This book is one of my favourites! It is such a stellar followup to The Gilded Wolves. The character development is immaculate and character chemistry is beyond amazing. I love how each of the characters carries a little bit of the seven sins in them but those are somehow twisted to be assets not sins. Roshani Chokshi's writing is captivating and never fails to suck me into the book to the point where I cannot stop!

I absolutely love all these characters. They each have such unique personalities with their own struggles and inner demons. They work so well as a group despite the conflicts that come up. I really appreciated getting to follow each of their perspectives. Their leader Severins was even more cold and distant because of his grief. I liked learning more about each of his foster fathers. Determined to turn all emotion off after the events of the last book his relationship with Laila had even more angst. I think she deserves better. Laila manages to be both nurturing and alluring which is not something I see often. I loved her burlesque performer identity L'Engime. Besides that I just wanted Laila to do more to put Eva in her place every time Eva insulted her and tried to take her place.

Zofias memory of her mother saying "be a light in this world" warmed my cold heart. She probably my favorite character of the group. She's cares deeply even if she doesnt show it in the most typical way. She has her own insecurities about being independent that made her relatable and the logical way she sees the world was really interesting. Her crush on Enrique was everything to me. I definitely shipped Enrique with Zofia over Hypnos. Enrique is such a lovable nerd who just wants to be recognized for his ideas. Even though I love Hypnos, his tendency to be flirty and move on from lover to lover isnt exactly the right match for Enrique. He's also more worried about belonging and being accepted by Severin than being a good partner.

The treasure hunting plot was exciting. I really enjoyed all the puzzle solving and the danger from the traps. Theres even more on the line with this acquisition since one will die if they dont find the book in time. With them only have a specific amount of time to live the suspense of counting down to their death made the pace even more engaging. The author also did a great job of not losing my interest whenever we switched point of view. I could tell the Matriarch of House Kore was hiding some pretty big secrets and I couldnt wait to find out what they were. I found the whole secret society element very intriguing.

The alternate historical Russian setting where magic exist was a lot of fun. The descriptions werent as lush and vibrant as the first book, but we do get some great wintery atmosphere with the ice palace. Its takes place near the holidays so theres some mention of beautiful decorations and lights strung up. I thought the magic system was fascinating with all the different forging abilities and creations. We get to see some forged ice animals who come alive. I'm not sure what will happen in the third book but I cant wait to get my hands on it. I've read quite a few book by this author and they never fail to impress me.

The Silvered Serpents is the second book in The Gilded Wolves series. We return to the 19th century and the group of young adults we met in the first book. Each of the team members has their own special gift and are once again on a quest to find a long lost artifact. This quest is initiated by Severin who is looking to make amends after the death of one of their team members. This quest takes them to Russia in the middle of the winter (I mean, is their any other time to go to Russia?). While surrounded by snow and ice, the team follows a series of clues that lead them to old mansions that are filled with secrets and connected with unsolved disappearances and murders.

I haven't read many books in this particular corner of fantasy but this series does remind me in a way of the Indiana Jones movies. There team solves lots of puzzles and go on adventures to retrieve treasure. Of course, this has more of a fantasy element than the Indy movies do in that this group of characters each have a mystical talent. The read is a fun escapist frolic through mansions and forests of the 19th century.

A continuation of the Gilded Wolves novel (picking up right about where the first one left off) with deep dives into the character's emotional lives and the repercussions of the notable death at the end of the first book. I won't mention who dies in Gilded Wolves, but I really enjoyed that Silvered Serpents didn't act like it never happened. It happened, and it changed everyone, mostly for the worst. Lovely language, emotional resonance, and a rich Belle Epoque-style setting make this YA fantasy series fun and different. The story centers around two difficult people with difficult secrets. Fun mystery, world travel, great characters. A solid read. Cliff-hanger ending which ensures I'll be reading the next book, too.

