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A review by samgroat
The Gilded Survivor by Daniela A. Mera
4.0
Thank you Daniela for providing me with an advanced reader copy of your book! The opinions I share below are given voluntarily.
3.75 ⭐️
The Gilded Survivor is an Urban Fantasy, set in a Spanish speaking location. There is consistent use of Spanish dialogue, which about 70% of the time is not an issue as you are able to understand what is being said either through context clues or the FMC rephrasing the quote in english. There is also a Spanish glossary at the end of the book. While the Spanish language does provide a level of depth and culture to the characters and their society I did find it took me out of the story a little at times, not being familiar with things. However that is such a minor, personal issue!
The "magic" system is rather unique here - you are given enough information to have a general understanding but I feel you are still left with questions by the end to keep you searching for answers.
Our MMC is the perfect blend of grumpy mystery and protective when he has to be. His backstory probably intrigues me the most and I can't wait to learn more about him through the next book.
The side characters of this story are really compelling - the author has done a really good job of giving them fascinating story arcs or personality traits that give a reprieve to the FMC carrying the story.
Our FMC... I'll admit I was quite frustrated with her throughout this book. I imagine it was a narrative choice but there were times where she would act out like a child and I found that super disengaging because I wanted to shake her and say "DONT DO THAT". However I enjoy a character that makes me speak out loud to my book and she definetly did that!
This whole novel is a build up, precursor to the main event I imagined would take place but by the end you are thrown a curve ball and the plot twists away from what I was expecting - I love an ending that can surprise me and this definitely did that.
I will enjoy picking up book 2 in July.
3.75 ⭐️
The Gilded Survivor is an Urban Fantasy, set in a Spanish speaking location. There is consistent use of Spanish dialogue, which about 70% of the time is not an issue as you are able to understand what is being said either through context clues or the FMC rephrasing the quote in english. There is also a Spanish glossary at the end of the book. While the Spanish language does provide a level of depth and culture to the characters and their society I did find it took me out of the story a little at times, not being familiar with things. However that is such a minor, personal issue!
The "magic" system is rather unique here - you are given enough information to have a general understanding but I feel you are still left with questions by the end to keep you searching for answers.
Our MMC is the perfect blend of grumpy mystery and protective when he has to be. His backstory probably intrigues me the most and I can't wait to learn more about him through the next book.
The side characters of this story are really compelling - the author has done a really good job of giving them fascinating story arcs or personality traits that give a reprieve to the FMC carrying the story.
Our FMC... I'll admit I was quite frustrated with her throughout this book. I imagine it was a narrative choice but there were times where she would act out like a child and I found that super disengaging because I wanted to shake her and say "DONT DO THAT". However I enjoy a character that makes me speak out loud to my book and she definetly did that!
This whole novel is a build up, precursor to the main event I imagined would take place but by the end you are thrown a curve ball and the plot twists away from what I was expecting - I love an ending that can surprise me and this definitely did that.
I will enjoy picking up book 2 in July.