Reviewed: Rose in Chains by Julie Soto – Spoilers

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto is a beautifully written dark romantasy that sinks its claws into you and does not let go. Briony Rosewood‘s journey from princess to prisoner to survivor is unforgettable

How she’s captured? and now… what?

Book Review: Rose in Chains by Julie Soto

Julie Soto’s worldbuilding is rich, the magic system compelling. The emotional tension rises, especially between Briony and the morally gray, extremely silent Toven.

So why not a full 5 stars?

Because—Toven, sir, speak! The miscommunication and emotional drama dragged at times, and a few side characters lacked representation to a certain extent.

But make no mistake—this is a brutal, but great read that left me literally surprised and asking for book two.

Similar Read: The Liar’s Crown Summary by Abigail Owen

Rose in Chains Summary (The Evermore Trilogy #1)

So. The war ends, the bad guys win, and Briony Rosewood—the brilliant, powerful princess of Evermore—is captured, magic suppressed, and sold at a freaking auction like a magical iPhone with unlimited battery life.

Why? Because Eversuns make excellent “heartsprings,” a.k.a. human power banks. It’s slavery with extra sparkles and emotional trauma.

Guess who buys her? Toven Hearst. Her ex-school rival. The bully who once dunked her in a magical pond and now… stares at her like she hung the stars. Red flag? Maybe. Complicated? Oh, absolutely.

Characters?

At the Hearst home, Briony discovers that not everyone’s is bad. Toven’s mom? Secretly sweet. His dad? Grumpy but protective. Toven himself? A walking dilemma with serious feelings and a tragic backstory.

Also Read: Trial of the Sun Queen

“I am not a weapon. I am the hand that wields it.”

Their old academic rivalry? Still sizzling. Their new dynamic? Prisoner and captor with unresolved feelings and way too much eye contact.

Flashbacks reveal that Toven’s always had a thing for her, but couldn’t show it because of peer pressure.

Present-day Briony is trying not to fall for her captor while also building mind barriers, hiding trauma, and not getting murdered by the other, especially Veronika Mallow—a villainess so evil, even Voldemort would be like, “Girl, chill.”

Rose in Chains Ending Spoilers:

By the end, Briony finally kisses Toven (slowest burn ever) but discovers he’s hiding major secrets. Like, her brother Rory might be alive?! That golden heartspring bond? More than symbolic. And Toven knew.

Cue betrayal, devastation, and emotional whiplash.

The book ends with Briony lost between trusting Toven or not. Rory lives. Briony is powerful AF. More will be in book 2…waiting..

Quotes:

“He didn’t put chains on me. But every silence, every half-truth, was its own kind of prison.”

Similar Genre: The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy

Trigger Warnings:

• Slavery
• Sterilization
• Tor*ure
• Su*cide
• Ab*se
• Manipulation

Final Verdict?

So now what? Liked It? Surely Yes.

• If you like dark romantasy, this is for you.
• If you are who love strong heroines who survive by using their mind, not just magic or might.
• Readers craving layered worldbuilding with a unique magic system (heart vs. mind) and dark political drama.
• If you love of dual timelines.
• If you are fan of Manacled, The Bridge Kingdom, and From Blood and Ash etc..

Books like Rose in Chains by Julie Soto:

• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
• Fearless by Lauren Roberts
• From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

About the Author:

Julie Soto is a bestselling author from CA. Some of her famous novels include Forget Me Not, Not Another Love Song etc. Also, she is playwright and actress.

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