An outstandingly wonderful and satisfying political intrigue with intricate world-building, delightfully nuanced characters, and high-stake conspiracies lurking behind every other corner.

A Taste of Gold and Iron was everything I hoped it would be: from culture to politics to drama, it had me enthralled from the first chapter. I loved the neat pace and the gradual character development, slowly they blossomed into people I could relate to wholeheartedly. I loved the realistically complicated relationships between the characters and how it enunciated the multiple facets of their personalities, giving each other a push to grow whenever needed. I found the pace a bit frustrating about halfway through: I wanted someone to push the drama aside and bring back the action, but now that I finished it, I understand that it was necessary to establish the details for a setting of such complexity (it would probably be a hard juggle to reflect on the state of foreign affairs or national currency if you were getting punched across the room). I would have also loved a more definite ending, but a hopeful one is the next best thing and I had to admit it was realistic considering the class gap between the love interests.

All in all, lovely plot and lovelier still were the characters. No significant complaint whatsoever. Thoroughly satisfied. Highly recommend.