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Ironbound #1
Ironbound: A Progression Fantasy Epic
An action-packed progression fantasy epic from Andrew Givler, bestselling author of Soul Fraud.
In the Iron Empire, only the strongest are given a chance to Ascend.
As long as he can remember, Castor has wanted nothing more than to fuse with a Cor Heart. Made from an otherworldly metal, it would give him the ability to bind a Symbol and manipulate the elements.
The day of trial has finally arrived—a chance for Castor to prove his worth. Only after winning the Empress’ blessing can he begin his life of adventure.
When his chance is interrupted by a vicious attack, he finds his home in ruins and his family in mortal peril.
Conscripted into the Legions, bound to a Symbol he never wanted, Castor must survive the Iron City, his enemies in the frozen North, and clandestine traitors within the rusting Empire itself.
But more than anything, he wants revenge against those who took everything from him.
This is the first step of the rise of the Ironbound.
Don't miss the start of this adrenaline-fueled progression fantasy epic from Andrew Givler, bestselling author of Soul Fraud , and the creator of Sigils , a Youtube channel with 1.4+ Million Subscribers. It's perfect for fans of Arcane Ascension , Red Rising, and Will of the Many.
In the Iron Empire, only the strongest are given a chance to Ascend.
As long as he can remember, Castor has wanted nothing more than to fuse with a Cor Heart. Made from an otherworldly metal, it would give him the ability to bind a Symbol and manipulate the elements.
The day of trial has finally arrived—a chance for Castor to prove his worth. Only after winning the Empress’ blessing can he begin his life of adventure.
When his chance is interrupted by a vicious attack, he finds his home in ruins and his family in mortal peril.
Conscripted into the Legions, bound to a Symbol he never wanted, Castor must survive the Iron City, his enemies in the frozen North, and clandestine traitors within the rusting Empire itself.
But more than anything, he wants revenge against those who took everything from him.
This is the first step of the rise of the Ironbound.
Don't miss the start of this adrenaline-fueled progression fantasy epic from Andrew Givler, bestselling author of Soul Fraud , and the creator of Sigils , a Youtube channel with 1.4+ Million Subscribers. It's perfect for fans of Arcane Ascension , Red Rising, and Will of the Many.
Audible Audio
Published October 14, 2025
696 people are currently reading
5072 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Givler
8 books1,052 followersAndrew is the author of the Debt Collection and Ironbound series and also a gaming YouTuber known as Sigils. He loves making people laugh, video games, and food. (Not always in that order.) He lives in LA.
To learn more about him you can go to his website: http://andrewgivler.com
Social Media
BookTube: http://youtube.com/@GivReads
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sigils
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sigils
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@GivReads
To learn more about him you can go to his website: http://andrewgivler.com
Social Media
BookTube: http://youtube.com/@GivReads
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sigils
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sigils
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@GivReads
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 23, 2025
If you’re looking for something that feels like Kaladin popped into The Will of the Many and adopted Vis’ attitude, then definitely check out Ironbound. The magic system is very cool. The plot is engaging, so much so that I finished it in less than 24 hours.
This is a story about a young man who has spent his entire life training toward being selected to bond with magic entity. After a series of trials, he is on the cusp of his dream when all is stolen from him and his friends, and they are sent to die in the lowest ranks of the military. Yet his thirst for revenge fuels him.
My only qualms are the pacing, which gets a bit bogged down at certain points, and the main character being a typical young dude who thinks he knows everything. But like a lot of other fantasy that starts off with a young male protagonist, I hope he grows out of this phase quickly as the series continues. I can’t wait to see where the story heads next.
This is a story about a young man who has spent his entire life training toward being selected to bond with magic entity. After a series of trials, he is on the cusp of his dream when all is stolen from him and his friends, and they are sent to die in the lowest ranks of the military. Yet his thirst for revenge fuels him.
My only qualms are the pacing, which gets a bit bogged down at certain points, and the main character being a typical young dude who thinks he knows everything. But like a lot of other fantasy that starts off with a young male protagonist, I hope he grows out of this phase quickly as the series continues. I can’t wait to see where the story heads next.
October 14, 2025
Have you ever listened to an audiobook so compelling that you immediately felt the need to own a physical copy so you could read it all over again? That was my experience with Ironbound!
I went into this story knowing very little, but the blurb alone promised to be epic. Ironbound delivered an exhilarating, fast-paced narrative that is both dark and highly addictive.
