In The Rose Bargain, an enchanting alternate history where faeries rule Victorian England, Sasha Peyton Smith weaves an intricate tale that brilliantly combines the political intrigue of regency romance with the dark allure of faerie fantasy. Following her success with The Witch Haven, Smith returns with a story that pushes boundaries and challenges genre conventions.
Plot and Premise
Set in 1848 London, The Rose Bargain introduces us to Ivy Benton, a sharp-tongued second daughter whose family teeters on the brink of social and financial ruin after her sister Lydia’s mysterious disappearance. In this alternate England, the immortal faerie Queen Moryen grants each citizen one magical bargain—a system that has shaped society for centuries. When the queen announces a competition for her son Prince Bram’s hand in marriage, Ivy sees an opportunity to restore her family’s standing and uncover the truth about her sister’s bargain.
Strengths
- World-Building Excellence: Smith’s reimagining of Victorian England under faerie rule is masterfully crafted. The integration of faerie bargains into society creates a fascinating exploration of choice, sacrifice, and power.
- Complex Characters: The protagonist Ivy shines as a multilayered character whose wit and determination make her compelling. The supporting cast, particularly the other competition contestants, are well-developed with their own distinct motivations and secrets.
- Political Intrigue: The plot weaves together personal stakes with larger political machinations in a way that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Smith’s prose is elegant yet accessible, perfectly balancing the formality of Victorian society with modern sensibilities. The multiple POV chapters, particularly those from Lydia’s perspective, add depth to the narrative and provide crucial insights into the story’s mysteries.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel excels in many aspects, there are some elements that could have been strengthened:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during the competition trials
- Some of the faerie court politics could have been more clearly explained
- A few secondary character arcs feel unresolved, though this may be addressed in the sequel
Romance and Relationships
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its handling of relationships. The romance between Ivy and Prince Emmett develops naturally and convincingly, while her complicated relationship with Prince Bram adds layers of tension and moral ambiguity. The sisterly bond between Ivy and Lydia is particularly well-crafted, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and unconditional love.
Themes and Social Commentary
The Rose Bargain tackles several thought-provoking themes:
- The price of power and the nature of sacrifice
- Class structure and social mobility in Victorian society
- The complex dynamics between humans and immortal beings
- Female agency and societal expectations
World-Building and Magic System
The bargaining system is both innovative and terrifying in its implications. Smith has created a magic system that feels both logical and mysterious, with clear rules but endless possibilities for creative applications. The description of the Otherworld and its connection to Victorian London is particularly vivid.
Comparison to Similar Works
While The Rose Bargain shares DNA with works like Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince and Kiera Cass’s The Selection, it carves its own unique path. Smith’s integration of historical elements with faerie lore creates a fresh take on familiar tropes.
Impact and Resonance
The novel succeeds in creating an emotional connection with readers through its exploration of universal themes while maintaining its fantasy elements. The ending leaves readers eager for the sequel while still providing a satisfying conclusion to the first installment.
Technical Elements
Pacing and Structure
The novel maintains a steady momentum, though some middle chapters could have been tighter. The multiple POV structure enhances rather than detracts from the main narrative.
Character Development
Main characters show significant growth throughout the story, with Ivy’s journey from reluctant participant to active player being particularly well-executed.
Dialogue
The dialogue captures both period authenticity and character personality effectively, though occasionally modern phrases slip through.
Final Verdict
The Rose Bargain is a compelling addition to the YA fantasy genre that successfully combines historical fiction elements with faerie mythology. While not without its flaws, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Recommendations
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Historical fantasy with strong romantic elements
- Complex political intrigue
- Strong female protagonists
- Stories about sisterly bonds
- Dark faerie tales
Looking Forward
The ending sets up intriguing possibilities for the sequel, leaving readers with questions about:
- The fate of certain characters
- The future of the faerie bargain system
- The potential for revolution or reform
- The resolution of romantic storylines
Author’s Growth
Comparing this to Smith’s previous work The Witch Haven, there’s clear growth in her ability to handle complex plot threads and character relationships. Her world-building has become more nuanced and her prose more assured.
Conclusion
The Rose Bargain is a sophisticated addition to the YA fantasy genre that will appeal to both younger and adult readers. Despite minor pacing issues and some unresolved plot threads, the novel succeeds in creating a unique and engaging world filled with compelling characters and high stakes. The blend of historical elements with faerie mythology feels fresh and exciting, making this a standout in the crowded field of YA fantasy.
For fans of the genre, this book offers a fresh perspective on familiar tropes while creating its own unique mythology. While it may not be perfect, it’s certainly a memorable and entertaining read that leaves readers eager for the sequel.