Uptown Oracle Reads… A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland

If you’re a reader who loves a richly crafted fantasy world combined with an engaging queer romance, A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland might just be the next book for your TBR pile. But before you dive in, let’s explore what makes this novel stand out—and whether it’s the right fit for your reading preferences.

A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland

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The Goblin Emperor meets “Magnificent Century” in Alexandra Rowland’s A Taste of Gold and Iron, where a queer central romance unfolds in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.

Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, finds himself at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court—the body-father of the queen’s new child—in an altercation which results in his humiliation.

To prove his loyalty to the queen, his sister, Kadou takes responsibility for the investigation of a break-in at one of their guilds, with the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, the coldly handsome Evemer, who seems to tolerate him at best. In Arasht, where princes can touch-taste precious metals with their fingers and myth runs side by side with history, counterfeiting is heresy, and the conspiracy they discover could cripple the kingdom’s financial standing and bring about its ruin.

Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, grappling with anxiety and self-doubt. His journey is one of personal growth and self-discovery. Kadou’s struggles with anxiety are portrayed with sensitivity, adding depth to his character.

For our other main character we have Evermer, A disciplined member of the Kayalar guard, initially resentful of Kadou but gradually developing respect and affection for him. Their evolving relationship is the heart of the story.

Both Kadou and Evermer’s perspectives are well-developed, allowing readers to connect deeply with their characters.

The novel has rich world building of this fantasy place. Rowland paints a vivid picture of Arasht, from its bustling markets to its serene temples. You’ll feel immersed in this Ottoman-inspired fantasy world. In Arasht, same-sex relationships and varied pronouns are normalised, creating a refreshing and inclusive backdrop for the story.

If you enjoy the sunshine-soft prince and grumpy bodyguard dynamic or the hate-to-love trope, this book delivers in spades. The slow-burn romance between Kadou and Evermer is masterfully developed, from initial resentment to deep affection. The relationship is built on mutual growth and understanding, making their bond believable and heartfelt.

It’s not just about our two main characters, there’s a handful of side characters which have their own stories. Plus strong female characters like Eozena and Seliha wield significant influence, adding to the story’s complexity.

While set in a fantasy world, the primary focus is on the romance between Kadou and Evermer. If you’re looking for a plot-driven fantasy, you might find the storyline lacking in action.

The prose has a fanfiction feel, using familiar tropes and dynamics. Some readers might appreciate this familiarity, while others might prefer a more traditional narrative style.

You’ll Enjoy This Book If:

• You love character-driven stories with deep emotional arcs.
• You appreciate richly detailed fantasy worlds.
• You’re looking for an inclusive and refreshing take on romance.
• You enjoy slow-burn relationships and well-executed romantic tropes.

You Might Not Enjoy This Book If:

• You prefer plot-driven fantasies with lots of action and adventure.
• You’re not a fan of prose that feels like fanfiction.
• You’re looking for a traditional fantasy narrative without a strong romance focus.

A Taste of Gold and Iron is a beautifully crafted romance set in a vividly imagined fantasy world. Alexandra Rowland’s skillful storytelling ensures that both the romance and the world-building captivate readers, making this book a standout in the romantasy genre. If you’re a fan of queer romance, character-driven narratives, and detailed world-building, this book is a must-read.

Dive into the intricate world of Arasht and experience the journey of Kadou and Evermer as they navigate their evolving relationship and the challenges that come with it.

Positives of A Taste of Gold and Iron

• Deep character exploration: Both POVs are distinctive and allow for a deep connection with the characters.
• Rich world-building: Vivid depiction of the fantasy world, reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.
• Engaging themes: sensitive portayal of mental health, romantic tropes and strong female characters.
• Compelling romance: Slow-burn relationship development that is believable and heartfelt.

Negatives of A Taste of Gold and Iron

• Lack of plot: Focus is more on the romance between characters than what is going on around them.
• Writing style: Prose is more similar to fanfiction than traditional fantasy.

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I received A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland from the publisher, Tor. This is an unbiased and honest review

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