The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi (388 pages)

An Exciting Heist with a Magical Twist
Home  |  Blog   |  The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi (388 pages)

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi (388 pages)

“The Gilded Wolves” Is Poetic and Flowery With The Backdrop of The World Fair

Known for her poetic and flowery prose, Roshani Chokshi returns to begin a new series with The Gilded Wolves. Our story takes place in 1889 in Paris during the Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair featuring operas, groundbreaking technological creations, and the largest diamond in the world. Based largely in fact, Chokshi creates the perfect backdrop for a little magical heist.

Looking to reinstate himself as the rightful heir to House Vaneth, Severin Montagnet-Alarie agrees to find a lost artifact for the Order of Babel, a secret society that helps govern the magical side of Paris. Readers are brought on a magical mystery with just enough clues and hints to keep the riddles intriguing. Chokshi creates a world that feels lived-in using real history and geography to her advantage. Only time will tell if Severin and his crew of cast-offs will be able to find the treasure they seek and help Severin reclaim his family name.

Exciting and Beautiful

Not only is this novel exciting and beautiful, but it’s also diverse and inclusive. We are introduced to a number of characters that are of mixed race, varying sexual orientation, and other nuanced aspects of identity. The characters also grapple with the horrors of slavery and the lasting impacts of colonialism and other forms of exploitation. The characters react in realistic ways, often losing their tempers and composure, but are able to come together against a common enemy.

The Bottom Line: 4/5 Brookie Stars

If you’re a fan of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows and Dan Brown’s puzzle thrillers, then The Gilded Wolves is for you. This novel is not only exciting but also poignant in its depiction of characters with complex identities in an often unwelcoming world.

What book should we review next? Let us know by emailing us here!

Rachel Gomes is a 30-something high school English teacher who lives with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband and their son. Rachel is a voracious reader who loves to learn and has her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. She’s happiest listening to podcasts and talking to friends about the latest news in nerd culture.

Favourite book: Don’t make me choose between A Song of Ice and Fire and Harry Potter
Favourite brunch spot: The Farmer’s Table

PREV

The Black Canary Espresso Bar (Yonge Street) - Toronto

NEXT

The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani (393 pages)

LEAVE A COMMENT