A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating the profound grief of losing a loved one and needs a story that acknowledges their pain while offering a path toward hope and resilience. Roses & Ruin is a young adult fantasy romance that follows a girl whose world is shattered by a magical catastrophe. As she seeks answers and a way to heal her broken world, she must also learn to heal her own heart, finding unexpected friendship and love along the way. This book uses its magical setting to explore complex, real-world emotions like grief, anger, and the difficult process of rebuilding one's identity after loss. It is a powerful choice for teens who are ready for mature themes and appreciate stories that blend adventure with deep emotional truth.
Contains scenes of magical battles and destruction, but not overly graphic.
Romantic ContentModerate
Includes kissing, romantic tension, and some scenes with strong emotional intimacy.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the death of the protagonist's entire family and community, which happens on-page in the opening chapters. The approach is secular and focuses intensely on the personal, psychological journey of grief. The resolution is hopeful, not suggesting that the pain disappears, but that it is possible to build a new life and find new purpose and love alongside that pain. It is a realistic depiction of healing.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14 to 17 years old, who is processing a significant personal loss, such as the death of a close relative or a traumatic upheaval in their life. This book is for a reader who finds comfort in immersive fantasy worlds and connects with character-driven stories where the emotional journey is as critical as the plot. It will resonate with teens who feel angry or adrift in their grief and need to see a path forward.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the inciting incident involves the violent, magical destruction of a community and the protagonist's family. This is not described in gory detail, but it is emotionally devastating. It would be helpful to let the teen know that the book starts with a major loss but is ultimately about healing. The book can be read cold, but parents should be prepared for potential conversations about loss and grief. A parent might seek this book after their teen experiences a loss and says something like, "What's the point?" or "Everything is ruined anyway." The trigger is observing a teen who is withdrawn, struggling to articulate their grief, and might be more receptive to exploring those feelings through a fictional lens.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the adventure plot, the magic system, and the developing romance. They will grasp the sadness but may focus more on the external conflict. An older teen (15-18) is more likely to appreciate the nuanced exploration of trauma and grief, the protagonist's complex psychological journey, and the theme of forging a new identity when the old one is gone.
What Makes It Special
While many YA fantasy novels use tragedy as a backstory, this book's primary focus is the active, messy, and ongoing process of grieving. The romance develops not as a magical cure for the protagonist's pain, but as a complementary part of her healing. This provides a more grounded and emotionally honest portrayal of finding hope after devastation.
Read plot summary
Seventeen-year-old Elara, who possesses a magical affinity for growing roses, is the sole survivor when a dark, creeping blight called the Ruin consumes her valley and her family. Consumed by grief and rage, she sets out on a quest for vengeance. She reluctantly allies with Caelan, a secretive traveler who has his own connection to the Ruin. Together, they journey through a desolate landscape, seeking the source of the destruction. The story chronicles Elara’s external adventure and her internal struggle to process her immense loss, forcing her to question whether new love and a new future can grow from the ashes of her past.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Elara starts her journey seeking revenge against the Ruin. How do her motivations change after she meets and begins to trust Caelan? What does this say about the difference between vengeance and justice?
2
The magical Ruin is a physical force, but it also seems to represent Elara's grief. Can you think of a scene where the Ruin's behavior mirrored Elara's internal emotional state?
3
Caelan keeps important secrets from Elara, believing it's for her own good. Do you think his actions were justified? Why or why not? When is it okay to withhold the truth from someone you care about?
4
At the end of the book, Elara manages to grow a new kind of rose from the blighted soil. What do you think this final act symbolizes for her and her future?
