A huge thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange of an honest review!

Holy hell. What a masterful emotional roller coaster. I love everything about this series and this latest instillation did NOT disappoint. Danielle Jensen is 100% an autobuy author and I am dying to see how this all ends.

Read this book. This series. ALL HER BOOKS.

Absolutely epic.

Full review will be live on www.readandwander.com within 30 days of publication.

I don’t even know where to start in explaining everything that I loved in this book!!! It’s definitely my fave in the series so far and I just love it so much 😭 The stakes are highers! All the big secrets are being revealed! The tension and cliffhangers are much more killer! And the ROMANCE. Oh my god. Just when I thought it couldn’t get anymore swoony and heartbreaking at the same time, having all of their couple’s stories in this one book was a stab to the heart 🥲 Though I appreciated how we got steamy scenes in this book 🤤

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for providing me with an eARC in exchange of an honest review!! I’m forever thankful to have read this before the release because I don’t think I would’ve been able to wait any longer 😭

This book was such a roller coaster of emotions and I love that there was never a dull moment!! I had the best time reading every chapter and at the every end of it, I was both “I need to know what happens next for this character” but also “omg we’re back to this character, I’m so excited to start!!!” With that, I didn’t mind the constant changing of POVs between four characters because it kept me hooked and exhilarated and made me want to constantly read on!!!

It’s a MUST to have read Dark Shores, Dark Skies and Tarnished Empire BEFORE this book because having read all those amazing stories, characters and killer cliffhangers, reading about how Danielle L. Jensen woven all of those storylines in this one book in the most EPIC way was just a delight to read 😭

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Macmillan/Tor-Forge for providing me with a review copy in exchange for nothing more than an honest review. It is most appreciated.

That being said, I'm also a little mad that you provided me with this review copy... and now you're making me wait an entire year to get more of this story... after that ending! Book torture is the cruelest of all tortures, I think!

Just kidding (mostly). To be honest, this book was fantastic. We get a lot more development of character relationships in this book, and we get to see that not all of our main characters are perfect. We see the ugly sides. We see the amazingly strong sides. We get to see what some of them do when thrown into completely new situations, cut off from everything they know. While much of this book was moving the chess pieces to where they needed to be for the final tale, it was done in a way that led to all of this development, growth, and revelation - an indication of Danielle Jensen's writing talent.

And we get to see the setup to what is now one of my most anticipated books of next year. It's going to be a wild ride, and I am totally here for it. If I survive the book torture waiting until then. :)

Highly recommended, but please start with Dark Shores and Dark Skies first.

5 Stars Marked by the Gods

Rated 4.5 Stars

Gilded Serpent was amazing. It was a little slow to start but when things got started my heart was in my throat the entire time. This book was truly a roller coaster ride in regards to my emotions and all that took place. A lot happened, questions were answered but there’s so much more I need to know. The was much action, intrigue, twists, turns and a cliffhanger that just might kill me. I need to know how this all ends as soon as possible. I highly recommend this series and eagerly anticipate the final book.

Jensen has done it again with her immersive worldbuilding, rich characters and epic twists. Can't wait for the finale of this saga.

What an excellent book! I couldn’t put it down. This series is one of my favorites. This book takes on a new path of its own. I highly recommend reading Dark Shores and Dark Skies first! A great fantasy novel to get swept away with!

Jensen is a master of world building! Such a master that within the span of the third novel in the Dark Shores series, she manages to have enough adventure, enough traveling, and enough character interaction that it feels as if you're reading three novels in one. The story that is blended together within all of these separate pieces is one that will literally keep you on the edge of your seat. Never have I ever felt so enthralled with a novel and with the events happening that one moment (and I think you'll know which) kept me the most engaged and anxious I've been with a novel in years. I felt every bit of nerves, of terror that the characters felt, being thrust into some place new and dangerous with nothing to survive with. Had it been a scene in a movie or tv show, I'm almost certain I would have been crying. It was harrowing and truthfully, I'm running out of adjectives to describe just how much it tore through all of my emotions.

Jensen leaves us on a cliffhanger, yet again! It makes you wonder if anyone will survive at this point. Our beautiful cast of broken characters who love and yet are not free to love. You wish the beautiful children all the happiness in the world, but this massive stage with so many dangerous players involved just won't allow it to happen. Every time you think you're close, Jensen yet again gives another plot twist, something a more keen reader might have picked up on earlier. But for me, being as invested in the story as I am, it always sneaks up on me, tearing me apart even more. I'm keeping this review short and simple, because it's too late in the third book of a series to talk about the plot. Just know that the energy and action is everything you want it to be and that Jensen delivers a book with all four of your faves, just the way you like it.

Can we just get book four tomorrow??? Because I truly don't know if I can wait.

