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A review by libraryofdreaming
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
3.0
I think my expectations were just too high for this book. I wanted a true historical fantasy, but the historical part didn't feel solid. Sure, there are some interesting historical events discussed in the book, but the characters didn't behave the way I would have expected.
They didn't talk, act, or even think the way I would expect from the time period. They felt like they'd been pushed through a filter and transformed into fairly generic modern YA. There's nothing wrong with that, I was just expecting something else. It lacked spice and flavor for me.
There was a lot I liked and overall I did enjoy reading the book, but I can't help wishing for more than just a middle of the road YA. I wanted some legit Victorian/Gilded Age/Art Nouveau characters. Their cultural backgrounds and traumas felt real, but the rest didn't resonate well with me.
While I was reading, I was reminded of a recent discussion I saw in the bookish community discussing the issue of teens in YA going through, well, mature situations. I admit that I'm getting tired of reading about 17 year old geniuses who are experts at seduction, thievery, etc. What would be the danger in making these characters 20+ years old?
I also think that it would have helped my connection to the characters if we saw them at the beginning of their relationship with one another. When this book starts out, 99% of the characters are already a team. Instead of watching a dynamic row, I felt like I was thrust into the middle of an already developed story.
I wanted to adore this book because I really loved The Star Touched Queen, but I'm left feeling torn, and not in a good way.
They didn't talk, act, or even think the way I would expect from the time period. They felt like they'd been pushed through a filter and transformed into fairly generic modern YA. There's nothing wrong with that, I was just expecting something else. It lacked spice and flavor for me.
There was a lot I liked and overall I did enjoy reading the book, but I can't help wishing for more than just a middle of the road YA. I wanted some legit Victorian/Gilded Age/Art Nouveau characters. Their cultural backgrounds and traumas felt real, but the rest didn't resonate well with me.
While I was reading, I was reminded of a recent discussion I saw in the bookish community discussing the issue of teens in YA going through, well, mature situations. I admit that I'm getting tired of reading about 17 year old geniuses who are experts at seduction, thievery, etc. What would be the danger in making these characters 20+ years old?
I also think that it would have helped my connection to the characters if we saw them at the beginning of their relationship with one another. When this book starts out, 99% of the characters are already a team. Instead of watching a dynamic row, I felt like I was thrust into the middle of an already developed story.
I wanted to adore this book because I really loved The Star Touched Queen, but I'm left feeling torn, and not in a good way.