Book Review:
Title: The Gilded Wolves
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publisher:Wednesday Books
“I don't want to be their equal. I don't want them to look us in the eye. I want them to look away, to blink harshly, as if they'd stared at the sun itself. I don't want them standing across from us. I want them kneeling."
It's 1889. The city is
on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has
breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here,
no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and
wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful
Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is
offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.
To
hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a
band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian
banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in
arms if not blood.
Together, they will join Séverin as he
explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might
change the course of history--but only if they can stay alive.
Paris. Heists. Banter. Magic. Diversity. Romance. And a cast of wonderful, fascinating characters that are all different and satisfy my love of the found family trope. It’s like the perfect combination!
Truthfully my favourite thing about this book was the characters. Usually I would have a clear, definitive favourite, but I can’t choose. Each of them tugged on my heart strings in some way, and because I see them as one strong, impenetrable group, it would be rude of me to pick a favourite. The way they interacted had me either laughing (especially when a tarantula was involved), swooning/yearning or just feeling an immense sense of adoration!
The plot and world building was a little confusing at times and I did have to reread some passages to really take in and understand what was happening, and understand the background of the Babel and such, but for the most part I was really engaged and interested. And even though it took a while to digest, I really appreciated what Roshani Chokshi did with this story, because you can tell she put a hell of a lot of research into everything. It was all super intricate with maths, science and mythology all entwined together, helping to push the story along.
And if that wasn’t enough, on top of this crazy whirlwind of a heist, Chokshi added some great conversations and commentary about colourism, colonisation and culture, to name a few. Even without all of this being at the forefront of the novel, given that it’s a heist story, it was so poignant and strong. It also helped me to understand and connect with the characters more.
Overall, although it took me some time to wrap my head around what was going on in terms of plot and world-building, I really valued everything Chokshi added into this story and ultimately, because of the characters, this book won me over.
The sequel comes out this week, so let’s pray that I don’t procrastinate and pick it up asap, because I am intrigued to see where the story goes!
3.5 Stars
Goodreads
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