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A review by mood_reading_maya
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
This book sealed the deal. Julie Soto is NOT for me.
Rose In Chains is a reworked adaptation of a Harry Potter fan fiction originally published as The Auction. However, even with the agonizingly slow narrative pacing and lackluster attempts at exposition and character development, it does not stand on its own. The world described on page is odd. Not quite historical but certainly not modern. Is this a normal convention for “romantasy”? Rose In Chains is still relying on its readers to know the “Dramione” vibe. This book has triggering content, so I hope the print version includes a list. They were not in the audio.
The characters are flat. The world building is lacking. And most importantly, the relationship between Bryony and Tolvin is non existent. There’s no chemistry, no banter, no insight into why they should or do care about each other except that they’re “hot.” And for a story that moves so slowly, this book is LONG. The audiobook is 15+ hours. The narrator does a decent job with the performance, but at times it came across as monotone.
Thank you to Hachette Audio for the ALC.
Rose In Chains is a reworked adaptation of a Harry Potter fan fiction originally published as The Auction. However, even with the agonizingly slow narrative pacing and lackluster attempts at exposition and character development, it does not stand on its own. The world described on page is odd. Not quite historical but certainly not modern. Is this a normal convention for “romantasy”? Rose In Chains is still relying on its readers to know the “Dramione” vibe. This book has triggering content, so I hope the print version includes a list. They were not in the audio.
The characters are flat. The world building is lacking. And most importantly, the relationship between Bryony and Tolvin is non existent. There’s no chemistry, no banter, no insight into why they should or do care about each other except that they’re “hot.” And for a story that moves so slowly, this book is LONG. The audiobook is 15+ hours. The narrator does a decent job with the performance, but at times it came across as monotone.
Thank you to Hachette Audio for the ALC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Slavery, Trafficking, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail