An emotional roller coaster!! That’s what I went through when reading this book!! The ending ugh!!! I need the next book!! I cannot begin to describe how thrilling this novel was. When I first started reading it I thought it was the last and was thrilled to find out it isn’t!! The fact that Danielle is able to incorporate all 4 points of view is incredible! I tend to get lost when jumping from character perspectives but not with this! I cannot say anymore without spoiling but ugh!! You will not regret buying it! I cannot wait to get my hands on a hard copy :)

Just when I thought things couldn't get any messier, Gilded Serpent exists with pages full of mind-blowing twists, nerve-racking adventures, and endless surprises.

I might have survived reading this book but I don't think my heart share the same fate.

The story picked up right where Dark Shores and Dark Skies ended. It is told through four POVs: Teriana, Marcus, Lydia, and Killian. The constantly changing POV didn't confuse me for a bit, I liked it because I got to see the story developed through different angles.

Another thing that I liked is how I'm still amazed by the impressive world-building. In this book, new places were explored which was super exciting. But I was surprised how things that happened in Gilded Serpent changed my mind about the characters. I used to feel a little distant towards Teriana and Marcus but now I will gladly cut down anyone who dares to harm them.

I guess that could happen because, in this thick book with 500+ pages, I got to know the characters better. Some moments showed how incredible both of them are and how strong their feelings for each other. Some moments also managed to change with how I see Lydia and Killian but my feelings stayed the same about the couple since Dark Skies, I liked them.

Overall, Gilded Serpent was a remarkable, fast-paced, addicting sequel. It's done wonderfully with compelling writing, awesome characters, and an outstanding plot. I couldn't stop reading and now I wished I savored it slower because I'm dying after that ending. I need the finale asap!

If you enjoyed Dark Shores and/or Dark Skies, I suggest you pick up Gilded Serpent right after it's released because it was such an exceptional read! Just make sure you've read the first two books before you dive into this book :)

I had a little trouble getting into this book, but once I was in I was hooked. I liked the different points of view and the different personal journeys the characters each went through. A solid read once you get several chapters in.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via netgalley!

5/5 stars
This series gets better and better with every installment. Dark Shores followed Teriana and Marcus. Dark Skies followed Lydia and Killian. Gilded Serpent follows all four as they navigate all their problems. And I am just waiting for something to happen where they collide and assist each other with their problems.

The only thing that I didn't like about this book is that huge cliffhanger and how long I'm going to have to wait for the next book.

I love world building, plot, characters, magic, etc of the world.

This book is seriously just as amazing as the first two!!! I definitely recommend reading them in order. If you love fantasy, mermaids and adventure then this is definitely the book for you. I can’t wait for this title to be released so I can add it to my collection. I love this author!

Once again veteran author Danielle L. Jensen has immersed readers in a world that comes to life with every word. In this, Gilded Serpent, which is the third installment, readers are returned to the Dark Shores world with all its color and depth. The main characters are again embroiled in their respective pieces of the story as the author takes her readers ever closer to peace or destruction, depending on whatever page you happen to be reading at the time. Love and hate, greed and generosity, hope and despair - for fans of this series, Jensen will take you to the threshold of absolution and leave you wondering, "what happens next?" The wait has been well worth it!

I’ve completely fallen in love with the Dark Shores Series. There’s a fascinating world that the author built, lots of action, complex characters, betrayal, and plot twists galore.

Since this is the 3rd book (4th if you count the recently released novella), I don’t want to give away too many details that may spoil the other books for readers. However, I will say that Gilded Serpents had so MANY unexpected things happen that I was unable to put it down. Lives in constant peril, star crossed romance, political plots, scheming, insane journeys, and other twists that kept me wondering what would happen next!

This certainly wasn’t a “filler” book. It was action packed while moving and adding new information while still converging plots from the previous works. I need the next volume ASAP! Definitely a must read for those who like fantasy and adventure stories with complex characters and storylines.

