I’ve completely fallen in love with the Dark Shores Series. There’s a fascinating world that the author built, lots of action, complex characters, betrayal, and plot twists galore.

Since this is the 3rd book (4th if you count the recently released novella), I don’t want to give away too many details that may spoil the other books for readers. However, I will say that Gilded Serpents had so MANY unexpected things happen that I was unable to put it down. Lives in constant peril, star crossed romance, political plots, scheming, insane journeys, and other twists that kept me wondering what would happen next!

This certainly wasn’t a “filler” book. It was action packed while moving and adding new information while still converging plots from the previous works. I need the next volume ASAP! Definitely a must read for those who like fantasy and adventure stories with complex characters and storylines.

This book took me so long to read. I usually finish books in one sitting, but it was impossible with this one. The constant POV switches were almost impossible to keep up with and I was so confused about what was going on most of the time. I also think this book could have been around half the length because most of the things that happened were honestly pretty unnecessary.
I still didn't dislike the plot, the action scenes were well written and I love Lydia and Killian together. I feel like Teriana's and Marcus' storyline was pretty unnecessary in this book, though, and I don't really understand why she mashed the POV's together for this one. I thought this would be the last one and finally connect the storylines, but it isn't even that. I feel like it would have been better if she had kept the POV's separate again because this was honestly just a bit of a mess.
The ending was pretty solid, I liked the cliffhanger and how the storylines evolved. I wasn't a fan of the ending, it took me ages to read the first 20% of the book because it was so slow. I still have the issue of not understanding the worldbuilding, and I also find that the descriptions are often vague and it's hard to visualize the scenes as you read them.
To me, this felt like a filler book and I'm not really sure what I think of it. If this had only been Lydia and Killian, I definitely would have enjoyed it more.

I was so super excited to receive this arc! What a fantastic installment in this series... I loved the adventure and the characters still captured my heart...

Danielle is a master storyteller, and her way with words is extraordinary! I can’t wait for more from her.

I just finished Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen and whew! What a doozy of a ride that was. It’s easily Jensen’s best book yet.

There are many starting points into this world like Dark Shores and Dark Skies, or even the prequel novella Tarnished Empire. But Gilded Serpent is not one of those points.

If you’ve yet to read anything in the Dark Shores world, stop, turn around, and go read one of the books above.

Even if novellas aren’t your thing, I HIGHLY recommend you check out Tarnished Empire before proceeding.

While Tarnished Empire is not necessary, it will make things a lot more interesting for you, I promise.

Gilded Serpent Review

Gilded Serpent picks up right where Dark Shores and Dark Skies left off.

At least I think so, it’s been a year since I read Dark Skies and two since I read Dark Shores. The details are a bit fuzzy.

If you didn’t know, Dark Shores and Dark Skies were essentially one novel broken into two parts, each featuring two POVs with two different sets of characters.

Gilded Serpent brings all four POVs together and is twice the length of either of the previous books.

This book is big. I mean massive big. And it’s totally worth every penny you’ll spend on it, I assure you.

Gilded Serpent Summary

Marcus and Teriana

Marcus is leading the Thirty Seventh and Forty First legions on an expedition to conquer the Dark Shores of the West. They’ve just come off a great victory deposing Urcon and reconquering the land for the locals, while bringing it under Cel rule.

Teriana, who has fallen in love with Marcus at this point, is conflicted with the need to prevent the invasion, but care for the very person who will ruin the lives of every citizen of the West.

Marcus is not without his own battles, though, as he seeks to be out from under Cel rule and hopes that the Empire will forget about them.

The only problem is Teriana’s people are being held captive as insurance that Marcus succeeds.

It’s a tight rope and to walk, and Marcus and Teriana’s story pivots around these two stressors the whole time.

Killian and Lydia

Lydia has been “captured” by King Serrick and “forced” into healing labor by Quindor. She is not a prisoner, and she wants to help, but at the same time, she cannot go with Killian as she wishes.

Killian, on the other hand, has taken his rightful place as Lord Calorian and commander of King Serrick’s armies. Serrick sends Killian to protect the borders far away from Lydia and the capital city, Mudaire.

You won’t see a whole lot of Killian earlier in the book, but the latter half more than makes up for it.

