nicoleterego's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Spoiler
If anything, his actions are always questionable (examples: not being able to recognize a trap twice, ignoring Tristan, rejecting Laila at the end when the book built up their romance repeatedly throughout the whole book; that was so annoying). There were also throw-away scenes like when he went to feed Goliat but ended up, once again, pining for Laila. We didn't even get to know what happened to Tristan's pet. I know it's just a pet, but it could've been nice if the characters eventually learned to like the spider just because of Tristan.Spoiler
That's why even if Tristan died at the end, I didn't really feel much. I never got to see how the characters grew to love him and what I should be sad about regarding his death. The dead birds also confused me. I think it should've been a big revelation, but then I don't know him that much, so it didn't have the impact the author expected to have on the readers (or maybe that's just me). There was no setup to his betrayal. Sophia has the greatest potential, but I don't understand what the author wants to achieve with her love triangle with Enrique and Hypnos. Why did she revert back to her old self just because she saw them kiss? Like??? Her infatuation for Enrique shouldn't be the only reason for her to grow as a character. Also, am I the only one who thinks she has neurodivergent traits?On the bright side, I really love the Filipino representation. It's refreshing to see my own nationality being represented. Add to the fact that I love Enrique's character (him and Sophia were my faves). I like what the author wants to convey, what they dream of writing about, and I'm so on board with it.
Moderate: Animal death and Abandonment
luna_bear's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Blood, Colonisation, Ableism, Grief, Torture, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Death
Moderate: Antisemitism, Animal death, Religious bigotry, Kidnapping, and Animal cruelty
florecita_lectora's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Death, Racism, Child abuse, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Animal death
deerlybeloved's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death, Murder, Xenophobia, Violence, Gun violence, Death of parent, Classism, Animal cruelty, Racism, Colonisation, Child abuse, Torture, Cultural appropriation, Animal death, and Misogyny
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A historical fantasy set in an alternate history in France The Gilded Wolves follows a found family of lovable and diverse characters. Their primary goal is to help Séverin regain his place as a Patriarch, a title stolen from him when he was younger, and a way to guarantee everyone gets what they most deeply desire. Along the way they plot, heist, and use magically forged objects to achieve their goals. This story follows 6 different characters, all unique with their own backgrounds and complex personalities. It is a testament to the writing talents of Roshani Chokshi that the narrative was easy to follow. I never felt confused or lost, or had the urge to construct a string map to keep track of the plot.
I adored the magic system in this book! All the imagery and inventions were so intricate and beautiful, I felt like I could see all the descriptions around me. It was so cool watching the characters figure out the puzzles, I liked how there were illustrations on the pages so the reader could also try to solve them as well. (Not me though, it is over my head!) I really liked Zofia, it is so great to read books with autism representation. I saw a few reviews not liking how she was written, but I thought it was very accurate. (Especially how sensory adverse she is!) I think it is important to remember there is no right way to be "autistic" and everyone has such a wildly different experience it's impossible to compare.
Favorite Moments: Hypnos being extra, Laila laying a cookie trail, all the clues and puzzles, and Séverin's parental figures depicted as the 7 sins
Least Favorite: The ending *ugly cries*
This book follows strong themes of colonialism, racism, and trying to find your place in a world that only sees you by your race. I highly recommend it, and can't wait till the next book comes in from the library so I can find out what happens next! (Oh yeah, it ends on a bit of a big reveal/cliffhanger, fair warning)
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Antisemitism, Colonisation, Torture, Child abuse, Racism, and Death
Minor: Animal cruelty, Slavery, Animal death, and Death of parent
thedambookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Toxic relationship
arsenelouppain's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Racism and Animal death
karambit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Blood, Racism, Violence, Child abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Alcohol, Colonisation, Domestic abuse, Murder, Antisemitism, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death of parent, Gore, Miscarriage, Self harm, and Biphobia
oliverreeds's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, and Torture
discworldwitch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Cultural appropriation, Racism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Hate crime, Antisemitism, Ableism, Racism, Colonisation, Sexual content, Animal death, and Animal cruelty