was a very fun part of the book, the story held its own without any of the romantic elements.
I really enjoyed Deception’s Rose and would say this is a must read for all the fantasy readers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deception’s Rose is an absolute triumph. From the very first page, Stewart wraps you in dark gothic vibes that feel both suffocating and enchanting, setting the perfect stage for a story that is as haunting as it is beautiful.
The heart of this book is Rhoswen. She is a phenomenal FMC; strong, resilient, and possessing a quiet iron will that makes her impossible not to root for. Watching her navigate the perils of her kingdom with such grit made her one of the most compelling leads I’ve read in a long time.
Then there is Alistair. He is the perfect foil to Rhoswen; deeply complex, shrouded in mystery, and genuinely intriguing. I didn’t know what to make of him at first but he piqued my interest. Their chemistry is a masterclass in the slow burn romance; the tension is palpable, built on a foundation of wary glances and secrets that had me flying through the pages. Coupled with a well-hashed-out plot that delivers genuine stakes and clever twists, this is a must-read for any fan of dark fantasy.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read an early copy of her book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The heart of this book is Rhoswen. She is a phenomenal FMC; strong, resilient, and possessing a quiet iron will that makes her impossible not to root for. Watching her navigate the perils of her kingdom with such grit made her one of the most compelling leads I’ve read in a long time.
Then there is Alistair. He is the perfect foil to Rhoswen; deeply complex, shrouded in mystery, and genuinely intriguing. I didn’t know what to make of him at first but he piqued my interest. Their chemistry is a masterclass in the slow burn romance; the tension is palpable, built on a foundation of wary glances and secrets that had me flying through the pages. Coupled with a well-hashed-out plot that delivers genuine stakes and clever twists, this is a must-read for any fan of dark fantasy.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read an early copy of her book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2026
The Goddess of light has fallen and the Gods have deemed humans unworthy and corrupt, except the chosen. Each god has chosen and given powers to the humans they see fit to follow them. The God of Deceit has only chosen one, Rhoswen. Rhoswen is the one with all the faces, the former princess, and she must now venture into the dark alone to unravel the kingdom of the corrupt. Except, Rhoswen isn't like the rest of the chosen, she doesn't mindlessly follow the gods. She has her own thoughts, options and questions. Rhowsen doesn't believe everyone deserves to die and she herself must decide if she can take another's life and be able to live with it. She must figure out what the truth is and the lies.
The author did an amazing job with Deception's Rose. It has a unique, but easy to follow magic system,
Immersive world building, and I just love the character growth and found family/friendships. It makes it so easy to connect with the story and keeps you wanting more.
There's tension, uncertainty, and questions you'll need to know the answer to causing you to be unable to put the book down. This book will be one I recommend to all my friends and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
The author did an amazing job with Deception's Rose. It has a unique, but easy to follow magic system,
Immersive world building, and I just love the character growth and found family/friendships. It makes it so easy to connect with the story and keeps you wanting more.
There's tension, uncertainty, and questions you'll need to know the answer to causing you to be unable to put the book down. This book will be one I recommend to all my friends and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When you are chosen to serve the gods it means two things, one you have great abilities and two your life is now condemned according to the king. With the risk of being killed serving the gods is both a blessing and a curse depending on who’s side your on.
When the God of Deception chose Rhoswen to be his chosen, they never thought life would end up the way that it has for them. While pretending to be an advisor to one lord Rhoswen falls for him only for him to be killed in front of her. While his death seems untimely it’s not and Rhoswen, even though she knew it was coming, still feels the heart break.
Now with the guild questioning her loyalty to the gods, she is sent off to a new lords house. She is told that the new Lord Alistair’s death is for told and is reminded to not fall for him and his shadows.
With things not as they all seem Rhoswens life gets turned upside and inside out. With hidden secrets and identities this story keeps you on your toes and asking every question.
I had a pleasure to read this book as an arc reader and this is my honest review.
When the God of Deception chose Rhoswen to be his chosen, they never thought life would end up the way that it has for them. While pretending to be an advisor to one lord Rhoswen falls for him only for him to be killed in front of her. While his death seems untimely it’s not and Rhoswen, even though she knew it was coming, still feels the heart break.