I read this in February, but I already want to call it the best book of 2021. I thought nothing could top my love for Dark Skies, but Gilded Serpent pulled it off. Danielle L. Jensen gives me ALLLLL the feels. Epic fantasy world building, global conquest, swoon worthy men, forbidden romances, heart-stopping action and adventure! This book STRESSED ME OUT, but I couldn't put it down.

I absolutely adored the parallels between Marcus & Teriana and Killian & Lydia's love stories, yet they each faced their own challenges and adventures. Killian and Lydia are my OTP and I pray they get a happy ending in book 4!

The ending of this book absolutely destroyed me. Jensen reveals some life-altering information, then throws in a few more plot twists to fully break my heart! This is hands down one of the best YA fantasy series I've ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough.

TW/CW: fear of heights

I received an e-arc of book from NetGalley in exchange this series.

This book is the third book of a series, but it certainly isn’t the last. I started this book before I realized that, but after I realized, I set it aside and read the first two. And man, I was skeptical at first when reading these books that focus on different characters in each one, but it worked for this.

After finishing the first two, so I was stoked to see all four of the characters together in one book. I don’t normally like constantly switching povs, but it was so great having all four of them, but it was a bit disappointing that we didn’t get to see them all interact with each other. I can’t wait for the day we get a book where they’re all together. It will make me so happy.

There was so much to enjoy in this book. There was so much adventure and layers in this story. These characters have been progressing and evolving and feeling more human. Even their personal relationships get better. There’s just so much to appreciate.

But the ending just makes you want more immediately. I NEED more. Lol. I would definitely recommend this series.

The stakes are higher than ever. Every conflict, threat, enemy and danger introduced in the first two books is even greater in this one. The four perspectives really brought the story to a whole new level and watching them all struggle apart from each other really made me scared for their lives. The beginning was a little slow for me, even though we start right where we ended in Dark Skies and Dark Shores. It took me about 20% to really get invested in this, but after that mark, everything breaks loose and the real story starts.

There is so much at stake here and the characters know it. They are all on different sides, either because their goals are different or because they are supposed to be enemies. Feelings of loyalty and love also play a big role here. I have to say that I absolutely did not see the twists coming and was utterly shocked, which only made my love for this book grow. I enjoyed their growth and individual journeys so much, it almost wants me to read this all over again. There are some amazing quotes too.

The characters all had their struggles and they grew in their individual ways. There are even some new (old if you read (view spoiler)) characters introduced that I was so excited to read about in this installment. As I got near to the ending, it seems like all is going well (and actually it isn't going well at all) and that this is it: this is how it's going to end. But the author isn't done! She has even more to tell and that's what really made this book great. When you think it's done and your heart is safe, nope, there's still more!

With how this ended, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for the next book and I can't even describe the feelings that this book had me feel. I went from OMG NO YOU DIDN'T to YES GO FOR IT to OMG FINALLY to PLEASE NO to WHAT I DIDN'T EVEN SEE THAT COMING (more than once) to OK IT'S OVER EVERYONE IS SAFE (as much as one can be in that situation) to THIS IS THE ENDING???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I NEED MORE.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC for an honest review.
This book was pretty good and I adore the series, but that cliffhanger! That was just cruel.

Well, not that I wasn't already completely in love with this series, but Danielle L. Jensen has just taken my heart for an INSANE ride. She takes everything she's given you with Dark Skies, Dark Shores and more recently Tarnished Empire and absolutely runs with it. Nothing will go as you expect it for this group now that we get all their stories at once, and I am HERE for it.

WHAT.
A.
WILD.
RIDE.

For the first time in this series we get all four POVs (Marcus & Teriana from Dark Shores, and Killian & Lydia from Dark Skies) and while they may not be crossing paths just yet, they find their journeys mirrored in some ways while their struggles are entirely their own. I really loved having both presented in one book and it really led to that feeling of 'what comes next' that keeps you on the edge of your seat which wasn't a problem already because SO MANY THINGS are happening. And many of them will leave your heart racing for your favorite characters (*cough*how could you do this to MARCUS*cough*).

I'm so glad there's still another book to come after this because I simply need more. And I am also lsightly terrified of what more these 4 can be put through - we all know things always get worse before they get better, but that's where Jensen has hooked you in. I know I'll have this burried in the back of my mind for long after I've finished it while waiting for the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley, TorTeen, and Danielle Jensen for providing the ARC for review

This book was a really fun and enjoyable read. The characters were relatable and had great depth. I definitely recommend it and will be ordering copies for my library.

