🌹Rose in Chains by Julie Soto is a masterclass in worldbuilding, emotional depth, and slow-burn tension that sinks its claws into both your heart and your mind — and never lets go. ❤️

✨From the very first page, you’re thrown into a vividly imagined world of powerful mages, clashing kingdoms, and a prophecy that casts a long shadow over it all. The dual timeline — past and present — reveals a layered history of friendship, war, and betrayal, and only heightens the tension. And the villain? Truly evil! 😈

💕There’s no pairing quite like Briony and Toven. Their relationship is a complex tangle of suppressed feelings, loyalty, and the deep ache of forbidden love. It goes way beyond the usual enemies-to-lovers trope.
Toven is brooding, fiercely loyal to his family, and possessive in the most ugh, yes way. I need his POV in the next book, please and thank you.👀

This is a slooooow burn — the kind that has you kicking your feet, screaming into your pillow, and still begging for more. I’m fully obsessed.❤️‍🔥

The magic system is original — heart magicians 🫀 mind magicians🧠, enchantments, prophecies, seers, familiars, and yes, there is even a dragon. Every detail is rich, and the world just feels so alive.

🎧The audiobook is exceptional. One narrator carries the entire cast with incredible range — from Briony’s regal tone to Toven’s deep, dangerous growl — special mention to the muffled voice effect. Huge thanks to @hachetteaudio and @netgalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

📚 Tropes & Elements:
• 🖤 Political intrigue • War • Prophecies • Betrayals • Strong villain
• 🔮 Unique, layered magic system (🫀 + 🧠)
• 💔 Forbidden love • Enemies to lovers • Painfully slow-burn
• 🐉 Mages • Familiars • Dragon (!!!)

This book wrecked me — and I loved every second. I need Book 2 yesterday. Honestly, I’m ready to hit replay and reread it right now. ♾️⭐️

Please sir may I have the next one? I ate this audiobook up! I never got around to reading The Auction so I don’t have a back and forth comparison, but that being said I think this stands incredibly well on its own. I did have issues trying not to think of who this was in the original story or how this scene was accomplished with wands, but I was able to suspend that and lose myself in this world as well. Ugh the only bad thing about reading a book early is you have to wait even longer for the next one!!

I knew I was going to become obsessed with this

I’m actually foaming at the mouth for the next one! Absolutely LOVED how this was written. I haven’t been dissapointed by the books I’ve read by Julie and this one is just a testament to how AMAZING she writes. The longing, the tension, the angst - it’s all just SO GOOD. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all ghe characters involved!

I devoured Rose in Chains in 48 hours. This book completely took over my life!! I was literally ignoring every single responsibility just to keep reading. It’s a very slooooow burn, but I was hooked from the start and desperate to see how everything would unfold. Now I’m frothing at the mouth waiting for book two!!!

The story follows Briony Rosewood, a captured princess in a world where the dark side has already won. Stripped of her magic and freedom, she’s sold at an auction to none other than her former classmate and sworn enemy, Toven Hearst. But not everything or everyone is what it seems.

Was it perfect? No. The worldbuilding and characters were confusing at times. But honestly, I haven’t been this consumed by a book in a long time, and that experience alone makes it a five-star read for me!!

I know this is based on Julie Soto’s popular Dramoine fanfic The Auction, but as someone who has never read a Dramoine fic (and has never even read or seen Harry Potter), this stood on its own as a darker, addicting romantasy. There are definitely heavy themes, so check the content warnings before diving in, but I went in prepared and came out obsessed.

Julie Soto, you’ve got me in chains. Literally.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the e-arc!!

If you told me I would be reading a dark romantasy book with the list of TWs that included many things I usually nope out of, and if you told me I'd LOVE IT, I would probably have thought you were out of your damn mind. However, Julie Soto has had an excellent track record with me, and I trusted her with her craftsmanship.

She did not disappoint! Rose in Chains was DARK and twisty, and the beginning was definitely a rough start not so much because of the writing, but because of the dark themes that ultimately surround this story. Briony and her friends are literally auctioned off at the very beginning, and it was difficult to sit here listening to the voices of men I so desperately want castrated, husked, and then burnt to a crisp by dragonfire.

