If you told me a book could combine the devastation of a brutal war, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, layered political intrigue, and a twisty dual timeline narrative into something this emotionally gripping, I wouldn’t have believed you.
Adapted from her popular Dramione (Draco x Hermione) fan fiction"The Auction" Julie Soto's Rose in Chains delivers all of that and more!
Summary
Briony Rosewood and Toven Hearst are on opposite sides of a devastating magical war.
Her kingdom has fallen; his family helped make that happen. When Briony is sold at auction and Toven purchases her, the tension is immediate and relentless. But this isn’t just a captor-captive trope. It’s a story told across two timelines: their current fractured dynamic in the aftermath of war and their past as gifted students at a magical academy, where forbidden feelings first began to stir.
The emotional contrast between the timelines is one of this book's greatest strengths! Seeing Briony and Toven as students, full of potential and curiosity, adds so much heart-wrenching depth to their grim present.
Their past is a slow unraveling of tension, while the present is defined by survival, grief, and strategic power plays.
The Main Characters
Their dynamic is messy, complicated, and absolutely electric. The push and pull between them, the unresolved feelings from their academy days, and the way Toven softens (secretly!) toward her had me fully invested!
Briony is a powerhouse. Brilliant, resilient, and deeply empathetic, she carries the weight of not only her own trauma but the suffering of those around her.
Despite her and the women around her enduring horrific experiences including human trafficking, abuse, and sexual violence she never loses her quiet strength.
Her character isn’t defined by vengeance or rage but by an unyielding determination to survive without losing herself. She’s the kind of heroine who endures, adapts, and fights back in her own way.
Toven is morally gray perfection. A war criminal with secrets, repressed emotions, and undeniable chemistry with Briony, he embodies every brooding fantasy trope while still feeling fresh.
His inability to communicate is maddening, but it also adds to the tension that makes this slow burn so addictive. It’s clear he has deep feelings for Briony, even if she’s too emotionally guarded (and traumatized) to fully recognize them!
Worldbuilding
The world of Rose in Chains is brutal and richly portrayed. The magic system featuring heart magic, mind magic, familiars, magical bonds, and long-lost powers is both unique and immersive.
There’s a prophecy, a fallen kingdom, political betrayal, and a war-torn backdrop that makes everything feel high-stakes.
But it’s not just fantasy for fantasy’s sake. Soto tackles heavy themes: power, control, survival, and the trauma of being underestimated.
Particularly devastating are the experiences of the Eversun women, whose suffering is depicted with care but brutally raw honesty.
Rose in Chains doesn’t shy away from dark content, and sensitive readers should be aware of its graphic and emotional intensity.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Dual timelines that actually enhance the emotional weight of the story.
- Slow-burn romance that leaves you aching in the best way.
- Political nuance and characters with shifting allegiances.
- A heroine you can root for with your whole heart.
Review
4 stars | Dark Fantasy | Romance
I received an Advance Listening Copy (ALC) of Rose in Chains from Hachette Audio, and I’m so glad I did—because the narration by Ella Lynch is phenomenal. She brings so much depth and emotion to Briony’s voice, and truly captures the nuance of the dual timelines and complex relationships. Whether you’re an audiobook lover or new to the format, this one is absolutely worth a listen.
Rose in Chains is one of the most intense, devastating, and addictive romantasy books I’ve read in a long time. Julie Soto masterfully crafts a world where every relationship is complicated, every decision has weight, and every emotion cuts deep.
If you love morally gray love interests, enemies-to-lovers tension, complicated magic systems, and slow burns that hurt, this book is for you. Briony Rosewood is a heroine worth following anywhere, and I’ll be counting down the days until the sequel hits my shelves!
The Audiobook
I received an Advance Listening Copy (ALC) of Rose in Chains from Hachette Audio, and I’m so glad I did because the narration by Ella Lynch is seriosuly phenomenal!
She brings so much depth and emotion to Briony’s voice, and truly captures the nuance of the dual timelines and complex relationships.
Whether you’re an audiobook lover or new to the format, this one is absolutely worth a listen. Listen for free with a free trial of Audible!
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, human trafficking, violence, and captivity.
If You Liked Rose in Chains, Try These:
Looking for something to fill the emotionally devastating romantasy void Rose in Chains left behind? Here are a few standout recommendations:
The Knight and the Moth Rachel Gillig
Follow Six, a diviner bound to an ancient ritual. Each day, she’s drowned beneath temple waters to summon omens for the faithful. Her life of isolation and forced servitude takes a turn when a mysterious visitor begins to unravel the walls around her. Perfect for fans of dark magic, quiet rebellion, and tender strength. Full Review!
Sheild of Sparrows By Devney Perry
This story follows a princess used as a pawn in political games and forced into a blood-bound marriage alliance with a prince she despises. Packed with slow-burn romance, reluctant partnerships, and rising feminine power, this book echoes Briony’s journey of reclaiming identity in a world built to silence her!
Heartless Hunter By Kristen Ciccarelli
Rune Winters is a witch in hiding, sentenced to death under the Republic’s laws. As the infamous Crimson Moth, she defends fellow witches from the brutal Blood Guard. But when her path crosses with Gideon Sharpe, the Republic’s most feared witch hunter, things become dangerously complicated. This is a great pick for readers who love messy alliances, hidden identities, and enemies with crackling chemistry. Full review!
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