My book review of A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden. A Reign of Rose is a captivating addition to her richly woven fantasy series. This book continues to enthrall readers with its blend of court intrigue, magic, and dynamic character growth, set against the backdrop of a world as beautiful as it is treacherous.
Title: A Reign of Rose
By: Kate Golden
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 496
Release Date: October 8th, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:
From Kate Golden, author of viral phenomenon A Dawn of Onyx, comes the seductive, action-packed conclusion to her sweeping Sacred Stones trilogy.
They must save the world—but can they also save each other?
Kane Ravenwood, King of Onyx Kingdom, would go to the ends of the continent for Arwen Valondale, but what if she’s beyond even that? Broken in ways he never imagined he could be, Kane must find a way to fulfill the prophecy and kill his father, Fae King Lazarus. And after what he’s endured, he’s willing to save Evendell by whatever means necessary—even if that spells his own death.
Little does Kane know, he’s not the only one fighting for revenge. Arwen is no longer afraid to fight—no sacrifice is too great, no enemy too daunting. Now, nothing will stop her from destroying Lazarus and his allies, because she knows if she fails, both realms will be doomed forever.
Review:
The story follows Rose, who has grown significantly since the last installment. Once a sheltered figure, Rose now embraces her role in the unfolding political drama. Her character evolution is one of the novel's strongest points, and Golden expertly depicts the internal struggles that come with newfound power. The relationships Rose navigates are complex, particularly her connection with certain key figures that are both allies and potential adversaries.
The world-building in A Reign of Rose is top-notch. Golden continues to immerse readers in a universe that feels alive with its political rivalries, hidden magical dangers, and lush landscapes. You can almost smell the roses or feel the chill of betrayal in the air as you turn each page.
However, the pacing in certain sections felt uneven. The first half of the book moved slower than expected, focusing more on character introspection than action. While this added depth, it sometimes made the plot feel stagnant. But once the second half picks up, the tension escalates, pulling you into an exhilarating ride full of twists, surprises, and the classic fantasy battles fans of the genre love.
Golden’s prose is beautiful, though at times overly descriptive. Some moments could have been trimmed for brevity to keep the story flowing faster. Despite this, her ability to craft sentences that are both poetic and precise remains a strength.
Overall, A Reign of Rose is a rewarding read, especially for those invested in Rose’s journey. The plot developments leave readers eager for the next book, and Golden proves once again she’s a force in the fantasy genre. While it may not be a perfect book, it’s one that will leave fans both satisfied and longing for more.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
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