Bunny's Reviews: Of Legends and Roses Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for Of Legends and Roses by Ashley W. Slaughter. Read on for my review, details, and the chance to win a fabulous giveaway! Oh and stay tuned for the release of the second installment in the series Of Deceit and Snow which comes out this November!

Of Legends and Roses is the first book in Ashley W. Slaughter’s The Crowned Chronicles series. Prepare to meet young queen Rosemary Avelia. Orphaned by disease, she became queen as the eldest of her four sisters. The pressure is on for her to take a husband after reigning for a year, but all she wants is to choose the right person. Such a choice has been severely lacking in the individuals to whom she has been introduced to. After the latest scathing failure of a “suitor” departs, Rosemary feels she desperately needs some space. Believing a ride will be just the thing, that is what she embarks on. Little does she know that a plot against her life is in play. In the nick of a time, a new suitor appears and saves her life! The new suitor is none other than the young Prince Gryffin from Tarasyn, a neighboring kingdom that few know much about. He seems perfect, but there are some who distrust him. Rosemary has a tough road ahead of her as she tries to reign as a good queen, and loving sister, and make the best decisions for herself and her kingdom.

Of Legends and Roses is the first book that I have read by Ashley W. Slaughter, and I’m excited to say that it won’t be my last. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book in this series, Of Deceit and Snow, which is coming later this year. I will be eagerly anticipating its release on pins and needles. I just have to know what happens next with Rosemary!!

I’m not going to mince words, there are several moments in this book where I felt that Rosemary was a foolish little girl concerning some of her actions. I wanted her to be sensible concerning certain situations. She follows the familiar trope of most royalty who dream of having more freedom than they do. I understand her desire to an extent, but I felt that she was being selfish in her desires. I say this because her choices and decisions put others at risk. Then there are other moments where I was silently cheering her on in my head. LOL! One particular scene comes to mind with a particular individual her advisors are trying to “sell her” on as a potential husband. Sorry not sorry, but the minute you elude to any type of familial connection...I’m out the door. Bye! LOL!

There is quite a bit of romance going on in this book. I ate it up. I loved every second of it. Desired love, but doomed to never be. Sweet young romance. There are just hearts fluttering everywhere. Prince Gryffin sounds like he’s quite a catch, but there are moments where he puts me on guard in the story. I will admit that Zeke irritates me more often than not. He wants to warn Rosemary of something dangerous, but can’t/won’t tell her what exactly? Then he’s constantly jealous and sniping at her behind her decisions. I’m sorry, but I just looked at him quite often as a petulant child. Someone who wants something, knows they can’t have it, so the best option for them? Storm off in high dudgeon and sulk for a while. Yeah, I’m a bit team, Hazel. LOL! I’d be quick to have some scathing remark for him more often than not.

This book is packed with drama from beginning to end. I was literally whipping through the pages to find out what happens next. Trust me, you will be, too. The danger is literally around every corner at a certain point in this book. You just won’t know what is about to happen next. I’m pretty sure my eyes bugged all the way out of my head at a few certain points in this book. So brace yourself for some serious twists that you just will not see coming. If you’re waiting for the fantasy/magic element of this book – while it is a bit in the coming just wait. I promise. The wait is worth it! I literally started flapping my hands in the air, jumped to the edge of my seat, and started saying “OMG! OMG! OMG!” You get a little bit of a puzzle with this book, but it’s worth it when you piece the pieces together.

If you are a lover of fantasy novels and YA books then this book is a must-read. You will not be disappointed! You’ll be eagerly anticipating the next book by the time you get to the final page. Let me just say this...I ain’t too proud to beg for the next book...like now. Please!!! LOL! I’m begging the author. I have to know more! Okay, I’ll sit and wait...for now.

I devour books left and right, but I DEVOURED this book. The characters are well done and I loved every minute of this book. Rosemary does get on my nerves a few times, but I am rooting for this girl no matter what. I’m choosing to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Of Deceit and Snow cannot come soon enough! I highly recommend this book for lovers of YA fantasy. This book is a serious page-turner and you’ll be coming back for more. This author has garnered herself a new fan. Looking forward to more of her writings in the future.

Of Legends and Roses (The Crowned Chronicles #1)

Publication Date: August 31, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

A realm touched and forgotten by magic.
A young queen orphaned by disease.
A prince after her heart.

Queen Rosemary Avelia knows little about ruling a kingdom, and even less so about the ancient legends of her land. Since no one has been born Talented in centuries, she simply scoffs at the idea of magic. However, when the charming Prince Gryffin Danicio arrives just as her kingdom is under a deadly threat, he shows her that not all kingdoms of the Magian Peninsula have so quickly dismissed the legends of the Talented. Perhaps the Talented should not so easily be forgotten.

Of Legends and Roses is the first book in The Crowned Chronicles, a series following passionate and determined Queen Rosemary as she faces reign, love, the threat of war, and the mystifying world of the Talented.

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Teaser

I heard Zeke’s voice again. Point your blade downward.

With every emotion swirling through my head, I almost laughed; even in his absence, Zeke was trying to tell me what to do.

But I listened to him as I pushed up from the cobblestoned street and let the tip of my sword hang downward toward the ground. Don’t relax. I tried to feign fatigue, which really wasn’t too much of a challenge, but I kept my arms taut. Ready.

A wicked smile spread across my opponent’s face, and he strode forward, his weapon glinting in the sun, ready to strike.

Then, just before I was within his sword’s reach, I shot the tip of my blade upward, and I thrust my sword forward with every fiber of strength contained within me.

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About the Author

Ashley W. Slaughter was born and raised in south Louisiana, among sugarcane fields lining the banks of the Mississippi River. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2018 and worked as a wildlife biologist before pursuing her career as an author. Writing has always been a passion of hers, as shown through her near-to-bursting manila folder of short stories she’d written throughout grade school, and the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed her to rediscover this passion. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, spending time with her husband and pets, and, of course, reading.

Ashley Slaughter

Giveaway

Who wants to win this amazing book box containing a “Happy Reading” reusable tote, a Magian Peninsula “MP” plastic tumbler, and an Of Legends and Roses button pin, along with a signed paperback?

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