Iron Rose

by Abigail O'Bryan

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  

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Romantasy, Beauty and The Beast, Fiction, Fantasy Romance

380 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Abigail O’Bryan writes fairytale-inspired stories for teens (and the young at heart) filled with curses, adventures, and happily ever afters.

When not writing, you can find her playing D&D with her friends (or plying them with experimental baked goods), trying to do entirely too much in her garden, or just enjoying hanging out with her favorite people---her husband and two children---in their century-old house in the shadow of the Wasatch Range. Iron Rose is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Summer Connell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cool and unique twist on Beauty and The Beast! It had an isolated romance trope (which is always my favorite) and the plot was exciting and action packed. I do think that it could have used a touch more editing/tightening up as well as more world building. I do enjoy being immediately thrown into a story, but I didn’t feel like I got enough information early on about the world, magic, people, etc to be fully immersed. Overall, this was a fun one and I think it will be perfect for readers that are new to the fantasy genre.

[Candace Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

STUNNING. I'm obsessed with this book.

[✨Rebel Fairy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think - I need to stop reading Beauty and the Beast retellings . . .

Thank you, Bookfunnel for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I want to keep this spoiler free which will be quite difficult.

The novel throws you into the story with no world-building.

It did not need 40+ chapters splitting between dual pov and a third.

The whole novel was predictable, it did not bring a fresh retelling of Beauty and The Beast. You already know how the story will pan out since chapter 2. The conversations between the characters are laughable, especially, Lydia and Adam's conversations. In one moment they are busy fighting and in two seconds when the 'beast' emerges - everything is fine . . .

This novel needs a serious - as in serious editing. I know English is my second language, but I felt this novel underestimated my intelligence.

Lydia, Adam and the Crimson Lord were 2-dimensional characters. Some chapters should have been longer, and some didn't push the story forward. The whole relationship between Lydia and Adam felt so fake with no chemistry between the two.

I had no joy in reading this, and unfortunately - I cannot recommend this at all.

[Adalyn Skains · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK. I am in love. 🥰 I have a soft spot for fairytale retellings and this one may be a a favorite. It did not disappoint at all! Iron Rose is a beautiful and emotional retelling of Beauty and the Beast and there was not one part I did not like. The depth and poetic-ness in it left me speechless. The characters, the imagery, the themes, the scenery, the descriptions, the vividness, the plot and all the feels are all so impactful. This book goes on my list of all time favorites! 😍 A must read for anyone who loves retellings, fairytales, powerful themes, and rich stories.

[Petunia reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ ARC review
Iron Rose by Abigail O’Bryan, is a tale as old as time with many unexpected twists and turns. This retelling of beauty and the beast is a YA/new adult dream come true. The adventure is filled with laughter, tears, loyalty, family, friendship, and the power of love.

[Sharon Loves to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

Clean fantasy


Iron Rose got off to a good start! I enjoyed the story build-up and the characters. I think this story has great bones and that O’Bryan has great potential as an author. However, it is a debut, and it felt like a debut once the story hit about the 50% mark. (Major approximation.)

This is a big, potentially epic story, told in one average-sized book. While I have seen that done well, this story just seemed to be missing something. The threads holding the narrative together between scene breaks were weak or even nonexistent in some places, so it felt like it was jumping around. The fantasy element that ties the story together (the Promise Tree) could have used more development, and the lack of that made the ending feel too convenient. Also, I found the character development to be incompletely told. There would be flashes of development, but then little follow-through, and there were times when we were in the wrong POV for the growth happening in the other character. Furthermore, there were some elements in the story that just weren’t fleshed out, such as the mirror and the identity and person of the evil being behind the Crimson Lord.

All in all, it’s an interesting take on the Beauty and the Beast tale. If you can be forgiving of the “debut” elements I mentioned above, then I recommend this story.

[Callie McLay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an early arc of Iron Rose. If you like Hunger Games & Beauty and The Beast, this is a must read story. Highly recommend this fast paced and action packed read with still the lovely romantic moments and truth woven through it.

