I am not ok after this book.
I love these characters so much.
Roman influence? Pirates ? Yes please!
I went into this firmly team Marcus but now... I’m leaning toward Killian!
All the reveals!!!
The drama promised in the next book too!!
The cliffhangers (YES plural) are not ok Danielle

Drop what you’re doing and read this series. I recommend doing it in publication order personally

Jensen has done it again! I am always worried about "middle" books, as well as when there are more than 2 points of view. But this was done beautifully. I never spent too long wondering what the other characters were doing, as I was wrapped up in whatever the current characters were involved in. I feel the threads pulling and cannot wait for all four characters to come together, even if at the same time, I am extremely anxious about it! Even though I ship #teamkillian, the growth of Marcus and Teriana was lovely, even if I did want to bash him on the head at the end. And Killian and Lydia. Swoon, as usual. 4.5 stars

This was a thrilling adventure from begging to end. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Danielle Jensen is such a good world builder and storyteller. I love her characters and this epic fantasy world she’s created. This story (series) has everything a reader could want; adventure, romance, strong female characters, creepy monsters in the dark. This was just so good.

This was a really good third book! The story progressed very well and i was edge of my seat through most of it. You jump between Lydia snd killian and Teriana and Marcus. For this book I was more invested in lydia and Killian for some reason! I was completely captivated with their storyline. This was a thick book but worth it. I am completely eager for the fourth book.

Gilded Serpent is the third book in the Dark Shores series, and continues the story started in the first two books. While each of the first two books focused on a pair of main characters, this third book gives equal time to each pair, and the battles, adventures, and journeys that must be completed toward the end goal. The story is fast paced and does not drag. I like how each of the characters continue to grow throughout the story, clearly becoming who they are meant to be. Each of the pair spends both time alone on their individual journey, as well as time together, as they both fight for and resist the developing relationships. In this story, some big secrets are revealed, while others have impact on the plot by staying hidden. This book ends similarly to the first two, with cliffhangers for each character that will hopefully be revealed in the fourth book.

I would rate this 4 stars overall.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First I want to thank Tor Teen for my digital ARC and a gorgeous finished copy of the book!


"Lydia, to be good does not mean to be without flaw, for even the best of us are riddled with them.To be good is to recognize the darkness in one's character and strive to remedy it.And if such a thing is not possible, to control it so that it does not harm others"

Gilded Serpent picks up right where Dark Shore and Dark Skies are left off and merges to become a thrilling 4 POV plot, also please read Tarnished Empire before you read the book because it helps to understand the plot better and relate to certain characters more deeply. The multiple POV narration is definitely Danielle L Jenson's area of expertise along with an intricate yet captivating world building, she makes the world so real yet so complex with such ease that always leave me in an awe

THE PLOT:

The plot of GS is full of nerve wracking adventure, expedition and thrill with things constantly happening around the four main characters, the plot is a true testament to all 4 MC's Marcus, Terriana, Killian and Lydia because they are forced to expose all their good, bad and ugly dissecting their character and adding layers of depth to the already fleshed up characters. The last 30% of the book is intense and my absolute favorite because it is pure, undiluted adrenaline constantly being pumped into you. I was so engrossed in the action sequences because of they were riveting!

THE CHARACTERS:

Coming to the characters, I will be honest it is not easy to completely love them all through the book but we have to remember each of them are battling their internal demons from what they were forced to face in Dark Shores and Dark Skies- especially Killian, I know fan base is divided on Marcus and Killian and this book makes it hard to root for Killian BUT his beliefs, worth , loyalties are constantly challenged so I am actually excited to see his transition in the next book as he lowers his internal walls.

That being said GIRLS IN THIS BOOK ROCK!!! yes I needed to put that in all caps because they are pivotal showing strength and resilience all through saving men for a change, so before you ask I am #teamlydia and #teamterriana because Marcus and Killian can take back seats for this one!!

THE ROMANCE:

The romance on the other hand had little scope in this book partly because how intense the events around them are and also partly because all the lies and deceit comes back to take revenge on them.However please enjoy this quote from my bwoy Killan ;)

"What I was meant to do was be with you" Reaching out, he caught her around the waist drawing her closer."To never leave your side and to guard your back until one of us cease to draw breath".
"You swore that to Malahi"
"I swore it to you first, even if you weren't there to hear it.Swore it a hundred times with you in my heart.And even if I had not, I love you.And if this is where you choose to make your stand, I will be at you side until the bitter end"

While I hoped for all 4 MC's to meet at some point that did not happen unfortunately, but knowing DLJ she is going to make than an epic scene in the next and final installment. Everyone's favorite P
rimus(ex) comes back with a bang and adds a punch to the already gripping plot, he brings some much needed comic relief easing the tensions and I have to say it hurt to seeing him hurt. The political intrigue is comparatively less because it doesn't happen in the foreground for the most part of the book but when they happen it did make my blood boil, give it to DLJ to make you all the emotions that intensely!

