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dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Sexual harassment, Classism
Moderate: Abortion, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio and Julie Soto for providing me with an audio ARC!!
I enjoyed several things about this book.
I enjoyed several things about this book.
- The narrator was great.
- The magic system was interesting and seemed well developed (I always tend to miss some aspect of it when I listen to fantasy books rather than physically read them. I read some fantasy but it isn’t always my go to genre).
- There were some pretty dark aspects but it seemed balanced with moments of hope.
- The TENSION.
- There were definitely some antagonistic frenemy moments that I ate up.
- I loved that Briony was powerful.
Her being kind of a supporting character in her own life and starting to come into her own power instead of using it to make others look powerful supported her character development. - I appreciated the flashbacks to give background on the current conflict.
I do think it could’ve been interesting if the flashback was in Toven’s POV just to add another layer while also giving the reader more information about what was going on. (Although I definitely understand why that wouldn’t necessarily be the case).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual violence
dark
emotional
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Omg this book was FANTASTIC! I ate it up. The enemies-to-lovers slowburn is killing me. The way Briony is such an unreliable narrator because of how events are colored by misconceptions. You kind of want to scream at her that she can’t see what’s right in front of her, meanwhile, you also want to scream at Toven because he just needs to tell her the truth! Like, UGH! I can’t WAIT for book 2.
PLEASE NOTE: the TW are not there to add word count. This book is DARK with lots of sexual violence and trauma. MC is 25, but trauma is trauma, even though she *spoiler* is actually sheltered from the majority of it.
PLEASE NOTE: the TW are not there to add word count. This book is DARK with lots of sexual violence and trauma. MC is 25, but trauma is trauma, even though she *spoiler* is actually sheltered from the majority of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Grief, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A solidly mid-tier romantasy, and I mean that in a positive way. The world building isn’t the strongest but there were some intriguing elements to it that I’m hopeful will be expanded upon in the next book. The character of Briony grew on me slowly in the last third as I felt like she managed to gain some development there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, Sexual harassment, War
Moderate: Confinement, Physical abuse, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After reading the original story by the author I think i set my hopes a little high for this book. I can definitely see some aspects of inspiration but some world building and relationship complexities fell quite flat for me. The ending was a fun twist but I feel like it was quite sudden and not hinted at nearly enough in the book to feel right. More so like it was an after thought. Overall, I would still reccomend this book (aslong as trigger warnings are THOROUGHLY read through) but it just didn't hit as much as I wanted it to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Slavery
Minor: Violence, Abortion, War
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I haven't read the fic this book is based on, but reading this did kinda just make me want to go read that instead *shrugs*
The beginning 1/3 ish is extremely clunky with the worldbuilding and we are introduced to so many characters that I had no idea who anyone was. I think without being able to relate back to original fandom, I'm not sure the characters/plot/world really stands on its own which is probably problematic for anyone coming across this book without that background. Perhaps this is because Julie is a romance writer first and foremost, that the development of the high fantasy elements were not the strong suit of this book.
The plot and character development settles in a bit better in the latter half of the book, which was more focused on Briony and Toven's relationship. I love a slow burn so that was definitely tasty and the tension is well written. Here you can really see Julie's skill as a romance writer shine. Honestly the romance by itself is what kept me going and what will continue to fuel my interest in this series.
Ultimately yes I will continue the series because I think perhaps with how things have now been established there's a potential for the future books to really find a good stride.
Audio wise I thought the narrator did a good job - even if the voices used were very reminiscent of the fandom.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC!
The beginning 1/3 ish is extremely clunky with the worldbuilding and we are introduced to so many characters that I had no idea who anyone was. I think without being able to relate back to original fandom, I'm not sure the characters/plot/world really stands on its own which is probably problematic for anyone coming across this book without that background. Perhaps this is because Julie is a romance writer first and foremost, that the development of the high fantasy elements were not the strong suit of this book.
The plot and character development settles in a bit better in the latter half of the book, which was more focused on Briony and Toven's relationship. I love a slow burn so that was definitely tasty and the tension is well written. Here you can really see Julie's skill as a romance writer shine. Honestly the romance by itself is what kept me going and what will continue to fuel my interest in this series.
Ultimately yes I will continue the series because I think perhaps with how things have now been established there's a potential for the future books to really find a good stride.
Audio wise I thought the narrator did a good job - even if the voices used were very reminiscent of the fandom.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Slavery, Violence
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, War
Minor: Death, Abortion, Death of parent
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Upon finishing this ALC, it has come to my attention that the publisher is actively using this work’s original ties to a toxic and problematic author as part of its marketing strategy. I was hoping that Rose in Chains would be able to stand alone with its own story, magic system, and characters (and it absolutely can, but they’re choosing not to). I stand with the trans community, and I cannot in good faith recommend this book. I received this free advance audiobook from Hachette Audio via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Trafficking
Moderate: Infertility, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After Princess Briony's brother, King Rory Rosewood is killed in battle, her life transforms overnight when she is captured by the enemy and sold to the highest bidder; her childhood rival, Toven Hearst.
This is a traditional adaptation of a fanfic by Julie Soto and although I have not read the FF, I really enjoyed Rose in Chains. The audiobook brought the characters to life.
What to expect:
- Dark Romantasy
-touch her and die
-enemies to lovers
-slowburn romance
-morally grey MMC
The world building is immense and easy to follow, with a new magic system which is not overly complex, mind magic versus heart magic and the strengths of both and how they influence the practitioner. Although Dragon influence is mentioned it is not central to the plot (yet).
