The Gilded Wolves (The Gilded Wolves #1)
Summary:
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. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
I absolutely adored this book – it’s diverse, surprising, has relatable characters, and left me hanging in the best way at the end. This book is a great example of a book that does well as a standalone story, while still setting things up for further books in the series. Séverin is the fallen hero who is imperfect in the best ways that had me rooting for him throughout. And the combination of Laila and Zofia just thrilled me in their strong female friendship where each has their own strengths to balance each other out.
The premise of the story is six “experts” banding together to solve a challenge, but it’s so much more. There is a societal commentary, how loneliness drives people to desperate choices, and the need to prove yourselves in the shadow of a family past. I cannot recommend the book more and will definitely will be continuing with the series as soon as possible.
Warning: Contains repeated violence.
Rating: 5 stars!
Who should read it? Folks looking for a refreshing and intriguing new fantasy with a bit of mystery. Think “Six of Crows”!
Want to read the whole series?
The Silvered Serprents (The Gilded Wolves #2)
Untitles (The Gilded Wolves #3)