I'm kinda in utter shock after reading this and definitely have a book hangover. I feel like this quote from the synopsis is one of the best ways to describe the book: "They are each other’s fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope." I really loved how we could feel what the characters were feeling so strongly and that everyone wasn't just fine and ready to go on another mission but going on the mission despite all the hurt, pain, unresolved feelings, etc. Also, it was great to get more backstory as well. It felt short, I finished it all in one day and now I'm sad that I don't have the next one ready to read.

“I wish my love was more beautiful.”

This was an excellent sequel to "The Gilded Wolves"! Changing the background from Paris to the icy russian landscape, our crew will face the consequences of all the things that happened in the previous book. Now they're damaged, flooded by grief, and facing their morality... which, in turn, makes this book a little bit darker than TGW.

"The Silvered Serpents" has it all: beautiful writing, smart plot and, above all, AMAZING characters. Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down and I was swiftly swept by all the ups and turns.

Looking forward to the finale!

This book is one of my favourites! It is such a stellar followup to The Gilded Wolves. The character development is immaculate and character chemistry is beyond amazing. I love how each of the characters carries a little bit of the seven sins in them but those are somehow twisted to be assets not sins. Roshani Chokshi's writing is captivating and never fails to suck me into the book to the point where I cannot stop!

I absolutely love all these characters. They each have such unique personalities with their own struggles and inner demons. They work so well as a group despite the conflicts that come up. I really appreciated getting to follow each of their perspectives. Their leader Severins was even more cold and distant because of his grief. I liked learning more about each of his foster fathers. Determined to turn all emotion off after the events of the last book his relationship with Laila had even more angst. I think she deserves better. Laila manages to be both nurturing and alluring which is not something I see often. I loved her burlesque performer identity L'Engime. Besides that I just wanted Laila to do more to put Eva in her place every time Eva insulted her and tried to take her place.

Zofias memory of her mother saying "be a light in this world" warmed my cold heart. She probably my favorite character of the group. She's cares deeply even if she doesnt show it in the most typical way. She has her own insecurities about being independent that made her relatable and the logical way she sees the world was really interesting. Her crush on Enrique was everything to me. I definitely shipped Enrique with Zofia over Hypnos. Enrique is such a lovable nerd who just wants to be recognized for his ideas. Even though I love Hypnos, his tendency to be flirty and move on from lover to lover isnt exactly the right match for Enrique. He's also more worried about belonging and being accepted by Severin than being a good partner.

The treasure hunting plot was exciting. I really enjoyed all the puzzle solving and the danger from the traps. Theres even more on the line with this acquisition since one will die if they dont find the book in time. With them only have a specific amount of time to live the suspense of counting down to their death made the pace even more engaging. The author also did a great job of not losing my interest whenever we switched point of view. I could tell the Matriarch of House Kore was hiding some pretty big secrets and I couldnt wait to find out what they were. I found the whole secret society element very intriguing.

The alternate historical Russian setting where magic exist was a lot of fun. The descriptions werent as lush and vibrant as the first book, but we do get some great wintery atmosphere with the ice palace. Its takes place near the holidays so theres some mention of beautiful decorations and lights strung up. I thought the magic system was fascinating with all the different forging abilities and creations. We get to see some forged ice animals who come alive. I'm not sure what will happen in the third book but I cant wait to get my hands on it. I've read quite a few book by this author and they never fail to impress me.

The Silvered Serpents is the second book in The Gilded Wolves series. We return to the 19th century and the group of young adults we met in the first book. Each of the team members has their own special gift and are once again on a quest to find a long lost artifact. This quest is initiated by Severin who is looking to make amends after the death of one of their team members. This quest takes them to Russia in the middle of the winter (I mean, is their any other time to go to Russia?). While surrounded by snow and ice, the team follows a series of clues that lead them to old mansions that are filled with secrets and connected with unsolved disappearances and murders.

I haven't read many books in this particular corner of fantasy but this series does remind me in a way of the Indiana Jones movies. There team solves lots of puzzles and go on adventures to retrieve treasure. Of course, this has more of a fantasy element than the Indy movies do in that this group of characters each have a mystical talent. The read is a fun escapist frolic through mansions and forests of the 19th century.