The world-building is top-notch. Ironbound delivers an intriguing, well-thought-out magic system that left me constantly craving more details. More than just a complex system, the world immediately draws you in with its strong Roman inspiration, giving off Gladiator and Spartacus vibes. From its militant structure to the detailed political landscape, this setting feels real and believable.
But the book truly shines in its character development. Our main character, Castor, undergoes an emotionally wrenching transformation. He begins as a devoted subject of the Empire and is quickly pushed into a slave for the Empire's legion in a brutal quest fueled by rage, revenge, and a demand for justice for his people. The emotional toll of everything he combats and overcomes sets an intensely gripping tone, making his journey impossible to put down.
There is so much to love here from the detailed narrative, the incredible character arc, and some truly epic battles. For fans of character-driven military fantasy or Roman-inspired epics, I cannot recommend Ironbound highly enough. I'd definitely recommend this to my fellow Red Rising fans as well. It's a must-read! I immediately ordered a physical copy just so I could experience it again!
I went into this story knowing very little, but the blurb alone promised to be epic. Ironbound delivered an exhilarating, fast-paced narrative that is both dark and highly addictive.
The world-building is top-notch. Ironbound delivers an intriguing, well-thought-out magic system that left me constantly craving more details. More than just a complex system, the world immediately draws you in with its strong Roman inspiration, giving off Gladiator and Spartacus vibes. From its militant structure to the detailed political landscape, this setting feels real and believable.
But the book truly shines in its character development. Our main character, Castor, undergoes an emotionally wrenching transformation. He begins as a devoted subject of the Empire and is quickly pushed into a slave for the Empire's legion in a brutal quest fueled by rage, revenge, and a demand for justice for his people. The emotional toll of everything he combats and overcomes sets an intensely gripping tone, making his journey impossible to put down.
There is so much to love here from the detailed narrative, the incredible character arc, and some truly epic battles. For fans of character-driven military fantasy or Roman-inspired epics, I cannot recommend Ironbound highly enough. I'd definitely recommend this to my fellow Red Rising fans as well. It's a must-read! I immediately ordered a physical copy just so I could experience it again!
December 15, 2025
4.5 stars! This was such a good book! I am loving getting back into these epic journeys lately. I highly recommend this one!
July 16, 2025
5* rating stands after I read it. As the first review on here I recommend this to anyone. It has up and downs and Andrew has written another good book. It’s a different style than the Debt Collection and I love it. The ending and other parts left me heartbroken but I would buy this when it comes out in a heartbeat (I read an unedited version). Fans of Red Rising would indeed love it (I am a fan)!
October 29, 2025
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4.5
If you are a Red Rising or The Will of the Many fan then you should definitely pick this up as you are bound to love it. I didn’t think this was just a copy of them though, although some similarities, this stands as its own
Not only was the main character a great follow, the character development from start to finish was strong with a well crafted story to go with it. The world building was great too with an interesting and unique magic system to complement it
There’s epic battle scenes, twists and some tense moments and I’m really looking forward to book 2!
Thank you to @aethonbooks for sending this over!
4.5
If you are a Red Rising or The Will of the Many fan then you should definitely pick this up as you are bound to love it. I didn’t think this was just a copy of them though, although some similarities, this stands as its own
Not only was the main character a great follow, the character development from start to finish was strong with a well crafted story to go with it. The world building was great too with an interesting and unique magic system to complement it
There’s epic battle scenes, twists and some tense moments and I’m really looking forward to book 2!
Thank you to @aethonbooks for sending this over!
December 16, 2025
amazing book one. Great paceing. Roman inspired magic and military schools. cool magic system.
if you love will of the many give it a shot.
if you love will of the many give it a shot.
November 9, 2025
I was lucky enough to get both the ALC and ARC of Ironbound, and I’m so glad I did. The audiobook narrator does an absolutely fantastic job — his performance really adds intensity and emotion to every scene and made it even harder to put the story down.
This Roman-inspired progression fantasy has everything I want in a book: a fascinating magic system that feels fresh and well thought out, a sprawling world filled with political intrigue and corruption, and brutal, bloody battles that feel real and high-stakes. The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and the pacing kept me hooked all the way through.
I loved the characters, especially Castor. He’s such a compelling main character — ambitious, determined, and constantly tested in ways that made me root for him even more. Watching him grow and adapt to the chaos around him was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Ironbound is an incredible start to a series that feels epic in scope and full of promise. Andrew Givler did an amazing job weaving together character, action, and worldbuilding into something that feels both brutal and beautiful. I can’t wait to see where Castor’s story goes next!
