Wow! Wow! Wow! What an amazing book. I expected this one to be crazy and also a bit stressful to read and it was in a good way. I love these characters, the plot, romance and high stakes dangers around every corner. I had a few heart attacks but this book was just so good!

I’m trying to not write a spoiler review but if you haven’t read the last books ([book:Dark Shores|41555964], [book:Dark Skies|41438058] and [book:Tarnished Empire|56521178]) then there will be some spoilers.

We have Teriana and Marcus in the Southern Continent of the Dark Shores and Lydia and Killian in the Northern Continent. Some battles may have been won in the last book but the fight isn’t over yet. There is a lot of conflict that needs to be resolved and even more problems to be had. I absolutely love these four characters and I’m always hoping with all of my heart that none of them die. We still have another book left at least so I will still be hoping and wishing that they all make it out alive.

This is an incredibly dangerous world but the world-building has always been just exceptional. What I love about this book and the whole series is that the characters don’t stay in one place. They travel around and we get to see many different parts on the map. It makes it so interesting and exciting to see the different places around Reath.

Morally grey characters for me are so much better to read about than black-and-white “good” or “bad” characters. The characters explores guilt, consequences of sacrifice and difference between doing what they desire versus doing what is right. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. Some great surprises and some things I saw coming but also wasn’t prepared for. What I loved is that the chapters are short and I love how fast this book moves. Not so fast as to miss the action, character growth or exploration or romantic moments but a wonderful blend of all.

The romance is so good because all of the romance is forbidden or at least I know they shouldn’t be together but I don’t care! I love those sweet and tender moments but also the fiery tension as well. I know the romance probably won’t end well but I’m here to enjoy it as long as possible. Teriana and Marcus spend a lot of time together in this book and there are those moments where I’m like run, leave together and be happy but I know it isn’t really possible. Same for Lydia and Killian. They all have their responsibilities, duties to others and things they have to do for the greater good. They do have to push aside their feelings and it breaks my heart.

I can’t wait for the next book. That ending. Ugh! So good. Yes, there is a cliffhanger but the wait for the next book will be worse. If you haven’t started this series yet, I will just leave my recommendation below...

READ THIS SERIES!!!!

Recommended reading order:
Dark Shores (Teriana & Marcus)
Dark Skies (Lydia & Killian)
Tarnished Empire (Prequel, Marcus’ story)
Gilded Serpent (All four perspectives)

...until the next book that I’m sure will break me...

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

5⭐️

Wow. This was an epic instalment in the Dark Shores series, everything I hoped/suspected came to fruition and the twisty plot was utterly brilliant. Political intrigue, romance, murder, lies and throw in a little betrayal too — still not sold? How about unique fantasy world building? The plot twists kept me guessing (rare) and I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I could read about these characters all day, every day, and let me just say that Jensen is a master of intriguing chapter endings.

I have so many favourite moments from this book (one stands out more than others but no spoilers!) but in general I was really happy that there was a little more steam in this book than in the other books.

*Not really a spoiler but just in case — there’s something slightly more detailed ahead*



My one tiny criticism is that Killian/Lydia confession towards the ending felt a bit abrupt/insta, like there wasn’t enough of a slow-burn maybe. Either way, I love them both still and the way their characters developed throughout this novel was so so good.

