An excellent follow up to The Gilded Wolves. I was interested in seeing how the ending of The Gilded Wolves would effect the characters this time around and was pleasantly surprised by the ending! You learn some secrets about Tristan this go around as well as some other big shockers, but still no answer for how Tristan got his scar. Maybe next book? Either way, it's always great fun coming across the part where the author gleans the title and I'm already excited for book 3, because I know it's just gotta be coming or I might cry lol.

Second books in trilogies have been my favorites, historically speaking. That's been the case most of the time. Second books are Peak Angst™. Second books up the stakes. I live for second books. I can’t say for sure whether that will be the case here until the final book is in my hands (weeping that it's not), but THE SILVERED SERPENTS was good. Very good. The last several chapters had me on edge and I don't think I will recover. Roshani Chokshi has delivered another stunner that's equal parts thrilling as it is utterly magical. I cannot wait to see how this series wraps up.

Absolutely phenomenal sequel to the blockbuster GILDED WOLVES. In WOLVES readers were introduced to a unique new version of the world we thought we knew, and introduced to some of the most compelling and dynamic characters in YA Lit today. SERPENTS continues the journey, taking us on adventure after adventure with Sèverin, Enrique, Zofia, and the others all while keeping the reader surprised and holding their breath at each reveal. I am constantly impressed by Chokshi, and SERPENTS was no exception. Highly recommended for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Stephanie Garber, and Jay Kristoff.

The Silvered Serpents picks up where The Gilded Wolves left off. Initially, I wasn't fond of it and was struggling to continue reading but then at around the 100-page mark, it got better.

The Silvered Serpents was definitely a darker novel when compared to its predecessor. Severin and his crew head to Russia in search of the Divine Lyrics, an artifact of the Fallen House that grants people the power of God. Yet, the icy palace that supposedly harbors the Divine Lyrics has traps, ancient Forging, crystalline ice animals, goddesses with deadly secrets, and mysterious unsolved murders... leading them to the uncover hidden secrets that could unravel the world around them.

The plot... it took me a while to get into it but once I was hooked and started understanding what was going on, it got a lot better. I loved the alternating characters- each one stood out and had their own "voice" that they didn't blend into each other. The world-building was wonderfully done and felt so magical.

The characters.... added so much angst!!! Following the aftermath of The Gilded Wolves, there was a lot of healing and tonnes of complicated feelings *cough* Severin/Laila *cough* as they try to cope and move forward. I really enjoyed reading Zofia's POV because she added introspection and was just interesting to read from her perspective.

That ending though..... what a cliffhanger! Tea was shook there... The worst part is now I have to wait until 2021 for some much-needed closure because of THAT ENDING!!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press publishers for providing a free ARC

If you enjoyed the first one you'll like this as well. It benefits from the same lyricism, the same glittering kind of cleverness. That said, it suffers the same flaws - unlikable, selfish characters, and a kind of hurry up and wait storytelling that I find...annoying.

This book set only months after Gilded Wolves has the group on another adventure. They are off to Russia intent on discovering the long hidden Sleeping Palaces and its purported treasures. However, the group is still reeling from the unexpected betrayal and loss of Tristan. Each member is processing those events in their own way. The group's cohesion is disintegrating and they are going to need to band together to survive this next test. As with Gilded Wolves, the book has the smarts, originality, and interpersonal drama to keep the reader entranced. Warning, the cliff hanger on this is brutal. Can't wait to see how it all resolves in the next book!

"A small part of him hesitated, but he steeled himself. He was doing this for them. For his friends. The more he cared about their feelings, the harder his task became. And so he endeavored to feel nothing at all."

My absolute favorite viewpoint is Zofia and this book made me love her even more. I love the nuances of all their personalities, the plot twists, the world building....I need a more...

4 Stars

So I read The Gilded Wolves right at the beginning of this year and loved it, despite finding certain aspects of the plot and magic system rather confusing. It was very Indiana Jones, with a hint of Six of Crows, but set in nineteenth century Paris. It was so much fun.

The Silvered Serpents is a darker novel, not quite so fun, but I absolutely adored the characters, especially Zofia, who is a gem. I loved the more introspective sections, of which there are a lot. There wasn't a single perspective I disliked, which given how many characters there are is quite some feat. However I still had the same problem as before in that I found myself disorientated a lot by the plot - more specifically where the characters were and what they were doing. I also think a glossary for some of the terms used in the story would be quite helpful (there might be one in the finished copy but I couldn't find one on my Kindle ARC). This didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story that much though - at the end of the day I prefer character-driven stories, and while I do appreciate a smooth plot too, lovable characters will always keep me hooked, and this series has plenty. I can't wait for the final instalment.

I wasn’t a big fan of The Gilded Wolves,just couldn’t get into it.Thought I’d give this book a try to see if it was better.I’m glad I did! The characters are well evolved and their relationships with each other was defined in this book.Each of them gets their moment here.You get to know them as individuals and as a team working together hunting for an object in Russia.
Can’t wait for book 3!
#netgalley #thesilveredserpents#roshanichoksi

AHHHHHHHH THIS WAS A EXCELLENT SEQUEL.

I wasn't a super fan of the firts book, but this was SO MUCH BETTER.

This was everything that I wanted the first one to be.
I'm extremely happy that I decided to keep reading this series.
And very grateful that I was able to read a ARC.

*Spoiler free, 4.75 stars*

While I didn't overwhelmingly adore The Gilded Wolves, I liked it enough to be anticipating the sequel. The characters were brilliant, and I was looking forward to seeing them again! And it sounded like the stakes would be raised even higher and I was looking forward to seeing how everything played out.

I really, really loved this book. I loved it a lot more than the first one. Everything that I didn't really enjoy in The Gilded Wolves seemed to be nonexistent here. I might have had a few issues here and there, but everything else was so amazingly good.

I'm the first book, I found the writing to be kind of heavy in a way. It felt like it was almost too much. The descriptions, the explanations, and everything felt like it was packed so full it was close to bursting. In this one, it evened out a lot. It has the same magical feel to it, but it didn't feel so heavy. The descriptions were gorgeous and I felt like I could see the world more clearly. The setting felt solid and I connected with the characters more.

Speaking of characters, I LOVE THEM A WHOLE LOT. I kind of just liked them before, but WOW I LOVE THEM NOW. I'm always worried with this many POVs, how everything is going to balance out, but it's done so well here. They're all so distinct and they all feel so themselves. I adore Enquire and his adorableness and his love for history. I completely love Zofia and her steadfast logic and her love of sugar cookies. Hypnos is hilarious and just wants to belong. Laila is her own person and she is completely capable of whatever she wants to do. And Sèverin has so much turmoil and is holding onto so many secrets. He wants to protect the people he loves so much that it's almost like it warps his mind.

There's also new characters. I can't say much because I don't want to spoil anything, but they're great. I loved who they turned out to be and I can't wait to see how they turn out.

I found the setting so cool. I don't know how much I want to say ah! But I was icey and so full of amazing things. I found it fascinating.

Going into this book, I didn't remember much from the first book. So it took me awhile to get into, but I found I was able to pick up quickly what was going on! But, I still don't quite know what's going on with all the Houses and how this world is structured. Nevertheless, it's really cool and I like it!

I found a portion of this book, right after the beginning and right before the middle, to a bit boring. I dunno why, but it felt like things were dragging there. But, things picked up and they didn't slow down. I also felt like there was a lot of historical information that was presented very quickly. It's probably just a me thing, but I found it hard to wrap my head fully around some of it. I found it interesting, but I had a hard time remembering all the small details. I think I'll just leave that job to Enrique haha.

The relationships were truly something to behold. There are so many, good and bad, and they are all so well done. Feelings are complicated and there's malice between people and love between others. Ah, some of it was just so complicated in the best possible way.

I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the ending, but I'm pretty sure I loved it. It ends and you know stuff but characters don't know stuff and there's only a small time until they know stuff but it ends and what if something happens! And then there's the weird mindsets of characters and you don't quite know what people are thinking, but it's going to be great to find out but you have to wait to find out.

This book is brutal and full of feelings and dripping with magic. It's so, so good. It has amazing characters and so many feelings. I highly, highly recommend it.

This book has ruined me and for the better. But now 2021 and the last book are even further away now...

Return to the world of "The Gilded Wolves" for more treasure hunting, more puzzles, more Forging, and more mystery...

Still reeling from the loss of one of their own, Severin's team comes together for one last acquisition, what is to be the biggest find of their careers: to find The Divine Lyrics, a book that the Fallen House was rumored to have in their possession that supposedly gives its users the power of God. Their search takes them to Russia, and to the icy palace that once belonged to the Fallen House that is full of traps, unique Forging, and disturbing secrets. The deeper they get in, the more danger they face. Will the team survive this one last heist?

