The Gilded Wolves: A Novel

Ever since I heard about The Gilded Wolves, it became one of my most anticipated releases of 2019. Not only do I adore Roshani Chokshi’s writing, but I also love books with an ensemble cast of characters (especially when said characters are going on a heist!!!). First, I’ll talk about what makes this story great. I think the highlight of the entire story is the characters. Each individual felt unique, but also like a puzzle piece or part of a whole. They each have such colorful backstories that allow readers to easily grow attached, but when they are placed alongside one another, the characters automatically seem to fit and come together as a single unit. I never once doubted their love or loyalty to one another. It was as evident and tangible as the book I held in my hands. Their pure belief in one another marked this story’s characters as ones easily loved and remembered. It’s so hard to choose which character is my favorite, because I love them all, but if I was forced to choose, it would have to be a tie between Zofia and Enrique. Not only did I love their individual personalities, but I also loved their personalities in tandem with one another. When they work or even joke alongside one another, they’re an undeniable duo. I’m really interested in seeing how their relationship will develop in the future, an aspect that will likely haunt me until I’m able to get my hands on book 2. Another great aspect of the story is the setting. Though this story takes place around an actual historical event in history, the fantasy element makes it distinctive. It felt like something that could’ve easily been overdone or underdone, but Chokshi found the perfect balance. It felt like the characters were simultaneously in Paris and in a fantasy world yet to be discovered. Overall, a job well done. Now, to briefly mention what made this story a four-star read instead of five… I hate to say it, but the beginning of this book was slow and confusing. I mean, I was invested, but I had to re-read almost everything several times in order to understand completely. It was only until I was half-way through the story that I felt myself being sucked into the plot. Don’t get me wrong, the story is amazing and the backstory is a necessary matter to draw out and explain in detail. However, the fact that it stalled the level of my interest initially, because of how much effort it took to organize the characters and plot, definitely didn’t work in its favor. This book is definitely one to check out. I am stocked for a sequel!

The Gilded Wolves is National Treasure meets Six of Crows in 1800’s Paris, brought to life with Roshani Chokshi’s vivid, lush world-building and humour. Filled with magic, fireballs, cakes, tradition, heists and the aristocracy, this book was ABSOLUTE PERFECTION and I loved every minute of the week I read it through. MY THOUGHTS: Before I go into everything I ABSOLUTELY LOVED about the book, there were two things about it all that bothered me a little: 1. The world was a little difficult to get used to. There’s this huge information dump at the beginning, which I see now at the end was necessary, but it was a lot to process at the time. 2. It was also a little hard to understand and see the ciphers and clues that were unveiling themselves through the book. Treasure hunting has been a visual medium until now, and despite the illustrations that were there, it took a little getting used to and wrapping my hear around. THINGS I LOVED IN THE GILDED WOLVES: 1. I LOVED THE PLOT. The storyline, the execution and all the twists and turns were SO BRILLIANTLY CRAFTED and the story was just stunning. I loved France, the food, the palaces, the Forging, and all the six characters we got to know through the book. 2. Which brings me to how much I LOVED Severin, Laila, Tristan, Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos. I LOVED getting to know this little family, surviving and deviously planning acquisitions across Paris, each with their own goals and motivations. They were such brilliant characters and reading through the story through their different points of view was constant fun. 3. Laila and Severin’s individual stories were STUNNING. I loved how Severin’s seven fathers were named after the seven deadly sins and his motivations behind everything. Laila’s origins were so heart-breaking and I loved that her Indian-ness came into 19th century Paris, especially the very concept of Bharathnatyam. 4. The inventions, especially from Zofia and Tristan’s experiments and Laila’s culinary marvels were SO MUCH FUN TO READ ABOUT. There were so many ingenious things happening at all points and I honestly can’t do it justice by describing them here. 5. The dialogue was ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. I especially loved Hypnos’ airs and fancies as he tried to become a part of the group. 6. THE ENDING WAS ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING AND AFTER READING THE LAST PAGE, I HONESTLY DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF ANYMORE. Would I recommend this book? YES! The Gilded Wolves is a magical piece of artistry that I loved every minute of and I can’t recommend it enough!

“History is a myth shaped by the tongues of conquerors” My first Roshani Chokshi read was definitely a thrilling ride. The world she shaped is a very unique and spellbinding. I truly appreciated all the details, however the details were also confusing at times. The story takes place in 1889 Exposition Universelle in France. A place where new technologies are emerging. A place where beyond the glamour, ugly and forgotten things took place as well. History does not always unveil the macabre things that happened among the glam. The story is told in different POV’s through the eyes of a few characters, these characters all have a dark past that they are either trying to run from or change. We see the secrets that make up the tale. The main character Severin is a smooth talking, secretive and manipulative person. He has an agenda that rules most of his actions, to reclaim his fallen and stripped titles as one of the main house leaders. He enlists a team of friends who are going to help him reclaim his house and his titles through what they call acquisitions, a fancy word for stealing antiques that hold secrets. These friends are from different parts of the world and they each hold a unique secret ability that Severin wants to use to his advantage. I do believe he cares for his friends, but it is no secret he hope they will ultimately help him in his grand scheme. When one of the other house members enlist the team to help him secure a valuable piece from another house leader Severin is trapped in helping him, but his true wants may be at arms reach with this acquisition. The success of the plan will hold their fate. This novel was so detailed and different that it did often leave me feeling confused for the first half of the novel. I see why a story like this needed to be set up and crafted, but with all the detail I missed a lot of character and plot development to descriptions and explanations. I later learned that this is going to be a trilogy and I can appreciate the set up more. I am curious to see where all the character development goes into the next novel, especially because the ending leaves you wanting more. I give this novel 3.5 stars as it was a challenging read and it only hooked me towards the end