DNF.

I wanted to love this one--but I just can't get past the blatant misuse of Scripture that the whole story is based on. The story even goes so far as to misquote Scripture, adding to it without any sort of disclaimer or note about it being fictional (even with one, I'm still not okay with them twisting God's Word). I won't be finishing this one because of that.

Roshani Chokshi continues to impress me with her effortless skill and crafting marvelous stories and endearing characters. A lot of young adult fantasy/heist books have been lauded as the next Six of Crows, and so far I’ve been disappointment by the ones I’ve read. And while I’m hesitant to compare The Gilded Wolves to it – they are each their own completely unique story – I truly believe that fans of Six of Crows are going to be as enamored by The Gilded Wolves as I was.

The world created here can only be described as opulent and magical. Roshani has written such a unique story full of dark magic, thrilling adventures, and a diverse cast of compelling characters. From the mysteries and secrets, to the heists and plot twists, there is a lot of good stuff going on in this book. One of my favorite aspects was the interactions between the characters. There are a lot of different dynamics to love and each was written so beautifully and believably.

And speaking of character dynamics, I love everything going on with the romances. We have one romance which is essentially mutual pining and angst, and it’s like Roshani has read all of my previous reviews of books and wrote this specifically for me. I’m also totally on board for the love triangle Enrique has going on, and although I’m already trash for one of the possibilities, I’m also a big fan of the other possibility as well.

Basically, this book is amazing and should totally be on your TBR if it isn’t already. I highly recommend this for fans of Roshani Chokshi’s other works or those who love Six of Crows. The Gilded Wolves is a thrilling book full of heists, loyal friends, and magic. The ending crushed my soul and I have no idea what I’m going to do while I wait for the next book in the series.

The Gilded Wolves is beautifully written and really smart. There are parts of this book that read like dessert. It has so much going for it. I quite enjoyed the religious and mathematical references! (I love phi!).

You know the characters are good when you can't pick your favorite one because there are so many things that you like about them! Not only are they are diverse, but there is something to like about each one of them. Laila was created out of magic and has magical abilities. Séverin's flashbacks are really awesome and they were intertwined with seven deadly sins. Zofia's mathematical mind and awkwardness draw you in. Then there's Tristan who would do anything for Séverin.

With everything that this book has going for it, it was not always easy to understand, but I am definitely going to be reading the next book.

I'll preface this review by addressing the giant literary elephant in the room. Yes, the comparisons to A Six of Crows are legitimate and at times startling. However, there is a huge difference between the two books. A Six of Crows is leagues ahead of this book in the enjoyment factor. Now that that's out of the way, I'm going to review this book on it's own merits with no further comparisons to other books.

This story is said to be set in Paris in 1889, however, the world conjured up by the author certainly does not lend to a feeling of times past. Actually, I got futuristic vibes if anything. That critique aside, the scenes as described by the author are vivid and easily summoned up in the imagination of the reader

There are six characters in this story, none of which I found terribly engaging, nor did I feel like I really got a sense of who they were. While told in alternating chapters between these players, I often forgot which POV I was reading because nobody seemed to have their own unique voice.

This story movies fast, too fast in my opinion. The story surrounding this world left me feeling like this was the second book in a series and I never read the first installment.

I found myself confused most of the time. I needed more clarity involving the mythology in this story. I kept having to go back and re-read pages desperately trying to figure out what was what. I finally got to the point where I just didn't care anymore.

The cover is no doubt gorgeous but the title is a mystery to me. There was mention of some characters wearing wolf masks but, unless I missed it, it was never explained why they wore them.

I would classify this book as a fantasy adventure that is surely to appeal to a wide variety of audiences. As for me, not so much.

2 Stars ⭐⭐ for the impressive prose.


I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for the advance reader copy The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi in exchange for an honest review. From the first page, Roshani Chokshi held me captive with her drama and taut suspense as she worthily worldbuilds France in 1889 as well as the science, math, magic, and mythology in this sweeping tale of chasing one’s birthright, stealing treasures, and keeping close to those you love/work with. Not only is the plot full of intrigue, tension, and drama, the characters are strong and believable. I could not stop turning the pages. Severin, Tristan, Laila, Enrique, and Sofia work well together with their different abilities but they also have secrets too ---I am not a fan of Hypnos and think there is more we will learn about him. Toward the end, I was put off by Severin in his treatment (separately) of Tristan and Laila. I was not fond of the ending either and that said, the readers deserve MORE redemption, closure, hope, and happiness and less horror, heartbreak, and evil in Book 2, please.

I enjoyed this and thought that the characters were really interesting! I also liked the world-building and I'm excited to read more from this author.

I was rather torn by this new YA fantasy series; I loved the set of friends who direct and inhabit the story, but found the plot itself a bit confusing. Set in 19th century Paris, this Paris shows the clash between the established families that have all the money, power, and magic, and the ones that don't. The leader of the gang, Severin, runs a beautiful old hotel but is haunted by the disinheritance of years ago, relegating him to a back seat in the power circle. His gang of thieves who help him recover 'artifacts,' are a creative group: the mathematical genius with social issues; the gentle soul who knows everything there is about plants and keeps a pet tarantula; the once-dead Indian femme fatale; the history buff and gifted symbologist who helps get them all out of tight jams; and the arrogant but needy heir from the power brokers. Incredible character development, but put into a plot line that has to do with stealing stolen objects, unrequited love, mysterious bad guys, that ultimately left me a bit unclear as to what was really going on. Perhaps I read too late at night, or perhaps my brain was more muddled than it should be but I needed a bit more clarity on this one. I'm hoping book two will clear some things up for me.

I love how Severin and his team work together to achieve their own goals. In the world of Forging, The Order of Babel have certain rules about artefacts with magical- like properties. As Severin gets closer to his own goal, what would be at the end of the line?
The Gilded Wolves is chilling, thrilling and down right magical, I am totally in love with the setting and the characters. The mystery keeps me hooked, while the beauty of France/ Paris is just perfect for the historical story.

A world building that is majestic and fantastical. The magic system complex and almost incomprehensible. A Six of Crows but set back in time. This series has everything except book two. The ending is quite the falling off point and it really is what people call a cliff hanger.
I enjoyed the misfits and the magic but it did get to be a bit long for me. I would have also enjoyed a bit more resolution that didn't leave you hanging so much.
A perfect read for fans of fantasy friendships, rogues, and heists.

"The Gilded Wolves" is a fantastic YA fantasy. Although given a year in the 1800s and a historical setting, the world is completely different and did not feel like a historical fiction to me (I'm not always a historical fiction fan so this was preferred). I would definitely label this as a fantasy vs. historical in terms of genre. Anyway, I absolutely loved it. We follow a group of young people who are led by Severin, the heir of House Vanth. Although he is the financial heir, he has been unable to claim his birthright (embodied by the House ring)- he believes that the results were falsified because of the color of his skin. This birthright would have placed him as one of the leading houses of the Order of Babel.

"Half of winning, my dear wallet, is simply looking victorious."

The Order of Babel safeguards the location of the Babel Fragments, which were scattered throughout the world after the failure of the Tower of Babel. These led to certain individuals developing powers in a certain skill, which is called Forging. Severin has assembled such a group of individuals with these gifts who are bound by their contracts/promises (in a magical type of way) and by the fact that they have become a family. They work together to steal specific artifacts which they believe will further their causes- to seek hidden treasures.

"Is it our shame that we're hiding or our delusions that we can hide at all?"

We follow the book from various points-of-view. Although Severin is probably the main figure, we also follow Laila quite a bit. She is known as L'Enigme, who performs for crowds and is rumored to have slept with many wealthy and influential people. She came from India in search of a specific book and has a long scar down her back which represents her biggest secrets. There are also Enrique and Zofia, who work on Forging specific items with a host of skills. Enrique is personable and has a big personality, while Zofia must decode human interactions and act according to what she has learned (I suspect she is on the autistic spectrum). Zofia is mathematical and loves to use explosives/fire. The last of the group is Tristan who adores his spiders and spends a lot of time in his greenhouses, forging. He grew up with Severin and they are essentially brothers (though not through blood). We get glimpses of the horrors of their upbringing with their foster fathers labeled according to which of the 7 deadly sins they most embodied.