Whatever the case, though, I absolutely loved the pacing and fight that Briony Rosewood brought to the table. I loved the flashback countdown of how her situation came to be (I felt this really added to the character development between Briony and Toven). I loved the Hearsts in general, like seriously, Serena is absolutely queen. And I loved loved LOVED Toven "Not-A-Gentleman" Hearst. This man's character gets fleshed out SO WELL despite his often cold/aloof actions. But omg the banter between Briony and Toven. THE TENSION. THE SLOWEST BURN SOFTNESS.

Ugh. I binged this audiobook because it was absolutely addicting. I was screaming crying throwing up flailing like a lunatic, ESPECIALLY in those last few chapters. Because OF COURSE this is a trilogy, and Julie, PLS I NEED BOOK 2 NOW.

I went into this book knowing it was adapted from fanfiction, and already having read the fanfiction that was originally posted. I was so looking forward to this, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet the mark for me.

I think the biggest problem about this book is that it was adapted from fanfiction. It felt very apparent the entire time I was reading that all of these characters were 100% based on Harry Potter characters with very little changes made.

It also made it really hard to follow this story because it’s written as though we already know and are familiar with the world building and magic system and lore. However, it’s changed enough in this book that it really doesn’t make sense and feels a lot like we, as the reader, were just dropped into the middle of a story with missing information.

I really wanted to love this, but the longer I kept reading the more frustrated I became. I’m sure there are people out there that will love it, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

Currently reading, accidentally uploaded the wrong review. I am loving it so far but still working on it!

This book had me hooked from the very beginning—I didn’t want to put it down! Briony’s story is full of tension and intrigue, and I was completely drawn into the world. Her situation is intense, and it was so interesting to see how she handled everything going on around her.

Toven, the morally grey classmate who buys her at an auction, is such a fascinating character. I really enjoyed the flashbacks that gave us a deeper look at their past and how it shapes their complicated relationship now. Their dynamic kept me turning pages (or rather, kept me hitting "next" on the audiobook!).

The magic system in this world is also super cool—especially the contrast between heart magic and mind magic. It added a fresh, compelling layer to the story and really shaped how characters interacted with power, emotion, and control.

Speaking of the audiobook—it was fantastic. The narrator did an amazing job bringing each character to life with distinct voices and great pacing. Her voice felt like a perfect fit for Briony, and she made the whole experience so enjoyable.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Julie Soto for the ALC! I’m so excited for my physical copy to arrive. Grateful I got to listen early—and I will continue reading everything Julie Soto writes. She’s currently gone 4 for 4 for reads I’ve loved by her!

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

Where do i begin on how good this book is?? Firstly Julie Soto can do no wrong in my eyes. This book was so well written it the fact that every science had its place, never did I feel like it dragged or boring the story continued to build all the way to the end. It wasn’t until then end when I realized every back in time scene was strategically added and when it all clicked it was an awestruck moment. I love love loved this book and can’t wait for the next.

I don't even know where to being. WOW just WOW.

First off, I got this book on audio as an ARC (thank you x10000 @ NetGalley & Hachette Audio). The audio was incredible. The narrator was amazing at portraying emotion, and I literally was on the edge of my seat for the whole book. The audio was crisp and really well produced. My only critique would've been to have a male narrator added just because there are so many men in the book; all of the others besides Toven started to sound the same in conversation, but for the sake of fluidity, I would keep the singular narrator for the rest of the trilogy. Ella Lynch was unbelievable, and I can't wait to hear her as Briony again in the future books.

As for the book itself, what do you mean this is the only one published! I need the rest of the series NOW! Chef's kiss, that was amazing. Julie Soto has a way for world-building that is just effortless. The storyline is remarkable, and OH EM GEE the tension between Toven and Briony, I just can't get enough of them. I finished this book, and I had to just stare blankly at a wall for a good 10 minutes, digesting what I just read while also trying to figure out how the next books will play out. The whole time I was reading, I truly could not figure out how book 1 was going to end, which I feel like is a rare thing in books being published right now. I am desperately going to need to do a reread, and I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book release date. Dare I say this is a top 3 Romantasy for me???

