Title: Rose Petal Graves
Author: Olivia Wildenstein
First published May 1, 2016
390 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780997334340
Rating: 3.75
Overview
In the quiet town of Rowan, ancient secrets are about to surface. After the sudden death of her mother, our protagonist returns to the town she fled after graduation.
The cause of her mother’s death? An ancient grave in their backyard, within the town cemetery.
But the coffin was empty, save for fresh rose petals. As she helps prepare for her mother’s funeral, strange and unsettlingly attractive strangers arrive in Rowan.
But they are not there by chance – they are there to face their enemies, who happen to be the protagonist’s ancestors. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, our protagonist must navigate this dangerous new world to uncover the truth about her family, and the town of Rowan itself.
Editoral Review
Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein is a captivating and engaging young adult fantasy novel that will leave readers hooked from beginning to end. Published on May 1, 2016, Wildenstein, who has authored several other books, has skillfully crafted a novel that seamlessly blends mystery, history, and the supernatural together in a way that leaves readers wanting more.
The novel is set in Ireland, where nineteen-year-old Catori ‘Cat’ Reynold, struggling to come to grips with the death of her mother, must travel to Ireland to take possession of her family’s estate – a place she had long thought to be a myth. As she returns to her ancestral home, strange things begin to occur, and Cat discovers that not everything is as it seems.
She must navigate the supernatural realm, deal with unexpected allies and foes, and ultimately uncover shocking family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. The character development in Rose Petal Graves is outstanding, with Cat emerging as a relatable and realistic portrait of a young woman struggling with grief, transitioning into adulthood, and dealing with paranormal forces.
The writing style is elegant, with Wildensteins penchant for vivid descriptions and sensory language immersing readers into the setting and the character’s world. The plot structure is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the historical and cultural significance adds a layer of depth to the novel’s themes.
Wildensteins ability to creatively blend myth and history while addressing current issues, such as family and identity, is both impressive and commendable. Although there were instances of overexplanation and instances where the pacing faltered slightly, Rose Petal Graves is still a great example of the YA fantasy genre.
Wildenstein masterfully weaves together love, loss and historicity to create a compelling story with resonant themes. In conclusion, Rose Petal Graves is a must-read for lovers of young adult fantasy novels, especially those who enjoy supernatural themes and complex world-building.
This novel is suitable for teenagers and adults alike, and provides an excellent opportunity to escape from reality and into a world of magic and mystery. For these reasons, this book comes highly recommended, and gets a well-earned 4/5 rating.
