This book was just as good if not better than the first two!! It picks up where both Dark Shores and Dark Skies end, and the exciting action and adventure continues! I loved getting all the characters together and getting all four perspectives! It is very fast paced, I couldn’t put it down! I love these characters and world Danielle Jensen has created, and even though I will be sad for this series to end... I can’t wait for the next book to see how it concludes!

"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."

"It would be a very heavy book. I’ve had a VERY interesting life."

THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK!!! I loved it SO MUCH. Gilded Serpent picks up where Dark Shores and Dark Skies left off, while also including a few familiar faces from Tarnished Empire, so be sure to read those before jumping into this! :D

Gilded Serpent joins the four major POVs for the first time - Marcus, Teriana, Lydia and Killian - without them all actually crossing paths, which actually made me a little bit sad. :( I can't wait to see them all finally meet up! Marcus and Teriana's story arc did seem to be stronger than Lydia and Killian's, but then again, that may just be my own personal bias.

Despite being full of action and adventure, we also saw more depth to these four characters. Marcus showed us his darker side, Teriana found her loyalties divided, Lydia was put into difficult situations...anddd we don't discuss Killian here. xD Their inter-personal relationships evolved, as well! Marcus and Teriana finally served with some STEAM <3 which I think all of you will love as much as I did!!! :) Honestly, their relationship is so amazing and my favourite of the series, in case you couldn't tell. Hehe!

In ARC-form, this book was over 700 pages, but I FLEW through it! And with the double cliffhangers and new complications introduced at the end, book four can't arrive soon enough!!! I do recommend getting started on all the Ancient Roman fantasy goodness that this series serves. :P

I went into this one thinking it's the last book of the trilogy. So imagine my surprise and HORROR when I was 96% in and SO MUCH still needed to happen. (My heart broke in so many pieces so many times.) And although I'm really glad that we have not seen the last of Teriana, Marcus, Lydia and Killian... I am also REALLY STRESSED OUT. Because WHAT IN THE F- JUST HAPPENED?!

I think I better keep this review short. My brain just exploded and my heart just about gave up.

Danielle Jensen is undoubtedly a master storyteller. Gilded Serpent was packed to the brim with intense action and nothing went in the way anyone would expect. The things Jensen will put readers through is just... WOW. I am so insanely heartbroken but very much satisfied. This book was brutal, and SWOONY, and terrifying, and LONG (which I absolutely LOVED) and heartbreaking and brilliant and INSANE and wonderful and a whole lot of WTFs.

I don't know how I'll be able to patiently wait for the fourth book. I needed it yesterday.

I received an ARC via Netgalley to read and review.

One of the things I am absolutely fascinated about with this series is that you can read EITHER book 1, Dark Shores, or Book 2, Dark Skies, first! One book follows the tale of Teriana and Marcus, the other Killian and Lydia. In Gilded Serpent, we get to follow on from both stories in tandem, with points of view from all 4 characters. I adored the first two books but this one really blew it out of the water. I barely breathed for 576 pages. The edge of your seat action, the danger and the twists were all of the highest stakes. This entire series has such epic world building and descriptive writing, I’ve completely lost myself to the story in every book (sometimes feeling like you’re right there is a challenge though – Marcus, I feel you on the fear of heights. I think I stopped breathing altogether for a few chapters there 😅).

Gilded Serpent picks up right where Dark Shores and Dark Skies finish and sets us on a rollercoaster ride right from the start. From hunting down a traitor to dealing with the horrifying blight stealing over the land, all while navigating forbidden feelings and vicious enemies. I felt like none of the characters we’ve come to know were left behind in this book, as can sometimes happen with third in a series. Their stories still flowed naturally, giving us more insight into their backgrounds and answers to questions left over from the other books. I can’t even choose a favourite character anymore. I’d be convinced I was more in love with Marcus and Teriana’s story while I was reading it, then switch allegiance to Killian and Lydia when I got to their chapters, and so on!

Gilded Serpent, and the entire Dark Shores series, is an intense ride you don’t want to miss!