This Roman-inspired progression fantasy has everything I want in a book: a fascinating magic system that feels fresh and well thought out, a sprawling world filled with political intrigue and corruption, and brutal, bloody battles that feel real and high-stakes. The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and the pacing kept me hooked all the way through.
I loved the characters, especially Castor. He’s such a compelling main character — ambitious, determined, and constantly tested in ways that made me root for him even more. Watching him grow and adapt to the chaos around him was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Ironbound is an incredible start to a series that feels epic in scope and full of promise. Andrew Givler did an amazing job weaving together character, action, and worldbuilding into something that feels both brutal and beautiful. I can’t wait to see where Castor’s story goes next!
January 7, 2026
I DON'T KNOW IF I'VE EVER BEEN SO HAPPY ABOUT BEING SO MAD.
Well, it's always nice to read your first Five Star book of a new year. Mine happened to be my second read!
That said, screw this book, screw Andrew Givler, screw my inability to see this book as anything but relentlessly MOMENTOUS. It's a rageful adrenaline fest that grabs you by the throat and slams you into the concrete repeatedly, all while you thank it for its kindness.
It read sort of like a combination of Red Rising and The Rage Of Dragons with a Progression core to its magic system, except I didn't once feel like it was derivative in any way. That's simply the best comparative explanation for what I just read that I can think of.
I'm SO ANGRY THAT I HAVE TO WAIT FOR BOOK TWO. Why did I have to read this when book one was the only installment released?
Special shout out to the Bookstreet Boys server on Discord for making it our Book Of The Month. I know exactly who to blame for this now.
Did I mention I love this book? It feels like the beginning of the next BIG THING. Read it and join me in my joyous rage.
Well, it's always nice to read your first Five Star book of a new year. Mine happened to be my second read!
That said, screw this book, screw Andrew Givler, screw my inability to see this book as anything but relentlessly MOMENTOUS. It's a rageful adrenaline fest that grabs you by the throat and slams you into the concrete repeatedly, all while you thank it for its kindness.
It read sort of like a combination of Red Rising and The Rage Of Dragons with a Progression core to its magic system, except I didn't once feel like it was derivative in any way. That's simply the best comparative explanation for what I just read that I can think of.
I'm SO ANGRY THAT I HAVE TO WAIT FOR BOOK TWO. Why did I have to read this when book one was the only installment released?
Special shout out to the Bookstreet Boys server on Discord for making it our Book Of The Month. I know exactly who to blame for this now.
Did I mention I love this book? It feels like the beginning of the next BIG THING. Read it and join me in my joyous rage.
November 16, 2025
I had such a good time with this one. It’s got that perfect mix of intense battle scenes, solid character development, and a found-family thread that totally won me over and the magic system was just plain cool!
The action is so well done fast, bloody, clear, and never confusing. Every fight actually moved the story forward instead of just being noise, which I really appreciate in fantasy. But honestly, the character work is what hooked me. Watching this group grow, clash, rely on each other, and slowly shift into a little chaotic family unit was my favorite part. I love when you can actually feel characters leveling up emotionally and not just magically.
The worldbuilding is engaging without being overwhelming, the pacing feels steady, and by the end I was fully invested in where this story is heading next. It hit all the things I love in a progression-style fantasy, and now I’m dying for book two because I need to know what happens with this group.
If you’re into great battles, strong character arcs, and a really satisfying found-family dynamic, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The action is so well done fast, bloody, clear, and never confusing. Every fight actually moved the story forward instead of just being noise, which I really appreciate in fantasy. But honestly, the character work is what hooked me. Watching this group grow, clash, rely on each other, and slowly shift into a little chaotic family unit was my favorite part. I love when you can actually feel characters leveling up emotionally and not just magically.
The worldbuilding is engaging without being overwhelming, the pacing feels steady, and by the end I was fully invested in where this story is heading next. It hit all the things I love in a progression-style fantasy, and now I’m dying for book two because I need to know what happens with this group.
If you’re into great battles, strong character arcs, and a really satisfying found-family dynamic, this one is definitely worth picking up.
October 16, 2025
Ironbound by Andrew Givler is a book that I went into known very little and came out wanting to know so much more.
With comparisons to Red Rising and Will of the Many, this was always going to be something I had my eye on so when Aethon Books reached out and asked if I'd like a copy I jumped at the chance and it shot straight up the TBR. I'm so glad that it did because I ended up listening to this non-stop.
