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


The Silvered Serpents is a part of a series written by Roshani Chokshi; It’s predecessor "The Gilded Wolves" begins the story of a group of thieves set on stealing back artifacts from Western Colonial powers and returning them to their rightful countries.

It’s remisniscent of Leigh Bardugos six of crows albeit, there’s a bit more focus on the effects of colonialism in series, both on a personal and grander scale; Which I found refreshing and an important part of history (though ours is significantly less magical) that is seldom given a spot light.

Roshani Chokshi also seamlessly blends mathematics, ancient history, and science in with the overarching storyline.
Something I was initially worried about, as I feared it may have been too simplistic for a book about grand heists, but she strikes an easy balance between giving us information we can understand and using the characters to adequately explain what we don’t, and in a way that feels true to our characters.

One of the only issue I had was with the pacing, which at times felt disjointed.
I found certain scenes were cut a bit shorter than I would’ve liked them to be.

The other issue is: I wish we could’ve gotten a bit more interaction between some of the characters; namely Séverin and Laila.

Part of what made their relationship so appealing was that it was based mostly on tension between the characters rather than on physicality between the two.
We certainly do get tension in this book, but it’s sparsed out more and any physical aspect to it feels hastily thrown in and quickly glossed over.

One of the only other smaller issues was that I found it easy to guess who the villains were as well, but I find this common in many books and not necessarily a hindrance to my enjoyment of the story.

Plus the idea of a group of immigrants spurned by global super powers creating a group of thieves comprised of a historian, a dancer, a scientist, a botanist, a seductive piano player desperately wanting friends, and an orphan - stealing back ancient artifacts and returning them to their home countries, and/or selling them to pay for rebellions against said Western Colonial superpowers?
Amazing.


All in all it’s an enjoyable read and a fun world to dive into.

I’m eagerly awaiting the third novel.

This book has an interesting premise, that there is something out there than will give the finder who can use it ultimate, god-like powers, as an extension of the "forging" ability that most people in this universe have - the ability to change and/or create common (and sometimes uncommon) objects.

Those who enjoy relationships (sexual and otherwise) between characters will enjoy this aspect of the novel, as many of the characters either are, or have been, in a relationship with another character, or more than one. The relationships, past and present, influence the characters' actions and are therefore important to the plot.

As with many books written in the last few years, this novel is written from multiple viewpoints, with each chapter being titled after the character from whose point of view the story is being told; when done well, this can enhance the story, but in this case, I did not feel that it was done as well as it could be. The characters' individual voices were not apparent without the chapter titles, making it difficult on occasion to remember whose point of view was being presented, and for me, this detracted from the story line; it also made it hard for me to follow the first fourth or so of the story. I also felt that the novel ended before the story was finished; as a reader, I would like to know what happened with the power item, as well as to the characters who were left behind in the last few chapters. Improving these two aspects of the novel would have, I think, improved my overall enjoyment.

Such an incredible book and what a thrill ride! This really took me on an emotional roller coaster and now I can't wait for the next one in the series to arrive. I was completely immersed in this book, in its world, in its characters, and I really did not want to leave it. IT. WAS. MAGICAL. Don't read it if you haven't read The Gilded Wolves! You need the backstory, Five beautiful stars.

I wish that The Gilded Wolves hadn’t been compared to Six of Crows as much as it was. I went into that book with different expectations and I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I should have. While I enjoyed The Gilded Wolves, I didn’t LOVE it. It crushed my heart and made me very sad and in deep need of the next book but I wasn’t obsessed. Well, my friends, enter The Silvered Serpents. This book was so much more fast paced and fun than the first book. So much happened, so much of it was heartbreaking. Plus that ending has me screaming for more. I loved this book so much and I’m dying for the next book ( how long do we have the wait?)

The Silvered Serpents picks up shortly after the events of The Gilded Wolves. The team is scattered throughout Paris trying to get on with their lives after the devastating loss of Tristan. Each one processing their grief in different ways. Laila is also having to come to terms with her impending death, now that the team wasn’t able to find The Divine Lyrics. When Severin gets a tip that the Divine Lyrics might not be completely lost to him, and that he might be closer to finding a way to protect those he loves from death, the team embarks to Russia on one last search.

What I liked:
The Ice Castle. I loved this setting. It was dark and creepy and in some rooms grotesque. But it was interesting as well. The booby traps the beauty of the dinning room. I loved discovering new rooms with the characters

The Grief. Each of the Characters handle the death of Tristan so differently. Severins grief was the darkest but at the same time almost even heartwarming. His whole focus this book was to protect the people that he loves so that none of them would die, and that he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore loss. For him the way to go about that would be to come a god, which I’m sure we all know is probably not going to go the way he wants it to.

