Rose Petal Graves (The Lost Clan) (Volume 1)

This book was so much more than I imagined. Beautifully written the story is rich and layered. I must say though, I can't help but love and root for Cruz. I know it is a situation that seems impossible...but I really love the dynamic between Catori and Cruz, here's to hoping they find a way to be together eventually.

My first book by this author and certainly not my last. The moment I started reading Rose Petal Graves, I found it difficult to put my reader away. The blend of Native American myths (although admittedly made up by the author) and Fae stories made the book captivating from the very first page. I received this book as part of an ARC group but have just purchased the next books in the series. I cannot wait to see where the author takes Catori next.

I loved this story! Very unique and well thought out. The plot kept the pages turning. The main character is pulled in many directions, and all of them seem like a possible choice. I love not knowing what she will decide to do...definitely want to read the next book in this series because I just have to know....

Rose Petal Graves starts off fast paced and keeps you guessing all the way thru. It is a unique blend of Native American folklore that keeps you entranced and wanting to read more. I greatly enjoyed my ARC and cannot wait to purchase the second book.

I was looking for a book related to Maggie stiefvater and this was perfect. It grabbed my heart and took me for an adventure. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. It’s not just for high school kids either. Anyone looking for a good fantastical adventure

I requested for this book because I read the author's Masterful duology and loved it! However, Rose Petal Graves is completely different. Rose Petal Graves: (1) involves the tribe of Gottwa, Indians -- Natives, something completely new to me (important note: the Gottwas are fictional, as the author noted, and are 'loosely inspired by the Ojibwe people.'); (2) has faeries and faehunters (okay?); (3) has a medical student heroine and wants to be a doctor but her ancestors are #gasp faehunters; (4) is an amusing yet not a very thrilling read.

Rose Petal Graves started slow for me. Catori's mother died. They were preparing her wake and burial. They live in a cemetery. And the death of her mother was suspicious, she strongly can't accept it. She was then introduced to a world she found difficult to believe in -- the faeries and faehunters. Cruz Vega, a faerie who took the place of a medal examiner, told Catori that she's a faehunter and that her mother just brought another faehunter to life.

Now what?

During the first part or like 20% or so of the novel, I was totally confused at what's happening -- what's the conflict, the plot, the good side, the bad side, why can't Catori just ignore this mess and get on with life? And slowly but surely, Olivia Wildestein, moves the story into an interesting path and somehow explained everything. There's a bit of an #infodump here, to be honest. But I just absorbed everything because I was interested for answers.

Catori is a stubborn heroine (aren't most heroines are?) and I like her straightforwardness. She's also adventurous and wants to learn more of what's already out there. She's curious and her curiosity obviously brought her into this wild adventure she' inevitably needs to be in. However, I wasn't exactly emotionally attached to Catori. I like her and I understand her. I see why she does the things she do. And I feel sad for her at times. But I just don't feel strongly for her.

The romance, however, unexpectedly became one of my favorite aspects of the story. I strongly like Catori and Kajika to happen. Like the moment, he entered the scene I'm just: this.guy.and.Catori.MUST.happen! I love the slow development of their relationship. AND while their feelings to each other seem to have mixed with unfortunate circumstances, I'm still here waiting for the two of them to happen. Believe me, my kindle notes are filled with #teamkajika (because I feared that Catori and Cruz might happen. and i'm just like: no!).

Other things I like about Rose Petal Graves: (1) Kajika (because why not?), I was honestly amused at how he was introduced and basically how he's just there, straightforward, honest, and brooding (I'm not usually into the brooding-type of guy but I can make exemptions); (2) Ace and Catori's bantering are priceless! Definitely some of the most amusing moments here!; (3) the penultimate chapter was crazy -- a bit expected but also nicely done (it also sealed the romance!! I fangirled!); (4) there's drama and feels and sadness and a bit of sad unrequited love -- the mixture of drama infused in this novel is crazy but not very strong, to be honest, but it really put the development of events into the right places; (5) that the author actually made some effort to make words and actually do something about their language!