I immensely enjoyed the worldbuilding here. It's intriguing, each area is different and you really get a sense of the environment in the way that Andrew describes each scene. From the warm deserts to the cold ice, each landscape was described perfectly. The magic itself was well-thought and each revelation made sense. This is a slight progression fantasy but the way that Andrew described how the main character got out of situations, or how they developed certain things made sense for the story.
The main character, Castor, goes through emotional trauma which leads them on their journey for revenge. The decisions that he made were made in mind of this and I liked how Andrew handled certain developments in line with the story. There's a reason for all the rage and the mistakes made and it's refreshing to see a character learn from those.
This is John Gwynne's battles meets Pierce Brown's revenge and I am all here for it. Definitely one to pick up.
With comparisons to Red Rising and Will of the Many, this was always going to be something I had my eye on so when Aethon Books reached out and asked if I'd like a copy I jumped at the chance and it shot straight up the TBR. I'm so glad that it did because I ended up listening to this non-stop.
I immensely enjoyed the worldbuilding here. It's intriguing, each area is different and you really get a sense of the environment in the way that Andrew describes each scene. From the warm deserts to the cold ice, each landscape was described perfectly. The magic itself was well-thought and each revelation made sense. This is a slight progression fantasy but the way that Andrew described how the main character got out of situations, or how they developed certain things made sense for the story.
The main character, Castor, goes through emotional trauma which leads them on their journey for revenge. The decisions that he made were made in mind of this and I liked how Andrew handled certain developments in line with the story. There's a reason for all the rage and the mistakes made and it's refreshing to see a character learn from those.
This is John Gwynne's battles meets Pierce Brown's revenge and I am all here for it. Definitely one to pick up.
November 8, 2025
4.8
Really good. Had almost all of the plot devices I usually enjoy and a strong main character which made it feel like a very easy read for me. The writing was solid, nothing extraordinary, but it did the job. The main thing that kept it from a 5 star for me was the ending which left off in a place I could see myself disliking in the second book but hopefully it surprises me.
Really good. Had almost all of the plot devices I usually enjoy and a strong main character which made it feel like a very easy read for me. The writing was solid, nothing extraordinary, but it did the job. The main thing that kept it from a 5 star for me was the ending which left off in a place I could see myself disliking in the second book but hopefully it surprises me.
October 14, 2025
I loved every moment of this book!
One of my top reads of the year!
One of my top reads of the year!
January 11, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Basically Will of the Many meets Red Rising and Cassius au Bellona is the main character iykyk
Basically Will of the Many meets Red Rising and Cassius au Bellona is the main character iykyk
January 13, 2026
Almost a perfect book. Fast paced with lots of action that keeps you enthralled. Love the concept of the power system
October 17, 2025
Ironbound felt like if you took The Will of The Many, sprinkled a bit of The Shadow of The Gods and presented it as a Progression Fantasy story. However it still feels like its own unique story. I loved this book from beginning to the end!
January 8, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐
Whew boy was this book fun! The first 25% or so is setup and then it's a roller coaster to the finish.
The magic system has a meteorite type element that is harvested and awarded to those the government deems worthy. Our main character is a young man competing within a school to obtain one of these hearts. As you can imagine, corruption and lies abounds. When there are political machinations within a book, I love as a reader when we don't know the truth about the leaders and government. And when we follow the POV of a young man born of means then it is expected he has no reason to not believe what he has been told all his life. Which puts him in a position of being extremely naive and truly uninformed about the real world. But as we travel with him, events occur that force him to question his worldviews. It starts small, like with those he considers his friends, and escalates to beliefs so ingrained even eye witnesses evidence is hard to believe. Disillusionment comes pretty easy after your entire world has been destroyed.
This book does not go easy on you. We have dead gods that may still have some affect on the world, revenge plots, political corruption, death, young boys being forced into war, classism, academy/school setting, found family and a magic system that has consequences to its use. All smashed together in an astounding way with the pedal to the floor.
Book 2 comes out soon and I can't wait!
Whew boy was this book fun! The first 25% or so is setup and then it's a roller coaster to the finish.
The magic system has a meteorite type element that is harvested and awarded to those the government deems worthy. Our main character is a young man competing within a school to obtain one of these hearts. As you can imagine, corruption and lies abounds. When there are political machinations within a book, I love as a reader when we don't know the truth about the leaders and government. And when we follow the POV of a young man born of means then it is expected he has no reason to not believe what he has been told all his life. Which puts him in a position of being extremely naive and truly uninformed about the real world. But as we travel with him, events occur that force him to question his worldviews. It starts small, like with those he considers his friends, and escalates to beliefs so ingrained even eye witnesses evidence is hard to believe. Disillusionment comes pretty easy after your entire world has been destroyed.