Lydia, who is supposed to be safe, soon finds herself in hot water and will eventually meet up with Killian for an adventure of their own.

As with Dark Skies, Killian is conflicted because of his oaths to his kingdom that inevitably wars against his love for Lydia. This is made worse about 40% of the way through when a certain revelation ruins any shot Killian has at love.

But don’t despair. Just you wait until Chapter 86.

Genius!

Danielle L. Jensen is a masterful author and the twists in Gilded Serpent are pure gold.

What I loved

Where to start?

Marcus. Teriana. Teriana. Marcus.

I forgot all about you since it’s been two years, and I’m glad I found you again. The dynamic between these two is wonderful. Some of the most touching and powerful moments in Gilded Serpent happen in their storyline.

Unfortunately, the book ends with Teriana still having no clue that Lydia is alive, meaning they don’t meet up. But I’m hopeful for that encounter in Book 4. Maybe?

What else? Agrippa!

Agrippa was introduced in Tarnished Empire, and while he feels a little different here than he did there, the events in Tarnished Empire took place 4 years earlier, and Agrippa finds himself needing to adapt to the local landscape.

It’s hardened him a bit, but I still believe he has a good heart and can’t wait to see how he develops in the next book.

I’ve been and still remain Team Killian all the way.

He’s my favorite, and while he’s noticeably darker emotionally in Gilded Serpent, it’s not without cause. Some of the greatest fight scenes, plot twists, and story development happens in Killian’s and Lydia’s POVs.

And one of those moments will make your heart do somersaults.

What I didn't like

Closing Thoughts

“Wait, you forgot to fill out the section about what you didn’t like.”

Gotcha!

What’s not to like? Gilded Serpent is a pleasure from start to finish and I’m dying for Book 4 already. It’ll be a long wait for sure, but I’m positive it will be worth every minute.

Gilded Serpent is an easy 5/5 stars for me.

Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen - Release Date April 27, 2021
Dark Shores Series


Finally, all 4 of our MC’s finally coverage in this book (I’m neither confirming or denying they MEET, just - all 4 are in one book)

Reading all 4 POV was actually truly refreshing for me. It kept everything engaging, yet everything was leaving me on the edge of my seat. Some thoughts that ran through my head during;

“Is this when it happens?”

“OMG ARE THEY GOING TO RUN INTO EACH OTHER”

“You’re kidding me.”

“Please, you’re right there.”

These are the mild thoughts I had, but I feel they are (or will be) fairly universal while reading GS.

I want to go back to the 4 POV for a second here - A lot of people get lost, or find multiple POV difficult but Jensen truly does a great job of making it smooth and seamless. I will admit at times during Dark Shores and Dark Skies I would get pulled out of the story because there was so much *info* to absorb, and while there is obviously still a lot of info to take in in Gilded Serpent, there’s more action, and the plot is just non-stop which makes this a thrilling, wonderful read.

From the slow burns, to the action, and engagement Gilded Serpent is easily my favorite book in this series, and I cannot cannot cannot wait for more. It is everything a YA novel should be and I highly recommend it to those looking for something new!

#teamkillian

Thank you so much to @NetGalley and @TorTeen for the Advanced Copy in exchange for this review.

Everything is starting to come together. We've watched these characters grow and change over the course of the previous books and Jensen is finally linking all of them together. The book starts off fast paced and just continues to build to leave you at a cliffhanger that will leave you wishing for more. Each character gets time to grow and develop as things become more clear. However, I personally found the shifts in perspective (each chapter is a different character) a bit jarring. although other readers may feel differently.
Overall, a well written entry to the series and I look forward to the next installment!

Dear Mrs Jensen,
I would like to formally extend the invitation to my shit list after this poppycock nonsense of a rollercoaster. I AM NOT OKAY MA'AM.

This book y'all, this book took me for one heck of a ride. The emotions were a plenty. If I had a physical book I would have thrown it at some point. The state she has left my poor loves in IS NOT OKAY. I have no closure. I need more. I have no idea how I am supposed to go on while I wait for the next book?!?! I deeply feel the inner turmoil of these characters, days later sitting here writing this review I am once again having heart palpitations... I need to go meditate now....

Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen
Book 3 in the Dark Shores Series
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: April 27, 2011

Lydia, Killian, Marcus and Teriana’s stories merge into a single novel in the follow up to Dark Shores and Dark Skies.

Reading this book felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I had to put the book down several times to regain my composure before pressing on, only to have my heart ripped out a chapter later. The book alternates between the four main characters' point of views and I think the book really benefits from the alternating storylines as a constant source of adventure and perspectives. I spent most of the novel wondering if this was the chapter when their stories would intersect.

And no matter how much the logical side of my brain tried to prepare me for that cliffhanger ending, I just wasn’t ready. Gilded Serpent is over 500 pages and it still wasn’t enough. This book has everything I want in a YA fantasy; adventure, compelling characters, purpose, distinct voices, and slow-burn romances.

If you’ve asked for book recommendations on your Instagram stories lately then I’ve probably responded that you need to read this series. Do yourself a favour and read it. Then when you’re done come over to my page so we can talk all things #teammarcus.

My many, many thanks to #NetGalley and #TorTeen for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I give this book 5 stars! I loved the previous books in the series and it’s only getting better. I liked being able to read from the perspectives of the 4 main characters: Teriana, Marcus, Lydia, and Killian. The story is beautifully written and continues to get more complex. I can’t wait for all of them to meet, hopefully in the next book. The author really portrays the characters in a way that causes readers to become attached to all of them. The stakes continue to get higher and I’m excited to see where the author takes them next.

I have a habit of forgetting things after reading them, so since it had been a minute since I had read the last book I was a little lost but which it found my way back.

This story is told in multiple characters with Terriana being the main one. She is fierce, she is loyal.

The story is told by terriana, Lydia, Marcus, and Killian. All great characters for many reasons. If you’re looking into this book surely you’ve read the others- if not, GO DO IT!

Xenthiers, which are (what I imagine) to be these bluish swirling type of things which take you to a different part of the world. The only thing is, they don’t know where all of them take you which can be dangerous.

It’s so hard to talk about this book without giving too much of it away since it’s the third in the series.

I will say that the ending had my eyes wide and almost yelling in rage that it ended in a cliff hanger! I’m anxious to read the next!

If you like adventure with a mix of people who can do magic in different ways- heading, control rain, etc and then more of an empire type of vibe than the typical current ways of life- check this series out. The writing is great and really draws you in!

This follow up to the Dark Shores and Dark Skies was everything I hoped for and more. What a fan-frigging-tastic read this has been and finished way too soon - I barely noticed it being almost 600 pages, because it was so incredibly fast paced (I finished it within a day and a half, which is saying Something seeing I've been in a slump for months and haven't had a pace as good as this one since I've been back to reading since a short while now) What am I to do with my life until the next book arrives? I am so incredibly sad, knowing I'll have to wait too long now, before I'm able to read what happens next in this series. A series that has rapidly set it's place in stone in my 'absolute-favorites-list'!

Marcus, Teriana, Killian, Lydia and all other minor characters we've come across as well, are such a fantastic set of characters to follow and the character developments for all of them were executed and developed so incredibly well. And all's set in such a fascinating fictional world that has some really awesome fantasy elements that gives off some major Troy/Gladiator/Pirates of the Caribbean vibes and I loved every single second spend reading this book. I truly can't get enough of it all and feel like there just aren't any words to do this book and the series in general justice.

Danielle's writing style in general, the story-line, plots and scheming, the politics added to the mix and the also more evolved and sometimes even steamy romances thrown into it, combined with some 'on the edge of your seat' action, made this yet again a 5 star read for me. As I said; There's not a single dull moment to be had, while spending time in this world/this book and each new book keeps getting better and better in my honest opinion. I didn't think I couldn't fall in love even more with everything, but I did. Thank you Danielle. From the bottom of my heart... For giving us, in the first place, Marcus and Teriana in Dark Shores and then Killian (still #TeamKilliannnn, not sorry) and Lydia in Dark Skies and now taking it all to a whole new level with Gilded Serpent. It feels like so much more is coming our way still and I can't wait for it.

