"Rowland delivers a breathtakingly intimate narrative in this gorgeous fantasy, in which the political intrigue of a kingdom serves as backdrop to a romance between the softest of hearts. . . . In exploring what monarchs owe their people, and what individuals owe each other, this achingly tender fantasy wows."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A beautifully detailed world, the power to touch-taste metal, political schemes, and a slow-burn romance wrap together in a lush fantasy. Rowland's latest continues to showcase their captivating prose, immersive details, and complicated characters."--
Library Journal (starred review)
"The matriarchal defaults and three-gender system present in Arasti society place the novel squarely among the ranks of contemporary queer fantasy...
An engaging fantasy/romance set in a large, lush, and inclusive world."--
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This
slow-burn romantic fantasy with a heavy dose of political intrigue is rich in world-building and emotional angst.... A queernormative fantasy world."--
Buzzfeed "
A delicious tangle of romance, fealty, and dangerous politics."--Tasha Suri, author of
The Jasmine Throne "I loved spending time with Kadou.
A Taste of Gold and Iron is a beautiful love story with a
warm, genuine, and hugely relatable portrayal of living with anxiety at its center, and
I rooted for the main character all the way."--Everina Maxwell, author of
Winter's Orbit "
Witty, clever, and often extremely funny, Rowland's tale of a prince who doesn't want power but has it anyway--and must survive all the risks that brings with it--
somehow manages to be both soft and hard-edged, clever and kind. And sexy! Very much that too."--Jenn Lyons, author of
The Ruin of Kings "
A Taste of Gold and Iron is a slow-burn romance
flush with sexy, complicated relationships and founded on the ethics of duty and love.
As indulgent and satisfying as your favorite fanfiction."--Tessa Gratton, author of
The Queens of Innis Lear "Drama, intense politics, and sexual tension . . . . Witty . . . While it is a romantic fantasy novel, it's also a political thriller, heist, and family saga at once. More importantly, as with any good romantic novel,
I was shaking the book asking when the characters would kiss already. It was well worth the wait when they finally did."--
Locus "The politics and ethics of power and fealty are a big theme in this book and the Kadou/Evemer dynamic hinges less on class than oaths, obedience and a hair washing scene that would make Charles Boyle sweat."--
Geeky Inc "Kadou's coping with anxiety and personal growth are
a joy to watch as he fully embraces his talents and comes out of his shell with the help of Evemer, his bodyguard.
The slow-burn romance between them is beautifully done and adds a thrilling element to the story that readers will savor."--
Booklist "For readers who enjoy forced proximity and bodyguard romances,
A Taste of Gold and Iron offers both, wrapped in a
delightful package of espionage and royal duty.... Rowland also impresses in their
nuanced depiction of anxiety."--
Bookpage "Strikes the perfect balance of political intrigue and romance. . . .
A beautiful, compelling navigation of power and consent, loyalty and love, trust and hope."--
Shelf Awareness "Intrigue and betrayals abound as Kadou not only carries out his mission in an effort to save the kingdom, but also journeys within himself to discover a purpose and courage.
A Taste of Gold and Iron is set in an atmosphere where gender-fluidity is not only accepted, but is an unremarkable part of everyday life. It is both a gripping mystery and an exploration of human nature as the characters grow and change."--
Affaire de Coeur "Rowland writes fascinating characters in realistic feeling worlds, and I really need to read more of their work. If you love political fantasy or adored
Winters Orbit, then I highly suggest checking this book out."--
Lace and Dagger Books "A sweet, pacy and gleefully self-aware queer fantasy romance romp, complete with AO3 content tag bingo and a seasoning of economic malpractice." --
Nerds of a Feather, Flock Together "If you've been searching for a queer fantasy romance, look no further than A Taste of Gold and Iron. Not only is there a great balance between characters and magic, but also perfect for fans of body guard and royalty romance!"--
Utopia State of Mind "At chapter two, I'd say I was hooked, from there on, this book was emotionally unputdownable. . . . The mental turmoil and emotional insights were so captivating! I highly recommend."--
Myth and Magic