Rose In Chains by Julie Soto is a dark romantasy that is loosely based off of Harry Potter. Although I did not read the fanfic, I did still somewhat enjoy this version of the story. I will say that you may be a little confused in the beginning if you have not read any Dramine fanfic as this author just drops you into the story without much backstory. There are a lot of heavy themes in this story that all readers should be aware of - enslavement, trauma, power abuse, and human trafficking. The magical system could also have been a little more developed. Overall, it was just alright for me. I hope that the author continues to work on development of the characters and the magical system in the next book.

What can I say, yet another smash. Julie Soto just keeps giving us a story that's epic but brutal to endure. I'm going to just say in my preface, that this book was so captivating and soul-crushing at the same time. But it was just too good as well. First of all, if you've read my reviews on dark fantasy romances, then you know how much of a fan I am of enemies-to-lovers and intricate magic systems, and how much I love an author who can build a world that feels lived-in; with this book, it just kept on getting better, I will say that Julie has given us a masterpiece, and it hit the spot.

Apart from the praise, the plot was AMAZING, it was certainly a unique setting, something that I haven't seen before, setting it in a world divided by mind magic and heart magic (along those lines), with a prophecy that fails is a novel approach that was seen through in the best way. It was literally so cinematic, like I could imagine and literally was spectating the whole book as it was happening like a movie. IT WAS THAT GOOD. The siege of Claremore Castle? Chilling. The dungeon scenes? Harrowing. Toven Hearst's entrance? I was on the edge of my seat.

I won’t get too much into the plot, but I will say that this is your sign to go and read it, yet again, you cannot call yourself a dark fantasy fan without reading this; if you’ve read books with complex political intrigue and brutal war, then this is very immersive as we literally yearn for Evermore’s victory along with Briony, it is quiet an overwhelming journey, and I loved Briony, her vibes were sure different from a typical warrior heroine, but I think that Julie has written her so well, it was impeccable. And Toven Hearst? The tension! The history! The gray morality! He is an MMC you love to hate and hate to love.

In terms of criticism, I wouldn’t say there is anything specific, wholistically I only see good things about the work, and it was one of the books that does leave a hole in your heart, but in the most aching way possible, it was for me anyway. In my opinion, there is nothing to point out as a black spot in this book, it was marvellous and very well done, if I had to say something, then I would think the pacing was just a little tiny bit dense in some areas with the world-building, my personal opinion but apart from that I’d say it contributed to the richness of the book, all in all, it was spellbinding.

You guys, I cannot say anything but ‘READ IT’ for this book, the starting is a little bit heavy with the battle and loss, but the meat of the survival and the auction comes very soon and carries through for the entirety, so don’t hesitate, and even if your trying dark romantic fantasy for the first time, this is certainly a powerful way to start, no one does fraught tension and high stakes like Julie Soto, she just has a captivating style that is just hard to not be impressed by. So, as soon as it is out, get it, read it, and be utterly consumed by it. HAPPY READING!!

**If you read this book, please be aware of the content by reading the synopsis and warnings.**

This is a darker book and a dark romantasy as well. I read the original and it was very gripping. I liked the changes in this book and thought the magical system was so interesting. I saw similarities and differences, I loved the characters and the changes to the original.

I listened to the audio book and found the performance engaging. I loved that the narrator had differing voices for main characters and also more minor but important characters. I loved the inclusion of dragon, and CANNOT WAIT to see where the next few books go. When I started this book, it was so gripping that I couldn't stop reading it.

My one complaint is that I have to wait until next year until the sequel comes out. I loved that the characters were a little older compared to most fantasy protagonists. My favorite parts were the flashbacks because I loved the little flickers of academia in the story and enjoyed learning more about the magic system and the different ways various characters used the two different types of magic.

I expected this to be more removed from a work of fan-fiction, but it just…wasn’t. The world-building and magic system was confusing and overly complicated. The Stockholm Syndrome was strong - this girl keeps forgetting she’s a prisoner of war and a slave? Their history wasn’t strong enough for me to warrant her being so forgiving and open to him. I don’t think I will be continuing the series.

Enjoyed Julie Soto's writing style, and this translated very well to an audiobook! Will be checking out some of her other books after listening to this one.

I really enjoy the themes of this book (patriarchy, womens rights, feminine rage etc), especially in a fantasy world. It's something that I read pretty often but this execution of that was not my favorite. The writing and characterization were just okay. I enjoyed the audiobook narration, but the book's still dragged. I'm sure there'll be more answers and hopefully confessions and communication in the second book but it just struggle to get through this. I'm undecided if I'll pick up the second when it comes out.

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)

This one just didn’t work for me. The plot felt hollow, and the sexual “undertones” weren’t subtle at all…they came across as heavy-handed and predictable. The whole power dynamic between the men and the women they used for magic fell flat. Honestly, I just didn’t get the point.

Ugh…disappointing!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the audio arc of Rose in Chains!

One of my highly anticipated reads of 2025, and I absolutely loved it so much.

The audiobook was amazing, and I felt immersed in this world. I really tried to savor the experience, but I also just wanted to listen as quick as possible.

This is a dark romantasy with heavy themes, so please check trigger warnings beforehand.

We have rival kingdoms/royalty and also different magic systems from each group. Heart and mind magic.

Political tensions are present, and Princess Briony is captured and auctioned off to be used as a heartspring. She’s bought by her ex classmate, Toven Hearst of the rival kingdom.

Briony is on a dangerous journey to survival. She finds unexpected alliances.

This is the slowest of slow burns with possible enemies to lovers? The tension was killer. The cliffhanger was painful.