Zofia and Enrique. I love their relationship.The way that Enrique teases her but he also fully respects and understands her boundaries. In fact, I appreciate each of the characters understanding of Zofia, how they know what she likes, what stresses her out and what helps her. They all support her without making it seem like work. I hope that Enrique and Zofia’s relationship goes the way I’m thinking is going to go. But even if it doesn't their friendship and support of each other is lovely.

What I didn’t like:
There wasn’t much about this book that I didn’t like if anything it was the predictability. If you read a lot of books, I”m sure you’d be able to spot some of the plot twists coming. Not all of them but some of them.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the addition of Eva either. I don’t really understand why her character was added to the story other than to create tension between Laila and Severin, and to be an instrument for Ruslan to make his move. I’m hoping she has more of an arch in the next book.

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I’m eagerly counting down the days until the 3rd book comes out. (She didn’t watch the bug!) and I would recommend this series of books to anyone looking a book with diverse characters, action, heists, and an lovely magical fantasy story set in Europe in 1800’s

When I read The Gilded Wolves last year I was satisfied with it. The story was interesting and the characters fantastic. Maybe some things were a little bit confusing but it was still an incredible story. So, I started The Silvered Serpent not knowing what to expect and... GUYS, IT WAS FREAKING AMAAAZING! ONE OF THE BEST SEQUELS EVER! It was so beautiful and heartbreaking that my heart is still in turmoil. Roshani Chokshi outdid herself! If the first book is more amusing and lighthearted (except the ending), The Silvered Serpent is the opposite. We have more characters' introspection, and a lot of angst and painful moments. I loved all the characters and you can see their growth through the story. The ending tore me apart and now the waiting for the final book will be endless. If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend it to you! It's absolutely worth it!

The Silvered Serpents was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I am so glad I got my hands on the ARC. This definitely lived up to my expectations, if not, exceeded them. It was nice to be able to go straight into that world again with those characters which followed on straight from the last book book, I was hooked from the start and read it in a day. Seeing all the characters and their relationship with one another progress throughout the book was heartwarming. All I’m going to say is that because of the shocking cliffhanger at the end, I need the next book as soon as possible.

Beautiful and engaging. Kept my emotions on edge. I was so happy to get to read this early. It was everything I hoped for.

Well this the second book in this trilogy really lets the reader get to know the characters much better. It’s less a heist type story and more a treasure hunt.
Following the loss of his brother Severin has shut down his emotions and pushed away everyone who cares for him. Laila knows her life is quite literally winding down and my heart went out to her particularly towards the end of this book. Zofia who has a brilliant mind is confused by unusual feelings and sadly easily taken in. My favourite character is quite possibly Enrique who is unafraid to feel and this instalment really sees him standing up and being counted. Hypnos is his usual effervescent self although at times this take does not show him at quite his sparkling best but my lips are sealed.
This is historical fantasy but there’s almost a sense of steampunk to offset the magic that’s referred to as “forging” . A lot of this revolves around mythology referring to the Temple of Babel and the legendary Muses. There’s the possibility of becoming Godlike driving certain characters played out amidst good old fashioned greed. Add in the fact that the Houses are pretty unlikeable, not to mention somewhat debauched and it’s easy to understand just how so many characters act the way they do. I loved that there’s a huge clue ( no I won’t say where ) and the author almost broke my heart with the way she decided to leave this book because it’s pretty clear that communication has been and still will be a huge problem. I will be blunt and say the pacing of the first half dragged for me but those final few chapters definitely made up for it.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi is a bound masterpiece. I did not think anything could be better than the first book of this trilogy, The Gilded Wolves, but I was very, very wrong. In this book we see the lengths the main characters are willing to go for each other, and the emotions they have for each other are palpable. The tragic romance between Séverin and Laila was especially heartbreaking and sob-worthy, and I find myself not knowing what to do now that I have lost them once again until the publication of the final installment of the trilogy. Every time I turned the page, a shocking twist lay waiting for me, and not once did I find myself bored. This book will absolutely be the best book I’ve read this year, and I eagerly await the final book, which I know will be even better.

