Immortal Rose by Alexandra Bracken
on August 18, 2026
Published by Hachette Children's Group Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Historical, Fiction / Fantasy / Romance, Fiction / Romance / Fantasy, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Format: ARC
Pages: 496 
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Source: NetGalley and the Publishermmortal Rose is one of those books that pulls you in slowly, then wraps around you without you even realizing it. The worldbuilding is rich and layered, with a dark, almost hypnotic atmosphere that makes it easy to get lost in. You can tell a lot of care went into crafting both the setting and the emotional tone, and it absolutely shows on the page.
One of my favorite elements was the magic system, it felt completely fresh and unlike anything I’ve read in a while. Everything is rooted in scent, perfume, and botanical alchemy, which adds such a unique, almost ethereal layer to the story. It’s intricate without being overwhelming, and it brings a sensory experience to the reading that really sets it apart from more traditional fantasy magic systems.
The characters were a standout for me. They felt complex and real, with motivations that made sense and emotional arcs that actually went somewhere. The romance is a true slow burn, not rushed, not thrown together for the sake of spice, but built over time in a way that feels intentional and earned. That alone made it stand out in a genre that sometimes leans too heavily on instant obsession.
My only real hang-up, and the reason this sits at 4 stars instead of 5, is the length and pacing. This is a long book, and there are definitely stretches, especially in the middle, where it slows down more than I would have liked. Some parts linger a bit longer than necessary, which made it harder to stay fully locked in at times.
That said, the writing is beautiful, the story is immersive, and the payoff is worth the slower moments. If you enjoy detailed worlds, emotional depth, and a romance that takes its time, this is absolutely one to pick up. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
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I received this book for free from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
🫶🏼 – Ali
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