I read The Auction, and I’m glad Rose in Chains has cut some of the darker scenes which I didn’t think really added to the story.

Julie Soto has also reworked the characters, world and magic system, which I found really intriguing. The twist in the epilogue wasn’t a shock to me, but I really want to know what happens next!!

4.5
I very much enjoyed Julie’s romance books so obviously I had to read her romantasy debut and it was just as good.
Like, I didn’t expect anything less from her & her writing.

“Rose in Chains” is well written and has great pacing. The world was so dark and I loved it. This is exactly what I expect from a book, when it’s advertised as “dark”.

The main characters were fine and had great chemistry as far as I can tell. It probably helps that they know each other for almost 10 years at that point.
The romance itself was (very) slow, but I don’t think more than what was in this book would have made sense for the plot or the further development of Briony & Toven’s relationship.
Someone I surprisingly came to like was the Hearst family, but specifically Serena, Toven’s mother.

There were several well placed flashbacks throughout the book, starting with 8 years ago and moving their way closer to the current plot. I did find myself enjoying the later flashbacks more than the first few.
I do think the book misses out on being dual pov, because, while written completely from Briony’s pov, there were several instances where I would have loved to read from Toven’s perspective.

My only bigger issue with the book is the magic system. Yes, I get it, there’s heart and there’s mind magic. But I also don’t think I completely grasped the concept of it. And I’m not saying it contradicted itself, I just don’t think the explanation 100% clicked for me.

As the epilogue picked up on some of the speculations made throughout the book, it also gave us a glimpse at Mallow and her motives, which makes me even more excited for the sequel!

Thank you to Magpie for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the opportunity to ARC read this title, however unfortunately after two different attempts I am now choosing to DNF at the 40% point at this time.

I do believe that this is an entirely ‘me problem’ as I can completely see the appeal to the book and the comfort that can be found in returning to the works of a favourite author.

I’m really sad as I’d hoped to enjoy this book, but ultimately I just simply could not connect with the story or its characters enough to want to continue. I still found Rose in Chains to feel well written and I enjoyed exploring the story between both dual timelines.

I’m still choosing to give this book a 3 star ‘middle rating’ as I didn’t finish it and therefore cannot provide a more reflective rating due to personal enjoyment and taste.

Rose in Chains is a dark, slow-burn fantasy that absolutely hits different. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers with a heavy dose of magic, power struggles, and complicated characters, this one’s gonna be right up your alley. But fair warning: it’s not light reading — think captivity, abuse, and some seriously intense themes. So make sure you’re ready for that rollercoaster before diving in. 🎢

The war is over, the bad guys have won, and Princess Briony Rosewood? She’s been captured, stripped of her magic, and sold to the highest bidder. Enter Toven Hearst — aka the ultimate “touch her and die” energy guy who’s also obsessed with Briony but somehow manages to keep his distance (for now). Honestly, the tension between them is chef’s kiss — so slow and simmering it almost hurts.

Briony is a straight-up badass. Despite being sold into captivity, she never gives up, constantly testing her captors’ limits and refusing to be broken. That kind of resilience made me root for her hard. And Toven? Ugh, the possessiveness mixed with restraint is everything. He’s definitely the kind of male lead you love to hate, with that dangerous edge we crave.

One of the best parts? Toven’s mum and Larissa. What complex characters! I actually found myself warming to them both by the end, which says a lot given the dark vibe throughout. Plus, the male characters designed to be despised? They nailed it. Some were downright vile, which just made the story’s stakes feel even more real.

Romance-wise, this book is a slooooow burn. Like, almost none in this one, but the foundations are so well laid that you just know it’s coming. The tension, the sharp banter, the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ vibes… all on point.

Favourite quotes that made me laugh and swoon:

“Your first dance,” he said. “As we discussed.”
“We didn’t discuss anything. I’m dancing the first with Sammy.”
“You’re serious, Hearst?”
“Absolutely,” Toven said. “I am accustomed to having the finest thing in the room, after all.” 😏

And this little spicy moment:

“Perhaps I’ll come knocking on that private suite when your brother is occupied with Miss Hardstark.”
“Perhaps I’ll light you on fire if you try.”🔥🔥

Overall, Rose in Chains is a gripping start to a darker, complex fantasy romance series. The world-building and characters pulled me right in, and though the romance is more simmer than boil here, the tension is electric. Just be mindful of the heavy themes before you jump in.