There is not enough words in the English language to express how fantastic this book is. The plot, the twists, the puzzles, the characters, the dialogue, the descriptions....

That being said, "The Silvered Serpents" is a brilliant example of a book that is simultaneously plot-driven and character-driven. Each of the four narrators has a distinct voice, and their own individual goals, worries, strengths, weaknesses, and successes. Each are struggling with impending change and finding their place in the world, suddenly unsure of what their futures will hold after the unexpected upheaval following a loss in their little family. This isn't the same happy team from "The Gilded Wolves", and that's okay, because the team is relearning how to be a family and learning how to heal, how to move forward, and trying to figure out their place in the world. Despite the distance that has grown between the team during the time that has passed from book one to book two, they all still really work well together and clearly care deeply for each other. The team is more than a team; they're a found family, whether they acknowledge it or not.

And the plot. Oh, the plot. Oh, how it thickens... Oh, how I so desperately need to scream about it with someone because if you thought that the ending of "The Gilded Wolves" was intense, it is nothing compared to the end of "The Silvered Serpents"....

If you haven't read "The Gilded Wolves" yet, start now and prepare yourself for "The Silvered Serpents".

OMG. OMG! I need the next book STAT!

This was a great addition to the Gilded Wolves novels. The crew is the same, but they have splintered apart after the tragic events of the first book. Severin brings the group together for one last heist (or what he hopes will change his fortunes) and for differing reasons they join him. Will the Fallen House succeed in their plans? Will the team learn to trust each other again?

I was hooked from the start, and I'm anxious about what is in store for the future of the team.

Oh
My
Gosh
I need the 3rd book like now!!!
Wow this book was what I wanted the first one to be. I was disappointed in the first. I thought it wasn't enough action. This one did not disappoint. And the ending wow.

"What he had done had not looked like love. But then again, love did not always wear a face of beauty."

This was a hauntingly gorgeous book filled with wonder, pain, adventure, and so much more.
I LOVED the first book so imagine my surprise when Roshani-the-goddess-herself-Chokshi whipped this beauty up. I read this in less than 24 hours and I'm regretting it now because well.......I miss the characters already.

I don't want to spoil anything for this book because I think if you have read the first book then you need to immediately jump into this one when it's released and let yourself be swept away with Chokshi's captivating words.

I love love loved this book and I am so incredibly sad that I have to wait till......2021......unless I get blessed with another ARC ;)

I will say this: If you were absolutely ~messed up~ after the first book well then AHAHAHA buckle up bitches prepare to be destroyed by this ending :)

TW for this book: talk of suicide, grief, body mutilation, violence (comment any If I missed something it's late)

“The difference between a diamond necklace and a diamond dog collar depends on the bitch. And they both have teeth, Monsieur.”

ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley <3 Thank you!
1 like

I don’t know if I should write this now. I’m a sobbing mess. I keep whispering, “please let there be more. Don’t make me end like this.” I am broken. If it’s not completely obvious, this book was amazing. I fell in love all over again. I had forgotten how much I loved the first, but this renewed my interest with urgency. From start to finish, this book does not disappoint. The only thing I can’t stand is the tension between Severin and Laila. If you read the first, you know what I mean. It wasn’t truly as if I “didn’t like” it; I just wanted them to finally be together. Lol. Anyways, I am dying for the third book, cursing myself for making my wait even longer.

A great second novel. I'd strongly suggest reading Gilded Wolves first. The diversity of the characters, the unique world and powerful themes combine to make a beautiful story.

I cannot tell you how long I debated over what rating to give this book. I seriously don’t think it’s ever taken me that long to figure out whether or not I loved a book or hated it. Luckily for The Silvered Serpents, love won out. Allow me to walk you through the entirety of my indecision. I’m gonna put spoilers at the very end of my review, so if you don’t want to read those just read until you see the big SPOILER ALERT warning.

First off, there’s the fact that I hated Severin for the majority of this book, which tells you something because I loved him in the first book. Now I will say he redeemed himself towards the end, and I understand somewhat why he was acting the way he was for most of the story, but that didn’t make it any less aggravating. I genuinely wanted to slap his frustrating face.

Then there’s the issue of Enrique’s love life. If you read my review of The Gilded Wolves, you know how much I ship Zorique. Well, I’m a little torn because, like a petulant child, I’m not happy with compromising, and that’s kind of what this book felt like to my ever-shipping heart.