That ending!!! THE SILVERED SERPENTS is an engaging YA historical fantasy that picks up after the first book ended, and presents another slow-burning tale that ends with a bang. You definitely need to have read the first book to be able to understand this one, and it does not include much recap, so it would be helpful to read a synopsis or have recently read the first book.

After the first book, which had a major character death, the group is in taters, trying to cope with the loss however they are able. All of the characters seem a little more broken in their grief, but their personalities again shine from the pages. Each main character feels fully formed and realized, completely unique entities. Here, they are searching for the treasure of the Fallen House with urgency, due to Laila's impending doom.

Severin has decided to eschew personal relationships, further alienating the group that is very in need of his guidance. Zofia and Enrique particularly become key in this book, as they feel lost within themselves and must carry forward with the missions at hand. The adventure really picks up the pace of the book, and the ending was incredible.

Although the beginning was a bit slower, the second half really makes this book incredible. This is once again a beautiful tale of friendship and love, filled with the families we create for ourselves. This sequel also portrays the brutality of grief and loss, as well as the difficulties in coping. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dark YA fantasy with incredibly deep characters.

Okay, this series is just not for me. To be honest, I only read this sequel because I was approved for the e-arc. Just like with the first book, the pacing was pretty slow the entire time and I just didn't love the plot. I like the cast of characters a lot, but they can't make up for the shortcomings this book and series has IMO.

**FULL REVIEW**

I could say it was a decent read, but honestly, without reading the first book in the series, I feel like I couldn't keep up with what was happening.

Because of that, while the premise is good, I was a little bored. The writing is decent, but the plot even with not reading the first book, feels a little flat. I wasn't all that excited about it and I had to force myself to finish...

I won't be reading the first book nor the last. I'm sorry, it just wasn't one for me.

The Silvered Serpents (The Gilded Wolves, #2)
by Roshani Chokshi
After the monumental events of the Gilded wolves book, this book takes the story to the next level. Left with a cliffhanger the reader has only been drawn in closer to the action of the story. I am amazed at how much has changed since the original story. How the characters have been dispersed throughout the story, blocked physically, emotionally and spiritually from each other. The tragic loss of Tristan has driven the group to amazing changes in personality, in their inter relationships, and the eternal struggles. The book shows how the devastation of his loss has categorically changed the world. The events in this book are remarkably magical, with such a tapestry of nuance and mystery. I can’t wait for the next book and the finish of this triumphant build. I applaud Roshani Chokshi on this second book, and will wait patiently for the final end.

I really had to force myself to finish this book as I had not liked the first book. This one was a bit lackluster for me unfortunately.

Tried reading this series twice and DNF'd its both times. While I was intrigued by the premise, nothing with the characters completely drew me in. I made it roughly 30% each time, but ended up putting it down due to lost interest.

This book had me on the edge of my seat. So many twists and turns. I loved this book compared to the first in the series. There’s just so much more going on and everything connects in the end. Not sure I can wait for the next book.

Amazing ending to this trilogy full of magic, adventure and romance... friendships, betrayal and so so much more!! Such an exciting adventure from start to end so far!

This is a great book to read in succession to the first book. I didn't realize this one was second in the series and was very lost.

