Friday 27 November 2020

A Curse of Roses by Diana Pinguicha


With just one touch, bread turns into roses. With just one bite, cheese turns into lilies.

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…

I thought this sounded interesting. The idea of it is great, and I learned in the author's notes that it's based on actual historical people. However, the author seemed to expect us to know about them already; I got the sense as I was reading that there was backstory I wasn't being given because I should have already known it. Even something as simple as the fact that Moura is the same as Moor - which I'm still not sure of!

The writing itself is great, and I loved the characters; Yzabel is brilliant, and I quite liked Denis even though I was never sure if I was supposed to. Those parts were great. I just wish I'd understood the backstory more clearly.

Good, but not great.


A Curse of Roses publishes on the 1st December, 2020.

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