I WANTED THEM TO BE TOGETHER LIKE OFFICIALLY FINALLY but that didn’t happen, although we’re getting closer and there were so many great moments between the two of them. So in this arena, it was kind of a toss-up as to whether I was satisfied or frustrated but I think overall I’m slightly pleased. I think.

The storyline was absolutely amazing. Like, even better than the first book if that’s possible. I also felt like it was a lot less confusing, so that’s a plus. I only had to go back and reread twice just to get a grip on what was happening.

As far as negative elements go, there were, unfortunately, quite a few. Drinking plays a part in the story, and sexual activity is referenced plenty of times. Unmarried people have sex, though it isn’t described in detail.

There is sporadic cursing, including f-bombs (no more than twice). There is a homosexual couple that is together for a lot of the book, and although there isn’t a lot that happens it is referenced quite often and there are moments of flirting/physical contact between them. Not to mention gore and violence, although I don’t think there’s a whole lot of that.

Considering all of these things, I think my consensus rating is three and a half out of five stars. There were a lot of things I didn’t like, making the whole experience rather frustrating. It was kind of like watching “Avengers: Infinity War”. I just want to get on to the next installment so everything can be all better. It was, however, a well-told story, and one that was very interesting to read, even if it went back and forth between being enjoyable to read and making me want to rip my hair out.

SPOILER ALERT

I was also really confused about the whole thing with Tristan. They kept referencing his “demons” and how he killed birds and stuff but I felt like it was never really explained. Like, why did he do that?

What haunted him? Why didn’t anyone know or why did he feel driven to murder birds? I really would have liked if that had been fleshed out more, especially since that was continually referenced.

Then there’s the fact that the ending STRESSED ME OUT. What the heck is happening? Is everything gonna work out or NOT? THESE ARE THINGS I NEED TO KNOW.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of “Why. Just Why.”

I'm going to be straight up with all of you. I did not love the first book. If it wouldn't have been for that ending with Laila and Severin and the information that exposed about a certain someone really not being the heir, I don't know if I even would have requested this ARC. Thank God I did. When I saw that I was accepted for it, something in me craved it. I immediately picked it up and basically didn't put it down until I was finished.

This book, to me anyway, is a lot different than the first. It's got an edge to it. Our main characters are REELING after the death from the first book and it has all but completely disbanded their once tight-knit group. Their grief throughout the entire book is so thick that you could cut it with a knife. Characters are darker than they once were because of it, and some of the relationships are so strained that it almost makes it hard to breathe, thinking back to it. I don't even usually like these types of books. I guess I must have been in the mood for something a little grittier than my usual fare.

Because this book doesn't come out until February 2020 and anything could change (I really hope it doesn't), I'm not going to get into the plot. All you need to know is that their goal in this one is to find ~the book~ they've been wanting for a while now. They are lead to an extremely unique place to look for it and I enjoyed Chokshi's ability do describe even the most simple of things especially in this instance. She has the ability to make everything seem so much more than it actually is which obviously adds to the magic and mystery of it all.

There were some twists that I certainly DID NOT see coming which is always a delicious thing. We learn so much more about our characters and their pasts and it helped me connect with a few of them way more than I had in the previous book. And. The ending. THE ENDING. Holy crap, guys, it's one of those endings where you can see it happening through multiple sets of eyes so you're finding out different information at different times and I was literally yelling at my Kindle and my husband was getting upset with me because I wouldn't stop to tell him why. Basically I'm almost kind of beating myself up over the fact that I've already read this because now I'm going to have to wait WAY TOO LONG to find out what happens in the last book. And I REALLY. REALLY. need to know.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the chance to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.♥

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

We are back in the beautiful and lush world but things are very different and somber now. The Silvered Serpents picks up where we left the characters still recovering from their sudden loss.

There is a new search underway to find something that is of equal importance to many. This quest leads them out of Paris and into Russia.

There is a lot of intrigue, scheming and a dangerous leviathan that our cast of characters have to thwart to unravel the mystery of the item they hunt for. For this is literally now life and death.

I love and cherish Roshani’s writing. This was a heartbreaking story and frustrating at times because you just want to shake some of them but that’s not how grief works.

The characters are what I love the most about these books. Even though they are hurting they're still a joy to read. There’s just such wonderful representation and the frustration that feel is very palpable and heavily relatable today.

The only problem I have now is how long I have to wait for the last installment. The ending snuck up on me and stole my breath away.