If you’re here for the enemies-to-lovers, “bad boy with a soft spot” vibes, plus a heroine who refuses to be a victim, give this a go. Definitely a 4-star read from me — can’t wait for the next instalment to see how this all unfolds! 💫✨

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinions.

This story gave me nothing and I just couldn’t care what was going to happen with the characters. It was just boring for me. I know a lot of people really do enjoy the book so it will work for some people, but not for others.

The whole story just fell to flat for me, and I did not feel like there was any progression in the storyline, so I was just bored most of the time, and the flashbacks just made me confused. I also think the flashbacks disrupted some of the flow in the book. I've seen a lot of people enjoy this, so I definitely think that this was just not for me.

This was dark, addictive, and everything I didn’t know I needed. The slow burn romance had me screaming and the tension between the main characters was so well done. It’s definitely heavier than I expected, so check content warnings, but I couldn’t put it down. Some parts were a little predictable, but honestly, I was way too hooked to care; I’m already dying for book two!

This was a dark romantasy that found the balance between so many different factors; a captivating story in both its world-building and characters, whilst exploring uncomfortable and distressing realities of war (4.5 Stars!)

I think the main thing that stuck out to me as a reader throughout the story was the emotions that this story was able to pull from you. The back and forth pull from hope to despair, sometimes it was hard to continue to turn the page because I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen next. This story does not hide its darker themes. It was a story that did so well in bringing the readers in and rooting and attaching them to the characters and their fates.

The flashbacks did such a good job in not only showcasing the backgrounds and developments of characters but in also sowing the seeds for the foundation of the main story. I also loved with the story that we got such a full cast of characters, different families, loyalties, politics and opinions. It was really interesting to see the complexities of humans and the selfishness of them as well as the story developed.

I am looking forward to reading book two, I did have a feeling of where book one was heading but I wouldn’t be surprised if all my theories for book two are completely misguided 😂 I am also really looking forward to seeing what happens as the story develops as well with the relationship between Briony and Toven!

Thank you to Harper Fiction UK for sending me an eARC and to future readers please read the trigger warnings before starting this story.

Thank you for letting me read and review this book on Netgalley.

Definitely read the trigger warnings for this one but I loved it.

What to expect:
- Romantasy
- Forbidden Romance
- Check your trigger warnings
- Enemies to Lovers
- First in a trilogy

That epilogue was EVERYTHING. It made me so excited to read the next book! Come on Bomards, we Eversuns are ready💪🏻.
BRING IT ON!!!

Nobody warned me that the first half of this book would be so brutal. It had my heart pounding and then raging at the helplessness of Eversuns and all the unnecessary cruelty they had to suffer.

I’m in awe of Briony Rosewood’s strength. She was everything a queen should be (even though she’s a princess).
She suffered so much but still cared for her people who in turn is so loyal to her and their kingdom.
Toven Hearst was such an enigmatic character. Everything about him was mysterious and suspicious. I was constantly doubting his intentions and i’m still not sure about his motives. Toven in the flashbacks were a menace.
But one thing is clear- he knows how to play the long game and keep his arch nemesis and the enemy princess, Briony Rosewood safe.
I also loved the Hearsts.
Told in both present and flashbacks, this book had so much heart pounding actions, scenes, unique world, morally grey characters, some unexpected twists and character arcs. I just wish there was a little more romance too.

To say this book is dark is understatement. So please read the TW. There were many heart wrenching scenes and so many characters who deserved slow and painful death. I can’t wait to see them suffer.

-High fantasy with slowburn romance.
-School bully.
-Forbidden romance.
-Enemy kingdoms.
-TW
-First in the trilogy and recommended.

⭐️ 5 | 🌶️ 1

This might be the hardest review I’ve ever had to write—for so many reasons.

I’ve read the original fanfic this book is based on at least three times. So separating the two? Nearly impossible. I honestly can’t tell if my love for this book is purely because of the fanfic… or because it’s just that good.

Let me be clear: I am a romantasy hater to my core. Romantasy books see me coming and immediately start trembling. I’m that reader—picky about magic systems, quick to point out plot holes, and deeply skeptical about world-building.

So yes, this book sat on my Kindle for months. I was terrified it would ruin the fanfic for me. 👀

But it didn’t. Not even close.

From the very first page, I was hooked. Fully obsessed. I devoured both the audiobook and the ebook—I couldn’t stop. The characters, the story, the world… it had me in a chokehold 😭

If you’ve made it this far: I genuinely don’t know if I’d love this as much without having read the fanfic first. But if you have read it? This book is a love letter to every Saturday girl. It fixed the one thing I always wished the original had—and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.

Also: THANK YOU for the non-dramatic cliffhanger 🙏🏽 And maybe (just maybe) a longer epilogue with that HEA? (Please, Julie… for me.)

Truly, this book was perfection.

Huge thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook and ebook ARC. Being able to experience this story in two formats made it even more immersive. Book two can’t come fast enough!

Okay! You got me! I'm obsessed! Thank you thank you thank you for allowing me this ARC.

I really enjoyed this read. I really expected to be disappointed and bored - maybe even mortified - but this book sucked me in almost immediately. The story is very dark, but not to the point of being distressing. The characters are complex and the slow burn is SLOW. I hear its a trilogy, and at this point I don't expect even chaste kisses until book 3.

I know everyone is wondering if it reads like fanfic, however I feel like it was satisfactory in its divorce material in a really positive manner. Like the changes make the entire plot make a lot more sense and they are more compelling then the original motivations for the conflict.

This book includes:
- TW TW TW please please read all the TW before picking up this book
- dystopian world with supernatural abilities
- sisterhood
- hope in the darkness
- unrequited love
- painful memories
- a struggle for survival
- IDK what else to say because it all feels like a spoiler

Maturity: 18+++++++

((Objectively this is slightly lighter Manacled fanfic (which I wonder how it will impact the Alchemized release in a few months), but I can still enjoy it lol.))

I am giving this book a 4.5 but rounding to 5.

I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Soto, and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863 and it will be posted to my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/ and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightingales?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

This was immaculate 😭😭😭 exactly how I needed it to be after being such a huge fan of the fanfic!! I thought the world building was so well thought out and developed! There are some DARK elements to this story so it’s imperative to read the trigger warnings!

5 stars - Dark fantasy romance.

A highly anticipated read of mine and it’s definitely making my top ten of the year! I absolutely loved this book, I was drawn into it straight away and found it almost impossible to put down. I was reading it before bed but it wasn’t enough so I had the day off work and finished it - it was well worth it, even though now I have the long wait for the second.

Told from the main pov of Briony - her character was so very easy to root for and after all she goes through she remains strong and still holds onto the hope of that someday things will be better. The romance aspect of the book is very slow burn but it’s a good simmering burn that hopefully heats up as the story progresses. I would have loved a chapter from Toven as he is definitely hiding his true feelings from Briony but we are left not knowing why.

The magic system was really unique and explained well without over burdening the reader. Briony has mind magic whilst Toven has heart magic - both have their limitations and strengths and some people seem to wield both even though it’s outlawed.

Some dark aspects to the story so would highly advise checking the trigger warnings. Brionys determination and hope shines a light on the world and Tovens mysterious need to protect her had me swooning!

Deliciously dark and dripping with tension - Julie Soto’s debut fantasy kicks off with a huge bang. For fans of ‘The Auction’ and Dramione fanfiction in general, this romantasy novel takes huge inspiration from our beloved characters but does stand entirely on its own.

I came into this book hugely excited for the romance and overall it didn’t disappoint – it was a slowburn romance with flashbacks trickled into the storyline that add to the build up of their chemistry and tension. I devoured this book in two nights – that’s how addictive it became!

Additonally the magic system is certainly unique. It does require more clarity which I’m sure can be provided in book two. But as a whole – it stands apart from its fanfiction origins and is compelling on its own.