"I think the greatest power is belief, for what is a god without it?"

The group is soon joined by Hypnos, the young heir of House Nyx and also a POC, who strikes a bargain to restore Severin's birthright/ring in exchange for his group's help to locate and obtain an artifact. Hypnos was delightful with many jokes and much hopefulness (for instance when he asks Zofia if they are/can be friends, she asks what it would entail and he replies "Well, on Wednesdays, we sacrifice a cat to Satan."). I absolutely loved his addition to this lovely group of people. As they begin this quest, they find they have stumbled upon something bigger and more dangerous than they could have imagined. And what a journey it is- magic, villains, and traps at every turn!

"Lust is safer than love, but both can ruin you."

This book absolutely captured me from the beginning, and I loved every second of it. The characters were amazing and so diverse, with different ethnicities and sexual orientations. They are all completely endeared to my heart, as Chokshi made us care about all of them (which seems hard to do with so many but I adore them all). There was also a touch of romance between a few of the characters, and it just felt like icing on the cake. I was completely enamored of this world, the writing, and the cast, and I absolutely need the next book in this series stat! While it wasn't a complete cliffhanger (the main part of this book was wrapped up), the overall story continues into the next book, so you will be left wanting the next. Lovers of YA fantasy will not be disappointed- this is an amazing new series, and I am absolutely gushing over how much I loved it!

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I don't try to hide the fact that I am a huge, huge fan of Roshani Chokshi's work. I have loved the Star-Touched series so deeply, so when I had the chance to grab an ARC of her newest fantasy, I did not hesitate to dive right into it. It did not disappoint me in the least.

Set in 1800s Paris, The Gilded Wolves is the perfect mix of action, suspense, character-building, plot, magic and romance - all the things that make for a near perfect young-adult fantasy book. The story follows Séverin and his group of friends on a bit of a hunt to not only change their lives but the lives of everyone in the world they live in. Without spoiling anything about the plot - seeing as there is suspense involved and I want every reader to experience it for themselves - I will say that Chokshi really had me on the edge of my seat (or rather the edge of my bed at 2 in the morning as I scarfed down this book as fast as I possibly could). 

The only thing that could make a magical action story in a period setting better is, you guessed it, the found-family trope. Chokshi executes this perfectly, as well. We have an incredibly diverse cast of characters (which is so lovely and so necessary to see, especially in a period story in Europe) whom Séverin has brought together to become a part of his team - and they work so well.

As an avid young-adult reader and an Indian, I've become so used to not being able to see characters like myself in Europe-centric fantasy settings (and always hearing the tired and factually incorrect defence from white authors and readers that older Europe did not have POC). Chokshi bringing POC to life in front of my eyes in 1800s Paris (a diverse and intersectional group, at that) was so genuinely heartwarming. It was bold in its approach without stripping the realistic element of having POC in Europe at a time like that (i.e the sexism and/or racism they would inevitably face).  The book is such a fresh take on what one would assume is otherwise a fairly cliche setting - but Chokshi keeps it relevant, and very inclusive. 

I think it was impossible for me to not fall in love with each and every character Chokshi has created in this book because they each have such a unique personality and story. Combined with Chokshi's fantastic(al) prose (which has always been one of the main selling points of her books, for me), it was taking all my effort to not adopt these kids myself and protect them in every way I can. 

Chokshi has a way of making you reach out your hand with curiosity and then tugging you head-first into a whirlwind you'll want to keep experiencing forever. The Gilded Wolves journey is just as turbulent, and in the best way ever. There is not lull or resting point because she keeps giving us more - whether that's with backstories that would make your jaw unhinge, plot twists that will have you pinching yourself, or emotional scenes that will tug at your heartstrings.

