Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the e-Arc! My rating is in star form and will be included with this review. I may go back to more extensive reviews in the future, but while I am catching up on everything, they will continue to be stars only. Thank you so much!

This was my least favorite of the series. The others I couldn't put down and with this book, I really had to push myself to finish it. I love books that get me hooked and with this being a series, I had a lot of high hopes that were let down.

I really enjoyed this book and the series as a whole. I do hope that Miss Jensen keeps writing in the future as I'm curious to see where she will go after this.

10/10 highly recommend!!! I received The Tarnished Empire in a book box which made me read this entire series and THIS ONE WAS SO GOOD. The whole series is incredible and I can NOT wait for the next one. So much happened in The Gilded Serpent so be prepared but UGH the way everything fits in together was PERFECT. The twists and turns kept me glued to this book. One of my top reads of the year. You MUST read the others before this one because it makes this one so unbelievably great. I don't want to go into how much I love all these characters because spoilers BUT this is one of the best books of 2021 so far. READ IT!

Another great book for Danielle !! She’s an automatic buy for me and this book did not disappoint . Would 10/10 recommend this to everyone . Danielle has a way with words and the characters / worlds she creates are intoxicating and addicting .

Review to come. Thanks to Tor Teen and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date April 27, 2021
#GildedSerpent #NetGalley

Review: 4.5 Stars


I can't believe it took me so long to finally pick this book up. At first I delayed reading it because it had been a while since I read the previous two books, but I shouldn't have let that stop me because I was quickly reminded where the previous book had left off. It did take me about five chapters to fully sink into this book, but once I did I found I could hardly set it down. Gilded Serpent reminded me why I loved the first two books so much because this truly was an addictive read.


It was so great to have all the characters I love finally together in one book. Since this series is a bit unconventional, the first book follows Terianna and Marcus and the second occurs at the same time, but follows Lydia and KIllian. In this book you get all four points of view and follow the two plot lines. The plot lines don't converge in this book, but it's pretty clear that they will in the next. It was really interesting getting to see the characters side by side, because I thought that Lydia was my favorite, but in this book I wound up favoring Terianna. Terianna is more bold and brave and Lydia is more sweet and bookish. I am able to relate to Lydia's bookish personality and love her pure heart, but it was Terianna's bold moves and bravery that really had me captivated in this installment.


While this series is really action packed, it's the characters that take this series up another level. Their motives and conflicting interests really make for some interesting relationship dynamics. Marcus and Terianna's enemies to lovers relationship was my favorite. In the beginning of the book they couldn't trust one another, but they wound up on a perilous journey where they grew closer and their relationship really grew. Killian and Lydia have some big relationship issues in this book, partially because of Killian's honorable nature. At times it felt like everything was pushing them apart when I just wanted them to be together. Both relationships have some really amazing moments along with some that are heartbreaking. I felt like the characters all grew a lot during their journeys in this book and I was incredibly invested in this emotional roller-coaster ride.


As I mentioned before this book is action packed and filled with some really great plot twists. I loved how every moment felt important and that even moments of levity foreshadowed twists in the plot. The two plot lines are both really great, but I enjoyed Marcus and Terianna's plot line more because it was more adventurous where Lydia and Killian's was more political. There were so many scenes that had me flipping the pages as fast as I could and others that had me screaming in frustration. I tore through this book pretty fast despite having lots of other things to do because I just kept sneaking in reading time whenever I could.


I also have to mention that I really love that Danielle Jensen expands upon the world building in each installment. In the first book we dove into the world and learned about the Six and the Marked, and in the second we got to see the horrors of the blight and learn about the Corrupted. While these things were still a large part of this story we also got to see mimics, wolves and more of the world. Every part of this story played out vividly in my head because Danielle Jensen did a fantastic job balancing world building and storytelling. There are no tedious info dumps and the reader is never overwhelmed with unnecessary descriptions.


I'm pretty mad at myself for waiting so long to read this book. I would recommend this series to fans of action packed fantasy, complex character dynamics and enemies to lovers romances. I could gush about this book for ages, but just trust me and go pick up this series.

