I really enjoyed this story. It pulls you right in immediately and is a fast paced and fun read. The plot was fun and very suspenseful at times. I didn't want to put it down at all near the end as I had to find out what happened.

It includes a revenge story with an interesting magic system, YA slow burn romance, political intrigue, and some found family. Perfect!

Emmy is betrayed by her best friend Grace, while Jack is framed for the murder of his sister (among others). Both meet after they are wrongfully imprisoned, escape, and form a plan to take down all those in the society who have wronged them by infiltrating the high society with new identities. The author did a great job of making you really feel for the main characters, especially Emmy, and you will root for them the whole time, while vehemently dispising the villains.

There are twists and turns all the way to the end, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Childrens for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

thank you harper collins for the arc!

i didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as i did. the prologue of this novel doesn’t really read the same as the rest of the story so i’d say if someone finds themselves hesitant after reading that to give it a chance anyway. i can see what the author was going for, but it ends up being more clunky than mysterious. emmy’s voice is incredibly clear for the rest of the story so i’m not sure what happened in that prologue.

the magic system in this is incredibly unique and was a very refreshing addition to the ya fantasy genre. the characters and their motivations were incredibly well fleshed out. i’m a sucker for a revenge plot + undercover work.
the main romance might have been a little rushed but it was still enjoyable.

all that said, my favorite part was the fact that the author didn’t shy away from the political issues of the time - immigration policies and classism. these themes were woven throughout the main plot instead of being brushed over like so many “gilded age” stories.

overall, thoroughly enjoyable and fresh. would recommend for fans of heartless hunter.

Gilded in Vengeance has Count of Monte Cristo vibes, dashed with magic and the gilded age. The plot hooked me immediately! I had a hard time putting it down. It was well-paced and kept me intrigued the entire time. There were some moments that pulled me out of the book, but overall I really enjoyed it.
If you are looking for a YA book that has a slow burn romance, found family, revenge, magic, and secret societies, this is the one for you.

4.5⭐

Thank you Lissa Mia Smith, HarperCollins Children's and NetGalley for the ARC!

I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did! It reminded me so much of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. I was hooked from desperation of understanding the characters that I willingly fell into the story, vividly being able to see it though my eyes. This book was expertly crafted. The wonderful prose and intrigue, it creates a compelling atmosphere to delve in. The cast of characters are diverse and amazing! They each have their own personalities and district traits and features to distinguish their behaviour and characteristics. I wouldn't mind to read a sequel if there's one in the works!

After losing her magic and seeing her mentor imprisoned, Emmy Vallillo seeks justice in Gilded Age New York. For two years, she languished in prison, accused of crimes she didn't commit, until Jack Fontaine—once celebrated within the Society of the Charmed but now fallen from grace—offers her freedom. They form an alliance based on mutual need: Emmy will help Jack regain his standing, while he helps her challenge the Society that wronged them both.

Together, they reenter high society, using Emmy's magical talents to create new identities. They navigate lavish events and social gatherings with purpose, each interaction bringing them closer to their goal of exposing those who betrayed them. However, they soon discover deeper dangers and unexpected complexities within the Society's ranks.

The story balances action with emotional depth. Emmy's determination is tempered by vulnerability from her past trauma. Jack's charisma hides his own secrets, creating a partnership filled with tension and growing attraction. As they work together, Emmy must decide whether vengeance matters more than the connection they've formed.

With its well-paced plot and surprising revelations, the novel combines historical detail with an interesting magic system. The characters' relationships develop naturally amid the dangers they face, making it appealing to readers who enjoy stories of redemption, complex relationships, and fantasy set in historical periods.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an advance review copy.

I liked the world building in this book. It's Gilded Age New York with a magical system that I can't quite figure out how it really works for everyone. It feels very interesting but it feels like the first book in a series there are questions that still need answering and although this part of the story is wrapped up it feels like there's still a bit of story to go. Emmy and Grace are best friends, they grow up as close as sisters. When Grace betrays Emmy she is sent to Grimsbane Tower. Emmy gets rescued by Jack Fontaine and Caleb. They formulate a plan to bring down those in society that betrayed them, There's so many twists and turns and it's a ride indeed.

Gilded in Vengeance is a historical fantasy with a dusting of romance that follows Emmy and Jack. The story takes off right away with Emmy being framed, thrown in prison and then escaping with Jack. The rest of the story follows their path of vengeance getting back at those that wronged them. There was so much action in this story…….never a dull moment. I loved all the twists and turns the story took. The side characters were just as enjoyable as the main characters. The author did a great job of making you really despise the villains and root for the hero’s. I really enjoyed this book and I’m rooting for this author!

IM OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK WITH A LEVEL THAT IS UNIMAGINABLE.

‘Gilded in Vengeance’ by Lyssa Mia Smith is an absolutely thrilling, and intoxicating ride from start to finish. Set against the glittering yet dangerous backdrop of late-1800s New York- which always happens to be my FAVORITE setting in books- is revenge, high stakes, a swoon-worthy slowburn romance that will have you giggling like crazy…like this book has every single thing I could EVER LOVE.

The tension between Emmy and Jack is electric. Like my heart dropped in a good kind of way because I truly was just so enamored by them. You should have seen me when I was giggling and kicking my feet on my bed while reading at 3 am like a freak😭 but it was worth it.

The twists and betrayals had me on the edge of my seat, and the world-building in the magical, opulent Society of the Charmed is rich and immersive. I loved the way the story explores trust, power, and the price of revenge in such a beautifully layered way.

This isn’t just a 5 star read this a 6 star read. On top of that you get a beautiful cover. I’m so excited to have this beauty in my hands and to gossip about how amazing it is to the book world!

Gilded in Vengeance is a glittering adventure filled with vengeance, romance, and magic.

In an alternate Gilded Age, Emmy Vallillo is stuck in prison after being betrayed and falsely accused. Her despair has turned into deep rage against the Society of the Charmed, the elite club who put her in jail. But one day she is shocked to find Jack Fontaine, a former darling of the upper class, falsely imprisoned alongside her (or so he says). He offers her a deal: he’ll break them out of prison if she’ll help him get revenge. Craving vengeance herself, Emmy is only too happy to agree. But as they trick their way into the highest circles of power, they also start to find their way into each others hearts. Ultimately, they will have to decide if revenge is worth more than a chance for love.

I really enjoyed this historical fantasy. It is very well-written, and I loved the pacing; the action starts almost right away, but the romance is a beautifully realistic slow-burn that you don’t often see in YA books. Both of the main characters were complex, and I couldn’t help but root for them. The “vibes” of this book were great too; it was like the Count of Monte Cristo meets The Great Gatsby, which was very fun. The beauty and excess of the Gilded Age combined with magic and romance make this a delightful book that will appeal to many readers!

I would recommend Gilded in Vengeance to readers who love historical fantasy, slow burn romance, revenge plots, and glittering ballrooms.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the arc! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

This was such a cute standalone fantasy. I’ve always had a soft spot for revenge plots, and this hit all the right notes for me. Combined with the romance and the amazing found family vibes, this was a great read for me. Emmy and Jack were adorable and I loved how their relationship progressed. The plot was fun, and it kept me engaged. Jimmy my baby, he was the standout for me. I liked how everything wrapped up. Sometimes I feel like standalone fantasy have the unique challenge of trying to introduce a new world and still wrap every thing up nicely. This book certainly rose to that challenge. I wasn’t left feeling like more needed to be told. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this e-arc!

Oh. My. Gilded In Vengeance. I am obsessed! Starting with the killer first line, I was immediately sucked into the world and characters and never wanted to put it down.

What a delicious story of betrayal, vengeance, magic, and opulent New York—from the chapter one betrayal to the story of revenge that unfolds, I was totally hooked. The same wonderful plot twists, decadent worldbuilding, and sparking chemistry of Revelle but with a brand new twist. Smith's fans will be delighted!

Gilded in Vengeance is a wonderfully written book that combines two of the things I love the most: Partners-in-crime and revenge stories. The two main characters were extremely charismatic and really easy to fall in love with, and the plot has you hooked from the very start. I loved the writing style, which made me feel like a debutante in this magical version of New York's high society at the height of the Gilded Age, and I loved the story as a whole. I've never read anything by Lissa Mia Smith before, but after this book, she will certainly be on my "be on the lookout" list.

I can't wait for everyone to fall in love with this book just as much as I did!

I had the incredible opportunity to read an advanced copy of *Gilded in Vengeance*, and I must say, this book completely captivated me! From the moment I dove in, I was enchanted by its rich storytelling and the immersive world Smith has created.

The central theme of revenge unfolds beautifully, drawing me deeper into the intricacies of the plot. As a fan of high-stakes narratives, I found the execution of this theme to be nothing short of masterful. The romance is another highlight; it develops at a perfect pace that feels authentic and engaging—none of that rushed nonsense that often plagues fantasy novels. Smith has crafted a relationship that blossoms naturally, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. I’ve always been a high fantasy enthusiast, and this book serves as a fantastic gateway for anyone looking to step into the genre.. It's not intense but the tone is similar and the way the world builds reminds me of some of my favorite fantasy books. The magic system is extraordinarily well-developed, brimming with creativity and intrigue, while the Gilded Age setting adds a refreshing twist that breathes new life into the narrative. (one of my favorite periods) What truly stood out for me were the characters. I often found myself feeling their frustrations and joys, as if I were journeying alongside them. The emotional resonance throughout the book is palpable, making for a compelling reading experience.
Gilded in Vengeance is a must-read for anyone seeking a magical/revenge adventure filled with layered characters and enchanting prose. I wish I had a physical copy to annotate because oh my gosh there were so many times I wanted to mark this book up with parts I could relate to/enjoyed/provoked emotions. I recommend checking this book out!

I love a good revenge story.

It felt quite reminiscent of The Count of Monte Cristo, but with magic.

I think if you’re a fan of revenge plots, heists, secret societies, and a slow burn romance - this could be worth a read!

The FMC is betrayed, wrongfully imprisoned, links up with another prisoner to escape, then enact revenge on the people responsible for their imprisonment, using an endless supply of money to do so.

I liked this one, I didn’t love it. - Great in the moment, but one I probably won't re-read in the future.

I do think if this was marketed as a Monte Cristo reimagining I probably would have enjoyed it more - but the parallels were too strong to ignore and frankly it distracted be from really diving into the story.

The romance is very slow burn, the characters not even noticing each other as viable romantic partners until about half way through the book.

There are plenty of heists, interesting magic, and clandestine adventures.

Conceptually this book was great but the execution missed the mark a bit for me - but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why.


Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

After losing her magic and seeing her mentor imprisoned, Emmy Vallillo seeks justice in Gilded Age New York. For two years, she languished in prison, accused of crimes she didn't commit, until Jack Fontaine—once celebrated within the Society of the Charmed but now fallen from grace—offers her freedom. They form an alliance based on mutual need: Emmy will help Jack regain his standing, while he helps her challenge the Society that wronged them both.

Together, they reenter high society, using Emmy's magical talents to create new identities. They navigate lavish events and social gatherings with purpose, each interaction bringing them closer to their goal of exposing those who betrayed them. However, they soon discover deeper dangers and unexpected complexities within the Society's ranks.

The story balances action with emotional depth. Emmy's determination is tempered by vulnerability from her past trauma. Jack's charisma hides his own secrets, creating a partnership filled with tension and growing attraction. As they work together, Emmy must decide whether vengeance matters more than the connection they've formed.

With its well-paced plot and surprising revelations, the novel combines historical detail with an interesting magic system. The characters' relationships develop naturally amid the dangers they face, making it appealing to readers who enjoy stories of redemption, complex relationships, and fantasy set in historical periods.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an advance review copy.

5/5!!!
Reading Gilded in Vengeance is an exhilarating journey filled with tension, glamour, and deception. From the very first pages, the novel grips you with Emmy’s desperation and burning need for revenge. The escape from prison is swift and heart-pounding, setting the stage for a fast-moving plot where danger lurks behind every whispered conversation and glittering ballroom. The way Emmy and Jack manipulate the elite, slipping seamlessly into the roles of the very people who betrayed them, adds a thrilling sense of risk—every interaction could lead to exposure. As they weave their way into the Society of the Charmed, the suspense builds, making it impossible to put the book down.
Beyond the intrigue, the novel also delivers an immersive emotional experience. Emmy’s pain and anger fuel her, but beneath her sharp exterior, there’s a vulnerability that makes her journey compelling. Jack, too, is layered—his charm masks secrets that make him both a perfect partner and a potential threat. Their dynamic is electric, shifting between distrust, banter, and an undeniable attraction that simmers with tension. Every ball, every whispered deal, and every close call heightens the stakes, making the reader feel as if they, too, are part of this dangerous game. By the time the final betrayals unfold, the emotional weight of Emmy’s choices lingers, leaving a lasting impression.
Gilded in Vengeance is not just a story of revenge—it’s a thrilling, emotionally rich experience that keeps you hooked until the very end.