ARC Review: “The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi

Holy smokes! This was the absolute perfect read going into 2019! I did have some hesitation since I didn’t care much for Chokshi’s previous series (TSTQ was a 3.5 rating while ACOW sat at 3), but I went into The Gilded Wolves with an open mind. It’s historical fantasy set in freakin’ 1889 Paris of all places! Let me tell you, this book didn’t disappoint at all!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for giving me a free, digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Gilded Wolves (The Gilded Wolves #1)
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Expected release date: January 15, 2019
Genre: Young adult, historical fiction, fantasy
Length: 454 pages (hardcover)
Synopsis (via Goodreads): “Paris, 1889: The world is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. In this city, no one keeps tabs on secrets better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier, Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. But when the all-powerful society, the Order of Babel, seeks him out for help, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To find the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin will need help from a band of experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian who can’t yet go home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in all but blood, who might care too much.

Together, they’ll have to use their wits and knowledge to hunt the artifact through the dark and glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the world, but only if they can stay alive.”

This book was an absolute delight! You know when a book is so good you don’t really know how to put it into words? That’s this book! You’re dropped right into the action, slowly and lovingly knowing each facet of these wonderfully diverse characters, and there’s stake against stake piled high as the story progresses.

I really do want to hug all of these characters! I felt for each and every one of them (though I do hold a special place in my heart for Enrique, who is biracial, and with whom I felt like I was able to relate to a lot of that level). Chokshi builds this unique magical system too, one that I don’t think I’ve come across before. I absolutely loved Laila’s ability, too. Each character brings something to this story that no one else would be able, too, and I see how each are together for this purpose. Tristan reminded me of both Newt and Hagrid (though I have a feeling I’d feel the same way as the others in regards to his animals, lol). Hypnos is sassy, but there’s a hint of longing on him, too, that I think Severin feels, too. Laila seems so strong about who she is, but we come to realize she harbors a secret even she doesn’t understand. There’s brilliant Zofia, too, who is the absolutely brains behind the whole operation. I am in love with her story, and look forward to see her continue to bloom and blossom as the series progresses.

The only reason this didn’t receive a full 5 stars was due to the events leading up to the ending. I was ready to do anything for these characters until a specific scene happened! It left me very disgruntled, and wondering how Chokshi will put this particular part back together again, or if there’s even hope for that!

I think this book filled the very big Six of Crows hole in my heart but with mystery and intrigue with historical events a la Assassin’s Creed. It’s wonderful and magical, and I highly recommended you pick up this book!

You can pre-order this book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble (they have a special edition and this is the edition I’ll be getting!), Book Depository, or Indie Bound! You can find out where she’s touring by clicking here.