“If the story of your life were a book, I’d carry it with me across the world. I’d read it every night. And whenever I reached the ending of what had been shared with me, I’d open it to the first page and begin reading it again.” - Marcus

Wow. Thank you so much for the publisher for sending me this book, I know I was soooooo behind with this but I was a little overwhelmed with the amount POVs and length. This is not a quick read. However, IT IS WORTH EVERY WORD. we finally get to meet Agrippa! Thank god I was so excited. I do want to read tarnished empire. This book was everything. I loved dark shores and dark skies but then the glided serpent COMBINES EVERYTHING, ITS A LITTLE SUFFOCATING. As usual the world building and plot twists are relentless.

Marcus: I love this character so much I can’t begin to explain how relieving it feels to have someone in the military position with a disease or mental illness. I am one of those and it not mentioned enough in the real world. Because it’s an unfortunate taboo. Marcus doesn’t let it destroy him or his role as a leader and it makes me so freaking happy and hopeful!

Teriana: She is soooooo devoted to her people and she is soooooooo strong mentally and physically which is very unusual. I love her spirit and I think she’s stunning too.

Lydia: My main Bish & Teriana’s. With her glasses on or off, she is a graceful healer, devoted friend, and epic lover. PRINCESS KATARA WTF THAT WAS UNEXPECTED. I KNEW SHE WAS A QUEEN IN HER OWN RIGHT BUT LIKE DAMN.

Killian: My main squeeze, what can I say?

Agrippa: he’s like a baby Marcus with traitor issues. I like it.

I received an copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

This novel was very long, much longer than the other two, which would make sense because they were essentially two stories that were brought together entirely in this novel.....and was long. Unfortunately, because these were published so far apart it was hard to enjoy this one as much as I wanted to. I had just forgotten so much about the other stories that it makes it difficult to enjoy this novel as much.

It was definitely another adventure and wild ride and then did NOT come to a conclusion so, be warned! That felt a little disappointing to me as the novel got further along and we did not get any proper resolutions.

This was a tough one to get through. It was huge in comparison to the first 2 in the series and I understand why since it's all 4 characters from the first 2 books. However, they characters spend so much time apart throughout the book that it feels like this could have still been 2 separate book and it would have been easier to get through. There was just too much back and forth between the characters that were all in different places. It worked out okay in the end but it was just a little bit tough to get started and even at the half way point it was hard to feel interested in some of the plot lines.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again for the people in the back: THIS NEEDS TO BECOME A TELEVISION SERIES.

So normally, the first book in a series is the love of my life. But, I seriously was not prepared for this book. Gilded Serpents gave me EVERYTHING I wanted and more from this series.

So first, what’s it about?
After reading Dark Shores from Marcus’ and Terriana’s POV, and Dark Skies from Killian’s and Lydia’s POV, Gilded Serpent has all four POVs and directly follows events from both books.

The political intrigue is stepped up quite a bit. And the stakes are much higher. The war that was brewing in both books reaches a cataclysmic point. And we also get introduced to even more awesome characters. In addition, we get to see a little more of the xenither’s and how they’re used. And we get more creature features - which was scary and cool at the same time. We also get more romance - some a little hot and heavy, and some heartbreaking, and some just cute.

I loved this book, and I thought it was a perfect edition to the series, and maybe my new favorite?

Wow wow wow. That's all i have to say. Danielle L. Jensen has always been one of my favourite author. This was the perfect way to end a trilogy. Love it so much.

I finished the first three books of this series in less than 3 days! And I just want the next to come out already! I don't think I can survive without knowing when it will come.

Now, keeping the dramatics aside, I loved this book! It had multiple PoVs from the MCs of Dark Shores and Dark Skies-and I love all four of them! I loved the realisation of how so many factors contributed to them finding their (what I call) soulmates and those ever meddling gods who disappear when their intervention seems most necessary. Still, the way all the plotlines intersect is really great! I also loved how the book also remains fast-paced with no boring paragraphs.

We finally get the concrete proof of what we had suspected since book 1-with all the specifics no less. We get some other revelations and some secrets are still kept tight.

4.5 stars

GILDED SERPENT is a chonky book. Over 550 pages looks thick enough before you realise the font and spacing in this book is much smaller than the other entries. That's because this book is about 190k, which is about twice the average length of a YA SFF (and significantly longer than your average adult SFF.)