So. Things have definitely gotten worse for our band of merry heroes. Not surprising given the way Dark Shores and Dark Skies both ended, but the stakes are quadrupled here and things go from bad to much, much worse. This was almost non-stop action and I was very stressed the whole time. Angst, chemistry, secrets, betrayals, twists and turns. It was almost too much, the reader hardly ever given a chance to breathe because the entire book is go-go-go.

This was a great addition to the Dark Shores series. I swear, the printed version must be 800 pages, but the book never drags. It's full of incredible world-building, politics, action, and more than one forbidden romance. We're treated to all four character POVs here, but it's never confusing because each character (Marcus, Teriana, Killian, and Lydia) is so very distinct. And the blending in of Agrippa from Tarnished Empire was so expertly done, and to do it in the way that the author chose to was probably quite a challenge. Marcus and Teriana unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) never cross paths with Killian and Lydia, which I was really hoping for. But I have a feeling it's going to be explosive when they do. Add Agrippa to the mix and I honestly have no idea how Danielle Jensen is going to weave all of these plot points together in book four for a satisfying ending.

I highly recommend this series. Excellent writing, epic world-building, fantastic characterizations. It's one of the more underrated series out there that I wish more people would read.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I am completely obsessed with the Dark Shores series. When the end was reached I cried a little because I'm so sad to be leaving this thrilling, chilling, and wonderful world and having wait another year for book 4 just because I want to spend more time here. These four main characters have embedded themselves in my reading heart and are not going to budge. I read Gilded Serpent on the heels of reading the first two books in the series so I've spent 1500+ pages with these characters and relished every single word and moment.

The story telling and structuring, continual world building, and beautiful writing of Danielle Jensen is a gift to readers who love Young Adult Fantasy/Romance books. Her writing is impeccable as she weaves tales of a magical yet corrupt world where four young adults are making decisions that impact themselves, their people, and each other. They meet their matches and have been fighting since the beginning of book one to maintain their scruples yet find a way to fight against those trying to silence and control them all the while falling and changing and growing. Between the four of them it's hard to pick a favorite. There are secondary characters who make the story richer as well. Even the villains of the story are captivating in their unique way.

I'm just enamored with these fantastical adventure books. I put my Kindle down and told my husband I want to be a path hunter now and find my own xenthier stem to the Dark Shores just to play cards with Teriana, hug Marcus and Killian, and visit a library with Lydia. This is compelling reading set in an extraordinary world that is so well written, engaging, and just plain fun. I absolutely cannot wait to read them all again in anticipation of the release of book four.

This book was just as good if not better than the first two!! It picks up where both Dark Shores and Dark Skies end, and the exciting action and adventure continues! I loved getting all the characters together and getting all four perspectives! It is very fast paced, I couldn’t put it down! I love these characters and world Danielle Jensen has created, and even though I will be sad for this series to end... I can’t wait for the next book to see how it concludes!

"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."

"It would be a very heavy book. I’ve had a VERY interesting life."

THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK!!! I loved it SO MUCH. Gilded Serpent picks up where Dark Shores and Dark Skies left off, while also including a few familiar faces from Tarnished Empire, so be sure to read those before jumping into this! :D

Gilded Serpent joins the four major POVs for the first time - Marcus, Teriana, Lydia and Killian - without them all actually crossing paths, which actually made me a little bit sad. :( I can't wait to see them all finally meet up! Marcus and Teriana's story arc did seem to be stronger than Lydia and Killian's, but then again, that may just be my own personal bias.

Despite being full of action and adventure, we also saw more depth to these four characters. Marcus showed us his darker side, Teriana found her loyalties divided, Lydia was put into difficult situations...anddd we don't discuss Killian here. xD Their inter-personal relationships evolved, as well! Marcus and Teriana finally served with some STEAM <3 which I think all of you will love as much as I did!!! :) Honestly, their relationship is so amazing and my favourite of the series, in case you couldn't tell. Hehe!

In ARC-form, this book was over 700 pages, but I FLEW through it! And with the double cliffhangers and new complications introduced at the end, book four can't arrive soon enough!!! I do recommend getting started on all the Ancient Roman fantasy goodness that this series serves. :P

I went into this one thinking it's the last book of the trilogy. So imagine my surprise and HORROR when I was 96% in and SO MUCH still needed to happen. (My heart broke in so many pieces so many times.) And although I'm really glad that we have not seen the last of Teriana, Marcus, Lydia and Killian... I am also REALLY STRESSED OUT. Because WHAT IN THE F- JUST HAPPENED?!

I think I better keep this review short. My brain just exploded and my heart just about gave up.

Danielle Jensen is undoubtedly a master storyteller. Gilded Serpent was packed to the brim with intense action and nothing went in the way anyone would expect. The things Jensen will put readers through is just... WOW. I am so insanely heartbroken but very much satisfied. This book was brutal, and SWOONY, and terrifying, and LONG (which I absolutely LOVED) and heartbreaking and brilliant and INSANE and wonderful and a whole lot of WTFs.

