4.5 Stars
The Gilded Wolves is the first novel in a fantastic new young adult historical fantasy series that will have readers begging for more. I absolutely loved this book and even though I expected to liked it - I didn't think I'd adore it this much. I can't really think of any negatives for me, except for the fact that it took me a little bit to get into the story. I'm a huge francophile, so once I was inside this exceptional alternate Paris I didn't want to come back out. The world building was amazing with the author leaving no detail undone. Everything was perfectly described and the book had tons of vivid imagery, which brought this magical world to life right in front of my eyes.
We have a group of main characters for the novel: Severin, Tristan, Laila, Zofia, and Enrique. I loved getting to know each of them throughout the story. They each had unique personalities and traits to set them apart and I liked getting to know their backstories. They all played well off each other and worked great as a team and as individuals. One interesting thing was that the author chose to write the book from different character's viewpoints in alternating chapters. I thought this was a fantastic idea and fit well with the story line and feel of the novel. I liked getting to see the story through different eyes and figure out how each fit into the narrative. The plot wasn't anything hugely unique - but you can't really find anything that is anymore. The espionage, intrigue, and politics were all fascinating and kept you on your toes about what was going on in the story. The author put her own touches on the story and made it her own and something completely fresh and new. I'm so excited that this is the beginning to a series because I definitely need more time with these characters and inside their amazing world! Very highly recommended for fans of YA, historical, fantasy, and spy fiction.
The Gilded Wolves is the first novel in a fantastic new young adult historical fantasy series that will have readers begging for more. I absolutely loved this book and even though I expected to liked it - I didn't think I'd adore it this much. I can't really think of any negatives for me, except for the fact that it took me a little bit to get into the story. I'm a huge francophile, so once I was inside this exceptional alternate Paris I didn't want to come back out. The world building was amazing with the author leaving no detail undone. Everything was perfectly described and the book had tons of vivid imagery, which brought this magical world to life right in front of my eyes.
We have a group of main characters for the novel: Severin, Tristan, Laila, Zofia, and Enrique. I loved getting to know each of them throughout the story. They each had unique personalities and traits to set them apart and I liked getting to know their backstories. They all played well off each other and worked great as a team and as individuals. One interesting thing was that the author chose to write the book from different character's viewpoints in alternating chapters. I thought this was a fantastic idea and fit well with the story line and feel of the novel. I liked getting to see the story through different eyes and figure out how each fit into the narrative. The plot wasn't anything hugely unique - but you can't really find anything that is anymore. The espionage, intrigue, and politics were all fascinating and kept you on your toes about what was going on in the story. The author put her own touches on the story and made it her own and something completely fresh and new. I'm so excited that this is the beginning to a series because I definitely need more time with these characters and inside their amazing world! Very highly recommended for fans of YA, historical, fantasy, and spy fiction.