THIS BOOK AND THIS WORLD 😭 I can’t get over the amount of thinking that this book has behind it. Gilded Serpent by Danielle Jensen is truly a masterpiece.

Gilded Serpent is the third book set in the Dark Shores series and connects both Dark Shores and Dark Skies, and all of it’s characters, into one action packed and sitting on the edge of your seat kind of book. The way that Jensen weaves this story and the four POV’s of this book is honestly just mind blowing. There are literally four individual people we follow across a a very expansive map and yet, it still read extremely easy and I wasn’t confused at any point, which I honestly thought I was going to be when starting out this book.

More times then not I found myself falling even more in love with all of the characters, although I’m still firmly #teamkillian, but some of the choices and actions in this book had me cringing because I didn’t want all of my favorite people making the dumb choices that they make *starts sweating*. Also I want to say, I’m #teamTerriana as well, she’s always been a favorite but her character arc and strength she showed literally had me sweating and giving me the chills all at the same time and I found a new respect for her and her strength.

I believe this book is about 600 pages long (kindle edition) but it honestly FLEW by, and I’m not a huge book lover by any means, but Gilded Serpent was just so action packed and had me constantly saying “ just one more chapter” because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen. There was A LOT of traveling scenes in this book that I know could bug some but I honestly enjoyed every second of this book.

If you couldn’t tell by this point, I HIGHLY recommend Gilded Serpent but please make sure to make this the third book you read in this series, you must read Dark Shores and Dark Skies first because picking this book up!

First let me say thank you to Tor Teen for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Now onto that review part...

This book seriously had me in a trance and I was unable to put it down!! I absolutely looooved that we got all 4 point of views in this book (Lydia, Killian, Marcus and Teriana)!! But what I loved even more was that I didn't find myself wanting one POV over another. Each POV was non stop action to the point where I was like wait WHAT is happening to these two and then the POV would switch and I'd be like HOLY COW what kind of mess did they get into?!? Danielle's writing also makes the switch between the VERY different POVs seamless...it's beautiful the way she does it! Plus it felt like each storyline/character got equal chapters and while I want SO MUCH MORE I guess I have to wait for the next book for that.

All of the characters' journey during this book were incredible, actually it was more like beyond incredible!! Lydia grows so much during this book and I loved seeing every moment of it!! And let's just say my boy Killian and I are in a bit of a fight but he definitely makes up for it when it really counts. And wow Marcus...I liked Marcus in Dark Shores but never really loved him the way my friends did. But after this book, I am starting to see the appeal. (Still 100% team Killian for life though!). And Teriana, that poor girl has been put through the ringer and still manages to come out better than before. She always sees the good in people and terrible events and well just about everything except Cassius (which come on we all want him dead right?!?). I cannot wait to see where book 4 takes them all!!

Overall this book was an incredible journey and I am already dying for more!! I can't even process the amount of action that went down in the last 30% of this book, my adrenaline is still pumping!! I cannot recommend this book and series enough! Danielle creates such a unique and detailed world that you will not want to leave!! I love this book so much and am looking forward to so much more!!

GILDED SERPENT IS A MASTERPIECE! It managed to surpass Dark Shores and Dark Skies and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! Incredible world-building, an amazing cast of characters, action, political intrigue, romance, and a promise of bigger things to come.

The story picks up where Dark Skies and Dark Shores left off. It’s the first book in the series where we all have the four characters’ POV without crossing paths. The world-building is fantastic and well-developed, it keeps expanding without it being confusing. We get more insights into the world, the history, and the magic system. It’s so diverse: the landscape, the people’s beliefs, culture, and tradition. The pacing was perfect, with no confusing moment despite the POV change per chapter. All POVs are engaging and compelling. The threads are finely woven masterfully and I gasped at some of the plot twists in this book.

I absolutely LOVE all four characters. As they navigate more of the world, their loyalties are tested and beliefs challenged. We get to see more of their inner conflict, ugly side, and resilience. I enjoyed seeing their growth and relationship grow as well. The romance is definitely stronger in Gilded Serpent compared to the first two books but not too much that it overpowers the plot. Also, there are secondary characters that make the plot more interesting and captivating villains.

The ending made me scream and curse (lol) and I need the next book now! I’m sure this would be worth the wait.

Gilded Serpent is fast-paced and a roller coaster ride of emotions. There’s truly never a dull moment in this book. It captivates readers from the start until the very last. The series has quickly become a favorite of mine. There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing this series is and everyone should read it.

