Iron Rose
"Iron Rose" follows Lydia whose only hope to save her country from the tyrannical Crimson Lord is to find a lost royal heir. Meanwhile, Adam, cursed and isolated, struggles with the guilt of his homeland's destruction, and their paths cross in a desperate bid to conquer the curse and save everything they love.
As a fan of fairytale retellings, I had a fun time diving into O'Bryan's darker take on Beauty and the Beast. This book was an enjoyable read, with engaging exchanges between the main characters. I loved all the nods to the animated movie and liked the magic system of the Anchors.
What I loved:
Exchanges between Adam and Lydia
Lydia's strong, determined character
The action scenes
However, there were some moments when the shifts between chapters were a bit confusing, especially during the dream-like sequences. It also took me a little while to get into the story, but that could just be me. I also wish the ending with Crimson Lord didn't feel so abrupt. Despite these minor issues, it was great to see a darker take on this classic tale.
"Iron Rose" offers a unique and gripping retelling of Beauty and the Beast, blending magic, action, and a touch of darkness. If you love fairytale retellings, be sure to mark your calendars for August 6th and preorder today!
