Iron Rose by Abigail O'Bryan

This early review copy was gifted to me by author Abigail O’Bryan through Book of Matches Media. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Iron Rose

Author: Abigail O'Bryan

Release Date: August 6, 2024

Publisher: Quill & Flame Publishing House

Genre: Romantasy, Fairytale Retelling

Source: digital, Book of Matches Media

TW: violence, gore

Synopsis

No Kiss Can Break This Curse.

There is no future for Lydia Brightwood.

The Crimson Lord, a tyrant bent on destroying Lydia's country, made sure of that. Her only hope of a different life is to find the one person who could unite her a royal heir. There's just one problem...

They're all dead.

The Beast's humanity is slipping away.

Shut away from the world by a horrible secret, Adam watches the destruction of his homeland from the ruins of a fortress all the while holding the devastating truth in his chest:

It's his fault.

Adam and Lydia's paths cross in the ruins of the north where they must find a way to conquer the curse before everything they love collapses...but being truly human has its price.

Thoughts

This retelling is absolutely beautiful! From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the Anglo-Saxon vibes with the different clans, and how Lydia attempted to reunite them to overthrow the tyrant Crimson Lord. The world-building was so immersive; I felt transported to a time of ancient tribes and fierce battles. The depiction of the Beast was particularly striking—imagine a wolf the size of a carriage with two large, curling horns. It was such a vivid and imaginative take on the classic character that it felt both familiar and entirely new.

I was thrilled that our FMC, Lydia, was portrayed as a warrior. She fought tooth and nail every step of the way, showing immense strength, resilience, and determination. It was refreshing to see a female character who wasn't just waiting to be saved but was actively shaping her destiny and fighting for her people. Lydia's journey was filled with daring escapes, bloody battles, and deep family bonds, making her a character I could truly root for.

The Beast’s curse was another aspect that stood out to me. It was unique and added layers of complexity to his character. Adam, the Beast, was not just a victim but also someone grappling with immense guilt and responsibility. His struggle to hold onto his humanity while watching his homeland's destruction was heart-wrenching. The way Lydia and Adam got to know and care for each other was beautifully portrayed. Their relationship developed organically, and I found myself deeply invested in their journey.

Overall, this book was a wonderful read. It managed to keep the essence of the classic tale while introducing fresh, exciting elements. The writing was superb, drawing me in from the first page and keeping me hooked until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and can’t recommend it enough for fans of reimagined fairy tales and epic romances.