I think it is safe to say the book is quite literally "A wild Adventure" because a lot of traveling happens in the good 65% of the book, while some parts of the book felt dragged because of it, we are rewarded with epic action sequences to make up for it.So hold on to you reins and keep riding because that ending...... ;)


WHAT I LOVED:
-The actions sequences
-The plot twist
-last 30% for its pure adrenaline rush
-Character development of the ladies especially Lydia my queen
-Of course the world of Dark Shores

WHAT I WISHED WAS BETTER
-Pacing
-Length because some parts from the travel sequence kind of dragged the story
-Jumping straight to plot without a recap (especially for plot as intricate as this I felt like it would help tremendously)
-A SUPER DETAILED MAP, there are thousand and 1 locations mentioned in the book which are actually very very interesting but unfortunately it was super hard to imagine them in your head especially when the characters are constantly on move!

FINAL THOUGHTS:
When can I have the final installment ????

I wish I could have devoted the time to a reread prior to diving into The Gilded Serpent. This story is complex. Four perspectives, an intricate world brimming with cultures. It is a lot to unpack if you don't remember what happened, but the action is incredible and it is coming from everywhere. As I continued reading the POVs began to blend seamlessly for me. Even between the two storylines, I didn’t find it difficult to know who I was currently journeying with.

Danielle L Jensen is a wizard. I don’t know how she manages to craft complex storylines with beloved characters in a world built so solidly. Is there anything she cannot do?

I know we are all out there #TeamMarcus #TeamKillian #TeamAgrippa, but I’m officially #TeamLadies. Screw all the men!! Lydia and Teriana have my whole heart. I’m fairly certain I almost died while reading this and will continue remain dead in wait for the next installment of this incredible series!

Thank you so much to Tor Teen and Netgalley for providing me an E-ARC to review

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for an e-ARC of this amazing book!

5 FREAKING STARS!

OMG OMG OMG OMG!! Holy crap guys, THIS BOOK... talk about stress inducing!! I don't think there was ONE MINUTE while reading where I was not worried for our main characters. This was a WILD ride! I loved how we got all of our main MC's POVs in this book - the storyline was constantly switching from one to the next and it was an ADVENTURE. I don't want to say too much because I'm afraid it will give things away, but just know that there are so many twists and turns and reveals in this book... I neverrrr saw the storylines going where they went.

Easily the best book in the series thus far and honestly... WHEN IS THE NEXT BOOK COMING OUT BECUASE I'M NOT OK AFTER THAT ENDING AND NEED MORE!!

ive been invested in this series for a while and this is probably my favorite book so far. the stakes just got ten times higher and the plot was very fast paced. we finally get to see the four major perspectives joined, although the characters aren’t actually together. i got to see some of my favorite characters get a lot more developed and we get to see a lot more depth for the characters we already know and love. the double cliffhanger at the end of this book will likely be the death of me but i adored this book and this whole series and look forward to reading the rest of it.

What a wild and fantastic ride this book takes you on! I thought I was prepared for the journey the third book would take us on, but I wasn't even close to prepared for what Jensen would throw at us.

I can honestly say I enjoyed every single POV in this book, and that's not something that happens to me often. Following Killian, Lydia, Marcus, and Teriana (in one book!) had me turning page after page and missing sleep just to find out what happened next. We travel all around the Dark Shores - where the world-building is incredible, and the experiences are action-packed. All of the different locations bring a new, exciting story for the foursome as they try to find their places in this world.

Gilded Serpent has moments of triumph and anguish that have you on the edge of your seat, living and breathing with these amazing characters. Loyalties are tested, truths are relived, and long-held beliefs are destroyed. Jensen somehow managed to fit in FOUR cliffhangers in this book that had me flipping through the end as if I might magically find the rest of the story if I kept looking hard enough.

The Dark Shores series is for anywho who enjoys traveling to new and exciting worlds, characters who have angst build into their systems, strong heroines and their badass boys, slow-burn love, enemies to lovers, and romantic steaminess.

