If you need a headline, "Six of Crows" Parisian-style will nicely do. "The Gilded Wolves" is a story of six misfits who attempt to pull-off one heist after another in a world full of magic. The misfits themselves are wonderfully quirky and colorful, and thus endearing. The world is a variation of our reality, thus much easier to find yourself in when you're first introduced to it. The magic is like nothing you've seen before, and also the first stumbling block in my opinion.

It's a very complicated system, you see, based on an even more complicated - nay, convoluted - mythology. The reader is unceremoniously thrown into it and expected to catch up, which I never entirely managed to do. I'll place the blame here on the writing. Beautiful, yes, but so - oh my... - so breathless. The action is dizzying. I barely started puzzling out what I just read before being transported into the next adventure, one that somehow was supposedly a logical consequence of the previous adventure, but somehow I wouldn't see the connections as clearly as I was apparently supposed to.

Thrown into all of this intrigue are the characters, so darn diverse and full of quirky, lovable promise, but we never stop to get to know them, to start to get to know them, because they gallop through the action and we gallop with them, and we cannot start to star caring in all of this rush, because we never had a chance to start to love them yet.

And therein lies the main difference between "Six of Crows" (or even more recent "Foundryside") and this novel - we don't have a chance to stop and breathe the characters in. Familiarize ourselves with them. Fall in love with them. Care. And ultimately we don't. It's a book that's been read. But not one that became dear to you.

I literally screamed when I was approved for the digital galley of this on NetGalley. I already know I love Roshani Chokshi’s writing style, but I knew Gilded Wolves was different from what I’ve read of hers before. I know that writing something different can be quite a challenge and I was definitely interested in seeing how she rose to that challenge. I did note one TW/CW while I was reading, though I did savor this one so I don’t remember any others. I’ll list it and we can dive right into my review!

- Self harm

The cast of characters kind of reminded me quite a lot of the cast of characters in another heist book I love. It’s not that the characters are basically the same, though a couple are VERY similar to the characters from the other book. For the most part, the characters are all well developed and I really felt like I could have had a conversation with any of them.

I definitely, definitely have a favorite though. I absolutely adore Zofia. The incredible neurodivergent representation she provides brings tears to my eyes. I love how she knows who she is and acknowledges her limitations. I love how she calls out the other characters. She is amazing and I need for her to never change.

Gilded Wolves is set in 1889 in Paris. This in itself is a tall order, but it’s also alternate universe Paris where Forging (aka a particular sort of magic) exists in a way that’s just realistic enough to be considered possible. The magic is hidden by the Order, a powerful faction of families who guard the artifacts that are thought to inspire magic in humans. It’s really quite intricate and creative and I’m not explaining it very well. However, the world-building itself is just as intricate and beautifully done. The world itself is completely immersive.

The story itself is very interesting. I do love a good heist story, especially when we throw magic and dark forces into the mix! It was gripping enough that I didn’t want to put it down and so magically written that I didn’t want to finish it so very quickly. I savored this one over a couple of weeks, only letting myself read a chapter or so before bed each night and a couple more on days I didn’t work.

The only thing I can say that I dislike about this book is the ending. There is something that happens, that I will not say because it would be a huge spoiler, but I just felt like it was unnecessary for the plot in this novel. Might it be important in a subsequent novel? Perhaps, but I won’t know for quite some time so for now I feel like I’m needlessly emotional. Also, HOLY CLIFFHANGER. I just… There are cliffhangers and then there are CLIFFHANGERS and this novel falls into the latter.

I definitely do look forward to reading the next book in this series. I also look forward to reading more of Roshani Chokshi’s writing because her style is so incredibly beautiful. In fact, I’m currently listening to the audiobook of her Aru Shah and the End of Time, which is a Middle Grade fantasy novel, and I’m absolutely loving it. I just feel like Gilded Wolves deserved a better ending than it got.

What I wild, thrilling ride! The Gilded Wolves captures the fun of a childhood treasure hunt combined with a game of "tag." Six diverse characters--unsuspecting characters, who were relatable and fun to meet--are taken on a heist/treasure hunt that could set up their lives forever, or ruin them forever. I was so excited to read this book and want only more from Chokshi! Please, give me more!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read the ARC of The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Gilded Wolves is a magnificent story about misfits, magic, mathematics and mystery. I absolutely adored it. If you would ask me to explain the story, I truly wouldn't be able to do it justice. The history, the details, the mathematics and twists and turns were marvelous.

I do have to admit that it took a while for me to feel connected to the characters, but in the end I adore them all. This bunch of characters gave me The Dregs vibes from Six of Crows, but totally with their own dynamic and banter. Séverin, the mysterious leader. Enrique, the historian. Laila, L'Enigme, caretaker and the baddest of them all. Tristan, a precious little flower. Zofia, genius inventor. Oh, and Hyphos who weirdly reminded me of Stephen Fry?!

Everything related to The Order of Babel, the different factions and houses and the Forging ability were so incredibly interesting and well thought of. This was my introduction to Chokshi's writing and I truly admire her storytelling abilities. The pace was just right, the suspense build-up was greatly done and the twists and turns were unexpected. I can't wait to see what'll happen in the second installment.

I enjoyed this book - it was well written and I will look for future work by the author. ARC provided by netgalley

This book is insane, challenging, diverse, and inclusive in the best ways possible. It explores gender, sexuality, race and privilege without making any overt statements. And best of all, it challenges the sordid histories of subjugation and colonialism in an imaginative and introspective way. Oh, and this heavy hitter is clever disguised on an epic (almost steampunk) fantasy filled with magic, science, history and drama to boot!

Set during the French Revolution, and steeped in colourful imagery, the combination of history and fantasy is one that is sure to set the imagination on fire. I fell in love with the food, the costumes, the magic of forging, and the world Chokshi created. But best of all the characters are complete and entirely unique. If you don't find yourself feeling for one or more of Severin's crew, you must be broken. Seriously, who can't help but love a band of plucky, artefact stealing, mission oriented, insanely intelligent misfits? Let em give you the run down:

First, there's Severin. The rightful heir to house Vanth which has been declared dead by the Order of Babel.  He's the ring leader of our motley crew and at a ridiculously young age liquidated his fortune and turned himself in the owner of the lavish L'Eden Hotel. Now, if you're a fan of Gossip Girl think Chuck Bass in the midst of the French Revolution, but with magic and friends that actually like him. He's moody, secretive, loyal, and pining after an insanely independent and determined cabaret dancer. Oh, and he thinks he's being kinder (not) by making his friends swear, and marking them with, kinder oaths than most of the other masters out there. The truth is though, that he is really just a broody, handsome, and rather lovable tyrant.

Then there's Tristan, Severin's half brother and equally cast out son of house Vanth. Brilliant botanist, forever childlike, and obsessed with his giant spider Goliath. At first I was irked by his unwavering innocence in the face of such hardship, but as the boy's pasts were revealed my ire changed to pity, and finally pity to fondness. His story, though less explicitly told, was perhaps the most moving and heartbreaking of the group.

Next is Laila, our enigmatic pastry chef who just so happens to moonlight as Paris' most famous dancer. She is well versed in the languages of beauty and power, mysterious to the core, and just so happens to be the forbidden object of Severn's desire. And despite all of this she is kind, empathetic, and the glue that holds this motley crew together in spite of Severin's delusions of leadership. Her tenderness and social aptitude save her friends on more often than they give her credit for. And she has her own secrets too - a mysterious past, a dire quest, and a wicked streak you don't want to get on the wrong side of. 

Enter Zofia the resident mathematical genius and baby pyromaniac. She's socially awkward, painfully literal, and the most endearingly blunt character I have every encountered. I have no doubt that her exclusion and bullying at school will be relatable to many. Her attempts at learning how to flirt might split your gut, and her refusal to be anyone or anything but her brilliant, awkward and calculating self will leave you cheering for strong female characters everywhere.

Then there's Enrique, scholar and historian, who wants nothing more than to be accepted by his countrymen. He's so blinded by desire that he's often incapable of seeing his place amongst his peers, and how loved he is by his friends. He's the quintessential representation and exploration of otherness. He's egotistical, vain, and entirely oblivious of his effect on others. I couldn't help but feel for Enrique's desire to be accepted, and found his love of luxury impossible to look away from - especially since so many of his obsessions have to do with the relics of the Order, decoding the mysterious, and generally making academia (dare I say it?) sexy. 

And finally we have Hypnos, our young flamboyant patriarch, who experiences his otherness on a level apart from the others. Acknowledged member of the order yet looked on with disdain, childhood friend of Severin yet kept at arm's length from the group, and painfully lonely in a way that wealth and power can't correct. We've all seen that kid, hell we might have even been that kid, who wants so badly to be part of a group but just doesn't fit in - and it's impossible not to draw connections to your own life.   

I want to say more about the actual plot, but I'm scared that I would dole out some ridiculous spoilers. There is no detail in this book that doesn't have meaning, so be prepared to go back and read a few things twice! The symbolism, foreshadowing, and planning in this book are on the next level. It might be listed as YA, but The Gilded Wolves can be enjoyed by all.

Would I recommend this book? Oh hell yes! And better yet, it's set to come out on my birthday. I strongly suggest you read it as a gift to me. But if you're not into charitable reading, do it for yourself - it's beautifully written, imaginative, and carriers some powerful messages. Read it book nerds, it's amazing.

At first I thought I`d give it 2 stars, because there were so many similarities with the Six of Crows duology that it felt like plagiarism. I mean, there are basically 5 thieves who run their own clu... sorry, hotel, one is gay, one girl is from India, the mastermind of them all became like this because of a tragic family history, and he even has a nickname - Majnun, though it means madman, not demon. I guess you see what I mean. Though the writing was wonderful.
The humor here is on top (If I`m not mistaken, there also was a joke about scheming face), but sometimes it felt out of place. Like almost at the end of the book, when one character, after experiencing a very traumatic moments of his life, suddenly started joking. He was crying mere minutes ago. I thought he had a trauma!
But after reading 150 pages or so I started enjoying this book and forgot about similarities. I'll definitely read the sequel.

P.S. Also, I must say, the way Severin was manipulated into working with the Order of Babel was unbelievably stupid and could be seen from far away.

The Review
I have to admit, it took me a few chapters to catch the tone and premise of The Gilded Wolves, but once it hit its stride, I was hooked. 

NY Times Bestselling author Roshani Chokshi's newest fantasy novel follows a group of down-and-out teens-- smart, wily outcasts, artists, and academics on the run. Thick with magic and lush worldbuilding, Chokshi takes the reader into an 1880s Paris and introduces us to powerful Houses who must safeguard historic religious artifacts known for their immense power. Which Houses can be trusted, and should one of our narrators be allowed his place of honor in the Houses again? Only time will tell.

There are several adventure plots in this novel that made me think Six of Crows , as well as a similar need of multiple third-person narrators to tell the story well. The strongest sections, I thought, came from the points-of-view of Laila, a performer with a mysterious past, and Zofia, our STEM-loving fish-out-of-water. Love subplots add interest, but aren't the major focus of the book (which I appreciate).

A few downsides: the ending wrapped up a bit strange, timeline-wise, but there's a clear lead in to at least another book. Will I pick it up? Probably! Chockshi builds her universe with so many interesting mythological and pan-religious ideas that I find myself already wanting to pick up the next in the series. 

Great group of heroes, fun adventure, and neat magic-- what else can you want?

Incredible. The world-building is incredibly immersive, the magic and science woven together throughout a very familiar - yet still strange - history are seamless and intricate. I loved every page and cant wait for the full release.

THE IDEAS IN THIS ARE SO GOOD, SO ORIGINAL. I love how it weaves its lore with real history and how it features an entire cast of characters affected by colonialism and/or exclusionism, and strikes hard and fast at the tropes so common in this adventure-heist-genre. It absolutely does not play around when it comes to attacking how the West profited off other cultures, and how much of the characters' desires for power are attempts to claim what should be rightfully theirs. This is a story with a dream set of PoV characters.

The cons: The story is admittedly hard to follow at times, with the action strangely paced, and many world details that never totally work in the manner that they're presented. Though I cared about the characters' plights, I didn't deeply connect with them. Zofia is my favorite though, and I knew she would be as soon as she broke out the sweets and explosions in her first chapter. Some dialogue and banter doesn't mesh with the scenes at times and the characters are just shy of having true chemistry. I get the aim, but it's just off the mark enough that it takes me out of the book.

All the juicy stuff that makes an amazing book... exists in the book, but I think it's either a matter of the story needing to be longer so it can afford to slow down more often, or exposition needing to be rearranged or written differently. I desperately want to love this book more than I do. When it's good, THE GILDED WOLVES is spilling with potential, with amazing bits of writing that are both cutting and lovely, and a world that pulses with magic. Without a doubt, despite the flaws, it's an incredibly imaginative, ambitious read.

This book puts me in the mind of Six Crows. It is a really diverse book set in the late 1800s in Paris. It is a very unique story of a band of misfits going on a heist. With a bit of magic and some sexual undertones. Séverin wants his blood right inheritance back. I love the rich writing style and the development of the characters make you love them.

1889 Paris on the cusp of the World Fair, a band of misfits work together to steal an artifact. What starts out as a heist that will bring power to some of the main characters and freedom to the others, quickly turns into a combination of heist, whodunit, mystery with layers upon layers of intrigue and deception.

Our central character, Severin, was denied his inheritance years ago and has made it his mission to “acquire” objects related to The Order, the overarching political system that keeps order amongst the remaining houses that protect a secret from the dawn of time.

When he receives an ultimatum from Hypnos, heir to House Nyx, Severin finds himself needing to use his team of talented outcasts to help him out of a bind. If he is successful with retrieving the item Hypnos wants, Hypnos promises to help him regain his seat in The Order.

The band of misfits each have their own special talent and affinity that come together to make the perfect heist team. The characters' back stories give us an insight into their motivations and personality quirks in a beautifully seamless way.

This story of an inheritance denied, a band of misfits, a theft, secret societies, magical realism with a steam punk flare ends with us asking the questions how much would you be willing to give up to have everything you think you want.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

So, I really liked this book. I didn't get through it as easily as I'd hoped, but that may have had more to do with the week I've had.

I would definitely pitch this as Six of Crows meets The Great Library. The characters in this book are great, I love every single one of them. The worldbuilding was a bit confusing at times but I find the forging aspect very interesting.

I can't wait for the sequel, but I hope this is a duology rather than a trilogy (I've grown bored with the latter).

A fascinating book set in an alternate 19th century Paris where Severin and his found family are searching for an object of power amid glittering temptations and danger. The lushly written setting in a city focused on the cusp of industrialization and ruled by arrogant aristocratic families almost distracts from the characters but their strengths, heartbreaking histories, and the care they have for each other make them so compelling. The plot is fast-paced, the puzzles are captivating, and the action is so suspenseful, I couldn't wait to finish the book and was distraught when I realized I have to wait for the next installment.

If you enjoyed the cast of diverse and compelling characters and witty repartee in Six of Crows, the Victorian gothic aesthetic of The Infernal Devices, and the sweeping romance of The Wrath and the Dawn, you will love this book.The Gilded Wolves takes place in a richly imagined alternate Paris of the late 1800s, where late Victorian glamour and decadence pervades the air like a perfume, made even more enchanting by the magical technology called ‘Forging’ whose practitioners have the ability to mold objects and minds around them.

It’s the kind of magic that opens up seemingly never ending possibilities for what can be done with it, and Chokshi brings out its full potential with creativity and verve. There’s no sense of repetition dulling the impact of each new magical feat, as there is just so much variety in what can be accomplished; creating marvels from flowers that unfurl as you wear them on dresses, to an ability to make people believe anything you want.