Gilded Serpent is a phenomenal addition to the Dark Shores series. I love the Roman gladiator vibes, the fantastical elements, the love stories, the varied and immersive settings, the non-stop action, and Jensen’s writing style, which pulls you in from the first page. Told from all four main characters’ points of view, we get Teriana, Lydia, Marcus, and Killian’s perspectives throughout the story. Terian, Marcus, Lydia, and Killian are richly developed characters, and their stories are complex and complicated. I loved their different perspectives and how Jensen weaves their journeys together into one fluid, layered, and captivating story. Plus, the romances are wonderful, slow-burning, angst-filled swoon-tasticness!

The romance between Teriana and Marcus is perfection! This enemies-to-lovers pair is absolutely swoon-worthy and has amazing chemistry, witty banter, and wonderfully romantic scenes. Their experiences in this story definitely brought them even closer, and as they let their guards down, their bond grows even stronger. I loved their love story and how they support and help each other. The way they hold each other up and work together shows how connected they are. This pair went through so much in the story, yet their strength and their love felt unwavering. I love that Marcus reveals more of his vulnerable side and lets Teriana see behind his tough and unemotional exterior.

I found Marcus’s personal journey fascinating. As he faces betrayal among his men and is exposed to some of the harsher realities of politics and war, Marcus begins to question his role and his leadership. While coming to terms with his actions, Marcus also recognizes the political and military influence that guided him. He is a good man who is started to question whether he is on the right side of the fight. There are interesting and thought-provoking concepts about good and evil, overcoming obstacles, moral responsibilities, choice, and personal change/growth in Marcus and Teriana’s story.

Killian and Lydia have many obstacles to overcome as well. They are so in love with each other, and their story is filled with angst, as too much stands in their way. They struggle to communicate and speak to each other about their feelings, and they are conflicted between their love for each other and long-standing duties and oaths. I am so rooting for this couple, but like Marcus and Teriana, Lydia and Killian’s eventual pairing seems impossible.

All four characters face difficult choices and obstacles which could tear them apart, and it seems like there is no way for them to be together. However, I’m still hoping for their happily-ever-after. I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them in the next book, especially after that ending!!

In addition to the four main characters, there’s another who really stood out – Agrippa! What a fascinating, confusing, greedy, honorable, treacherous, brave man. I’m so intrigued by this complex character! Talk about morally grey – Agrippa’s motives are so unclear, and just when you think you have him figured out, he does something so out of character that it makes you question everything he did before.

With tons of intense action and nail-biting scenes, this is one suspenseful read! From surviving under extreme circumstances, traversing river rapids in enemy territory, trying to evade murderous wolves, and not falling prey to the manipulations of those in power, there is never a dull moment for our four main characters! I love the constant twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the unfathomable obstacles, and the fantastical elements. It all adds so much intrigue to the story.

If you like fantasies with immersive and vivid world-building, gripping stories, richly developed characters, and tons of suspense and intrigue, then you should read the Dark Shores series. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Tor Teen, and Danielle L. Jensen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

It’s hard to review a third book in a series without giving away spoilers but I will try my best.

I really enjoy the world that the author has created. On one continent, there is a Roman inspired empire and on the other, there are gods and magic. This series is when both continents come together. The world is really big with many landscapes and there is a teleportation aspect in the world which makes it fun because you never know what your characters will have to face or where they will end up.

The book is told in 4 perspectives. Teriana and Marcus are the main perspectives from Dark Shores. Killian and Lydia are the main perspectives from Dark Skies. The author did a really good job of giving them each a storyline that makes sense with their character and kept it interesting for each individual.

I really enjoyed the side characters. In the first two, especially the first one, I wasn’t really drawn to the side characters or felt that we got to know them but this time around, I felt like I you got to know them more and cared a lot more about them/what would happen to them.

A complaint that I have which can also be taken as a positive is that the story jumps right into the action without any awkward recaps you tend to find in the first bit of the book. I typically don’t like recaps as I find it a bit awkward when the author tries to refresh the readers in the first few chapters of the book, however; since you can start with either Dark Shores or Dark Skies, this book might benefit from a recap since it might have been awhile since the reader had read about a particular set of perspectives (depending on which book they started with).

