What do you think?
Rate this book
Ironbound
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romantic fantasy, hidden backstories, and top tier yearning. Ironbound is the first book in a planned series titled, Shadows of Antharia. Ironbound is an adult romantic fantasy with adult themes and scenarios.
When fate calls... you will answer
For twenty-six years, war has ravaged the eastern kingdoms in Antharia. The souls of the dead haven't been returned to the gods, casing devastation to the land and political unrest. And living in the iron city of Tausheus is difficult if you're not among the wealthy elite.
Elora learned a long time ago that life is hard. With her family, she gets by. But she dreams of more. When her brothers are kidnapped and she meets the mysterious Vale she is thrust into the middle of war, political unrest, and a world of elemental magic.
Secrets and fate are interwoven and Elora must decide who and what to trust to save herself, her family, and the people of Antharia.
Ironbound is a romantic dark fantasy rooted in flawed characters, thorny choices, and a determination to rise even in the darkest of times. In a world where imperfect people navigate fate, destiny and desire, they show that resilience and love is the true magic.
If you like stories with epic adventures, slow-burn romance, nights at a tavern inn, small moments of tenderness and ongoing stories, then check out Ironbound today!
When fate calls... you will answer
For twenty-six years, war has ravaged the eastern kingdoms in Antharia. The souls of the dead haven't been returned to the gods, casing devastation to the land and political unrest. And living in the iron city of Tausheus is difficult if you're not among the wealthy elite.
Elora learned a long time ago that life is hard. With her family, she gets by. But she dreams of more. When her brothers are kidnapped and she meets the mysterious Vale she is thrust into the middle of war, political unrest, and a world of elemental magic.
Secrets and fate are interwoven and Elora must decide who and what to trust to save herself, her family, and the people of Antharia.
Ironbound is a romantic dark fantasy rooted in flawed characters, thorny choices, and a determination to rise even in the darkest of times. In a world where imperfect people navigate fate, destiny and desire, they show that resilience and love is the true magic.
If you like stories with epic adventures, slow-burn romance, nights at a tavern inn, small moments of tenderness and ongoing stories, then check out Ironbound today!
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 19, 2026
3.5⭐️’s
First of all, I want to say thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy.
I did enjoy this story, I thought the author did an amazing job of creating an amazing, unique fantasy world. I enjoyed all of the different elements, this was very plot heavy, which I did like! There were many POV’s, that changed, frequently, so at first, that took me a little bit to get used to because I almost felt as though as soon as I was starting to understand what was going on with one character, it would switch to a completely different character and setting. It just made it difficult to follow at times. It also made the pacing, in my opinion, a little slow at times. I truly don’t mind a slow pace, but sometimes it did feel a little long, in certain parts. The little sprinkle of romance was very sweet, and I’m enjoying seeing where that will go! I really loved the last 35% of the book, and I wish the beginning of the book had that same feeling, but at the same time, I understand that there was so much story to be told, that it was necessary to have that slower pace in the beginning. Overall, I did enjoy this and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book! I loved the little touches from The Princess Bride! And there was a scene that reminded me of one of my favorite scenes in a Harry Potter book, so that was really cool, too!
First of all, I want to say thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy.
I did enjoy this story, I thought the author did an amazing job of creating an amazing, unique fantasy world. I enjoyed all of the different elements, this was very plot heavy, which I did like! There were many POV’s, that changed, frequently, so at first, that took me a little bit to get used to because I almost felt as though as soon as I was starting to understand what was going on with one character, it would switch to a completely different character and setting. It just made it difficult to follow at times. It also made the pacing, in my opinion, a little slow at times. I truly don’t mind a slow pace, but sometimes it did feel a little long, in certain parts. The little sprinkle of romance was very sweet, and I’m enjoying seeing where that will go! I really loved the last 35% of the book, and I wish the beginning of the book had that same feeling, but at the same time, I understand that there was so much story to be told, that it was necessary to have that slower pace in the beginning. Overall, I did enjoy this and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book! I loved the little touches from The Princess Bride! And there was a scene that reminded me of one of my favorite scenes in a Harry Potter book, so that was really cool, too!
July 26, 2025
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Literary Lane Marketing and KC Holly for selecting me for this Arc review. I am writing this review completely unbiased.
Pre-warning to those who hate a cliffhanger this is an unfinished series which has just started so be prepared.