I usually really enjoy ensemble cast books, but for whatever reason I had a hard time remembering the previous events of the first book which held me back from this one at first. However, I do enjoy these broken wonderful characters and their adventures. I love found family books and this book really speaks to both familial and romantic love and facing challenges together. This sequel was a big improvement on the first one though and now we all wait together for the third.

A continuation of the Gilded Wolves novel (picking up right about where the first one left off) with deep dives into the character's emotional lives and the repercussions of the notable death at the end of the first book. I won't mention who dies in Gilded Wolves, but I really enjoyed that Silvered Serpents didn't act like it never happened. It happened, and it changed everyone, mostly for the worst. Lovely language, emotional resonance, and a rich Belle Epoque-style setting make this YA fantasy series fun and different. The story centers around two difficult people with difficult secrets. Fun mystery, world travel, great characters. A solid read. Cliff-hanger ending which ensures I'll be reading the next book, too.

That ending!!! THE SILVERED SERPENTS is an engaging YA historical fantasy that picks up after the first book ended, and presents another slow-burning tale that ends with a bang. You definitely need to have read the first book to be able to understand this one, and it does not include much recap, so it would be helpful to read a synopsis or have recently read the first book.

After the first book, which had a major character death, the group is in taters, trying to cope with the loss however they are able. All of the characters seem a little more broken in their grief, but their personalities again shine from the pages. Each main character feels fully formed and realized, completely unique entities. Here, they are searching for the treasure of the Fallen House with urgency, due to Laila's impending doom.

Severin has decided to eschew personal relationships, further alienating the group that is very in need of his guidance. Zofia and Enrique particularly become key in this book, as they feel lost within themselves and must carry forward with the missions at hand. The adventure really picks up the pace of the book, and the ending was incredible.

Although the beginning was a bit slower, the second half really makes this book incredible. This is once again a beautiful tale of friendship and love, filled with the families we create for ourselves. This sequel also portrays the brutality of grief and loss, as well as the difficulties in coping. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys dark YA fantasy with incredibly deep characters.

Okay, this series is just not for me. To be honest, I only read this sequel because I was approved for the e-arc. Just like with the first book, the pacing was pretty slow the entire time and I just didn't love the plot. I like the cast of characters a lot, but they can't make up for the shortcomings this book and series has IMO.

**FULL REVIEW**

I could say it was a decent read, but honestly, without reading the first book in the series, I feel like I couldn't keep up with what was happening.

Because of that, while the premise is good, I was a little bored. The writing is decent, but the plot even with not reading the first book, feels a little flat. I wasn't all that excited about it and I had to force myself to finish...

I won't be reading the first book nor the last. I'm sorry, it just wasn't one for me.

Rating: 3.25 stars

The writing was as delightful as ever and the characters too. The story had some pacing issues and it had a totally different vibe from the first one, in a way that made me miss the first one. There was not a lot of stakes until 80% of the story, when The Gilded Wolves consistently felt like a high-stakes poker game. Laila's character was highly snubbed and Zofia's disability (autism) should have been given more depth.

Longer review to come later. Until then, check out my review on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iACuF7gDSjk

The Silvered Serpents (The Gilded Wolves, #2)
by Roshani Chokshi
After the monumental events of the Gilded wolves book, this book takes the story to the next level. Left with a cliffhanger the reader has only been drawn in closer to the action of the story. I am amazed at how much has changed since the original story. How the characters have been dispersed throughout the story, blocked physically, emotionally and spiritually from each other. The tragic loss of Tristan has driven the group to amazing changes in personality, in their inter relationships, and the eternal struggles. The book shows how the devastation of his loss has categorically changed the world. The events in this book are remarkably magical, with such a tapestry of nuance and mystery. I can’t wait for the next book and the finish of this triumphant build. I applaud Roshani Chokshi on this second book, and will wait patiently for the final end.

I really had to force myself to finish this book as I had not liked the first book. This one was a bit lackluster for me unfortunately.

Tried reading this series twice and DNF'd its both times. While I was intrigued by the premise, nothing with the characters completely drew me in. I made it roughly 30% each time, but ended up putting it down due to lost interest.