[Mollified.Moments · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong "Beauty and the Beast" enthusiast and a devoted fan of Belle, I am often cautious when it comes to retellings of any classics, especially ones I hold dear. They frequently fall short of capturing the magic that made the original so special. However, I was delighted to find that "Iron Rose" exceeded my expectations.

"Iron Rose" offers a refreshing and imaginative twist on the beloved tale. This YA/new adult novel weaves together adventure, romance, and deep emotional moments. The story is rich with humor, themes of loyalty and family, and the power of love.

From the very first page, O'Bryan's storytelling drew me in. The novel features compelling female protagonists, a well-developed romantic subplot, and a thrilling, twist-filled adventure. The creative twists O'Bryan introduces breathe new life into this beloved story, making it both engaging and heartwarming.

I wholeheartedly give "Iron Rose" a 5-star rating. I highly recommend it to fellow "Beauty and the Beast" fans, as well as to readers who appreciate strong heroines, thoughtfully crafted romances, and adventurous narratives. This book beautifully illustrates the timeless appeal of fairy tales, reimagined with a fresh and imaginative touch.

A heartfelt thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy.

[Brittany Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Bryan has written a story with captivating characters and mesmerizing prose. If you enjoy fairytale retellings (with a twist), sweet love stories, strong FMCs, and intriguing fantasy worlds, then Iron Rose is for you. This story shows both the rawness and beauty of love and being human. I highly recommend this book!

[Brittany Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shall literally never tire of a Beauty & the Beast story, and this does not disappoint. Unique, with a tinge of dark but somehow still bursting with light through it all, and told in gorgeous prose. Some moments made me stop and wonder, they were so beautiful. This story is full of everything you could wish for in a retelling and so much more, and is a perfect read for anyone who wants to add to that bookshelf of folklore and fairytales.

[Cassie Mesarchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book! It took me a minute to really get into it, but once I did, I could NOT put it down. I love all the little nods to Disney's Beauty and the Beast, but I also love how this is an amazing story all on its own! Lydia is one of my favorite heroines! She has a heart for justice and her people, but she has an edge to her! And I love Adam! He's such a great, conflicted character! I also adore how Lydia and Adam's relationship grows from friendship first. The plot is intense; I absolutely love the storyline. And the villain is sooo evil. I also loved the message of what makes one human vs. a beast. And that epilogue is my absolute favorite part of the whole book; it just wraps up the story so adorably well! If you are a fan of the Lunar Chronicles, I think you would like this book! Or even if not, if you love gritty fantasies with an epic plot, you will love this one! Highly, highly recommend!!

[Taylor Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail O'Bryan is one of the sweetest, positive most genuine people. I loved that I was given the opportunity to read Iron Rose, which is a Beauty and the Beast retelling (my favorite).

The beginning was a little slow to me, I just wanted to meet the Beast aka. Adam sooner. However, once we did, I fell in love with the storyline.

Seeing Lydia and Adam fall for each other slowly was absolutely worth the wait. The fact that she falls for the Beast and felt so safe with him was heartwarming.

This was a true retelling, but it had such a fun twist. I loved the idea of Lydia leading a rebellion! The ending was wrapped up beautifully. Leaving us with an enjoyable, action-packed journey.

Perfect if you enjoy:
🌹 Fierce FMC
🌹 Lost Heir
🌹 Forced Proximity
🌹 He Falls First
🌹 Multiple POVs
🌹 Secret Identities

[JoAnna McSpadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iron Rose is a beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast that stays remarkably true to the roots of the original tale—more than any other retelling I’ve read. The atmospheric writing pulls you into a world of shadowy curses and compelling characters. O’Bryan’s magically elegant voice combined with the story’s unique twists make it stand out. If you love retellings that delve into the darker side of fairy tales, this one is definitely worth a read.

[Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale. It’s so different than the beauty and the beast retelling stories I had read before.
The world building was intriguing, although I kinda wished there’s more information to some of the things mentioned throughout the story.

The first half-part of the story is a little bit slow as the author introduced the world building and the characters, but the pace picked up right after Lydia met the Beast and things get a lot more interesting....

