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A Curse of Roses Hardcover – December 1, 2020

by Diana Pinguicha (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 94 ratings
Editors' pick Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
See all formats and editions
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Based on Portuguese legend, this #OwnVoices historical fantasy is an epic tale of mystery, magic, and making the impossible choice between love and duty…

With just one touch, bread turns into roses. With just one bite, cheese turns into lilies.

There’s a famine plaguing the land, and Princess Yzabel is wasting food simply by trying to eat. Before she can even swallow, her magic―her curse―has turned her meal into a bouquet. She’s on the verge of starving, which only reminds her that the people of Portugal have been enduring the same pain for years.

If only it were possible to reverse her magic. Then she could turn flowers into food.

Fatyan, a beautiful Enchanted Moura, is the only one who can help. But she is trapped by magical binds. She can teach Yzabel how to control her curse―if Yzabel sets her free with a kiss.

As the King of Portugal’s betrothed, Yzabel would be committing treason, but what good is a king if his country has starved to death?

With just one kiss, Fatyan is set free. And with just one kiss, Yzabel is yearning for more.

She’d sought out Fatyan to help her save the people. Now, loving her could mean Yzabel’s destruction.

A Curse of Roses includes themes, imagery, and content that might be triggering for some readers. Discussions of religious-based self harm, religious-based eating disorders, and religious-based internalized homophobia appear throughout the novel.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Entangled: Teen
  4. Publication date
    December 1, 2020
  5. Grade level
    10 - 12
  6. Reading age
    14 - 18 years
  7. Dimensions
    5.81 x 1.38 x 8.51 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    1682815099
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1682815090
  10. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
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Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-In 1288, Yzabel, the 17-year-old fiancée of King Denis of Portugal, is afflicted with a curse that turns food into flowers. As the Portuguese people suffer from hunger and the red plague, Yzabel bands with her lady's maid to seek the Enchanted Moura, a magical being named Fatyan who has been locked away and can be liberated with a kiss. Fatyan is able to help Yzabel see her sahar, or magic, as a blessing, but as Yzabel realizes her feelings for Fatyan are romantic, she attempts to reconcile her attraction with religious beliefs and teachings that decry same-sex relationships. Even still, Yzabel and Fatyan are up against a power-hungry man who is determined to bring war among the Christian nations and expose the girls for what they are. Pinguicha's lyrical #OwnVoices novel based on Portuguese legend is a coming-of-age story that encompasses timeless topics. Yzabel fears a same-sex relationship and her sahar makes her a sinner. As she and other characters explore forgiveness of one's self and others, she learns to question the power dynamic between her and Denis in regards to politics, gender, and sexuality. Tumultuous relationships and strong character development keep the plot moving at a page-turning pace. A content warning for self-harm is included at the front of the book, and there are some brief sex scenes. VERDICT This book offers representation that is rare in YA historical fantasy. Recommended for young adult collections.-Liz Anderson, DC P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"...a delicate queer romance between strong heroines propels the plot forward." --Publishers Weekly

"This immersive, richly imagined queer love story set in medieval Portugal is guaranteed to enchant. A skillful weaving of history and mythology, Pinguicha will leave you rooting for her two headstrong heroines, brought together by fate but separated by duty and the prejudices of their world." - Ellen Goodlett, author of the Ruleseries

"Brimming with heart, A Curse of Roses is magical, romantic, and impossible to put down. Yzabel and Fatyan's love story will enchant you from the first page to the last. I loved it!" - Meredith Tate, author of The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly

"Pinguicha writes with such texture, creating an exquisitely detailed and vibrant world, full of color and energy. Yzabel and Fatyan are real and complicated characters, both vulnerable and strong in their own ways, reaching across time and space to find one another and to fight for a love that seems as impossible as it is inevitable." - Emma Berquist, author of Devils Unto Dust and Missing, Presumed Dead

"A rich and captivating retelling of the legend of a Medieval saint, Pinguicha's debut gripped me from its first page. An utter delight to read -- meticulously researched, refreshingly queer and sharp as thorns!" -- Julia Ember, author ofRuinsong and The Seafarer's Kiss.

