woah, i was just transported into another world with magic and complex characters from the world bulding. julie the storytelling on this one, wow. amazing. i was drawn in from the start and on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. the ending???? no words. going to need book two immediately.

i want to note that this is definitely a darker, twisted fantasy. it contains very heavy topics that can be triggering.

This book was incredible! The characters are interesting and complex, the settings draw you in, and the TENSION. I cannot wait for the second book!

Ok sooooo mixed feelings on this one!

This book has a super easy-to-follow world-building structure and an intriguing premise, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations??? Idk. I was expecting more romance and angst and burning-magical-passionate-love… the slowburn did not rlly pay off (at all?) IMO. I understand this is a series but still…. I needed more!!! Besides the romance let down, the first half of the book overall was just a bit of a slog for me 🫠 she had me in the first 15%, and then from there to part 3 of the story, I was honestly getting pretty bored with it :’) During this part, Briony spent most of that time isolated, reading, and practicing meditation, which made the pacing feel sluggish. I UNDERSTAND this section of the story was necessary for her character growth, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it still felt super repetitive. Overall, I think I just craved more interactions and plot movement.

However!!! The second half really picked up and things started to get interesting! It was much more engaging, and I found myself having a lot more fun while reading! The "three years ago….." ago"/back in school flashbacks were some of the best parts. I really loved getting to see Briony and Toven interact back in school, which I think added some much-needed depth to their relationship and the story.

Overall, this is a (sorta) solid read with an interesting world, and I think fantasy fans will enjoy it, especially if they're into the auction retelling aspect! But for me, the pacing and first-half slowness brought the rating wayyyy down. I'm sure others will love it more than I did!

Before beginning, I would like to advise that people read the content warnings listed on Julie Soto's website before reading this book. While this book is incredible and something I highly recommend, there is a lot of content that readers may not be comfortable reading.

That being said, this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it certainly did not disappoint! Rose in Chains is an incredible fantasy series opener, and I was hooked from the very start. While it took me a little to fully understand the world, particularly the political machinations between Evermore and Bomard, the world itself was rich and interesting to learn about. The dualities of mind and heart magic was so cool, and played very well into the worldbuilding in a way I really enjoyed.

The best term I can think to describe this book was captivating. Even when the subject matter was tough to handle, I was so drawn in to the story and the characters that I couldn't put it down. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next, and I loved seeing how everything unraveled.

I can already see the Evermore Trilogy being one of my new favorite series, and I'm already counting down the days until I can read book 2!

A lot of this book is tough to read--I highly suggest reading the content warnings on Julie Soto's website before diving in--but even so I was captivated and could hardly put the book down.

3.75
Rose in Chains was my first dive into the romantasy genre so l was not super sure what to expect. I am familiar Julie's contemporary romance books and absolutely love those. I was a little confused and overwhelmed with all the names and characters being introduced in the beginning of the book but once I caught myself up, it became a quick and bingeable read. Although I did enjoy reading it, I wish there was a bit more romance and character development between Briony and Toven. Hoping to see more of their romance unfold in the next book in the series.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalleyfor the arc!

Julie Soto can do not wrong to me and Roise in Chains is no exception. I will never ever stop recommending them. The romantasy, the ya thriller, the contemporary romance -- all of.

As someone who is a huge fan of Julie Soto, I have to say how impressed I am by Rose in Chains. I absolutely loved this book and was captivated from the very beginning to the very end. I enjoyed the storytelling of Briony's POV from present time and sometimes her switch to the past. I felt this really strengthened the story and allowed for better understandings of her relationships with other characters, especially Toven. The story was easy enough to follow once I comprehended and remembered the characters, school names, political affiliations, and different villages/towns/countries. The story itself and the world Soto brought to life was so intriguing. The magical system, politics, and rival kingdoms was interesting and unique. I was prepared for the story to be dark but wasn't expecting it to be as intense. Some subject matters were difficult to read and was so saddening, although I know it shows a lot of characters strengths. I also found the romance part of the book balances the darkness of it. Some characters showing an ounce of kindness and affection allowed for a lot of hope in others. As a romance reader, I enjoyed the romance, yearning, slow burn of the main love interests in this book. I found I was able to recognize Soto's romance characteristics in this book from her other novels. How she writes her love interests and love stories is something I love most about her work!