Briony is a fierce FMC. The underdog in the story who is worth so much more than what she gets, constantly sidelined or estimated by her loved ones, she however leads with empathy and compassion for others and readers will root for her from the very beginning.
Toven is our true morally grey MMC to the point of *chefs kss*. Working within enemy lines, Julie Soto is skilled in her writing ability in that although Briony remains unawares and feels the pull between them is one-sided, readers will be observing and reading all that is unsaid between the protagonists and how it really isn't until the very end that Toven's mask starts to fall and we find out how he really feels. Eep!
Every single moment in this book felt like living on a knife-edge; this is a dark romantasy so please check out trigger warnings (sexual assault/harassment/r*pe/violence) but also the plot was unpredictable, suspenseful and chemistry between the protagonists was charged so I was really holding my breath alot during this read. This is a *very* slow-burn romance but I still loved reading how the relationship changes over time - again, its those nuanced moments where smaller gestures have greater meaning and I loved Toven and Briony together.
Special mention also to Selina Hearst (given what Rose in Chains is based on it was nice to see parallels were not consistent the whole way through and Julie Soto has formed her own world here where we had an anti-villain/supportive and kind maternal presence in Briony's life).
Some of the content did make for an uncomfortable listening experience (and I'm a sucker for multiple narrators where there are male and female characters) else Ella Lynch was phenomenal in narrating the different parts and I could not put this book down. Please be sure to check trigger warnings. I flew through this read and already can't wait for the next book to be published! In the meantime, I'll have to re-read all of Julie Soto's other works!
Thank you @HachetteAudio @Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.
This is a traditional adaptation of a fanfic by Julie Soto and although I have not read the FF, I really enjoyed Rose in Chains. The audiobook brought the characters to life.
What to expect:
- Dark Romantasy
-touch her and die
-enemies to lovers
-slowburn romance
-morally grey MMC
The world building is immense and easy to follow, with a new magic system which is not overly complex, mind magic versus heart magic and the strengths of both and how they influence the practitioner. Although Dragon influence is mentioned it is not central to the plot (yet).
Briony is a fierce FMC. The underdog in the story who is worth so much more than what she gets, constantly sidelined or estimated by her loved ones, she however leads with empathy and compassion for others and readers will root for her from the very beginning.
Toven is our true morally grey MMC to the point of *chefs kss*. Working within enemy lines, Julie Soto is skilled in her writing ability in that although Briony remains unawares and feels the pull between them is one-sided, readers will be observing and reading all that is unsaid between the protagonists and how it really isn't until the very end that Toven's mask starts to fall and we find out how he really feels. Eep!
Every single moment in this book felt like living on a knife-edge; this is a dark romantasy so please check out trigger warnings (sexual assault/harassment/r*pe/violence) but also the plot was unpredictable, suspenseful and chemistry between the protagonists was charged so I was really holding my breath alot during this read. This is a *very* slow-burn romance but I still loved reading how the relationship changes over time - again, its those nuanced moments where smaller gestures have greater meaning and I loved Toven and Briony together.
Special mention also to Selina Hearst (given what Rose in Chains is based on it was nice to see parallels were not consistent the whole way through and Julie Soto has formed her own world here where we had an anti-villain/supportive and kind maternal presence in Briony's life).
Some of the content did make for an uncomfortable listening experience (and I'm a sucker for multiple narrators where there are male and female characters) else Ella Lynch was phenomenal in narrating the different parts and I could not put this book down. Please be sure to check trigger warnings. I flew through this read and already can't wait for the next book to be published! In the meantime, I'll have to re-read all of Julie Soto's other works!
Thank you @HachetteAudio @Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Sexual harassment
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Calling it now, this is going to be one of the biggest romantasy releases of the year!
After the fall of her kingdom, Princess Briony Rosewood is at the mercy of her adversary Toven Hearst and his family while the world as she knows it crumbles around her.
The flashbacks to their shared past helped shape the slowwwwwwest burn of all time while also keeping the reader engaged and excited for the next chapter.
The narrator Ella Lynch did a beautiful job capturing the emotions of the story and I absolutely loved her portrayal of Briony. The male voices she did genuinely creeped me out at times. 10/10 delivery!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC.
After the fall of her kingdom, Princess Briony Rosewood is at the mercy of her adversary Toven Hearst and his family while the world as she knows it crumbles around her.
The flashbacks to their shared past helped shape the slowwwwwwest burn of all time while also keeping the reader engaged and excited for the next chapter.
The narrator Ella Lynch did a beautiful job capturing the emotions of the story and I absolutely loved her portrayal of Briony. The male voices she did genuinely creeped me out at times. 10/10 delivery!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Trafficking, Murder, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such an anticipated book for me and it didn't disappoint. I loved how the author adapted the original story into this published version. I adore the world she's created while also maintaining the essence of the characters.
The narrator, Ella Lynch, did a fenomenal job at giving each of the characters a unique voice and made me feel completely inmersed in the story.
While I love this book there are certainly some heavy topics that are hard to read about, so I definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings first, it definitely isn't for the faint of heart.
I truly can't wait for the next book! Thank you Netgalley, Julie Soto and Hachette Audio for this audiobook!!!
The narrator, Ella Lynch, did a fenomenal job at giving each of the characters a unique voice and made me feel completely inmersed in the story.
While I love this book there are certainly some heavy topics that are hard to read about, so I definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings first, it definitely isn't for the faint of heart.
I truly can't wait for the next book! Thank you Netgalley, Julie Soto and Hachette Audio for this audiobook!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Torture, War
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence