Scan barcode
A review by theespressoedition
Gilded by Marissa Meyer
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Let's all bow down to the absolute queen of retellings because Marissa Meyer has done it again.
I can't say that I'm surprised by how incredible this book is, but I will say that I'm shocked by how dark it is! I was definitely not expecting the level of gruesome, gory, and just outright gross scenes that were in this. It's something I haven't seen her do before and it almost reminded me a little bit of Schwab's writing. It felt much more mature than, say, The Lunar Chronicles - or even Renegades. It was the first book I've read by her that included sexual content (though it was completely closed door and really just mentioned more than played out) and it had some honestly terrifying scenes.
I've wanted to read a Rumplestiltskin retelling for years. That's the honest truth! While everyone and their mom might love a good Beauty and the Beast tale, I have been itching for something new and different and I always thought Rumplestiltskin would provide that. Meyer certainly put her special sauce on this story because it was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. In fact, aside from the "turning straw into gold" bit, there wasn't much else that was related to Rumplestiltskin - but I liked that! It felt wholly original while maintaining that timeless fairytale element.
Though parts of it were super predictable, there were other things that definitely kept me on my toes. I wasn't sure how much Gild would find out about his history, I had no clue that some characters weren't who they said they were, and there was something really fascinating about Serilda's story-telling! On that note, I loved that there were stories within stories as she weaved her tales. Like Gild, I wanted to hear more and more of them!
The way it ended left me with a million and ten questions, all of which I hope are answered in Cursed. At this point, I can't see how things are going to unravel and that's a really great feeling. It'll be so exciting to find out what happens next!
I can't say that I'm surprised by how incredible this book is, but I will say that I'm shocked by how dark it is! I was definitely not expecting the level of gruesome, gory, and just outright gross scenes that were in this. It's something I haven't seen her do before and it almost reminded me a little bit of Schwab's writing. It felt much more mature than, say, The Lunar Chronicles - or even Renegades. It was the first book I've read by her that included sexual content (though it was completely closed door and really just mentioned more than played out) and it had some honestly terrifying scenes.
I've wanted to read a Rumplestiltskin retelling for years. That's the honest truth! While everyone and their mom might love a good Beauty and the Beast tale, I have been itching for something new and different and I always thought Rumplestiltskin would provide that. Meyer certainly put her special sauce on this story because it was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. In fact, aside from the "turning straw into gold" bit, there wasn't much else that was related to Rumplestiltskin - but I liked that! It felt wholly original while maintaining that timeless fairytale element.
Though parts of it were super predictable, there were other things that definitely kept me on my toes. I wasn't sure how much Gild would find out about his history, I had no clue that some characters weren't who they said they were, and there was something really fascinating about Serilda's story-telling! On that note, I loved that there were stories within stories as she weaved her tales. Like Gild, I wanted to hear more and more of them!
The way it ended left me with a million and ten questions, all of which I hope are answered in Cursed. At this point, I can't see how things are going to unravel and that's a really great feeling. It'll be so exciting to find out what happens next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Death, Murder, Torture, Child death, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content