OVERALL, Rose Petal Graves is an unusual novel with the combinations of faeries and fictional Native Americans. It wasn't exactly a thrilling and intriguing read and it started slow for me but it really kept me glued for things like the heroine, her love interest, the questionable which-side-is-the-right-side. This is a good fantasy read with really amusing characters and (I know it's still not released but) I'm excited for the next book!!

My review is based on the Audiobook. Overall I really enjoyed this story especially the mix of myth and fantasy. I did find the lead a bit frustrating with her rash decision making & quick to trust those who should not be trusted. Oh and don;t get me started on the love triangle, they annoy me but thankfully that did not overwhelm the story. Narrator Stephanie Fritz did a wonderful job at bringing the characters to life. I look forward to more from this Author & Narrator

Katori is home from college for her mother’s funeral. She refuses to believe that her mother died from natural causes, instead she feels that it was related to the grave she dug up containing a coffin filled with roses. When Cat starts to see things that have no explanation that other’s can’t see, more questions arise. The truth is much stranger and complicated that she could have guessed.

I knew I had to read this book when I found out that it was a mix of my two favorite book topics, Faeries and Native American culture. The author was able to weave together a story full of history, legends, fantasy and a hint of romance, where the two are actually at war with each other, and Catoria is stuck in the middle.

As a side note, I was reading some reviews on Goodreads and someone mentioned that they did not like that the Native American culture was made up, which true it would have been nice to see a real culture represented- but on the flip side, using a real tribe probably would not have worked since it would have been bad to create fictitious practices and beliefs for real people.

I found the interpersonal relationships were really interesting. There is Lily who is her rival in pretty much all ways, and yet there is some sort of potential for a friendship ( I also thought it was unique of the author to make this all powerful Faery girl a mute). And then Gwen, who may be responsible for her mother’s death, but still Catori is willing to help her and speak with her. I was also surprised by the number of suicidal people floating around this town, willing to end their own life due to love (I am not a fan of this, but whatever). There were so many people keeping secrets it was hard to know who was lying

There is a love triangle going on in the story, which I am never a fan of. Catori is drawn to Cruz, the lying manipulative faery guy who marked her so he can always track her, oh and he just so happens to not be single. The other lover boy is Kajika, a surly Hunter who has a past full of tragedy, as well as a dead wife who looked like Catori. (I won’t even mention Blake the disfigured depressed best friend who wanted to marry Catori or Ace (who I love) who is not a romantic option but I wish he was.) Can I just mention that she only knows both guys for a few days, and sure an attraction can be there, but strong feelings I don’t agree with.

Overall this was a very busy story. There are so many things that did not get resolved when the book ended, such as who will Catori pick for a romantic partner, which side of the war will she join, who is telling the truth? I have tons of questions and need to pick up the next book to see what will happen next, because I have no clue.

I received this title in return for my honest review.​

I thought this was a unique idea sith well thought out characters. I would have liked more world building as this seems to be a very complex world. The Native American side to the Fairy story also added some interesting depth. I didn't prefer the I am in a confused love triangle aspect but still have high hopes for the next book. I recieved a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Arriving home after her mother's sudden death, Cat begins to learn about her family's strange, supernatural history. From med student to confused descendant of Fae hunters, will Cat unravel the mystery of her mother's death and the strangeness she never noticed in her hometown?
This was a great YA - slightly urban fantasy book. the characters were well thought out and the story flowed nicely and kept me engaged. Looking forward to the next book.

This is an amazing story that compines Native American myths and combining it with fae mythology. This story is an amazing combination of these two together. I am so glad I read this story and I highly recommend it to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Enjoyed the story, the characters, the setting, look forward to more from the rose petal universe. Felt ending was rushed. Also the relationship between cat and k was developed odd. Would like a little bit more backstory about before the tribe were buried and when they were trying to fix things with cruz’s father.

This is definitely a great book. The characters are so well written that you begin to feel what they feel as you read. You cry when they are sad and your heart races right along with theirs. I was so into the book that when I finished I had to get the next book in the series. Can't wait to get started on the next one.

I actually really enjoyed the mixing of genres in this story. The idea that a specific, small (completely fictional) Native American tribe had been given the power to protect the world from power hungry fae was interesting. I thought Wildenstein did an excellent job of making Cat seem like a typical college student, with professional goals, while still connected to her family and small hometown.

