The Price of Power in
The Rose Bargain
(Spoiler: It’s Too High)
Power, status, a throne–sounds great, right? Wrong. If Sasha Peyton Smith’s The Rose Bargain teaches us anything, it’s that playing the game is a one-way ticket to heartbreak, fae-induced trauma, and possibly (definitely) some very debatable decisions.
Ivy Benton doesn’t want to be here. And by “here“, we mean competing for the hand of a fae prince while navigating deadly court politics, avoiding Queen Mor’s wrath, and trying not to catch feelings for exactly the wrong person. But when duty calls–specifically, the duty to save her family from social and financial ruin–she answers. And what does she get for her troubles? An impossible choice between love, power, and survival. Classic.
Faerie Bargains: The Ultimate Scam
We all know fae bargains are a bad idea. Ivy knows fae bargains are a bad idea. Apparently, the rest of Britain hasn’t caught on. And so, here we are.
One of the best things about The Rose Bargain is how it takes the classic fantasy trope of fae bargains and uses them to explore the much more human reality of obligation. Sure, Ivy’s debts come wrapped in a magical bow, but at their core, they mirror the real-world pressures of family loyalty, social expectations, and the ever-relatable struggle of “just keep it together for one more day”. The true horror isn’t just the price of a fae deal–it’s realising that really, it didn’t make much of a difference: you were trapped long before you set foot in the throne room from hell.
“When one makes a faerie bargain, one must be prepared to pay the price. There is one silver lining. I have nothing to lose.”
Duty, but Make It Soul-Crushing
Ivy’s life is basically a list of responsibilities she never signed up for. Save her family’s reputation? Check. Win over a prince she barely knows? Check. Avoid getting killed by the terrifyingly powerful Queen Mor? Big, bold check.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the moment Ivy starts to realize that duty and power might be the same thing–they both slip right out of her hands just like a small, wriggly mutt (Pig<3). Every choice she makes is shaped by expectations that existed long before she arrived at court, and no matter how clever she is (and she is clever), she’s always playing someone else’s game. And then there’s Emmett, the one person who makes her question everything–which, unsurprisingly, makes things about ten times worse.
An Alternate History That Feels Like a Fever Dream (in the Best Way)
“If thousands of years of history have taught us one thing, it is that the world is not kind to women who possess power.”
Let’s take a second to appreciate the absolutely genius decision to set The Rose Bargain in an alternate history timeline rather than a brand-new fantasy world. No Queen Victoria, no traditional 19th-century court, just a setting that feels historical but gives Sasha Peyton Smith the freedom to do whatever she wants with the worldbuilding.
The result is a setting that reads like lost folklore–rich, immersive, and eerily familiar while still being completely its own. It’s not just aesthetically cool (though it is aesthetically cool), it also makes the story feel more grounded, like it could have been whispered across generations as a cautionary tale. And let’s be honest, if The Rose Bargain were real folklore, the lesson would be: “If a faerie queen invites you to play a fun little game, RUN.”
Power, Love, and the Worst Game of Would-You-Rather Ever
And then there’s Emmett. If you love slow-burn romance that’s absolutely dripping with unresolvable tension, congratulations–The Rose Bargain has you covered. Emmett isn’t just another beautiful brooding love interest; he’s a walking, talking embodiment of every frustrating, impossible choice Ivy has to make. Naturally, this makes everything infinitely more complicated, because why wouldn’t fate throw an irresistibly compelling problem into the middle of an already hopeless situation?
Their relationship isn’t just a subplot–it’s woven into the very fabric of Ivy’s struggle between duty and self-determination. Every lingering glance, every sharp-edged conversation, every almost-touch is just another reminder of what Ivy could have… if only she were willing to pay the price.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Bargain? Absolutely.
At the end of the day, The Rose Bargain isn’t just about fae deals and court intrigue–it’s about the impossible weight of duty, the consequences of ambition, and the question of whether we can ever truly choose our own fate. It’s sharp, it’s captivating, and we can’t wait for the second instalment!
So, is power worth the price? The Rose Bargain answers with a resounding: “Only if you’re willing to pay more than you ever expected.”
Hanna de Lange Emdén
Content & Editorial Specialist
Hanna is our talented content & editorial specialist and currently pursuing a BA in English Literature at Utrecht University. She loves books in all formats and genres, but Romantasy holds a special place in her heart. Apart from reading and writing, she also enjoys ballroom dancing and extravagant 19th century fashion.