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ok do not start with this book because the stories before it really draw the reader into this world. Written about four very different characters and if you enjoy seeing things from different points of view you will be overjoyed with this. Yes its fantasy but there's almost a Roman empire feel to it as Marcus is pretty much a much younger Russell Crowe type General. He is charged with not only marching his Legion and conquering but also using his prisoner Teriana to help him find magical passages that connect the Empire to the other side of the world.
Ok so that's one couple and then we have Lydia and Killian. They have both been touched by the Gods but Lydia is a healer and Killian a consummate warrior. As the book begins unlike Marcus and Teriana they are on separate journeys neither knowing exactly where the other is or even if they are alive. The Empire might not be the greatest threat to life though because there's a devilish, magical blight taking over land and indeed people. Here is when Lydia truly shines fighting to stop the death that so many are unaware of. Yet she cannot do it alone and needs Killian to help her track down the woman that ironically keeps them apart !
I really enjoyed this and even though Marcus is the seasoned soldier I absolutely loved reading about Teriana saving him and boy did they experience hardship. Don't worry though because Killian and Lydia are no slouches as they travel into enemy territory. Oo I so wanted all four of them to meet up and that ending just about tore my heart out. Whether you enjoy fantasy, star crossed lovers or even just a good old yarn this book with its action, adventures, humour and yes romance will certainly have you eagerly turning the pages. Roll on the next book because I for one cannot wait !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Wow this book has superceded all my expectations. Danielle L Jensen just keeps getting better and better. Gilded Serpent is the 4th book of this series and we see all the previous characters once again. This story checked every single box for me. Action, political intrigue, adventure, evil villains, complicated and steamy romances. I could not get enough. And that ending had me screaming to the heavens! This story had so many twists and turns and I was biting my nails through many parts of it. This is easily my favorite book of the year and cannot wait to reread it again.

Whatever you are expecting, disregard it.

Whatever you think may happen or how, disregard it.

Be prepared for an emotional and heart stopping journey that is going to leave you wanting the NEXT book immediately! Yes, I said next book. This is NOT what I was expecting but I am oddly (and masochistically) happy about it. (This is not a spoiler as the author has shared there will be four books.) As much as I wanted the story to be wrapped up so my heart could have closure, I am sooooo happy we are not done with this world. There is so much going on and it is deliciously complex. No matter how long the book, there were just not enough pages to bring this story to a close; and Jensen definitely did the story justice by letting it unfold without rushing it.

I am so impressed with the writing, world building, character development, and story as a whole that I am struggling to come up with words to convey the chills this book gave me. Gilded Serpent is by far the best book in the Dark Shores series, and not just because we have all four main character POVs. (We also see Agrippa in the story!) The timing between events, chapters, and every scene change felt like a mini cliffhanger making me want to read continuously without stop. So sleep was lacking this week for sure!

If you have read any of Danielle Jensen’s other books, hold on tight for a ride like no other! I for one loved ALL of Jensen’s other series, but this book shook me to my core and I was not ready for it.

So get ready and start stockpiling your coffee, tea, or other caffeine of choice now! You are going to need it.

#teamkillianforlife

Thank you to Tor Teen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

!Spoiler Warning!
This review will contain spoilers for the previous books in the series: Dark Shores, Dark Skies and Tarnished Empire – but it is spoiler-free for Gilded Serpent itself. Please consider that and read with caution.

Gilded Serpent was my second most anticipated release this year, after A Court of Silver Flames. I’ve been on a real Danielle L. Jensen binge since last year, and after finishing Dark Shores and Dark Skies I was so thankful to be able to dive directly into this. Dark Shores is a Young Adult Fantasy series with 1) incredible worldbuilding 2) fierce female characters 3) political intrigue – and plenty of it! and 4) romance – all of which makes it into one of my favourite series.

...

And so, the sweating, cursing and heartache continued. Gilded Serpent is a beast – she’s thick with her near 600 pages, and let me just say that not a single page was wasted. It took me so long to read this book. I found that I was only able to read a few chapters a day to process everything that was going on because from the very beginning of the book the plot is thick.

For the first time, the parallel stories of Lydia and Killian and Teriana and Marcus meet, and it was interesting to see all 4 POV’s come together. I found that throughout the book, Lydia and Killian had shorter and less frequent chapters than Teriana and Marcus, which made their parts of the story even more concise and tense.


“The Cel called the West the Dark Shores, but they were the black tide intent on washing the gods from this world.” – From Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen


For a good part of the story, Lydia and Killian remain apart after the events of Dark Skies, but when they reunite… Gods, Danielle is such a tease! They have a very interesting dynamic throughout this book, which differs from the one we got used to in Dark Skies, but no matter how my little heart wishes it was different, it felt natural and believable, and I’m actually happy about where their story is taking them.

Then there’s Marcus and Teriana. Throughout this book, they face so much hardship, and I can’t help but admit that I’m sinking deeper and deeper into the love I have for this ship. Again, and again I’m amazed by the sheer bravery and willpower Teriana shows us, and how she carries such heavy burdens on her shoulders (quite literally, for a good part of this book!), yet remains so strong.


And let me just tell everyone right now:
YOU NEED TO READ TARNISHED EMPIRE BEFORE YOU START THIS.

I mean it. I was about 30% into this when I saw all of Danielle’s warnings that Tarnished Empire should be read first. But, I read on, used to going rogue and reading any prequels or novellas after I finish the main story. However, Danielle kept persisting, and eventually, I gave in and SMASHED Tarnished Empire in 3 days (it was amazing, solid 5 leaves), and I’m so glad I did! The ending of Tarnished Empire really sets up some major events and plot points in Gilded Serpent, and I found it so much more enjoyable after reading the prequel. Plus… Agrippa. I rest my case.


“It was all shades of grey: moral justification for immoral ends.” – From Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen


I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, but what I will say is that we follow the characters on new journeys through uncharted lands, where Danielle leads us through the landscape with spotless worldbuilding. Her fantasy worlds are some of the most vivid ones I’ve read because the way she creates atmosphere and builds up the world so effortlessly throughout the passages is incredible. I hate it when you have to push through info dumps and paragraphs with pure worldbuilding, but I’ve never gotten that feeling while reading one of Danielle’s books. So again – A + for her worlds.

Although there’s romance present between our two couples, the series is still considered YA, which means there’s a lot less focus on spice, and more focus on the character relations and how they grow together. To me, it’s just the right amount of spice to leave me satisfied, although I’m definitely thirsting for more.

Do you know what’s great about reading an early release?
Being able to binge the series.

Do you know what absolutely sucks about reading an early release?
Having to wait EVEN LONGER for the next book after the ending.

DANIELLE.
You have ruined me.
And I thank you for it.

There’s no doubt about my review.

5 stars!

The ending was so good! It really kept me on my toes, and God – I see you, Danielle. I was about to rip a certain someone’s beautiful head off for a while there at the end. Most of all, I was just mind blown. I finished that last chapter feeling terrified for all four characters and what’s to come in the next Dark Shores instalment. As much as I hate having to wait, I’m happy to have read this masterpiece, and I hope that the Dark Shores fans will love it as much as I did.


“(…) I think it will be in the absence of light that we all see who we truly are.” – From Gilded Serpent. Quote shared by Danielle L. Jensen on her Instagram


I’ll be recommending this series to everyone from now on, but especially to those who enjoy fantasy, political intrigue, strong female characters and romance. I can’t wait to see what others will think about Gilded Serpent when it releases on April 27th!

Absolute cliffhanger that left me wanting more. Perfect continuation of previous character’s stories and executed in multiple POVs that didn’t feel choppy or confusing. Had a good combination of romance, action and betrayal. I am already excited for the next book in the series.

This was a lot of book. It was really freaking long. Did I care? No. I wanted MORE.

This was such a great installment to the Dark Shores series! We've seen Marcus and Teriana in Dark Shores and Killian and Lydia in Dark Skies. In Gilded Serpent, we see all four characters in the same timeline - yay! Though, I would’ve liked some more hints on how they might finally come into contact with one another in the next book. But I know it will happen and, based on everything revealed in Gilded Serpent, IT’S GOING TO BE GOOD.

Each storyline was incredibly compelling and the stakes are crazy high. Marcus and Teriana's storyline especially enraptured me. I devoured their chapters are they fought to survive and were forever changed by what they went through together.

Oh, Marcus. He may be the most complicated, intriguing character I’ve ever read. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. I love him, ok?

Marcus and Teriana might be one of my favorite couples ever. There, I said it.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy!

A thoroughly entertaining addition to the series, full of action, intrigue and some wonderful characters.

Both Dark Shores and Dark Skies can be read as the first novel in the series, as they both introduce new characters and new worlds. This allows them to avoid the 'second book trap', where the sequel struggles to capture the originality and freshness of the first. Gilded Serpent, however, has the tricky job of combining the two separate stories, whilst ensuring an exciting continuation and development of the plot.

Gilded Serpent has 4 protagonists, Teriana and Marcus from Dark Shores, and Lydia and Killian from Dark Skies. The story is structured with alternating POVs. Authors often use alternating POVs to create mini cliffhangers within books; one character will find themselves in danger, and suddenly the POV shifts, and the issue is not revisited until much later. This is a technique that I am not usually a huge fan of. Whilst there is nothing inherently wrong with it, I often find it frustrating and irritating, which detracts from my enjoyment of the book. And in the first few chapters of Gilded Serpent, as plots and struggles are introduced and established, I found the alternating POV frustrating. However, for the majority of the book it works very well. Pairing a climactic moment in one character's narrative, with a slower moment in another's, enables Gilded Serpent to feel fast-paced without any of the individual narratives feeling rushed. This is a considerable feat, considering how much actually happens in this book.

This leads me on to my second point: Gilded Serpent is the middle book, the bridge between the beginning of the overarching story and the promised climactic finale. As such, it has a tricky balancing act. It has to set up said climactic finale, whilst also being entertaining in its own right. And Gilded Serpent mainly does this very successfully. A lot happens in Gilded Serpent, and for the most part, these events feel relevant to, and advance, the overarching story. There are still a few moments that feel like 'filler material' (such as Teriana and Marcus' journey across frozen Sibern). However, lots of enjoyable character development occurs in these moments, which redeems them, to a certain extent.

I continued to enjoy the characters in this book, with Lydia and Killian standing out in particular. All four of the protagonists are engaging and compelling - which is another key factor in the success of the alternating POV structure. The one downside of such a busy book, with so many plotlines, is that the side-characters are less present; in Dark Shores and Dark Skies, the wonderful side-characters were one of the strongest elements. However, I completely understand that this was an inevitable side-effect of a book that manages to juggle many different elements, with considerable success.

All in all, this was a brilliant continuation of the series, that leaves you desperate for more!

Ahhh this book was all that I wanted but I now need the next one! I loved getting back into the Dark Shores world and seeing all the characters again.
It had all the ups and downs that you expect from Danielle Jensen and yet even more than I've come across in her previous books. I was so nervous at times and the end kept me so tense and on the edge of my seat. I really appreciated having all the POVs as they all ended up being so intriguing and I needed to know more, no matter whose chapter it was. I absolutely love this series and this one was definitely my favourite!
Gilded Serpent gave me all the feels and left me needing the next one now!

What an amazing and fantastic book! I am completely honored to have had the chance to read this book as an ARC and can't stop talking about it on Bookstagram

**Review will be published April 22**

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

I seriously love this series. If I could convey this book in one word it would be: STRESSFUL.

I would have to put the book down and chill out my racing heart because everything in this book will set you on edge. IN THE BEST WAY. The daring adventure that both Teriana/Marcus and Killian/Lydia go on are absolutely captivating. I had to know what happened next. I NEEDED to know what happened next. This is easily becoming one of my favorite YA Fantasy series.

The ANGST on both sides had me reeling. Yesssss, you get those soft and sweet moments, but wow did the general will they/won’t they leave me excited for future books. I love both of these ships and am incredibly impressed at how well each character is built. There was more background stories added to everyone as well which helped me attach myself to them too.

Talk about JAW DROPPING MOMENTS. Things I did not see coming in any capacity that change the entire landscape of the story. MY FAVORITE. Ah, I love being surprised in this way. It only amped up the setting and the harrowing situations everyone kept finding themselves in. [Seriously, can my loves catch a break?]

I really recommend this series 100 times over if you love fantasy. These are a slower build, but have so much action it doesn’t feel that way. I love the Roman-esque inspired nature of the world and the magic system is fascinating. I can’t say enough good things about the Dark Shores series. I’m a forever fan of Danielle L. Jensen’s writing.

Overall audience notes:

YA Fantasy
Language: some strong
Romance: Kisses to little detailed brief scenes (mostly closed door)
Violence: physical altercations, battles, weaponry, animal attacks, corruption

First thing first, it took me a whole month to start this book, mostly because I was too excited and – at the same time – too scared. Well, I’m quite happy to report that Gilded Serpent is, hands down, the best book I read this year.