Conclusion:
A follow up book that's just everything you could've hoped for beforehand. It has it all! My inner fangirl is beyond happy with all that I've read the past day and a half, even though my heart's been ripped out on too many occasions, lol. Danielle's good at that, did you know? You'll definitely find out in this book! This book left me hanging... left me Craving the next one and I'm not sure how I'll be able to hold on until then. I NEED MORE. MORE. MORE. MORE. More of these fantastic characters, sometimes morally gray but still so frigging lovable. My precious babies. I need more of this world... this sometimes cruely, dark and scary world. I need more of Danielle's amazing writing... the promise of all that's to come in the next book. I don't think my expectations can't get any higher now, lol. So much more depth and development present, while the other books were also already well developed. Those were just tips of an iceberg. Can't wait to dive underneath the surface and explore the rest of what's waiting to be discovered.

If you've been thinking about picking this series up, please don't hesitate for even a second. This series is going to be your next addiction. That's a promise!

Just when I though the Dark Shores series couldn’t get ANY better Danielle gives us this masterpiece of a book. Five stars is an understatement for how I feel about this story!

We FINALLY have some of our characters cross paths in a way that was completely unexpected. The alternating POVs let’s us see so much of this story and the journey they all go on. I also got to see Agrippa come back into the story and I can’t explain my excitement!

Full of twists and turns I couldn’t put this book down. I will forever recommend this series and this book has been my favorite of them all.

One of the most anticipated reads of the year by far and it blew me away. Full review to come closer to the publication date in April. Also definitely look for Tarnished Empire in November!

⭐️4.5 stars⭐️

Ok, I loved this!

I couldn't wait for this book and for all the POVs and storylines to come together and they did not disappoint. I swear these are the only books that don't make me yawn at converations about politics. It didn't even feel like a ~600 page book because there was always something happening that made me keep reading and wanting more.

The next book is going to be amazeballs! (please stop hurting my babies)

This series is kicking butt and taking names! I can’t believe how amazing it is. Actually, I can because within the last year I’ve come to realize just how amazing Danielle’s writing is. She’s given us all 4 POVs from the characters we’ve grown to love over the last two books. I enjoyed Marcus and Killian’s POV much more than Teriana and Lydia’s but each POV brought so much to the story. At the end of each chapter I wasn’t ready for it to end.

Gilded Serpent picks up right where Dark Shores and Dark Skies leaves off. We get to see how Marcus is dealing with an unknown traitor within his men and his internal conflict on what’s the right and wrong decision. We saw how Killian is coping with Lydia leaving, and more. I’m keeping this review spoiler free until after the publication date but I will say that it’s intense, and emotional rollercoaster and there is so much more at stake!

I know I have to wait quite a while for the next book and after that ending I don’t know how I’ll manage but I can already tell the next book is going to destroy us all in the best (and possible worst?) possible way!

I am so thankful to @netgalley for an arc digital copy of Gilded Serpent by @danielleljensen in exchange for an honest review!

Dark Skies had left me longing for more! I'm so glad I didn't have to wait until April to see what happens next in the Dark Shores series! This series has fast become one of my all time favorite series.

Book three, Gilded Serpent, brings all four main characters together in one book. We get to read from Marcus and Teriana's points of view, as well as Lydia and Killian's. I imagine book four will have both pairs interacting with each other. 😉

I loved having all four main characters in one book! Each pair endured challenge after challenge, while chemistry radiated from the pages. Filled with complicated devotion, and an intricate storyline, you won't want to put this book down!

Again, I'm left wanting more, but that just shows how brilliant a writer @danielleljensen is!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#GildedSerpent #NetGalley

So... I just now realized that there will be a fourth book because things are definitely not resolved at the end of Gilded Serpent, and even worse, it ends with a cliffhanger!

Gilded Serpent starts right where Dark Shores and Sark skies ended, and Teriana and Marcus' quest is woven with Lydia and Killian's. This book is a good mix of adventure, travel, life-or-death situations, politics, and personal growth. It was a wild ride and I just couldn't stop reading it. I think it is my favorite book in the series, the stakes are higher, and secrets are being revealed, creating more tension and plot-twists. I read it in two days even though it is almost 700 pages long, and I would not have minded reading another 300 pages at all!

We follow Teriana, Marcus, Lydia, and Killian as their adventures continue, and it is full of action, secrets, and angst. I really like the characters in this series, I even came to care more about Teriana and Killian in this book. There is a lot of character development, and also a lot of relationship evolution. The characters learn more about each other, and they also have to make tough decisions, having to choose between their happiness and the well-being of the realm.

“He’s my friend.”
His mouth quirked. “He’s your enemy.”
“That too.”

I like the fact that even though this is the third book of the series, I am not sure yet if the couples will have their happily ever after, the fact that Teriana and Marcus are enemies remains, as does the fact that Killian and Lydia can't be together, and also save Malahi and the kingdom. It is definitely one thing that I adore about this series: how the relationships are complicated because they are consistent with the backstories and the goals of the characters. I am glad that they do not throw everything away because they are in love. We can also enjoy some cute (and hot) moments between the characters.

“If the story of your life were a book, I’d carry it with me across the world. I’d read it every night. And whenever I reached the ending of what had been shared with me, I’d open it to the first page and begin reading it again.”
Teriana’s eyes burned and she blinked rapidly. “It would be a very heavy book. I’ve had a very interesting life.”

I hoped that the four characters would cross paths in this book, and I can't wait until it happens (hopefully in the next book!). Having 4 different points of views was not a problem in this book, since I was already well acquainted with the four characters. It added an extra adrenaline rush sometimes to jump from one adventure to the other because some chapters end with a small cliffhanger.

I was so happy to receive a copy of this book before it came out, but now it means that I will have to wait for even longer before I know what happens in the next book.

I struggled with this read a bit. I hadn't read the initial books and found myself having to read those first before coming back so I could complete this review. This is definitely not a series you can just jump into, you must read this in order.
The characters are well written and I did enjoy their individual archs but the pacing and the plot did seem a bit everywhere and nowhere which made it really difficult to dive into

Rating : 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you so so so much for NetGalley and Tor Books for sending me a copy of this book! I wouldn’t know what to do if I had to wait for months before I can read it 😭. I asked for it before reading the whole series and I took it as a sign to finally start reading the books when they sent me the ARC. And I immediately got invested with the whole series, especially the characters! I’m still simping over the two guys but Killian takes my heart ♥️.
The stakes just got a lot higher in this installment as everything slowly gets unfolded. Every MC is fighting their own battles and it was so fun but scary at same time following all their POVs and reading in all four perspectives on their own adventures.
Terianna and Marcus still kept secrets which I hope they could just be honest and be with each other but I understand the consequences of this. Lydia and Killian not being together in the first half saddens me but it was very heartwarming to know that they kept on thinking about each other and wanting to be together. Both pairs have shown how much they care and love each other however the situation refrains them to show it and I hate it 😭 they always had to choose between love and responsibility. Those emotional scenes broke my heart in pieces 😭. And I really love all of the MC’s character development, they all grew a lot stronger in all aspects.
The situation was getting worse and I kept on wondering what would happen to everyone and whether they’ll survive or not. Their journeys just got a lot more dangerous and there were a lot going on. I didn’t want to stop reading it but this book is huge! It took me the weeks to finish it. In my defense, we had finals the first half and was busy preparing for Christmas right after.
I was on edge every chapter of this humongous book. It was just too intense! I kept wanting to know how it ends at the same time I was so scared that this will end in a cliffhanger and I need to wait for a couple of months for the next installment. This book was so heavy and it broke my heart a lot of times but I loved it. I’m weird I know 😅. BUT THEN IT FREAKIN ENDED IN ANOTHER HEARTBREAKING CLIFFHANGER 😭💔! I really can’t imagine how the next book will go. This is just mind blowing 🤯. And please just let them all meet with each other on the next book 🤞. Impatiently waiting for the next installment even this book haven’t even gotten released yet.

The Dark Shores series has become one of my top favorites. The writing is exquisite and beautifully detailed.
I loved the swtiching of different point of views as it made the story goes fast. I was in anticipation of each chapter.
This book had it all. Adventure, romance and all the witty banter that I love from this author. Every book I have read of hers has been so wonderful and I never want the stories to end.

Thank you for allowing me to read this early copy.