I don't know how I'll be able to patiently wait for the fourth book. I needed it yesterday.

I received an ARC via Netgalley to read and review.

One of the things I am absolutely fascinated about with this series is that you can read EITHER book 1, Dark Shores, or Book 2, Dark Skies, first! One book follows the tale of Teriana and Marcus, the other Killian and Lydia. In Gilded Serpent, we get to follow on from both stories in tandem, with points of view from all 4 characters. I adored the first two books but this one really blew it out of the water. I barely breathed for 576 pages. The edge of your seat action, the danger and the twists were all of the highest stakes. This entire series has such epic world building and descriptive writing, I’ve completely lost myself to the story in every book (sometimes feeling like you’re right there is a challenge though – Marcus, I feel you on the fear of heights. I think I stopped breathing altogether for a few chapters there 😅).

Gilded Serpent picks up right where Dark Shores and Dark Skies finish and sets us on a rollercoaster ride right from the start. From hunting down a traitor to dealing with the horrifying blight stealing over the land, all while navigating forbidden feelings and vicious enemies. I felt like none of the characters we’ve come to know were left behind in this book, as can sometimes happen with third in a series. Their stories still flowed naturally, giving us more insight into their backgrounds and answers to questions left over from the other books. I can’t even choose a favourite character anymore. I’d be convinced I was more in love with Marcus and Teriana’s story while I was reading it, then switch allegiance to Killian and Lydia when I got to their chapters, and so on!

Gilded Serpent, and the entire Dark Shores series, is an intense ride you don’t want to miss!

Gilded Serpent is a phenomenal addition to the Dark Shores series. I love the Roman gladiator vibes, the fantastical elements, the love stories, the varied and immersive settings, the non-stop action, and Jensen’s writing style, which pulls you in from the first page. Told from all four main characters’ points of view, we get Teriana, Lydia, Marcus, and Killian’s perspectives throughout the story. Terian, Marcus, Lydia, and Killian are richly developed characters, and their stories are complex and complicated. I loved their different perspectives and how Jensen weaves their journeys together into one fluid, layered, and captivating story. Plus, the romances are wonderful, slow-burning, angst-filled swoon-tasticness!

The romance between Teriana and Marcus is perfection! This enemies-to-lovers pair is absolutely swoon-worthy and has amazing chemistry, witty banter, and wonderfully romantic scenes. Their experiences in this story definitely brought them even closer, and as they let their guards down, their bond grows even stronger. I loved their love story and how they support and help each other. The way they hold each other up and work together shows how connected they are. This pair went through so much in the story, yet their strength and their love felt unwavering. I love that Marcus reveals more of his vulnerable side and lets Teriana see behind his tough and unemotional exterior.

I found Marcus’s personal journey fascinating. As he faces betrayal among his men and is exposed to some of the harsher realities of politics and war, Marcus begins to question his role and his leadership. While coming to terms with his actions, Marcus also recognizes the political and military influence that guided him. He is a good man who is started to question whether he is on the right side of the fight. There are interesting and thought-provoking concepts about good and evil, overcoming obstacles, moral responsibilities, choice, and personal change/growth in Marcus and Teriana’s story.

Killian and Lydia have many obstacles to overcome as well. They are so in love with each other, and their story is filled with angst, as too much stands in their way. They struggle to communicate and speak to each other about their feelings, and they are conflicted between their love for each other and long-standing duties and oaths. I am so rooting for this couple, but like Marcus and Teriana, Lydia and Killian’s eventual pairing seems impossible.

All four characters face difficult choices and obstacles which could tear them apart, and it seems like there is no way for them to be together. However, I’m still hoping for their happily-ever-after. I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them in the next book, especially after that ending!!

In addition to the four main characters, there’s another who really stood out – Agrippa! What a fascinating, confusing, greedy, honorable, treacherous, brave man. I’m so intrigued by this complex character! Talk about morally grey – Agrippa’s motives are so unclear, and just when you think you have him figured out, he does something so out of character that it makes you question everything he did before.

With tons of intense action and nail-biting scenes, this is one suspenseful read! From surviving under extreme circumstances, traversing river rapids in enemy territory, trying to evade murderous wolves, and not falling prey to the manipulations of those in power, there is never a dull moment for our four main characters! I love the constant twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the unfathomable obstacles, and the fantastical elements. It all adds so much intrigue to the story.

If you like fantasies with immersive and vivid world-building, gripping stories, richly developed characters, and tons of suspense and intrigue, then you should read the Dark Shores series. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Tor Teen, and Danielle L. Jensen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.