I really liked this book. It picked up where the last book left off and included the POV's of all the characters.
I'm usually not a fan of multiple POV books, but for this story it just works.
I flew through this book and loved every second of it. As with the first two books, my only issue with it is the vulgar writing style which is why it isn't a 5 star read for me.
Gilded Serpent ends on a cliffhanger, so we're obviously getting a fourth book and I'm really excited.
I can't wait to find out how everything will be resolved.
My favorite thing about these books is the angst and the insane chemistry. I adore these characters. Their development is so well done.
I'm gonna miss Marcus, Teriana, Lydia and Killian until the next book comes out.

“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 dives right in to where Shores and Skies left off that resulted into three storylines, merged into two and ended with three?! Danielle L Jensen started Gilded Serpent with a killing blow without any hesitation she just went for the throat. It was a dark and gruesome start.

It felt great to be back to the world of Dark Shores and I forgot how exciting and nerve wracking it can be. Danielle L Jensen has a knack in creating amazing characters that has distinct personalities. It’s impossible not to fall in love with each of the characters but for the record, I will be forever Team Marcus. Especially after reading Gilded Serpent, Killian who?🤣

Strengths and weaknesses are challenged, our main characters learned more about each other. Marcus is one of the best broody characters I have ever read and I love him for it that I always swoon. A genius who loves to read and also pragmatic to the point that he can appear as cruel. But what captivates me more is he is the most relatable character in the Shores series.

I won’t go into details about Killian but let’s just say that I wanted to smack him in the head too many times than I dare to count. I’ve always loved Teriana and Lydia but Gilded Serpent made me love these ladies even more. While we were introduced to them from Shores and Skies, we get to see their strengths and full potential in Gilded Serpent and I was cheering for them from start to finish.

Gilded Serpent is equal parts heartache, betrayal, secrets, politics, adventure and hope. My heart hurts in more than a few scenes, a few too many to bear. Everyone was walking on fine lines that made my head spin and the eagerness to know what’s next was overwhelming. I was only given respite with a certain scene that may or may not involve a sauna (wiggles eyebrows).

One challenge that I faced reading GS is similar to the challenge I faced when I read Dark Shores. I was hoping for a detailed location of every place being mentioned (unless of course the characters don't know where they are). Especially for an adventure book, Gilded Serpent requires a very detailed map.

Also, since Gilded Serpent dives right into the story with barely a recap, I find that I struggled with remembering what previously happened but that is on me, I should have reread Shores and Skies before diving into GS. Even though that was the case, I still highly enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend! Although beware, I still feel my heart shattering after days of finishing because that ending😭💔

Thank you so much to Tor Teen and Netgalley for providing me an E-ARC to review!

I can tell you that this series gets better and better with each book that comes out. This was a wild ride from start to finish! I don’t know if my heart will ever recover from this.

One thing that I loved about this book is the combined point-of-views from the first two books, Dark Shores and Dark Skies. It was thrilling to see how the characters were faring from their standpoint as well as the relationship bonds that are forming and breaking, plus some spicy scenes I just wasn’t expecting!

Since this book is so long I was worried that there would be a lot of lull moments but the author does a good job at keeping a good pace and also introducing plot twists to keep the reader intrigued throughout. It was easy to want to keep reading as one point-of-view would end on a cliffhanger so you had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

I am also happy that I read Tarnished Empire before starting this book. Tarnished Empire is a prequel to the series but gives us more incite into a fewer well-known characters such as Marcus and Felix. It also introduced us to newer characters and one making a huge introduction in the latest book of the series. I have my feelings towards that certain character but I’ll keep it at that because I think the surprise of it all is so much better than if I told you!

The plot is filled with political intrigue, war, romance, blight, and the gods of those from the Dark Shores. There is never a quiet moment as each character deals with their actions which sometimes has consequences as well as just trying to stay alive to make a difference or keep being a puppet pulled by strings. It’s heartbreaking, thrilling, and filled with happy moments that seem to be few and far between but you just hope for the best.

Overall, I have come to love this series and hope that if you haven’t checked it out yet you will do so! It’s just too good and I think any fantasy lover will enjoy this book.

The worldbuilding, characters, and their relationships with each other were exemplary. None of the interactions were forced, and you could sense a good chemistry between them.

Oh my god!! I loved this soo much! Danielle L Jensen is one of my favourite authors, she writes such amazing characters and creates the most incredible worlds. Gilded serpent was AMAZING!! not only do we get 4 POVs, but we just get everything we could possibly want in a fantasy book - there’s romance, strategy, banter and politics. I would definitely recommend that you read Tarnished Empire before going into Gilded Serpent, it just gives you that extra bit of information and getting to know some of the characters. I already can’t wait for the next book in this series, Thankyou so so much for the opportunity to read an ARC

Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!

Gilded Serpent was devastatingly good! Jensen has wowed me once again with her intense and complex storytelling skills that made me feel all the feels and then some.

This book will not go as you think it will. Prepare to be amazed!

Gilded Serpent brings together all four main characters from the previous books, Marcus and Teriana (Dark Shores) and Lydia and Killian (Dark Skies). I really feel for these characters and just want them to be together and happy but their stories are fraught with complications of politics, deviousness, and intrigue. Really, these four deserve a long vacation after all that they’ve been through.

The plot felt more focused on the battles fought from within than out, which I loved for this portion of the series. It allowed for Marcus, Teriana, Lydia, and Killian to grow exponentially throughout several key internal and external conflicts. They have so much stacked against them and so much to lose. Along with the threat of devastating consequences, it often seemed like there was no way anyone would “win.”

In Gilded Serpent, trust becomes an intricate 5-letter word. It brings to light the many complicated relationships between several characters. You can feel the pain and heartache our four MCs feel with every difficult and sometimes conflicting decision that they make. Lots of risks taken result in some mind-blowing scenes of action, betrayals, and confessions. Just wow!

This story is unbelievably good. Tense, sad and depressing but incredibly captivating with wonderful moments of brevity sprinkled within. You could not have asked for a better book or outcome before the conclusion.

I have no idea how this series will ultimately end, but for certain it’s going to be epic chaos.

Absolutely amazing! I loved this entire series and will continue to reread often!

The women are fierce and strong and just incredible characters, and loved watching how they grow throughout this book. And that ending... I can’t wait for more!

Wow it was that good? I read it in a few hours? Who am I 🤣.

This book was the book I NEEDED from this series. That careful, sweet, intimate development of Marcus and Teriana fueled me for the next thousand years. I love them to DEATH. To further add to that, I love the thirty-seventh. I love Teriana WITH the thirty-seventh. I love Quintus and Miki, and I just...I love them.

Despite all the chaos that descended upon them in this installment, I was extremely happy with their interactions and how they handled everything that was thrown their way. And especially how they handled their inner conflicts.

Of course with the mention of the thirty-seventh turning to the Legatus Marcus who was beyond paranoid and fighting maaanny inner battles, I loved how Danielle let those unfold. How Marcus’s worries were taken out on everyone else. She just is very good at dealing with her characters struggles and I applaud it.

Teriana was the queen she’s always been. I love how strong she is and yet when she is upset she will burst into tears. I love her love for Marcus and her reputation across the world. She’s basically revered by everyone who knows her name which is EVERYONE. She can kick your ass, take your money in cards, and man a ship all while being a 10/10. No wonder Marcus loves her 😩. Her journey in this installment is heavily weaved in with Marcus’s but I love how we get to know her better as a person. We get to see how she handles being in situations that are foreign to her, we get to see her intimate side. And of course by the end we get to see her wrathful side 😬. I am ready for what comes after her last chapter, oh boy.

Killian was fine. I don’t know why but I don’t love him lol. I do love his journey when a certain person appears. I think that was when his chapters started to interest me. But him as a person...I didn’t feel like I got to know him as much as we did Marcus. So I don’t have a ton to say about him.

Lydia was good. She is also not my favorite but I enjoyed her determination to stay in Mudamora even though she wasn’t there of her own volition. She’s a very head-strong girl who uses her powers for good despite the risk. I’m so glad even with all that has transpired she holds her relationship ship with Teriana in very high regards. I’m so ready for them to reunite!

The plot was aptly paced. I loved all the reveals, the slimy characters, the arguments, the stress. The PAIN. I cannot wait for the last installment.

Gilded Serpent by Danielle L Jensen - review

True rating: 4.7⭐️

“If the story of your life we’re 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 the first page and begin reading it again.”

