The Gilded Wolves Review

GoodReads:

No one believes in them. But soon no one will forget them.

It’s 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood.

Together, they will join Séverin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history–but only if they can stay alive.

My Review

Sidenote: Before we start, I want to preface this by saying I have NOT read Six of Crows yet, so, I am unable to draw the comparisons. But, I do plan on reading it and when I do, that may reflect in a changed rating of this book.

Upward and onward toward the review! Haha, so many words.

I’m so tired.

Send help.

Okay, this is a backlisted review as I read this last month with the amazing, fantastic, awesome, Isabelle @ Nine Tale Vixen.

I thought the first few chapters were a bit slow, but, after that, the pacing was set at a much better…pace, or..tone I guess, that could work too. [No lie, I am exhausted]

The setting is fabulous, the Worldsfair in Paris, 1889, and so I was there for that whole aesthetic, 100%.

The crew was really fun, and the diversity and representation was truly such a huge plus for me. It’s definitely one reason I would recommend anyone to read this who is even slightly interested.

I was also a big fan of Chokshi’s writing style, I like that kind of ‘languid’ and detailed flow. [Though as mentioned, it was a bit slow even for me at the start]

There are some great looks at the injustices of time and history in this book and it was another element I could really appreciate.

Each member of the crew brought something unique to the table and watching them work as a team was definitely a joy. Hands down for me though, Hypnos stole the show whenever he graced us with his presence, though, aside from him I do think that Enrique was my favorite. [It’s really weird to type that as that’s my father’s name lol and of course he’s a favorite of mine as well lolol]

I did think the drama between certain characters was a bit heavy-handed, I hate when things are dragged out just for show, it makes it feel a bit inorganic and that combined with the slightly disjointed pacing at the start were reasons enough for me to put it at 4.5 instead of a full five on here.

There could have been more about the order and artifacts to maybe make it all cohesive, but, I think we’re going to be in for a real treat with these elements in book 2! And book 2 will be set in RUSSIA. RUSSIA! My heart is so happy!

I can’t wait to see what will happen, and how our crew will carry on.

4.5 Cups of coffee from me.