Roses & Rot by Kat Howard

Do you like modern interpretations of fairy tales? Do you like deconstructions of fairy tales? How about examinations of art and family? I have the book for you!

Imogen and Marin grew up with an abusive and controlling mother. Both went on to distinguish themselves in the world of art; Imogen as a writer and Marin a dancer. Both are accepted to a prestigious artists' retreat called Melete to be mentored by some of the greatest practitioners of their respective crafts. At first it seems like a fantasy, a dream come true. But the longer they are at Melete, the more strange and otherworldly things become and the escape the sisters are looking for is revealed to have a dangerous price tag.

At times, Kat Howard mimics the style of fairy tales so exactly it almost drowns the prose of the overarching story. But instead of being melodramatic and affected, it feels immersive and intimate, like someone is reading the story to you. The details are lush and richly imagined. All the characters feel archetypal but still fresh and modern. It's a fine line to walk but Howard strides it deftly, crafting one of the best fairy tale novels I've read in a long, long time.

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