The first book in a fantasy series is always a lot of world building which this one did have but also showed development for the main characters Elora and Vale whilst introducing some characters which I can tell will be important for the future books.
This did take me a while to get into as I was slightly confused at the start as to who the main male protagonist was and who the other characters were due to no names for chapter when speaking which may have been a formatting error. I persevered and eventually as I got deeper realised who was who and what they were bringing to the story. Once I got past this initial stage I was hooked and wanted to know more about the world and guardians once I got the swing of things.
I really love the concept of this series I feel it has a different vibe to other fantasy books I've read. The gifts / skills spoke about are very different from typical fantasy powers which kept me intrigued wanting to know more due to not having come across these particular powers before. ⚔️
I can already feel that chemistry brewing between Elora and Vale and it got me. I loved that they had a slow pace and can't wait to see their relationship develop further. The secrets being hidden within the book between characters have me wanting more after that cliffhanger we need answers! I'm very curious to learn more of the windwalkers powers and the powers of those to come! I can't wait to read more of this journey and learn more about all our male characters introduced! Also can I just say I do have a soft spot for Cyrus and the band of men helping Elora we definitely need more on these guys! Thank you for a refreshing fantasy read. 🔮
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Literary Lane Marketing and KC Holly for selecting me for this Arc review. I am writing this review completely unbiased.
Pre-warning to those who hate a cliffhanger this is an unfinished series which has just started so be prepared.
The first book in a fantasy series is always a lot of world building which this one did have but also showed development for the main characters Elora and Vale whilst introducing some characters which I can tell will be important for the future books.
This did take me a while to get into as I was slightly confused at the start as to who the main male protagonist was and who the other characters were due to no names for chapter when speaking which may have been a formatting error. I persevered and eventually as I got deeper realised who was who and what they were bringing to the story. Once I got past this initial stage I was hooked and wanted to know more about the world and guardians once I got the swing of things.
I really love the concept of this series I feel it has a different vibe to other fantasy books I've read. The gifts / skills spoke about are very different from typical fantasy powers which kept me intrigued wanting to know more due to not having come across these particular powers before. ⚔️
I can already feel that chemistry brewing between Elora and Vale and it got me. I loved that they had a slow pace and can't wait to see their relationship develop further. The secrets being hidden within the book between characters have me wanting more after that cliffhanger we need answers! I'm very curious to learn more of the windwalkers powers and the powers of those to come! I can't wait to read more of this journey and learn more about all our male characters introduced! Also can I just say I do have a soft spot for Cyrus and the band of men helping Elora we definitely need more on these guys! Thank you for a refreshing fantasy read. 🔮
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
This book has me feeling every emotion possible and in the best ways possible.
I was lucky enough to a beta read Ironbound last year and now reread as an ARC and the second time around it’s even better than I remembered. This is truly an ode to all the eldest sisters who will stop at nothing to care for and protect their family. They may feel like they need to do the saving on their own without realizing that they have an army behind ready to fight for them at any given moment.
Elora speaks to my heart and I love her character so so much. She is so strong and resilient. As the story progresses she begins to discover who she actually is and who she wants to be. Her growth is intense and mesmerizing.
Vale, my sweet baby, just wants to protect and love with his whole heart. The way he cares for Elora even after they had just met is what my heart yearns for in an MMC. Vale is a fierce warrior and a gentle man, he will do everything to protect those he loves.
The full story of Ironbound takes you on twists and turns of the journey that Elora is set on when her brothers are captured and enscripted for false allegations. She decides in that moment that she will stop at nothing to get Jasper and Tyrian back. There is so much to love about this story. Whether you choose to read for the tension and yearning of the budding romance that we see happening, or the friendships and found family that are developed, or the eldest daughter stopping at nothing to have her family back, whichever reason you choose to read Ironbound, you are going to love the story
Thank you so much KC Holly for letting me read your baby as a beta reader and again as an ARC. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you have written an amazing story and readers are going to love it
I was lucky enough to a beta read Ironbound last year and now reread as an ARC and the second time around it’s even better than I remembered. This is truly an ode to all the eldest sisters who will stop at nothing to care for and protect their family. They may feel like they need to do the saving on their own without realizing that they have an army behind ready to fight for them at any given moment.
Elora speaks to my heart and I love her character so so much. She is so strong and resilient. As the story progresses she begins to discover who she actually is and who she wants to be. Her growth is intense and mesmerizing.
