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dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While reading, I felt every emotion from grief, hate, to fangirling over Toven Hearst. Without spoilers, this book follows a bright princess named Briony Rosewood, who has a strong affinity for mind magic. Her kingdom is invaded, and Briony and many other women are kidnapped and auctioned into slavery. The mysterious Toven Hearst, her former crush at school, purchases her at the auction. As the people from her kingdom continue to rebel, Briony has to find out where her friends are, and if there is any hope in escaping her new "home," Hearst Hall. The book switches between present day and flashbacks, and slowly unravels the characters' backstories and their relationships with each other.
For those who don't know, Rose in Chains is based off of Julie Soto's fanfiction, The Auction, which is one of the holy grails of the Draco x Hermione fandom community. The Auction was one of the first fanfictions I read when I was first getting introduced to Dramione, and it is one of my favorite fanfictions of all time. I feel like those who read The Auction will also love Rose in Chains. I wonder what inspired her new naming conventions as well (i.e. Hearst Hall vs. Malfoy Manor), and I'd honestly like to see a behind the scenes on how she went through editing this book. Getting to see this story given new life and new fans makes me so happy, and I'm so happy for Julie Soto. I already know this book is going to be a huge hit and I'm excited to see where it leads next.
I thought it might be weird seeing this story rewritten with a new cast of characters --- I felt the Harry Potter characters and universe was so crucial to the original story --- but I enjoyed meeting Toven Hearst and Briony Rosewood and seeing a new magic system take place. I loved seeing flashbacks of their academic rivalry and the scenes under the willow tree at the lake. The slow burn tension between them is SO good, and I love their dialogue banter. Toven Hearst is definitely being added to the list of book boyfriends (I have a soft spot for misunderstood, morally grey characters; bonus points if they're Draco Malfoy-coded haha).
Just a note: This book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with very dark themes, and essentially human trafficking/slavery. Trigger warnings for this book include: death, murder, bullying, confinement, drug use, misogyny, physical abuse, racism, sexism, sexual assault/violence, slavery, xenophobia/bigotry, trafficking, kidnapping, grief, sexual harassment, war, drug use, rape, torture, abortion, etc. Be warned!
There isn't spice in this book; however, I have a feeling there will likely be spice in the sequel. Julie Soto, you are amazing and I cannot wait for the next book in the Evermore Series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the advanced copy!
For those who don't know, Rose in Chains is based off of Julie Soto's fanfiction, The Auction, which is one of the holy grails of the Draco x Hermione fandom community. The Auction was one of the first fanfictions I read when I was first getting introduced to Dramione, and it is one of my favorite fanfictions of all time. I feel like those who read The Auction will also love Rose in Chains. I wonder what inspired her new naming conventions as well (i.e. Hearst Hall vs. Malfoy Manor), and I'd honestly like to see a behind the scenes on how she went through editing this book. Getting to see this story given new life and new fans makes me so happy, and I'm so happy for Julie Soto. I already know this book is going to be a huge hit and I'm excited to see where it leads next.
I thought it might be weird seeing this story rewritten with a new cast of characters --- I felt the Harry Potter characters and universe was so crucial to the original story --- but I enjoyed meeting Toven Hearst and Briony Rosewood and seeing a new magic system take place. I loved seeing flashbacks of their academic rivalry and the scenes under the willow tree at the lake. The slow burn tension between them is SO good, and I love their dialogue banter. Toven Hearst is definitely being added to the list of book boyfriends (I have a soft spot for misunderstood, morally grey characters; bonus points if they're Draco Malfoy-coded haha).
Just a note: This book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with very dark themes, and essentially human trafficking/slavery. Trigger warnings for this book include: death, murder, bullying, confinement, drug use, misogyny, physical abuse, racism, sexism, sexual assault/violence, slavery, xenophobia/bigotry, trafficking, kidnapping, grief, sexual harassment, war, drug use, rape, torture, abortion, etc. Be warned!
There isn't spice in this book; however, I have a feeling there will likely be spice in the sequel. Julie Soto, you are amazing and I cannot wait for the next book in the Evermore Series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the advanced copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, War
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Rape, Torture, Abortion
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Please be aware of all TW before reading!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Trafficking
Minor: Death, Rape, War
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a dark romantasy. Emphasis on dark. Please be mindful of that. I am interested to see where this story goes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In this highly anticipated new trilogy, princess Briony Rosewood has been taken captive along with all of her remaining fellow Eversuns. She is to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, and she is highly desirable to her enemies. One of her greatest enemies is now her owner and in charge of everything she does- Toven, the man associated with her enemies, with a dark past, and who she couldn’t help but be intrigued by while they were growing up. In Toven’s home, Briony finds things may not be as they seem and she may have allies in unlikely places.
I am a fan of Julie Soto’s romances but haven’t read her fanfic that this was based off of. However, I was very curious to read it and I’m so glad I did! She has proven to be such a talented writer. I absolutely loved this and devoured it, which I’m now regretting because I can’t read it anymore and I have to wait for book two. This is a dark book with upsetting themes and I’d encourage readers to take care and check content warnings, because it isn’t a light read. It is also quite a slow burn, but it’s well developed and focused on the characters’ pasts with chapters in both flashbacks and the present. I am so eager for the second book and absolutely loved this one!
Thank you so much to Julie Soto and Forever publishing for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
I am a fan of Julie Soto’s romances but haven’t read her fanfic that this was based off of. However, I was very curious to read it and I’m so glad I did! She has proven to be such a talented writer. I absolutely loved this and devoured it, which I’m now regretting because I can’t read it anymore and I have to wait for book two. This is a dark book with upsetting themes and I’d encourage readers to take care and check content warnings, because it isn’t a light read. It is also quite a slow burn, but it’s well developed and focused on the characters’ pasts with chapters in both flashbacks and the present. I am so eager for the second book and absolutely loved this one!
Thank you so much to Julie Soto and Forever publishing for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment
Forced sterilization
Wow! I went into this expecting a straight up romantasy, which it was a little and I think the series for sure will be, but there was so much more to this than just romance. I loved that it didn’t shy away from the heavy topics of the book. Definitely check the trigger warnings because it was heavier than I realized. I really really loved this, and I’m so excited for the next book (and devastated that this book doesn’t even come out until July and THEN I have to wait for the next book in the series to be released). I highly recommend, but do be aware that this is the first book in a trilogy so don’t go into it expecting a resolution.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I literally couldn’t stop reading!!
I don’t know what Julie Soto put into this book but it was just insanely addictive to read. It definitely has a lot of dark themes which are quite heavy so I totally recommend to read the trigger warnings before diving in.
That said I really enjoyed the storyline, especially finding out new information and guessing together with the fmc Briony really kept me going. This is definitely a slow burn enemies to lovers with a looot of tension but the throwbacks with insights into their relationship over the years was a great addition!!
I literally have so many more questions, about the world, the characters, the relationship and the secrets??? I can’t wait for more!
Thank you so much for Harper Collins/Magie and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this one early.
I don’t know what Julie Soto put into this book but it was just insanely addictive to read. It definitely has a lot of dark themes which are quite heavy so I totally recommend to read the trigger warnings before diving in.
That said I really enjoyed the storyline, especially finding out new information and guessing together with the fmc Briony really kept me going. This is definitely a slow burn enemies to lovers with a looot of tension but the throwbacks with insights into their relationship over the years was a great addition!!
I literally have so many more questions, about the world, the characters, the relationship and the secrets??? I can’t wait for more!
Thank you so much for Harper Collins/Magie and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this one early.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Trafficking, Sexual harassment, War
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Violence, Murder
Minor: Drug abuse, Rape, Death of parent
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such an incredible read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.75 rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review. I have never read anything by Julie Soto and I went into this book not realizing at first that it was a rewrite of her Dramione fanfic, The Auction (which I haven’t read), so the beginning felt a bit disjointed and I found it really hard to keep my interest engaged at first.
The world-building felt underdeveloped to me and magic system felt difficult to follow and seemed contradictory at times. I felt that there was an assumption that the reader should know a lot of the background info and world-building already because this started out as a Harry Potter fanfic and once I confirmed with a friend that this was a rewrite of The Auction, a lot of it clicked into place in my brain because I then had previous background info from knowing the HP characters/world.