"Suspense, romance, compelling characters, and a unique setting make A Curse of Roses a strong addition to the growing body of folktale retellings for teen and crossover readers." - Lyn Miller-Lachmann, The Pirate Tree


"A Curse of Roses belongs in every public high school media center, and in the hands of every parent who questions how to help their child accept the love and gifts that are out there waiting for them. Beyond that, it is a tale rife with magic and intrigue, and even one almost spicy love scene, for those more interested in reading just for fun." -Lit Buzz

"Full to the brim with gorgeous prose, A Curse of Roses is a mesmerizing take on a tale interwoven into Portuguese culture. The writing is BEAUTIFUL, so so stunning. The way that magic is described is both very visual and incredibly poetic. Brilliant. And entirely significant." -The Paperback Collector

"The characters were remarkably developed. I also really enjoyed Pinguicha's writing, which is beautiful and pleasing to read." -Valentina C., NetGalley

"A tightly woven sapphic story of a young princess trying her best to help her people, while finding love for the first time." -A Cup of Cyanide

"A beautiful tale of century long curses and people using any means available to them to ensure they experience some happiness in life. It's a wonderful story of a lesbian learning to accept herself, enriched by magic and roses." -Reading Peaches

"What an unexpected GEM! It took me a few pages to understand what an incredible story this would turn out to be, and I'm so glad because I LOVED IT. The narrative is so well written, the description of places, people.. FOOD was page turning, and you bet I kept reading! I finished this book in less than two days!" -Ellie's Infinite Books

"A really unexpected mind blowing read! I don't know what I was expecting from this story but I was swept away by this enchanting story." -Olivia E., NetGalley

"What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You'll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!" -Brittany Z., NetGalley

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Entangled: Teen (December 1, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1682815099
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1682815090
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.03 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.81 x 1.38 x 8.51 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 94 ratings

About the author

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Diana Pinguicha

Diana Pinguicha

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Born in the sunny lands of Portugal, Diana is a Computer Engineer graduate who currently calls Lisbon home. She can usually be found writing, painting, devouring extraordinary quantities of books and video games, or walking around with her bearded dragon, Norberta. She also has two cats, Sushi and Jubas, who would never forgive her if she didn’t mention them.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
94 global ratings
A fantastically beautiful debut!
5 Stars
A fantastically beautiful debut!
Not only did the premise draw me in, but that cover! The best part? What’s under the cover is great. I was drawn in from the beginning and the story only got better. I loved the way the story unraveled and the inclusion of a sapphic tale. Yzabel and Fatyan’s chemistry is off the charts! I loved it!From the beginning- Yzabel’s relationship, or should I say arrangement, with Denis was intriguing. He seemed so patient and kind, yet it seemed like she still had doubts about him. My love for Brites, her wisdom, and her wits is infinite. Although I truly think the star of the show is the Moura, Fatyan. While Yzabel’s strength gives us the greatest parts of the novel (hell yeah for badass women MC’s), Fatyan’s ability to be unapologetically herself really shines. The way she teaches Yzabel to grow into herself and her desires is such a beautiful arc. I also really enjoyed the full arc of Denis and how understanding he truly was. It was a little surprising.What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You’ll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!Thank you NetGalley & Entangled Teen for the arc and allowing me to write an honest review.
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Top reviews from the United States

brittany zimmerman
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastically beautiful debut!
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
Not only did the premise draw me in, but that cover! The best part? What’s under the cover is great. I was drawn in from the beginning and the story only got better. I loved the way the story unraveled and the inclusion of a sapphic tale. Yzabel and Fatyan’s chemistry is off the charts! I loved it!

From the beginning- Yzabel’s relationship, or should I say arrangement, with Denis was intriguing. He seemed so patient and kind, yet it seemed like she still had doubts about him. My love for Brites, her wisdom, and her wits is infinite. Although I truly think the star of the show is the Moura, Fatyan. While Yzabel’s strength gives us the greatest parts of the novel (hell yeah for badass women MC’s), Fatyan’s ability to be unapologetically herself really shines. The way she teaches Yzabel to grow into herself and her desires is such a beautiful arc. I also really enjoyed the full arc of Denis and how understanding he truly was. It was a little surprising.

What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You’ll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!

