The Immortal Rose

By Alexandra Bracken

Release Date 08/18/2026

5 Stars

What's It About?

This book transports the reader to a Victorian, Dickens-style world with deep class divides, seedy streets, and dangerous back alleys, where half-fae Viola’s magic allows her to create potions in the form of perfume that she sells on the black market. Of course, she gets busted, as only the upper class is allowed to own and procure these sought after fragrances. So the hot and mysterious Foxcourt rescues Viola from prison — for a price.

What Works and What Doesn't:

Although the rich, well-developed fantasy world is its own, it certainly seems as if it could take place in Dickens’ Victorian era. The main characters navigate class systems — complete with their own cockney-style language. The writing is atmospheric, yet I was invested in both the characters and the plot.

This has a pretty low spice rating, with some spice but a good amount of romantic tension. The pacing is steady, even when the plot occasionally lags in its development. The book is near perfect, even with its flaws.

Who Will Enjoy This One:

If you love atmospheric fantasy with a historical edge, morally gray alliances, enemies-to-lovers, found family, and a heroine worth following into the darkness, Immortal Rose totally delivers. I’ll be anxiously waiting to devour the second book.

Why I Liked It:

I gave The Immortal Rose a solid 5 stars. 5 stars each for content, writing style, characters, and readability — and 4.5 stars for plot development. This book should be on every fantasy lover’s TBR list. This is a refreshing and fun read.

Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager Publishing, for providing this ARC for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.