Thank you, Danielle Jensen, Tor Teens, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Gilded Serpent. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Title: Gilded Serpent
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Pub. Date: April 27, 2021
Rating: 5

This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. It’s been about an hour or so since I finished this book and I’m still processing…but basically –

Do I have words?
What are words?

Actually, I really don’t know if I can process.
I’m still mourning the fact that there’s at least a year until the next book, and I don’t know or understand how I’m supposed to wait that long after the events that transpired in this book.

I fucking loved this book.
I probably should have started with that.
I loved it so much and I’m utterly blown away by the journey Danielle took us on in this book. I mean so much happens.
So much.

Fuck, I legit cannot think of words.
I’m still reeling.

I’ve been sitting here for like 30 minutes trying to put into words my thoughts and feelings and it’s not working. Beyond saying I loved this, I don’t know what to say.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I loved that it was told from all their POVs – Marcus, Teriana, Lydia and Killian.
I will say that I’m a bigger sucker for Lydia and Killian, but the journey that Marcus and Teriana go on…omfg. Talk about intense. Teriana is a fucking badass. The shit she pulls off in this book – it’s incredible.
Also, that reveal about Lydia – I never would have even thought to guess.
So much has changed, so much is changing, and I have no idea what to expect from the next book except epic-ness.

This book had so many good moments, a few funny ones, some really sweet, tender, heart wrenching ones. It was cinematic as fuck. Like, I need HBO to pick it up and adapt it. It would do so well on screen. Between the lush world, political dynamics, the Roman inspiration, the high stakes and the incredible characters – a show would be an automatic hit.

Gosh, I loved this book.
Killian and Lydia are perfect – their journey in this book is Top Tier. It’s basically pining, with them going from friends, to rivals, to friends to, pretend married + one bed, to omfg, and back to rivals.
There was an interaction between the two of them towards the end of the book that had me absolutely terrified for how this book was going to end. It was so sweet, adorable, touching and lovely and it honestly made me fear for the worst.
But the chemistry between the two of them – you can’t get much better.
Their journey was important, and they grew so much as characters as things are revealed. Every moment I got to spend with them, I thoroughly enjoyed it. They complement each other so well. Danielle knows how to write really wonderful characters.

Marcus and Teriana are like so intense – he’s so broody and she’s a flame. Their journey was – I have no words. They don’t have it easy at all. I felt for them – and not going to lie, I chuckled at the one moment that Marcus was little more than a doll…and that scene – I was so tense. If you’ve read the book, you know. But I’m like Marcus, not a fan of heights, so I felt his fear quite keenly. I don’t even think I could have talked myself into half the stuff he does on their journey. It’s impressive.

Then there’s the return of a familiar face! I loved him, though his outward allegiance in this book is highly questionable. But sometimes you gotta do whatever you can to survive. I wonder what’s going to happen with him in the next book. I also can’t wait for *hopefully* everyone to come together finally, to take on the blight and the empire that wants nothing more than to take over the Dark Shores. I can’t wait for understandings to occur, the inevitable fights to break out, and then for everyone to come together Avengers style.

I feel like this review is all over the place. I can’t seem to really formulate my thoughts. I just know I loved this book and I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about it. I could probably sit here all night talking myself into circles, ultimately telling you to pick up this series and read it.
And I’m telling you to pick up this series. It’s epic, cinematic and just good as hell. The world is amazing, the stakes high, the political maneuvering intense and the characters amazing. You end up caring so deeply for them. Danielle has a way of utterly sucking you in and captivating you.

I seriously highly recommend you checking it out. Fall in love with Marcus, Teriana, Agippa, Killian and Lydia. I promise you want them in your life.

I’m just going to go curl up in a ball and suffer until the next book is out. I have no idea what to do with myself now. I need more.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for an egalley of this book for review, all opinions are honest and my own.

Content warnings: more explicit references to sex and sex scenes (more so than in the previous books), swearing, violence, war, death, alcohol and drug use

First things first, do not read this book unless you have finished Dark Shores, Dark Skies AND Tarnished Empire, because all three of these novels provide crucial information and introduce many of the key characters in Gilded Serpent. Danielle Jensen has a true gift for crafting worlds and impactful characters and I was glad to finally see many of the faces we have grown to know and love in previous books begin to reconvene. After reading Teriana/Marcus and Lydia/Killian's respective POVs, in their own books, it was good to see that Jensen was able to eloquently craft them all together in this story. Each POV served as a compliment to the others, propelling the plot forward in a smooth flow. The switching from one character's voice to another was not jarring or difficult for me to follow, which was great as sometimes I find multiple POVs to become disconnected or overwhelming.

