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dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Happy release day to Rose in Chains by Julie Soto! A dark romantasy following Rose, a political prisoner enslaved in the home of a powerful man from a rival kingdom. It is not a light read, but it is gripping if you are a dark romance fan.
As a fan of the original Dramione fanfiction, it was hard not to compare the two. The story is romance centric and carries the ruinous, morally grey energy of the original well but, ultimately, I have the same complaint with the traditionally published novel that I did with the original fan work. It's too long. Easily forgiven with the creation of a whole new world but the world-building felt pretty thin, and unfortunately, the book dragged in the middle for me. Soto nails the tension and messy, complicated dynamic between the characters though and it is absolutely worth the ride if you're into dark romance with lots of angst. Thank you NetGalley, Julie Soto, and Hachette Audio for the ALC.
As a fan of the original Dramione fanfiction, it was hard not to compare the two. The story is romance centric and carries the ruinous, morally grey energy of the original well but, ultimately, I have the same complaint with the traditionally published novel that I did with the original fan work. It's too long. Easily forgiven with the creation of a whole new world but the world-building felt pretty thin, and unfortunately, the book dragged in the middle for me. Soto nails the tension and messy, complicated dynamic between the characters though and it is absolutely worth the ride if you're into dark romance with lots of angst. Thank you NetGalley, Julie Soto, and Hachette Audio for the ALC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Violence, 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
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Trafficking, Medical trauma
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I don't even know where to begin when it comes to discussing this book. I had mixed feelings the entire time I was reading, so I guess it's understandable why I don't know what to feel now.
Rose in Chains was adapted from Dramione fanfiction. I want to open with that fact, as this affected my feelings when I was reading. As something of a connoisseur of fanfiction, and having dipped my toes into Harry Potter fanfiction (maybe it's more I dipped my feet... possibly a whole leg... actually, I dived in head first), I couldn't help but look for those glimpses of the source material. It truly is a very good adaptation from the original fanfic. I think a lot of work has been done to develop a unique world with a different magic system and history. The villain is not the same, and this truly did feel original, which says much to the skill of Julie Soto as an author.
But although the world felt different, and I do feel like many of the secondary characters did feel different to the characters I would expect to see from Harry Potter, the characters of Briony and Toven? They just screamed Hermione and Draco, and I couldn't help but see it throughout. For example, Briony said at one point she was very good at research, and I agree, Hermione is great for research, but I don't think this was ever truly explained in the book, how bookish she was. She had to hide her intelligence, I know that was clearly explained, but she was never truly shown to be the bookworm she is meant to be. I could be picking at nothing, but things like that stood out to me when reading.
The pacing also needed work. I know this is going to be a series, and I fully expected to be left dying to know more with a cliffhanger of sorts, but the first half of the book moved too slowly. I felt like we had a lot of repetition before the plot truly got going. I got it when the world-building was occurring, and there were a lot of characters to introduce, but even later, once Briony was in chains, I felt like we saw the same thing over and over with no movement.
That being said, this did grip me by the end. I finished the book and was sad to see I had to wait another year for the next one. I know I'll reread this book again. I even know now I need to read quickly and can happily gloss over the harder parts of the book to read, such as the allusions to rape and the violation of bodily autonomy these women experience. It wasn't always enjoyable reading, but I don't mind that as I know what to expect from fanfiction. I feel like I'm willing to put myself through more trauma in a fanfiction read and go through the emotional wringer, but I'm not sure everyone will know what to expect here. I've added content warnings and feel no judgment if people give this a miss.
This is a good book which explores a lot. I think the potential for the next book is great if written well. I never read the original fanfiction for this, so I can't say how close it is, but I did really enjoy it. If this is what we'll see from all Dramione adaptations coming, I'll be happy, but I am waiting for a bad one to come along and ruin things. If nothing else, this book proves, once again, that adapting fanfiction to be original fiction is possible and so we can all ignore how awful 50 Shades was and not use that as an example of fanfiction making its way to the mainstream anymore.
Rose in Chains was adapted from Dramione fanfiction. I want to open with that fact, as this affected my feelings when I was reading. As something of a connoisseur of fanfiction, and having dipped my toes into Harry Potter fanfiction (maybe it's more I dipped my feet... possibly a whole leg... actually, I dived in head first), I couldn't help but look for those glimpses of the source material. It truly is a very good adaptation from the original fanfic. I think a lot of work has been done to develop a unique world with a different magic system and history. The villain is not the same, and this truly did feel original, which says much to the skill of Julie Soto as an author.
But although the world felt different, and I do feel like many of the secondary characters did feel different to the characters I would expect to see from Harry Potter, the characters of Briony and Toven? They just screamed Hermione and Draco, and I couldn't help but see it throughout. For example, Briony said at one point she was very good at research, and I agree, Hermione is great for research, but I don't think this was ever truly explained in the book, how bookish she was. She had to hide her intelligence, I know that was clearly explained, but she was never truly shown to be the bookworm she is meant to be. I could be picking at nothing, but things like that stood out to me when reading.
The pacing also needed work. I know this is going to be a series, and I fully expected to be left dying to know more with a cliffhanger of sorts, but the first half of the book moved too slowly. I felt like we had a lot of repetition before the plot truly got going. I got it when the world-building was occurring, and there were a lot of characters to introduce, but even later, once Briony was in chains, I felt like we saw the same thing over and over with no movement.
