The Rose Bargain

By Sasha Peyton Smith

Electric Monkey 2025

Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey

The Rose Bargain is the first book in New York Times-bestselling author Sasha Peyton Smith’s latest duology. Ivy is about to turn 16 in the late nineteenth century, where fae queen Mor has ruled London for more than four hundred years. Although her family have always been upstanding members of high society, her older sister, Lydia’s, behaviour since her own debutante season has shrouded the family in a haze of shame. Now Lydia is missing, and Ivy will do anything to get her sister back.

As Ivy’s debutante season approaches, Lydia suddenly reappears with no memory of where she’s been or what happened for the months she was missing. Determined to salvage the dignity of her family, Ivy presses on to her debut, meeting with Queen Mor for an opportunity to make one magical bargain. Queen Mor announces Prince Bram, her son and the only fae Other allowed into the human world since Mor’s arrival, will be choosing his bride during the season, with only 6 girls earning a chance to compete for his hand. Ivy is determined to win Bram’s hand and remove Mor from her throne. But Ivy forms a partnership with Prince Emmett, the king’s son from his first wife, and the rules begin to blur. Does Bram truly want a better world for humans? Mor’s ruthless games to find a wife for her only beloved son mean Ivy must fight harder than she ever imagined to save her family and country.

The Rose Bargain begs readers to imagine; what if British monarchy had never come to be, instead ruled by fae royalty, and what, then. the world would be like today. Smith encourages readers to consider whether you would choose to be granted your deepest desire – but only one – would you choose beauty, talent or riches? Or would you choose to bargain at all if it meant surrendering a piece of yourself forever. Pitting instinct against expectation, and family love against self-preservation, The Rose Bargain leads readers on an unconscious guide to introspection.

Suitable for young adult readers aged 14+, The Rose Bargain takes an interesting approach to fantasy blended with historical London.