If possible, I loved it even more than Dark Shores and Dark Skies put together, that’s a feat considering how much I loved those two! Gilded Serpent is, to me, a dream coming true as we can finally read Marcus’s, Teriana’s, Lydia’s and Killian’s POVs all in the same book (yay!). Even though four different POVs can be difficult to manage it is not the case here, more like the opposite. The different POVs are beautifully done and the writing flows easily and smoothly making it a real joy to read.

Danielle L Jensen managed to craft such achingly complex characters that’s impossible not to love every single one of them. I might have a soft spot for Marcus but it doesn’t mean I don’t adore the others as well. It was wonderful and, at times, heart-wrenching, to be inside the head of these four.
I practically drank in every word, even tried to read as slowly as possible to make the book last longer. I always have a case of separation-anxiety where these characters are concerned! I’m not going to lie, for once, I really liked the romance and I cheered when both couples grew even closer. Of course, some kind of heartbreak and inner conflict/turmoil is always behind the corner but, in truth, it adds to the beauty of it.

Marcus
He was and confirms himself to be my favorite (behind his impassive mask, he’s such a cinnamon roll!). It was insanely good to see him more off-guard and I adored the way he start-ed to emotionally open up to Teriana.

Teriana
I have always admired – and still do - her strength of character. She’s, simply put, kick-ass.

Lydia
My quiet but extraordinary bookworm! What’s not to like? I wish she could see herself as Killian sees her: a strong, independent and beautiful woman. I have always loved her quiet strength.

Killian
What can I say? He's wonderfully and fiercely loyal. The devotion he shows for his country and for the people he loves is… everything.

Mention of honor: Agrippa! If you have read Tarnished Empire you might understand my excitement.

Gilded Serpent’s plot turned to be more far reaching and twisted than I had expected, it even managed to shock me a few times (OMG, the secrets, the twists!!)! The threads are finely woven and masterfully crafted. This is a book that keeps you constantly on your toes, with rarely a dull moment. It’s a terrific and perfect blend of complex characters, intrigues and otherworldly meddling… I’m in awe!! I can’t tell if I loved Gilded Serpent because it tore my heart out or in spite of it, probably both.

I’m keeping this review spoiler free but THE ENDING—THE ENDING (well, the last handful of chapters, really)! How in the name of Hell am I supposed to survive until the next one??? I can’t, I just…can’t!!

A perfect blend of intrigue, action and romance, this third-in-a-series novel will leave readers with a book hangover! Readers can expect an ever-expanding universe of places and nations that is truly immersive -- especially as these new locales challenge Lydia, Killian, Teriana and Marcus. A perfectly balanced narrative shifts between characters creating both tense and cathartic moments while simultaneously chasing the feeling that fate may be propelling our characters towards each other. Gilded Serpent is filled with twists, self-discoveries and resolve -- a can't miss read!!

Gilded Serpent picks up where Dark Shores and Dark Skies leave off -- providing smartly written narratives from the perspectives of all of our main characters. Lydia realizes something is desperately wrong as she takes her place as a healer; Killian battles with the contempt and emptiness he feels after his last victory; Teriana struggles to stay in the game as Marcus stops being an enemy and grows into a companion; and, Marcus is plagued by doubt as he finds his window of freedom closing. With dark forces closing in, each will soon be faced by challenges that will either strengthen or break them. Can they stay true to themselves, and each other as they work towards their own ends?

This book continues to follow the stories of Marcus, Teriana, Lydia and Killian, with chapters written from each of their points of view. Danielle L. Jensen is a genius with the way she has you hooked with one character before jumping to the next, each one's chapter as gripping as the last. I could not put this book down and I dread the long wait until the next instalment to learn the fate of these four incredible characters. This is a must read!!

Wow, this book was intense, I'm still coming down from the high, still STRESSED OUT by it!

I usually don't enjoy reading multiple POV stories. I get way too attached by one point of view only to have it switch out to another character and I want to throw the book at the wall. Not in Gilded Serpent! I was heavily invested in all four, a mark of DLJ's true genius.

The last third of the book is nonstop tension that had me turning the page faster than my fingers could move, scared for how things were going to turn out for Marcus, Teriana, Killian and Lydia. Some definitely fare better than others from our favourite fearsome foursome, although all have a crazy ride ahead of them in the fourth book!

GS comes out in April, and I'm so grateful to Danielle L Jensen, Tor Teen and Netgalley for the advanced copy, but how on earth am I supposed to wait until 2022 for the next one?!

Review also on Goodreads and Bookstagram