Before a book ever reaches bookstore shelves, there is often a quiet group of readers helping bring the story into the world.
For Deception’s Rose, that group has been our incredible ARC readers.
ARC stands for Advanced Review Copy, and these early readers volunteer their time to read a book before it releases. They share honest feedback, post reviews, and help introduce new stories to the wider reading community.
Today, I want to celebrate them.
These readers took a chance on my debut novel, and their enthusiasm, insight, and encouragement have meant more than I can express.
Something very special will happen when Deception’s Rose launches.
Many of the early reviews from our ARC team will appear inside the first print run of the book itself.
That means these early supporters will forever be part of the story behind this novel.
As Hannah shared:
“Each of these reviews will appear in the first print run version of my book at launch. I requested permission from each reviewer to use their review publicly and on the front pages of my book, and each was quick to respond with a kind and enthusiastic ‘YES!’. I've never made something people have been so excited and generous to review and have their names next to. This is such an honor!”
Every author hopes their work resonates with readers.
Seeing this kind of excitement before the book even releases has been deeply encouraging.
Here are a few of the incredible early reactions from readers, reviewers, and authors who received advanced copies of the book.
“I felt hooked from the very beginning… I feel connected to the
characters, especially Rhoswen… Rhoswen's power/magic is so fun
to read about, and I thought it was clever portraying Deceit's power
in that way.”
— Samantha Haroian, Hearts on Fire Books
Owner & Curator @HeartsOnFireBooks
“Deception’s Rose was a highly anticipated debut read for me and
it did not disappoint! Hannah has a beautiful way with words and
easily snagged my attention with the gripping opening. From
chapter one the reader is welcomed into a chilling world !lled with
gods and magic. If you enjoy dark fantasy then this is a book you
MUST pick up!”
— Courtney Martin, Author of Wistoria and
the Transit o f Venus@CourtneyMartinAuthor
“I absolutely devoured it.
Rhoswen's connection to the god of deception was such a fasci‐
nating dynamic and at times infuriating in the best way because it
added tension to the story. The worldbuilding is so interesting, the
themes are compelling, and the overall plot kept me hooked the
entire time. I also loved how the magic system is tied to the gods. It
made the whole world feel layered and alive.
Absolutely top-tier read!!”
— Jenna, Book Reviewer @ChaptersWithJenna
“This book is honestly amazing!!”
— Kayla Quinn, Book Reviewer
@Quinnys_Bookcorner“This book was exactly what I’ve been looking for! There is a
forbidden romance with the perfect amount of yearning, I ate it
up!! I’m so happy that slow burn yearning is back! … There was
never a lull in the story, every sentence has a purpose and I was kept
on the edge of my seat wanting more!”
— Rachel Wallace, Book Reviewer
@FireReadingWitchQueen
“So GOOD! Deception's Rose is a brilliantly written book that
dives into a world of magic, corruption, forbidden love and
changing fates. This book is action packed with plot twists, sexual
tension, forbidden thoughts, and multiple enemies.”
— Alexa Longfellow, Book Reviewer
@Alexa.Reads.Fantasy
“It's haunting, emotional, and full of tension. Exploring trust,
sacri!ce, and what it really means to hold onto hope when every‐
thing around you is built on deception.
If you enjoy fantasy with depth, heartbreak, and strength born
from struggle, this one will stay with you long after the last page.”
— Nicole Kerr, Book Reviewer
@Novels_with_Nicole
“First-time author Hannah Stewart shows her written ability to
draw you in and make you wonder what comes next…. a fantastic
read!”
— Bridjet Blacker, ARC reader
@BridjetsBookNook3
"This book is so steeped in gothic atmosphere, rich magical history,
and slow-burn romance you won't be able to put it down!"
— Kaia Ebel, Book Reviewer and Author
@Kaias_Book_Shelf
Writing a novel is often a quiet and solitary process.
But releasing a novel into the world is something completely different.
It is a community effort.
From early readers and reviewers to bloggers, BookTokers, and fantasy fans who take a chance on a new author, every voice helps a story find its audience.
To everyone who read early, shared feedback, posted reviews, and helped spread the word:
Thank you!
You are part of the beginning of this journey.
Deception’s Rose is an epic dark fantasy filled with gods, deception, forbidden love, and dangerous magic.
If these early reviews have you curious, you can:
The world of Deception’s Rose is just beginning.
And the best part of this journey is sharing it with readers like you.