This book does not go easy on you. We have dead gods that may still have some affect on the world, revenge plots, political corruption, death, young boys being forced into war, classism, academy/school setting, found family and a magic system that has consequences to its use. All smashed together in an astounding way with the pedal to the floor.
Book 2 comes out soon and I can't wait!
January 15, 2026
4 STARS 1/2
The good: The magic system was an interesting blend of hard and soft (crazy I know). There were some hard set rules to it, but there were other instances that seemed to work just cuz...and those instances blended in great with the stories. The characters are detailed enough for you to grow attached too, and the author is not afraid to let bad things happen to good characters. The story is fast paced -- this kept my attention on airplane ride for 2 1/2 hours straight with no break. The story is a bit tropey...but in a good way. Most of the tropes are pulled off very well, and I will always fall for a well done trope.
The not as good(not gonna say bad): Some of the prose had me cringing just a bit, and was a bit wordy, particularly in the early chapters. Some of the motivations don't exactly fit with the politics and Empire (although this may correct itself depending on the sequels).
Overall, this was a very solid start to a series, and the ending of the book leaves us wanting more, with some unresolved plot points, but there is enough closure for the story to feel complete. I look forward to the sequel, and I think the next book will take a step forward now that a good chunk of the world is established.
4 STARS
The good: The magic system was an interesting blend of hard and soft (crazy I know). There were some hard set rules to it, but there were other instances that seemed to work just cuz...and those instances blended in great with the stories. The characters are detailed enough for you to grow attached too, and the author is not afraid to let bad things happen to good characters. The story is fast paced -- this kept my attention on airplane ride for 2 1/2 hours straight with no break. The story is a bit tropey...but in a good way. Most of the tropes are pulled off very well, and I will always fall for a well done trope.
The not as good(not gonna say bad): Some of the prose had me cringing just a bit, and was a bit wordy, particularly in the early chapters. Some of the motivations don't exactly fit with the politics and Empire (although this may correct itself depending on the sequels).
Overall, this was a very solid start to a series, and the ending of the book leaves us wanting more, with some unresolved plot points, but there is enough closure for the story to feel complete. I look forward to the sequel, and I think the next book will take a step forward now that a good chunk of the world is established.
4 STARS
October 29, 2025
Wow!
First I want to thank Aethon Books for sending me a copy of this book to review.
I will be honest in saying I have been eying getting into Progression Fantasy for a while now. Sort of looking for that long, escalating series that will grab me and be a comfort read for me like I have heard some many progression fantasy enjoyers talk about.
I didn’t really have an idea of what I wanted or what I expected but it doesn’t matter now because this book gave me everything I needed.
Likable main character you route for? Check
Cool and lovable side characters? Check
Super sick progression/magic system? Check
Super hate-able villains? Check
This was just a super fun ride from start to finish and I desperately want to see where this character and this story goes next!
4.75 stars
First I want to thank Aethon Books for sending me a copy of this book to review.
I will be honest in saying I have been eying getting into Progression Fantasy for a while now. Sort of looking for that long, escalating series that will grab me and be a comfort read for me like I have heard some many progression fantasy enjoyers talk about.
I didn’t really have an idea of what I wanted or what I expected but it doesn’t matter now because this book gave me everything I needed.
Likable main character you route for? Check
Cool and lovable side characters? Check
Super sick progression/magic system? Check
Super hate-able villains? Check
This was just a super fun ride from start to finish and I desperately want to see where this character and this story goes next!
4.75 stars
December 4, 2025
I did not want this book to end! I was gripped and couldnt put this book down. Castor is an amazing MC that has truly grown from boy to man throughout this book. I loved his comrades in Marcus and Felix as well and watching their growth. I was at the edge of my seat with his battle with Vixa, Astrid, and when Gaius marched all the way to get Brennus for murdering Macer. That whole scene was intense when he was whipping the crap out of him! I cant wait for the 2nd book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
3.5
I think the latter half of this book is where it really comes together. I like how the book handles the main character’s motivation for revenge where its not constantly in your face. It’s a good first book, lots of questions unanswered…excited to see where it goes and how much more intricate the magic system can get
This book is like if you put The will of the many, Red rising, Game of Thrones in a blender.
