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A review by justinlife
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
adventurous
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This slow burn, bodyguard romance was a fun read. It felt like it was 100 pages too long, though. Rowland creates a world where the prince needs to help uncover a conspiracy to save the kingdom. Prince Kadou is an interesting character because he suffers from crippling anxiety. His bodyguard is there to help him and eventually sparks fly.
I have a problem with workplace romances where one has power over the other. They stress me out. Rowland at least puts in her fantasy world that it’s somewhat acceptable for this happen. Still though, ew.
The interesting things about the book had more to do with the gender politics and the religion more than the plot. Rowland creates an interesting universe that would be fun to explore in other books and it felt like she could as there were a lot of loose ends to finish up.
The plot of the book was fun enough. Sometimes when stupid things happen in fantasy which feels as if the only purpose is to move the plot along, I’m reminded that stupid things happen in real life and then I’m back on board. The plot seemed to go on and on for reasons I didn’t understand. Maybe if she plays more in this universe, it will make sense.
Overall though, I liked it. It was a fun, light read. As a reminder, I think all fantasy books suffer in the first 40 pages where the author has to introduce the audience to terms only they know. This book is no different.
I have a problem with workplace romances where one has power over the other. They stress me out. Rowland at least puts in her fantasy world that it’s somewhat acceptable for this happen. Still though, ew.
The interesting things about the book had more to do with the gender politics and the religion more than the plot. Rowland creates an interesting universe that would be fun to explore in other books and it felt like she could as there were a lot of loose ends to finish up.
The plot of the book was fun enough. Sometimes when stupid things happen in fantasy which feels as if the only purpose is to move the plot along, I’m reminded that stupid things happen in real life and then I’m back on board. The plot seemed to go on and on for reasons I didn’t understand. Maybe if she plays more in this universe, it will make sense.
Overall though, I liked it. It was a fun, light read. As a reminder, I think all fantasy books suffer in the first 40 pages where the author has to introduce the audience to terms only they know. This book is no different.