I really enjoyed this one! Roshani's prose is phenomenal!

I was provided an advanced digital copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes, all opinions are my own.

It was an interesting update on the first story. It wasn't my favorite read, but I could see how people will love this.

I had such a fun time reading The Silvered Serpents. I loved this installment even more than The Gilded Wolves. I loved the setting and the high stakes. This is such a fun fantasy series.

I don’t know, truly. I get so bogged down with this magic system that I lose the plot a lot. I’m honestly not sure what actually happened in this book until the very end. Like with the first book, the beginning is slow going and the final hundred pages or so pack a punch. But while this was forgivable in The Gilded Wolves because I was enamored with getting to know the characters, it left me disappointed this time. With the way things ended in Wolves, I expected way more plot and way more character development in Serpents. It was all just a bit of a let down to be honest. Rounding my review up because I just love these idiots so much and I do want to know how this all wraps up.

There is just something about this series that doesn't engage me. I still really like Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos - though he annoyed me more this time around. Severin is incredibly annoying the entire way through this book, he is like a sulky petulant child which really got on my nerves. The story was more engaging for me this time but it still felt a little flat and I wish I could put my finger on exactly why.

3.5 stars

A wonderful sequel to The Gilded Wolves, a heist novel featuring a diverse cast. This one was more a quest to seek an artifact that was thought to have been lost to the past. The cast is just as diverse as before and I love them. I love how they interact with the world around them and even though it stands it how it stands against them, yet they still stand up to it, and its prejudices. The ending of the first book in the series broke me. These characters have already gone through so much and the author, Roshani Chokshi, just keeps putting them THROUGH IT. There were also some twists and moments that I was not expecting. I felt so much for Severin, Laila, Enrique and Zofia. I know that they are all very flawed, but that is what makes them even better. Maybe it’s because I’m already so attached to these characters, but regardless, I can’t wait for the third book in this series. Also, THERE’S A NEURODIVERGENT CHARACTER? Like, an ACTUAL neuro-divergent character, not a caricature. This character was accepted and accommodated and it wasn’t a bother? I love to see diverse ethnicities and types of characters. Another note, I thought this was going to be a duology, but it’s a trilogy. Speaking of the ending of this? (And there are no spoilers here) but I feel like it kinda just… ended? It as a little anti-climactic and it felt like there were significantly more loose ends this time around. I’m sure these will all be answered in the last book of the trilogy. Another thing, I think the writing in this is also gorgeous. It’s not overly flowery, but it’s still gorgeous. I think the author does a really good job of conveying feelings and emotions in her prose. I know that a lot of people compare the first book to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, but it’s nothing like that. Those books are compared because they have character groups that are found family partaking in a heist. The magical system here is totally different. The characters themselves are also different. It can certainly appeal to those who like SOC, but don’t feel like it’s going to be exactly the same. I’m really happy I got the opportunity to read this.

Suggested Reader Age: Young Adult

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Romance, Mystery

Rep: Algerian & French, Philippines, Polish, Indian, Black, Jewish, bisexual, autism?

Triggers: abuse, grief, loss of a loved one, manipulation, sex, self-harm, terminal illness, violence

› Séverin is searching for "the Divine Lyrics" that contain the secret for joining the world's Babel Fragments which would rebuild the Tower of Babel allowing one to access "the power of God".

› Laila wants to help him find "the Divine Lyrics" but for a different reason...

"The jaadugar had said her body - built rather than born - would not last past her twentieth birthday. She would not last, which left her with little over a month of life. Her only hope of survival was The Divine Lyrics, a book that held the secret to the power of Forging, the art of controlling mind or matter depending on one's affinity. With it, her own Forged body might find a way to hold itself together."

› I use the CAWPILE method to rate books.
0-3 Really bad
4-6 Mediocre
7-9 Really good
10 Outstanding

› Characters: 10
Like The Gilded Wolves, The Silvered Serpents is character-driven with an extremely well-developed diverse cast. Once again, Zofia is my favourite character, with the hilarious Hypnos as a close second.