Teriana and Marcus have been some of my favorite characters from the beginning, and I don't think that's solely because I met them first. They both have endured so much and are continually burdened with making choices that will affect their people. Honestly, the true definition of a power couple, as they are both serve as leaders and inspirations separately and then come together to create something magnificent. Jensen does their romance justice, it was developed with such care and sweetness in Dark Shores, and now we get to see a new level of emotional depth. Poor Marcus could not catch a single break in this one, I mean he really went through it and then some. He is such a troubled soul and having the responsibility of the thirty-seventh is no easy feat. I feel for him, and I'm really hoping he gets his own semblance of a happy ending when all is said and done. Lydia continued to showcase her strength and resilience and I feel like I was able to connect with her character more through this arc.

This book was intense as we begin to see the payoff from leading events as loyalties are tested, bonds are broken, and betrayal lies around every corner. I think it's safe to say that this is definitely my favorite book in the series so far and I am desperate to know how everything concludes in the final installment next year. This book balances the complexities of war, colonization, and opposing ideals well. However, we still have plenty of instances of love and hope, so it is not an overly dreary or dark landscape. If you love cultural exploration, dynamic characters, and strong female leads then I don't think you'll be disappointed by this newest installment.

“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.” -Gilded Serpent

I was thrilled to receive an e-arc of this book from @torteen and also not at all prepared for what happened! I finished it on Sunday and my mind is still 🤯🤯🤯

This series is for you if you love:
- Ancient Rome inspired fantasy worlds
- multiple POV
- lots of action and adventure
- swoon worthy men
- #IsThisAKissingBook? You’ll be fanning yourself a few times 🔥
- plot twists galore and double cliff hangers 🤯

It’s safe to say this book has ruined me and I need the next one now!

Another great installment! Slow burn fantasy at its finest. I loved the progression of this book and the gradual build up of its characters. I love that there is a level of tension and unease to the tone that makes you invest in the safety and wellbeing of the characters as they undergo precarious situations one after another. The author has a way of getting you attached to these characters, flaws and all, which is a rare gift. I'm glad this isn't the final book and there is more to come to discover in this amazing world!

Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Danielle delivered another masterpiece with this one. I can’t wait for everyone to come to that conclusion on their own when they read it too.

I was so excited going into this, I had so many theories and feelings that I just had to know how everything was going to pan out and I was not disappointed at all! but in typical Danielle fashion, I now have so many more burning questions and theories that I need answers to. I seriously do not know how she is going to fit everything into this one series. I feel like there’s just so much happening. I need all the answers. How does she do it!? it’s magic I swear.

All I can say is this was an absolutely amazing addition to the series and that everyone should go read it ASAP. I’m scared to say much more because this needs to remain a spoiler free zone! You’re all in for a treat with this one!

Thank you so much to Tor Teen and Netgalley for letting me read an eARC of Gilded Serpent! I loved books one and two in this series (Dark Shores and Dark Skies) so I was the most excited about reading this one!

Gilded Serpent 4/5 stars
Summary from Goodreads:

From bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen comes a thrilling new novel in the Dark Shores world, a series that Sarah J. Maas called "everything I look for in a fantasy novel."
THEIR BATTLES ENDED IN VICTORY
Lydia returns to Mudaire to enter training at the healing temple. But instead of fighting to save lives, she’s convinced she is doing more harm than good. She delves into the history of the gods only to discover a truth that will change her life forever.
His birthright as commander of the Royal Army is finally in his grasp, but Killian feels anything but victorious. Burdened by his past, he embraces the darker side of his mark—and in doing so, risks starting a war.
BUT THE WAR HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN
Having defeated the tyrant Urcon, Marcus struggles to form a lasting alliance with the Arinoquians. But he is plagued by the knowledge that there is a traitor among his friends, and it could cost him everything that he’s fought for.
Torn between her growing allegiance to the Thirty-Seventh legion and her need to liberate her people, Teriana finds herself mired in a web of secrets. She embarks upon a path that will either save everyone she loves—or put them all in their graves.

I really liked how this book brought Dark Shores and Dark Skies together by having all four of our main characters features and POV chapters from each of them- it did get a little confusing if you forgot to read the name at the top of the chapter to see who you were reading about, but if you do that once, it doesn’t normally happen again. It was so great to see Teriana, Marcus, Killian, and Lydia again! This book picks up where Dark Skies ends (and it could also be where Dark Shores ends, but since I read that one earlier, I don't really remember how it ended) with Lydia being taken to the healing temples and Killian with the king. Over with Teriana and Marcus, we start with them celebrating their win over Urcon. As the book goes on, I feel like the switching between sides of the story happened at a good pace- we weren't stuck on one side for too long ever and no matter where we were, something crazy/really interesting was happening. There were so many major plot points/reveals that happened in this book and I cannot wait to see how they get furthered in book 4 and OMG that ending! With the way that Gilded Serpent ended, how am I supposed to wait until 2022 for the next book!? This book came out today, April 27, so make sure you go grab it now! Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indiebound

Loved it! I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book! This series has been a huge hit with our upper YA crowd.

PLEASE READ THIS SERIES! I fell in love with Danielle’s Bridge Kingdom series and I ended up enjoying this series just as much!

I loved how this book gave us multiple points of view from Marcus, Teriana, Lydia and Killian. This book passed the slowburn and angst check, for sure! With the amazing chemistry and romance, the book also delivers an interesting political plot filled with secrets and betrayals, making the 600 pages even more bingeable!

The strongest in the series so far - in no small part because it is certainly the wildest!

Jensen was patiently biding her time to finally bring the protagonists of Dark Shores and Dark Skies.
This one is not for the faint of heart. There is no time to breathe in this book. It's POV switch, after adrenaline spike, after cliff hanger.

There is still no solution in sight for this series, in fact, this one actually complicates matters even further!
And yes, it's as absolutely delicious as it sounds!

Because Danielle Jensen is one of my favorite authors, I was absolutely thrilled to receive an advanced copy of Gilded Serpents. I loved seeing the characters form Dark Shores/Skies finally intersect with one another! Great series and can’t wait for the next book.

On another note, I do think the covers for this series are hurting its reach. As much as we don’t like to admit it, readers do judge books by their covers and these covers don’t accurately portray the content.

I flew through the previous books and this one! I loved it! It was well written with great world and character development. I could not put these books down and I had a book hangover after finishing Gilded Serpent. Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the ARC but all of the opinions are my own!

This was a fantastic continuation of the Dark Shores series. The world-building is fantastic and the world itself is large yet feels digestible. I enjoyed following the characters as they traversed more of the world. Definitely fun to follow along with on the map.

The story picks up right where Dark Skies and Dark Shores left off and is slowly weaving all the character arcs together to cross paths. I'm excited about what's to come next for these lovable characters that Danielle L Jensen created. Jensen's writing does keep you engaged and holding on for dear life as the plot unfolds and characters battle internally with themselves and externally with others.

The first two books in the Dark Shores series were an absolute shock to my system. They read like well-plotted adult fantasy on the level of Game of Thrones, with a diverse cast of badass characters.

Gilded Serpent somehow managed to surpass Dark Shores and Dark Skies and I absolutely could not put it down.

I absolutely adore each of our main characters, and I gasped at some of the plot twists in this book. The Roman inspired world is so wide spread and well developed and I am in awe!

The Dark Shores series has quickly become a favorite of mine. It has everything a reader could want: incredible world-building, phenomenal characters, action, political intrigue, and romance.

I was super excited and nervous to read Gilded Serpent. I knew I would love it, of course, but I was scared to see what would befall my favorite characters. Let me tell you, Gilded Serpent didn’t disappoint. This is by far the best book in the series, and I’m sure the next book will be even better since Danielle L. Jensen’s storytelling gets better with each book--which is a difficult feat in itself. She’s woven such an intricate story with this series.

This book is the first one where we have all 4 main characters’ points of view. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! There’s truly never a dull moment in this book. You’ll be captivated from the first page until the very last. Honestly, this book will stay in your thoughts even after you turn the last page. *Sigh* I would know.

If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly encourage you to do so. It’s such an incredible series. Something super cool about this series is that you can read Dark Shores or Dark Skies first. I read it in publication order, so I read the books in this order: Dark Shores, Dark Skies, Tarnished Empire, and then Gilded Serpent. Also, if you’ve read Dark Shores and Dark Skies, make sure to read Tarnished Empire before starting Gilded Serpent! It’ll give you more background information on certain events that took place before the series started, and some insight into a few characters you’ll see in Gilded Serpent.

I had high hopes for the newest installment in Danielle L. Jensen’s Dark Shores – and I was not disappointed!

After getting Teriana’s and Marcus’ POVs in Dark Shores and Lydia’s and Killian’s POVs in Dark Skies, Gilded Serpent explores both couples’ storylines without actually meeting. This led to one of my favorite parts about this book: the incredible pacing! The stakes are even higher, everyone’s lives are in danger, there’s betrayal and secrets are revealed. With four different POVs, Jensen kept switching back and forth between the storylines just when things got extra interesting which means that almost every chapter ended on a small cliffhanger. Once I was done with the first 100 pages, it was absolutely impossible to put it down. I stayed up past midnight several times because I was just so hooked.

I also really enjoyed the character development and how their relationships with each other grew. There were so many emotional and heartbreaking scenes. I loved how we got some scenes where the characters actually got to talk to each other and tell the other about their past. Some lines also definitely made me swoon – the chemistry between these characters is simply *chef’s kiss*. There is more explicit sexual content than in the prior books so I would say it actually falls more into the New Adult category – the author recommended age 16+ and I agree with that. We also get a good dose of angst and characters stupidly being in love with each other, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I didn’t read Tarnished Empire but I would recommend that you do if you haven’t picked it up yet. I wasn’t confused but from what I know about the prequel, there were just a couple of references and mentions of characters that I know I would’ve appreciated even more if I had read Tarnished Empire. And there’s one character that I also wouldn’t have minded to get to know better…

The world keeps getting expanded and we learn more and more about the history and the magic and the different people which I enjoyed a lot. It’s such a cool concept and I love how every area is so different from each: the landscape, the people’s clothes, their traditions, their beliefs and problems – everything was so well developed without ever giving an overwhelming amount of information or being confusing.

I only really have one criticism and that is that one plot point felt a bit random. I don’t want to spoil anything but something happens that changes the course of the book drastically. I did end up enjoying it and there were some very gripping scenes because of it, but it still kind of threw me off at first. Maybe I also just missed some characters that we sadly didn’t see too much because of this.

The cliffhanger still makes me want to scream because now we need to wait for at least a year and I need the next book now! However, Dark Shores is quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy series ever and I’m sure the wait will be worth it.

Gilded Serpent is fast-paced and emotional with scenes that will break your heart and a cast of characters that you can’t help but root for. A gripping new novel in the Dark Shores series that you won’t be able to put down.

I gave Gilded Serpent 4.5 stars.

Thank you to Literary Bound Tours and Tor Teen for providing an eARC!

Gilded Serpent by Danielle Jensen is an epic journey to save the world.

What I Loved

The story is told from four points of view - Marcus, Killian, Lydia, and Teriana. Usually, I would find that many perspectives were confusing, but these four points of view work perfectly with distinct voices and unique views of the unfolding story. The interplay between Teriana and Lydia, Marcus and Teriana, and Lydia and Killian also add a unique layer to the story as the range of emotions from the relationships tell a tale that adds an extra layer of suspense and drama to an account that already is epically dramatic.

Marcus and Teriana are on a man versus nature journey that is harrowing and kept me glued to the page. I loved that their struggle enabled me to see their world in a way that gives me much respect for its inhabitants. Much in this world is bleak yet wildly beautiful, and the world-building to show that is just phenomenal.

Killian and Lydia face a largely man versus man theme as they race to save the princess and rid their world of the Corruption taking over the population. I found myself on a jaw-dropping roller coaster as they faced one struggle after another, never giving up and showing so much inner strength that I couldn't help but root for them time and time again.

The world is so fascinating with its juxtaposition of the East and the West, old versus new, magic versus might, and gods versus politics. I particularly enjoy the magic and the uniqueness of the magic system. People who are found worthy are marked by one of the gods, and whichever god marks a person determines what kind of magical abilities they can use. It's simplistic and remarkable in its simplicity.

To Read or Not to Read

If you enjoy epic fantasy with thrills that will leave you breathless, Gilded Serpent is a book you won't want to miss.

Excellent addition to an already amazing series.
Can't wait to read more because that ended on a major cliffhanger!