I'm glad I'd known from some of the promo that Teriana, Marcus, Killian, and Lydia don't meet up in this book. If I hadn't, I would have been very disappointed that they didn't meet up in this book. I'm not typically a big fan of multi-POVs where the characters aren't deeply linked, but here the characters are linked by circumstances at the start of the first two books and the knowledge that they're fighting different wars that will collide badly.

GILDED SERPENT is deep into the series (where the rules are different vs a first book), so I already know the characters. Which is essential given its size - and the main reason the book works. Lydia and Killian's story is very separate to Marcus and Teriana's - no overlap at all. They could have been separate books, like DARK SHORES and DARK SKIES are, with no loss of comprehension.<

However, after a book dedicated to each set of characters, it would have been rather frustrating to not see both, and it helps with balance when characters drop out as there's less happening for them. For example, Killian is hardly in the first 30 chapters.

Despite it being an absolute brick of a book, the pacing is brilliant. Lots of short chapters (looking even shorter thanks to the formatting) propel the book through the two storylines. Marcus and Teriana's situation was particularly gripping, and made me want to know what was happening elsewhere - how much chaos and violence was unfolding behind them. At first, I thought it was odd not having a POV following those they'd left behind, but then I realised the mystery and unease was very powerful (not to mention how much bigger the book would have been!)

The prequel, TARNISHED EMPIRE, is a self-published book, but absolutely does need to be read before this. Yes, there are some occasional lines explaining X or Y, but there's so much missing, and it will mean so much less to you as a reader when Agrippa turns up (yay! But also not where I was expecting him to and it makes me want the next book even more to see him meet Marcus again after all these years.)

There is no word for the ending but cruel. Such a cliffhanger to leave with as we head into the final book - characters separated, captured, or deeply wounded. Roll on the next (and final, no!) instalment.

Amazing!! This was an epic instalment in the Dark Shores series, everything I hoped/suspected came together and the twisty plot was utterly brilliant. Political intrigue, romance, murder, lies and throw in a little betrayal - it was thrilling, action packed and simply brilliant.

It picks up after the events in Dark Shores and Dark Skies. Teriana, Marcus, Lydia and Killian are back and respectively we follow two storylines and embark on a 'soul searching' journey that tests our characters' wits. Jensen's ability to seamlessly interconnect the previous books into this one is fab! I love all four of our protagonists, and so each charter kept me enthralled. And then there’s the unique and phenomenal world - truly captivating.

"𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗧𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺."

Highly recommend this series - a hidden jem for sure! If you enjoyed The Bridge Kingdom, Fable, enemies to lovers tropes with incredible characters or simply enjoy like political fantasies, then give this series a try.

4.8 blooming stars ⭐️

Gilded Serpent is the third installment in Danielle L. Jensen's Dark Shores series. Coming in at just under 600-pages, Jensen definitely packed in a lot of information, action and startling revelations. With this series, if you aren't aware, you can read the first two books in any order. Meaning you can read either Dark Shores, or Dark Skies first, followed by the other.

I personally read them in publication order and would recommend that to others. I felt like Dark Shores established the setting and functionality of the world perfectly. After reading that one, I had a strong hold on the type of series this was going to turn out to be. It's one that channels all the brutality of Ancient Rome, mixed with a fair amount of magic and heavy doses of political intrigue. Also, let's not forget the sweet romance.

In Dark Shores, the action centers around Teriana and Marcus. In Dark Skies, we follow Lydia and Killian. Gilded Serpent follows all four of these characters as their storylines begin to merge more and more. Through the first two books, I became quite attached to all four of these main characters. Because of that, my excitement level for this release was heightened even more.

As I have mentioned in my previous reviews for this series, including the prequel, Tarnished Empire, I love this series and think it is incredibly underrated. All YA Fantasy lovers need to check this one out!

I did rate this book slightly lower than the first two books, mainly because it wasn't as easy for me to follow, or stay as fully engaged with this one. I think the length started to get to me, as well as the sheer volume of information that Jensen packed into this one. Also, I did have some issues at the beginning remembering what had happened at the conclusion of the first two books.

While I recognize that as a 'me' problem, I also feel an author including slight, subtle recaps is always helpful. I didn't feel a lot of that here. Regardless of that fact, however, I still really enjoyed my time reading this novel. The world continues to be built out. It's dangerous, complex and full of compelling people, creatures and history.

I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. I am planning to do myself a favor and binge read the first three again prior to picking it up.

Thank you to the publisher, Tor Teen, for making my dreams come true and providing me with a copy to read and review. I truly appreciate it and will be singing this series praises for a long time to come!!!

As always I am blown away by Jensen’s immersive and enthralling storytelling. Do not let the YA categorization sway you from picking up this series! Yes, the main characters are upper teens, but the world-building, the depth of character development, the political intrigue, the romance, EVERYTHING about this series is captivating from the first page through the last. As with all of her books, I am left regretting my decision to read this before the next book is published. I could read about these characters for the rest of my life and never grow bored of them.

I’m so grateful that this book saw the return of all four of our main characters (two from Dark Shores and two from Dark Skies). This story picks up almost exactly where the previous two left off. Tensions are high all around and remain high for the majority of the book. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole ride. I could not turn pages fast enough. If you know me, you know that I read books for the romances, even if it’s not a romance book. And these are definitely not romance books. There is so much action, intrigue, betrayal, war, friendship, and trials that anyone not looking for romance will still have a lot to enjoy, but there is something absolutely delicious about the way Jensen writes romance. These are slow burn in the best way, in the maybe-they-will-maybe-they-won’t way. Enemies to lovers and forbidden romance at its finest.

As I mentioned, there’s a whole lot more to Gilded Serpent than the romances. This story has so many twists and turns, I think I got my cardio for the day just from the increased heart rate while reading it. I can’t wait for the conclusion to this series, but, at the same time, I don’t wish to see it end. If Danielle L. Jensen or Tor Teen read this (doubtful), I will GLADLY buy spin-offs for any of the characters in this series!

Well this was another AMAZING addition to this series and with that sort of ending, I am extremely impatient for the next book.

HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US?! WHY SUCH A CLIFF HANGER?

I always adore these characters and it was nice to start to see how things have begun to intersect. So excited and so afraid lol.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Danielle Jensen has done it again. The third installment in the Dark Shores series finally has brought Teriana and Lydia's respective story arcs under one. While I love how Dark Shores and Dark Skies ran simultaneously with each other, Gilded Serpent shifted between the two.

Teriana and Marcus have unexpectedly returned to Celendor, except the xenthier stream has deposited them in a desolate part of the Empire where they will have to work together and rebuild the trust that was lost in order to survive.

Lydia and Killian have been separated; Lydia is learning how to master her healing skills at the temple while Killian leads the Royal Army. Both of them think of the other, but with the blight and seventh always advancing each must walk their own path.

I won't reveal anything more about what happens, but the twists and turns and watching both storylines of Teriana and Marcus/ Lydia and Killian each grown and shape was incredible. Sadly, the book ends on a cliffhanger and has me anxiously awaiting the next installment.

Are you craving an epic series? The Dark Shires series delivers. It has the fiery, rebellious spirit of Star Wars, the heart and soul of Gladiator, and two pairs of star-crossed lovers whose lives are being shaped by impossible choices and encroaching darkness.

The latest book in the series, Gilded Serpent, is about clinging to hope when the world is crumbling beneath your feet. It is about choosing love against all odds and doing everything you can to preserve it.

Marcus knows that a legionnaire's loyalty should be to the glory of the empire. But he has never been more himself than he is with the pirate princess who is his captive. He is determined to protect Teriana, even if his secrets will destroy any love she feels for him.

Killian is gifted by the god of war. He has been a weapon for others, a tool of hurt and destruction. The quiet, bookish girl with emerald eyes is the first to see beyond his shield. He loves Lydia, and will fight for their future- even if the universe seems to be conspiring against them.

The stakes are escalating as the world succumbs to blight and evil on one shore and corruption and greed on the other. Marcus, Teriana, Killian and Lydia are all that stand against the rising tide. The war has only just begun.

I savoured this one as long as I could- until I couldn't resist finishing. The cliffhangers will haunt me until the next release.