I can’t wait to read the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC of Gilded Serpents in exchange for complete honesty about how much this book destroyed me. I reread both book one and book two via the audiobooks (which were really great and I recommend them!!) so the world and characters were fresh in my mind when I started this book.
Jensen somehow managed to give me all of the things to make my heart happier than it’s ever been for these characters and yet still rip it still beating right out of my chest. In Gilded Serpents, the four characters that we’ve come to love so very much in the first two books, Teriana, Marcus, Lydia, and Killian, all have their own points of view. And much like how book one and book two paralleled one another with their timelines, book three does that as well. But one of the most interesting things that I noticed was how the events of Marcus and Teriana’s journey paralleled events of Killian and Lydia’s journey. There were times during the story that both pairs were doing the same or similar things, like staying at an inn for example, and I thought that was such a fun aspect of the story. I just want these four to finally all meet up so badly I could scream. I also want to say, there’s a secret that’s finally revealed in this book that I’ve been suspecting since reading Lydia’s book (Dark Skies) and I’m not surprised that I was right but I was happy to have it confirmed. I also really loved that the characters are finally learning things. While Lydia learned where Teriana was in Dark Skies, Teriana has no idea that everyone thinks Lydia dead. So, secrets are revealed in this one and they are juicy.
Now, all four of these characters have grown immensely throughout their journeys so far. Lydia, while no expert swordswoman, has learned to defend herself. She’s also learned an incredible amount about her magic. She’s smart and determined, clever and stubborn, fierce and passionate. I love her so much. She’s grown so much from the timid patrician girl we knew in Dark Shores.
Teriana’s story is filled with inner conflict. She’s in love with her enemy and that has some obvious challenges. She’s done nothing but make hard choices since this series started and that doesn’t change in this book. She’s faced with more hard choices, but I was delighted to see her find some moments of happiness. I think what I love most about Teriana is that she always stays positive. Even when she’s carrying another human being to what could likely be her death. She suffers and struggles, but doesn’t let those challenges win.
Marcus is a tough character for me. I go back and forth between loving him and really disliking him (much like Teriana). He is the Legatus of the 37th legion. But these men are more than just his subordinates, they’re his family. Marcus also faces many challenges in this book. He must make hard choices regarding his men. He’s put in situations where he has to face his fears and others where his internal battle of what’s right versus what’s being ordered. I think I ultimately will love him. But I’ll still probably flip flop back and forth again during the next book.
Killian is my favorite. He’s a Marked warrior, so he’s strong, fast, skilled, and very smart when it comes to battle. But he faces a struggle of heart versus duty. (There is another parallel!) With Killian it’s different though because, as the reader, I know a secret that will change everything. Though once that secret is out, we didn’t get to see much after that. Killian’s dark path isn’t over yet, but he will forever fight to keep his loved ones and his kingdom safe. He’s loyal and full of love, compassionate and intelligent. He’s absolutely someone you’d want on your side.
Overall, I loved this book just as much as the first two. It was nice not to have to wonder as much about what was happening to the other couple because we were getting all of their points of view. I really liked that the chapters are short and still left me wanting more from each character. I also have to mention the world. We see three places, four if you include the ocean, in the first two books. But in this one, we find out more about other kingdoms and we get to see the mysterious Darin. We also get to see more Marked Ones that are marked by different Gods. I love the magic in this series and it was really interesting getting to see more of the abilities bestowed from other Gods. The only thing I didn’t like was the cliff hanger and that’s only because there isn’t even a cover for book four yet. I face the eternal bookworm struggle of suffering to wait for the next book in the series. I cannot recommend this series enough. It’s full of diverse character that you just can’t help falling in love with.

She has done it once again.

With Gilded Serpent Danielle Jensen has left me floored.

Gilded Serpent is the third book in the Dark Shores series (there is also the prequel “Tarnished Empire” which, in my opinion should only be read after Dark Shores but I digress). You MUST read the Dark Shores, Dark Skies AND Tarnished Empire before reading Gilded Serpent. Must. There is no exception.

We return to four familiar POVS that I have come to LOVE- Teriana, Marcus, Lydia and Killian. Danielle is able to use these four POVS to not only craft an amazing world and deeply rich story BUT also to emotionally destroy and floor her readers- a talent of hers that I have come to love.

An issue I usually have with more than say 2-3 POVS is that I usually end up having at least one that I dread coming up, or one that is laborious. I will say that at the end of this book I realised that did not happen. I looked forward to all four characters and the update they provided.

