Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor’s dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.
With the description of a unique magical system, a gothic mystery, and such a gorgeous cover, I couldn’t pass up this novel.
An artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies. It’s something I haven’t come across before, and I liked that Myra didn’t completely understand everything about her power. The reader discovers new aspects along with her throughout the story. It’s a dangerous thing to be a Prodigy since many have gone missing, including Myra’s mother and then her father who went in search of her. Since their disappearances, Myra has struggled to provide food and shelter for herself and her younger sister, who suffers from a debilitating disease and desperately needs medical care. Money and jobs are scarce. When Myra is offered a significant amount of money to create a painting, it’s an offer she can’t refuse – especially since since it’s made by the governor’s wife, who also threatens to expose Myra if she can’t resurrect her dead son with the portrait. For Myra’s magic to work, she has to know exactly what happened to the subject of the painting and what they felt – and it soon becomes clear murder is involved. When the governor’s other son, August, offers his assistance, he and Myra undertake a dangerous journey to discover that truly happened.
I loved the gothic atmosphere of this story and the secrets and mystery surrounding August and his family. The descriptions made it easy to immerse myself in this world, and I felt as if I walked the ominous hallways and darkened streets along with Myra and August. The strong bond between Myra and sister Lucy is another strength of this novel, and the fear of losing her creates incredibly high stakes for Myra and pushes her to go beyond her limits.
I admit I smirked at some over-the-top romantic moments between Myra and August (that’s just me), and I grew exasperated with Myra a couple times when she discovered a clue and then backed off or forgot about it. None of that detracted from my enjoyment of this compelling novel, and I finished it in a couple days. It doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, but does leave the door open for a sequel, something I’d snatch up in a second. I’d recommend A Forgery of Roses to readers who enjoy immersive, atmospheric mysteries with strong gothic vibes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica S. Olson claims New Hampshire as her home but has somehow found herself in Texas, where she spends most of her time singing praises to the inventor of the air conditioner. When she’s not hiding from the heat, she’s corralling her four wild—but adorable—children, dreaming up stories about kissing and murder and magic, and eating peanut butter by the spoonful straight from the jar. She earned a bachelor’s in English with minors in editing and French, which essentially means she spent all of her university time reading and eating French pastries. She is the author of Sing Me Forgotten (2021) and A Forgery of Roses (2022).
Social Links:
Author website: https://www.jessicasolson.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicaolson123
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaolson123/?hl=en
Facebook: n/a
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19475731.Jessica_S_Olson
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-forgery-of-roses-jessica-s-olson/1139262918?ean=9781335418661
Books a Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Forgery-Roses/Jessica-S-Olson/9781335418661?id=8204964585173&_ga=2.90833818.1403488793.1623101537-16582771.1620496473
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335418661
BookShop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/a-forgery-of-roses/9781335418661
AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-forgery-of-roses/id1563211626
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/A_Forgery_of_Roses?id=qZIpEAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US
A FORGERY OF ROSES by Jessica S. Olson
On sale: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 9781335418661
Inkyard Press
Teen & Young Adult; Fantasy; Romance
$19.99 / $24.99 CAN
384 Pages
Books and Such 
It sounds really good, Teri. This has been on my reading radar and your review makes me think I need to take a serious look at it.
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This one is a crossover, Mae. I adored the gothic tone, and the mystery kept me guessing. The magic system was also original and added a uniqueness to the story.
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This cover is striking. (I think I saw it at Tessa’s before, and I was enamored.) The premise sounds really good, too. And you know I love a gothic atmosphere. Thanks for sharing, Teri.
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It was featured on Tessa’s blog last week or early this week – our reviews were both a thumbs up. Gothic atmospheres are also a weakness for me, Staci.
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This sounds excellent, Teri. I know they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but whoa! That cover is absolutely gorgeous! Excellent review as always. ❤️
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Right? Gorgeous cover, gothic atmosphere, a mystery – couldn’t pass up this one, Jenn.
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Wonderful review, Teri. I wouldn’t mind if Myra could paint a few years (and pounds) off THIS old body, lol
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Yes! Wouldn’t that be awesome, Jacquie? Just think of the money she could make, lol.
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The gothic vibes and magic system are my two favorite parts of this story. Excellent review, Teri!
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Thanks, Tessa! I sure wouldn’t mind if the author continued with these characters, but I’m thinking it’s a standalone.
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I think so too but I wouldn’t mind either. That world totally intrigues me.
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The cover alone would almost be enough to sell me on this story. Your review has totally sold me! Thanks for sharing, Teri.
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It’s truly a beautiful cover and easily a crossover even though it’s YA, Jan. Hope you can check it out!
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I just got that one in a book box! That motivates me to read it!
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I really think you’ll love this one, Sophie – some many good things inside that beautiful cover.
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I love the premise. I can tell you enjoyed the book, Teri. Good review!
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I love the concept. I’ve been trying to figure out a form of art magic and I’m compelled to keep trying.
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I have every confidence you’ll come up with one, Craig. If you can create the root monsters, this has to be a piece of cake, lol.
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Something will come to me. I don’t actually need it for a few years.
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I really did, Priscilla. I’ve always liked this time period, and the magical system was something I haven’t come across.
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This sounds so unique. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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It was, Wendy. It amazes me how authors keep coming up with new magical systems.
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I will like this one. It’s my kind of book. I already like Myra and storyline and I’m curious about mystery. Amazing review, Teri!
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Thanks, Yesha! Myra was as easy character to like even if I did get frustrated with her a few times. She’s carrying a load of responsibility on her shoulders.
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Sounds fascinating. I love stories where art or music has supernatural power. Reading and writing such stories are very satisfying. Got this one on my list!
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And I’ve just finished reading another where music had magical abilities, so that might be anther you’ll have to add. Hope you enjoy it, Paula – thanks for visiting!
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