Thanks again @ NetGalley & Hachette Audio

A perfect narrator for the book. Her crisp accent set the theme and tone perfectly.


That being said, This book was awful. So many depictions of SA, flat characters and an awful story line. Nothing happens for a good 70% and Briony is an AWFUL main character. She plays into the fact that women are scene as basically nothing. We’re really supposed to believe her brother was the one to fulfill the prophecy when she’s been ‘boosting’ him this whole time?


This book hopped on the hp fan fiction train and I get it had to be adapted to avoid IP infringements but the names of things are just so boring and uncreative. It seemed like she needed to bump her essay grade from a ‘D’ to a ‘C’ to pass.

Thank you so much, Netagalley and Hachette Audio for the early audio copy!

This was my first fanfic read and I loved it. I would have never really guessed it was based on fanfic as in itself it's an incredible, gripping story!

The beginning pacing was a tad slow for my liking but once it picked up it didn't stop and there was things happening one after the other I couldn't put it down!

I'm super excited and keen to see what happens next and I loved listening to the audio of this one. I highly recommend it!

4.25 stars!

Did I devour this book or did it devour me???

She had prewriten his victory speech. She denied his hug because she fully believed he would come back to her :(

Rose in Chains by Julie Sose is a book I’ve been looking forward to reading. I’ve been lucky enough to get the audio version of the book. I would like to thank the arthor and NetGalley for giving me the chance to listen to it. I would also like to give my thanks to The Narrater Ella Lynch. The emotion, the pacing, and everything was so beautifully done. This a actual fantasy book without any mordern text that many fantasy books have. The book has a unique magical system that is explained through the book without info dumping everything at once. The places and names are easy to pronounce.
Also the enemies to lovers trope is well thought out Toven does something things that have you questioning if he really cares for her, which he does.
Catrina my beloved girl I disliked the way Cornelia and Briony were mean to her in the beginning but I’m glad that quickly changed.(That’s my girl Luna)
This book has a truly beautiful design but don’t be fooled I would check trigger warnings.

The grapes the seeds of rebellion. All the women were standing on business except she who I will not name.

I will say it sometimes annoyed me how much Briony would melt for Toven so easily like girl you lost your brother, your best friends, your whole kingdom, you were auctioned off to be used as a battery and used as a sex slave. Get a grip.

Toven you are doing your best and Briony wasn’t making it easy. Briony is a bit blind to not see you have been in love with her for years and not you keeping her green ribbon. You are the king of yearning but really stop trying so much to make Briony jealous by using Larissa.

Overall, I recommend if you are a fan of angsty, dark romance, and slow burn, enemies to lovers.

P.S this is in third pov
Happy reading!

I'll start by saying I really love Julie Soto's contemporary romances and YA thriller, but unfortunately, her romantasy was not for me. The story starts at the end of a war, and the villains win, leaving our main character Briony, and every other female from her side of the war, imprisoned and sold off to the highest bidder to use for her magic.

I haven't read the fanfic this was adapted from, so I don't know if that would have worked better for me. My biggest issue with this one was the consistent use of chapters set in the past to move the story forward. The flashback chapters happened so often, that I felt like I was reading a really dark young adult novel, instead of a spicy adult romantasy. I'm usually pretty good about aging characters up in my head, but I couldn't help but think of Briony as a teenager, even when she was supposed to be in her mid 20s.

I was reading an arc of the audiobook, and while I did enjoy the narrator and her voices for the female characters, the male characters were sometimes a little too cartoony. This didn't help my struggle to age the characters up from teenagers in my mind.

I'll still pick up Julie Soto's books, but will probably stick to her contemporary stuff from now on!

Thank you, NetGalley and Hachette Audio, for an early copy in exchange for this honest review

I was SO excited to have an opportunity to get an advanced listener copy of Rose In Chains! I’ve read 2 of Julie Soto’s books and loved them so I was incredibly excited for her first fantasy book. I was unaware when beginning this book that it started as a Dramione fanfiction but was able to find a few easter eggs throughout. There are some intense content warnings so I would advise looking that list over before beginning.