Lydia is unlike the ‘Belle’ we know from the original tale. I admire her character and I really like seeing her character grow throughout the story.
I also enjoy reading those chapters from the Beasts’s POV as we get to know more about his background story.

The last few chapters where the rebellion finally take a stand to face the Crimson are very with swords drawn and arrows flying all over the city.
Suffice to say, I feel satisfied with how everything got wrapped up in the end.

Overall, for a debut novel this was a pretty good read. I really enjoy my time reading Lydia and the Beast’s story.
I will definitely look out for more books by this author in the future.

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: hunger Games level violence/gore.

[hannah | bookshelvish · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️✨. This is a beauty and the beast retelling that’s releasing soon! While I did enjoy this one (particularly getting to buddy read it with @faes.bookcorner), I did have a few struggles with it. First, the beauty and the beast plot didn't start until quite a ways through. But, with that being said, the plot was really creative and I love that Abigail was intentional about not simply copying and pasting the exact same plot into a different world. I also LOVE fantasy books with really intense world building, and this was definitely not that. I wasn't sure I was following the lore and the magic system for quite some time, but that could 100% have just been a me thing.
That being said, I did enjoy reading it and I think if you like fairytale retellings this is definitely one to crack open!! Also, the cover is GORGEOUS and Abigail is truly one of the sweetest humans.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting and unique take on a classic! I loved how the author took the well-known aspects of Beauty and the Beast, and put her own take on them (ex. our FMC, Lydia, being just as headstrong and smart as Belle, but she's the leader of an underground rebellion).

The first 50% was a little slow for my personal taste, and left me with several questions about the world-building. Similarly, our villain could have benefited from more nuanced dialogue and actions. He was almost TOO bad, and it came across as unbelievable sometimes. I also had so many questions about the war that took the royal family off the throne, where all these houses/castles/lands were located, how their deity (a tree--very cool) came to be, and what the colloquial curse of "valley" was all about.

THAT SAID, the last 50% of this book kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. The love story was spectacular and the MMC and FMC felt true to themselves from start to finish. The writing style was stunning, and I absolutely adored the ending.

I think this is the perfect book for someone introducing themselves to fairytale retellings or anyone who wants a victorious love story with lighter world-building and backstory.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

This was by no means, a poorly written book. And it definitely has an audience. It’s a pretty classic fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. You’ll notice all of the usual components and dynamics that are often seen in these retellings.

I did like the characters. They were fleshed out well for the confines of a standalone fantasy. There’s three POV’s and I liked Adam and Lydia’s the most. The third POV was perfectly fine, I just didn’t understand the necessity of it. There’s some big world building but no major magic system which balanced best for a single book. I liked not having to worry about the magic when there were enough groups of people I was trying to get a hold on.

The romance is sweet, a slow burn that could have used a little more fire, but like I mentioned earlier, travels along the B&tB line well. They do have some chemistry and learned to work together. I liked the strength of Adam and Lydia in holding onto hope to rid the world of the Crimson Lord.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance Retelling
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate
- Content Warnings: loss of life, kidnapping

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale, and this is certainly the most unique retelling I've read. I loved spotting all of the classic Beauty and the Beast moments (including a line saying something along the lines of "you'll be out guest for a while"). This was a darker retelling, but it was also filled with themes of hope and healing. The romance was sweet, and the ending made my heart so happy. The men in the story were good role models, wanting to protect those around them (especially the women), and I enjoyed that Lydia had to learn to be more feminine and to accept help, which is something you don't see in a lot of modern books. There were bits of mystery that were revealed throughout the book, and although I guessed a lot of them before they were revealed, I still really enjoyed seeing how everything played out. It was also very clean, and a few lines had some Christian undertones (in my opinion at least).

Content: lots of violence - not super graphic, but characters are stabbed, injured, killed, etc, quite often. A few not detailed kisses. A male character is very respectful and turns away when a female character has to take a bath in the same room.