“See how the symbols stretch across all three shields? They represent a god."

Hypnos frowned. "There's a God of lions and knives and wineglasses? That seems incredibly specific."

"This god is Shezmu," said Enrique, rolling his eyes. "He's seldom depicted, perhaps because he's at such odds with himself. On the other hand, he's the lord of perfumes and gracious oils, often considered something of a celebration deity."

"My kind of god," said Hypnos.

"He is also the god of slaughter, blood and dismemberment."

"I amend my original statement," said Hypnos.”


› Atmosphere: 8
I loved the mood and settings but would have liked a bit more description.

› Writing Style: 10
High quality, love the writing style.

› Plot: 7
Exciting, great beginning, lost the pacing around the middle and then it picked up at the end.

› Intrigue: 10
I want to know what's going to happen! How is this series going to end?

› Logic: 9
In The Giilded Wolves I felt confused about forging, however, in this second installment we get to learn a lot about the magic system and it made a lot more sense. There are a few parts that were confusing, but I think they'll be sorted out in the next book.

› Enjoyment: 10

Average 9.1

1.1-2.2 = ★
2.3-4.5 = ★★
4.6-6.9 = ★★★
7-8.9 = ★★★★
9-10 = ★★★★★

My Rating ★★★★★

› Final Thoughts
• The Silvered Serpents gave reminded me of The Diviners series by Libba Bray and Dr Who. I can't wait for the next books of this series, which is set to release in 2021.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*

Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!!

I had first requested this book not knowing that it was the second in the series and decided to order the first, The Gilded Wolves, to read first. So glad that I did because you really need to read the books in order as The Silvered Serpents takes up shortly after where The Gilded Wolves ends. Once again I have been introduced to a new author through NetGalley, one that I probably would not have normally picked up. As readers we sometimes get in a rut of picking up books from familiar authors and genres that we have enjoyed in the past, afraid to venture outside of our realm of comfort in fear that we will dislike something outside of our usual fare.
The Silvered Serpent has a cast of characters that are likable, who you want to root for, whose emotions and responses are so real to the reader. The prose flows as magically as the events that transpire within the pages, building a world of colour and wonder to engage your imagination. The story ends in a cliffhanger that will have you shouting in despair for more of this wonderful story. It will have you contemplating how the rest of the story will play out, eagerly awaiting for the next installment.
Anyone who loved Harry Potter will love this more grown up tale of magic.

i never ended up downloading this, i've been reading other reviews on this and it sounds pretty good, so i might go get it~

The second book in the Gilded Wolves series, The Silvered Serpents follows our main characters on their continued search for an ancient artifact that contains secrets of forging and power.

I love this rag tag group of characters. I enjoyed learning more about some of the group members and their backgrounds. Zofia and Enrique especially developed more in this book, with some great insight into their characters. It is always interesting how their individual expertise combine in solving these mysteries. The representation of diverse characters was refreshing, as well.

The plot and mystery were gripping. I felt it was good balance of setup and action. The main thing missing for me was more information on the magic system. I was hoping for a clearer understanding of how forging and affinity work.

I think Chokshi has created a lovable cast of characters and a unique historical fantasy setting. I definitely plan to continue the series to find out what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review!

I read this right before it's release but unfortunately, haven't had the chance to type up my review. After reading The Gilded Wolves earlier this year I could not wait to read The Silvered Serpents. I may not have enjoyed this quite as much but I still devoured it and I can happily say that this does not suffer from second book syndrome! This picks up shortly after the end of book one and we find out how the characters are coping with the heartbreaking loss they experienced.

When Severin comes across a lead with the location of The Divine Lyrics, he gets the gang back together for one last heist. Laila desperately needs this book to survive but Severin has a darker purpose for it. Rumor has it that this long lost artifact has the ability to grant it's possessor the power of God.

