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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
** I read an advance reader copy of this book that I won through a Goodreads giveaway. **
I think I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one. I loved the focus on the difficulty people whose parents come from very different cultures face in the world, the difficulty they have when it comes to fitting in or standing out, whichever they choose to do. The change in the main character, while jarring, fit the story very well. People do change, often in detrimental ways, when they are forced to endure horrible events. While the change made the main character much less likable (I actually detested him throughout much of the book), the redemption toward the end felt real and made up for some of his earlier actions. My one real complaint is that since this book is not even out yet, that means there will be a long wait for the next installment and I really need to know what happens next!
I think I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one. I loved the focus on the difficulty people whose parents come from very different cultures face in the world, the difficulty they have when it comes to fitting in or standing out, whichever they choose to do. The change in the main character, while jarring, fit the story very well. People do change, often in detrimental ways, when they are forced to endure horrible events. While the change made the main character much less likable (I actually detested him throughout much of the book), the redemption toward the end felt real and made up for some of his earlier actions. My one real complaint is that since this book is not even out yet, that means there will be a long wait for the next installment and I really need to know what happens next!
So I liked the first book, but was a lot more invested in the characters in this second one. This ending had me biting my nails down to the last little bit.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
Thank you Wednesday Books and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After the terrible loss and surprising reveal at the end of The Gilded Wolves, Severin and crew seek out a mysterious and powerful artifact in Siberia. Their travels lead to a mystical palace full of ice and forgotten memories, and beasts of the tundra lurk within as the crew aim to decipher the clues that will lead them to their goal. However, alliances are strained due to competing priorities, and the pain of the past has presence in the now as each member of the crew must determine where their loyalties lie, and what they will do to get what they want. The prize is godly, but is it worth it if all is torn asunder?
The Gilded Wolves series takes on a new tone in The Silvered Serpents. Where the first installment was light streaked with darkness, its sequel is full of icy darkness. With who he has lost, Severin must deal with his own demons, and the new conflict with Laila. Hypnos continues to be amusing, and Laila is such a strong, capable woman who has a commanding presence. Zofia is also very strong, because she is introspective and perseveres even in the face of things that are tough for her. Enrique is still pulled in different directions, and he is always ready with a solid contribution to any situation. The architecture and setting in The Silvered Serpents really did it for me, and I loved being sucked into this world of history, magic, and lore once again, where assumptions are challenged, and what seems apparent at first may not be so apparent after all. Roshani Chokshi has expanded her world into new terrain and stretched her characters beyond their previous limits, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Grab your parka and find your way to the nearest copy of The Silvered Serpents today!
After the terrible loss and surprising reveal at the end of The Gilded Wolves, Severin and crew seek out a mysterious and powerful artifact in Siberia. Their travels lead to a mystical palace full of ice and forgotten memories, and beasts of the tundra lurk within as the crew aim to decipher the clues that will lead them to their goal. However, alliances are strained due to competing priorities, and the pain of the past has presence in the now as each member of the crew must determine where their loyalties lie, and what they will do to get what they want. The prize is godly, but is it worth it if all is torn asunder?
The Gilded Wolves series takes on a new tone in The Silvered Serpents. Where the first installment was light streaked with darkness, its sequel is full of icy darkness. With who he has lost, Severin must deal with his own demons, and the new conflict with Laila. Hypnos continues to be amusing, and Laila is such a strong, capable woman who has a commanding presence. Zofia is also very strong, because she is introspective and perseveres even in the face of things that are tough for her. Enrique is still pulled in different directions, and he is always ready with a solid contribution to any situation. The architecture and setting in The Silvered Serpents really did it for me, and I loved being sucked into this world of history, magic, and lore once again, where assumptions are challenged, and what seems apparent at first may not be so apparent after all. Roshani Chokshi has expanded her world into new terrain and stretched her characters beyond their previous limits, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Grab your parka and find your way to the nearest copy of The Silvered Serpents today!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Wednesday books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Check out this review (and more) over on my blog!
Quick Stats:
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Silvered Serpents is a fantastic installment in a series you need to be reading, if you aren’t already.
“I wish my love was more beautiful.”
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Infertility (Mention), Suicide (Mention), Child Abuse //
Release Date: 9/22/2020
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Page Count: 416
Premise:
The Silvered Serpents is the sequel to The Gilded Wolves, following the characters we’ve grown to love as they cope with the events of the first book, and go on a dangerous hunt for a legendary artifact.
“When the devil waged war in the heavens, even angels had to fall.”
- Writing -
Roshani Chokshi’s writing style is the love of my life. It’s absolutely stunning. She could write anything and I’d read it. Her prose is beautiful, almost poetic, with rich descriptions and flowing dialogue. But it isn’t just pretty, there’s great humor and heart beneath it.
“Only a desperate man trusts a mirage in the desert.”
- Plot -
This book follows the group as they hunt for an ancient artifact. There’s plenty of puzzles and riddles thrown in, leaving you constantly guessing. And these aren’t easy riddles, so you truly believe in the character’s intelligence when you see them solve them.
The plot moves at a good pace, with a great mix of action and adventure. It was nearly impossible for me to put down! Also, can we talk about that ending? Because I’m dying. Can we get book 3 now?!
“When a man cannot see a person as a person, then the devil has slipped into him and is peering out of his eyes.”
- Characters -
The characters are where The Silvered Serpents truly shines.
First, Severin- I wanted to yell at him so many times while reading. He is such a flawed character but so interesting to read about, and I love him so much. He’s officially up there as one of my favorite characters of all time (even if I really, really wanted to hit him).
Enrique, Laila, Hypnos, and Zofia are equally well crafted and complex characters, and I loved their individual inner struggles as well as watching their development. I also just really enjoyed the banter within the group. While the tone in this book is much more somber than the first, there are still some great moments in the dialogue.
“--perhaps monsters were misunderstood gods; deities with plans too grand for humans; a phantom of evil that drank from the roots of good.”
- Conclusion -
Pros- Amazing characters, fascinating worldbuilding,
Cons- that ending hurt. This whole book hurt, to be honest
Overall- 5/5 stars.
The Silvered Serpents takes the characters and the world we fell in love with in The Gilded Wolves, and brings it to the next level. I am not emotionally prepared for book 3.
Follow Me Here: Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter|| Reviews
Check out this review (and more) over on my blog!
Quick Stats:
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Silvered Serpents is a fantastic installment in a series you need to be reading, if you aren’t already.
“I wish my love was more beautiful.”
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Infertility (Mention), Suicide (Mention), Child Abuse //
Release Date: 9/22/2020
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Page Count: 416
Premise:
The Silvered Serpents is the sequel to The Gilded Wolves, following the characters we’ve grown to love as they cope with the events of the first book, and go on a dangerous hunt for a legendary artifact.
“When the devil waged war in the heavens, even angels had to fall.”
- Writing -
Roshani Chokshi’s writing style is the love of my life. It’s absolutely stunning. She could write anything and I’d read it. Her prose is beautiful, almost poetic, with rich descriptions and flowing dialogue. But it isn’t just pretty, there’s great humor and heart beneath it.
“Only a desperate man trusts a mirage in the desert.”
- Plot -
This book follows the group as they hunt for an ancient artifact. There’s plenty of puzzles and riddles thrown in, leaving you constantly guessing. And these aren’t easy riddles, so you truly believe in the character’s intelligence when you see them solve them.
The plot moves at a good pace, with a great mix of action and adventure. It was nearly impossible for me to put down! Also, can we talk about that ending? Because I’m dying. Can we get book 3 now?!
“When a man cannot see a person as a person, then the devil has slipped into him and is peering out of his eyes.”
- Characters -
The characters are where The Silvered Serpents truly shines.
First, Severin- I wanted to yell at him so many times while reading. He is such a flawed character but so interesting to read about, and I love him so much. He’s officially up there as one of my favorite characters of all time (even if I really, really wanted to hit him).
Enrique, Laila, Hypnos, and Zofia are equally well crafted and complex characters, and I loved their individual inner struggles as well as watching their development. I also just really enjoyed the banter within the group. While the tone in this book is much more somber than the first, there are still some great moments in the dialogue.
“--perhaps monsters were misunderstood gods; deities with plans too grand for humans; a phantom of evil that drank from the roots of good.”
- Conclusion -
Pros- Amazing characters, fascinating worldbuilding,
Cons- that ending hurt. This whole book hurt, to be honest
Overall- 5/5 stars.
The Silvered Serpents takes the characters and the world we fell in love with in The Gilded Wolves, and brings it to the next level. I am not emotionally prepared for book 3.
Follow Me Here: Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter|| Reviews
Excellent flawed protagonist fantasy set in an alternate late 19th century Europe. Can't wait for the third one!
A bit slow in places, but overall still compelling enough to make me want to see the conclusion. Be warned, the end is a bit of a cliff-hanger.
I was gifted a copy of this book through Goodreads. Overall, an interesting story, but slow-moving. Some of the iconography and history built in is useful to the story-building, but much slows the story down. I will not be reading the third book.
DNF ~45%, I’ll try and pick this back up in a week or two but this book is proving to be very difficult for me to get into.
June 2022 reread:
I started reading the third book, the Bronzed Beasts, and then realized I didn't remember many of the details so I decided to reread this book and as I did before, I listened to and read this book simultaneously (no matter what I do, I can't get the French accent right in my head, lol). First off, I'm glad I did a reread because it jogged my memory of the overall plot, but it also made many things I vaguely remember from the first book make so much more sense. This is truly an epic world that Roshani Chokshi has created, and it reminds me of what I love so much about both this YA series and her middle-grade series, Aru Shah. She is very talented at creating these vibrant, three-dimensional worlds that make me want to step into them through a portal. But she also spends a lot of time creating these complex characters who never stop growing and changing over the course of the series. At this point, my two favorite characters are Enrique and Zofia and I'm really crossing my fingers for their ultimate happiness! Overall, this reread has made me fall in love with the characters all over again and I'm diving into the third book immediately.
This book is narrated by two different narrators, Laurie Catherine Winkel and P.J. Ochlan. Each chapter is a different third-person narration of the different members of the group--Severin, Laila, Enrique, and Zofia. Thus, Winkel narrates Laila and Zofia's POV and Ochlan narrates Severin and Enrique's POV. Winkel does a pretty decent job both with the character voices and the third-person POV. Ochlan does a good job with the voices, but only a passable job on the third-person POV, of which there is a lot of. It only reminded me of a computer-generated voice, much like NetGalley uses for some of their ARC audiobooks, as there's very little inflection and I would find myself tuning out the voice as I read ahead. It got to the point where I would get to a Severin/Enrique passage and I would just read the passage myself and then skip the audio to Winkel's narration. If you're on the fence about listening to or reading this book on your own, I'd say you should read this on your own or read with the narration accompanying it.
**************
My original review (September 23, 2020):
I liked this a lot more than the first one, perhaps because I listened to and read the book simultaneously. The narrators are not my favorite, and I tend to lose track of who is talking when I listen to them. So reading it along with the readers actually helped me get drawn into the story more easily. Why didn't I just read it? Because there are many Russian and French names, as well as phrases here and there, and I like to hear how the words are pronounced--it helps me to increase my understanding of the meaning.
As for the story, there was more that was developed in this 2nd book that made me intrigued, both about the way magic works, and also the mystery of the book, The Divine Lyrics. Without giving away too much from the first book (just in case you haven't read it), the first book ended with a huge loss that has the whole team reeling and Severin has decided he's going to just not love his team to protect both himself and them--at least that's how he treats them throughout. Honestly, I just wanted to wring his neck, except I felt bad for what he went through. To me, it's as if the logic completely erodes all sense of humanity. As for the rest of the team, I like how they learn to trust and lean on each other while still trying to protect Severin. There is a lot of push and pull in this second novel and you go between wanting to slap some of them and feeling like your heart is being torn out because they're suffering so much. Yes, this book made me feel so much more than the first book, and of course this book leaves you completely hanging and I just want to see this team not suffer anymore! The bottom line is that I like this book so much more than the first one and I can't wait for the conclusion, which I hope is coming next year!
FTC Disclosure: Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I started reading the third book, the Bronzed Beasts, and then realized I didn't remember many of the details so I decided to reread this book and as I did before, I listened to and read this book simultaneously (no matter what I do, I can't get the French accent right in my head, lol). First off, I'm glad I did a reread because it jogged my memory of the overall plot, but it also made many things I vaguely remember from the first book make so much more sense. This is truly an epic world that Roshani Chokshi has created, and it reminds me of what I love so much about both this YA series and her middle-grade series, Aru Shah. She is very talented at creating these vibrant, three-dimensional worlds that make me want to step into them through a portal. But she also spends a lot of time creating these complex characters who never stop growing and changing over the course of the series. At this point, my two favorite characters are Enrique and Zofia and I'm really crossing my fingers for their ultimate happiness! Overall, this reread has made me fall in love with the characters all over again and I'm diving into the third book immediately.
This book is narrated by two different narrators, Laurie Catherine Winkel and P.J. Ochlan. Each chapter is a different third-person narration of the different members of the group--Severin, Laila, Enrique, and Zofia. Thus, Winkel narrates Laila and Zofia's POV and Ochlan narrates Severin and Enrique's POV. Winkel does a pretty decent job both with the character voices and the third-person POV. Ochlan does a good job with the voices, but only a passable job on the third-person POV, of which there is a lot of. It only reminded me of a computer-generated voice, much like NetGalley uses for some of their ARC audiobooks, as there's very little inflection and I would find myself tuning out the voice as I read ahead. It got to the point where I would get to a Severin/Enrique passage and I would just read the passage myself and then skip the audio to Winkel's narration. If you're on the fence about listening to or reading this book on your own, I'd say you should read this on your own or read with the narration accompanying it.
**************
My original review (September 23, 2020):
I liked this a lot more than the first one, perhaps because I listened to and read the book simultaneously. The narrators are not my favorite, and I tend to lose track of who is talking when I listen to them. So reading it along with the readers actually helped me get drawn into the story more easily. Why didn't I just read it? Because there are many Russian and French names, as well as phrases here and there, and I like to hear how the words are pronounced--it helps me to increase my understanding of the meaning.
As for the story, there was more that was developed in this 2nd book that made me intrigued, both about the way magic works, and also the mystery of the book, The Divine Lyrics. Without giving away too much from the first book (just in case you haven't read it), the first book ended with a huge loss that has the whole team reeling and Severin has decided he's going to just not love his team to protect both himself and them--at least that's how he treats them throughout. Honestly, I just wanted to wring his neck, except I felt bad for what he went through. To me, it's as if the logic completely erodes all sense of humanity. As for the rest of the team, I like how they learn to trust and lean on each other while still trying to protect Severin. There is a lot of push and pull in this second novel and you go between wanting to slap some of them and feeling like your heart is being torn out because they're suffering so much. Yes, this book made me feel so much more than the first book, and of course this book leaves you completely hanging and I just want to see this team not suffer anymore! The bottom line is that I like this book so much more than the first one and I can't wait for the conclusion, which I hope is coming next year!
FTC Disclosure: Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.