4.5 stars. What can I say? Sophomore slump this is not: Chokshi takes everything I loved about the first book and cranks the emotions and stakes to 11. Beautiful and dangerous and so. Much. Angst

The seriously cliffhanger ending made me angry. I hate cliffhangers between books; it feels cheap.

*Actual rating is a 3.5*

There will be spoilers for THE GILDED WOLVES in this review, so consider this your warning.

When I pick up the next book in a series where so much happened at the end of the previous book, I'm always curious to see how things will be addressed. There's a bit of a time jump between THE GILDED WOLVES and THE SILVERED SERPENTS but not too much of one, which I appreciated, and we jump pretty quickly into the emotional fall out from book 1.

In addition to a twisty plot centered around the search for a mythic book called The Divine Lyrics, THE SILVERED SERPENTS had a ton of emotional conflicts that completely upended the jovial group dynamic I loved so much in book 1. All of the characters are dealing with Tristan's death in their own way and unlike with many YA books where grief is typically wrapped up quickly, the mixture of emotions around Tristan's death and the revelations of some of his actions persist throughout the whole book. I found I really missed the camaraderie and humor that came from the group scenes in THE GILDED WOLVES. This was a much darker story which could have certainly benefitted from a few more light-hearted moments.

Without giving much away, I enjoyed seeing more of this alternate 19th-century world. Chokshi really excels at creating a rich, immersive world that I felt like I could fall right into. This was a wonderfully atmospheric read due both to the great writing and the world-building.

My big issue was with the incredibly uneven pace of the plot. It felt like nothing major happened until the middle of the book and the climax seemed a bit rushed. I finished THE SILVERED SERPENTS feeling completely dazed by how much was packed into the last 30% or so. I also had this complaint about THE GILDED WOLVES but this time around the emotional distance between the characters made the slow pace even more frustrating.

For all its ups and downs, THE SILVERED SERPENTS ended on a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. I'm excited to hear what everyone thinks of this book once it's released in September.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


When I tell you I have been WAITING SO LONG for this book. I am SERIOUS. The second I saw it announced I went to reserve a copy. But the wait, ohhh the wait. And then I saw the opportunity to review it via netgalley. I didn’t think my request would be granted but I almost cried when I saw that it had been!

Severin, oh dear boy, you are depressed, you’ve been mistreated, you’ve lost everyone so you look for a solution. Maybe not the BEST solution, probably the most dangerous one- but you found one. And you went for it.

I love all the characters in this book. I love the uniqueness of the story and how I loved each character for different things.

This story has love, betrayal, adventure, monsters and other worlds wrapped into this handheld book. I’ll admit that at first I was a little worried it wouldn’t hold up to the first book, and there were some slow parts but wow did the ending get me. And the CLIFFHANGER. I was flabbergasted at being left at such a detrimental point that I stared at the last page for a solid minute with my mouth open.

If you want a book with all of these things plus thievery, LGBTQ+ inclusion with a mix of old world vibes- pick this book up. *but read the first one beforehand of course* this series has been added as one of my favorites. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your work Roshani, I am truly honored!

In The Silvered Serpents, Roshani Chokshi picks up the story where The Gilded Wolves left off, showing the repercussions of Séverin’s choices in the first novel. The group faces their loss full frontal as they conquer a new heist with even higher stakes than before. Throughout their quest to find the one item that could save not only Laila’s life, but also Séverin’s sanity, questions arise regarding mortality, self-worth, and status.

Chokshi brings back her intricate world-building into a masterpiece of a sequel that can actually be considered better than the first. Her inspiring intellect flows through the pages, and while math tends to hurt my brain, I truly enjoyed revisiting this group of geniuses. While when reading the first novel, I could not decide whom I would consider my favorite of the group, but while reading the sequel, I realized that all I wanted was for someone to tell Zofia that they needed her and give her sugar cookies. I only discovered The Gilded Wolves at the very end of last year, but this series has easily become one of my top three favorite book series. Chokshi’s ability to present characters with extremely realistic PTSD and autism will never cease to amaze me. Her diverse cast kept me at the edge of my seat for the entirety of the novel. While I usually only highlight one or two phrases on my Kindle e-books, I ended up with thirteen highlighted passages in The Silvered Serpents. This highly quotable sequel will appeal greatly to fans of the first novel, of heist stories, and of diverse characters. During a time of great social unrest, this book will truly make readers sit back and question their own preconceptions.

This second in Roshani Chokshi's Gilded Wolf series is a darker, more mature novel. The relationships are developing beautifully, even as the individual characters are falling apart. Chokshi is cleverly breaking them down in order for them to rise -- phoenix-like -- in the third book. One hopes. This is absolutely not a stand-alone. At the very least, it requires back story from the first novel, and it sure as hell requires the third novel for resolution. Damn it, I'm hooked. Let's hope there's not too long of a wait for book #3.

The first book in this series was at the top of my five star reads last year, which made this sequel one of my most anticipated reads this year.  Soooo worth the wait.  Reviewing sequels without spoilers is difficult, but I'll do what I can. 

Compared to The Gilded Wolves, this followup is darker, stakes are higher, and tense situations abound.  But there's also the same witty banter and obvious love between these characters who have chosen to be family.  Still reeling from a tragic loss, they're all scattered in different locations at the beginning of this book.  Once reunited, their hunt takes them to a beautiful location - the author's world-building is magical, and the imagery is just stunning.  With rotating POVs, each character has their time to shine, and some learn shocking truths about themselves.  But that ending!  This is the second book I've read in a week that ripped my guts out.  I'm holding onto one sliver of hope revealed in the epilogue.  The next book can't come soon enough for me.

With an inclusive, charming cast, historical elements, clever puzzles and riddles, and an intricate, complex plot, this is easily a crossover series I'd highly recommend to fantasy/historical fiction fans.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When I originally requested this copy I didnt know it was a second book in a series. I since then have requested the first book and could not get into it. I am not the intended audience for this writing. I have decided that I will not read this book.

This was the sequel to a book I already loved. I think I liked this sequel even bether than the first book. Amazing author, amazing book, amazing character, I juste cannot get enough of this serie. Thank you st martin 's press for the opportunity to discover new titles like this one

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi is a great followup to The Gilded Wolves. The characters are amazing and so is the world-building. I look forward to the next books in the series!

“I wouldn’t dismiss myths,” said Enrique quietly. “Most myths are just truths covered in cobwebs.”

Picking up where The Gilded Wolves left off, Roshani Chokshi brings us right into the emotional turmoil that our characters are left with after the shocking conclusion to their quest. After losing one of their own, the gang must come to terms with what this loss means to them. Unfortunately, this loss leaves them going their separate ways to heal.

When Severin realizes that his brother was not the person he thought he was, and that Laila kept her knowledge of Tristan’s troubles to herself, he shuts down and cuts himself off from his friends and everyone around him. He destroys Tristan’s greenhouse, and he erects a space that will not remind him of Tristan. He becomes cold, and he stops caring; so much so, that he essentially ruins everyone’s chance at happiness when he is given the chance to hunt down the Divine Lyrics. A book that is capable of making people God-like.

While Severin is moping, everyone else scatters. Zofia returns home to take care of her sick sister, Laila continues to dwell upon her impending death, Enrique pursues a position as an Illustrado, and Hypnos continues doing what Hypnos does--albeit with less gusto than before. It isn’t until Delphine offers Severin a chance to search for the Divine Lyrics that he decides to gather his friends once more. Unfortunately, he does this by pulling them away from their personal endeavors without consideration for what they want.

Throughout their quest for the Divine Lyrics, the location of the fallen house and a mysterious string of murders that has them wondering what they got themselves into. During their mission they encounter perilous situations, learn more about one another, and discover themselves along the way.

Characters
As far as characters, I think the only person I was disappointed with was Severin. I found his behavior immature and unbelievable when it came to how he treated his friends after Tristan’s death. The whole dynamic between him and Laila was tiresome, but I at least understood why he acted the way he did towards her. With that being said, however, it drove me insane that Laila didn’t at least look at the mnemo bug before destroying it… alas, I have to wait for the next book to know what happens because of that major cliffhanger. As far as the members of House Dazbog go, I knew that there was something off about them when it came to their insistence on helping Severing and his friends, but I did not expect the twist that Chokshi gave us. I loved how, despite everything, Severin was able to make peace with Delphine, and when she sacrificed herself for Severin, I admit I shed a few tears. The characters in this series are great, and I love that we get a look into their insecurities and personal battles throughout the story. I look forward to seeing where Chokshi takes our characters after leaving us with a cliffhanger, and I just have to know if Severin is okay.

Writing & Setting
The writing for this book read similar to the first as Chokshi continued to employ multiple perspectives throughout the novel. While the overall goal was to locate the Divine Lyrics, she incorporated enough character depth to make their actions believable. Overall, while the writing did have its juvenile moments, I found it appealing enough to keep me invested. I enjoyed the change of scenery as our group of friends left their Paris locale for something a little colder, and off putting. Chokshi did a great job of describing the stark contrast between the two places through her description of the fallen house and its surroundings. I like that despite the change of setting, Chokshi showed continuity amongst the varying houses by displaying typical features such as the Tezcat, forged artifacts, and unique abilities. I can’t wait for the next book because the cliffhanger ending is absolutely amazing!

Plot
The Silvered Serpents is the sequel to The Gilded Wolves, and the formatting of the story is similar. The book is broken down into parts, with each part having short chapters from varying perspectives. The book is world-building and seemingly fast paced despite its overarching conflict. The story doesn’t feel rushed, and Chokshi gives us just enough information to keep us guessing at what will happen next. Overall, this fantasy brings you a healthy blend between historical and fantasy that has diverse characters, exciting twists, and a wonderful setting.

What an amazing sequel! This one had a bit of a darker feel, but the pacing was excellent and it was such an exciting story! This one absolutely does not suffer from second book syndrome, and I found this one to be even more gripping than the first in the series. I absolutely love Chokshi's writing, and I think she writes her world beautifully. Also, being a heist story, this book is just seriously fast paced in the best way! I could not stop turning the pages. Fantastic series, highly recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.  

I loved this book. 

I had a few reservations after reading the first in the series, the Gilded Wolves. The mythology was dense and complicated, but I was completely won over by the characters. The second book expands on this and the character growth is phenomenal. 

The stakes have been raised. The group moves from the industrial streets of Paris to the snowy tundra of Russia. The scenery is majestic and the characters rise to the occasion. Each gains a further appreciation of their strengths. They rush toward finding the book that will save Laila's life and grant Severin's wishes. I loved the addition of the addictive blood magic and how it could be used to help or hinder the troop.

My favorite character remains Hypnos and his stylish audacity, serving as a mask to hide his need to belong. He remains hilariously captivating. Zofia is definitely my second favorite. Her heroic charge to save her friends is the best scene of the book.

And that ending!!! This book won't be published until September of this year. Does this mean I have to wait one to two years to figure out WTF?!?! Stupid cliffhangers!! (This is not to say the book didn't have a satisfying ending. But I really need book three. Stat.)

Oh holy heaven how I love this freaking series! This is just a chef’s kiss all the way around. I love The Gilded Wolves and now I am thinking this series may be my favorite YA, heisty type story.

I finished this book a few days ago and I had to give myself a few days to process what happened. It picks up right where the Gilded Wolves left off and we follow the crew as they struggle to stay together after the loss of one of their own. Severin struggles the hardest and has the hardest time coming to grips with his new reality. He throws himself into his work and drives everyone away out of a sense of guilt and desire to protect them. After months of searching and shifting through clues they finally get a solid lead on the Divine Lyrics. We follow them in a new search and they are pitted against an unknown enemy. Past secrets come to light and things and people are not what they seem.
This is a whirlwind of a story that ends so jarringly that it leaves you gasping for more. I reread the ending five times. I am left screaming for more, knowing that I have a long wait ahead of me. Be prepared for all the feels.

Not sure why I didn't realize this was the second book?! 🙈

I haven't read Gilded Wolves yet, so I will need to go backwards and read that first, then try this again..my bad 🤦‍♀️

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

I’ve read the first book, not realizing it was to be a series, and was not overly impressed.

And rarely do I give series another chance, but I’m so glad I did. In the humble opinion of this reviewer #2 is #1. It is far better than I expected. For me it explained things I didn’t understand in “The Gilded Wolves”. I loved the setting, the characters and above all the writing.

I will now reread book one, buy book two and look forward to whatever else may come.

An EXCELLENT follow-up book to Gilded Wolves. The characters' progression feels appropriate and interesting. The story made sense and did not fall into the trap of filler content that a lot of book #2s fall into in a trilogy. The level of detail made the book feel well-researched and structured, and the cliffhanger is phenomenal. I can't wait to read book 3!

"The Silvered Serpents" is book number two in the "Gilded Wolves" series by author Roshani Chokshi. Severin's motely crew is back in action again as they travel deep into the heart of Russia to uncover a secret artifact that is told to contain the power of god. Setting out to earn redemption, the road ahead for Severin and his friends is dangerous and filled with adventure.

The members of the team that readers grew to love during the first installation of the series, are still deeply impacted by the loss of Tristan. The book catches up to each character and shows their current state and whereabouts as the story opens. Themes of friendship, love and betrayal are back again in the second book which brings the team new challenges to face together. The second book also introduces new characters rooted in the history of the familiar team members. The storyline of Severin's past is particularly interesting and these secrets take on an entirely new meaning in "Silvered Serpents." As a reader, I constantly find myself cheering for Severin and Laila but heartbreak lurks around every corner.

Author Roshani Chokshi has delivered another lush and detailed driven novel and of course... she leaves readers on the edge of their seats dying to know what will happen next.

Reviewer's Note: Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I guess this series is just not working for me. I kept trying and trying to like it but I just could not. The characters changed due to the tragedy in the first book and let’s just say Severin took brooding to a whole new level with added stupid decisions. I do have to give this book props for giving more of a heist vibe that I was promised and never got in the first book. My other big issue was the relationship between Hypnos, Enrique, and Zofia. I just..... it just did not work out the way I wanted it too. Onto the other relationship between Severin and Laila.... now that one I just couldn’t like as much as I had initially liked in the first book. He treats her so poorly and yet she keeps herself attached to him. Overall this was about on par with the first book in my mind. I will read the last book just to wrap it up but if I’m being completely honest this series has not been hooking me. I read this book because I hoped maybe it would be better as the story progressed but it’s on par.

At the end of The Gilded Wolves we left the characters enjoying an ambiguous success; was the price too high ? The Silvered Serpents begins to unravel the ambiguity whilst telling a tale that stands alone in its own right, The mystery, the tension, the threat and the pace of the first book are all there in an equally masterly plotted puzzle but with even more emotionally charged confliction carrying it through. Can the team even trust and rely on one another? Highly recommended for itself and as another instalment in a series I can’t wait to continue.