I Adored this book. It had me hooked from page one. Drawing me in and making me feel as if i was there living it myself. It is one of my top reads for this year by far

not surprised at how wonderfully written this books is. im not going to give details on why i did not rate five stars but it mostly have to do with certain characters. other than those characters i loved the book and i thought it was a pretty solid sequel. i can not wait for the final book i know roshani will end it on a satisfying note.

First, how is Roshani Chokshi going to do us like that with the ending?

Second, MY POOR BABIES! All I want to do is to take them away and protect them from all the evil things Roshani is doing to them.

It's no secret that sequels stress me out (especially if there are more books to come in a series) and I usually procrastinate reading them. Let me tell you, The Silvered Serpents lived up to its predecessor and even surpassed it. There was so much action, plot-twists, and angst that I was pulled along until the last page.

What I love most about these books is how much Roshani makes her characters so endearing. Even with Séverin being a lovable idiot for most of the book, I couldn't stop wanting to protect him. I love seeing how much these characters care and fight for each other. They are truly one incredibly complicated family!

Throughout the book, our little gang of misfits is trying to find the elusive Divine Lyrics. For Laila this could mean life or death. With her birthday getting closer and closer, her time is running short to find out if the story is true that she will not live to see past her 19th birthday. For Séverin, this is about avenging Tristan but also preventing anyone else from getting hurt. He wants to use The Divine Lyrics to become a god no matter the consequences. Zofia needs more money to take care of her sick sister Hela and Séverin promises her that he will take care of Hela and that the sisters won't have anything else to worry about as long as Zofia helps in this last heist. Enrique has just faced the embarrassment of the Ilustrados not showing up to his talk and needs to find The Divine Lyrics to prove his worth.

What could go wrong?

Thank you so much to Roshani Chokshi, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Silvered Serpents early. The Gilded Wolves was one of my favorite books of 2019 and I was so excited to receive this arc. Here's to waiting for the third book!

I reread the Gilded Wolves just before reading this one as it had been a while and I'm glad I did. The first thing I noticed about the Silvered Serpents is that it is bleak. The setting - the ice and snow of Russia - was the perfect bleak, harsh backdrop for this story. None of Severin's circle are coping well with Tristan's death - least of all Severin.

Severin was really hard to like in this one. He's so preoccupied with amassing power to protect those he loves that he loses track of what he loves about them in the first place. Laila and Enrique and Zofia and Hypnos are all estranged and wounded too, and the book as a whole showcases a loss of the hope and warmth of friendship and family from the first book.

There are some intriguing new characters - and a mindblowing reveal at the end. The Fallen House's Sleeping Palace is beautiful and dangerous and the treasure hunt has higher stakes than the heist in the previous book. And after that ending, I'm anticipating even higher stakes in the final book.

I loved the descriptions and detail and the well-paced unrolling of events. Chokshi's writing keeps getting better with every book of hers I read. I can't wait for the next book!

[CW: dismemberment, torture, blood Forging, off-screen killings, emotional abuse, alcohol, (possible) panic attacks, antisemitism, racism, suicide of a very minor character, bombing, manipulation]

I love the tagline, "They are each other’s fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope." Upon finishing, I realized just how true it is.

To avoid spoilers for The Gilded Wolves, I am only lightly touching on the plot of this second installment. Séverin is now colder and more distant because of the events in the first book. With the group disbanded at the beginning of the story, Séverin calls Laila, Enrique, Zofia, and Hypnos back together for their newest heist of retrieving The Divine Lyrics. Laila, being Forged, needs the book to stay alive past her nineteenth birthday, but Séverin does not know that. He wants it to make the group powerful.

Again, I am amazed by Chokshi's storytelling and incorporation of multiple cultures as well as identities. Though some world-building aspects were very random, I am hoping to see everything come together in the next book.

There are a lot of secret yearnings going on for one another within the group, and it was somewhat sad to read. Though I cannot seem to care much about some of the characters, I am rooting for Zofia and Enrique. I love their quirkinesses as I share their love for patterns, mathematics, languages, and literatures. I also adore Laila for her softness and resilience.

Being a trilogy, the story arc is very long, and in The Silvered Serpents, the character growths are minimum. All of the mains are extremely stubborn and at times seem to have one-track minds. I internally groan for their lack of communication and repeating careless actions, but they are only human after all.

One thing I find especially intriguing was Laila's making, aka the Forging of her body. Zofia had thought, "Anatomically, the body was a machine whether it was born or built. What lay inside was no different," and I find this as a trans allegory. There was also one mention that Laila wasn't born with the name, but rather chose it for herself. Her father had looked at her with disgust and I see it as a parallel to transphobia and familial rejection. Maybe it is just me, but I think this is something worth considering.

If you enjoy fantasy books with thrilling plot and a group of ethnically diverse friends on a mission, this series is just for you. Though I had expressed that the ending of The Gilded Wolves was painful, nothing has prepared me for the ultimate cliffhanger in The Silvered Serpents. If unresolved main plot makes you anxious, maybe reading the whole series once it has concluded will be better for your heart and your head. I am going to worry about everyone, especially Laila, until the third book is out.

I'm going to keep this review somewhat vague as it's a sequel and you really need to read the first one or else this book will make no sense to you.  I had a really good time with the first book.  Lots of people said it was confusing, but personally I didn't think it was.  I thought the world was really interesting, and I loved the development of the characters and each of their unique voices.  So I was really excited when I was approved for the sequel.

All the things that I loved about the first book were present in the second.  I absolutely loved the characters still, and the multiple points of view included are a real highlight.  I love each and every character that you get a point of view for.  Zofia and Laila are my particular favourites, but I also really enjoyed reading from Severin and Enrique's points of view.

I also still loved the setting.  The historical setting is a really interesting aspect, and I love the juxtaposition of the history and the magical elements.  This book didn't take place in Paris for the most part, except for the set up, but the Russian setting was still really interesting and fun to explore as well.

The overall story took some time to build up, but there was a good sense of suspense as it built to the climax.  There were certain time constraints that put added pressure on our protagonists, which really added to suspense.  It also kept me guessing with who I should be trusting and who was the bad guy.  

I absolutely loved the cliffhanger ending, and all I can say is that I need the next one as soon as possible!

I highly recommend that you check out The Gilded Wolves if you haven't already, and if you have, please pick up The Silvered Serpents when it publishes on September 22nd.

The Silvered Serpents is Roshani Chokshi's sequel to The Gilded Wolves, and while I didn't love The Gilded Wolves I still wanted to give the sequel a try and I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it. It was both fun and heart-wrenching, with a ending that leaves you wanting the next installment.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


The Silvered Serpents is a part of a series written by Roshani Chokshi; It’s predecessor "The Gilded Wolves" begins the story of a group of thieves set on stealing back artifacts from Western Colonial powers and returning them to their rightful countries.

It’s remisniscent of Leigh Bardugos six of crows albeit, there’s a bit more focus on the effects of colonialism in series, both on a personal and grander scale; Which I found refreshing and an important part of history (though ours is significantly less magical) that is seldom given a spot light.

Roshani Chokshi also seamlessly blends mathematics, ancient history, and science in with the overarching storyline.
Something I was initially worried about, as I feared it may have been too simplistic for a book about grand heists, but she strikes an easy balance between giving us information we can understand and using the characters to adequately explain what we don’t, and in a way that feels true to our characters.

One of the only issue I had was with the pacing, which at times felt disjointed.
I found certain scenes were cut a bit shorter than I would’ve liked them to be.

The other issue is: I wish we could’ve gotten a bit more interaction between some of the characters; namely Séverin and Laila.

Part of what made their relationship so appealing was that it was based mostly on tension between the characters rather than on physicality between the two.
We certainly do get tension in this book, but it’s sparsed out more and any physical aspect to it feels hastily thrown in and quickly glossed over.

One of the only other smaller issues was that I found it easy to guess who the villains were as well, but I find this common in many books and not necessarily a hindrance to my enjoyment of the story.

Plus the idea of a group of immigrants spurned by global super powers creating a group of thieves comprised of a historian, a dancer, a scientist, a botanist, a seductive piano player desperately wanting friends, and an orphan - stealing back ancient artifacts and returning them to their home countries, and/or selling them to pay for rebellions against said Western Colonial superpowers?
Amazing.


All in all it’s an enjoyable read and a fun world to dive into.

I’m eagerly awaiting the third novel.

This book has an interesting premise, that there is something out there than will give the finder who can use it ultimate, god-like powers, as an extension of the "forging" ability that most people in this universe have - the ability to change and/or create common (and sometimes uncommon) objects.

Those who enjoy relationships (sexual and otherwise) between characters will enjoy this aspect of the novel, as many of the characters either are, or have been, in a relationship with another character, or more than one. The relationships, past and present, influence the characters' actions and are therefore important to the plot.

As with many books written in the last few years, this novel is written from multiple viewpoints, with each chapter being titled after the character from whose point of view the story is being told; when done well, this can enhance the story, but in this case, I did not feel that it was done as well as it could be. The characters' individual voices were not apparent without the chapter titles, making it difficult on occasion to remember whose point of view was being presented, and for me, this detracted from the story line; it also made it hard for me to follow the first fourth or so of the story. I also felt that the novel ended before the story was finished; as a reader, I would like to know what happened with the power item, as well as to the characters who were left behind in the last few chapters. Improving these two aspects of the novel would have, I think, improved my overall enjoyment.

Such an incredible book and what a thrill ride! This really took me on an emotional roller coaster and now I can't wait for the next one in the series to arrive. I was completely immersed in this book, in its world, in its characters, and I really did not want to leave it. IT. WAS. MAGICAL. Don't read it if you haven't read The Gilded Wolves! You need the backstory, Five beautiful stars.

I wish that The Gilded Wolves hadn’t been compared to Six of Crows as much as it was. I went into that book with different expectations and I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I should have. While I enjoyed The Gilded Wolves, I didn’t LOVE it. It crushed my heart and made me very sad and in deep need of the next book but I wasn’t obsessed. Well, my friends, enter The Silvered Serpents. This book was so much more fast paced and fun than the first book. So much happened, so much of it was heartbreaking. Plus that ending has me screaming for more. I loved this book so much and I’m dying for the next book ( how long do we have the wait?)

The Silvered Serpents picks up shortly after the events of The Gilded Wolves. The team is scattered throughout Paris trying to get on with their lives after the devastating loss of Tristan. Each one processing their grief in different ways. Laila is also having to come to terms with her impending death, now that the team wasn’t able to find The Divine Lyrics. When Severin gets a tip that the Divine Lyrics might not be completely lost to him, and that he might be closer to finding a way to protect those he loves from death, the team embarks to Russia on one last search.

What I liked:
The Ice Castle. I loved this setting. It was dark and creepy and in some rooms grotesque. But it was interesting as well. The booby traps the beauty of the dinning room. I loved discovering new rooms with the characters

The Grief. Each of the Characters handle the death of Tristan so differently. Severins grief was the darkest but at the same time almost even heartwarming. His whole focus this book was to protect the people that he loves so that none of them would die, and that he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore loss. For him the way to go about that would be to come a god, which I’m sure we all know is probably not going to go the way he wants it to.

Zofia and Enrique. I love their relationship.The way that Enrique teases her but he also fully respects and understands her boundaries. In fact, I appreciate each of the characters understanding of Zofia, how they know what she likes, what stresses her out and what helps her. They all support her without making it seem like work. I hope that Enrique and Zofia’s relationship goes the way I’m thinking is going to go. But even if it doesn't their friendship and support of each other is lovely.

What I didn’t like:
There wasn’t much about this book that I didn’t like if anything it was the predictability. If you read a lot of books, I”m sure you’d be able to spot some of the plot twists coming. Not all of them but some of them.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the addition of Eva either. I don’t really understand why her character was added to the story other than to create tension between Laila and Severin, and to be an instrument for Ruslan to make his move. I’m hoping she has more of an arch in the next book.

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I’m eagerly counting down the days until the 3rd book comes out. (She didn’t watch the bug!) and I would recommend this series of books to anyone looking a book with diverse characters, action, heists, and an lovely magical fantasy story set in Europe in 1800’s

When I read The Gilded Wolves last year I was satisfied with it. The story was interesting and the characters fantastic. Maybe some things were a little bit confusing but it was still an incredible story. So, I started The Silvered Serpent not knowing what to expect and... GUYS, IT WAS FREAKING AMAAAZING! ONE OF THE BEST SEQUELS EVER! It was so beautiful and heartbreaking that my heart is still in turmoil. Roshani Chokshi outdid herself! If the first book is more amusing and lighthearted (except the ending), The Silvered Serpent is the opposite. We have more characters' introspection, and a lot of angst and painful moments. I loved all the characters and you can see their growth through the story. The ending tore me apart and now the waiting for the final book will be endless. If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend it to you! It's absolutely worth it!

The Silvered Serpents was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I am so glad I got my hands on the ARC. This definitely lived up to my expectations, if not, exceeded them. It was nice to be able to go straight into that world again with those characters which followed on straight from the last book book, I was hooked from the start and read it in a day. Seeing all the characters and their relationship with one another progress throughout the book was heartwarming. All I’m going to say is that because of the shocking cliffhanger at the end, I need the next book as soon as possible.

Beautiful and engaging. Kept my emotions on edge. I was so happy to get to read this early. It was everything I hoped for.

Well this the second book in this trilogy really lets the reader get to know the characters much better. It’s less a heist type story and more a treasure hunt.
Following the loss of his brother Severin has shut down his emotions and pushed away everyone who cares for him. Laila knows her life is quite literally winding down and my heart went out to her particularly towards the end of this book. Zofia who has a brilliant mind is confused by unusual feelings and sadly easily taken in. My favourite character is quite possibly Enrique who is unafraid to feel and this instalment really sees him standing up and being counted. Hypnos is his usual effervescent self although at times this take does not show him at quite his sparkling best but my lips are sealed.
This is historical fantasy but there’s almost a sense of steampunk to offset the magic that’s referred to as “forging” . A lot of this revolves around mythology referring to the Temple of Babel and the legendary Muses. There’s the possibility of becoming Godlike driving certain characters played out amidst good old fashioned greed. Add in the fact that the Houses are pretty unlikeable, not to mention somewhat debauched and it’s easy to understand just how so many characters act the way they do. I loved that there’s a huge clue ( no I won’t say where ) and the author almost broke my heart with the way she decided to leave this book because it’s pretty clear that communication has been and still will be a huge problem. I will be blunt and say the pacing of the first half dragged for me but those final few chapters definitely made up for it.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi is a bound masterpiece. I did not think anything could be better than the first book of this trilogy, The Gilded Wolves, but I was very, very wrong. In this book we see the lengths the main characters are willing to go for each other, and the emotions they have for each other are palpable. The tragic romance between Séverin and Laila was especially heartbreaking and sob-worthy, and I find myself not knowing what to do now that I have lost them once again until the publication of the final installment of the trilogy. Every time I turned the page, a shocking twist lay waiting for me, and not once did I find myself bored. This book will absolutely be the best book I’ve read this year, and I eagerly await the final book, which I know will be even better.

This is the second book in a fascinating series, now set in Russia, Severin and his companions are on the trail of a hidden relic that holds the secrets of The Tower of Babel. Once these fragments are joined together, access to the Power of God can be sought and the Promise of Resurrection. To live like a God would be desired by one character, the hope of everlasting life is desired by another.
Its like a quest for the Holy Grail, with a touch of Harry Potter, and echoes of a recent book I have reviewed, The Court of Miracles, a very Gothic and Magical read. Like most treasure hunts, there is a twist at the end, and shows the importance of translation.
Zofia and Leila are my favourite characters and they show the qualities of love, loyalty, betrayal and sacrifice, that resonate with all ages. Although aimed at Young Adults, it can be a demanding read and a Thesaurus may be needed!
Such a wonderful and creative book, it is a great tribute that I wanted to read the next, as soon as I had reached the last page! It is a clever and unique book, and I adore quirky books, so wasn’t disappointed.
I loved the riddles and clues scattered in these pages, I didn’t solve any of them!
The book started slow for me, after all the scene setting of the previous one, it did take a few hesitant steps before the pace picked up and it became a roller coaster of a ride!
This is not my usual genre, but it was so enjoyable, at the age of 66, I will definitely try others. Thank you for my ARC, I give this five stars and will leave a review on Goodreads later.

Imagine reading this book without it being officially published yet and you already want to read book three. How to wait patiently AAAAAAAAAAAAA

Compared to the first book, the mood here was always gloomy and sad. Every character was fighting their personal issues. Laila fighting for her life. Zofia, her lies, and her sister she left behind for the excursion, Enrique, his identity as a Spanish-Filipino and his struggle to be a part of Illustrados (tho he is already, as a writer). And Severin, whose adoptive brother died in the first book, coping with his loss and wanting to achieve something that will turn back everything that happened.

Anyway, the last chapters changed the pace of the book with all the revelations and the Severin-Laila scene :( it was so heart-breaking to see the group breaking up. It made me want book three more. The anticipation of what will happen to the OG group is real.

I give 5 stars to this book and thank you for the approval of my request for this advanced copy.in exchange for a review.

As someone who read book one, saw the potential, I eagerly grabbed an arc for book two when it was free on NetGalley. Well, I actually grabbed The Silvered Serpents prior to owning book one, but when I read it I dove right into book two.

Oh. Just... OH. What a book. What an absolute treasure of a book. The history, the characters, the plot? Like, damn, way to kick it up a notch.

This book ruined me. Honest to god it did. There was times I went 'oh no' or 'oh my god, no' out-loud. (If I told you they were all Severin and Lalia related scenes that'd be a spoiler enough.) But honestly, the focus of this book has to do with them.

Severin is up there with Kaz Brekker in terms of literary men that have these levels of darkness to them. Severin, however, is OBSESSED with becoming a god, to basically become that of which he got a taste of - an angel or a demon, you pick. Bitter over the loss from book one, he vows that he would change himself to fit the needs of the passion to save the people he loves. Poor Laila has to watch him slide down this slippery slope into cutting off all his emotions, his ties, and his humanity until he gains his god-status. Which she is totally unaware of his true desire to do so. Actually, every one is!

The other characters all have suffered in their own ways. Hypnos and Enrique, a will they/won't they relationship. Zoya and Enrique, a will they/won't they relationship. And poor Laila, what is to become of her.

I can't say any more, but that ending ripped the heart out of me. I hope that the wait for Book 3 is not as long and if you're looking for something to give you that Six of Crows / Crooked Kingdom feeling, this is it.

I always love a heist story with a diverse group of characters. The Gilded Wolves series could be pitched as if Six of Crows took place in 1890s Paris instead of Ketterdam and relied on Greek mythology instead of Grisha power. If you loved the first book, you’ll love the sequel, the Silvered Serpents too. Roshani’s writing is so beautiful and immersive and I love the world she has created in these books. I also love the characters and their diversity and complex relationships with each other. I found the plot kind of hard to follow in the middle. I had an issue with this in the Gilded Wolves as well, and I’m not sure if it’s the writing or my own comprehension but I have difficulty in keeping track of where the crew is going and what object they are looking for and why they need it. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying it, however. The ending was also very intense so you won’t want to miss that 👀