The pace of this story was excellent. I could have easily sat all afternoon and read this straight through if only life would allow such a luxury. While Cat has just enough naivete to be believable as a college student, she also isn't dumb. She asks questions, she seeks answers, all while trying to be considerate of those she loves. She wants to trust people, to see the good in them. Yet, she has lived long enough to be a little wary of new people, and she starts meeting quite a few new people.

The entire cast of this story is incredible. Wildenstein has a great talent for bringing her characters to life, no matter how minor their role is in the story. Its fascinating, and really helps this small town seem like one you might actually know along the Great Lakes.

This book was richly written, I loved the writing style and tone.

but

I'm confuse with the way the book flowed. It jumped from one plot line to the next, characters were a little hollow and Cat, well, she needs to go back to school and learn the meaning of not getting into cars with strange boys. She was all over the place, she never questions anyones story. She's suppose to be a medical student, common, where the hell did that big brain go?

The ending of this book wasn't a ending, it just ended, I don't even know if there's going to be a second book, because I was left with so many questions.

The surprise star of this book was Ace, didn't think I would like him as much as I did, because in truth he was the only one with a head on his shoulders.

This book needs more direction.

But in all, I did enjoy the original idea, the background on Cat's history and her mom. Even though she's dead, I still got to know her mom through Cat's memory.

So as you can see I'm mixed about this book. All I can say is, give it a change. You might like/love it.

Happy Reading

E.A. Walsh

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I did enjoy the book. I liked that it was a different type of fae books I usually read. I can’t wait to read the next book. So if you’re looking for something different then you should definitely read this book. It does in on a cliffhanger.

Still not quite finished; about 1/2 way through and can tell ya it’s not at all what I expected; the only reason haven’t starred it a 5 is because I leave that for the books I lose sleep over: have some American Indian in my blood so always curious about my ancestry history; very intriguing and keeps you guessing you don’t know who to believe.... I’m sure to the very end...

Olivia Wildenstein’s Rose Petal Graves (The Lost Clan Book 1) is wonderfully original. Not only because if it’s genuine feel (I really want to find out that Rowan is a real town: it must be, even without fae) but also because of the genuine feel to its characters (definitely including the conniving fae, and their conflicts with the hunters) and the wonderful folklore and world-building created to support the story. Add on a wonderful lead, as I love Catori Price (though I don’t envy her the choices she has to make) and a well written plot with a number of totally unexpected twists and turns (nope, not gonna spoil them) and perfectly crafted characters. The result is one great read. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

Great first read from author Olivia Wildenstein. I got this book back in April of this year after getting Rowen Woods Legends from Audible & never got around to reading it until now. Well-written suspense with captivating, well-developed main characters. I’ll be reading more by this author, in fact, Rowen Woods Legends is cued up and waiting! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018)

This book has a really intriguing mythology. Hunters vs. Fae. Hunters from a tribe that is almost wiped out by the fae who have slumbered in coffins of rowan, surrounded by rose petals until one of their descendants opens one and reads the inscription within. What follows is mythology brought to life on the shores of Lake Michigan. The daughter of the descendant is torn between the hunters and the fae as she tries to piece together the story and come to her own conclusions. There is magic, death and a puzzle that moves the reader forward. I liked that part. What I didn't like was the romance between Catori and Cruz. It smacked of Twilight derivation and I personally hate Twilight. Other than that, it was a great read.

This book is a good storyline that is intriguing. The characters are engaging and captivating. I do appreciate reading this book. I am voluntarily reading and reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

I love stories with Native American myths and combining it with fae mythology makes it even more unique. There’s lots of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the story—wanting to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

I received this book free for my honest review.
This book was not one in my normal genre but the book summary was very enticing so I couldn't resist signing up. Great book, lots of turns I couldn't anticipate, and overall great characters. It was a little hard to get into because it was different... but I am glad there was glossary for word definitions to better understand the storyline.

This is definitely a great book. The characters are so well written that you begin to feel what they feel as you read. You cry when they are sad and your heart races right along with theirs. I was so into the book that when I finished I had to get the next book in the series. Can't wait to get started on the next one.