This book took me so long to read. I usually finish books in one sitting, but it was impossible with this one. The constant POV switches were almost impossible to keep up with and I was so confused about what was going on most of the time. I also think this book could have been around half the length because most of the things that happened were honestly pretty unnecessary.
I still didn't dislike the plot, the action scenes were well written and I love Lydia and Killian together. I feel like Teriana's and Marcus' storyline was pretty unnecessary in this book, though, and I don't really understand why she mashed the POV's together for this one. I thought this would be the last one and finally connect the storylines, but it isn't even that. I feel like it would have been better if she had kept the POV's separate again because this was honestly just a bit of a mess.
The ending was pretty solid, I liked the cliffhanger and how the storylines evolved. I wasn't a fan of the ending, it took me ages to read the first 20% of the book because it was so slow. I still have the issue of not understanding the worldbuilding, and I also find that the descriptions are often vague and it's hard to visualize the scenes as you read them.
To me, this felt like a filler book and I'm not really sure what I think of it. If this had only been Lydia and Killian, I definitely would have enjoyed it more.

I was so super excited to receive this arc! What a fantastic installment in this series... I loved the adventure and the characters still captured my heart...

Danielle is a master storyteller, and her way with words is extraordinary! I can’t wait for more from her.

I just finished Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen and whew! What a doozy of a ride that was. It’s easily Jensen’s best book yet.

There are many starting points into this world like Dark Shores and Dark Skies, or even the prequel novella Tarnished Empire. But Gilded Serpent is not one of those points.

If you’ve yet to read anything in the Dark Shores world, stop, turn around, and go read one of the books above.

Even if novellas aren’t your thing, I HIGHLY recommend you check out Tarnished Empire before proceeding.

While Tarnished Empire is not necessary, it will make things a lot more interesting for you, I promise.

Gilded Serpent Review

Gilded Serpent picks up right where Dark Shores and Dark Skies left off.

At least I think so, it’s been a year since I read Dark Skies and two since I read Dark Shores. The details are a bit fuzzy.

If you didn’t know, Dark Shores and Dark Skies were essentially one novel broken into two parts, each featuring two POVs with two different sets of characters.

Gilded Serpent brings all four POVs together and is twice the length of either of the previous books.

This book is big. I mean massive big. And it’s totally worth every penny you’ll spend on it, I assure you.

Gilded Serpent Summary

Marcus and Teriana

Marcus is leading the Thirty Seventh and Forty First legions on an expedition to conquer the Dark Shores of the West. They’ve just come off a great victory deposing Urcon and reconquering the land for the locals, while bringing it under Cel rule.

Teriana, who has fallen in love with Marcus at this point, is conflicted with the need to prevent the invasion, but care for the very person who will ruin the lives of every citizen of the West.

Marcus is not without his own battles, though, as he seeks to be out from under Cel rule and hopes that the Empire will forget about them.

The only problem is Teriana’s people are being held captive as insurance that Marcus succeeds.

It’s a tight rope and to walk, and Marcus and Teriana’s story pivots around these two stressors the whole time.

Killian and Lydia

Lydia has been “captured” by King Serrick and “forced” into healing labor by Quindor. She is not a prisoner, and she wants to help, but at the same time, she cannot go with Killian as she wishes.

Killian, on the other hand, has taken his rightful place as Lord Calorian and commander of King Serrick’s armies. Serrick sends Killian to protect the borders far away from Lydia and the capital city, Mudaire.

You won’t see a whole lot of Killian earlier in the book, but the latter half more than makes up for it.

Lydia, who is supposed to be safe, soon finds herself in hot water and will eventually meet up with Killian for an adventure of their own.

As with Dark Skies, Killian is conflicted because of his oaths to his kingdom that inevitably wars against his love for Lydia. This is made worse about 40% of the way through when a certain revelation ruins any shot Killian has at love.

But don’t despair. Just you wait until Chapter 86.

Genius!

Danielle L. Jensen is a masterful author and the twists in Gilded Serpent are pure gold.

What I loved

Where to start?