The pacing of this book also felt off and as I said, the beginning felt disjointed. I attribute a lot of this to the flashbacks, and while I think this was Julie’s attempt to give us background info while also foreshadowing events in the upcoming chapters, it disrupted the narrative and took me out of the flow of what what happening in present time. The flow seemed better once we got less of the flashbacks, and I think it would have been better if this had been rearranged chronologically. The epilogue with the dragon also felt out of place because we have next to zero info on the dragon throughout the whole book, and then we get the epilogue from her POV when there was never a POV change in the rest of the book? I think it would have been more impactful if it had been from Rory’s POV, but I guess it would have ruined “the big reveal”, even though it didn’t feel like one.
This is just a personal issue, but I also had a hard time with some of the names as they did not seem to fit and also took me out of the story. Biltmore Palace was a bit on the nose with The Biltmore Estate and made me think of North Carolina. Didion’s last name of Winchester made me think of Supernatural, even though I haven’t watched anything beyond the first season. Liam Quill kept reminding me of Starlord (Peter Quill). Mallow kept having marshmallow popping into my head. And while Julie had no way of knowing this, my local art studio is named Rosewood, so I kept getting distracted. Again, I understand this is a me issue.
I definitely think this could use some refining, but overall I enjoyed this and I will continue the series. I also plan to listen to the audio when it is available as that may change my opinion.
The world-building felt underdeveloped to me and magic system felt difficult to follow and seemed contradictory at times. I felt that there was an assumption that the reader should know a lot of the background info and world-building already because this started out as a Harry Potter fanfic and once I confirmed with a friend that this was a rewrite of The Auction, a lot of it clicked into place in my brain because I then had previous background info from knowing the HP characters/world.
The pacing of this book also felt off and as I said, the beginning felt disjointed. I attribute a lot of this to the flashbacks, and while I think this was Julie’s attempt to give us background info while also foreshadowing events in the upcoming chapters, it disrupted the narrative and took me out of the flow of what what happening in present time. The flow seemed better once we got less of the flashbacks, and I think it would have been better if this had been rearranged chronologically. The epilogue with the dragon also felt out of place because we have next to zero info on the dragon throughout the whole book, and then we get the epilogue from her POV when there was never a POV change in the rest of the book? I think it would have been more impactful if it had been from Rory’s POV, but I guess it would have ruined “the big reveal”, even though it didn’t feel like one.
This is just a personal issue, but I also had a hard time with some of the names as they did not seem to fit and also took me out of the story. Biltmore Palace was a bit on the nose with The Biltmore Estate and made me think of North Carolina. Didion’s last name of Winchester made me think of Supernatural, even though I haven’t watched anything beyond the first season. Liam Quill kept reminding me of Starlord (Peter Quill). Mallow kept having marshmallow popping into my head. And while Julie had no way of knowing this, my local art studio is named Rosewood, so I kept getting distracted. Again, I understand this is a me issue.
I definitely think this could use some refining, but overall I enjoyed this and I will continue the series. I also plan to listen to the audio when it is available as that may change my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I did recieve an e-arc from netgalley and the publisher.
There are a few things that caught me off guard that make me a little upset and sad but there are triggers in this book. Please read the triggers first before you decide to read it. It is DARK. I got through the darkness because I wanted to know what was going to happen to the main character in the way if she was going to survive. Other than the dark bits happening, the magic system was interesting and I kept trying to figure out what the plan was. I am super curious what will happen next. The book had me hooked. There is a bit of flashback from the past to the present. I will say the ending caught me off guard.
There are a few things that caught me off guard that make me a little upset and sad but there are triggers in this book. Please read the triggers first before you decide to read it. It is DARK. I got through the darkness because I wanted to know what was going to happen to the main character in the way if she was going to survive. Other than the dark bits happening, the magic system was interesting and I kept trying to figure out what the plan was. I am super curious what will happen next. The book had me hooked. There is a bit of flashback from the past to the present. I will say the ending caught me off guard.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Abandonment
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Classism