Title: Ensnared by Enchantment: A Review of A Ruin of Roses
As I flipped through the pages of A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had stumbled across something truly special—a dark, enchanting retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast that breathed fresh life into a beloved tale. The juxtaposition of fairytale charm with spicy, laugh-out-loud moments captured my heart from the first chapter. Honestly, who could resist the allure of a dragon prince and a fiercely independent heroine plunged into a tangle of curses and schemes? It drew me in like a moth to a flame, and I was so glad I took the plunge!
In this first installment of the Deliciously Dark Fairytales series, we meet Finley, a strong-witted heroine navigationally navigating the treacherous waters of her cursed kingdom. The world-building is rich with intrigue, as she finds herself caught in a pact between her people and a demon king bent on their destruction. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Finley’s determination and snarky humor shine through, reminding us of the resilience forged in adversity. Nyfain, the dragon prince—equally enticing and infuriating—serves as her captor and potential savior, and their tumultuous chemistry is electric.
Breene’s writing style straddles the line between whimsical and fierce, capturing moments of vulnerability, tension, and unabashed humor. It’s a testament to her skill that I found myself chuckling at Finley’s sarcastic quips while simultaneously gripping the edge of my seat during more suspenseful scenes. “Hold on to your d*cks, folks, this is about to get hairy,” Finley declares during a precarious moment, a line that not only made me laugh but grounded her character’s complexity. This blend of levity within a dark storyline felt perfectly orchestrated, enhancing the tension between Finley and Nyfain beautifully.
Yet, it isn’t just the protagonists who shine; the supporting cast is vibrantly rendered, each character an intricate puzzle piece that contributes to the overarching narrative. Hadriel, the loyal yet hilarious butler, had me in stitches with his antics, adding much-needed comic relief in the darker moments. The camaraderie they share provides a high point, blending humor with an emotional depth that elevates the tale beyond mere fantasy.
The pacing, while at times a slow burn, ultimately serves the story well. Breene allows her characters’ motivations and desires to unfold organically, creating a rhythm that feels both natural and intentional. The cliffhanger left me breathless, anxiously awaiting the next installment—an indication of how well she has crafted this world.
For readers who thrive on Beauty and the Beast retellings tinged with humor, sizzling romance, and a splash of danger, this book is a must-read. If you enjoy strong heroines with a penchant for sass, dragon shifters, and an enchanting adventure, dive headfirst into A Ruin of Roses. You might just find that this deliciously dark fairytale will linger in your heart long after you turn the last page, transforming how you see an old beloved tale into something refreshingly new.
Happy reading, friends! 🖤✨
You can find A Ruin of Roses (Deliciously Dark Fairytales Book 1) here >>