Having received an eArc courtesy of #NetGalley I finished this in a perhaps reckless amount of time-completely shirking all other responsibilities. It was a nonstop rollercoaster. It took me a long time to write the review because my soul was in veritable pieces, that is how much I loved and anguished over this book! I had to literally cover the next lines and paragraphs to stop my traitorous eyes from jumping ahead to consume it faster. So prepare yourself for the turmoil, shock and awe that Gilded Serpent is sure to put you through.

Gilded Serpent is told through all four main character’s POV picking up from where, Dark Shores and Dark Skies immediately ended. Having Teriana, Marcus, Killian and Lydia in the same novel was a prayer answered. They were in near constant peril but somehow Jensen managed to craft it in a way as to not overwhelm and then still produced not one but FOUR cliffhangers to end this epic instalment in the Dark Shores series. It left me reeling. I instantly went and reread my favourite parts which was almost the entire book.

Lydia is now one of my all time favourite heroines right along side Aelin Galathynius, Feyre Archeron, Elide Lochan, Rose Hathaway, Anne Shirley and Jo March. The world building was one of the most immersive I’ve read and Jensen’s writing style is faultless. One of my new favourite authors. She is on my Auto buy list now.

“The days grow darker, Killian,” she said. “And I think it will be in the absence of light we all see who we truly are.”

Loyalties are tested, beliefs are shattered, hard truths revealed, and the line between just and evil become blurred.

The questions posed are: How far is one willing to go to test the boundaries and expectations that have been systematically carved into society since the rise of the empire. Is the risk worth the reward, and are the people you are risking everything for worthy of the sacrifices and consequences you’re being forced to make to keep them safe?

If you enjoy epic fantasies, Romanesque empires, enemies to lovers, unique magic system, slow burn romance, angst, chemistry with a bit of steam.
And are looking for a new world to lose yourself in, the Dark Shore series is a must read!

READING ORDER RECOMMENDATION:

1. Tarnished Empire (Marcus Prequel)
2. Dark Shores
3. Dark Skies
4. Gilded Serpent

TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNINGS ⚠️
Animal mutilation
Sex Scene (still considered YA)
Slaughter
Violence
Intoxication
Contains some explicit language

(Recommended 15+)

Wow! Wow! Wow! What an amazing book. I expected this one to be crazy and also a bit stressful to read and it was in a good way. I love these characters, the plot, romance and high stakes dangers around every corner. I had a few heart attacks but this book was just so good!

I’m trying to not write a spoiler review but if you haven’t read the last books ([book:Dark Shores|41555964], [book:Dark Skies|41438058] and [book:Tarnished Empire|56521178]) then there will be some spoilers.

We have Teriana and Marcus in the Southern Continent of the Dark Shores and Lydia and Killian in the Northern Continent. Some battles may have been won in the last book but the fight isn’t over yet. There is a lot of conflict that needs to be resolved and even more problems to be had. I absolutely love these four characters and I’m always hoping with all of my heart that none of them die. We still have another book left at least so I will still be hoping and wishing that they all make it out alive.

This is an incredibly dangerous world but the world-building has always been just exceptional. What I love about this book and the whole series is that the characters don’t stay in one place. They travel around and we get to see many different parts on the map. It makes it so interesting and exciting to see the different places around Reath.

Morally grey characters for me are so much better to read about than black-and-white “good” or “bad” characters. The characters explores guilt, consequences of sacrifice and difference between doing what they desire versus doing what is right. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. Some great surprises and some things I saw coming but also wasn’t prepared for. What I loved is that the chapters are short and I love how fast this book moves. Not so fast as to miss the action, character growth or exploration or romantic moments but a wonderful blend of all.

The romance is so good because all of the romance is forbidden or at least I know they shouldn’t be together but I don’t care! I love those sweet and tender moments but also the fiery tension as well. I know the romance probably won’t end well but I’m here to enjoy it as long as possible. Teriana and Marcus spend a lot of time together in this book and there are those moments where I’m like run, leave together and be happy but I know it isn’t really possible. Same for Lydia and Killian. They all have their responsibilities, duties to others and things they have to do for the greater good. They do have to push aside their feelings and it breaks my heart.

I can’t wait for the next book. That ending. Ugh! So good. Yes, there is a cliffhanger but the wait for the next book will be worse. If you haven’t started this series yet, I will just leave my recommendation below...

READ THIS SERIES!!!!

Recommended reading order:
Dark Shores (Teriana & Marcus)
Dark Skies (Lydia & Killian)
Tarnished Empire (Prequel, Marcus’ story)
Gilded Serpent (All four perspectives)

...until the next book that I’m sure will break me...

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*