Vale, my sweet baby, just wants to protect and love with his whole heart. The way he cares for Elora even after they had just met is what my heart yearns for in an MMC. Vale is a fierce warrior and a gentle man, he will do everything to protect those he loves.
The full story of Ironbound takes you on twists and turns of the journey that Elora is set on when her brothers are captured and enscripted for false allegations. She decides in that moment that she will stop at nothing to get Jasper and Tyrian back. There is so much to love about this story. Whether you choose to read for the tension and yearning of the budding romance that we see happening, or the friendships and found family that are developed, or the eldest daughter stopping at nothing to have her family back, whichever reason you choose to read Ironbound, you are going to love the story
Thank you so much KC Holly for letting me read your baby as a beta reader and again as an ARC. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you have written an amazing story and readers are going to love it
August 1, 2025
For a debut book, KC Holly really knocked it out of the park!
It’s been a while since I’ve read a truly epic fantasy with breadcrumbs of romance brewing and Ironbound brought all the things I love: world building that’s not overwhelming, a badass FMC who comes into her own, found family from a ragtag group of loyal men, enemies to friends to maybe something brewing, interesting magical system, gods/goddesses/immortals, social status challenges (think factions of Divergent or districts from Hunger Games), origin secrets, betrayal and loss, soulmates yet a way to make her own decisions without being pressured, animal sidekick, one horse, forced proximity, oh the banter!!, and a plot that will leave you wanting more and with questions to be determined in book 2 (of a planned trilogy).
This book is solely less than bell pepper status and I didn’t miss the spice at all! There was so much to delve into and I was constantly surprised at the turn of events. It’s definitely a slow start but I never felt like I was getting bored or that it was info overload. Everything had a place and sets up book 2 with a small cliffhanger. I absolutely can’t wait for more of these characters!
I began as a beta reader and then ARC’d. These are my own opinions and were not influenced by KC Holly.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a truly epic fantasy with breadcrumbs of romance brewing and Ironbound brought all the things I love: world building that’s not overwhelming, a badass FMC who comes into her own, found family from a ragtag group of loyal men, enemies to friends to maybe something brewing, interesting magical system, gods/goddesses/immortals, social status challenges (think factions of Divergent or districts from Hunger Games), origin secrets, betrayal and loss, soulmates yet a way to make her own decisions without being pressured, animal sidekick, one horse, forced proximity, oh the banter!!, and a plot that will leave you wanting more and with questions to be determined in book 2 (of a planned trilogy).
This book is solely less than bell pepper status and I didn’t miss the spice at all! There was so much to delve into and I was constantly surprised at the turn of events. It’s definitely a slow start but I never felt like I was getting bored or that it was info overload. Everything had a place and sets up book 2 with a small cliffhanger. I absolutely can’t wait for more of these characters!
I began as a beta reader and then ARC’d. These are my own opinions and were not influenced by KC Holly.
August 1, 2025
How amazing is it that I get to write a review for this book???
K.C Holly’s debut fantasy novel Ironbound is a RIDE.
Holly has created such an amazing fantasy world and has done a FANTASTIC job with her world building and magic system explanation. She uses this book as an amazing start to a fantasy series and I truly can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
HIGHLY recommend picking this up!
K.C Holly’s debut fantasy novel Ironbound is a RIDE.
Holly has created such an amazing fantasy world and has done a FANTASTIC job with her world building and magic system explanation. She uses this book as an amazing start to a fantasy series and I truly can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
HIGHLY recommend picking this up!
August 17, 2025
Such an interesting magic system, with new characters around every corner, and so many unanswered questions! The eldest daughter role is written beautifully with Elora and her journey through protecting her family, overcoming grief, and finally starting to become her own person. I cannot wait to read more of her and all of the characters! I need the second book IMMEDIATELY 😩❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
So very grateful to have won a copy of this book in a giveaway! Thank you K.C. Holly for giving me the chance to be introduced to this world! What a story & what lovely characters. I don’t even know how to feel. 🤭 I’m so intrigued by the ending.
May 26, 2025
This book is a roller coaster of emotions. Truly wonderful and I would love to see how’s the world continues to turn. K.C. Holly is a fantastic writer, especially for her first book.
July 16, 2025
I loved seeing this new world come to life from multiple POVs. It had me hooked from the first chapter to the last and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews