The Iron Chest

Amereld #1

by R.A. Neddow, James Neddow (Illustrator)

The Gods are at war. Jabrael is their weapon.

Once, she obeyed Amereld’s iron laws. Now, imprisoned and confessing to her captors, she reveals the she touched the demon Lumos, refused purification, and embraced monstrosity when survival demanded it.

This is not a chosen-one tale. It is the story of a woman who will shatter laws, betray loyalties, and sacrifice even her humanity to fight a war the rest of the world cannot see.


Praise for The Iron Chest

✦ “Violence, love, lust, magic, and a complex cast… R. A. Neddow is a master of her craft.” —Nikole Severance

✦ “Dark, complex, and utterly original… takes familiar YA themes and transforms them into something layered and psychologically intense, perfect for a mature fantasy audience.” —Mira Maschmeyer

✦ “Sneaks up on you with its beauty, then knocks you down with its heartbreak… a lyrical yet sharp narrative that balances wonder with raw emotion. Fans of The Name of the Wind will feel right at home.” —Alex MacKenzie

✦ “One part coming-of-age, one part political drama, and all epic… a debut that promises great things ahead.” —Ian Barr

Perfect for fans of R. F. Kuang, Anna Smith Spark, and Patrick Rothfuss.

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Coming Of Age, Adult, High Fantasy

740 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

R.A. Neddow lives in Okotoks, Alberta, with her husband and three fur babies. If she isn’t reading or writing, she is dancing. Her favorite authors include: Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, V. E. Schwab, Guy Gavriel Kay, and Jodi Picoult.

Reviews

[Ian Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a tale that is one part Coming of Age and one part Political/Court Drama, The Iron Chest is a lot more than it seems on the surface. Told in two interwoven narratives; the first explores the past of Princess Jabrael and her upbringing amongst the Sila royal family, cast into contrast with the second narrative that marches through the present with the capture of Jabrael who has since become a controversial and infamous figure in Amereld.

One follows the adolescent Jabrael through not only the careful political maneuvering and petty cruelties of the court, but also all the other super fun things that plague youths; shifting friendships and first loves, gossip and petty drama, expectation and anxiety, and all the awkwardness and insecurities I’m sure we all remember fondly from our teenage years. Still, Jabrael shines as the picture of royal grace on the outside while struggling to hold it all together on the inside as she struggles to live up to what is expected of her.

The other stars Jabrael as an adult and wanted criminal, it really rounds out the story and starts to pull the pretty masks off the world of Amereld to see the horrors beneath the surface as we get into the meat of the troubles. Fabled heroes are tarnished, lies are laid bare, and hard truths are revealed. The path forward is as murky as the path behind, giving shape to the complex nature of not only Jabrael herself but of the God-tier threats facing Amereld. As each steadily starts to become clearer and leaves you wanting more.

The Iron Chest is a great start to what promises to be one hell of an epic. The characters are dynamic and authentic, playing off one another in a natural way that can leave you sharing their frustration or giggling alongside them inside of a single chapter; the world is rich in both history and culture, with the author nailing descriptions of Amereld’s otherworldly beauty and a touch of the exotic; and the magic systems are inventive and mystifying, woven into both the narratives and the Sila society in a subtle yet powerful way.

For those fantasy fans who have enjoyed the likes of Rothfuss or Sanderson, this one is right up your alley. Throw it on your TBR, you won’t regret it.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Received a complimentary copy of the of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only)

This book was such a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect from such a lengthy fantasy novel but I can say with full confidence that this is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year. This novel is about a woman named Jabrael who recalls her life in a world fraught with Gods and terrible dangers. We see her moments of peace and serenity overcome by events that change the lives of her and the people around her for the worse. We are immediately thrown into a time where Jabrael is known as an infamous and powerful outlaw instead of the beloved princess she was known as when she was a teenager. R.A. Neddow’s writing has a flow to it that is so beautiful and adds to the tragedy this novel creates. The characters in this novel are very well developed and flawed in human ways that made me feel so much more closer to them. The pacing is also something I really loved about this book because it goes at a mellow and gentle pace that allows the reader to fully absorb the world and the feeling the characters embody. Being able to see Jabrael’s childhood and her personality’s stark difference in the present was very interesting and left me with burning questions that kept me flipping pages deep within the night. The book had many mysteries and character moments that had me so immersed in the world which I don’t find in books very often. My only complaint is that I simply want more of Jabrael’s tale! If you like fantasy and political intrigue I can’t recommend this book enough. I am incredibly excited for the second novel and highly suggest dropping whatever you’re reading right now to experience this novel because it is simply just a fantastic novel. I am simply hooked on R.A. Neddow’s writing style and I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5

It has taken me quite a few days to figure out how to express my feelings towards this series debut. Neddow has created so much backstory and lore within this book that helps build the relationships between the characters - numerous characters that each have vastly different personalities and who face different struggles that we only see glimpses of through the perspective of Jabrael - that it has created a magnificent segue for the next book.

"The Iron Chest" had a slow build at first and left me questioning why we were discussing so much history (decades worth of history), especially about Jabrael's past when she is a young child (6-7), but once I got halfway through the story everything began to relate to the history and it was very beneficial to have. Jabrael is a part of the royal circle within Amereld and is viewed with high expectations of how she should behave, respond to people, and her knowledge; as part of royalty, Jabrael has close friends who are also of noble titles. These friends of hers struggle with topics such as abuse, disappointment from parents, grief, drug and alcohol abuse, and scandals which not only make them more relatable to real life, but add such a depth into each one that it truly makes the characters unique.

While reading, I was reminded of Bridgerton due to the balls, the rules placed upon all of the nobles, and the time period is not that of the modern era. The magic within the story was not as prevalent as I had expected, but the scenes involving it were so immersive and beautifully written that it left me satisfied. It was similar to the magic within the Winx series - having people weld different powers and elements, some being able to utilize more than one type.

The only downsides were how slow it began, the rushed feeling of the end due to all of the plot twists, and that some questions were left unanswered, which I can only hope will be answered in the next part of the series. I highly recommend this book though and can't wait for the sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley and Neddow for the ARC.

[Dave Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and deep world building, and a great peek into the life lived that shapes a main character. I do wish we had gotten farther along into her history, and not left us with such a brief glimpse into such a pivotal moment in shaping her character, but I suppose that's what book two will be all about. A very slow burn and build up, but I'm totally invested in it now. Highly recommended.

[Jeffrey Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iron Chest is an evocative, character-driven fantasy that draws readers deep into its world from the first page. The prose is lush and cinematic, the atmosphere thick with tension and emotion, and Jabrael emerges as a layered and unforgettable protagonist. While the pacing slows in places, the narrative’s power never falters—each scene adds weight and texture to an already compelling tale.
For readers seeking dark, beautifully crafted fantasy with emotional depth, The Iron Chest stands out as a must-read.

[C. S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me.

So much to like about this book. I love long books that take their time and have intricate world building and political intrigue. The length means it is a slower paced book, which again, I love, but if you are looking for an action packed plot, you won't get it here. The framing story is intriguing and I have some guesses about who some of the nameless characters are, and hope I'm right.

I love that Jabrael isn't a Mary Sue, though clearly she has some unique powers that she doesn't (as a young girl) understand, But she's kind of shy and bookish and aloof, and that makes her more sympathetic, to me, anyway. I loved her relationship with El, her best friend, though I had some questions about how they handled certain events, but then, they are immature and young when those events occur.

I found the "Four" to be kind of interchangeable, and wished they were a bit more fleshed out. I also found the pacing a bit off. In the middle of some very intense events, there would be several pages of philosophical musings in Jabrael's inner monologue, which really seemed out of place.

Other than those minor issues, this book was one of my favourites of 2025.
(Also, the writer lives in Okotoks! Just down the road from me in Calgary - happy to see a fellow Canadian and Albertan writing such a great book!)

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. Different concept where the prisoner (of sorts) recaps her past to her jailer (they wish) who are extremely intimidated by her luminous presence.
The resistance are feeling her out as they need a powerful figure to help them win. Is she collecting the artifacts of the Gods to channel other Godly powers?

Jabs is a mix of human and Sila (sunburst pupils) - has channeller powers that she kept suppressed when she was young - oh, but to hear her sing. She kept aloof from her peers because of the weight of the crown. Battling the shame of her human heritage as she felt judged by the elite of her society. Her sole refuge, her friend El. Her deep friendship with El leads to many entanglements, not all good, not all bad. Once a loved princess, now a hated traitor. El - Taken or rebel?

Sing Jabs, sing. Play the lute so that all may follow.

El’s mother, W, V - all with dark light power

They were meant to soar with the sun. Their realm with many subs forever lost. Now they make-do with the sun and the moon (waxing and waning).

The twins. Oh the twins. Red eyeshadow I’d keep on my person forever.

The Four- each with a different elemental strength. Once destined to be frontline warriors in the fruitless war against the Taken. Friends or enemies? Highs when they are friends. Now hunters? What about Paerill? Who is Red?

Ooh and let’s not forget Vaizaen saw Jabs with her open hair and even helped her with her hair (heights of impropriety). Hinting at something? Poor Vaizaen.

So many questions left unanswered. What will we find out next?

[Janel Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Iron Chest" is a gripping fantasy centered on Jabrael, a complex heroine who defies the strict laws of her world, Amereld. As gods and demons clash, she navigates loyalty and betrayal, with her friendship with El adding warmth to the story. The narrative shifts between past and present, revealing the consequences of her choices. It's a captivating tale exploring moral complexities and personal sacrifice.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. A. Neddow’s The Iron Chest (Amereld) is an ambitious fantasy novel that wrestles with laws both seen and unseen, power, loyalty, and sacrifice. At its heart is Jabrael, a powerful, complex woman caught in a divine war most aren’t even aware of. The premise is compelling: laws as invisible but binding iron, moral and literal obligations that bend, break, or oppress, and a protagonist who must weigh knowledge, betrayal, and duty—choices that are rarely clean.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its character work. Jabrael is well drawn: she is strong and flawed, burdened by what she knows, and forced to make decisions that carry heavy emotional cost. Her relationship with El (and by extension, the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal) is especially affecting. This friendship (or perhaps more accurately, a bond that approaches friendship with complications) lends much of the book’s emotional weight: when those bonds are tested, when trust fractures, the impact is felt. The prose is lyrical enough to evoke wonder and beauty, yet sharp in the moments of pain or betrayal.

The world‑building is also impressive in scope and complexity. The setting of Amereld feels rich and layered: laws both physical and metaphysical, gods or divine forces playing hidden roles, secrets that ripple outward, unseen wars beneath the surface. The narrative shifting between past and present helps reveal motivations and history without dumping everything at once; this helps sustain intrigue. The length (over 600 pages) gives space to explore varied themes—identity, sacrifice, defiance—but also leads to pacing challenges.

However, the ambition also brings some drawbacks. With such a long novel, pacing sometimes lags: certain sections—especially those heavy in lore or introspection—tend to slow the momentum. For some readers, the frequent shifts between past/present timelines feel uneven, with some backstory dragged out longer than necessary, reducing tension. Though Jabrael is compelling, supporting characters are occasionally less distinct; in parts, I wished for sharper character arcs for some of the secondary cast, so their choices would feel as meaningful as those of the central figures.

Another criticism is how some moral or emotional shifts are handled. Because Jabrael must frequently betray, sacrifice, or act in morally grey ways, there are moments where the narrative expects the reader to accept abrupt changes of allegiance, trust, or attitude, which sometimes lack sufficient foreshadowing. A few pivotal conflicts or betrayals feel as though they arrive too late in the build‑up, with less setup than their consequences deserve. This doesn’t ruin the story, but it dampens some emotional payoffs. Also, while the prose is often beautiful, at times it veers toward being overly ornate—the weight of description sometimes competes with the urgency of the plot.

In sum, The Iron Chest (Amereld) is a powerful, emotionally resonant fantasy that delivers much of what fans of epic or philosophically charged fantasy crave: deep character travail, high stakes, betrayals, and the burden of knowing too much. While its size and complexity mean it sometimes drags, and while certain plot or character pivots could have been set up more cleanly, those are relatively minor in light of its many strengths. For readers looking for something substantial, thoughtful, and wrenching, this is one to dive into. I give it four stars.

[Tim Goff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman tells her captors...

…About her upbringing as a pampered princess in an inhuman court. Jabara recounts the mundane, terrifying, and magical events that began her transformation from a naïve noble scion into a formidable outlaw. She speaks of intrigues, parties, myths, and history, all important components of her personality and the world.

This is mostly a slow-paced story that I found tedious in places: young people seeking relationships and trying to enjoy themselves before adulthood ruins childhood dreams. However, the slowness is compensated for by the flashes of drama, magic, and violence. Oddly, the titular ‘iron chest,’ while important, doesn’t have a central role. The contrast between the naïve, youthful princess and the hardened outlaw Jabara becomes is striking. Of particular note are Jabara’s captors, who have their own secrets and concerns.

Jabara’s friends and foes at court include her mother, a human healer, her troubled yet free-spirited friend, ‘El,’ and an assortment of nobles and tutors, all flawed, yet well-detailed.

‘The Iron Chest’ should appeal to those who like slow-paced coming-of-age stories, as well as lovers of stories featuring court intrigue tinged with magic and violence.

[JK Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jabrael stands at the center of it all. As a young princess, she’s torn between duty and a restless mind that refuses to settle. As an adult, she has become a hunted figure, her name carrying both fear and reverence. The story moves between these two versions of her, showing how innocence hardens into resolve. The structure adds depth and tension, letting the past bleed naturally into the present.

Amereld feels real. Its politics, faiths, and unseen powers are built with care and conviction. The idea of law as a living force, both moral and mystical, gives the book its backbone. Neddow’s writing is sharp and textured, balancing court politics, divine conflict, and personal struggle without ever losing focus.

The patience of the story pays off. When the tone shifts and the stakes rise, every moment lands with weight. Betrayals cut deep, friendships feel earned, and the emotional impact lingers because the groundwork is solid.

This isn’t light fantasy. It’s a story about choice, consequence, and the price of knowing too much. Readers who love character-driven epics like Fallen Gods, The Poppy War, or The Name of the Wind will feel right at home here.

[Merri · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.A. Neddow's The Iron Chest is a challenging yet impressive debut that leaves the reader in a state of mixed enjoyment, making a clear rating difficult. The prose is undeniably expertly written, though this mastery sometimes translates into a verbose style that feels more like an exhibition of the author's extensive thesaurus than natural storytelling. The world-building is imaginative, thorough, and distinct, yet it's frequently bogged down by unnecessary details, such as the repetitive descriptions of characters' hair.

​Despite the pacing issues, the development of relationships and character growth is exceptional, providing a strong emotional anchor. However, the novel's vast scope is evident in its length—800 pages and 18 hours of narration only chronicle the protagonist up to age fifteen, never reaching the story's "present day." This deliberate slowness led to moments of skimming toward the book's close. Neddow wisely counters the narrative drag with an ending packed with multiple cliffhangers, successfully generating a powerful feeling of wanting more—with the caveat that the next volume would benefit greatly from a faster pace.

[Mira Maschmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Chest was dark, complex, and utterly original. It had all the story elements I usually love in YA: coming-of-age journeys, tangled love triangles, and the messy trials of friendship. But make no mistake, this is not YA. The book takes those familiar themes and weaves them into complex politics and psychologically dark events that are perfect for an intelligent and mature audience. The result is a fantasy novel that feels layered and elevated.

The world-building is phenomenal—detailed, unique, and so immersive it feels real. I catch myself thinking about its religions or even blurting out its swear words (“holy suns and fire!”) in daily life. The characters are just as grounded, written so vividly they feel like people I actually know. I’m quite convinced I could smell Sir Vaizaen as the author was writing about him… or maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Jabs is my new hero (or maybe my anti-hero??) and I need more of her in my life. Please, R.A. Neddow, I am begging you: release the sequel soon! TEAM VAIZ

[Chris Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Chest by R. A. Neddow is a brilliant debut that immerses readers in the vivid, unforgiving world of Amereld. Jabrael, a fierce yet flawed heroine, navigates a realm where gods clash and iron laws bind. Her journey from prisoner to rebel is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, blending raw intensity with lyrical prose. Neddow crafts a fresh magic system and a plot rich with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. Jabrael’s moral complexity makes her unforgettable, her choices driving a narrative that feels epic yet intimate. The dialogue shines, giving each character a distinct voice, while the pacing expertly balances action and introspection. This dark fantasy grips from the first page, offering a psychologically rich story that lingers. Perfect for fans of R. F. Kuang or Patrick Rothfuss, The Iron Chest is an addictive, unforgettable start to the Amereld series, promising even greater adventures ahead.

[Sam S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely nails the internal conflict aspect that makes fantasy compelling. Jabrael's moral struggles feel genuine and complex, which kept me invested in her choices throughout the entire story. The way the narrative explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and sacrifice without being preachy is impressive, and the world-building feels organic rather than forced.

The dialogue stands out as particularly strong, giving each character a distinct voice that drives the plot forward naturally. The pacing strikes a perfect balance between action and character development, never rushing through important moments but also never dragging. This is the kind of fantasy that makes you care about the characters' fates long after you finish reading, and it definitely left me wanting to dive into the next book immediately.

[Armand E. Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Chest is a dark fantasy novel with a rich storyline and well-developed, thought-through characters. It includes all the aspects you will love in a book of this caliber, including Loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, and Royal duties, making for a brilliant story with a political and psychological tone. The Amareld World is mindblowing and imaginative.

The protagonist "Jabreal" is complex, and you cannot help but grow and befriend the character with funny bits to round the rich dialogue off in every chapter. Fans of fantasy will love reading this book, too. I eagerly await the follow-up editions to this intriguing and masterfully written book.

[Marcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacking the last book of A Song of Ice and Fire, I decided to give this book a shot, and I can say that I’m eager to read the next one. I just hope the author doesn’t take as much time as George R.R. Martin is taking, lol.

The world’s mythology is complex and full of characters, many more than I can keep track of, like Red, Queen Jabrael, Vaizaen, Myonna, Lumos and countless others, all developed without anything to envy from Tolkien or C.S. Lewis’s characters.

To say this is a complex book is not an exaggeration; at the end, there is a small dictionary and a lunar calendar. This is the perfect gift for any fantasy and medieval reader in our lives.

[J. Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Chest pulls you into a world where gods wage war and one woman’s choices defy fate itself. Jabrael’s journey is gripping, raw with survival, tangled with betrayal, and bursting with emotional intensity. What makes this book stand out is its refusal to lean on clichés; instead, it delivers a story that is bold, original, and deeply human. Readers rave about its vivid world-building, sharp prose, and unforgettable character arcs. It’s the kind of dark fantasy that both challenges and enchants, perfect for fans of morally complex heroes and sweeping, immersive epics.

[G G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. I picked up The Iron Chest not really knowing what to expect, but I was hooked pretty quickly. The world felt alive without being confusing, and the characters felt real — brave but imperfect in ways that made me root for them. The mystery around the chest kept me guessing, and the pacing pulled me along without dragging.

By the time I hit the last few chapters, I didn’t want to stop reading. Now I’m already looking up the next book. If you’re into fantasy that’s easy to sink into but still has depth and surprises, this one’s worth it.

[Rameshkumar Khatri · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.A. Neddow builds Amereld with fierce imagination - laws feel like characters, and Jabrael is a thrilling, morally tangled heroine. The dialogue sparkles, scenes pulse with danger and desire, and the magic system feels fresh and consequential. I loved how the stakes kept escalating and how the book forced me to question loyalty, sacrifice, and truth. A gripping start to a series; I can’t wait to follow Jabrael into the next battle.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has created a vivid, immersive world full of gods, magic, and an unforgiving landscape, with dialogue that shines and pacing that balances action with introspection perfectly. This is a great debut novel, and I found myself captivated by its layers of depth, including loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. If you're a fan of dark fantasy, this book is an addictive, thrilling start to the "Amereld" series. Can't wait for the next one!

[Patti A. Pierucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Chest is a gripping story of rebellion, sacrifice, and conflict. It was thoroughly enjoyable, with an intricate plot and great character development. Through Jabrael’s eyes this story asks questions about loyalty, betrayal, and survival. What would you do if the fate of gods and mortals rested in your hands?

[Kalian27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Chest is a bold, immersive debut brimming with gods, magic, and moral conflict. With vivid world-building and a heroine who defies expectations, it blends political intrigue, emotional stakes, and lyrical prose. Perfect for readers craving dark, complex fantasy in the vein of Rothfuss or R.F. Kuang—unforgettable and powerful.

[Anka Troitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading all night, because the wind would not let me sleep. Honestly, this one’s a belter – Jabrael’s inner battles feel dead real, and it kept me turning pages without even noticing. The banter and dialogue are spot on, though sometimes it does get a bit bogged down in the heavy stuff. Still, I finished it wanting the next book straight away, which says it all really.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

It grabbed me right away with its brutal honesty and emotional depth. Jabrael is a refreshingly complex heroine, and her choices constantly challenge the world around her. The magic, politics, and personal stakes are tightly woven, with vivid writing and sharp dialogue.
Some parts of the lore felt a bit dense, but it only made the world feel more real. A gripping dark fantasy that lingers.

[Alex Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for those who enjoy dark fantasy and adventure. The fantastical world comes alive on the pages with rich details and history, featuring a compelling narrative that shifts between past and present. The characters are multidimensional, with interconnected relationships, and I appreciate how their choices have consequences and shape the course of the story.

[Sahoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Jabrael, a woman who once followed every rule but now breaks them without fear. The world is full of hidden laws and secret battles. The story is dark, fast, and full of choices that feel heavy. I liked how the book shows her strength and struggle.

[Larisa Hladkykh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written fantasy with strong themes of power, choice, and rebellion. Jabrael is a fascinating lead, and the world of Amereld feels vivid and alive. The writing is rich and full of emotion—a story that makes you think as much as it draws you in.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She once did as she was ordered but now she is a captive. She will do whatever she needs to stop an unseen war even betraying everyone and everything she once stood for. See if she stops the unseen war
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful tale

[Mik Wasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun read