Unbelievably good follow up to “Gilded Wolves.” Chokshi creates characters to fall in love with, treasure hunts to twist the mind, and enough romantic tension to ignite an inferno. And she does such a good job of making the reader yearn for the next book at the close of the current book. This book is darker than the first, both internally with regards to the mental state of many of the main characters along with the evil-doings and proclivities of the “big bad.” All-in-all a really well done page turner.

Roshani Chokshi is a beautiful writer and this novel supports that because it is just a wonderful story. The second book in this series, it was well done, full of beautiful imagery and captivating! I love reading anything Chokshi creates and look forward to the next one! Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Silvered Serpents was pretty good, despite struggling from sluggish pacing. The problem actually isn’t so much that this book was bad, it’s more so that The Gilded Wolves was so good that it almost can’t live up to it. It has entirely lost The Da Vinci Code vibe, with basically no opportunity for code cracking this time, and the Six of Crows friendship dynamics have utterly dissolved, but the world building is still rich and completely maintains the decadence of the era.

The story picks up pretty much where the last ended, with each of the characters feeling the loss of a member of their group and struggling to figure out their purpose now that the group has disbanded after Severin turned into a cold-hearted wretch. They end up having to come back together, each once again using their specific skill set to unlock the whereabouts of the (possibly mythical) book which will help save Laila’s life and stop their enemies.

I feel like I lost touch with the characters in this book. I really liked the dynamic in the previous book, with a healthy dose of borderline rude jibes and unspoken loyalties. This time they felt very separate from each other, almost each with their own story eventually feeding into a greater cause. I guess it just lost its heart, whereas the previous book had so much of it.

I also found the pacing really difficult to persevere with. I have no problem with slow pacing when it’s a tool to build the world, develop our connection with a character by spending a lot of time with them, or enable the plot to move forward by moving a character from A to B. In this case the pacing is really just an oversight, because it doesn’t contribute to any of those things, it simply is just a little bit boring.

I’m not sure if the fact I received an ARC was actually a little but inhibiting in this instance, because the E-copy I received didn’t include any of the drawings/codes/diagrams the Gilded Wolves did. This was a huge mistake, and I really hope the finished copy has them in, because that was one of the most compelling features of the Gilded Wolves – being able to crack the codes alongside the characters.

The ending does significantly make up for the losses though, leaving us on another cliff-hanger desperately grappling for some answers.

ARC provided from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ll be honest and say that I was a bit scared to start this book. Would it live up to my expectations? Would my kids suffer more? Could I handle it? I will say the answers are: yes, Yes, and NO.

Now, it need not be said, but The Silvered Serpents was truly amazing; second book syndrome who? I think I actually liked this one more than its predecessor. Seriously, The Silvered Serpents is The Gilded Wolves turned up to eleven. Roshani really saw us crying and wanting the second book and said, oh you think you know pain? I’ll show you true pain.

There is more of a treasure hunt in this book, so the plot was quicker-paced yet equally balanced with the character arcs. The crew falls into an easy routine when treasure hunting, a reminder that they’ve done this many times before (something I feel like we only got a brief sense of in the first book). To everyone who said the clues in TGW were too simple: they were more detailed and less obvious here.

Since this is a Roshani book, I knew the writing was going to be stunning, but she really outdid herself in this book. The prose beguiles from start to finish, pulling you into the Gilded Age with all its decadence and wealth, hiding a system built on colonialism and racism. I have rarely been so into a historical fantasy because usually the history has to be established throughout the book, and I grow bored. However, Roshani ties the history in so well with the plot; there’s not any info-dumping, nor is there any time something doesn’t make sense.

Also, make no mistake, The Silvered Serpents still very much focuses on the colonial aspect. Enrique wants to be fully seen and recognized in the Filipino community but never being taken seriously because he’s biracial and therefore other in both the Filipino and Spanish communities. There’s also a small part about marginalized girls being kidnapped because “no one would miss them,” which, naturally, is horrendous.

Anyways, the prose is honestly so breathtaking; I was highlighting quotes on every other page. I particularly adored the metaphors of fairy tales and curses, as well as the comparisons to gods and monsters. If we’re getting angst, I want maximum strength angst!

All of the narrators are wonderfully fleshed out, in a way I didn’t think was possible because we already saw such amazing characterizations in the last book. They’re all still growing and revealing themselves to us, and it was great to see their hopes and dreams. They’re honestly all my kids, especially Laila and Zofia; I love them! I would lay down my life for them!

That being said, there is like ten times more angst in this book, so I was crying constantly. Obviously they’re all dealing with the aftermath of the first book, aka that death. Séverin is spiraling and internalizing his hurt. Meanwhile, Laila is coping with her imminent death if they don’t find the Divine Lyrics soon. Zofia deals with her sister’s health issues and coming out of her shell. Enrique seeks being wanted by the Filipino scholars, by Hypnos, by everyone basically. And Hypnos is desperate to be in the group, despite them, Séverin especially, holding him at arm’s length.

Of course, the romance was heart-stopping. The longing of it all…Although to be honest, I’m usually most into the romance of a book than anything, but with this series, I love all of the characters so much that I’m surprisingly more invested in their individual arcs rather than any romantic ones. That’s the power of Roshani’s writing!

The ending was one of the most gutting things I’ve ever read, and I finished this book right before bed, so naturally I couldn’t fall asleep because my brain was just a conspiracy board. And book 3 is so far away…

I would like to reiterate: do not compare this series to Six of Crows! Although I will say, if you didn’t much love The Gilded Wolves or found it a bit slow, I think you’ll like The Silvered Serpents more.

The Silvered Serpents crushed my heart into a million pieces and pieced it back together again. The characters go through astounding character arcs, ones that make me envious as a human being. I genuinely could not put this book down! The Silvered Serpents passes its predecessor in ways I couldn’t even imagine; the plot, the characters, the romance, the prose, all of it was stunning and gorgeous. Do not miss out on this beautiful series about history and all of its magic, bloody and otherwise.

i really tried to push my way through this book but i ended up DNFing it. While I do love Roshani Chokshi's writing, the overall plot and pacing just didn't work for me.

The stakes for our beloved characters from THE GILDED WOLVES have never been higher. As they battle their life-changing grief and grapple with their deepest desires - to help an ill sister, to be heard by scholars, to live, to become a god - they sign up for one last heist: to find The Divine Lyrics. Chokshi’s mastery of flowing prose and witty banter shines brighter than ever in this story of magical science, portals, and a goliath named David. This glamourous world grows even darker as the characters race against the clock to discover this final treasure… risking themselves, and their trust in each other, to get there. Addictive and thrilling, THE SILVERED SERPENTS is not to be missed, leading up to what is bound to be an incredible finale for the series.

O...M...G!! I absolutely loves this second installment of the series. I love the unlikely team of misfits. I love the antihero standpoint. I love the banter between characters. I love the mystery. I love the change of location. I absolutely love EVERYTHING!

4.5 out of 5 Stars - Lets just round up to 5.

***ARC received from Wednesday Books and NetGalley in exchange for honest review, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***

I ended up finishing this book a lot faster than I thought I would once I got going. It just pulls you in and refuses to let go.

The book takes up shortly after the previous book finished going from the lights of Paris to the ice and snow of Russia. I feel in some ways the city reflects on the mode of the characters. The brightness and glamour of Paris reflected in the characters at times light heart nature in the previous book is now replaced by a cold and almost distance that has developed between Séverin and his crew. They are still reeling from the loss of Tristan but Séverin is also having to deal with the truth of who is brother was and the impact it had on them. The pain is still raw and really influences the decisions that Séverin in particular makes.

Speaking of Séverin, he was probably my favorite character in this book. As much as I loved everyone, really there isn't a single character I disliked, I found Séverin both infuriating and real. He is guilt ridden over the decision he made but still actively trying to save each of them in his own twisted way. There is a part at the end when he comes to realize that love manifests and wears many the many faces of beauty, hate, horror, silence and at worst, betrayal. I loved his interactions with Laila, still circling around each other getting close only to shove each other back. Its a beautiful dance but it has consequences and why Séverin would think they wouldn't at the end it beyond me. But just more true to his character.

This book was so beautifully written to me. I loved the description of the world and the interactions between the characters. The Gilded Wolves felt a little juvenile to me with the characters interactions but this was so beautiful. I think Roshani Chokshi has a talented for writing pain and a love that only seems to hurt. Because that ended certainly hurt me! I don't want to have to wait so long for the next book.

I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book for the publisher and netgalley. Thanks to both of them.

The silvered serpents is the sequel to the Gilded Wolves. It pick up where the first book left us. I like it even more than I have the first one. Its so intense and darker.

With the end the part that i don't like Its that the wait for the third book will be really long. Since Silvered serpents not coming out until february 2020, the third book won't come until 2021. Except if I do get an arc again. I really can't wait for the conclusion.

I couldn’t believe this was available to request on Netgalley so soon! Thank you for granting me an ARC.
GOOD GOD. THIS BOOK.
I really enjoyed the previous novel and was super excited to see where the story went from there. It was a fairly quick read for me, and all of the characters were enjoyable as ever (except for Severin, he knows what he’s done). It followed similarly to the first book; fantastical heists, Forged objects, enviable aesthetics, all the feels, and the devious and elusive Fallen House.
I never felt like it was getting boring and kept oohing and aahing at descriptions of a Forged ice palace. Definitely one of the better reads of the year.
It ends with a cliffhanger and I’m like “I’m reading this ARC months before the book so when will I be able to see what happens?????” So I’m writing this review through tears because I literally and emotionally can not wait until 2021 (I’m assuming) for the next one.

Better than the first! I loved the imagery in this one just as much as book 1. I had some frustrations with the characters feeling shallow in the first book, but I didn't feel the same in this one. I don't know if it's because I've had more time to get to know them, or if there was just a better balance between the character-driven parts of the story and the plot-driven parts, but I really loved getting to know the characters even more and overall found them more relatable this time around (Zofia and Enrique ftw!). That cliffhanger though...ouch. Looking forward to book 3!

Chokshi has crafted a clever sequel to her first book. Wisely, she chooses to explore the ideas that she introduced at the end of GILDED WOLVES (which were exciting, but expansive) and deepen the mythology of this world. The world Chokshi's created is vivid, and at many times, chilling. I'm not sure I've ever seen Roshani Chokshi write as dark a book--and I enjoyed the exploration of more sinister themes.

In some ways, this exploration means that this book is much more an exploration of the world than of the characters. While plenty happens for Enrique, Zofia and Hypnos, the arcs they go through in this middle book are not quite as expansive as that in the first book. Severin and Laila have more character work here--and the antagonism between them creates some of the most memorable scenes.

Perhaps my largest critique of the book is the start. Even though the first book ended with several time skips, this book opens with another--and then spends the first 50 or so pages filling in what happened in that time jump. While story wise, I see why it was done, it isn't the most elegant structure for the book, and I enjoyed the story more when it picked up farther in.

Love how I said I was going to give a coherent review the next day then did it two weeks later because I'm a moron incapable of coherent thought.

Anyway, thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Gilded Wolves was one of my favorite books I've read this year, so I was sooo excited to dive into The Silvered Serpents —and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. After the events of the first book, the gang is fractured. You're not sure what is going to happen. Severin's off his shits, Laila's counting down the days until she dies...it's a mess. But they are brought back together and given a sliver of hope and I, as the reader, am also given a sliver of hope, which promptly gets stomped on and set on fire!

I tend to read books for their characters, so for me, I loved this book, as this is definitely the strongest part of this book. I lived for the character interactions, seeing the tension and the negotiations and wishing that everyone can just sit down and have a good chat with each other (which, of course, never happens!) That being said, the ploy of course is also excellent. When reading these books, I'm always shocked at how Chokshi can fit so much into it. There are twists and turns, but they are mysteries, and nothing comes too far out of the blue. You can predict things—you can follow along and get that pleasure when you figure something out right before the characters do (don't pretend you don't get that feeling because I do all the time). The setting is gorgeous. This is a dark place, but on the surface there's a lot of beauty and wonder, and Chokshi makes that beauty so clear and magnificent that you almost find yourself falling even for the dark spots (and dark people!).

So if you loved The Gilded Wolves, definitely read the sequel, and if you haven't read it yet, what are you doing????

I didn't love this one as much as the first. I felt like the first half was a bit slow. I'm gonna blame this on middle book syndrome, and the fact that I had already forgotten a lot about book 1. But that ending... so cruel to leave us with that cliffhanger.

I was lucky enough to be able to start The Silvered Serpents right after finished The Gilded Wolves and I can't image the pain of having to wait a year after the conclusion of the first book in this series. All I will say is this, I thought the pain at the end of The Gilded Wolves was bad. Just wait friends. That was nothing compared to the pain that this book made me feel.

Where I wasn't in love with The Gilded Wolves I am in love with The Silvered Serpents. Our favorite crew is back together for one final heist and the stakes are higher then ever. After the murder of Tristan the crew is barley holding on by a thread and have mostly gone their separate ways. *Sobs* Seeing them all together and some of their bonds falling seamlessly together again is probably one of my favorite aspects of this book.

The world building in this novel is spectacular and unlike the first book at all. The concept of the ice castle, the hidden aspects of it and its dangers had me on the edge of my seat for a majority of this book.

Séverin's character takes a dark turn in this book and I can't wait to see how readers are going to take to that. It is masterly done and only adds more and more layers to his already complex character. Also, can we just talk about how Laila and their relationship and just ugh. I am hoping they find a happily ever after in the next book. I truly am.

There are so many things I want to discuss about this book but I can't because of spoilers. Overall I loved The Silver Serpents and will be not patiently waiting for the conclusion of this series.

I raced through this one - luckily reading the first one just before. The one thing that I struggled with in this novel was the pacing at the beginning. I felt like a lot of things happened off the page - we just heard about it all secondhand. Other than that, I loved seeing the evolution of everyone's characters. This little tribe just keeps growing on me. I loved it. I can't believe that there was such a cliffhanger at the end - it just makes me want the third book NOW!

I am absolutely enchanted by this series. The characters are so deep and layered I want to know absolutely everything about them.

In this book, we find out more backstory about the characters, and about their motivations and fears. Severin and Laila are at odds but more from stubbornness than anything, and it's MADDENING. Enrico, Zofia, and Hypnos are gaining a more complete shape, and are so much more than just "the gang".

I have to take a moment to recognize what a magical hand Chokshi has with words. Not just with writing them, but in using them together in the most beautiful way possible. It's a pleasure to read her writing.

This book has many of the elements I love - mystery, travel, magic, books, snark, sass (because they are certainly different), love, and danger, and I loved every moment of it. It (again) left readers dangling, and I can't wait until book three.

A great follow up to The Gilded Wolves. At times there is the curse of the second book in the series, that it can’t live up to the first. This is not one of those cases. It has the same lyrical writing and intense plot of the first. The last 20 pages runs you through all the emotions. Loved it and can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for arc All opinions are my own!

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The Silvered Serpents is a deeper and intense than the First book in this incredible series. Mythical full of magical places and flawed people. For those who have read The Gilded Wolves, this book lives up to that storyline and the characters we came to love.The stakes are higher and our band of misfortunate characters are changed due to the events of The Gilded Wolves. They are darker, wounded, and it feels in every Trying to come back to normal. But their obsessive pursuit for the Power of God holds them in its grip. Would it bring them absolution or would it become their ruination?

Returning to the dark and glamorous world of her New York Times instant bestseller, The Gilded Wolves, Roshani Chokshi has delivered us with another riveting tale as full of mystery and danger as ever.

They are each other’s fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope.

As hidden secrets come to the light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined.
This is tale of love and betrayal as the crew risks their lives for one last daring job.

Still reeling from the events of The Gilded Wolves,
The L'Eden gang is on the verge of collapsing all together, something between them has broken they’re no longer a tight knit group of treasure, hunting/heisting young adults as they were before
The band is still reeling over the death of one of their own

Laila, is literally running out of time ,she only has a handful of days before her nineteenth birthday, before the magic forging her together stops working and she literally falls apart.

Early 1890 Paris,
Bustles are on their way out thank God. Very uncomfortable to wear and leg-o-mutton sleeves are about to make a big comeback!
Corsets are getting exponentially tighter!
In Brussels, Vincent van Gogh will sell a grand total of only painting
Women still do not the right to vote

I will not be giving away an spoilers because this instalment holds quite a few revelations that will make readers gasp, and I am here to entice you to dive into them but not to reveal them beforehand.

I will posting a more in-depth review closer to the the release date

Temporary DNF; this book makes zero sense without reading the preceding THE GILDED WOLVES and I had to stop. I'll read the previous book and get back to this one.