If you're a fan of Chokshi's work already, I can't imagine you not liking this new series. Although drastically different from The Star-Touched Queen , A Crown of Wishes, and Star-Touched Stories, in its own right, The Gilded Wolves is a thrilling opening to a brand new world that one cannot wait to become a part of. The book is a recipe for a new fantasy fave and I urge everyone to grab their copy when it hits the shelves in 2019. You will not regret it.

If you need a headline, "Six of Crows" Parisian-style will nicely do. "The Gilded Wolves" is a story of six misfits who attempt to pull-off one heist after another in a world full of magic. The misfits themselves are wonderfully quirky and colorful, and thus endearing. The world is a variation of our reality, thus much easier to find yourself in when you're first introduced to it. The magic is like nothing you've seen before, and also the first stumbling block in my opinion.

It's a very complicated system, you see, based on an even more complicated - nay, convoluted - mythology. The reader is unceremoniously thrown into it and expected to catch up, which I never entirely managed to do. I'll place the blame here on the writing. Beautiful, yes, but so - oh my... - so breathless. The action is dizzying. I barely started puzzling out what I just read before being transported into the next adventure, one that somehow was supposedly a logical consequence of the previous adventure, but somehow I wouldn't see the connections as clearly as I was apparently supposed to.

Thrown into all of this intrigue are the characters, so darn diverse and full of quirky, lovable promise, but we never stop to get to know them, to start to get to know them, because they gallop through the action and we gallop with them, and we cannot start to star caring in all of this rush, because we never had a chance to start to love them yet.

And therein lies the main difference between "Six of Crows" (or even more recent "Foundryside") and this novel - we don't have a chance to stop and breathe the characters in. Familiarize ourselves with them. Fall in love with them. Care. And ultimately we don't. It's a book that's been read. But not one that became dear to you.

I literally screamed when I was approved for the digital galley of this on NetGalley. I already know I love Roshani Chokshi’s writing style, but I knew Gilded Wolves was different from what I’ve read of hers before. I know that writing something different can be quite a challenge and I was definitely interested in seeing how she rose to that challenge. I did note one TW/CW while I was reading, though I did savor this one so I don’t remember any others. I’ll list it and we can dive right into my review!

- Self harm

The cast of characters kind of reminded me quite a lot of the cast of characters in another heist book I love. It’s not that the characters are basically the same, though a couple are VERY similar to the characters from the other book. For the most part, the characters are all well developed and I really felt like I could have had a conversation with any of them.

I definitely, definitely have a favorite though. I absolutely adore Zofia. The incredible neurodivergent representation she provides brings tears to my eyes. I love how she knows who she is and acknowledges her limitations. I love how she calls out the other characters. She is amazing and I need for her to never change.

Gilded Wolves is set in 1889 in Paris. This in itself is a tall order, but it’s also alternate universe Paris where Forging (aka a particular sort of magic) exists in a way that’s just realistic enough to be considered possible. The magic is hidden by the Order, a powerful faction of families who guard the artifacts that are thought to inspire magic in humans. It’s really quite intricate and creative and I’m not explaining it very well. However, the world-building itself is just as intricate and beautifully done. The world itself is completely immersive.

The story itself is very interesting. I do love a good heist story, especially when we throw magic and dark forces into the mix! It was gripping enough that I didn’t want to put it down and so magically written that I didn’t want to finish it so very quickly. I savored this one over a couple of weeks, only letting myself read a chapter or so before bed each night and a couple more on days I didn’t work.

The only thing I can say that I dislike about this book is the ending. There is something that happens, that I will not say because it would be a huge spoiler, but I just felt like it was unnecessary for the plot in this novel. Might it be important in a subsequent novel? Perhaps, but I won’t know for quite some time so for now I feel like I’m needlessly emotional. Also, HOLY CLIFFHANGER. I just… There are cliffhangers and then there are CLIFFHANGERS and this novel falls into the latter.

I definitely do look forward to reading the next book in this series. I also look forward to reading more of Roshani Chokshi’s writing because her style is so incredibly beautiful. In fact, I’m currently listening to the audiobook of her Aru Shah and the End of Time, which is a Middle Grade fantasy novel, and I’m absolutely loving it. I just feel like Gilded Wolves deserved a better ending than it got.