I thought the world building was done well as was the descriptions of the magical system and political landscape. This book has flashback chapters which really made the story so much deeper. This is a very slow burn but had so much longing and pining. Briony is a little naive but I am hopeful she will step into her power more in the next book. I wish a few loose ends could have been tied up before the end of the book but she did set us up nicely for the next.

I thought the narrator did a wonderful job. I didn't love the voice for Toven but it wasn't a huge deal for me.

I am looking forward to getting the physical book that I will most likely reread.

THE EPILOGUE!!! What a cliffhanger. I’m dying for the next book.

A well written and interesting start to a new fantasy series. I am unsure if I would continue with future books in the series, as I don’t think I am the target audience for this. Despite the extremely mature and dark themes, the writing felt very young adult in a way that let the overall story down, in my opinion.

I also found the audio book narration good and it fit Briony’s character.

Infinity stars

Briony Rosewood is a princess of the Eversun people. After a long period of peace, evil forces within the Bomard rise up and claim the throne. Briony’s father and brother, the king and his heir, are dead. Eversuns are auctioned off to the wealthiest of the Bomard, who intend to take/use their power to heighten their own. Briony finds herself in the home of a former classmate and enemy, the inscrutable Toven Hearst. She can’t figure out why he bid on her or what he and his family want with her. Briony is now fully immersed in a world of high-stakes political scheming- is she just a pawn or does she hold more power than she realizes?

There’s a lot of hype surrounding this book, and for good reason. Rose in Chains completely exceeded all of my expectations! My jaw is on the floor and I’m left here wondering how I can possibly wait for the second book. I loved the world building and the magic system. It was intricate and creative, yet still accessible. Every single one of Toven and Briony’s interactions had me in a chokehold wondering what was about to happen. Their chemistry was undeniable.

The audio narration was absolutely perfect! I thought Briony’s voice came through so clearly and the other characters were distinct enough that I could differentiate their voices as well.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!

4. stars ✨

Thank you Netgalley and Hechette audio💜

This was an amazing and realistic fantasy with every chapter came new character development and exploring the downfall of evermore

If you have ever watched the Handmaids tale this essentially gave the same vibe but with a fantasy aspect in what the men were looking for. It was a whole different experience for Briony she was bought by an old friend Toven that didnt lat a finger on her without her permission…..

Brioney wants her kingdom back with the assumption her brother the king dead and most of her family dead she is Evermores only hope.

About 60% of the book had a major slow climb to it there was a lot of great backstory flipping between the past and present! After the 60% mark we got more romance more adventures more plots and schemes that really put you into full drive into the story!!

The epilogue was absolutely insane the most unexpected ending i personally didn’t see it coming and need book 2 immediately!!

I remember first reading The Auction when on ao3, never did I think it would make it all the way to traditional publishing! I am so impressed with how Soto reworked this piece to both, keep the integrity of what she first wrote while creating something original. Rose in Chains reminded me of what fantasy books are like when not pumped out every few months. The author had the opportunity to really sit with this story for a long time and it shows with the pacing, character development and magic system. This is a dark fantasy read so please heed the content warnings. As I read the original work I found myself a little more prepared for the dark themes in the book.

Rose in Chains follows Princess Briony Rosewood after a lost war where she is kept as a prisoner and later sold along with her former court, friends and family. Her captor is her old school crush whose motivation is kept secret. Briony is faced with the horrors of a post war world where she is viewed as a second class citizen. One interesting aspect of Rose In Chains (that I’m unclear whether intentional or not) is Soto’s commentary on feminism and how there is a specific subset of feminists whose only concern is their success while crushing other women behind them. This is a question that Briony, our main character, ponders repeatedly when confronted with women committing war crimes on other women or being silent bystanders in order to not harm their own quest for power.

Overall I think this was excellent and thought provoking. I will definitely be picking up book two! I recieved the audiobook via NetGalley and I’m so happy I did as it was really well done as well!