Another aspect of the book that jumped out to me personally was the inclusion of a South Indian character who practices classical Indian dance, something I also did for ten years. It brought me a ridiculous amount of joy to see jathisawaram written out on the page in a YA fantasy novel, and I loved the character’s reasoning behind her decision to perform that particular dance in front of a bunch of racist colonial nobility- reasoning which makes perfect sense if you know bharathnatyam.

I only had one issue with this novel, and that’s the resolution of the last quarter of the narrative. I found the plot very engaging up to that point, but felt like it petered out slightly and was a bit rushed towards the end. I feel like the whirlwind of events effect is partially intended, but I felt like I was struggling to keep up with what was happening.

Nonetheless, the characters are brilliantly drawn, the descriptions of lush Parisian ballrooms are enthralling, and the magic is inspired.

Séverin, denied his birthright, will do whatever it takes to reclaim his rightful place as head of House Vanth. When Séverin is forced into contract with Hypnos of House of Nyx, he agrees to find an ancient artifact with the promise of reinstating his inheritance. With his band of treasure hunters, each with a specific skillset, he must devise a plan to steal an artifact that might be the key to what each of them are seeking...if it doesn't get them all killed.

The Gilded Wolves is the first book in a new action packed YA fantasy. It offers a very diverse cast of characters each with their own story. Set in 19th century Paris France, this novel is a mix of history, science, religion, and magic. On the cusp of the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889; an eclectic group of treasures hunters must work together to obtain rare artifacts. Each member of the team has a specific skill and a troubled past that has led them into Severin's service. The cover of this novel is gorgeous and was what first captured my attention. The novel is well written with a great cast of unique and diverse characters who I absolutely loved. I will say the novel was a bit difficult for me to get into at first because there is a lot of information involving the characters arcs, the historical elements, the magical elements, and each of the houses. It felt a bit overwhelming at first but I quickly fell in love with all the characters, their humorous banter, and their plans that never quite go as planned. This was such a fun and exciting read that I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Lush and enticing writing throws you into this magical world Chokshi has created. You will be enamored by her characters and your heart will clutching at it's strings with all the emotions in this book.

Thanks a lot to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for sending me this ARC !
It was my first book from Roshani Chokshi, and I just loved her writing style so much; it was such a thrilling story, setting place in Paris during the 1889 World's Fair with six misfits preparing a heist It's somptuous and glamorous, and with a lot of diverse characters (a French-Algerian hotelier, a Jewish genius and autist girl, an Indian self-sufficient girl who has a mysterious gift, a brilliant Spanish-Filipino historian, a young and lonely botanical specialist and the heir of a great French family). I love this little group ! Besides, the world-building is exceptional and I just wanted to wander in Paris' dark streets - even though I live there.
However, I felt like the plot lost its rhythm near the end. Plus, as I am French, I could notice a lot of mistakes in some French phrases. I hope they'll be corrected for the final proof.
If you're a fan of Six of Crows, you surely don't want to miss this out!

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Before this book, I wasn't a fantasy fan and I was exclusively contemporary trash. Fantasy books were like my "are-they-or-aren't-they" relationship, but everyone knew it was really "pshhhh that powderpuff doesn't have the time for fantasy world-building."

HOWEVER, now I feel 1000000% dedicated to the highest of fantasy books, I want them, I will read them, please point me to the nearest magical world, my body is ready.

This book was well-written, both plot AND character driven (I felt it in equal measures), and resembles Six of Crows SO INTENSELY. If you love SOC I have no doubt you'll full-on adore this one. It's kind of like a tamer version??? So, you'll probably like it unless you feel this book is knock off SOC, which ngl is maybe legit.

