A review by breaking_the_epigraph
A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I took a gamble on K.F. Greene's book, and while it wasn't perfect, it was a wild ride I didn't regret. The story follows Finley, who risks everything to gather herbs in a forbidden forest to save her village. Things go sideways when she gets caught by Nyfain, the brooding Beast of the woods, and is whisked away to his castle. The tension between them is palpable, with a mix of longing and secrets that kept me turning pages.

However, the setting left me confused—is it dystopian, medieval, or something else entirely? A bit more world-building would have helped. The spice between Finley and Nyfain was well-placed but felt rushed at times. The stakes were high, but some plot points needed more depth to truly hit home. Overall, it’s a solid start to the series with enough intrigue and romance to keep me reading the next one. If you like a grumpy hero, forbidden love, and a touch of danger, this one’s worth a shot.