I love the parts where the story connects in ways the reader knows, and not necessarily each of the characters. I feel like I barely had time to catch my breath towards the end as there is a lot of new info laid down that is making me FROTH for the next one.

We love a writer who can spin romance and also have me not able to read action sequences fast enough. A must for fantasy fiction lovers. It’s big, but it’s worth every dang page.

CN for this book: there are more explicit references to sex and sex scenes compared to books one and two, also noted Swearing, violence, war, death, alcohol consumption, drug consumption. Would recommend for 16+

I loved continuing this amazing series and I loved reading from different perspectives. I hope that these different POV’s will meet one day. I love this world and i cant wait wait for the next one!

<b> "If the story of your life were a book, I'd carry it with me across the world. I'd read it every night. And whenever I reached the ending of what had been shared with me, I'd open it to the first page and begin reading it again." </b>

Welcome back to the Dark Shores readers. A slower start but Gilded Serpent is action PACKED. Like anxious sweating. We've got the blight and the corrupted. Teriana's dilemma of saving her people or saving the West. We also have romance. *sighs dreamily*. The Banter between Marcus and Teriana is chef's kiss. I want to squeeze hug Marcus. Will their relationship survive them being enemies on opposite sides of a battlefield? And Lydia and Killian. Woo, boy. I need more of this OTP in book four! Can we LOL at Gertie and Bertie. Snort! You know who else I need more of in book four... Agrippa! The end of chapter 82. Tears. Don't forget Miki and Quintus- I love you. Gilded Serpent is a thrilling novel with high-stakes and secret revelations! YA readers you need the Dark Shore series STAT. #TeamMarcus

READ IF YOU LIKE:
-toga clad senators & politics
-power & domination
-warfare
-action & adventure
-#IsThisAKissingBook: TWO romances and one will leave you wanting more.
-burdens of secrets & betrayal

Thank you Tor Teen for my advanced reader copy!

Song: Renegades by X Ambassadors

I received this ARC thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

"Hope, when proven false, is a bitter thing."
Let me tell you one thing fellow reader - if I could describe this installment without spoilling anything, I would call this a book of consequences - every choice you made till now makes you who you are.
The time has come, and we finally get to read all 4 POVs of main characters from previous books as one story. Tho, as Danielle announced we won't be seeing them together yet, so don't be disappointed getting into the book. Even as this reunion is the most anticipated, despite all the other cliffhangers, we get not one, but two fieldtrips with Zuko's equivalents to push the plot forward.
[image]
"Everything you tell me is a gift."
Most of you can be unaware, that I'm not a fan of Marcus. Whatever was going on between him and Teriana in the first book just didn't seem right to me. And just because of that I am so glad they got some alone time to actually get to know each other. And you know what? This book left me even more curious. They went through a lot, but there's still more ahead of them.
"Sometimes it feels like you know everything except how to live."
I don't want to spoil you, because all the experience you get reading this book should be gained on your own, but if you're willing to get your heart broken over your beloved Legatus-
Dive.
Right.
In.
[image]
"To be good is to recognize the darkness in one's character and strive to remedy it."
Killian, the Dark Horse.
Lydia, the I won't tell you because all the fun'd be gone lol.
My boy has proven to suck at household chores and we stan it. Teriana&Marcus had more of a fieldtrip, but these two here weren't left behind with one of their own. We get to meet someone from Tarnished Empire, tho I wouldn't say it's necessary to know that story - it's quite explained here too. IMO Killian and Lydia's dynamics are to die for, and from what we get to know here I can't wait to see who the hell stays alive in the conclusion to this series.

"From the moment you walked into my life, my heart, my soul belonged to you, even if my sword did not."
I still wouldn't say Dark shores as whole beats other series by Jensen, but you still get all the humour that's iconic to her writting, epic fantasy tale and heart attack every few pages. So even if you're as myself Team Killian, resentful of the fact Legatus got his own book and Dark Horse did not, I can promise you Gilded Serpent will live up to your expectations as a continuation to ours boy story.
PS. He had a pony called Pom Pom. POM POM.

Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen brings all 4 POV's from Dark Shores and Dark Skies together in one book and alternates between the two main story lines without them quite coming together. For such a long book this installment is action packed and has our main characters traveling all over their world of oppressive empires, kingdoms ravaged by a magical blight, gifts from mysterious gods, and angsty romance. Danielle L Jensen's writing is great as always and delivers the dynamic fantasy and swoony romance she's know for. This series if perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L Armentrout. I can't decide which of the main couples I love more and I'm eagerly waiting to see how it all ends!

Okay wow you all. I'm loving this series and hate that I'll have to wait till gods knows when for the next one!
- The world building is pretty amazing considering you have two distinct worlds to build and you have do them both justice with their own distinct cultures/societal intricacies and norms/political setup etc. I feel like that was done extremely well in the first book alone, but in this one there's even more expansion and breadth. No small feat.
- So much action! its a pretty lengthy book (by my standards) but I was immersed and engaged and trying to anticipate the next thing the whole time. I LOVE alternating pov's IF its done well, and I was not disappointed here. I was equally invested in all of the character's and their plot lines. The ending especially was some INTENSE reading you all!!! *It's possible I was parentally off limits until I finished that last 20% or so*
- I adore the characters and I'm genuinely pretty terrified for them! (Even a certain one that is a tad bit unlikeable to me). You know how an author can back you into a character/plotline corner and you're like "well how the duck can this end well?!?!"
*blows into paper sack*

This one was intense. Twists happened. I felt the feelings. I have dread- But i'm reading that next one as soon as I get my hands on it.

Thanks to Tor Teen and Netgalley for an advanced e-copy! *and for the emotional roller coaster*

Fell in love with The Bridge Kingdom a few months ago and began reading all things Danielle L. Jensen. While this is YA (I usually stick to Adult/NA), I still loved everything about this series, the chapters, the romance, the drama! Jensen really knows how to hook you.

Jensen does it again with The Gilded Serpent - this book is full of action and will make you feel every emotion. Book 4 cannot come soon enough.

***Thank you so much NetGalley for providing me eARC***

You know those series where the first book is amazing but then it gest worse with each book? That is definitely NOT an issue with „Dark Shores” series! I really liked Dark Shores and Dark Skies but I LOVED Gilded Serpent.

It is told from 4 POVs we met in previous books and while I usually don’t like multiple POVs, it was masterfully done here. It was so good to see Teriana, Marcus, Lydia and Killian again and there are some familiar faces from Tarnished Empire as well which I loved. I feel like this book was slightly darker with some difficult moments but it was well balanced by many cute Teriana&Marcus and Lydia&Killian moments which I live for, it was so perfect. And there were few heartbreaking moments, especially towards the end, when I thought it would finally get better and they would all be happy only for everything to fall apart. That cliffhanger is killing me! And not even one but TWO cliffhangers (or maybe two and half?). I don’t know how we are supposed to wait a year to know what happens next.

I really really recommend this wonderful book to all who read the previous books in the series and it is definitely more fun if you have read Tarnished Empire as well. Can’t wait for the last book to see how everything is solved. I have a feeling it will be even more mind-blowing than this one!

MY REVIEW:
Well, this has to be my favorite of the series so far.
My heart was pounding, I was so scared, delighted, and anxious for my beloved characters all at once. (Yes, it can happen).
We get to see both sets of our favorite couples in this book so no matter if your team Marcus or a Killian you will be happy.

We get to see both simultaneous storylines from different points of view, and as soon as one storyline was cooling down from being at the breaking point the other went into high gear. There was not one single point during this book that I wanted to put it down, and this has officially placed Danielle L Jensen as an auto-buy author for me.

This book had me reeling from it for days afterward and even when I went on a local trip to a limestone cave surrounded by steep mountains, all I could think about was a certain scene with its Sharpe mountainsides.
I truly cannot wait for the next book in the series and the year will be a long wait.

If you want more of Danielle's writing don't forget her other new series:
The Bridge Kingdom. (Book 1) out now.
The Traitor Queen (Book 2) out now.

4.5 ⭐️

...so much going on with our favorite characters. Let’s start with Marcus and Teriana. Marcus has to come to grips with his feelings for Teriana while also trying to keep his legion alive. On top of tested loyalties, he’s still trying to figure out who betrayed him. Teriana is feeling guilt for her growing feelings and also still trying to save her people. She’s also built up a friendship with Marcus’s men so she’s feeling a lot. Loyalties will be tested. I did love their chapters. There is a big secret between them still, and I wonder what is going to happen when it comes out. Teriana’s determination and Marcus’s love and putting Teriana above him make me love this couple. I am rooting hardcore for them.


Killian & Lydia. Poor Killian. There were times I wanted to smack him. He has so much on his shoulders trying to help everyone on top of protect Lydia, whom he loves. His loyalty is tested as well. Lydia finally finds out who she is, which I predicted from the last book but this one confirmed it. I can’t wait to see how that plays out. She also discovers a lot more than she bargains and that is going to play a HUGE role on the last book. I am also rooting for these star crossed lovers. Their bond also starts to make a lot more sense too. Can’t mess with Fate. Also.. we see a certain character make his/her way back into the story which I can’t wait to see more of and how his/her story connects. It’s definitely going to be interesting.

Can I say how much I love that Danielle connects and weaves everything together? Like I am in awe. The end has me on my toes reading so quickly to see how it ends. I still hate Cassius. There was many laughter in Teriana and Marcus’s chapters. Plus, there is a steamy scene which had me fanning myself. Those 2 are absolutely my favorites. I need all these characters to have a happy ending, though I am scared what’s in store for each in the last book.

The reason why I didn’t rate it 5 stars is because it dragged a bit. There some slow moments that dragged and some felt like filler. The ending picked up a lot and I couldn’t put it down. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this. And I can’t wait to see how this story concludes.

Wow! Hello book 3 in the Dark Shores series!! This was a thrilling installment and I'm just blown away!
In Gilded Serpent all of the main characters from the first 2 books are present, not necessarily together, but the reader will see their separate points of view... and it's incredible. Jensen goes so deep into character development that it's scary good, literally in some cases.
This was a long book, but it is a MUST READ! I promise! If you haven't gotten into this series yet, now is the perfect time!
I just can't believe I have to wait for the next book!!! Cliffhangers much?

I'm a big fan of Danielle Jensen, so I was thrilled to see the third installment of the Dark Shores series available as an ARC! I loved The Bridge Kingdom and I was excited to dive into this series.

Fantasy fans, this series definitely delivers. Badass female characters, a plot that keeps you engaged, and some romance to keep it all together.

Teriana, Lydia and Killian's stories continues in this third book in the Dark Shores series. You can read Dark Shores or Dark Skies in any order, BUT definitely read both before continuing on to Gilded Serpent.

I can't wait to see how the series concludes in the next book!

I have no idea how Danielle does it, but I loved this book so very much.

I feel like the author is skilled in planning out the book—everything happens for a reason. Every moment, every word—it carries a weight.

This book had a lot of action and I loved it. It did have a lot of POVs which I was iffy about, but once you get into the rhythm it’s easy.

This book is definitely HEAVY. It’s a BIG BOOK, with lots of information. However, I loved every second of it.

And of course, I LOVED the romance.

This book was addicting and had me on the edge of my seat. Absolutely obsessed.

I first picked up Dark Shores last March because I fell in love with the cover art. I had no idea how hard I would fall for this series. Gilded Serpent brings together the first two books of this series just enough that you are dying for everything to fall in place. The revelations in the book had me gaping and left me speechless. I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone but if you enjoyed the first two, you won’t be able to put this one down!