The Silvered Serpents is filled with drama, heists, and of course, a lot of danger. It's both plot and character driven which I highly enjoy and once again the world-building and magic were FANTASTIC. There were some parts that frustrated me - including the romance or lack thereof between two specific characters - but the book was beautiful and heartbreaking. Thankfully, Hypnos is there to provide some much appreciated comic relief.

I don't want to spoil anything but...after that cliffhanger I need book 3!

Incredible follow-up to Guilderland Wolves. Gut wrenching, heart breaking and utterly brutal. The writing is fearless and holds nothing back in the aftermath of Gilded Wolves tragic ending. The fall out is devastating and long lasting. There isn't any quick recovery or moving on. Quite the opposite, the scars are deep and lashes out, unforgiving.

A good follow up to the first book in this series, The Gilded Wolves. I enjoyed spending more time with the characters and was not disappointed in the story in general.

Thank the world above that I picked up Gilded Wolves last year. I loved Gilded Wolves but this book is so much darker and so much better. Silvered Serpents has everything. It has romance, friendship, high stakes, intrigue, politics, and adventure. Severin and his crew are back to find The Lost Lyrics and they are more wary, grief stricken, and tougher than ever after losing Tristan. Every member of the crew is a little bit closed off since they are dealing with there grief in a different way and their pain is definitely reflected throughout this book. I cannot wait for the last book in this trilogy because I need to have a conclusion and next year seems too far away.

<strong>This sequel is a lot darker and gives off different vibes than the first one</strong>. It deals with heavy grief - not always expressed in a healthy way, which is kind of the point for some characters - after losing a beloved friend and the impact it can have on a friend group. This book is sad and heartbreaking and at times really emotionally upsetting. It was hard to divorce myself from my personal feelings (being really upset and hurt for and with the characters) to look further into the craft used by the author and appreciate how she handled so many tough topics. This is a well-written book that however at times was hard for me to read. So, I feel like you have to be in the right headspace to read this if you're a very emotional reader like I am because the characters get dragged through the wringer. I also need the sequel like right now, please!!!

<strong>Every character is dealing with grief and change in a different way and has a truly profound and well-written character arc! </strong>

➽ <strong>Zofia is worried about her sick sister and scared of being a burden to others</strong>. She askes herself the question: who will care and worry for me? How can I depend on only myself without needing to ask others for help? Zofia also deals with her neurodivergence (she's on the autism spectrum and has got anxiety as well) in a world that doesn't understand her. I also appreciated the continued discussion of her dealing with antisemitism. <strong>As my favorite character I was really invested in her struggles</strong> and I still love her very, very much!! Her slowly coming to see herself as brave and good just the way she is, was so good to see as she has so much doubt about herself and how she can exist in this world. Seeing the world differently from everyone else is hard and Zofia is truly brave for still trying to navigate it.

<strong>➽ Enrique is feeling like no one hears his voice</strong>, not the Illustradoes, and most heartbreakingly sometimes even his friends. His arc I deeply related to, because I know how much it hurts to feel invisible and overlooked like no one cares what you have to say. Oftentimes it doesn't even happen with malicious intent, but it stings all the same, especially when you're talking about something you're passionate about. The only person who seems to see him is Zofia, something that means a lot to him. I<strong> honestly just wanted to give him a hug</strong> as Enrique is such a smart and kind boy, but has felt shoved to the side many times in the past when he deserved someone who listened to him all the time.

<strong>➽ Hypnos is still trying desperately to belong to the group</strong>, something else I related to. He's felt like an outsider for the majority of his life and is now trying his best to secure his new friend group. That's why continued rejection hurts him deep down, even though he tries to cover it up with humor and charisma most of the time. I had hoped for a POV of his (after the last book ended with a POV by him in the epilogue), but we sadly didn't get one. Still, the author manages to <strong>explore his struggles to belong through the eyes of the other characters</strong> and it broke my heart when Hypnos felt shoved aside.

<strong>➽ Laila is coming to terms with her own morality as times runs out before her birthday</strong>. She doesn't want the others to see her as less human and keep away from her. Apart from that, she's also hit hard by Tristan's loss and barely does things she enjoys (like baking) anymore. Worst of all she feels like she's in love with a ghost, as Severin has completely changed and she tries to fight the hope that his old self might come back. I liked that despite her dilemma, <strong>she wasn't ready to die just to save Severin</strong> and not to be used as an object to further his character development. She called him out for his behavior and though she couldn't help but still love him deep down, she was determined to die on her terms and not his.

<strong>➽ Severin was the hardest character to like in this book. He was a bit TOO unlikable for me personally and the aspect of the book I liked the least</strong>. The problem is that he was my least favorite character out of the cast in The Gilded Wolves and his only redeeming feature was how he wanted to protect his friends. The latter was largely absent here (or at least not shown in a way that felt genuine to me) which left me with nothing to like. It wasn't so bad in his POV as here we at least saw his struggles, his attempts to divorce himself from his feelings and humanity to never make an error again, like what cost him Tristan's life. <strong>I understand that he wanted to become a God to be invincible and without the feeling of guilt and hurt and also to never be powerless to stop something ever again</strong> It was just frustrating to see him constantly isolated from his friends, manipulate them to get them to come on the mission and being unnecessarily cruel to them. Especially from the other's POV, it was so upsetting to see as they had no idea why he was suddenly against them too. Yes they know he's grieving but it still hurts how he disregards him. His Arc was well-written but how he treated his friends enraged me. <strong>His grief isn't pretty and that should be allowed to be shown as well, but that doesn't mean I have to like him or his actions</strong>.

<strong>There are also a lot of interesting secondary characters that we got to see more of in this book!</strong> Some of them were new, but we also had a character from the first book who really surprised me by becoming much more intriguing to me this time around.

<strong>A character we know from the first book is Delphine.</strong> She's the Matriarch of House Kore and initially, I felt pretty indifferent to her, she is an important character but didn't stick with me. However, in The Silvered Serpents, I loved her a lot more, especially her<strong> complicated relationship with Severin</strong> and her maternal instincts towards him and also Laila. We finally get a glimpse into her own struggles and attempts to repair what happened with Severin. I was very sad that she died in the end, as I would have loved to see more of her!

<strong>I really loved Ruslan, the Patriarch of House Dazbog</strong>. He's joining the treasure hunt as the crew is in his region and he was funny with his hair jokes. He seemed so good-natured and often lightened the mood when things were looking glum, something I really appreciated.

<strong>Eva</strong> was a tough character as she was just there to cause drama and perpetuate girl hate by despising Laila for no reason</strong> (yes she was jealous but it wasn't explored enough.) Her character could have been so interesting and I'm sad it was never explored. Instead, she constantly insults Laila and tries to flirt with Severin. Laila acknowledges that she knows how the world pits girls against each other and later tries to at least find mutual respect, but it goes nowhere.

<strong>"And what if it doesn't change him?", she said, her voice rising. "And even if it does, what does it mean that I have to be at death's door to bring him back to himself? My life and whatever is left of it, will not be what his soul gnaws on to regain its strength. My <em>death</em> is not in service to his character, and I will not be a sacrifice simply for him to find peace of mind. He is <em>not</em> my responsibility to save."</strong>

<strong>The continued worldbuilding and new setting were really great</strong>! This time we're in Russia and are seeing House Dazbog, as the country only has one House affiliated with the Order. The change of scenery fits in very well with the emotional journeys of the characters, as they literally leave behind their old life in Paris as well as their dead friend Tristan, who however still continues to haunt them. Away from their old life - which was already changed - they find themselves in cold Russia and the <strong>snow and general atmosphere once again fit in with the more hopeless and dark mood of the book</strong>. It was all woven together and of course, Roshani Chokshi's writing continues to be breathtaking and so vivid. The<strong> main setting is The Sleeping Palace</strong>, the legendary headquarters of the Fallen House which brings us back to the discussion of godhood, the Babel Fragments, and the Divine Lyrics, a book said to be able to unlock the secrets of the Order. We learn more about the world like the Lost Muses, the other houses, and especially Blood/Ice Forgery. I wish we had learned even more about Forging though.

<strong>The Plot was more fast-paced than the previous book</strong>. It was an interesting plotline without feeling like a 'filler second book' and even though things got darker there were still the exploring and treasure hunting vibes from the first book. I loved the treasure hunt for the Divine Lyrics and seeing the characters slowly trying to uncover the secrets of the Sleeping Palace, so I enjoyed my time reading the book! Though the <strong>book felt very melancholic, I liked that Hypnos, Zofia, and Enrique's banter often lightened the mood</strong> (as well as Ruslan's hair jokes) and provided some much-needed light in the glum atmosphere. So even though my heart hurt a lot during this book, the authors tried to balance the tough topics with some humor and banter. The <strong>story also explores a lot of important themes</strong> like how people deal with grief, how love often looks less like beauty and like horror, lies or coldness, mortality, and colonization.

<strong>Once again there are a lot of character dynamics that continued to get explored</strong>. Romance-wise Hypnos, Enrique, and Zofia are my favorite dynamic and I liked seeing how that played out, as it could have gone either way. Severin and Laila are obviously tenser (see above when I talked about their character arcs), especially as there is<strong> love, but also so much hurt and grief</strong>. They were never my preferred couple, so I'm not too hurt, but it was still sad to see how far they drifted from each other. In my opinion, they're not the healthiest people for each other right now.

Friendship-wise I loved the <strong>dynamics of</strong> <strong>Enrique, Zofia & Laila still sticking together</strong> <strong>even in the face of everything that happened</strong>. They all seem to be losing Severin to some darker version of himself, but they still try to be there for each other. Zofia & Laila are checking in with each other (with Zofia determined to do anything to save her friends), Hypnos and Laila's banter and friendship were also so refreshing and in general, they are trying their best to still be a team even when everything is different 💕

<strong>IN CONCLUSION.</strong> ➽ <em>The Silvered Serpents</em> is a much<strong> darker sequel than I expected and there are a lot of upsetting things happening</strong>. However, the author is a <strong>master at weaving together</strong> the grief, hurt, and all the ugly feelings of the book together with the new setting and melancholic atmosphere.

Welp, I can’t remember reading the premise of this book or that it is the second book in a series.

I started reading and felt a bit confused as the “start” of the characters and the world building had seemed to be forgotten. I was trying my best to get into the story, and then finding out that this is book two, I just couldn’t get myself to read the first book or continue with this story.

I apologize, but I couldn’t finish this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, The Gilded Wolves. When I found out about the sequel, I couldn't wait to read it. What was going to happen to my favorite found family babies?? I needed to know. Welp, I finally know and while I did enjoy this, I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the original book. It's hard to describe, but I'll do my best.

As usual, Roshani's writing was beautiful and the magical and mystery elements of this story were intriguing. Blood forging was introduced in this installment and I have to say that was an interesting new addition to the story. The thought that forging of the blood could be both pleasurable and harmful plays to just how dangerous pieces of this world tend to be. Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos all pulled at my heartstrings, but I expected nothing less. I just wanted them to all be happy because they deserve nothing but the best. Laila also pulled at my heartstrings this time too. While her relationship with Severin was still irritating as hell, being able to see her in a vulnerable light due to her secret was a great experience. Overall I think the story was great, I just think the execution and some of the plot points were....not for me.

For instance, Severin. I swear to goodness she was annoying the first time around, but this time it was even worse. Yes he was grieving, yes he was breaking under the pressure, but SIR WHY ARE YOU DOING THE MOST?!?!?! It just felt like Severin was unraveling at every turn and while I can appreciate taking a character to hell and back, it just seemed like overkill. He was trying to convince himself that this wasn't selfish behavior, but it absolutely was. It's not until the end of the book that his actions really become about everyone else around him and that's the moment where I actually started to root for him. That's not to say I don't like Severin, I'm just saying he gives me the biggest headache.

Also, Tristan. Anyone who read the first book knows that Tristan unfortunately didn't make it to the Silvered Serpents. It broke my heart and apparently it broke everyone else. I get it. Tristan was the glue that held the group together. What I didn't get what the darkness that was discovered after Tristan died. Suddenly we learn that the sweet boy we all loved wasn't exactly sweet and was actually dark and twisted. Honestly, I just don't think I bought that part of the story and it felt like it was only there to send Severin into a bigger spiral.

Finally, I didn't get the poly relationship of my dreams. In my (humble) opinion, Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos have all been teased as having feelings for one another. They each offer something to the others that they need and want and it's a beautiful thing. I was really hoping that instead of making this a love triangle, Roshani would just throw caution into the wind and take a chance! Instead, we get the opposite. Unrequited feelings , broken heart and then oh look, this person actually cares about me instead is what we get. I just...I guess I was disappointed in the direction that this went in.

Overall, I did enjoy the story and I was continuously invested, there were just elements that prevented me from enjoying it as much as TGW. I am still excited about the follow-up book, especially since I had no idea that there were be a third book and I guess I'll just have to see where Roshani chooses to go with this story and it's characters.

I adore Roshani Chokshi. This is her second book in the Gilded Wolves series. The first one ended with a bit of a cliffhanger so I have been eagerly awaiting this book ever since.
When Severin and his team go looking for the Divine Lyrics, there is trouble at every turn. Each of the team have their own motives for the search and their own secrets to protect.
It did take me a little bit of time to remember what had happened at the end of the first book, but luckily the author posted a summary on her website which really helped out. Chokshi has created such an inventive world and magic system in this series. The characters are absolutely unforgettable and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

The Silvered Serpents was one of those sequels that holds fast to everything you love about the first book, but takes it to a whole other level of good. Severin and the crew are left reeling after Tristan's death, but it only spurs them on in their search for the mystical Divine Lyrics that can reportedly turn people into gods. Lives are on the line as Severin, Laila, Zofia and Enrique travel to Russia in pursuit of the missing piece of the puzzle that will allow them to locate the Lyrics. But it soon becomes clear that they are not the only ones searching for the artifact. A plot decades in the making stands in their way, and Severin and company must decide what they are willing to sacrifice and how far they are willing to go in order to get what they most desire. For some it's revenge, for others, it's salvation, but The Silvered Serpent is sure to have your eyes glued to the page until its devastating end.
I won't lie to you, The Gilded Wolves was not my favorite read ever. I liked it well enough, but it wasn't something that slammed me to the ground with how amazing it was. The Silvered Serpents was an all together different story. I thought that TSS was MUCH better than TGW. Full of betrayal, forbidden attraction and high stakes, I found myself addicted to this story as Severin, Laila, Enrique and Zofia race to find The Divine Lyrics. I thought Laila's storyline, in particular, was really well-done. I loved seeing her shine in this book as she grapples with her secrets and fights for survival. I loved the heartbreaking trials her relationship with Severin went through. I also loved seeing more of the dynamics that the members of Severin's team has with each other. Those friendships and that banter was really enjoyable. The lore and mythos behind The Divine Lyrics and The Fallen House were crafted in such a way that made it fascinating, and I was not expecting the big twists in that respect. Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about The Silvered Serpents. With strong writing, complex yet lovable characters, and an absolutely devastating ending, TSS left me breathless. It's a tale about sacrifice, grief and ambition that is sure to delight fans of The Gilded Wolves.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange of an honest review!!

This book was amazing! Although we didn’t see much world building, like in the first one, she dived deep in the characters, and I fell in love with all of them again. The pacing was great, I really enjoyed the twists, the villains… I’ll definitely check more of Roshani’s work, because this series has my heart.