I received a free copy of this book through Quill and Flame's Ink Team. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Caroline (CozyBookTraveller) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Iron Rose is a dark reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, where the female mc is a rebel leader called Lydia. So this isn’t your usual retelling of the story, not to mention because the beauty doesn’t meet the beast for almost half the story. Once the two of them meet, there’s character growth and a slow-burn romance that’s the best part of the story. This book is a stand-alone YA fantasy, so you can enjoy the full story in one go. If you like your fairytale retellings to have an ass-kicking heroine, then this is for you.

Sadly it wasn’t for me. I had high hopes for this one, as I love both fairytale retellings and the other books this one has been compared to. I’m always excited to read fresh takes on classic tropes, and love a kick-ass heroine. So by all reason I should have enjoyed this book. But I just felt… bored. I think the biggest problem was how contradictive Lydia was as a character. She’s described as being fierce and strong, yet only acts like it when it’s plot convenient. She also was unable to see what’s in front of her, like her visions. I just had a hard time caring about her. But Lydia wasn’t the only character that made it hard for me to care for the story. The antagonist is so cartoonishly evil, and often it seems his actions are just there to make sure the reader knows that he is bad. There also was an unnecessary third POV thrown in for some reason, that served nothing for the plot.

I really wanted to like this book, but there were too many things that fell flat for me to feel excited or engaged by it.
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Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for an e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up

Iron Rose transports readers into an immersive world where fantasy meets the harsh realities of war. O'Bryan's retelling of the classic Beauty & the Beast tale is both creative and refreshing. What sets this novel apart is its ability to delve deep into character emotions without over-talking, keeping the narrative engaging and heartfelt.

The depiction of war is handled with honesty and sensitivity. While not overly graphic, the novel doesn't shy away from portraying the devastating effects of a country besieged by invaders, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.

The romance between Adam and Lydia is beautifully crafted, unfolding in a deeply emotional manner-- readers are invited to contemplate true beauty, as expressed through love offered and accepted. Their relationship adds depth to the narrative without overshadowing the central plot.

The pacing of the novel is impeccable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Iron Rose is a captivating read that balances action, romance, and fantasy seamlessly. Overall, I highly recommend this book for its gripping storyline, well-developed characters, and masterful storytelling.

[Ela readinginvelaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and there are lots of references to the Beauty and the Beast throughout the book. I gotta admit that I struggled getting into this book when I read part 1. You get thrown into the world and there are lots of characters right off the bat which is unfortunately not my cup of tea. It does pick up after part 1 though. The beast is definitely my favorite character and I enjoyed his chapters the most! A little bit more editing here and there wouldn’t have hurt. I tripped a little over the word crimson, since it appeared a lot.
This is definitely worth the read for Beauty and the Beast fans & people who love YA fantasy with fierce FMCs!

[Kimberly Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, raw, and real, O’Bryan’s Iron Rose is the tale as old as time like you’ve never experienced it. You’ll step into a richly crafted world and fight alongside a fierce, battle-weary female leader and a gentle beast as they face impossible odds in a hopeless world. Somehow both fantastical and real, unique and familiar, this epic retelling is one that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

I really loved this one. Highly recommend to those who love epic retellings, bad@$$ female leaders, noble love interests and sweet romance.

[Katie Holcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the amazing author Abigail O’Bryan for my free copy of this book! I loved getting to read it ahead of publication date & also being a part of the cover reveal on social media. It’s a beautiful cover! And it was an equally beautiful & riveting story. I have always been a huge fan of Beauty & the Beast, so it was a delight to read a dark reimagining of the popular fairytale. The book kept me on the edge of my seat & was very well-written. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Whitney McGruder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to the arsenal of Beauty & the Beast retellings. My favorite thing about this book is how O'Bryan took several details from the Disney version we know and love but added her own spin. It brings a whole new meaning to "something there that wasn't there before." For example, our main characters spend months together instead of a handful of days.

There were moments when I openly cried reading this book, especially toward the end. The tender relationship between Lydia and Adam felt very believable; you could feel that they were well-acquainted with each other's light and darkness and still cared for each other.

I'm looking forward to future works by O'Bryan!

[Haley Kilgour · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was definitely a fresh take on Beauty and the Beast.