Thank you NetGalley & Entangled Teen for the arc and allowing me to write an honest review.
Customer image
brittany zimmerman
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastically beautiful debut!
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020
Not only did the premise draw me in, but that cover! The best part? What’s under the cover is great. I was drawn in from the beginning and the story only got better. I loved the way the story unraveled and the inclusion of a sapphic tale. Yzabel and Fatyan’s chemistry is off the charts! I loved it!

From the beginning- Yzabel’s relationship, or should I say arrangement, with Denis was intriguing. He seemed so patient and kind, yet it seemed like she still had doubts about him. My love for Brites, her wisdom, and her wits is infinite. Although I truly think the star of the show is the Moura, Fatyan. While Yzabel’s strength gives us the greatest parts of the novel (hell yeah for badass women MC’s), Fatyan’s ability to be unapologetically herself really shines. The way she teaches Yzabel to grow into herself and her desires is such a beautiful arc. I also really enjoyed the full arc of Denis and how understanding he truly was. It was a little surprising.

What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You’ll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!

Thank you NetGalley & Entangled Teen for the arc and allowing me to write an honest review.
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Lydia G.
4.0 out of 5 stars Writing Your Own History
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2022
Verified Purchase
4.5 stars // I enjoyed this book and the development of the characters throughout it. Ysabel learns to accept help from others and that people’s intentions are not always what you assumed them to be. I enjoyed the supportive political marriage angle and how they both found love.

It will definitely appeal to queer religious people who are looking for solace when others in their faith try to use their texts against them and those who enjoy historical retellings (with magic!). The author has a note at the end about her experience with the setting of this novel, and I definitely felt her passion to tell this story and make it her own.

The only nitpick I have is I don’t think that people in this time period understood as much about the spread of disease as the characters in the book do, but since it is fantasy and not just a historical I’ll let that slide.
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Jamie
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite books I've ever read
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
I read it in 8th grade like 4yrs ago and I've been looking for it ever since and I finally found it just a bit ago and I bought it IMMEDIATELY. It's one of the best books I've ever read (and I read A LOT). I think abt it at least once a week and I'm soooo excited to reread it again. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone interested.
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Olivia F.
5.0 out of 5 stars intriguing historical fantasy
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020
A CURSE OF ROSES is an intriguing YA historical fantasy based on a Portuguese legend. The book tackles themes of religious piety, miracles and their moral ambiguity, homophobia, and misogyny (internalized as well as external). Yzabel is betrothed to the king of Portugal and lives in the palace with him in the lead up to their wedding. Because of her curse where she turns food into roses, Yzabel eats very little, starving herself so much that she no longer gets her monthly courses.

She has tried self-flagellation and physical pain as methods to keep the curse at bay, but it seems to only be getting worse. When her maid suggests she seeks a Moura, Yzabel takes the chance, hoping that magical Moura will grant her wish of removing the curse. Once she finds the Moura, Fatyan, she explains that a cure is not so simple. However, she promises to help her if Yzabel helps to break her curse - with a kiss. Yzabel is torn about this sacrilegious act, but she ultimately kisses her, feeling things that cause increasing inner turmoil.

What I loved: This is a really intense story with a lot of inner struggle. The beginning is a little scattered, but it begins to really take shape about a third of the way through. The themes are dark but intriguing. There is a lot about acceptance of LGBT individuals and the struggles they face for living their truths. There are also intriguing discussions and symbolism around morality and religion. Yzabel learns from Fatyan that her curse could be viewed differently by different perspectives as well as that the interpretations of religious texts are not as simple as she had thought. The lens through which magic (or miracles) and religion is viewed matters.

What left me wanting more: As many of the struggles are internal, I wanted to hear more of Yzabel's changes and how she comes to terms with herself and her own truths - I think this would have been even better in a first person story to really get immersed into Yzabel's mindset and thoughts. As a small point, the beginning felt a bit scattered, and it was hard to find my footing in the story with different magic, plagues, and so on. This was a small point, as it really firmed up later in the story, and the ending was strong.

Final verdict: Intense and with intriguing themes, A CURSE OF ROSES is a fascinating, dark YA historical fantasy. Recommend for fans of THE GILDED WOLVES, GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE, and BEYOND THE RUBY VEIL.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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