What I wild, thrilling ride! The Gilded Wolves captures the fun of a childhood treasure hunt combined with a game of "tag." Six diverse characters--unsuspecting characters, who were relatable and fun to meet--are taken on a heist/treasure hunt that could set up their lives forever, or ruin them forever. I was so excited to read this book and want only more from Chokshi! Please, give me more!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read the ARC of The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Gilded Wolves is a magnificent story about misfits, magic, mathematics and mystery. I absolutely adored it. If you would ask me to explain the story, I truly wouldn't be able to do it justice. The history, the details, the mathematics and twists and turns were marvelous.

I do have to admit that it took a while for me to feel connected to the characters, but in the end I adore them all. This bunch of characters gave me The Dregs vibes from Six of Crows, but totally with their own dynamic and banter. Séverin, the mysterious leader. Enrique, the historian. Laila, L'Enigme, caretaker and the baddest of them all. Tristan, a precious little flower. Zofia, genius inventor. Oh, and Hyphos who weirdly reminded me of Stephen Fry?!

Everything related to The Order of Babel, the different factions and houses and the Forging ability were so incredibly interesting and well thought of. This was my introduction to Chokshi's writing and I truly admire her storytelling abilities. The pace was just right, the suspense build-up was greatly done and the twists and turns were unexpected. I can't wait to see what'll happen in the second installment.

I enjoyed this book - it was well written and I will look for future work by the author. ARC provided by netgalley

This book is insane, challenging, diverse, and inclusive in the best ways possible. It explores gender, sexuality, race and privilege without making any overt statements. And best of all, it challenges the sordid histories of subjugation and colonialism in an imaginative and introspective way. Oh, and this heavy hitter is clever disguised on an epic (almost steampunk) fantasy filled with magic, science, history and drama to boot!

Set during the French Revolution, and steeped in colourful imagery, the combination of history and fantasy is one that is sure to set the imagination on fire. I fell in love with the food, the costumes, the magic of forging, and the world Chokshi created. But best of all the characters are complete and entirely unique. If you don't find yourself feeling for one or more of Severin's crew, you must be broken. Seriously, who can't help but love a band of plucky, artefact stealing, mission oriented, insanely intelligent misfits? Let em give you the run down:

First, there's Severin. The rightful heir to house Vanth which has been declared dead by the Order of Babel.  He's the ring leader of our motley crew and at a ridiculously young age liquidated his fortune and turned himself in the owner of the lavish L'Eden Hotel. Now, if you're a fan of Gossip Girl think Chuck Bass in the midst of the French Revolution, but with magic and friends that actually like him. He's moody, secretive, loyal, and pining after an insanely independent and determined cabaret dancer. Oh, and he thinks he's being kinder (not) by making his friends swear, and marking them with, kinder oaths than most of the other masters out there. The truth is though, that he is really just a broody, handsome, and rather lovable tyrant.

Then there's Tristan, Severin's half brother and equally cast out son of house Vanth. Brilliant botanist, forever childlike, and obsessed with his giant spider Goliath. At first I was irked by his unwavering innocence in the face of such hardship, but as the boy's pasts were revealed my ire changed to pity, and finally pity to fondness. His story, though less explicitly told, was perhaps the most moving and heartbreaking of the group.

Next is Laila, our enigmatic pastry chef who just so happens to moonlight as Paris' most famous dancer. She is well versed in the languages of beauty and power, mysterious to the core, and just so happens to be the forbidden object of Severn's desire. And despite all of this she is kind, empathetic, and the glue that holds this motley crew together in spite of Severin's delusions of leadership. Her tenderness and social aptitude save her friends on more often than they give her credit for. And she has her own secrets too - a mysterious past, a dire quest, and a wicked streak you don't want to get on the wrong side of. 

Enter Zofia the resident mathematical genius and baby pyromaniac. She's socially awkward, painfully literal, and the most endearingly blunt character I have every encountered. I have no doubt that her exclusion and bullying at school will be relatable to many. Her attempts at learning how to flirt might split your gut, and her refusal to be anyone or anything but her brilliant, awkward and calculating self will leave you cheering for strong female characters everywhere.

Then there's Enrique, scholar and historian, who wants nothing more than to be accepted by his countrymen. He's so blinded by desire that he's often incapable of seeing his place amongst his peers, and how loved he is by his friends. He's the quintessential representation and exploration of otherness. He's egotistical, vain, and entirely oblivious of his effect on others. I couldn't help but feel for Enrique's desire to be accepted, and found his love of luxury impossible to look away from - especially since so many of his obsessions have to do with the relics of the Order, decoding the mysterious, and generally making academia (dare I say it?) sexy. 

And finally we have Hypnos, our young flamboyant patriarch, who experiences his otherness on a level apart from the others. Acknowledged member of the order yet looked on with disdain, childhood friend of Severin yet kept at arm's length from the group, and painfully lonely in a way that wealth and power can't correct. We've all seen that kid, hell we might have even been that kid, who wants so badly to be part of a group but just doesn't fit in - and it's impossible not to draw connections to your own life.   

I want to say more about the actual plot, but I'm scared that I would dole out some ridiculous spoilers. There is no detail in this book that doesn't have meaning, so be prepared to go back and read a few things twice! The symbolism, foreshadowing, and planning in this book are on the next level. It might be listed as YA, but The Gilded Wolves can be enjoyed by all.

Would I recommend this book? Oh hell yes! And better yet, it's set to come out on my birthday. I strongly suggest you read it as a gift to me. But if you're not into charitable reading, do it for yourself - it's beautifully written, imaginative, and carriers some powerful messages. Read it book nerds, it's amazing.

At first I thought I`d give it 2 stars, because there were so many similarities with the Six of Crows duology that it felt like plagiarism. I mean, there are basically 5 thieves who run their own clu... sorry, hotel, one is gay, one girl is from India, the mastermind of them all became like this because of a tragic family history, and he even has a nickname - Majnun, though it means madman, not demon. I guess you see what I mean. Though the writing was wonderful.
The humor here is on top (If I`m not mistaken, there also was a joke about scheming face), but sometimes it felt out of place. Like almost at the end of the book, when one character, after experiencing a very traumatic moments of his life, suddenly started joking. He was crying mere minutes ago. I thought he had a trauma!
But after reading 150 pages or so I started enjoying this book and forgot about similarities. I'll definitely read the sequel.

P.S. Also, I must say, the way Severin was manipulated into working with the Order of Babel was unbelievably stupid and could be seen from far away.

The Review
I have to admit, it took me a few chapters to catch the tone and premise of The Gilded Wolves, but once it hit its stride, I was hooked. 

NY Times Bestselling author Roshani Chokshi's newest fantasy novel follows a group of down-and-out teens-- smart, wily outcasts, artists, and academics on the run. Thick with magic and lush worldbuilding, Chokshi takes the reader into an 1880s Paris and introduces us to powerful Houses who must safeguard historic religious artifacts known for their immense power. Which Houses can be trusted, and should one of our narrators be allowed his place of honor in the Houses again? Only time will tell.

There are several adventure plots in this novel that made me think Six of Crows , as well as a similar need of multiple third-person narrators to tell the story well. The strongest sections, I thought, came from the points-of-view of Laila, a performer with a mysterious past, and Zofia, our STEM-loving fish-out-of-water. Love subplots add interest, but aren't the major focus of the book (which I appreciate).

A few downsides: the ending wrapped up a bit strange, timeline-wise, but there's a clear lead in to at least another book. Will I pick it up? Probably! Chockshi builds her universe with so many interesting mythological and pan-religious ideas that I find myself already wanting to pick up the next in the series. 

Great group of heroes, fun adventure, and neat magic-- what else can you want?

Incredible. The world-building is incredibly immersive, the magic and science woven together throughout a very familiar - yet still strange - history are seamless and intricate. I loved every page and cant wait for the full release.