Marcus. Teriana. Teriana. Marcus.

I forgot all about you since it’s been two years, and I’m glad I found you again. The dynamic between these two is wonderful. Some of the most touching and powerful moments in Gilded Serpent happen in their storyline.

Unfortunately, the book ends with Teriana still having no clue that Lydia is alive, meaning they don’t meet up. But I’m hopeful for that encounter in Book 4. Maybe?

What else? Agrippa!

Agrippa was introduced in Tarnished Empire, and while he feels a little different here than he did there, the events in Tarnished Empire took place 4 years earlier, and Agrippa finds himself needing to adapt to the local landscape.

It’s hardened him a bit, but I still believe he has a good heart and can’t wait to see how he develops in the next book.

I’ve been and still remain Team Killian all the way.

He’s my favorite, and while he’s noticeably darker emotionally in Gilded Serpent, it’s not without cause. Some of the greatest fight scenes, plot twists, and story development happens in Killian’s and Lydia’s POVs.

And one of those moments will make your heart do somersaults.

What I didn't like

Closing Thoughts

“Wait, you forgot to fill out the section about what you didn’t like.”

Gotcha!

What’s not to like? Gilded Serpent is a pleasure from start to finish and I’m dying for Book 4 already. It’ll be a long wait for sure, but I’m positive it will be worth every minute.

Gilded Serpent is an easy 5/5 stars for me.

Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen - Release Date April 27, 2021
Dark Shores Series


Finally, all 4 of our MC’s finally coverage in this book (I’m neither confirming or denying they MEET, just - all 4 are in one book)

Reading all 4 POV was actually truly refreshing for me. It kept everything engaging, yet everything was leaving me on the edge of my seat. Some thoughts that ran through my head during;

“Is this when it happens?”

“OMG ARE THEY GOING TO RUN INTO EACH OTHER”

“You’re kidding me.”

“Please, you’re right there.”

These are the mild thoughts I had, but I feel they are (or will be) fairly universal while reading GS.

I want to go back to the 4 POV for a second here - A lot of people get lost, or find multiple POV difficult but Jensen truly does a great job of making it smooth and seamless. I will admit at times during Dark Shores and Dark Skies I would get pulled out of the story because there was so much *info* to absorb, and while there is obviously still a lot of info to take in in Gilded Serpent, there’s more action, and the plot is just non-stop which makes this a thrilling, wonderful read.

From the slow burns, to the action, and engagement Gilded Serpent is easily my favorite book in this series, and I cannot cannot cannot wait for more. It is everything a YA novel should be and I highly recommend it to those looking for something new!

#teamkillian

Thank you so much to @NetGalley and @TorTeen for the Advanced Copy in exchange for this review.

Everything is starting to come together. We've watched these characters grow and change over the course of the previous books and Jensen is finally linking all of them together. The book starts off fast paced and just continues to build to leave you at a cliffhanger that will leave you wishing for more. Each character gets time to grow and develop as things become more clear. However, I personally found the shifts in perspective (each chapter is a different character) a bit jarring. although other readers may feel differently.
Overall, a well written entry to the series and I look forward to the next installment!

This book is two stories in one. It takes us on separate journeys with Lydia and Killian as they both try to fight Rufina in their own way to restore good in Mudamoria. Lydia struggles with inner fear and finding her true self. Killian struggles between his love of Lydia and his duty to the kingdom.

The second story belongs to Marcus and Teriana, which I could read every day all day. They are enemies who become lovers who battle to maintain boundaries with each other. When they find themselves traversing the dangerous frozen Sibern, they discover if they can truly trust one another. This may be my favorite fantasy couple yet.

Gilded Serpent delivers on everything I wanted in this third book and has left me wanting MORE. A must read for enemy to lover fans who enjoy multiple POV.

Dear Mrs Jensen,
I would like to formally extend the invitation to my shit list after this poppycock nonsense of a rollercoaster. I AM NOT OKAY MA'AM.

