The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi | Book Review

*AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*
From New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi comes The Gilded Wolves, a novel set in Paris during a time of extraordinary change--one that is full of mystery, decadence, and dangerous desires...
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.

If I am looking for lush, then typically I look for something by Roshani Chokshi. After all, The Star Touched Queen was such a beautifully written, intricate book. I bought The Gilded Wolves from Barnes & Noble because I wanted to support authors of color with my dollars and also because it’s been on my I really want to read list since basically the announcement of publication came out. There’s a real draw for me in the setting, the author, and the concept.

The Gilded Wolves is the first of Roshani Chokshi’s Gilded Wolves trilogy that takes place in 1889. This book is set in Paris. The World Expo is about to begin and Paris is full of possibilities. As the book opens, Severin is at an auction, about to steal something from the Order along with the help of his friend Enrique. You see, Severin is a wealthy hotelier and he runs in a circle of found family almost, with some very talented people.

There’s Enrique who is Filipino and well versed in history. Zofia is a Forger and very gifted with chemistry and math. Tristan is a Forger as well, but with botanicals. Laila is fashionable and a performer. Together, with the help of his crew, Severin is hoping to find an ancient artifact and essentially reclaim his bloodright and his “House” so to speak. Of course, there’s plenty of trouble and conflict along the way.

I haven’t yet read Six Of Crows so I will skip making the comparison. However, there’s very much a heist in this book which is pretty cool to watch go down. I loved how each character has their role to play. Personally, I was partial to Laila’s character. I feel like her backstory will be playing a big role in the future books. The goodreads summary does confirm this.

While this book is lush and has great imagery, the pacing was kind of slow. I will admit that I was quite impatient to get through this and did feel bogged down at certain spots. So, I’ll still plan to read the sequels but am just putting them off until I am not feeling the need to rip through books and get them off my shelves – particularly when I am feeling a little less antsy and impatient.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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