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ashify's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
4.5
.ೃ࿐ afterthoughts
“Take what the world owes you by any means necessary,” Pride had said. “The world has a shit memory. It will never pay its debts unless you force its hand.”
Wow, I’m speechless. Why do every found family story has end with everyone getting heartbroken? Why? Why not let them be happy all together?
I certainly need my heart nursed back into fullness.
maybe, I’ll do detailed review later, I’m too heartbroken right now. TwT
“Take what the world owes you by any means necessary,” Pride had said. “The world has a shit memory. It will never pay its debts unless you force its hand.”
Wow, I’m speechless. Why do every found family story has end with everyone getting heartbroken? Why? Why not let them be happy all together?
I certainly need my heart nursed back into fullness.
maybe, I’ll do detailed review later, I’m too heartbroken right now. TwT
ihugparrish's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Torture, and Body horror
Moderate: Blood, Cursing, and Child death
Minor: Slavery, Colonisation, Xenophobia, Bullying, and Antisemitism
kaceyjoy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
marthajennings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
asreadbykat's review against another edition
4.0
True rating: 4.75/5 Stars
I've heard the title "The Gilded Wolves" floating around for a while, but it came up again when Chokshi's most recent work was released. When I went to the foreign bookstore near me and I saw they had the entire trilogy, I had to give it a try.
I'm so glad I did. This is one of those rare books that grabs you from the first line and drags you in, taking you on a journey and adventure from the first word. Yet even though the adventure is almost nonstop, the reader is still able to get emotionally attached to pretty much all of the characters before the end.
The characters, actually, are one of the best things about this novel. Each one of our main cast is different, suffering in some way and trying their best to deal with it while achieving their individual goals through slightly unrelated means. "Identity" is a key theme running through this novel, and is something each character struggles with from beginning to end. Whether that struggle comes from the characters ethnicity, their birthright, or a (possible, I'm not sure) mental "disability," these struggles are real and (with the exception of perhaps one) completely relatable. So many authors in the past decade have tried to make their works truly diverse, but no recent authors have done so well as Chokshi has in this story.
Aside from the characters, the world and its ideas are also intriguing. I love seeing how an author takes a real place and events, and weaves them into their work. Taking those kinds of liberties can be fun in writing, but it does take some finesse to not mangle the end result when the topic is one as horrifying and delicate as what inspired the author (which they do explain in an afterword). Chokshi handles everything with care, but also pulls no punches. There are lines and scenes that left me angry, breathless, sad, and heartbroken, and it's all wrapped up in a mystery that kept me guessing from beginning to end.
The ONLY thing that prevents me from giving this a full 5 stars is what feels like an unnecessary "love triangle." I've never (even as a teen) been a huge fan of romance plotlines that don't really move along the plot too much. Usually this would result in a full half-star being taken off; however, the "triangle" does serve some purpose for the characters, and this IS only the first book in the trilogy, so I'm willing to give it some time.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm sad it's taken me so long to read it. I will definitely be re-reading it often and recommending it!
TL;DR: Great characters, great mystery, and great writing.
I've heard the title "The Gilded Wolves" floating around for a while, but it came up again when Chokshi's most recent work was released. When I went to the foreign bookstore near me and I saw they had the entire trilogy, I had to give it a try.
I'm so glad I did. This is one of those rare books that grabs you from the first line and drags you in, taking you on a journey and adventure from the first word. Yet even though the adventure is almost nonstop, the reader is still able to get emotionally attached to pretty much all of the characters before the end.
The characters, actually, are one of the best things about this novel. Each one of our main cast is different, suffering in some way and trying their best to deal with it while achieving their individual goals through slightly unrelated means. "Identity" is a key theme running through this novel, and is something each character struggles with from beginning to end. Whether that struggle comes from the characters ethnicity, their birthright, or a (possible, I'm not sure) mental "disability," these struggles are real and (with the exception of perhaps one) completely relatable. So many authors in the past decade have tried to make their works truly diverse, but no recent authors have done so well as Chokshi has in this story.
Aside from the characters, the world and its ideas are also intriguing. I love seeing how an author takes a real place and events, and weaves them into their work. Taking those kinds of liberties can be fun in writing, but it does take some finesse to not mangle the end result when the topic is one as horrifying and delicate as what inspired the author (which they do explain in an afterword). Chokshi handles everything with care, but also pulls no punches. There are lines and scenes that left me angry, breathless, sad, and heartbroken, and it's all wrapped up in a mystery that kept me guessing from beginning to end.
The ONLY thing that prevents me from giving this a full 5 stars is what feels like an unnecessary "love triangle." I've never (even as a teen) been a huge fan of romance plotlines that don't really move along the plot too much. Usually this would result in a full half-star being taken off; however, the "triangle" does serve some purpose for the characters, and this IS only the first book in the trilogy, so I'm willing to give it some time.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm sad it's taken me so long to read it. I will definitely be re-reading it often and recommending it!
TL;DR: Great characters, great mystery, and great writing.
leafblade's review against another edition
4.0
Second read: july 2023
The spanish translation sucks ass as usual but it was nice meeting these characters again :)
-----------------------------------------------------
First read: december 2018
I got this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars (I hope 2019 is the year we get half star ratings)
To be honest, I went into this book without knowing much about it. I'd read a synopsis long before I started it, and basically the only thing that had stuck with me was that this book was by Roshani Chokshi (haven't read anything else by her, but I know she's quite loved in the YA community) and that it was a fantasy. Had I remembered this was a heist book, I don't know if I would've read it, since the heist part of Six of crows was kind of disappointing for me (comparing books with similar themes is awful but that's honestly the only other heist YA story I've read). But The gilded wolves surprised me.
First, it makes you fall in love with its main characters slowly, but surely. You get to know them in the beginning of the story, maybe a bit slowly compared to the rest of the book. You get a glimpse of what they like, their powers, who they are within the group and their goals. And then you jump head first into the heist and oh. my. god. This had some of the best heist tropes ever. Like, I'm talking about "kissing to pass an object from mouth to mouth" level.
I don't think I have the words to describe some aspects of this book, tbh. How it kept me at the edge of my seat with every single sentence, even though my brain was tired and didn't feel like reading anything in English. How it weaved together the plot and the characters, and it ended up feeling like there couldn't be any other characters telling this story, and there couldn't be any other story meant for these characters. The sense of family, squad, support group that these characters had with each other, and the unmistakable feel of emptiness where each of them longed for something. Hypnos slowly getting to be a part of the group!!! Not only through his love interest (my OTP honestly), but through everyone else, too.
This said, I don't think the worldbuilding was explained enough. I wouldn't have minded the info dump if it told me what all these excerpts at the beginning of each "part" were, and who the people writing them were, and why there's houses but also Russia is mentioned as importante but the patriarch + matriarch of the two houses are in France like ???? I needed some footnotes there.
Anyway, read this book if you want a good AND cool heist story.
The spanish translation sucks ass as usual but it was nice meeting these characters again :)
-----------------------------------------------------
First read: december 2018
I got this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars (I hope 2019 is the year we get half star ratings)
To be honest, I went into this book without knowing much about it. I'd read a synopsis long before I started it, and basically the only thing that had stuck with me was that this book was by Roshani Chokshi (haven't read anything else by her, but I know she's quite loved in the YA community) and that it was a fantasy. Had I remembered this was a heist book, I don't know if I would've read it, since the heist part of Six of crows was kind of disappointing for me (comparing books with similar themes is awful but that's honestly the only other heist YA story I've read). But The gilded wolves surprised me.
First, it makes you fall in love with its main characters slowly, but surely. You get to know them in the beginning of the story, maybe a bit slowly compared to the rest of the book. You get a glimpse of what they like, their powers, who they are within the group and their goals. And then you jump head first into the heist and oh. my. god. This had some of the best heist tropes ever. Like, I'm talking about "kissing to pass an object from mouth to mouth" level.
I don't think I have the words to describe some aspects of this book, tbh. How it kept me at the edge of my seat with every single sentence, even though my brain was tired and didn't feel like reading anything in English. How it weaved together the plot and the characters, and it ended up feeling like there couldn't be any other characters telling this story, and there couldn't be any other story meant for these characters. The sense of family, squad, support group that these characters had with each other, and the unmistakable feel of emptiness where each of them longed for something. Hypnos slowly getting to be a part of the group!!! Not only through his love interest (my OTP honestly), but through everyone else, too.
This said, I don't think the worldbuilding was explained enough. I wouldn't have minded the info dump if it told me what all these excerpts at the beginning of each "part" were, and who the people writing them were, and why there's houses but also Russia is mentioned as importante but the patriarch + matriarch of the two houses are in France like ???? I needed some footnotes there.
Anyway, read this book if you want a good AND cool heist story.
chloelai12's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Straight off, I didn't know what was going on. At any point. Even upon reflecting this book and the other 2 months later, I still could not really tell you what was going on. But one of my favourite series in the world is the Raven Cycle so I am no stranger to no plot just vibes as long as I have out of this world characters.
And we did. For the most part.
I am a loser for found family and, although I would maybe call it a poor man's six of crows in the beginning, I certainly can't fault Roshani Chokshi's characterisations. Each and every person (besides Tristan) was so unique and dear to read about and I never felt short traded when reading one over another. I had a sense Tristan had a little dark edge throughout the book and I was expecting it to be revealed why later on in the series but unfortunately, this bit fell flat for me. I understand that he was Severin's brother and they both experienced unreal trauma as children. But for me, it felt like his whole reasoning for even being in the story to begin with was just so his death could turn Severin into a heartless arsehole for 1.5 books and subsequent redemption arc when he already had enough stake to do that anyway. I just felt like if was removed from the story, nothing much would actually change other than Severin's pining would be slightly shorter for Laila.
Other than that, I had a lot of fun exploring historical fantasy in the real world as opposed to a built one, even if I had absolutely no clue to this day what any of the magic actually did. Very Da Vinci Code indeed.
And we did. For the most part.
I am a loser for found family and, although I would maybe call it a poor man's six of crows in the beginning, I certainly can't fault Roshani Chokshi's characterisations. Each and every person (besides Tristan) was so unique and dear to read about and I never felt short traded when reading one over another. I had a sense Tristan had a little dark edge throughout the book and I was expecting it to be revealed why later on in the series but unfortunately, this bit fell flat for me. I understand that he was Severin's brother and they both experienced unreal trauma as children. But for me, it felt like his whole reasoning for even being in the story to begin with was just so his death could turn Severin into a heartless arsehole for 1.5 books and subsequent redemption arc when he already had enough stake to do that anyway. I just felt like if was removed from the story, nothing much would actually change other than Severin's pining would be slightly shorter for Laila.
Other than that, I had a lot of fun exploring historical fantasy in the real world as opposed to a built one, even if I had absolutely no clue to this day what any of the magic actually did. Very Da Vinci Code indeed.
pinkupengu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Misogyny, Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Medical content, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Abandonment, Animal death, Blood, Xenophobia, Child death, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Murder, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Violence, Colonisation, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Racism, and Self harm
Minor: Sexual content, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, and Cultural appropriation
mcayers316's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 stars. Set in 1889 Paris at the opening of the Exposition Universelle, a group of unconventional characters sets about pulling off a grand heist, with impossible odds, in an attempt to reclaim one man's inheritance and revive his family's house. Severin Montagnet-Alarie is the last descendant of the House of Vanth, one of four Order factions in France. Severin has been cheated of his inheritance, and has spent years working out a scheme to reclaim his birthright and bring House Vanth back to it's rightful place of power.
His crew includes Tristan (his younger brother, a skilled forger, much sought after for his landscape designs), Laila (true to her alter ego L'Engime, quite mysterious, but a master at uncovering secrets, and baker extraordinaire), Zofia (socially awkward, quite literal, and a brilliant forger and scientist), Enrique (historian, researcher, biracial, bisexual, and attempting to subvert Spanish colonialism in his native Philippines), and finally Hypnos, (added member of the group, something of a friend/rival from Severin's previous life, and current head of House Nyx).
I was quite entranced with this book. I read it in one day, and hated every time I had to set it down. I raced through the book, eager to find out what happened at the end of the heist. The Gilded Wolves had everything I love in it - a rich, thoroughly detailed world (and one based in a historical setting? Even better), memorable characters, and a compelling story line and plot. I love complicated heist stories, complete with dangerous endeavors, puzzles, and intrigue. As others have noted, parts of the story reminded me of Six of Crows, from the detailed planning and plotting, to the heist elements of the book, and the quirky crews, but The Gilded Wolves is less violent on the surface. It if often more brutal overall, since it is based on historical events - colonialism, racism, slavery, etc. It forces you to examine the darkness that lurks underneath the gilded surface of a "revolutionized" Paris.
Overall, a book I'd highly recommend at my library. I'm only sorry that the rest of the series isn't published, because I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
His crew includes Tristan (his younger brother, a skilled forger, much sought after for his landscape designs), Laila (true to her alter ego L'Engime, quite mysterious, but a master at uncovering secrets, and baker extraordinaire), Zofia (socially awkward, quite literal, and a brilliant forger and scientist), Enrique (historian, researcher, biracial, bisexual, and attempting to subvert Spanish colonialism in his native Philippines), and finally Hypnos, (added member of the group, something of a friend/rival from Severin's previous life, and current head of House Nyx).
I was quite entranced with this book. I read it in one day, and hated every time I had to set it down. I raced through the book, eager to find out what happened at the end of the heist. The Gilded Wolves had everything I love in it - a rich, thoroughly detailed world (and one based in a historical setting? Even better), memorable characters, and a compelling story line and plot. I love complicated heist stories, complete with dangerous endeavors, puzzles, and intrigue. As others have noted, parts of the story reminded me of Six of Crows, from the detailed planning and plotting, to the heist elements of the book, and the quirky crews, but The Gilded Wolves is less violent on the surface. It if often more brutal overall, since it is based on historical events - colonialism, racism, slavery, etc. It forces you to examine the darkness that lurks underneath the gilded surface of a "revolutionized" Paris.
Overall, a book I'd highly recommend at my library. I'm only sorry that the rest of the series isn't published, because I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.