Weaving several stories that involve roses this is an interesting read. It seems to take it's primary inspiration from Snow White and Rose Red but there are aspects of Beauty and the Beast as well there. McKillip manages to evoke a very fairy tale aspect to the story. It does lag occasionally but the tension is kept up throughout the story, and even though it is a fairy tale you're never sure what the exact outcome is going to be. I did enjoy it but it's not my favourite of the type.