Highly recommend and Julie will transport you to the world of Evermore.

i really did not want to dnf, but as much as i thought i would love this, the trigger warnings may be a bit too much for me atm. i might come back to this in the future, but now i will sadly have to put it down. that being said, from what i heard, the narrator was amazing so far!!

thank you so much to hachette and netgalley for the audiobook!

This one is a reluctant 3 star for me. I found there to be a lot of issues with the pacing and the world building. The characters were more than shallow and hard to relate to, it took far too long for things to start to pick up and grab my interest. There were so many characters that ultimately gave nothing to the story other than adding word count. Granted, I have not read Julie Soto's original work, but I feel like the release of Rose in Chains was so built up and I feel so let down.

Being a big fan of Julie’s original story, this was such a highly anticipated read for me. Her ability to transform the fanfic into a unique world and characters was so refreshing. The slow burn enemy to lovers was done magnificently, but no surprise there! Cannot WAIT for book 2.

Julie Soto has become one of my new favorite author and now a romantasy! This book was so good and that cliffhanger!! I need book two now!! The yearning, tension and the slow burn 🥵

4.5⭐️

Thank you Netgalley for ALC

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So, this book…. It grabbed me right from the get-go and held on the entire time. Julie Soto created a world that was divided by loss, power, betrayal, and desire. There were so many raw emotions and a very large morally gray area that this book put me into a space of uncomfortability. Then I spent the entirety of the book in that space.

I was completely drawn in by our FMC, Briony Rosewood. She was stripped of her magic, her freedom, her identity. However, she was still fiercely alive. Her inner strength, even when broken or doubting her future, is balanced with vulnerability. Our MMC, Toven Hearst is cold, dangerous, and yet, magnetic — the kind of antagonist/lover combo that’s perfect for a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers arc. Briony and Toven’s chemistry is painful to witness due to the subject of the story. Soto’s storytelling (with flashbacks weaving into the present) only deepens the suspense and texture, giving every revelation the weight it deserves. The worldbuilding feels lush and harsh at the same time: magic has a cost and there are consequences at every turn.

Are some of the themes dark? Yes. Yes they are. You encounter enslavement, political oppression, and lots and LOTS of trauma. So this is not a light hearted book. One should read your TW prior to reading and be prepared for some difficult situations to read through. There were times when I had to stop listening due to the nature of the story. The pacing sometimes hesitates, especially in the middle, but it never loses momentum for long. By the end, I was desperate for Book 2.

The narrator’s voice is nuanced just enough that it adds to the story. When Briony’s voice quivers, her voice quivers. When there is despair, you hear it and feel it in her voice. Where Briony has hope that she’ll make it, it is shown in her voice also. The narrator doesn’t shy away from allowing the heartbreak, ache, and longing shine through.

The audiobook version was enjoyable. It’s the kind of narration that makes the long dark nights in the story feel immediate, the politics feel dangerous, the romance feel unforgettable.

My final verdict if you love fantasy that’s not afraid to be ugly, romance that doesn’t shy from power imbalance and moral challenges, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers done well — Rose in Chains is the book. And if you can, listen: the narration makes it even more immersive, more emotional, more alive. I can’t wait for the sequel to continue Briony and Toven’s story. Highly, highly recommended.

Review posted to Goodreads on 9/18/25
Review posted to Amazon on 9/18/25
Review posted to IG on 9/18/25

**Links will be added as soon as goes live on Amazon

Oh my gosh. I absolutely loved this book! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going in because I knew it had a darker theme to it, but the way it was written and how the story unfolded was done really well! I also want to note that I had the pleasure of consuming this book on audio (thank you NetGalley!!) and the narrator did a fantastic job with the different voices and really bringing the story to life! I absolutely cannot wait for the next one and will be thinking about this story for a while to come!

The Rose in Chains audiobook is a fantastic. The writing is already great, but the narration takes to another level! Julie Soto’s writing shines with her trademark mix of emotional depth, slow-burn tension, and vivid atmosphere, and the narrator’s performance brings it to life with clarity and nuance.

The narrator's voice is purposeful and distinct for each character. It made it easy to follow the conversations and emotional shifts. I was completely pulled me into the world of the book and it stayed with me long after listening.

Anyone who enjoys a slow burn with romantic tension and a completely immersive narration will love this. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I cannot wait for the next book!

I have only heard raves for this book but it took me a bit to become invested in the characters. The book kept me interested and wanting to know more but even after the conclusion I have so many questions. Admittedly, I have not read The Auction and I guess some of those questions may have been answered in there. I think this book struggles to be amazing on its own but I think will fare amazingly as book 1 of a trilogly. There was little to no romance but there is underlying tension that could easily be escalated to a fantastic slow burn in book 2.

A brutal fall, a fractured magic, and a heroine who refuses to be silenced. The enemies-to-lovers tension crackles, and every loss and hope feels real. Great audio delivery!

This book was so fantastic! I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved how all the characters interacted. Just great.

I wish the marketing team had not chosen to market this as Dramione. Even if that is where the book started I think it holds its own without this knowledge and would have preferred no credit go to JKR for Julie Soto's brilliance here!

The audiobook narrator was very engaging and I couldn’t stop reading/listening to this. Julie Soto is one of my favorite writers and I totally wasn’t expecting the twist at the end!

This was such an exciting listen. It took awhile to get used to the narrator in this audio, but once I adjusted my speed, I was hooked. I wasn’t sure how a fanfic would translate to the Pub world, but I think Julie did a wonderful job. I loved the magic system and the world building that Soto was able to create; it felt fresh but still held a sense of familiarity somehow. This was a slooooowwww burn and I wasn’t sure how or if the MC’s were going to get together, and without Toven’s POV, sometimes it was hard to picture just how things were going from his side. I liked the flashback chapters but felt the placement of them made some parts drag or feel clunky. Overall I really enjoyed this and hope for a book 2 with more romance.