The Gilded Wolves

The book arrived in perfect condition but I bought it in hardcover and received it in paperback.

There are so many reviews already and some really amazingly long ones that I think if you want to know everything about the book before you read it or to decide if you want to read it with greater knowledge I highly recommend you head over to them. They are far better than anything I could every type up here! With that said, I'm just going to do a quick humble opinion review for this one. This book is good. It's well written, easy to read, and a fun time all around. You have a great cast of characters that are so well fleshed out (and diverse) you feel as if they are truly real. This combined with the beautifully written alternate Paris of late makes for the perfect start of a new series. I don't know for sure how many books there will be in this one but it's set up nicely for the next one. The world is too nice to let go in one book. The characters too rich (and the ending to cliff-like). The story involves a lot of things and can feel a little cluttered at first because there is a lot or information to absorb and learn. There is a magic system, the world, the characters, the houses and the fall of the houses and how one character is trying to get back his inheritances, puzzles, and a few other things. I'm being a bit sketchy here intentionally because it seemed to work for me that the more it was read the easier it became to get everything. It just sort of all makes sense as you keep moving on with the story. It just takes a little getting used to. If you are interested in this book at all then read it. It's worth it. Again, my review is kind of blah but there are other really good reviews if you want more specific information or more detailed stuff. The book is worth they hype and the reviews. It's really just a fun time read and if you read YA fantasy/heisty type stuff with good characters you might find that you like this one. It does have that dang cliffhanger ending though...

“History is a myth shaped by the tongues of conquerors” My first Roshani Chokshi read was definitely a thrilling ride. The world she shaped is a very unique and spellbinding. I truly appreciated all the details, however the details were also confusing at times. The story takes place in 1889 Exposition Universelle in France. A place where new technologies are emerging. A place where beyond the glamour, ugly and forgotten things took place as well. History does not always unveil the macabre things that happened among the glam. The story is told in different POV’s through the eyes of a few characters, these characters all have a dark past that they are either trying to run from or change. We see the secrets that make up the tale. The main character Severin is a smooth talking, secretive and manipulative person. He has an agenda that rules most of his actions, to reclaim his fallen and stripped titles as one of the main house leaders. He enlists a team of friends who are going to help him reclaim his house and his titles through what they call acquisitions, a fancy word for stealing antiques that hold secrets. These friends are from different parts of the world and they each hold a unique secret ability that Severin wants to use to his advantage. I do believe he cares for his friends, but it is no secret he hope they will ultimately help him in his grand scheme. When one of the other house members enlist the team to help him secure a valuable piece from another house leader Severin is trapped in helping him, but his true wants may be at arms reach with this acquisition. The success of the plan will hold their fate. This novel was so detailed and different that it did often leave me feeling confused for the first half of the novel. I see why a story like this needed to be set up and crafted, but with all the detail I missed a lot of character and plot development to descriptions and explanations. I later learned that this is going to be a trilogy and I can appreciate the set up more. I am curious to see where all the character development goes into the next novel, especially because the ending leaves you wanting more. I give this novel 3.5 stars as it was a challenging read and it only hooked me towards the end

Ever since I heard about The Gilded Wolves, it became one of my most anticipated releases of 2019. Not only do I adore Roshani Chokshi’s writing, but I also love books with an ensemble cast of characters (especially when said characters are going on a heist!!!). First, I’ll talk about what makes this story great. I think the highlight of the entire story is the characters. Each individual felt unique, but also like a puzzle piece or part of a whole. They each have such colorful backstories that allow readers to easily grow attached, but when they are placed alongside one another, the characters automatically seem to fit and come together as a single unit. I never once doubted their love or loyalty to one another. It was as evident and tangible as the book I held in my hands. Their pure belief in one another marked this story’s characters as ones easily loved and remembered. It’s so hard to choose which character is my favorite, because I love them all, but if I was forced to choose, it would have to be a tie between Zofia and Enrique. Not only did I love their individual personalities, but I also loved their personalities in tandem with one another. When they work or even joke alongside one another, they’re an undeniable duo. I’m really interested in seeing how their relationship will develop in the future, an aspect that will likely haunt me until I’m able to get my hands on book 2. Another great aspect of the story is the setting. Though this story takes place around an actual historical event in history, the fantasy element makes it distinctive. It felt like something that could’ve easily been overdone or underdone, but Chokshi found the perfect balance. It felt like the characters were simultaneously in Paris and in a fantasy world yet to be discovered. Overall, a job well done. Now, to briefly mention what made this story a four-star read instead of five… I hate to say it, but the beginning of this book was slow and confusing. I mean, I was invested, but I had to re-read almost everything several times in order to understand completely. It was only until I was half-way through the story that I felt myself being sucked into the plot. Don’t get me wrong, the story is amazing and the backstory is a necessary matter to draw out and explain in detail. However, the fact that it stalled the level of my interest initially, because of how much effort it took to organize the characters and plot, definitely didn’t work in its favor. This book is definitely one to check out. I am stocked for a sequel!