Forgery of Roses may be only a second book by the author, but the imagination and characters don’t feel like it! The fantasy murder mystery by Jessica S. Olsan has the gothic aesthetic that is ideal for many in their dark novel.
Premise
The story starts with Myra, the female lead, caring for a little sister while working as a portrait artist as an assistant. She has a magical ability to change people’s bodies with her art. One day, She is encouraged by the mayor’s wife to make an unusual, mysterious request that may change her life!
Pros
Blurb
The premise is one of the unique ones where the lead can change people’s bodies with her paintings. There is a lot of stuff about art and painting. Its related terms are the use of canvas, colors, and more that one can appreciate and enjoy reading about, especially if they are interested in art.
Reveal
A lot of action is going on, specifically in the book’s second half. The reveals or twists the author has written in between the situations are quite nice. They do not stick out. They help set layers to the novel.
Writing
This is the author’s sophomore novel. The writing doesn’t feel immature. It feels subtle but sometimes vintage, like we are in Victorian times. The first half is slower, but it helps set the tone and pace for the book afterward. The story keeps on getting mysterious and mysterious.
Cons
Romance
In this fantasy murder mystery, romance is not highlighted in the premise. But, once you start the read, you get how important it is to the story. And I believe the book must’ve benefitted from a more intense romance. This part felt quite flat compared to the other elements, like the character, the premise, and the twists.
What makes me sad is that the start of the romance was so nice! The leads get into a rather humorous meet cute that I don’t expect in gothic novels like these. Then there are some heartwarming scenes as Myra paints and August, the male lead, writes poetry together.
But, as they get into the detective part, I feel they are not right for each other. At least the main lead needed to be a little more confident in front of his family to have that ‘Hero’ quality that readers appreciate.
Conclusion
A good read if you think of the book as a Fantasy Murder Mystery but not a High Fantasy Romance. The writing supports the exciting premise. I have not read the author’s debut novel, but perusing through Forgery Of Roses makes me want to.