I’m so in love with this series. the wait till the next book comes out is going to be torture. Combining storylines from Dark Seas and Dark Skies we get to follow both leading couples through their adventures. Neither couple has had it easy and it only gets worse.

Marcus and Teriana’s fragile relationship doesn’t last long before the sting of betrayal and split allegiances threatens to tear it all apart. Pulled between what’s best for their own people and what their hearts want, both of them fear anything that can change their tentative peace. As events happen Marcus finds himself crossing more and more lines he never thought he was capable of crossing and questioning everything he believed in before. I loved watching them finally admit to themselves and each other what they feel. The strength both of them show is amazing. Teriana really is an impressive character. Unfortunately loving one another doesn’t change the past or that they are enemies in a warthog will destroy them both. They may have won the battle against Ucorn but it’s obvious the war has only begun and its much larger than they realize.

Lydia and Killian don’t have it much easier, Guilt and duty are hard for both Lydia and Killian to reconcile with their feelings. Fighting the draw they feel towards each other gets harder and harder. With revelations about a shared past they finally understand the pull they feel bringing them together. Sadly Lydia is so driven by her fear that she ends up making choices in the name of love that may end up costing her that love in the end.

Both Couples come a long way over the course of the story and truly embrace their feelings but as they have all seen love isn’t easy and frequently has casualties. I love the theme of love being both a force of good and evil. It can absolutely be pure and beautiful but also used as a weapon and justifications for some of the most evil and heinous actions. It’s complex and multifaceted. Guided Serpent really explores they beautifully.

My boy Agrippa is back but he is so jaded and broken. out from under the thumb of the empire only to find himself again with no control over his life and at the mercy of another evil. You still see glimpses of the lovable boy from Tarnished Empire but it’s buried under so much apathy and resentment. I hope to see that spark brought back in him and him finding something worth fighting for again. He hasn’t been told about the 37th being in the west yet so I’m hoping Marcus will bring him back to his old self where their paths cross.

So much happens in this book but the stage is still being set for the final conflicts. Masterful writing ties what all seems to be isolated incidents together to show a broader picture and shared enemy. With rich environments, romantic tensions, twists that bring it all together, and captivating characters that latch on to your heartstring and won’t let go, I don’t know how it’s going to survive until the next book. Guided Serpent is a wonderful continuation of the epic saga of Reath.

This is the third installment in the Dark Shores quartet. In this novel, we follow both Teriana and Lydia where they were left off at the end of their respective book. The countries of the Dark Shores are having a terrible time and both our protagonist seems to be spiraled into something much bigger than themselves. Will they make their Gods proud?

I DNFed this book at 30%.
Considering that I did not complete the reading of this book, I won't allow myself to rate it or even criticize it, but I will explain the reasons why I decided to finish it.

First of all, you must know that I was a huge fan of Dark Skies but that I absolutely hated Dark Shores. Overall, I think the characters in Dark Shores simply did not appeal to me and I could never relate to them in one way or another. With that said, I was skeptical before going into Gilded Serpent because I knew that Teriana and her crew would come back into the narration and I could not even imagine about how that would make me feel. For me, it ended up ruining the book. Jensen did not create a bad character, she just created a character that wasn't for me, and that played up against me as a reader here. I wanted to skim through every chapter to get to Lydia's and Killian's ones right away, but the problem is that the plot depends on both of their sides of the story and so doing that only confused me about the actual parts I was interested in reading.

Another thing for me that this book did not handle as well as the Dark Skies is the fact that Lydia and Killian were separated. They are both amazing characters, but on their own, they are definitely lifeless and repetitive. Whereas in Dark Skies I was always on the edge of my seat, wanting more from this duo, in Gilded Serpent, I was just not excited about them when either of them showed up. Maybe that gets better as the book goes on, but I guess I wasn't patient enough to get to that part...

All in all, this book will definitely please the hardcore fans of Dark Shores and those interested by slow-building action fantasy stories.

#GildedSerpent #Macmillan-Tor/Forge