I think the latter half of this book is where it really comes together. I like how the book handles the main character’s motivation for revenge where its not constantly in your face. It’s a good first book, lots of questions unanswered…excited to see where it goes and how much more intricate the magic system can get
This book is like if you put The will of the many, Red rising, Game of Thrones in a blender.
December 31, 2025
Mix in Kaladin from Stormlight Archives, Lindon from Cradle and John Snow from GoT and you get our boy Castor! At first I was skeptical due to the many (and there are many) similarities in the world building, magic systems and character arcs of the above mentioned books, but Ironbound adds it's own flavour to them and comes out with flying colours! I didn't even mind the first person writing in this and usually that's a turn off for me. Strong start to 2026!
September 8, 2025
This book is Amazing! It's A masterpiece. I picked it up, curious about it because of his video, and couldn't put it down. The characters are fun, in-depth, and detailed. The story is enjoyable and intriguing. 10/10, would recommend.
November 3, 2025
4.05/5
Great premise, great story telling and twists, the ending was kind of jarring and I am unsure how to feel but I’m looking forward to the next book!
Great premise, great story telling and twists, the ending was kind of jarring and I am unsure how to feel but I’m looking forward to the next book!
January 1, 2026
Loved this book!! I had come off a hangover from reading The Strength of the Few and this book popped up as a recommendation. It was a perfect follow up in a somewhat similar world. The MC was very relatable and I really appreciated that he was an honorable character (taking on the punishments of others, the progression of him becoming a leader, etc). The only thing I wished was that he had more of a camaraderie with his commanding officers, since they believed in him and his story (which was huge, since so many fantasies really draw this theme out). I loved the side characters- they were well done, and I was so sad when one of them died! Overall this was a top read for me this year and I'm so glad I picked up the book. Definitely recommend it if you like the Hierarchy series. Looking forward to what comes in book 2!
January 4, 2026
love the story
December 28, 2025
Really enjoyed the my first foray into progression fantasy, but the ending was very abrupt. 1 minute we are fighting gods and mythical creatures, then boom, credits role. 3.5.
December 26, 2025
Overrated and mildly disappointing
It's ok. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it either. The world building was ok. The characters were mostly one dimensional. The early parts are more of a slog than they should be mostly because of the characters. If you aren't team MC then you are an evil shallow toadie. The absolute worst thing about this story that is so annoying it nearly ruins the book is the authors obsession with italics. It's so bad it often comes across as a substitute for actual story telling. It's not consistent either despite being constant. Sometimes latin terms are printed normally sometimes they are immediately followed with a translation thus bringing into question why use it in the first place. We all have seen food shows where a chef of italian heritage loudly over emphasises their attempt at saying mozzarella in italian. That's how much of this book comes across. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it either.
It's ok. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it either. The world building was ok. The characters were mostly one dimensional. The early parts are more of a slog than they should be mostly because of the characters. If you aren't team MC then you are an evil shallow toadie. The absolute worst thing about this story that is so annoying it nearly ruins the book is the authors obsession with italics. It's so bad it often comes across as a substitute for actual story telling. It's not consistent either despite being constant. Sometimes latin terms are printed normally sometimes they are immediately followed with a translation thus bringing into question why use it in the first place. We all have seen food shows where a chef of italian heritage loudly over emphasises their attempt at saying mozzarella in italian. That's how much of this book comes across. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it either.
November 10, 2025
Note to self: nope. Also, the audiobook narrator is good, but the MC is 16-18? And the narrator sounds like he gargles whiskey and smokes a pack a day; hard to buy the MC's age like that (but that's a personal thing).
You might say the book starts when the MC gets conscripted, as the inciting event. Chapter 14, four hours later in the audiobook, and it still hasn't happened. Thankfully, an hour in and I started skipping, otherwise I'd be more annoyed.
If you want to save some time, listen to the beginning, get the gist, and skip to chapter 15.
Or, like me, get annoyed and just move on because you get easily annoyed at never-ending, what might as well be, prologues.
You might say the book starts when the MC gets conscripted, as the inciting event. Chapter 14, four hours later in the audiobook, and it still hasn't happened. Thankfully, an hour in and I started skipping, otherwise I'd be more annoyed.
If you want to save some time, listen to the beginning, get the gist, and skip to chapter 15.
Or, like me, get annoyed and just move on because you get easily annoyed at never-ending, what might as well be, prologues.
December 22, 2025
Progression Fantasy isn't a genre I've spent that much time with recently. However, as I've been clearing out my Kindle Unlimited cache, it popped up and I said 'fuck it, let's take a risk on another Roman-coded setting.' Will of the Many was fun. Not mind blowing, but fun. And I think that's where I fall with Ironbound. The Holy Roman Empire may consume the minds of straight men, but 700 pages of it was more than enough for me to feel exhausted by the end.
Read if Looking For: an overpowered morally upstanding hero who has been utterly wronged, lots of fight scenes, Roman settings without any of the queerness from actual Rome
Avoid if Looking for: thematic depth, creative use of powers, female characters (even side ones)
Want More Reviews Like This? try my blog CosmicReads
Elevator Pitch
Castor has worked all of his (admittedly rather short) life trying to earn the Empire’s favor to gain magic. Few earn the privilege, for the metal granting these powers is a rare resource. The story begins when his school goes through their final tests, determining which students will become elite members of their society. Unfortunately, things go to pieces when a wolf-headed monster attacks the ceremony, and Castor takes the blame. HIs family dead, his life forever changed, Castor vows revenge against the Empire who wronged him.
What Worked For Me
I think this will probably come off as a negative, but I promise it isn’t. Even when I started to think ‘wow, this book is really dragging things out, isn’t it?’ I kept picking it back up, reading the next chapter, and staying up late. It felt a bit like when I used to binge Dominos pizzas. Felt a bit shit afterwards and questioned my life choices, but the process was really enjoyable. If you’re looking for something brutally mindless, with an overpowered protagonist who you know is eventually going to grind every foe under his boot-heel, or the epitome of the ‘whack things hard’ type of wish fulfillment, this is a great book for you. If that’s not the vibe you’re looking for, you probably shouldn’t pick it up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The way that Ironbound chose to interact with noble privilege was annoying enough to start pissing me off (perhaps unfairly). In the long tradition of me throwing away my usual plan on not getting too hung up on explaining plot details in my reviews, I’ll toss that out the window if something annoys me enough.
This book really wants to be a ‘fuck the noble pricks’ type story. Most of the enemies are nobles who stab Castor in the back at various points, and the system is corrupt beyond saving. The only problem? Castor is himself a noble, albeit a minor rural one. In fact, a small early plot point is how the only commoner who went to their elite magic prep-school was ignored and bullied despite being the best in their year. On the surface, this set me up for a recurring plotline of the Castor grappling with his privilege (even superficially) and learning to appreciate the strengths of a wide variety of backgrounds. Unfortunately, that all mostly flew out the window, and the story settled into a weird clash of an explicit ‘nobles are evil and shouldn’t look down on people’ message, when the authorial choices really reinforce the idea that nobility will always be better than commoners.
When the first plot twist hits and Castor’s life begins to fall apart, he finds himself drafted into the army. Specifically, he’s in Legion 12, filled with all sorts of criminals who are in the military as punishment, instead of choice. Of the 125 warriors, the 9 nobles (and one commoner who went to noble school) find themselves at the top of the pack. Interestingly, none of the skills learned in that school should have helped in the legions. It’s commented on multiple times that the fighting style is totally different, and that the sympathetic connections they practiced in school (to help with magic) aren’t used in the Legions whose Iron magic is more straightforward. The author couldn’t find it in him to have even a single token murderer or gang member who was as skilled as the nobles from the experiences fighting on the streets. Plus, only Castor and the other nobles ended up getting fucked by society; all the real criminals are here because they committed real crimes.
I got my hopes up again when we meet a thief who got more than a passing mention. I had hoped he’d be introduced as a major main character to join the nobles, perhaps who showed how alternate backgrounds can prove just as useful as Castor’s. Nope, he exists merely to show how great a leader Castor is by taking a whipping for his men, and then later to die dramatically while saving Castor’s life and singing his praises. Over and over this story painted the nobility in the legions as prejudiced and bad, without the author realizing that his treatment of Castor/his fellow nobles was pushing the story in the opposite direction.
It reminded me a bit about China Mievelle’s criticism of the fantasy genre, that it idealizes problematic social structures in the name of nostalgia. Givler wants this story to be an action-packed story about fighting against the odds, but never wanted to commit to what that means for his characters. This is probably an unfair level of criticism against a mindless popcorn book.
Conclusion: action-packed wish fulfillment in a kind-of-Ancient-Rome, but not much more
Read if Looking For: an overpowered morally upstanding hero who has been utterly wronged, lots of fight scenes, Roman settings without any of the queerness from actual Rome
Avoid if Looking for: thematic depth, creative use of powers, female characters (even side ones)
Want More Reviews Like This? try my blog CosmicReads
Elevator Pitch
Castor has worked all of his (admittedly rather short) life trying to earn the Empire’s favor to gain magic. Few earn the privilege, for the metal granting these powers is a rare resource. The story begins when his school goes through their final tests, determining which students will become elite members of their society. Unfortunately, things go to pieces when a wolf-headed monster attacks the ceremony, and Castor takes the blame. HIs family dead, his life forever changed, Castor vows revenge against the Empire who wronged him.
What Worked For Me
I think this will probably come off as a negative, but I promise it isn’t. Even when I started to think ‘wow, this book is really dragging things out, isn’t it?’ I kept picking it back up, reading the next chapter, and staying up late. It felt a bit like when I used to binge Dominos pizzas. Felt a bit shit afterwards and questioned my life choices, but the process was really enjoyable. If you’re looking for something brutally mindless, with an overpowered protagonist who you know is eventually going to grind every foe under his boot-heel, or the epitome of the ‘whack things hard’ type of wish fulfillment, this is a great book for you. If that’s not the vibe you’re looking for, you probably shouldn’t pick it up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The way that Ironbound chose to interact with noble privilege was annoying enough to start pissing me off (perhaps unfairly). In the long tradition of me throwing away my usual plan on not getting too hung up on explaining plot details in my reviews, I’ll toss that out the window if something annoys me enough.
This book really wants to be a ‘fuck the noble pricks’ type story. Most of the enemies are nobles who stab Castor in the back at various points, and the system is corrupt beyond saving. The only problem? Castor is himself a noble, albeit a minor rural one. In fact, a small early plot point is how the only commoner who went to their elite magic prep-school was ignored and bullied despite being the best in their year. On the surface, this set me up for a recurring plotline of the Castor grappling with his privilege (even superficially) and learning to appreciate the strengths of a wide variety of backgrounds. Unfortunately, that all mostly flew out the window, and the story settled into a weird clash of an explicit ‘nobles are evil and shouldn’t look down on people’ message, when the authorial choices really reinforce the idea that nobility will always be better than commoners.
When the first plot twist hits and Castor’s life begins to fall apart, he finds himself drafted into the army. Specifically, he’s in Legion 12, filled with all sorts of criminals who are in the military as punishment, instead of choice. Of the 125 warriors, the 9 nobles (and one commoner who went to noble school) find themselves at the top of the pack. Interestingly, none of the skills learned in that school should have helped in the legions. It’s commented on multiple times that the fighting style is totally different, and that the sympathetic connections they practiced in school (to help with magic) aren’t used in the Legions whose Iron magic is more straightforward. The author couldn’t find it in him to have even a single token murderer or gang member who was as skilled as the nobles from the experiences fighting on the streets. Plus, only Castor and the other nobles ended up getting fucked by society; all the real criminals are here because they committed real crimes.
I got my hopes up again when we meet a thief who got more than a passing mention. I had hoped he’d be introduced as a major main character to join the nobles, perhaps who showed how alternate backgrounds can prove just as useful as Castor’s. Nope, he exists merely to show how great a leader Castor is by taking a whipping for his men, and then later to die dramatically while saving Castor’s life and singing his praises. Over and over this story painted the nobility in the legions as prejudiced and bad, without the author realizing that his treatment of Castor/his fellow nobles was pushing the story in the opposite direction.
It reminded me a bit about China Mievelle’s criticism of the fantasy genre, that it idealizes problematic social structures in the name of nostalgia. Givler wants this story to be an action-packed story about fighting against the odds, but never wanted to commit to what that means for his characters. This is probably an unfair level of criticism against a mindless popcorn book.
Conclusion: action-packed wish fulfillment in a kind-of-Ancient-Rome, but not much more
November 3, 2025
Too pretentious for me.
Any time an author insists on repeatedly using non-English words for common concepts, it’s a red flag. When they insist on italicizing them every time to call out how “special” and “cultured” it is, it’s eye-rollingly painful. Is it truly necessary to write Mons Olympus instead of Mount Olympus, or Luna instead of the moon, or Sextus instead of sixth place? Jarred me out of the narrative every time until I DNF’d just a few chapters in.
Any time an author insists on repeatedly using non-English words for common concepts, it’s a red flag. When they insist on italicizing them every time to call out how “special” and “cultured” it is, it’s eye-rollingly painful. Is it truly necessary to write Mons Olympus instead of Mount Olympus, or Luna instead of the moon, or Sextus instead of sixth place? Jarred me out of the narrative every time until I DNF’d just a few chapters in.
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