Now with the guild questioning her loyalty to the gods, she is sent off to a new lords house. She is told that the new Lord Alistair’s death is for told and is reminded to not fall for him and his shadows.
With things not as they all seem Rhoswens life gets turned upside and inside out. With hidden secrets and identities this story keeps you on your toes and asking every question.
I had a pleasure to read this book as an arc reader and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured this book! The slow burn was immaculate, and I loved all the little breadcrumbs about Alistair’s lineage. Waiting for those answers and finally getting them was so satisfying and also completely heart wrenching. Rhoswen’s connection to the god of deception was such a fascinating dynamic and at times infuriating in the best way because it added tension to the story. The worldbuilding is so interesting, the themes are compelling, and the overall plot kept me hooked the entire time. I also loved how the magic system is tied to the gods. It made the whole world feel layered and alive. And Alistair had me absolutely kicking my feet. I was fully obsessed with him. Absolutely top-tier read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was chosen to read and review an ARC copy of Deception’s Rose
Wow!
The world building was written in a way that sucks you in and is easy to follow.
This story is an action packed dark fantasy! I’m so glad I chose to go on this ride. I really liked that it was more fantasy than romance.
The slow burn and yearning were perfect!
The twist and turns had me questioning who to trust and who’s lying. It kept me in my toes the whole time.
And the way this ended I already want the next book! I can’t wait to continue on this journey!
Thank you Hannah Stewart for giving me the opportunity to read your book!
Wow!
The world building was written in a way that sucks you in and is easy to follow.
This story is an action packed dark fantasy! I’m so glad I chose to go on this ride. I really liked that it was more fantasy than romance.
The slow burn and yearning were perfect!
The twist and turns had me questioning who to trust and who’s lying. It kept me in my toes the whole time.
And the way this ended I already want the next book! I can’t wait to continue on this journey!
Thank you Hannah Stewart for giving me the opportunity to read your book!
May 19, 2026
Deceptions Rose delivered!! I loved this gothic dark fantasy story of god servers versus rulers of the shadows. The main character, Rhoswen is a shapeshifter who is secretly serving the gods while being planted amongst her enemies to take them down from the inside out. She is tasked with killing Alistair, a dark lord of shadows. Of course, nothing is as it seems, and soon, the lines between gods and shadows, right and wrong, and enemies and lovers blurs. This is a delicious slow burn, and my favorite aspect of the story is the development of trust between Rhoswen and Alistair. I already can’t wait for book 2!
May 22, 2026
this is one of my favorite reads of the year! i’m so happy i went to the book signing and picked up a copy. each chapter had me wanting to read the next one. Rhoswen had her toes dipped in so many secrets with each character i was on the edge of who would find out what on each page.
Not to mention the yearning in this book was so well written. it wasn’t corny or laced in tiring conversations between characters. what really stood out was how their actions mirrored the yearning for better relationships and a better Andrael. The relationship between Deceit and Rhoswen was my favorite next to Alistair. Is he a god or is he something else?
Can’t wait for the second one 😭🥀🪦
Not to mention the yearning in this book was so well written. it wasn’t corny or laced in tiring conversations between characters. what really stood out was how their actions mirrored the yearning for better relationships and a better Andrael. The relationship between Deceit and Rhoswen was my favorite next to Alistair. Is he a god or is he something else?
Can’t wait for the second one 😭🥀🪦
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deception’s Rose was a highly anticipated debut read for me and it did not disappoint! Hannah has a beautiful way with words and easily snagged my attention with the gripping opening. From chapter one the reader is welcomed into a chilling world filled with gods and magic.
If you enjoy dark fantasy then this is a book you MUST pick up! You’ll love the haunting and gothic details throughout. On top of that you’re sure to fall head over heels for this new book boyfriend.
I absolutely loved this book and am already looking forward to getting back to the world and characters in the next one!
If you enjoy dark fantasy then this is a book you MUST pick up! You’ll love the haunting and gothic details throughout. On top of that you’re sure to fall head over heels for this new book boyfriend.
I absolutely loved this book and am already looking forward to getting back to the world and characters in the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Fantasy first- with a subplot of romance* I was honored to be a part of the ARC team for Deception’s Rose. I rate books based on the amount of emotions it gives me. And this book gave me ALL of them. I loved the FMC (Rhoswen) SO MUCH. This story is filled with dangerous magic, layered secrets, and morally complex characters who feel incredibly real.
The emotional depth is what truly stood out for me. Every choice carries weight, and the tension keeps building until the very end. Atmospheric, gripping, and unforgettable, this is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy with heart.
The emotional depth is what truly stood out for me. Every choice carries weight, and the tension keeps building until the very end. Atmospheric, gripping, and unforgettable, this is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy with heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Deception’s Rose. The gothic atmosphere is rich and immersive, with a unique magic system and a compelling light vs. dark conflict that feels thoughtfully crafted. The characters are complex, intriguing, and layered with secrets, tension, and emotional depth that kept me invested the entire time. The world building is vivid without slowing the pacing, creating a shadowy, dramatic story that’s as gripping as it is beautifully constructed. Thank you so much, Hannah Stewart, for letting me ARC read this absolute treasure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I could give this book every star I've ever doled out, I would! This book had me in its claws from the beginning and still hasn't let go, even after the last page. The action, the tension, the bloody torment of this book had me shaking as I read. And I loved every word of it!
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, or for any other book this author decides to write. She has such a way with words that you feel connected to the characters and the world they live in. This book is one I will recommend to everyone. I will scream from the rooftops about how amazing this book is!!
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, or for any other book this author decides to write. She has such a way with words that you feel connected to the characters and the world they live in. This book is one I will recommend to everyone. I will scream from the rooftops about how amazing this book is!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished Deceptions Rose and as an avid reader, I found this story to be so well written with great character building and filled with many wonderful twists and turns, and the perfect amount of romance. You will be filled with wonder, questions, and some slight anxiety over the many characters you get to know. First time author Hannah Stewart shows her written ability to draw you in and make you wonder what comes next. Overall a fantastic read!
April 28, 2026
It's a THICK book with rich worldbuilding, dangerous god-touched magic, and a slow-burn romance full of tension, delivering an emotional, unforgettable story. Deception's Rose is beautifully written with unique prose and a story that pulled me in from the very start.
It's a must-read for those who love gothic fantasy with heart and depth.
It's a must-read for those who love gothic fantasy with heart and depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨OH MY GOD!! This book had me from the very first chapter! I could not put this book down. ✨
The Guild consists of god chosen individuals who have specific powers gifted by the gods vs the corrupt kingdom marked by shadows. The Kingdom is trying to annihilate the Elvin race and anyone with powers that rival their own. It is a gothic fantasy about the war of light vs dark without any thought to the grey in between.
Rhoswen Fallen has powers from the God of Deception and is able to shape shift as well as compel in order to deceive. She is a woman of seduction and deception and is the Guild’s crown jewel to destroying the nefarious kingdom from within!
But when she is sent to her next target, Lord Alistair Raven who is marked by the shadows and said to cut down threats without cause, the war between light and dark is muddled. It’s hard for Rhoswen to choose between duty and her heart with a God always speaking in her mind.
This book was exactly what I’ve been looking for! There is a forbidden romance with the perfect amount of yearning, I ate it up!! I’m so happy that slow burn yearning is back!
I loved the main characters and liked that the side characters were pretty well developed. Deceit the God of Deception is a menace and had me chuckling a few times as well as rolling my eyes wishing he’d give my girl some privacy. I appreciate that the world building was intertwined within the story rather than the normal information dump I’m accustomed to. The writing is very easy to digest. There was never a lull in the story, every sentence has a purpose and I was kept on the edge of my seat wanting more! I can’t wait to see the next installments in this series and the expansion of Andrael as we hopefully get to see more of the Elven lands!
Thank you so much Hannah Stewart for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I hope Deception’s Rose blows up and gets the recognition it deserves!!
April 30, 2026
This was such a wonderful story. The world building was phenomenal. The description and characters were perfectly done. This was a great slow burn romance. Magic and tension. I was so pulled in by this one. Before I knew I’m it, I was lost in this story. It was such a great read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved the world and the characters. All the attention to detail captured the beauty of the world!
maybe
May 14, 2026Trilogy
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