Book Review: The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

About the Book:

Title: The Gilded Wolves

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Series: The Gilded Wolves #1

Page Length: 388

Publication Date: Jan. 15, 2019

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Synopsis: t’s 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood.

Together, they will join Séverin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history–but only if they can stay alive. 

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon

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My Review:

He wished he didn’t know what he had lost. Maybe then every day wouldn’t feel like this. As if he had once known how to fly, but the skies had shaken him loose and left him with nothing but the memory of wings.

I loved The Gilded Wolves! A historical fantasy set in late 1800s Paris, The Gilded Wolves is a dynamically crafted story with compelling characters, an immersive setting, and an intriguing plot. There are twists and turns, puzzles and magic, danger around every corner, and several potential romances that are fantastic!

The story follows Séverin Montagnet-Alarie, the rightful heir to the House Vanath who is determined to claim his place. A wealthy business owner and skilled thief, Séverin enlists the help of his friends and allies, each with their own special set of skills, on a dangerous heist to locate and steal an artifact that could be the key to claiming his inheritance. The story switches points of view, so you see what’s happening from several perspectives. I like this because you really get to understand each character’s motivations, fears, and emotions. It adds so much to the character and relationship development while also progressing the plot. And the characters! Each of the six main characters, as well as the minor characters, are deftly created, dynamically developed, and unique.

There were so many wants inside of him that he doubted there was room for blood in his body.

Séverin is the leader, a complex, morally grey character desperate for redemption. His backstory is so tragic and intriguing and really defines his present. Enrique is a good friend to Séverin. He is funny and supportive, and I love his humor. He’s quite intelligent, and his knowledge of history, mythology, codes, and more proves instrumental in helping the group. He also offers some fabulous comic relief at times when it is most needed.

Zofia is analytical, loyal, and unbelievably smart. She a mathematical genius, and her friendship with Laila is wonderful. Laila is strong and vivacious and the glue that holds this unique found family together. She’s like a mama bear – always watching out for her cubs. She has a fascinating back story and keeps many secrets. I’m really interested in learning more about her in the next book, as her future is so uncertain! Tristan is like a brother to Séverin. He is so sweet and conflicted, and I’m not a fan of his pet spider. And Hypnos has so much charm! He has some great lines that exemplify his confidence and charisma! However, I have a feeling he’s quite vulnerable beneath all of that charm, and we’ll find out why as the series continues.

Each character is so unique with their own goals, motivations, needs, and desires, and I felt fully invested in all of their stories. The characters also have fantastic chemistry, and I enjoyed the banter throughout the story. It is quick and witty, and you can tell there is a unique bond with this group. I love the found family trope, and Séverin and his friends create a wonderfully complicated and fascinating family.

After what felt like forever, Tristan turned over his own hand. The silvery scar down his palm matched Séverin’s. Neither of them knew where Tristan had gotten his scar. But it didn’t matter. Finally, Tristan placed his hand over Séverin’s, stacking their scars before saying: “I protect you.”

The dialogue throughout the novel is *chef’s kiss* and the writing as a whole is fantastic! I love the author’s use of imagery and metaphors, and the symbolism and themes really shine. I love stories that pull you in right from the start, and this book does just that. I think this quick immersion can be attributed to the lush and captivating storytelling of Chokski. Chokski creates such a unique fantastical world steeped in European history. It is vivid and immersive and intricate, and the perfect backdrop for the story.

There are also a couple of potential romances in the story, and I love them all! Some are new romances and some are old and angst-filled, but they are all complex and intriguing. Laila and Séverin are my favorite! They have such a desperate longing for each other, and yet neither will act on their desires. Their feelings for each other are so intense and romantic, and I so want them to finally admit their mutual feelings for each other.

Men had looked at her a thousand ways and times, and none of them had made her feel as she did yesterday. The almost painful exquisiteness of being unveiled by a glance…The kind of awareness that makes one feel alive. It terrified her.

The plot is also super intriguing, especially the puzzles and the mysteries surrounding the artifacts. It is a little dense and slow-building at the beginning, but the rest of the story totally makes up for it. It’s so intricate and carefully woven, and the twists and turns are endless. It’s definitely a story that keeps you on your toes, and I was surprised more than once by its unpredictability.

I’ve gone on for a while, and I feel like I’ve only begun to touch upon all the awesome aspects of this book, so I’ll end with this: I thought this was a brilliant read, and I’m so grateful to Wednesday books for sending a copy of the book. I adored it, and after that shocking ending, I’m jumping right into The Silvered Serpents. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Don’t capture their hearts. Steal their imagination. It’s far more useful.

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Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The plot is super intriguing.

• The magical elements.

• The romances and characters.

• The writing style.

• That ending!!!!

Favorite Lines:

You want an excuse to go hunting, but you have mistaken predator for prey.

History is a myth shaped by the tongues of conquerors.

Fear grew in places unlit by knowledge.

He had never felt the pulse of an entirely different future, only to see it ripped from his grasp and smothered in front of him. He didn’t understand that sometime the only way to take down what had destroyed you was to disguise yourself as part of it.

Nothing was invincible but change.

Fashion, my love, just like the universe, owes you neither explanation nor rationale.

Though the room was nearly dark, whatever light clung to its corners now raced to illuminate Laila. It seemed the world couldn’t help but want to be near her…every bean of light, pair of eyes, atom of air. Maybe that’s why sometimes he couldn’t breathe around her.

If you get in the way of a woman’s battle, you’ll get in the way of her sword.

Recommendations:

This is a great book for readers who enjoy YA fantasy, dynamic characters, and a unique plot. If you liked Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, you’ll probably love this one!