Upon finishing Rose in Chains, I feel it captured everything I love in a romantasy novel. Intriguing plot, dynamic characters, unique magical systems, politics, maddening love interests, enemies to lovers, yearning! The only thing frustrating was the cliff hanger at end! Other than that, I loved this book and cannot wait to recommend it to all my dark romantasy lovers!
Thank you again Net Galley for my ARC for Rose in Chains!

I am a huge fan of the original work (The Auction), and Julie Soto in general so I was very excited to get early access to this new version of a story I already love. And Rose in Chains did not disappoint!!! I was on the edge of my seat. The tension is written sooooooo well written - I can't believe I have to wait for book 2 and 3 :(

This was great!! I think the changes away from the Dramione fanfic make it a stronger book than the fanfic. This is really fabulous. I'm bummed to have to wait for the next book.

This story is so dark but also hopeful. You will fall in love with the two min characters and root for them every page. The plot is vivid and the setting jumps off the page. You will get immersed in the story so quickly and never want to leave. And that cliffhanger!!!!!!

To start with, I have not read The Auction, so I cannot compare the two. But I loved this, especially for the romance. The yearning and angst between Briony and Toven was perfect. It was slow burn and there’s zero worry about switching love interests after the first book. This is not something I would recommend if you are looking for high fantasy, as the world building isn’t the best, but it worked well enough for me.

I would check trigger warnings before reading and are unfamiliar with the plot (or fanfic it’s based off of), as I do not think it’s for everyone.

Ms.Soto has done it again!! Loved this down! The world building, the lore, the magic and the vibes and tension between Brinoy and Toven wheww! Like this was enemies to lovers done right and im certain itll be even more on the nose with the next book bc duh it simply has to! I havent read a romantic fantasy novel and a long time and this was the perfect way to get back into the genre! I was hooked from start to finish! I wouldve devoured it sooner but alas I work too damn much! I was absolutely hooked! The flashbacks were so necessary and so well done! It did not feel like the book was overstuffed with unnecessary info! Like i looked forward to them! Ugh canr wait for the next book! Highly recommend! So engaging so well written!!

I feel like a total fangirl with a massive crush on this electrifying start to what promises to be a perfect enemies-to-lovers romantasy trilogy. And wait for it—this book is written by none other than Julie Soto, the genius behind "Not Another Love Song," which I loved so much I read three times (despite my never-ending TBR pile)! So yes, you can imagine me doing an awkward yet passionate cheer routine in my living room to celebrate this book. Hooray!

This story delivers on every level—strong female friendships, resilience in the face of adversity, and a world that refuses to let women wield power. Briony Rosewood is everything I love in a heroine: brilliant, courageous, and unfairly forced into the shadows of her twin brother Rory, the so-called chosen one. She’s more powerful, more strategic, and yet relegated to a supporting role—until fate intervenes and changes everything.

Her time at the academy makes it clear just how exceptional she is—so much so that she catches the attention of the smug, silver-haired Toven Hearst, a charismatic enigma who has the power to set her heart racing and her temper flaring in equal measure. But the prophecy fails, Rory dies, and Briony finds herself imprisoned with fellow captives, including her former rival, Larissa. What follows is a brutal auction where Briony is sold to the highest bidder—none other than her old adversary, Toven, whose family is notorious for their cruelty.

With no allies and no freedom, Briony must play a dangerous game to survive, escape, and reclaim her destiny. But unexpected alliances and undeniable attraction blur the lines between friend and foe. Can she trust Toven, or is he the enemy she’s sworn to destroy?

The twists in this book left me gasping, the tension had me screaming, and that cliffhanger? I’m still trying to recover! The world-building is immersive, the characters are deeply compelling, and the pacing is so gripping that I found myself glued to the pages until the very end.

