The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Choksi (Review)

I thought I was really going to enjoy The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Choksi; a group of friends and miss-fits up for trouble stealing ancient artefacts. I was expecting action and riddles, banter and some romance. But sadly I was disappointed as it didn’t live up to my expectations. Continue to read my review of The Gilded Wolves to know why.

My greatest issue with The Gilded Wolves was that it was too complicated and too boring at the same time. I liked the idea of this fantasy world but it wasn’t well explained to the reader. When the “laws” of the world was explained it seem so abrupt and artificial. Furthermore some of the “laws” seems too incidental like “uh by the way this can do that which means our characters can use it for that…” These patchy explanations left me on the sidelines and detached. I didn’t have a chance in the world to guess how the group of friends were going to solve anything…

As a reader I wasn’t invested in the world at all. Due to this detachment it was boring to follow the characters adventures. The events they experienced seemed unimportant and coincidental. They didn’t have to “work” for their discoveries or achievements. The “Wait I just remembered this piece of information that will solve our problem” made me feel like I couldn’t care less what happened to the Babel fragment.

Saddest of all I wasn’t invested in the characters either. I didn’t care whether they lived or died (or am I just cold?). I think this issue had to do with the many points of views. Normally I quite enjoy multiple POV’s but this book had like 5? These many POV’s didn’t do any good for the story if you ask me.

The part I liked the most was Laila’s story. She was interesting and her story even more intriguing. Way more intriguing than the rest of her friends thieving. Why not focus more on her?? There was so much to explore. In general the female characters were way more interesting than the males. So why use so much time on the males? I don’t get it…

Lastly I just want to say this book isn’t not badly written I guess it just wasn’t for me. Honestly I only finished it because I was already so far it would seem like a waste of time if I didn’t.

Best,
Nicoline

What recent book disappointed you? Have you read The Gilded Wolves? What did you think?

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.

Synopsis from Goodreads