Silla Soldarien never developed magic, a disgrace for an heir to the kingdom of Ariat. To compensate, she strives to prove to her father she is worthy of the throne by pushing the limits of her body and mind. However, the murder of a friend is where she draws the line. Defying her father's orders to leave the investigation alone, Silla dives headfirst into it, putting her future as Queen in jeopardy.
The more she uncovers, the more Silla believes the murder occurred to tell her something. Something about why she doesn't have magic. Something about the throne and where she actually belongs. Now, a horrifying shadow creature hunts her. It is coming from the depths of the darkness to claim her. It's just a matter of time before she either defeats it, joins it, or is consumed by it.
Perfect for fans of CG Drews and T Kingfisher, as well as readers of stories with gothic and botanical horror elements.
Arleta is an author of fantasy and paranormal stories with a hint of dark naturalism themes. More than just a writer, Arleta has her master's degree in ecopsychology from Naropa University, and has plans to someday create a nature retreat. When she isn't writing, she is working in a barn or greenhouse, wandering a bookstore with a latte, or exploring the forests. Local to beautiful New England, there is no shortage of pristine wilderness to be inspired by.
You can follow her on Instagram: @authorarletarae or on Facebook: Arleta Rae
ARC review, possible plot points mentioned below (SPOILERS ARE POSSIBLE BELOW, you have been warned)
Every time Arleta releases a new book I get so excited!
First off, as someone who's been really into collecting poisonous berries and foraging edible fauna, I was so excited to see poisonous plants being woven into the story. I also appreciate the author's note at the end where she talked about the recurring ones in the story to give more background and inspiration used in creating them.
Secondly I am in love with Declan, he's such an interesting character. I felt bad for him in the beginning when Silla was getting frustrated with his lack of manners towards royalty but it also made him more charming in a way? At first it made him seem naive while maybe a little suspicious being under the king's physician but later it feels more rebellious or to be on equal footing if that makes sense. He doesn't bow down to her but he also treats her more human than most of her people and relatives do.
Briefly, I also love Elwood and his lack of ability to get Silla out of trouble.
Sander after the battle made me so sad for so many different reasons and I hope he will come around again. He seems like such a caring soul, not just towards Silla but also visiting Silla's mother's memorial site. There's no reason he should visit it as he wasn't born to have met her and yet he visited more than anyone else had. He also doesn't see Silla differently and while yes it hurts that he was so scared to end up powerless too, I don't hold it against him. He's a child in a world where you're shamed without powers or with certain powers, he grew up watching Silla suffering and it makes sense he would be scared to end up with the same fate. However, I cannot believe the plot twist, Sanders seems to have gotten a bit carried away in the relief of having powers and the awe of the crowds worshiping him on the battle grounds. I can only hope he'll find his way back to his sister in time.
With Silla, I am so excited to see another chronic migraine haver! I wish I had a potion to make it go away that quickly even if it meant micro dosing poison. I am excited to see Silla hang out with the Shazili (I'm assuming as though they were not all disintegrated in the blast) more as she seems more comfortable with them than she did amongst royalty. I'm very curious to see more about Silla's mother, if she was Shazili, if the king knew about both of them (I'm assuming he did as he didn't visit her memorial and allowed Silla to drink the poisonous tonics). I am also curious to see where her relationship goes with Astrid and with Declan, if the three of them officially become a thing or if they all split apart.
Overall I'm so excited to see where this story brings us next!
Thank you Arleta for letting me read your book early, I am very thankful!
ROSE was a really good read. I like the world building and history in the story. The FMC, Silla, is a great character. She wants to bring justice to injustice. I think over the course of the book she has really good character development. I also love the queer representation. It does leave you on a cliff hanger wanting more. But the plot twist are great! If you like reading fantasy, side plot of romance (queer), magic, female rage, and hidden truths, then ROSE is your next read 🥀
Thank you for allowing me an ARC for this! This story grabbed me from the beginning. Silla is the princess and next in line for the throne, even though she has no magic. She feels like something is attacking her and no one can see what is going on. She has so many trials and tribulations and has to lean on people she never would’ve considered…to keep everyone safe! This was a great story!
I am such a sucker for books that include a bit of botanical horror. I always find it a really interesting what people can do with plants, and how lethal they can be. I also really liked that the author wrote a note at the end of the book to tell us where they got the inspiration of using plants in their book. I think my favorite character in the book was Sander. There were moments where my heart hurt for them, and I loved how empathetic and compassionate he was to those around him. When authors write characters like this into their story I find that it adds more depth to the characters in the story.
The world building was really good as well. I liked the history that was included in the store. Silla was an amazing character. The plot twist was AHHHHH!!! I love me a good plot twist and the author definitely delivered. All in all it was a good story, and I definitely recommend people to read it!
This was such a great story. Silla is next in line for the throne even though she has no magic. I loved the way she had such a caring heart. She felt so strongly about finding justice when injustice occurred so often. I absolutely loved the person she was in this story. And the world building was so beautifully done. The description made it so easy for me to feel like I was right there in the midst of things. Just wonderful. I can’t wait to read what comes next as this is the fist time I’ve read this author.
I really enjoyed ROSE. The world building was next level, as always from Arleta Rae. The magic system was unique and interesting. Silla seemed trapped in the narrative put on by her father. Revelations throughout the story allow you to see differing perspectives which builds into an ending that is a bit of a cliffhanger.