This is easily one of the best romantasy books of the year, standing tall among an already stellar lineup of releases. If you love slow-burn, high-stakes romance with masterfully crafted intrigue and a protagonist you’ll root for with your whole heart, this book is for you. I am beyond excited for the next installment and am already counting down the days! Five radiant, rose-covered stars from me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sharing this brilliant ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Rose in Chains" by Julie Soto features outstanding world-building and captivating character dynamics. This was an incredibly enjoyable read, and I anticipate it becoming the next big Booktalk sensation. The magic system felt fresh and unique. Soto’s writing style is reminiscent of Ali Hazelwood, but without the STEM focus. Fans of dark romantasy should definitely add this to their TBR!
Thank you to NetGallery and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Julie Soto has become an auto-buy author for me. Her books are addicting and after realizing that I have so long before the next one will even come out on NetGalley… dangggg… That SLOW BURN amiright??

THE SLOW BURN WAS SLOW BURRNNNINNNNNGGGGGG JULIE ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME!!!!

I LOVED this book. I may be biased because I read The Auction originally, and I love anything Dramione coded, but I still LOVED this book. Despite its origins as fanfic, this story fully stands on its own. Soto weaves flashbacks throughout the story to really build up their backstory and there's plenty of mystery to be found in this new story.

I loved the new magic system, and the worldbuilding added a level of political machinations that I absolutely adored. The politics behind the Seat and the succession at play felt very fresh and new!

Finally, the chemistry between Briony and Toven was off the charts. So, SO good. I didn't realize that this would be a series and screamed at the ending. Be warned - it's a VERY SLOW BURN. So good but AHHHH.

Massive fan, already chomping at the bit for the next.

I appreciate getting an ARC for this book. Unfortunately it wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I can definitely see how people are going to love it. It’s very dark and serious with an enemies to lovers and plot that I think quite few readers will immensely enjoy. Whilst it wasn’t my favourite, I can still see myself hand selling this title at work to just the right customer

*Rose in Chains* is an exquisitely crafted tale that immerses readers in a world of intricate magic and simmering tension. The narrative unfolds with deliberate pacing, drawing the reader deeper into a realm where the boundaries between good and evil blur. The magic system is refreshingly innovative yet accessible, allowing readers to engage fully without being overwhelmed by complexity. The world-building is richly detailed, providing a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama.

What truly sets this novel apart is the masterful development of its central relationship. Briony and Toven epitomize the essence of a true enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Their interactions are charged with an intensity that builds gradually, creating a slow burn that is as agonizing as it is rewarding. Toven’s character, in particular, is layered with nuance—his motivations and allegiances remain enigmatic, making every quiet moment shared with Briony a revelation that peels back another layer of his guarded exterior.

The inclusion of flashbacks adds depth to the narrative, offering glimpses of a past that enriches the present storyline. These moments are woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing the emotional stakes and providing crucial context for the characters’ choices. The pacing, while occasionally uneven, ultimately serves the story well by allowing for moments of introspection amidst the action.

Readers should be prepared for a narrative that does not shy away from the harsh realities of a world in turmoil. The aftermath of war and its impact on the defeated are portrayed with unflinching honesty, making for a reading experience that is both gripping and, at times, emotionally taxing. Prospective readers would be wise to review the trigger warnings, as this story delves into themes that may be challenging for some.

The conclusion leaves readers on the precipice of what promises to be an even more perilous journey ahead. The stakes have been set, and the anticipation for the next installment is palpable. I found myself reflecting on the story long after turning the final page, and the wait for the sequel feels almost unbearable!

I absolutley loved this book! I was gripped into the story as soon as I started and finished it in one sitting. I loved the authors writing style because it made it very easy to read and follow the plot. The characters were very unique but there journey was amazing and extremely satisfying to read. I will be recommending this book to all of my family and friends.

WOW. All of Julie’s romance books have been a solid 5 stars for me, but Rose in Chains blew me away. I was instantly gripped and completely sucked in right off the bat. I couldn't stop reading until it was done, and then I proceeded to (mildly? Maybe not so mildly) freakout that it was done because that ending?! This hasn’t even been offically published yet and I am already on my knees for the next books. PLEASE.

THANK YOU for the ARC!!!


CW: this book is definitely more on the darker side. I highly suggest checking out the content warnings before diving in. For a detailed list of content warnings, please visit www.juliesotowrites.com.