This book y'all, this book took me for one heck of a ride. The emotions were a plenty. If I had a physical book I would have thrown it at some point. The state she has left my poor loves in IS NOT OKAY. I have no closure. I need more. I have no idea how I am supposed to go on while I wait for the next book?!?! I deeply feel the inner turmoil of these characters, days later sitting here writing this review I am once again having heart palpitations... I need to go meditate now....

Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen
Book 3 in the Dark Shores Series
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: April 27, 2011

Lydia, Killian, Marcus and Teriana’s stories merge into a single novel in the follow up to Dark Shores and Dark Skies.

Reading this book felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I had to put the book down several times to regain my composure before pressing on, only to have my heart ripped out a chapter later. The book alternates between the four main characters' point of views and I think the book really benefits from the alternating storylines as a constant source of adventure and perspectives. I spent most of the novel wondering if this was the chapter when their stories would intersect.

And no matter how much the logical side of my brain tried to prepare me for that cliffhanger ending, I just wasn’t ready. Gilded Serpent is over 500 pages and it still wasn’t enough. This book has everything I want in a YA fantasy; adventure, compelling characters, purpose, distinct voices, and slow-burn romances.

If you’ve asked for book recommendations on your Instagram stories lately then I’ve probably responded that you need to read this series. Do yourself a favour and read it. Then when you’re done come over to my page so we can talk all things #teammarcus.

My many, many thanks to #NetGalley and #TorTeen for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I give this book 5 stars! I loved the previous books in the series and it’s only getting better. I liked being able to read from the perspectives of the 4 main characters: Teriana, Marcus, Lydia, and Killian. The story is beautifully written and continues to get more complex. I can’t wait for all of them to meet, hopefully in the next book. The author really portrays the characters in a way that causes readers to become attached to all of them. The stakes continue to get higher and I’m excited to see where the author takes them next.

I have a habit of forgetting things after reading them, so since it had been a minute since I had read the last book I was a little lost but which it found my way back.

This story is told in multiple characters with Terriana being the main one. She is fierce, she is loyal.

The story is told by terriana, Lydia, Marcus, and Killian. All great characters for many reasons. If you’re looking into this book surely you’ve read the others- if not, GO DO IT!

Xenthiers, which are (what I imagine) to be these bluish swirling type of things which take you to a different part of the world. The only thing is, they don’t know where all of them take you which can be dangerous.

It’s so hard to talk about this book without giving too much of it away since it’s the third in the series.

I will say that the ending had my eyes wide and almost yelling in rage that it ended in a cliff hanger! I’m anxious to read the next!

If you like adventure with a mix of people who can do magic in different ways- heading, control rain, etc and then more of an empire type of vibe than the typical current ways of life- check this series out. The writing is great and really draws you in!

This book impressed me so much. What does it require for an author to be on the 4th book in a series and for each book to be better than the last?

Marcus, Teriana, Killian, Lydia and Agrippa were back and more nuanced than before, and the story took so many turns that I am left wondering if Danielle L Jensen is even human to have come up with a story this thrilling.

War, betrayal, survival, forgiveness, redemption, love, sacrifice, revenge, depth, The Battle Scenes!
THIS. BOOK!

The pacing was perfect. Sometimes when POV's shift by chapter I have a hard time connecting with the characters but that could not be further from the truth in this case. Danielle manages to know exactly when to switch to a different POV. Sometimes that means you're left saying "How Dare You Danielle!" and other times she would give the POV a second chapter in a row because it best served the flow of the story and the heart health of the reader. (Your readers thank you oh wise one.) The last part of the book was thrill after thrill in the best way and I don't know how I'll survive while waiting on the next book but somehow I must endeavor.

