The Silvered Serpents | Roshani Chokshi
4.5 Stars
STORY
Characters | 5 stars
I do not remember connecting with one of these characters in The Gilded Wolves, but oh how I adore so many of them now. Perhaps it is the mental and emotional struggles each faces here, the strain of previous loyalties being tested, the countdown on a fatal clock, how greif has twisted each of their goals...whatever it is, I need more of it. Enrique, Laila, Hypnos, Severin, Zofia...we saw so much more into their very souls and it was mostly heartbreaking, which is why I love it?
Plot | 5 stars
Glad to have moved past the standard "heist" novel. The main plot of finding a secret location and item within is standard, but it is all the emotional subplots that really grab you and hold on.
Setting | 4 stars
A hidden ice palace deep in Serbia? That was an excellent surprise. Russian scene description unfortunately ended at the sugaring of snow for the most part, but I still enjoyed it.
TECHNICAL
Writing | 4 stars
I have not enjoyed Chokshi's writing in previous books, though I love the ideas she creates. Either there was development on her part as a writer or I just clicked with this book, but I felt the writing significantly improved, both in pacing and structure.
Editing | N/A
As an ARC, this is not a final version and editing will not be rated.
Execution | 5 stars
I was hooked from the start, and I did not expect it at all. Very glad to have given this a chance, as truthfully I did not enjoy The Gilded Wolves at all. I picked this up as I received it as an ARC and I could not remember much of anything at all from the first book, and am happy to have enjoyed it so much.
Emotional rating | 4 stars
I truly enjoy following this author and love the ideas she creates, but I have struggled to connect with her writing up to this point. This is the first book where I felt immersed in her telling, connected emotionally to the characters and invested in the mystery of their mission and the torment of the secrets that are pulling them apart. I will read on now that I am hooked on these characters!