I recently finished reading The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. There were things about this book that I absolutely loved, and I do plan on reading the second book, but overall, it was not my favorite book. I was fortunate that I was able to get an advanced review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Gilded Wolves is set in Paris in 1889. Séverin is trying to reclaim his lost inheritance. He has a set of friends that are helping him get it, but as they steal (or “acquire”) the objects necessary to prove who he is, they end up running into trouble and get in way over their heads. They also run into enemies that are trying to destroy the order of things (and not in a good way).
First, what I loved about this book:
- I love the setting. It is set in Paris in the late 1800s, about 100 years after the French revolution. Ms. Chokshi makes you feel like you’re there. I love history, so I love the details included here.
- I love the characters. This book features several characters that have gotten together, and they all have their different quirks and motivation. Zofia is mathematically inclined and would probably be seen as having Asperger’s in a contemporary book, Séverin and Laila pine for each other but mutually agree to stay away from each other, Tristan is Séverin’s loyal friend… these guys are all great and likable in their own ways, even though they’re thieves.
- The magic system is wonderful and well thought out. Behind the history that we know of, there is a group of powerful people that control these magical artifacts that all have different properties. They’re great, and I love how they’re integrated into the world that we do know.
Even though I can say all these wonderful things about this book, and I can say that I enjoyed it, it took me a while to read. I’m not sure why. I think maybe it was a little bit too long and detailed. There may have been a little too many twists and turns for my taste. I will probably read the second book, because I do want to find out what happens to these characters (and there’s a relationship that I’d like to see lead somewhere), but it’s not going to be a book that I pre-order months in advance, like I will with Chain of Gold and Legend 4.
Great Review!! I’ve been anticipating The Gilded Wolves since I found out about it! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I really do love it when an author adds the details that make you feel like you are there in that world. But I also find it difficult to read if there are too many details in there and not enough story. I guess it depends on the readers reading tastes??
Happy New Year to you!
And Happy Reading!! <3
Lin @ The Reader of A Thousand Stars recently posted…Favourite Books of 2018
Thank you! Happy New Year to you as well! I hope you like the book.
I’ve been seeing so much advance buzz for this one. Sorry it didn’t totally live up to expectations, but it still sounds enjoyabale overall. I find the time period it was set in so interesting. I haven’t read much set in the 19th century, especially fantasy!
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books recently posted…Review: The One You Fight For by Roni Loren
The time setting is great. The Infernal Devices is also in this time period, but it’s set in England and Wales. Also interesting.
I have heard some similar things about this- about while it being good in certain aspects, it’s kind of a slog. Like- I don’t want to have to *work* for my entertainment hahah. I LOVE the idea of the world and the time and everything, but I have just been so very on the fence about it. (Though honestly, it’s so pretty, does it even matter if it just sits on my shelf forever? 😂) Great review, hopefully book 2 will be a little easier to get through!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight recently posted…January 2019 Discussion Challenge Link Up & Giveaway
Haha, I have quite a few books on my Kindle like that. I wrote the “Books I Meant to Read in 2018 But Didn’t Get To” post yesterday, and there are so many books I got on sale that I haven’t read yet. At least we’re supporting authors this way!