Marcus and Teriana got so much more in this book than I was hoping for-and the adventure they are thrown into is one I hadn't remotely thought a possibility for them and it was everything I never knew I needed. I am legitimately thrilled to let you know that I have zero clue what will happen next between these two and nothing could be more exciting.
Killian's altruism is continually put to the test. In some books reading about someone who only strives to put others first can come across as contrived, but having such dark characters written parallel to him in other chapters helps to solidify it as his actual personality default. We see Killian battle so much more with his mark and his duty and his feelings in this book. Nothing has ever hit the spot while simultaneously being a gut punch more than Kilian's and Lydia's chapters and I was living for them. Agrippa is not the same man we met in the 37th legion, but reading him again felt like home, and bless him for the humour.

There are some amazing quotes that I've saved to share in my reviews after the book finally comes out.
This book made me laugh, and cry. It made me swear and jump up from my seat to take a walk because I couldn't handle it. I even took a flying leap at my bed and I am a full grown woman. This book has it all folks I cannot say enough good things about it. Dark Skies was one of my top four reads of 2020, and I feel confident that Gilded Serpent will keep the tradition going in 2021.

This follow up to the Dark Shores and Dark Skies was everything I hoped for and more. What a fan-frigging-tastic read this has been and finished way too soon - I barely noticed it being almost 600 pages, because it was so incredibly fast paced (I finished it within a day and a half, which is saying Something seeing I've been in a slump for months and haven't had a pace as good as this one since I've been back to reading since a short while now) What am I to do with my life until the next book arrives? I am so incredibly sad, knowing I'll have to wait too long now, before I'm able to read what happens next in this series. A series that has rapidly set it's place in stone in my 'absolute-favorites-list'!

Marcus, Teriana, Killian, Lydia and all other minor characters we've come across as well, are such a fantastic set of characters to follow and the character developments for all of them were executed and developed so incredibly well. And all's set in such a fascinating fictional world that has some really awesome fantasy elements that gives off some major Troy/Gladiator/Pirates of the Caribbean vibes and I loved every single second spend reading this book. I truly can't get enough of it all and feel like there just aren't any words to do this book and the series in general justice.

Danielle's writing style in general, the story-line, plots and scheming, the politics added to the mix and the also more evolved and sometimes even steamy romances thrown into it, combined with some 'on the edge of your seat' action, made this yet again a 5 star read for me. As I said; There's not a single dull moment to be had, while spending time in this world/this book and each new book keeps getting better and better in my honest opinion. I didn't think I couldn't fall in love even more with everything, but I did. Thank you Danielle. From the bottom of my heart... For giving us, in the first place, Marcus and Teriana in Dark Shores and then Killian (still #TeamKilliannnn, not sorry) and Lydia in Dark Skies and now taking it all to a whole new level with Gilded Serpent. It feels like so much more is coming our way still and I can't wait for it.

Conclusion:
A follow up book that's just everything you could've hoped for beforehand. It has it all! My inner fangirl is beyond happy with all that I've read the past day and a half, even though my heart's been ripped out on too many occasions, lol. Danielle's good at that, did you know? You'll definitely find out in this book! This book left me hanging... left me Craving the next one and I'm not sure how I'll be able to hold on until then. I NEED MORE. MORE. MORE. MORE. More of these fantastic characters, sometimes morally gray but still so frigging lovable. My precious babies. I need more of this world... this sometimes cruely, dark and scary world. I need more of Danielle's amazing writing... the promise of all that's to come in the next book. I don't think my expectations can't get any higher now, lol. So much more depth and development present, while the other books were also already well developed. Those were just tips of an iceberg. Can't wait to dive underneath the surface and explore the rest of what's waiting to be discovered.

If you've been thinking about picking this series up, please don't hesitate for even a second. This series is going to be your next addiction. That's a promise!

Just when I though the Dark Shores series couldn’t get ANY better Danielle gives us this masterpiece of a book. Five stars is an understatement for how I feel about this story!

We FINALLY have some of our characters cross paths in a way that was completely unexpected. The alternating POVs let’s us see so much of this story and the journey they all go on. I also got to see Agrippa come back into the story and I can’t explain my excitement!

Full of twists and turns I couldn’t put this book down. I will forever recommend this series and this book has been my favorite of them all.