I ENJOYED…
☂️

One of the strongest suits of this series is the characters. Roshani Chokshi is a master at building unique character voices. Told from multiple POV, we get to follow each of their journeys and, well. You know how much I care personally about characters in my stories and here, I cared about all of them so, so deeply. Each character had their own arc, picking up from the first book, The Gilded Wolves and growing so much in different ways, I loved that so much. Obviously, I had my favorites, but I really enjoyed all characters and, for me, that’s a win.
Severin’s journey as he tries to handle his grief, the way he closes off, the way he changes, gets colder and more calculating by the second…
Then there’s Laila, my favorite as she struggles with her own curse and being her own time-bomb, finding her own strength and desperately wanting to protect her friends,
Zofia, getting braver by the second and facing her fears, her growth as a character being stunning,
Enrique, my second favorite little bean, deserving of the very best, to be heard and loved and ahh he deserves SO much,
Finally, Hypnos, the funniest, adorable friend that might crack a joke or two to dilute the tension yet will fight for you.
There’s so much to be said about the stunning relationships between the characters. Laila and Severin’s complicated relationship, the yearning and desire and want and love as they push each other away. The friendships between each of the characters, there’s SO much to root for and yearn for and hope for. I loved that!
The Silvered Serpents book aesthetic
The world-building was just as rich as in the first book of the series, The Gilded Wolves. The Silvered Serpents brings us in a cold, snowy, mysterious palace in Russia. I was transported by it all, the author’s beautiful prose, the descriptions of the setting, everything felt vivid and beautiful. The Gilded Wolves felt mysterious, thrilling and gave me all the National Treasure and secret quests vibes. The Silvered Serpents took these vibes to another level. With more danger, still exciting plot twists and puzzles. With a coldness, a freezing menace looming over them at each time. Maybe it’s because the characters changed, grew, the stakes are different, they are different, too. All I know is that you can feel the characters and the world grows more dangerous with each step you take and, with each page you read, you can feel stress breathing down your neck. Tension done at its best.
Just like its predecessor, The Silvered Serpents was a thrilling read, once you pick it up, you can’t stop reading it, compelled to know what will happen next. And, let me tell you, you’re not disappointed. Between the twists, turns and surprises and an ending that leaves you gasping (and screaming. I mean, I was like, WHAT THE HELL????)The Silvered Serpents brings this series to a whole other level and I can’t wait to see what will happen next.

I HAD A HARD TIME WITH…
☂️
This is very much a “me” thing, but it took me a little while to really get into The Silvered Serpents. This prevented me from being captived by the book straight away and, unfortunately, took a bit out of my enjoyement at first, too.

OVERALL
☂️
If you’re looking for a captivating adventure with a beautiful world-building, squad goals and relationships you’ll scream for and about, I definitely recommend giving this series a try. This sequel held up to the first book for me, and promises even more twists and turns and please please give me a happy ending in the last book okay thank you very much.

I started reading back in August hoping I could get back to reading more than 10 minutes a day. Covid really got and almost killed my reading. Still I kept reading the second book of this series because even if I only read 10 minutes a day it kept me engaged and interested. I was sad I did not have the attention and concentration to read more of it each day. It is very much because of the plot, the characters, oh Enrique and Zofia I love you both, that I kept reading almost every day. I can't think of a better review. This book kept me reading at a time when it seems I couldn't. It broke my heart again, like the first book but I can't wait to read the last one. I love my gang of broken thieves.

<b>Rating:</b> 4.25/5 Stars

I received an e-ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

<b>“I wish my love was more beautiful”</b>

This is how a sequel deserves to be written! I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book! I gave The Gilded Wolves four stars last year. I enjoyed it. I thought the characters and the premise was interesting. Then this book happened! It builds so effortlessly on the plot of the first book. It felt more developed, better paced, and grittier when compared to the first book. I am now officially hooked!

The Silvered Serpents picks up with each character struggling to cope with the events of the first book while hunting of the Fallen House. When Severin discovers a dangerous lead to artifact rumored to grant its possessor the power of God, the team leaves for the icy heart of Russia.

What I liked:
I love the diverse cast of characters. I thought that in the last book, but it really hit me again while I was reading Silvered Serpents. Each character is different and complex. They each have their own rhythm and each contributes something unique to the story line. Sometimes with a big cast of characters they start to blend together but that is never the case in this series. I think the way Roshani built on the character development in the first book by adding this layer of grief and the desire to not lose another friend brought them to life and made them feel even more relatable. I thought the girls shinned in this one! Laila and Zofia completely stole the show for me. Both are so beautifully written and empowering in their own special way! Seriously love these two so much!
The world building was just as on point in this one as it was in The Gilded Wolves. I really enjoyed the new setting and Roshani’s writing brought the icy Russian palace to life for me! Everything was so clearly defined that I could picture it all from the Menagerie of animals to the ice grotto/leviathan.

What I didn’t like:
I think the only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars was that I just wanted more from the ending. It built so nicely but then the unveiling of the Fallen House felt a little flat… maybe it was because I had kind of guessed who it was going to be early on but I still felt like the unveiling of the bag guys to the ending was really quick. Though that may have a lot to do with the set up for the third book. I don’t know! But ultimately the ending left me wanting a little more.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I think this is how a sequel should be done! This is definitely my favorite book in the series (so far) and I’m eager to read the final book!

I was not very intrigued with this book. The premise was exciting about the main character pursuing a lost artifact that claimed to have the power of God.

I didn't love this as much as book one, but I still thought it was really well done! Full of action and angst, I was on the edge of my seat in one way or another for the whole book.

The characters were so well done and so brutally beautiful. The grief, the heartbreak, all of it was so well done. Not to mention that the world building was incredible! So vivid and clear I could see it perfectly. I really loved this, and I look forward to more from Chokshi!

The Silvered Serpents is the second novel in The Gilded Wolves trilogy and it picks up not long after the close of the first novel. Each of those working with Séverin are struggling to deal with their feeling about the death of Tristan at the end of the first book. Laila blames herself for not having revealed the core of darkness that was eating Tristan alive. Zofia wonders what she might have done. Enrique feels distanced from Séverin even as he sees that Tristan's death is eating his friend alive inside. Hypnos dances around all of the no-longer-merry band he wanted to join, but always hovering on the edges of belonging. They are shadows of themselves, and Séverin especially begins to grow colder, harder, and angrier than the young man we met in the first book. As his diffident relationship with Laila sours by degrees and the clock counts down her life, Laila pulls away from L'Eden, even if she hasn't given up the quest for some of the treasures the group must seek. She takes Enrique and Zofia into her confidence about the fragility of her situation, and her reasons for continuing to help the group as they seek out The Divine Lyrics that she hopes will provide answers to stop her impending death. But what are Séverin's reasons, really? And after the revelation at the end of the first book, that Séverin isn't the heir to the house he believes he is, exactly who is he really?

The Silvered Serpents builds upon the complex story that Chokshi is trying to tell, showing us how each of her major characters strives to find a place and people with whom they fit. Since the first book, we felt that was L'Eden and with each other but the edges of this tapestry are badly frayed. Séverin's hubris in thinking it's his job to protect everyone from everything begins to rub them all the wrong way, especially Enrique, who becomes unsure whether that protection isn't really just a way to control everyone, with Séverin keeping all his players in a state of play, when and where he wants them. Yet through all this, Laila and Zofia shine. Zofia, who is so clearly on the high functioning autism spectrum, makes progress in her interactions with the others in this novel and begins to recognize her own strengths instead of just her weaknesses. And her emerging greatest strength is her great courage in wanting to help Laila. Laila is more defined in this book, less a femme fatale than an alluring, all-mothering figure. Laila is the one who knows how everyone wants and needs things, and yet she is also growing weary of putting up with Séverin and his growing callousness. Enrique also evolves in this novel, coming to see Hypnos, Séverin, and Zofia with clearer eyes.

I enjoyed this second book and found the introduction of Ruslan and Eva to be interesting if predictable development. The revelations at the end of this novel offer insight into the revelations of the first novel and set up daunting possibilities for the third novel of the trilogy. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Chokshi closes out the trilogy.

I received a paper and digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and all of the characters. It flowed better that the first book and got deeper into the characters and their lives outside of L’Eden. The ending was not what I expected but was awesome still leaving it at kind of a cliff hanger. There is a twist that was shocking that I didn’t see coming.