That being said, this did grip me by the end. I finished the book and was sad to see I had to wait another year for the next one. I know I'll reread this book again. I even know now I need to read quickly and can happily gloss over the harder parts of the book to read, such as the allusions to rape and the violation of bodily autonomy these women experience. It wasn't always enjoyable reading, but I don't mind that as I know what to expect from fanfiction. I feel like I'm willing to put myself through more trauma in a fanfiction read and go through the emotional wringer, but I'm not sure everyone will know what to expect here. I've added content warnings and feel no judgment if people give this a miss.
This is a good book which explores a lot. I think the potential for the next book is great if written well. I never read the original fanfiction for this, so I can't say how close it is, but I did really enjoy it. If this is what we'll see from all Dramione adaptations coming, I'll be happy, but I am waiting for a bad one to come along and ruin things. If nothing else, this book proves, once again, that adapting fanfiction to be original fiction is possible and so we can all ignore how awful 50 Shades was and not use that as an example of fanfiction making its way to the mainstream anymore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Trafficking, Abortion, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Slavery, Violence
Moderate: Rape, 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
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Murder, War
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Trafficking
Minor: Infertility, Abortion, Pregnancy
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Rose in Chains was my first read from this author—and wow, it definitely won’t be my last. I’m obsessed! I went in with high hopes, and this book totally delivered.
Heads up: the story dives into some dark and graphic territory, so I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The world-building is unique, the magic system is fascinating, and the short chapters + dual timelines ? Chef’s kiss.
I was flipping pages past midnight—putting this book down was not an option.
The writing is smooth and easy to follow, which really helped me get into the flow of the story, especially with so many characters and layers to the world. It made everything click in such a satisfying way.
Now let’s talk characters—Briony and Toven completely stole my heart. Briony’s strength, resilience, and sheer willpower during the auction scenes? Absolutely inspiring. She didn’t just survive—she came out stronger, and I was rooting for her every step of the way.
And then there’s Toven. My mysterious, morally grey guy. I have so many questions about him—what’s his and his family real agenda? What’s going on behind that cold, savage exterior? I need his POV in the next book!!!
As for the romance… the slow burn is everything. Every little interaction had me grinning and blushing. I was fully invested in Briony and Toven’s dynamic, and those almost-confession moments ? Torture in the best way.
After that ending, I’m dying to see where their story goes next!
Overall, Rose in Chains is a total page-turner—dark, addictive, and full of everything I love in a romantasy.
With such a strong start, I’ve got a feeling this series is going to become one of my favorites.
If you’re into enemies-to-lovers, morally grey love interests, court intrigue, prophecies, “touch her and die” vibes, and a unique magic system, this one’s a must read!
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: explicit sexual content, mentions of non-consensual sex, sexual assault, sexual assault of a POV character, buying and selling of humans into captivity, forced sterilization, forced termination of a pregnancy, minor character deaths, suspense and violence, torture and gore
Heads up: the story dives into some dark and graphic territory, so I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The world-building is unique, the magic system is fascinating, and the short chapters + dual timelines ? Chef’s kiss.
I was flipping pages past midnight—putting this book down was not an option.
The writing is smooth and easy to follow, which really helped me get into the flow of the story, especially with so many characters and layers to the world. It made everything click in such a satisfying way.
Now let’s talk characters—Briony and Toven completely stole my heart. Briony’s strength, resilience, and sheer willpower during the auction scenes? Absolutely inspiring. She didn’t just survive—she came out stronger, and I was rooting for her every step of the way.
And then there’s Toven. My mysterious, morally grey guy. I have so many questions about him—what’s his and his family real agenda? What’s going on behind that cold, savage exterior? I need his POV in the next book!!!
As for the romance… the slow burn is everything. Every little interaction had me grinning and blushing. I was fully invested in Briony and Toven’s dynamic, and those almost-confession moments ? Torture in the best way.
After that ending, I’m dying to see where their story goes next!
Overall, Rose in Chains is a total page-turner—dark, addictive, and full of everything I love in a romantasy.
With such a strong start, I’ve got a feeling this series is going to become one of my favorites.
If you’re into enemies-to-lovers, morally grey love interests, court intrigue, prophecies, “touch her and die” vibes, and a unique magic system, this one’s a must read!
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: explicit sexual content, mentions of non-consensual sex, sexual assault, sexual assault of a POV character, buying and selling of humans into captivity, forced sterilization, forced termination of a pregnancy, minor character deaths, suspense and violence, torture and gore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was a rollercoaster. You go back and forth between past and present events. Navigating Briony's journey in this new world. Who can she trust? Who SHOULD she trust? The end?!? 🤯
I've never read anything by Julie Soto before and I enjoyed her storytelling. The world building was amazing. This is book one of three and I cannot believe I have to wait for the conclusion. Truly a remarkable start to what I think will be an incredible trilogy.
Enemies to lovers
Magical prophesies
War between two magical groups
Dark themes throughout
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC.
I've never read anything by Julie Soto before and I enjoyed her storytelling. The world building was amazing. This is book one of three and I cannot believe I have to wait for the conclusion. Truly a remarkable start to what I think will be an incredible trilogy.
Enemies to lovers
Magical prophesies
War between two magical groups
Dark themes throughout
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, War