There’s a famine plaguing the land, and Princess Yzabel is wasting food simply by trying to eat. Before she can even swallow, her magic—her curse—has turned her meal into a bouquet. She’s on the verge of starving, which only reminds her that the people of Portugal have been enduring the same pain.
If only it were possible to reverse her magic. Then she could turn flowers…into food.
Fatyan, a beautiful Enchanted Moura, is the only one who can help. But she is trapped by magical binds. She can teach Yzabel how to control her curse—if Yzabel sets her free with a kiss.
As the King of Portugal’s betrothed, Yzabel would be committing treason, but what good is a king if his country has starved to death?
With just one kiss, Fatyan is set free. And with just one kiss, Yzabel is yearning for more.
She’d sought out Fatyan to help her save the people. Now, loving her could mean Yzabel’s destruction.
Based on Portuguese legend, this #OwnVoices historical fantasy is an epic tale of mystery, magic, and making the impossible choice between love and duty…
Goodreads | Amazon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review: If you are looking for something different then check this one out! This #OwnVoices, LGBT, Fantasy Retelling of a Portuguese tale is one that I will not forget anytime soon. I loved the slower pace of this one and how everything started. I do think that in parts it was a little confusing and that the pacing in sections could have been better. But overall the pacing worked well for this debut. This one is also on the more religious side but overall it didn't take away from the story.
If you are looking for something new in the would of young adult stories check this one out!!
Editorial Reviews
Review
"...a delicate queer romance between strong heroines propels the plot forward." --Publishers Weekly
"This immersive, richly imagined queer love story set in medieval Portugal is guaranteed to enchant. A skillful weaving of history and mythology, Pinguicha will leave you rooting for her two headstrong heroines, brought together by fate but separated by duty and the prejudices of their world." - Ellen Goodlett, author of the Rule series
"Brimming with heart, A Curse of Roses is magical, romantic, and impossible to put down. Yzabel and Fatyan's love story will enchant you from the first page to the last. I loved it!" - Meredith Tate, author of The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly
"Pinguicha writes with such texture, creating an exquisitely detailed and vibrant world, full of color and energy. Yzabel and Fatyan are real and complicated characters, both vulnerable and strong in their own ways, reaching across time and space to find one another and to fight for a love that seems as impossible as it is inevitable." - Emma Berquist, author of Devils Unto Dust and Missing, Presumed Dead
"A rich and captivating retelling of the legend of a Medieval saint, Pinguicha's debut gripped me from its first page. An utter delight to read -- meticulously researched, refreshingly queer and sharp as thorns!" -- Julia Ember, author of Ruinsong and The Seafarer's Kiss.
"Suspense, romance, compelling characters, and a unique setting make A Curse of Roses a strong addition to the growing body of folktale retellings for teen and crossover readers." - Lyn Miller-Lachmann, The Pirate Tree
"This immersive, richly imagined queer love story set in medieval Portugal is guaranteed to enchant. A skillful weaving of history and mythology, Pinguicha will leave you rooting for her two headstrong heroines, brought together by fate but separated by duty and the prejudices of their world." - Ellen Goodlett, author of the Rule series
"Brimming with heart, A Curse of Roses is magical, romantic, and impossible to put down. Yzabel and Fatyan's love story will enchant you from the first page to the last. I loved it!" - Meredith Tate, author of The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly
"Pinguicha writes with such texture, creating an exquisitely detailed and vibrant world, full of color and energy. Yzabel and Fatyan are real and complicated characters, both vulnerable and strong in their own ways, reaching across time and space to find one another and to fight for a love that seems as impossible as it is inevitable." - Emma Berquist, author of Devils Unto Dust and Missing, Presumed Dead
"A rich and captivating retelling of the legend of a Medieval saint, Pinguicha's debut gripped me from its first page. An utter delight to read -- meticulously researched, refreshingly queer and sharp as thorns!" -- Julia Ember, author of Ruinsong and The Seafarer's Kiss.
"Suspense, romance, compelling characters, and a unique setting make A Curse of Roses a strong addition to the growing body of folktale retellings for teen and crossover readers." - Lyn Miller-Lachmann, The Pirate Tree
"A Curse of Roses belongs in every public high school media center, and in the hands of every parent who questions how to help their child accept the love and gifts that are out there waiting for them. Beyond that, it is a tale rife with magic and intrigue, and even one almost spicy love scene, for those more interested in reading just for fun." -Lit Buzz
"Full to the brim with gorgeous prose, A Curse of Roses is a mesmerizing take on a tale interwoven into Portuguese culture. The writing is BEAUTIFUL, so so stunning. The way that magic is described is both very visual and incredibly poetic. Brilliant. And entirely significant." -The Paperback Collector
"The characters were remarkably developed. I also really enjoyed Pinguicha's writing, which is beautiful and pleasing to read." -Valentina C., NetGalley
"A tightly woven sapphic story of a young princess trying her best to help her people, while finding love for the first time." -A Cup of Cyanide
"A beautiful tale of century long curses and people using any means available to them to ensure they experience some happiness in life. It's a wonderful story of a lesbian learning to accept herself, enriched by magic and roses." -Reading Peaches
"What an unexpected GEM! It took me a few pages to understand what an incredible story this would turn out to be, and I'm so glad because I LOVED IT. The narrative is so well written, the description of places, people.. FOOD was page turning, and you bet I kept reading! I finished this book in less than two days!" -Ellie's Infinite Books
"A really unexpected mind blowing read! I don't know what I was expecting from this story but I was swept away by this enchanting story." -Olivia E., NetGalley
"What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You'll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!" -Brittany Z., NetGalley
"Full to the brim with gorgeous prose, A Curse of Roses is a mesmerizing take on a tale interwoven into Portuguese culture. The writing is BEAUTIFUL, so so stunning. The way that magic is described is both very visual and incredibly poetic. Brilliant. And entirely significant." -The Paperback Collector
"The characters were remarkably developed. I also really enjoyed Pinguicha's writing, which is beautiful and pleasing to read." -Valentina C., NetGalley
"A tightly woven sapphic story of a young princess trying her best to help her people, while finding love for the first time." -A Cup of Cyanide
"A beautiful tale of century long curses and people using any means available to them to ensure they experience some happiness in life. It's a wonderful story of a lesbian learning to accept herself, enriched by magic and roses." -Reading Peaches
"What an unexpected GEM! It took me a few pages to understand what an incredible story this would turn out to be, and I'm so glad because I LOVED IT. The narrative is so well written, the description of places, people.. FOOD was page turning, and you bet I kept reading! I finished this book in less than two days!" -Ellie's Infinite Books
"A really unexpected mind blowing read! I don't know what I was expecting from this story but I was swept away by this enchanting story." -Olivia E., NetGalley
"What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You'll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!" -Brittany Z., NetGalley
About the Author
Born and raised in the sunny lands of Portugal, Diana is a computer engineer graduate who currently lives in Lisbon. She can usually be found writing, painting, devouring extraordinary quantities of books and video games, or walking around with her bearded dragon, Norberta. She also has two cats, Sushi and Jubas, who would never forgive her if she didn’t mention them.
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FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review. If am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored.
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