There were a few plot holes in the first half that really irked me. Lydia climbs a tree and somehow completely shreds her back. Didn’t make a lot of sense. I get that healing isn’t instantaneous, but it took literal weeks for her back to even… not constantly be a problem. Healing isn’t that slow. Then she and Beast don’t interact for a month. But the prior scene had been about how he’d cornered her trying to learn her name. Also, she hasn’t combed her hair in literal years but they’re able to brush it out in a few hours?

The twists with who Lydia and Adam were were pretty obvious. But… it didn’t detract from the story.

The three Thomas povs were completely useless.

I was so happy when Lydia didn’t have plot armor at the end. But it didn’t last. Not how I would’ve ended it, but I’m not the author.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Beauty & the Beast retellings, then you must add this one to your list! I loved that our FMC Lydia is a skilled warrior with a personality that makes people respect her as a leader. She is brave, strong, and compassionate and puts the needs of her country and others above her own time and time again. The entire concept of the plot and how elements from the original fairytale were imbedded into the story was very well done. While there is no spice in this one, it was full of so many tender moments that had my heart melting. Even with guessing most of the reveals, it in no way took away from my enjoyment and there was a twist at the end that I did not see coming!

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retellings are always a hit or miss for me, and this one was definitely a HIT! It was still recognizable as the story from which it originates, but also strayed from it enough so that the story didn't become predictable or repetitive. I loved the world that was built throughout the story, and even wished we could have seen more of it, as the backstory on how the society and tyranny was created was super interesting!

I absolutely loved the characters that the story introduced us to. Each and every character felt like a truly fleshed-out person. Not one character felt like an afterthought.

The story is jam-packed with high stakes and fast paced action, which just makes you want to read on and on! I read this book in one day!!

[K Von Hausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a captivating twist on a "tale as old as time", delving into dark themes that feel both timeless and relevant. Within the oppressive grip of the Crimson Lord's regime in Adel, dissent is crushed mercilessly, leaving you desperate for someone to step up and challenge this tyrant. Amidst the backdrop of clan division, the story grapples with the difficult task of bringing people together in the face of adversity.

At its core, the tale follows Lydia, a woman without a clan, but with a strong determination to fight for the people of Adel and her home. Her journey is one of seeking justice and wrestling with tough questions about fate and possibility.

The author, O'Bryan, skillfully integrates nods to beloved characters, adding depth and familiarity to the story. With careful attention to detail and a knack for storytelling, this book draws you into a world of complex relationships and moral dilemmas.

If you enjoy stories with strong female leads, slow-building romances, tales of revenge, and deep introspection, this book is for you! It's a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Thank you Abigail for this wonderful world.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got sent this ARC by the author for an honest review ~ WOOOOW .. spoilers incoming .. be warned!
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This was my first ever ARC and I'm so glad it was! Beauty and the Beast was always my favourite Disney story and when I knew this was its retelling, I was immediately sold. And the fact the HE FALLS FIRST. It's becoming my favourite trope 🥹

This book has multiple POVs from our main characters which made me appreciate the book more as we got to know what's going on inside their minds throughout the adventure! There are shocking revelations, a shocking cliffhanger that left me in tears and then I was a giggling mess by the end of the book 🥲 This book is not your usual retelling (where usually it is the Beast saves the Beauty) which makes the book so much more intriguing and different from other retellings ❤️ Who doesn't love a badass female MC?

[Natisa Leferink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Iron Rose last night and let me tell you
IT WAS AWESOME! I was completely swept away and immersed in the world and in the character's lives.
This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I haven't read a fairytale retelling before so wasn't sure what I'd think of it but was very pleasantly surprised right from the start.

Our FMC is a total badass and feels the weight of her country trying to overcome a brutal tyrant that has nearly destroyed their lands.

She is strong in every sense of the word and rarely has a second to give credence to her own feelings. I strongly related to her feelings of not wanting to show vulnerability and always having to be the strong one and I loved how that was part of the character development and plot line.

This book is beautifully written and action packed the entire way and the relationship building from enemies to more was so perfectly done.