
Member Reviews

The Silvered Serpents builds on the masterpiece that was The Gilded Wolves, Roshani Chokshi weaves a brilliant tale with pieces of history and folklore rarely taught in schools. Making her characters more life like with each paragraph and relationships so beautifully intimate, Chokshi shines brighter than ever in her latest novel.

Roshani definitely put the pedal to the metal and drove this story into favoriteville for me.
Now let's start with my favorite parts to this story. As all Roshani books do, the atmospheres are pure magic and enchantment. Plot twist but not really if you know me- I'm forever going to be a sucker for Russian themed/ influenced novels, and while Russia is definitely not the main location for this book, the groups entrance into this new environment left me screaming like a fangirl banshee after drinking too many Root beer floats. The mood in this new landscape was EVERYTHING. Roshani even adds some references to history and their impacts via the characters, pogroms specifically, and it was interesting to see how history threaded together with Roshani's world building. It made for a stronger setting than Paris at times because I felt as if I was living through these scenes. The Sleeping Palace plot was definitely a 11/10 for me!
Moreover, this installment for Roshani's writing felt different to me. I haven't read A Crown of Wishes to be fair, but this story felt grittier, darker, and more emotional. So many characters are revealing their truths, fears, and desires to the readers, and my heart aches at all of them. I felt more connected to them than I ever did in TGW, which is a comment I'm glad to make because at times I was not feeling all of them in TGW.
One of my favorite parts is actually going to be annoyingly alluded to in this review. At certain points Roshani adds this unique POV to the book that shows us a past experience of a certain character, and it made me scream every single time. They became my favorite part to this story because they are so small at first glance (cause I just want to read about the present haha), but each one holds this importance that you sometimes don't realize until it is too late.
Anyway, Zofia is still without a doubt my favorite character. I loved that she got more chapters in this story (it seemed like it to me at least idk if I'm correct) and was also able to put down a few more boundaries. She, like all the other characters, has A LOT, to worry about both through their group and personal reasons. Her development was by far amazing.
THEN Laila and Séverin have their own issues to deal with after the ending of TGW, and I wanted to just hug them both. Séverin definitely deserves a smack upside the head at times because COMMUNICATION, but I understand why he puts himself down this path due to pain, grief, and fear for others.
Enrique was a character in TGW that I felt “meh” for. I just don’t remember him leaving a mark on me through the first installment, but like Zofia he really steps it up in the book, especially in terms of his torn opinions on matters. He suffers in a very different way in this sequel, and I definitely fell to his side when the revelation is revealed. He deserves the world and happiness. I’m hoping he can find it by the end of this series.
TSS is a great representation in my opinion on differing forms of grief because each character handles it differently. The grief doesn't even refer to death or one experience for all of them because each have their own things going on, which only intensifies the stakes the team has for this heist/ job. They have different motivations, and their broken relationships only intensify this reality and danger. I was on the edge of my seat. Truly there are some terrifying scenes that sent alllll the shivers down my spine towards the middle and end of the book.
Lastly, I want to say that Roshani does a fantastic job at simultaneously creating and revealings clues from this book and the first. It shows all of the thought and hard work she's put into creating this dynamic world, and I have to give her credit. I really want to do a TGW reread sometime before TSS releases in the fall because it will definitely give me some clarity again. I highly recommend reading these books back to back once it is possible.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Where to start? When I picked up The Gilded Wolves last year, I became enamored by the cast of characters. I love found families so much, and this crew stole my heart really quickly. This book, just surged my adoration for them.
My heart broke at the end of the last book, and throughout this one that pain kept coming back with the remembrance of it, and it's rare that character's feelings can do so. Laila and Zofia especially once again just left me an aching mess. Seeing each character deal with grief in their own way is something that just brings more life into them, and if that leaves aches in my heart, I'll gladly deal with it for more.
The plot had my attention completely. The location? Absolutely stunning and chilling. Something about the icy locale along with a story of hope but also betrayal just fit so perfectly to me.
Usually I know second installments are a big hurdle to cross. A lot are much lackluster compared to their first, but in this case I found the Silvered Serpents to completely deny that entire idea. Over all I couldn't even think of one thing I hated or terribly disliked over the course of the book.
At this current moment, Roshani Chokshi has made my favorite Young Adult series, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.

I just absolutely LOVED this book. Every second of it.
While reading the first book I wasn't sure if this series was for me but the ending left me surprised, so I definitely wanted to continue reading and oh boy, I was not disappointed. Obviously. I kinda can't believe I love these characters all so much because I didn't care for most of them in ”The Gilded Wolves” but suddenly - maybe because I already knew them - I really connected to them and found something relatable in everyone. They feel just so damn real and human. Well, except maybe Severin. He was actually my least favorite of the cast, which was a bit surprising for me because in the first book I liked Severin and Laila the most and in ”The Silvered Serpents” I was always longing for more chapters from Zofias and Enriques POV. I just truly adore that we have such a diverse cast of characters in these books. And the banter between Zofia and Hypnos was just everything and made me smile a lot. They're just really funny at the most unexpected moments.
And the plot? Kept me totally on my toes the whole time because so much was going on. For me ”The Silvered Serpents” was perfectly paced, I wasn't bored one bit while reading it and also not overwhelmed with what's going on - which was a lot - and at the same time, we get to see a lot of the characters thoughts and feelings, which made it feel very character-driven. The ending wasn't as shocking for me after ”The Gilded Wolves” and I guessed who would be the bad guy pretty early, but it was still so much fun to find out if I was right. Which I was, so yay me.
But it wasn't just plot and characters, it was also the setting and Roshni Chokshi's beautiful writing style that made me fall absolutely in love with this book. There were so many beautiful descriptions and quotes I marked on my kindle. Also, I just really like it if a second book takes place at a different location than the first one, and Russia/The Sleeping Palace was such a cool, atmospheric setting.
So, I think that was enough of me gushing about this book. I think it's very clear how much I fell on love with the characters and their stories and I can't wait to find out how this tale will end in the third book.
If you liked the first book a bit (or not) I would definitely recommend reading the second book in the series because ”The Silvered Serpents” was everything I hoped for and more. It was just so, so good. In fact, I can't stop thinking about it.
And that should be really enough of me raving about this book, but let me say one more time: Please do yourself a favor and READ THIS SERIES.

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi is an excellent novel that has elements of historical fiction, fantasy, intrigue, suspense, mystery, and kept me interested throughout.
This is the follow-up novel to 2019's fantastic Gilded Wolves. Luckily, the typical sophomore slump does not apply to this gem.
I won't rehash the plot, as one can read for themselves, and as also not to divulge any potential spoilers. But, I need to say that this book is everything that one can hope for in a fantasy novel. It is labeled as YA, however I am definitely not in that category, and I enjoyed it immensely.
It is dark, suspenseful, nail-biting, exhilarating at times, complex, and the twists and turns continued with that theme. I loved the complexity of the character cast, and I loved, LOVED the location of Russia. It definitely added to the overall concept and feel for the book. The pacing was perfect.
I can't wait to read the third installment.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books/St.Martin's Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

I thought gilded wolves ended in heartbreak but I was wrong. This one does. I need a happy ending for them. The world building is magical and the warding is brilliant. I feel smarter just for reading this .

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review!
The one thing I was scared about was how many second instalments in trilogies usually end up falling flat, but The Silvered Serpents managed to bypass the Second Book Curse and had me up until 1 am finishing it because the suspense was far too much. Plus, Roshani's writing is just that amazing, from the banter/angst to the descriptions of ice animals and the opulence of the Sleeping Palace
We get a brief look into how the Crew's dynamics have shifted after the fallout from TGW before they're whisked off to Serbia. I love how it built up the relationships between the different members, and how despite the events of the previous book that they're just as ride-or-die. Some characters are on Thin Ice but such is the way of writing heist books that take a dark and unexpected turn when [redacted].
Also, I wouldn't call this YA, more on the side of NA/A if I'm being honest because of events that transpire and just how the characters don't really fall into the age bracket that qualifies a book for YA (which is OKAY because if more NA/A books were written like this I'd be more inclined to pick them up).
I can't wait to get my hands on the physical manifestation of this book when it finally drops

"The Silvered Serpents" was a very fitting sequel to "The Gilded Wolves", containing all of the elements that made the first book so wonderful. Tristan's death has devastated the group, especially Severin, who has become colder, more hardened, and more focused, determined to find a way to protect the rest of the group, while not allowing himself to form closer relationships with any of them, especially Laila. The book focuses on the search for The Divine Lyrics, a book that reputedly contains the secret for joining the Babel fragments together, allowing the possessor to rebuild the Tower of Babel and access the power of God. The book is supposedly in the Sleeping Palace, which also reportedly contains a wealth of other treasure that the Order would love to possess, but no one knows the location of the Sleeping Palace. However, Severin has come across some information suggesting a way to find the Sleeping Palace.
The information leads the group to Lake Baikal in Siberia and introduces into the story one of the Russian Houses, House Dazbog, its Patriarch Ruslan, and his cousin, Eva, a blood Forging artist. I liked the introduction of a new House and a new type of forging, blood Forging, which has quite interesting effects. One thing I particularly liked is that Enrique, Zofia, and Laila confide in each other more, creating deeper friendships and helping each person better understand their value and worth beyond their particular special talent. The story has plenty of mystery and intrigue. The author has again done a wonderful job of weaving together science, mythology, history, and art to advance the storyline and utilize the specific talents of each member of the group, their allies/associates, and their enemies. The book also sets up the next book in the series quite well.
I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

An amazing sequel to an amazing first book! Readers will not be disappointed. This book has more twists and turns than a carnival coaster!

The balance between characters in plot is done well. I feel like this book is a change of pace from the first book, though some of the charm between characters has been lost. It was a good read, but I didn't love the first book which made it hard for me to become invested in this book. I have definitely been drawn into this series enough for me to want to be able to read the 3rd book in this series.

Solid read and looking forward to the next book! It’s exciting and all the characters and plot work well with one another, obviously since its a part of the series. Fans of Six of Crows would get sucked into this right away!

Excellent installment of this series. THE SILVERED SERPENTS is the sophomore novel to its successor, THE GILDED WOLVES. It explores darker themes with an impressive dash of maturity that I appreciated greatly. The world-building is breathtaking. The character arcs are emotional and heartbreaking. The bonds between these characters are challenged by external and internal forces. Roshani Chokshi's gorgeous prose never fails to sweep me away and make me forget. A wondrous feeling I happily embraced because... it's 2020. Nuff said.
I can't wait for the next installment!

3.5 This book is serious and darker than Gilded Wolves but still holds the charm and lightness that made me fall in love with the series. It’s packed with tender moments and nail biting adventure. I can’t wait for the third book because that cliff hanger will most certainly be the death of me!!

An amazing sequel to a beautiful and enchanting series. Every single word immerses the reader into the vivid world that Chokshi has created. With this second book we get to see relationships between the characters truly tried and tested. A great addition to any fantasy book trader’s shelf.

I have been anxiously waiting for this book after the explosive events that took place in the Gilded Wolves. Told in multiple POV's, the Silvered Serpents is the second book in the Gilded Wolves trilogy and follows the aftermath of the first book and how the past events have affected each of the characters along with a new journey with a new goal in mind for each of them. The Silvered Serpents is a masterfully crafted book that answered some of the questions we were left with in the first book at the same time opening the door for more. It had wonderful pace to it and the tone of the book was a bit more darker than the first. Once again I have to applaud Chokshi for writing such diverse characters as it was very refreshing. The Silvered Serpents ended in a mind boggling cliffhanger and I just know the wait for the third and final book in the trilogy is going to an agonizing one! Overall a splendid book and the author does a wonderful job in describing a world we could happily immerse ourselves in. This is one of my top reads this year!
A special thanks to netgalley and the author for this opportunity to read and review this book.

I didn’t realize that this book is second in a trilogy. Although I don’t feel like I missed anything it gives me the “aha” moment that puts some things in perspective. This book starts out slow for me. I did not understand the anger that Séverin is feeling nor the need for seeking to be a God And this is because I hadn’t read the first book. Even though I enjoyed THE SILVERED SERPENTS I didn’t fall in love with it. It’s entertaining about 65% of the way in and unfortunately becomes predictable. Roshani Chokshi shines in her creativity and I am left wondering how good her third book will be. Is it going to slumber or kickstart me to want to finish it without putting it down? This is a 3 1/2 stars for me. Special thanks to Netgalley in giving me this opportunity to read this book for my open and honest opinion.

This book was 5 stars, not even a question. I loved everything about it. The characters and their interactions, the plot, the fantasy elements set in an era way before our own. These were the same things I loved in book one, I was very glad we were given more.
Months after the events of The Gilded Wolves, the team still mourns their unexpected loss. They each have different reasons for wanting to find a long lost artifact. The entire book was a journey I immensely enjoyed, with its twists and turns, and with that ending? Of course I want more!
The representation here was also one of the best I've ever read! I related very much to Enrique and Zofia; it was very refreshing, to feel real and seen. Although some parts of this book were slow, it didn't make anything fall flat. I felt for these characters. Hard. I also enjoyed the writing immensely, I think Roshani Chokshi portrayed gried, loss, love, and friendship very well.
This is one of my favorite books this year and I couldn't wait for it to come out.

I've read the gilded wolves earlier this year, so I was definitely excited for the sequel, the sequel was everything I've wanted and more Roshani's writing is amazing, the characters she wrote are so real and raw and so lovable. The gilded wolves was my favorite read of this year but now after finishing the silvered serpents I have to say that the silvered serpents is even better than the first book.

Waited to read this book until was finished with its predecessor and holy moly am I glad I did! This follow up I exactly what the world need right now and you WILL NOT be disappointed. I don’t want to give too much away, because I often see that done with reviews of sequels, but just know that you are in for a treat. The story is exactly what you expect—mesmerizing, beautiful, descriptive, and completely addictive. The characters are, once again, so well crafted and multi-faceted. The pacing was also elegant and so well done. I couldn’t put this book down.

The Silvered Serpents picks up a few weeks after the end of The Gilded Wolves. The end of The Gilded Wolves left us with hopeful plans for each of the characters but those all changed in The Silvered Serpents. All the plans did not work out so the group is now broken apart and is also dealing with the death of their comrade.
I loved reading this book. This book was so good and it exceeded my expectations. It answered some mysteries left in the first book and also left new ones. I loved the twists and turns of the heist and how it turned out. Each of the characters has their back-story and the back-stories helped the motivations of the characters be more compelling. So much romantic tension in this book. I hope they get their happy ever afters soon. I need to know what happened after that cliffhanger! I am definitely looking forward to the next book!