This is the second book in a fascinating series, now set in Russia, Severin and his companions are on the trail of a hidden relic that holds the secrets of The Tower of Babel. Once these fragments are joined together, access to the Power of God can be sought and the Promise of Resurrection. To live like a God would be desired by one character, the hope of everlasting life is desired by another.
Its like a quest for the Holy Grail, with a touch of Harry Potter, and echoes of a recent book I have reviewed, The Court of Miracles, a very Gothic and Magical read. Like most treasure hunts, there is a twist at the end, and shows the importance of translation.
Zofia and Leila are my favourite characters and they show the qualities of love, loyalty, betrayal and sacrifice, that resonate with all ages. Although aimed at Young Adults, it can be a demanding read and a Thesaurus may be needed!
Such a wonderful and creative book, it is a great tribute that I wanted to read the next, as soon as I had reached the last page! It is a clever and unique book, and I adore quirky books, so wasn’t disappointed.
I loved the riddles and clues scattered in these pages, I didn’t solve any of them!
The book started slow for me, after all the scene setting of the previous one, it did take a few hesitant steps before the pace picked up and it became a roller coaster of a ride!
This is not my usual genre, but it was so enjoyable, at the age of 66, I will definitely try others. Thank you for my ARC, I give this five stars and will leave a review on Goodreads later.

Imagine reading this book without it being officially published yet and you already want to read book three. How to wait patiently AAAAAAAAAAAAA

Compared to the first book, the mood here was always gloomy and sad. Every character was fighting their personal issues. Laila fighting for her life. Zofia, her lies, and her sister she left behind for the excursion, Enrique, his identity as a Spanish-Filipino and his struggle to be a part of Illustrados (tho he is already, as a writer). And Severin, whose adoptive brother died in the first book, coping with his loss and wanting to achieve something that will turn back everything that happened.

Anyway, the last chapters changed the pace of the book with all the revelations and the Severin-Laila scene :( it was so heart-breaking to see the group breaking up. It made me want book three more. The anticipation of what will happen to the OG group is real.

I give 5 stars to this book and thank you for the approval of my request for this advanced copy.in exchange for a review.

As someone who read book one, saw the potential, I eagerly grabbed an arc for book two when it was free on NetGalley. Well, I actually grabbed The Silvered Serpents prior to owning book one, but when I read it I dove right into book two.

Oh. Just... OH. What a book. What an absolute treasure of a book. The history, the characters, the plot? Like, damn, way to kick it up a notch.

This book ruined me. Honest to god it did. There was times I went 'oh no' or 'oh my god, no' out-loud. (If I told you they were all Severin and Lalia related scenes that'd be a spoiler enough.) But honestly, the focus of this book has to do with them.

Severin is up there with Kaz Brekker in terms of literary men that have these levels of darkness to them. Severin, however, is OBSESSED with becoming a god, to basically become that of which he got a taste of - an angel or a demon, you pick. Bitter over the loss from book one, he vows that he would change himself to fit the needs of the passion to save the people he loves. Poor Laila has to watch him slide down this slippery slope into cutting off all his emotions, his ties, and his humanity until he gains his god-status. Which she is totally unaware of his true desire to do so. Actually, every one is!

The other characters all have suffered in their own ways. Hypnos and Enrique, a will they/won't they relationship. Zoya and Enrique, a will they/won't they relationship. And poor Laila, what is to become of her.

I can't say any more, but that ending ripped the heart out of me. I hope that the wait for Book 3 is not as long and if you're looking for something to give you that Six of Crows / Crooked Kingdom feeling, this is it.

I always love a heist story with a diverse group of characters. The Gilded Wolves series could be pitched as if Six of Crows took place in 1890s Paris instead of Ketterdam and relied on Greek mythology instead of Grisha power. If you loved the first book, you’ll love the sequel, the Silvered Serpents too. Roshani’s writing is so beautiful and immersive and I love the world she has created in these books. I also love the characters and their diversity and complex relationships with each other. I found the plot kind of hard to follow in the middle. I had an issue with this in the Gilded Wolves as well, and I’m not sure if it’s the writing or my own comprehension but I have difficulty in keeping track of where the crew is going and what object they are looking for and why they need it. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying it, however. The ending was also very intense so you won’t want to miss that 👀

Moving the story forward after losing Tristan. This book kept you guessing about true feelings and the ways we interact when we are defensive or hurt. Severin seems to be closed off while fighting his idea of protection of others. He is also battling with his want to be a god and his human wants.

This is the second book in the Gilded Wolves series. It is even better than the first and focuses more on the specific characters and the heist they are attempting. The initial book had spent a lot of time setting up the convoluted world of Houses and the Tower of Babel storyline. Here, Severin and his band of thieves are definitely centerstage.

Severin has turned into a cold, unfeeling automaton after losing his only brother Tristan. His childhood is explored a bit here, making his behavior a little more understandable. Severin’s crew of geniuses, old friends and a temptress with special abilities, will do whatever they must to find a book that will give them ultimate power. They are a fascinating mix of lovable oddballs, with intriguing new characters added to the mix, as the group heads to Russia for their heist.

Chokshi has made the story more engaging and the connections between the characters are more complex. The subtle nuances of the characters are masterfully woven into their interactions and that speaks volumes. This is a great sequel that raises the series up a notch and should encourage readers to acquaint themselves with this lovable band of thieves.

I received an electronic ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.
Often a second book in a series does not hold up. Chokshi's certainly does.
Severin and his team continue on their quest. Each character reveals more about themselves and the dynamics among them change as they grow. More is revealed about the Fallen House as well as the reasons why Severin was not made the head of his house. The theme that love has many guises circles through each character's actions and responses. So many are trying to protect someone else and that does not always come through kind and loving actions.
The cliffhanger ending makes it hard to wait for book 3 to come out in 2021.

4.5 Stars

STORY

Characters | 5 stars
I do not remember connecting with one of these characters in The Gilded Wolves, but oh how I adore so many of them now. Perhaps it is the mental and emotional struggles each faces here, the strain of previous loyalties being tested, the countdown on a fatal clock, how greif has twisted each of their goals...whatever it is, I need more of it. Enrique, Laila, Hypnos, Severin, Zofia...we saw so much more into their very souls and it was mostly heartbreaking, which is why I love it?

Plot | 5 stars
Glad to have moved past the standard "heist" novel. The main plot of finding a secret location and item within is standard, but it is all the emotional subplots that really grab you and hold on.

Setting | 4 stars
A hidden ice palace deep in Serbia? That was an excellent surprise. Russian scene description unfortunately ended at the sugaring of snow for the most part, but I still enjoyed it.


TECHNICAL

Writing | 4 stars
I have not enjoyed Chokshi's writing in previous books, though I love the ideas she creates. Either there was development on her part as a writer or I just clicked with this book, but I felt the writing significantly improved, both in pacing and structure.

Editing | N/A
As an ARC, this is not a final version and editing will not be rated.

Execution | 5 stars
I was hooked from the start, and I did not expect it at all. Very glad to have given this a chance, as truthfully I did not enjoy The Gilded Wolves at all. I picked this up as I received it as an ARC and I could not remember much of anything at all from the first book, and am happy to have enjoyed it so much.

Emotional rating | 4 stars

I truly enjoy following this author and love the ideas she creates, but I have struggled to connect with her writing up to this point. This is the first book where I felt immersed in her telling, connected emotionally to the characters and invested in the mystery of their mission and the torment of the secrets that are pulling them apart. I will read on now that I am hooked on these characters!

The Silvered Serpents finds our gang of inventors, historians, and treasure hunters heading to Russia in pursuit of the Divine Lyrics, encountering blood magic and living ice sculptures, and in some cases, descending into god-complex madness!! Chokshi’s writing is lush and lyrical, painting palaces out of paragraphs. If you have ever wanted a YA fantasy version of the show Leverage, this is it but with more magic and diversity. I especially loved getting to know Zofia better. The Silvered Serpents does suffer slightly from pacing issues common to 2nd books in a trilogy, but only slightly.

Even better than the first installment. As always, the word building is phenomenal and the author’s prose is lyrical and beautiful. Fans will enjoy learning more about the characters and seeing the dynamics change. Highly recommend

I thought Gilded Wolves was nice, but was not as in love with it as most readers so I was considering skipping The Silvered Serpents, but after hearing so much amazing buzz about it, I had to give it a try.

This book takes Séverin and his team on a high stakes adventure to find a magical book. After the events of The Gilded Wolves, there's trouble in this fractured little found family. Laila's life is at stake, Enrique wants to prove himself, Hypnos wants to be accepted and Zofia is doing what she can to help her sister. I have to say I really found myself rooting for Enrique to be happy and find love in this book. I also just want to see more of Zofia, she became my absolute favorite in this book - there's always a crazy trick up her sleeve.

As the "family" drama plays out we see a world of strange creatures, ice palaces and crazy magic. By the end of the book we realize that many things are not what they seem and the stakes are even higher than we thought. But you'll have to hold on to another epic cliffhanger and tune in to the next book to see that get resolved.