A Taste of Gold and Iron

by Alexandra Rowland
A Taste of Gold and Iron cover
Good Books rating 4.75
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1533
  • Added: 2025-10-07
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781529099683
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2022-09-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland is a sweeping fantasy romance inspired by the Ottoman Empire, perfect for fans of intricate political intrigue and lush world-building. The story follows Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, who finds himself entangled in a web of deception and counterfeiting that threatens the very foundation of his kingdom. With the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, Evemer, Kadou must navigate a complex plot that involves powerful enemies and heretical crimes. The novel blends romance, fealty, and dangerous politics in a tale that is as indulgent and satisfying as your favorite fanfiction. Set in a world where myth runs side by side with history, this novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the power of precious metals. The investigation into a seemingly straightforward crime spirals into a high-stakes conspiracy that could cripple the kingdom's financial standing. With its richly detailed setting and compelling characters, A Taste of Gold and Iron promises an immersive reading experience that will leave readers eager for more.

Reviews
DeeDi Reads · 2025-08-19
captivating 4.75

The book is praised for its exquisite character arcs and a compelling queer central romance. The reviewer was deeply hooked by the story and its emotional depth.

This reviewer was captivated by the queer central romance and the beautifully crafted character arcs in A Taste of Gold and Iron. They emphasize the emotional depth and the way the characters' journeys are portrayed, making the story highly engaging. The reviewer appreciates the standalone nature of the book and the way it balances fantasy elements with personal storytelling. The characters' growth and the emotional resonance of their relationships are particularly highlighted as standout features.

Quick quotes

    A Taste of Gold and Iron is a standalone fantasy with a queer central romance, and it hooked me HARD.

    The characters and their arcs are so exquisitely crafted.

    The emotional depth and the way the characters' journeys are portrayed, making the story highly engaging.

SF/F Book Reviews · 2023-05-08
engaging 4.50

The book excels with its well-developed characters and a compelling romance, making the plot less crucial. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of the story.

This reviewer highlights that Alexandra Rowland's work shines through its characters and romance, which carry the narrative effectively. They believe that the strength of the characters and their relationships makes up for any thinness in the plot. The emotional depth and yearning portrayed in the story are particularly praised, making it a memorable read. The reviewer seems to enjoy the low fantasy setting and the high emotional stakes, which keep the story engaging throughout.

Quick quotes

    Well done, Alexandra Rowland! See, when a book has great characters and a well-done romance, there is no need for a lot of plot.

    The emotional depth and yearning portrayed in the story are particularly praised.

    The strength of the characters and their relationships makes up for any thinness in the plot.

Every Book a Doorway · Sia · 2022-05-14
beautiful 5.00

The reviewer compares the book to The Goblin Emperor and Magnificent Century, praising its unique setting and queer romance. The story is described as breathlessly beautiful.

This reviewer draws comparisons to The Goblin Emperor and Magnificent Century, highlighting the unique setting and the queer central romance in A Taste of Gold and Iron. They describe the story as breathlessly beautiful, with a richly imagined world and a compelling narrative. The reviewer appreciates the way the story unfolds, blending fantasy elements with a deep emotional core. The characters and their relationships are praised for their authenticity and depth, making the story a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    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.

    The story is described as breathlessly beautiful, with a richly imagined world and a compelling narrative.

    The characters and their relationships are praised for their authenticity and depth.

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