This book had me on the edge of my seat. So many twists and turns. I loved this book compared to the first in the series. There’s just so much more going on and everything connects in the end. Not sure I can wait for the next book.

Amazing ending to this trilogy full of magic, adventure and romance... friendships, betrayal and so so much more!! Such an exciting adventure from start to end so far!

This is a great book to read in succession to the first book. I didn't realize this one was second in the series and was very lost.

The Silvered Serpents is an amazing follow up to The Gilded Wolves. Roshani Chokshi created a fantastic world of thieves and found families. The story begins with the characters grappling with the death (spoiler) in the first book, destroyed and separated. The tone is definitely more grim than in the first book as we struggle along with the characters to fight past the grief and heartache. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers wanting the final installment right now!

I ENJOYED…
☂️

One of the strongest suits of this series is the characters. Roshani Chokshi is a master at building unique character voices. Told from multiple POV, we get to follow each of their journeys and, well. You know how much I care personally about characters in my stories and here, I cared about all of them so, so deeply. Each character had their own arc, picking up from the first book, The Gilded Wolves and growing so much in different ways, I loved that so much. Obviously, I had my favorites, but I really enjoyed all characters and, for me, that’s a win.
Severin’s journey as he tries to handle his grief, the way he closes off, the way he changes, gets colder and more calculating by the second…
Then there’s Laila, my favorite as she struggles with her own curse and being her own time-bomb, finding her own strength and desperately wanting to protect her friends,
Zofia, getting braver by the second and facing her fears, her growth as a character being stunning,
Enrique, my second favorite little bean, deserving of the very best, to be heard and loved and ahh he deserves SO much,
Finally, Hypnos, the funniest, adorable friend that might crack a joke or two to dilute the tension yet will fight for you.
There’s so much to be said about the stunning relationships between the characters. Laila and Severin’s complicated relationship, the yearning and desire and want and love as they push each other away. The friendships between each of the characters, there’s SO much to root for and yearn for and hope for. I loved that!
The Silvered Serpents book aesthetic
The world-building was just as rich as in the first book of the series, The Gilded Wolves. The Silvered Serpents brings us in a cold, snowy, mysterious palace in Russia. I was transported by it all, the author’s beautiful prose, the descriptions of the setting, everything felt vivid and beautiful. The Gilded Wolves felt mysterious, thrilling and gave me all the National Treasure and secret quests vibes. The Silvered Serpents took these vibes to another level. With more danger, still exciting plot twists and puzzles. With a coldness, a freezing menace looming over them at each time. Maybe it’s because the characters changed, grew, the stakes are different, they are different, too. All I know is that you can feel the characters and the world grows more dangerous with each step you take and, with each page you read, you can feel stress breathing down your neck. Tension done at its best.
Just like its predecessor, The Silvered Serpents was a thrilling read, once you pick it up, you can’t stop reading it, compelled to know what will happen next. And, let me tell you, you’re not disappointed. Between the twists, turns and surprises and an ending that leaves you gasping (and screaming. I mean, I was like, WHAT THE HELL????)The Silvered Serpents brings this series to a whole other level and I can’t wait to see what will happen next.

I HAD A HARD TIME WITH…
☂️
This is very much a “me” thing, but it took me a little while to really get into The Silvered Serpents. This prevented me from being captived by the book straight away and, unfortunately, took a bit out of my enjoyement at first, too.

OVERALL
☂️
If you’re looking for a captivating adventure with a beautiful world-building, squad goals and relationships you’ll scream for and about, I definitely recommend giving this series a try. This sequel held up to the first book for me, and promises even more twists and turns and please please give me a happy ending in the last book okay thank you very much.

I started reading back in August hoping I could get back to reading more than 10 minutes a day. Covid really got and almost killed my reading. Still I kept reading the second book of this series because even if I only read 10 minutes a day it kept me engaged and interested. I was sad I did not have the attention and concentration to read more of it each day. It is very much because of the plot, the characters, oh Enrique and Zofia I love you both, that I kept reading almost every day. I can't think of a better review. This book kept me reading at a time when it seems I couldn't. It broke my heart again, like the first book but I can't wait to read the last one. I love my gang of broken thieves.