Scan barcode
A review by chloelai12
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
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.