The Plot

This was basically a heist plot, with a gang of friends willing to do the most dangerous possible things in order to find the magical artifacts they need. It takes place in the past, we're talking when the Eiffel Tower was new, in a world where magic is known and embraced. Not everyone has Forging abilities (being able to animate or manipulate matter OR the mind) but this talent is celebrated. There are magical families/institutions in charge of harboring magical artifacts + protecting the source of all magic, five fragments from the destroyed Tower of Babel. There is so much LORE based on real-life bible passages, science, mathematics, and history????? Apparently, wherever a Babel Fragment scattered, that's where we created civilizations based on Forging and (not sure how this is related) major rivers. Example: Mesopotamians near the Tigris and Euphrates. Overall, we can all agree that THIS! AUTHOR! DID! HER! RESEARCH!
"The Ring had been welded to her index finger the day she became Matriarch of House Kore, successfully beating out other members of her family and inner-House scrambles for power."

Forging is such a beautiful concept, every other page the author includes badass imagery about SOMETHING. Whether it's a gorgeous dress, chalices that float down to waiting hands, masks that make you a crazed killer. IT'S A CONCEPT. And it was *kisses fingers* ~~gorgeously executed.~~

The Characters

Séverin
Hotel owner, gang leader, foresaken prince, and strikingly handsome planner who eats herb leaves when hes' thinking and exudes serious Kaz Brekker energy. (But more of a cheerful, innocent Kaz)
"Séverin, last of the Montagnet-Alarie line and heir to House Vanth, whispered its name anyway. House Vanth, I honor you."

Also, secrets keep his curly hair lustrous. Pro Tip! ++++ Apparently, Forging manifests during your 13th birthday, and our boy never got the magic? Or his throne. But he's still holding it together, one day at a time.

Tristan
The brother Séverin chose, protects, and adores. They just love one another and are sworn to care for each other! They have such a past!!!?????? Tristan is an innocent boy with flowers in his pockets and a pet spider and he drinks hot chocolate because he's CUTE. AND ADORABLE. GIVE HIM BUBBLES. (I get Wylan vibes WHATCANYADO)
He also Forged a garden based on the Seven Deadly Sins. Layers, man, he's got 'em.

Enrique
MY BISEXUAL BUTTERCUP. He's charming and wonderful and is involved in a love triangle w one boy and one girl. I really liked him and his Jesper-eyness. He's also a super smart historian bc he doesn't have Forging ability, but this little trooper said "ya know what, HISTORY is magical so we'll go with that" In summary, he's a Spanish-Filipino nerd and I will fight for him.
"Had I known what pretty company you keep, I might have met with you sooner," said Hypnos, not taking his eyes off Enrique."

Zofia
A Jewish Polish mathematician who misses every single social cue and doesn't really know how to interact with other humans. OBVIOUSLY I related to this girl so much, and I love her, and she loves cookies and being a genius. SHE'S ONE OF MY FAVORITES OKAY. (smol Inej personality sometimes, i'm stretching this but let's accept it)

Laila
An Indian girl with a tragic + weird backstory???? She reminds me of Nina!!!!!! One of her jobs is to seduce an audience through dance and performance, the other is baking all day in a kitchen surrounded by delicious sugary treats.

Hypnos!
My gay love, a POC, and so damn charming????? All he really wants is friendship, I adore him with all my heart.
"I hate it when I have to do this! Flaring tempers, veiled threats, ugh. It ages me, mon cher, and I detest that."


Overall, this book is queer AND feminist AND diverse, so I was extremely happy. I love the intense friendships and confused attraction everyone has to each other, and CUTE BANTER.

From the very first page, this book excels in beautiful prose. This is a book I would describe as a sort of Fantasy of Manners heist novel. While the heist is an important part of the story, the tone is much more focused on the aristocratic atmosphere. This is a book more about the characters and the prose, rather than the action and plot. I think this is an excellent book. But I do think it tried to have a bit too many threads. The different romances, the heist, the Fallen House, etc. The complexities of the world and its history were handled well. But for me the relationships (including infatuations) between the different characters felt disjointed. Regardless, I would still recommend this book. It's like a Fantasy of Manners version of Six of Crows.