Rose in Chains is a dark, emotionally charged entry into the romantasy genre, blending political intrigue, forbidden romance, and a richly imagined magical world. As the first instalment in the Evermore Trilogy, the novel introduces readers to a realm where the aftermath of war, when the enemy has won, has led to the conquering of the vanquished, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in tension and complexity. The story centres on Princess Briony Rosewood, who, after her kingdom's fall, is stripped of her magic and sold into servitude. Her purchaser, Toven Hearst, hails from a family notorious for their oppressive control over magic. The dynamic between Briony and Toven is filled with power imbalances and unspoken histories, creating a slow-burn romance that unfolds amidst themes of captivity and resistance. I felt as though Soto handles this relationship with more nuance than others in the book, carefully addressing questions of consent and agency. That said, the premise, and some other elements of the plot, may push the boundaries of reader comfort. I’ll admit that certain aspects caught me off guard and I didn’t realize the extent of the darker content going in, and that’s on me for not researching more thoroughly. That said, I did enjoy Soto’s writing style. The world-building is immersive, and the magic system is intricate without being overwhelming. The alternating timeline of shifting between Briony’s present and glimpses of her past was a particular highlight for me, enriching both the emotional stakes and the broader political backdrop. Soto’s prose is sharp and engaging, striking a balance between the bleakness of Briony’s reality and moments of quiet resilience and hope. Secondary characters, such as Serena, Orion, and the other captured women, are given sufficient depth to evoke empathy and investment in their fates. However, the single POV narrative limits insight into Toven's internal conflicts, and at times I found myself wishing for more insight into his thoughts and motivations. I was also left with a few unanswered questions that I hope (and assume) will be addressed in future instalments. Though I haven’t read The Auction (the fan fiction that inspired this story), I could sense its origins. Certain moments and dynamics do carry that distinctly fanfic-like intensity and flair. Still, Rose in Chains stands on its own, and Soto clearly took care in adapting the original material into a fully realized novel. The book ends with a major cliffhanger, setting up what promises to be an intense continuation in the series. While not every element worked for me, Soto’s command of world-building and character-driven storytelling is evident. For readers who enjoy darker fantasy with romance, moral greyness, and complex power dynamics, Rose in Chains will likely hit the mark. *Many thanks to Forever Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.