This is a dark romantasy with references to triggering topics and scenes that are honestly quite uncomfortable to read. Prior to reading this, a good understanding of the content and trigger warnings are a must.

Dark and mysterious, Rose in Chains was an incredible start to a new trilogy by Julie Soto. It’s so painfully romantic too! I wish there was more romance but I thought the slow burn paid off at the end and it made me so anxious for book two. And the twist at the end! I truly didn’t expect it but the relief I got from the epilogue and how smart it was that it was written from the dragon’s perspective. It was incredibly dark though, and it made me stressed at points so I recommend people look at the trigger warnings before reading. I was already a fan of Julie Soto for her romance books but she’s made such an incredible foray into fantasy. I can’t wait to read book two and three to see how the story plays out.

★★★★★

I was absolutely *obsessed* with The Auction when I read it last year, and so couldn’t wait to read Julie Soto’s trad adaptation - and honestly it’s even better than I could have imagined 😭

𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧…
🖤 dark romantasy
🥀 forced proximity
🖤 the slowest of slow burns
🥀 morally grey mmc
🖤 touch her & die
🥀 enemies to lovers

𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨…
When Princess Briony Rosewood’s brother & king is killed, she is taken captive - and sold to the highest bidder, her childhood rival Toven Hearst.

𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨…
The world that Julie Soto has built is incredible 👏🏼 The magic system is new & unique (but also not overly complex!) 💫 I loved the way that the characters were similar - and I could draw parallels between her characters’ arcs in the fic and this book - but also they stood SO well on their own. And the plot is juuust different enough that even the Dramione fans will finish this and be like …what??!

Briony is such a strong fmc - she has been taken for granted by so many people in her life, but everything she does is for the people she loves. I love her and my heart broke for her 🥲

Toven is (as expected 😭) perfect - we only *just* see him starting to show his true self in this book, but knowing the rough plot for the rest of the series I am SO excited 🤭 I also really like the fact that people will go in without the HP prejudices of the Hearst family being the Malfoys!

I loved Briony & Toven together, but don’t get me wrong this is a *slow* burn 😅 I was so happy that we just started to see a change in their relationship by the end of this book - and I absolutely cannot wait for the next!

If you haven’t read The Auction do not worry - you will still LOVE this book (possibly even more because you don’t know what’s coming!)

Also just a note to check TW - this is a dark romantasy.

This was phenomenal. I absolutely love everything that Julie Soto writes. This is her debut romantic fantasy novel and it was everything.

Slow burn, awesome magical system, world building, friendships.

That epilogue? I’m gnawing at my cage for the next book .. and this one isn’t even out at the time of this review.

Loved the cover, but unfortunately, I only just about liked the novel. Rose in Chains started off very slow, and the pace didn't really pick up until the last 10 - 15%. The war is over, and the bad guys have won, but to be honest, the 'good guys' were so passive and stupid that I didn’t care. It seems like Briony already had the life tucked out of her before the novel began after a lifetime of being forced into her twins shadow and being told the only worth she had is through a political marriage she might make. I wanted rage and defiance. Instead, I got boring and stupid decisions. Briony lacked oomph and was one of the least interesting characters in the novel. There was a glimmer of something at the end, but I shouldn't have to wait the entire novel for the main character to do something interesting. I feel that Larissa, Briony's former school enemy and reluctantally was a more compelling character, and the novel would have benefitted from chapters from her POV.

While I'm not precious when it comes to world building, the world building or lack thereof only made sense knowing that the novel was originally written as fan fiction.


The romance was fine. Enemy/ former bully turns out to be a decent man who has always had a soft spot for the female main character. Pretty standard and decently executed. Tension was fine. I just wanted more. Given that Rose in Chains is the first in a planned trilogy, I would hope that the romance (and world building) picks up in the sequel.

I unfortunately just couldn't get into this book- maybe it's because of the FF side of it or just the content in general but it wasn't for me. I found the worldbuilding somehow too simple but also confusing and the romance didn't feel real to me. I've loved Julie Soto's other books so this won't put me off reading any more work by her, and I am still very grateful to have had the opportunity to read this very popular book early.