Ever since I heard about The Gilded Wolves, it became one of my most anticipated releases of 2019. Not only do I adore Roshani Chokshi’s writing, but I also love books with an ensemble cast of characters (especially when said characters are going on a heist!!!).
First, I’ll talk about what makes this story great. I think the highlight of the entire story is the characters. Each individual felt unique, but also like a puzzle piece or part of a whole. They each have such colorful backstories that allow readers to easily grow attached, but when they are placed alongside one another, the characters automatically seem to fit and come together as a single unit. I never once doubted their love or loyalty to one another. It was as evident and tangible as the book I held in my hands. Their pure belief in one another marked this story’s characters as ones easily loved and remembered.
It’s so hard to choose which character is my favorite, because I love them all, but if I was forced to choose, it would have to be a tie between Zofia and Enrique. Not only did I love their individual personalities, but I also loved their personalities in tandem with one another. When they work or even joke alongside one another, they’re an undeniable duo. I’m really interested in seeing how their relationship will develop in the future, an aspect that will likely haunt me until I’m able to get my hands on book 2.
Another great aspect of the story is the setting. Though this story takes place around an actual historical event in history, the fantasy element makes it distinctive. It felt like something that could’ve easily been overdone or underdone, but Chokshi found the perfect balance. It felt like the characters were simultaneously in Paris and in a fantasy world yet to be discovered. Overall, a job well done.
Now, to briefly mention what made this story a four-star read instead of five… I hate to say it, but the beginning of this book was slow and confusing. I mean, I was invested, but I had to re-read almost everything several times in order to understand completely. It was only until I was half-way through the story that I felt myself being sucked into the plot. Don’t get me wrong, the story is amazing and the backstory is a necessary matter to draw out and explain in detail. However, the fact that it stalled the level of my interest initially, because of how much effort it took to organize the characters and plot, definitely didn’t work in its favor.
This book is definitely one to check out. I am stocked for a sequel!
First, I’ll talk about what makes this story great. I think the highlight of the entire story is the characters. Each individual felt unique, but also like a puzzle piece or part of a whole. They each have such colorful backstories that allow readers to easily grow attached, but when they are placed alongside one another, the characters automatically seem to fit and come together as a single unit. I never once doubted their love or loyalty to one another. It was as evident and tangible as the book I held in my hands. Their pure belief in one another marked this story’s characters as ones easily loved and remembered.
It’s so hard to choose which character is my favorite, because I love them all, but if I was forced to choose, it would have to be a tie between Zofia and Enrique. Not only did I love their individual personalities, but I also loved their personalities in tandem with one another. When they work or even joke alongside one another, they’re an undeniable duo. I’m really interested in seeing how their relationship will develop in the future, an aspect that will likely haunt me until I’m able to get my hands on book 2.
Another great aspect of the story is the setting. Though this story takes place around an actual historical event in history, the fantasy element makes it distinctive. It felt like something that could’ve easily been overdone or underdone, but Chokshi found the perfect balance. It felt like the characters were simultaneously in Paris and in a fantasy world yet to be discovered. Overall, a job well done.
Now, to briefly mention what made this story a four-star read instead of five… I hate to say it, but the beginning of this book was slow and confusing. I mean, I was invested, but I had to re-read almost everything several times in order to understand completely. It was only until I was half-way through the story that I felt myself being sucked into the plot. Don’t get me wrong, the story is amazing and the backstory is a necessary matter to draw out and explain in detail. However, the fact that it stalled the level of my interest initially, because of how much effort it took to organize the characters and plot, definitely didn’t work in its favor.
This book is definitely one to check out. I am stocked for a sequel!