Catori's mother died suddenly and made her return to the little village she grew up in. She wasn't supposed to return, she was decided to do her life somewhere else but her mother's death forced her to come back. She believes her mother was murdered. Her mother was healthy, not old enough to have strokes and full of life. The strike happened when she opened something that she found on the garden, now things are getting weirder and Cat isn't sure about anything anymore. What's the mystery of her village? Are fairies real?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Goodreads Description

The Vampire Diaries with faeries. Welcome to Rowan…

Founded two centuries ago by a powerful tribe of Gottwa Indians, Rowan was a quiet town, so quiet that I fled after graduation. Staying away was the plan, but Mom died suddenly.
Dad said she suffered a stroke after she dug up one of the ancient graves in our backyard, which happens to be the town cemetery. Creepy, I know. Creepier still, there was no corpse inside the old coffin, only fresh rose petals.
As we made preparations for Mom’s burial, new people began arriving in Rowan, unnervingly handsome and odd people. I begged them to leave, but they stayed, because their enemies—my ancestors—were beginning to awaken.

First, can we just talk about how gorgeous this cover is? I’m slightly disappointed that I only have the ebook and not a physical copy just because I love this cover so much.

Moving on to the good stuff!! Rose Petal Graves is the first book in The Lost Clan series and the fourth book is about to be released. The comparison to The Vampire Diaries is what instantly made me want to read this book. I felt the comparison was very accurate but the story line was very original in its own way. It had your typical storyline of the main character being a female that’s kind of homely and not so confident and then two guys fighting over her. One being a good guy and the other a bad guy. The Indian lore was really impressive and very intriguing. You can tell the author really did her research.

???? (4 out of 5)

It's heartbreaking, scary, intense and hard to forget. It starts slow and takes a little time to figure out what is going on, but it will be worth it in the long run. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

Catori lost her mother and best friend. She discovers she is part Hunter and Fae. The Fae are known to not tell an outright lie, but they can twist the truth and manipulate Catori to do things she does not understand is harmful. Two men want her…one a hunter and one a fae. The legends included by the author are wonderful! I cannot give away too much with the review…but trust me you will want to read this book! Fast paced and set in a mythological world with so many different creatures. I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. I cannot wait to read another book in the series!

" I recieved an Advanced Review Copy of this book." To be honest I disliked this book. I was so excited for a fae story and it was messed all up. I couldn't connect with the characters or the story because the author tried to make a whole new world. It just didn't work for me. I may try to read more to see if it gets better. There was some shocking surprises in the book I didn't expect. I liked Blake. But still the connections wasn't there for me. Had to force myself to finish it.

Rose Petals Graves is a fantastic story. I loved the characters, the way they were introduced and then intertwined with each other. I loved the positivity and negativity balance, the emotionl twists and turns, and the mysterious story behind a casket of rose petals.this is a very well written book, with enough plot twists to keep me wanting more. I look forward to reading the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of the book.

ARC Review:

I enjoyed this book! Enough that I continued on with the series and am waiting for the next installment in a few weeks.
This was a fresh take on a typical fairy myth. One I hadn’t read before anyway.
Cat finds out her family’s home and cemetery are the burial grounds for her ancient ancestors who are actually undead and waiting to be awakened to fight the “evil” fairies on earth. She loses her mother when she either accidentally or purposefully (that wasn’t quite clear) resurrects one of them. This sets off a host of events where Cat meets theee fairies, Cruz, Ace and Lily and has to determine who the bad guys really are. These twists and turns make you wonder how the story will unfold and if a fantasy war will erupt with Cat firmly planted in the middle. How does it end? I bet ypu’ll Be surprised if you give it a chance.

Definitely a standout book. Great story with a unique setting and cast of characters. Really hooks you into the world and makes you want more. I received a copy of this free with the option of leaving a review

I thought this was an excellent story with some terrific characters! Fae who lie in a round about way is always interesting since they are mostly self-serving and terrible. Preying on a "hunter" who has no knowledge of who or what she is and gaining favors without her knowing what she is doing is despicable. That is what makes this story so much MORE! Catori comes home for her mom's funeral and at the end of this story, what she thought she knew is wrong. There is so much sadness and loss in this story but there is also so much room for happiness and growth. I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for the town of Rowan and its residents in the coming installments.

I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.