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pause_theframe's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written. This story combines love, lust, heartbreak and sorrow.
From the beginning, we were introduced to a pair who seemed inseparable and unbreakable. However, as we got to know the two of them, we come to find that every little crack has the potential to be the one that tears the beauty apart. This is especially true when the crack is caused by someone you love, trust and are ultimately meant to protect.
I liked that the characters had loads of depth and personality. It made it easy to slip into the story and really get to know them. It also made the actions of each of them believable. When the loved became the lost, I was anger with how she handled the situation. I understood her grief but thought it was beyond too far. However, she redeemed herself slightly by taking the place of her daughter.
I did feel as though the ill that became her daughter was karma, getting both of them back, for the pain they caused each other. It was heart wrenching to read as it happened, but heartwarming to see how far she would go to do her daughter right, in the end.
The world was created very well. It was unique, exciting and really fun to become a part of. The level of detail made it exceptionally easy to reall feel a part of the story, and it also made it very hard to put the book down. The pace was done very well. There was a good blend of slightly faster moments and moments that felt like they would never end, which perfectly suited to sorrowful times.
Overall, I think this was a brilliant read. It is the first book I've read by this author, but I am certain I will be reading more.
** I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
From the beginning, we were introduced to a pair who seemed inseparable and unbreakable. However, as we got to know the two of them, we come to find that every little crack has the potential to be the one that tears the beauty apart. This is especially true when the crack is caused by someone you love, trust and are ultimately meant to protect.
I liked that the characters had loads of depth and personality. It made it easy to slip into the story and really get to know them. It also made the actions of each of them believable. When the loved became the lost, I was anger with how she handled the situation. I understood her grief but thought it was beyond too far. However, she redeemed herself slightly by taking the place of her daughter.
I did feel as though the ill that became her daughter was karma, getting both of them back, for the pain they caused each other. It was heart wrenching to read as it happened, but heartwarming to see how far she would go to do her daughter right, in the end.
The world was created very well. It was unique, exciting and really fun to become a part of. The level of detail made it exceptionally easy to reall feel a part of the story, and it also made it very hard to put the book down. The pace was done very well. There was a good blend of slightly faster moments and moments that felt like they would never end, which perfectly suited to sorrowful times.
Overall, I think this was a brilliant read. It is the first book I've read by this author, but I am certain I will be reading more.
** I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
mellhay's review against another edition
Oh my. I've fallen for Mara and Edward and their love for each other and the way they are alone. I'm glad I've read the second book and I CAN'T WAIT for the third to learn more about Sandra and the roses. And to see what Mara and Edward will do next to save her.
Oh more heartache is to come, I know it, but I can't wait!
Oh more heartache is to come, I know it, but I can't wait!
uhleeshuh188's review against another edition
5.0
What to say about this book? Honestly it grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept me hooked. K.L Bone knows how to make your heart melt with the love and tear it apart with the heartbreak. Can’t wait to read book two and be immersed into the world of the Black Rose some more.
mystikai's review against another edition
5.0
I have listened to a few audiobooks written by K.L. Bone and I have to say Black Rose is the best so far, it was so unique, dark with twists that you would not expect. The book flowed at an even pace taking glimpses of what happened 600 years ago and then back to the present day.
It was phenomenal that captured me early on and left me wanting more.
It was phenomenal that captured me early on and left me wanting more.
missyansell's review against another edition
4.0
May the Black Rose protect you in life and avenge you in death.
3.5 stars
A love story between Edward and Mara. While I really liked the writing and the storyline, I also really hated Edward and didn't think he deserves Mara at all after what he's done. And while I felt bad for Mara, after a while it seemed kind of annoying that Mara still loves him after all he's done to her. He makes her wait for him for 25 years, then when he gets back he goes after Mara's cousin Liza which doesn't end well. Mara is heartbroken, but still does everything for him. She leads his guards, takes torture for him, and even avenges Liza, all the while Edward sits and does NOTHING. Like I really want Mara to be this badass knight, but all it seems like she does is cry over Edward. I'm still going to read the next few books in her series because I like her writing, I just hope there is more action and less about a love story.
I think K.L. Bone has great potential as an author. Her writing kept me interested and engaged. I am not one for sappy love stories, so maybe thats why I didn't like it as much.
3.5 stars
A love story between Edward and Mara. While I really liked the writing and the storyline, I also really hated Edward and didn't think he deserves Mara at all after what he's done. And while I felt bad for Mara, after a while it seemed kind of annoying that Mara still loves him after all he's done to her. He makes her wait for him for 25 years, then when he gets back he goes after Mara's cousin Liza which doesn't end well. Mara is heartbroken, but still does everything for him. She leads his guards, takes torture for him, and even avenges Liza, all the while Edward sits and does NOTHING. Like I really want Mara to be this badass knight, but all it seems like she does is cry over Edward. I'm still going to read the next few books in her series because I like her writing, I just hope there is more action and less about a love story.
I think K.L. Bone has great potential as an author. Her writing kept me interested and engaged. I am not one for sappy love stories, so maybe thats why I didn't like it as much.
reading_addict_lemon's review against another edition
1.0
Do you know that moment when you request a book because it sounds good and has amazing ratings and you're happy to read it... and after few chapter you want to cry, because it is so bad? I don't have expectations at all for some book and I haven't had for this one, but it killed me. It reads more as a draft or a sketch. Dialogue, dialogue, very boring. No descriptions, no emotions, more telling then showing. Flat characters, flat story.
DNF at page 25/176
Do not pick this up, because honestly, and without trying to be a b.tch, I've read fanction better than this one. And I'm not saying that fanfiction sucks, on the contrary, some is more structured and complex than this thing. Run for your life!
DNF at page 25/176
Do not pick this up, because honestly, and without trying to be a b.tch, I've read fanction better than this one. And I'm not saying that fanfiction sucks, on the contrary, some is more structured and complex than this thing. Run for your life!
fredbooklover's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I don’t think that I will be able to find another word to describe what I am feeling about that wonderful story. I am not use to read Dark Fantasy story and I am not a fan of graphic violence neither (even in writing). Having read Heir to Kale and Heir to Koloso, I knew that K.L. Bone is a truly gifted author, I decided to go ahead and read Black Rose, and I did not regret it at all. I have been given this book in exchange of an honest review.
Have you ever felt real love, the one that deeply hurt and a joy that is so vibrant that you think that your soul and the one of your other half are belonging together, no matter what? This is what Mara and Edward are living, well more on the hurt side than Joy.. still, it is love. Feelings of Mara and Edmund are so raw that it is touching us deeply within our soul. There is a violence to that love that is sweet at the same time. This is a story of honor, love and honesty.
Mara is a complex character that I adore! Her wounds are so deep.. her emotions so raw, it is impossible not to feel love for her. A strong lady that gave out everything out for love. Feelings and sense of duty are what are driving Mara. It is a dangerous mix when you add revenge to the ingredients! Even though she committed the worst atrocities, I can’t bring myself to hate her. In fact, I care deeply for her. I understand the deeper motivation of her actions, she is doing everything with a sense of purpose and pride. That started an inner discussion in myself about Loyalty and honor VS what is the right thing to do…
Edward is the other principal character in this story. He is as tormented as Mara, though fire is less present. He appears human in all of his vulnerability. When comparing both of them, Edward seems to be the weaker between them two. Mara is the strong willed one and Edward the feeling driven character. I don’t know if it was the author will or if it is because Mara is so strongly built, but whatever the answer is, it is enjoyable. Even though Mara crumble and Edward is there to support her, there is this sense of ultimate devotion that is more present on Edward side.
This story is a travel between now their past as immortal beings, I really love this back and forth motion that is providing those wonderful insights and a deeper connexion to the character. The story is set in the present time with Fantasy elements, at first it was a little unsettling. I had the distinct impression that it would be in a brand new fantasy world. Following the initial surprise I really jump into it. As usual I love the writing of K.L. Bone and her imagination is out of this world!!!:) She really is a talented storyteller.
I can’t wait to unravel the mystery surrounding Lady Sandra, to have more details on the story between Mattew and Mara!! In fact, I already bought the second book!!
Have you ever felt real love, the one that deeply hurt and a joy that is so vibrant that you think that your soul and the one of your other half are belonging together, no matter what? This is what Mara and Edward are living, well more on the hurt side than Joy.. still, it is love. Feelings of Mara and Edmund are so raw that it is touching us deeply within our soul. There is a violence to that love that is sweet at the same time. This is a story of honor, love and honesty.
Mara is a complex character that I adore! Her wounds are so deep.. her emotions so raw, it is impossible not to feel love for her. A strong lady that gave out everything out for love. Feelings and sense of duty are what are driving Mara. It is a dangerous mix when you add revenge to the ingredients! Even though she committed the worst atrocities, I can’t bring myself to hate her. In fact, I care deeply for her. I understand the deeper motivation of her actions, she is doing everything with a sense of purpose and pride. That started an inner discussion in myself about Loyalty and honor VS what is the right thing to do…
Edward is the other principal character in this story. He is as tormented as Mara, though fire is less present. He appears human in all of his vulnerability. When comparing both of them, Edward seems to be the weaker between them two. Mara is the strong willed one and Edward the feeling driven character. I don’t know if it was the author will or if it is because Mara is so strongly built, but whatever the answer is, it is enjoyable. Even though Mara crumble and Edward is there to support her, there is this sense of ultimate devotion that is more present on Edward side.
This story is a travel between now their past as immortal beings, I really love this back and forth motion that is providing those wonderful insights and a deeper connexion to the character. The story is set in the present time with Fantasy elements, at first it was a little unsettling. I had the distinct impression that it would be in a brand new fantasy world. Following the initial surprise I really jump into it. As usual I love the writing of K.L. Bone and her imagination is out of this world!!!:) She really is a talented storyteller.
I can’t wait to unravel the mystery surrounding Lady Sandra, to have more details on the story between Mattew and Mara!! In fact, I already bought the second book!!
honeysbookobsession's review against another edition
3.0
Review Black Rose by K.L. Bone
Black Rose is a mixed world story that has setting in the modern age and medieval times.
There is little information given about this world in the early chapters that makes understanding this world confusing. This takes away from the story for me. I kept thinking what type of world is this why is there a mix of old and new.
Mara is a strong heroine whose love is on stand still because of her feeling for Edward. However, Edward is in love with another and this leaves Mara forever long. The story itself is pretty good. However, the confusion with the setting takes a lot away from the story for me. Also, I want Mara to be strong and decide she was worth more.
Overall, I like the plot but it kind of ends there.
I give this story 3 stars.
***I was given this book for an honest review. This plays no part in how I felt about this story.***
Black Rose is a mixed world story that has setting in the modern age and medieval times.
There is little information given about this world in the early chapters that makes understanding this world confusing. This takes away from the story for me. I kept thinking what type of world is this why is there a mix of old and new.
Mara is a strong heroine whose love is on stand still because of her feeling for Edward. However, Edward is in love with another and this leaves Mara forever long. The story itself is pretty good. However, the confusion with the setting takes a lot away from the story for me. Also, I want Mara to be strong and decide she was worth more.
Overall, I like the plot but it kind of ends there.
I give this story 3 stars.
***I was given this book for an honest review. This plays no part in how I felt about this story.***
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