Layla's Reviews > The Silvered Serpents

~ 4.5 stars ~

Okay, now that I have done my grieving, it's about time I get started with this review. But keep in mind, this was written by a distressed person who got too emotionally attached.

**WARNING: unmarked spoilers for both this book and The Gilded Wolves will be present in this review**


This book follows Séverin, Laila, Zofia, Enrique, and Hypnos. They are dealing with the events from the book before, including revelations like that of the Fallen Houses and the things they are after, but also grieving Tristan's death in different ways.

Séverin shuts himself off to everyone, and beocmes cold. Having turned down an opportunity to regain his "rightful" title, as Patriarch for the House of Vanth, his sole purpose is now to find The Divine Lyrics, which could give him the power of a god.

Laila, also seeks the Divine Lyrics but for a different reason. She is dying. She is forged, and her maker has told her that she won't live past 19, but the answers to surviving part that are held in the book. With mere days left, her hope is almost lost. She has left L'Eden after a dispute with Séverin, and holds an unknown future.

Zofia is in Poland, to take care of her ill sister who is near death, but has run out of money to pay for her treatments.

Enrique is trying to make a name for himself as a historian with a bit of difficulty, and is in a relationship with Hypnos, who is finding it difficult to fit in and his place amongst the others.

Séverin who has just gotten a major lead to the whereabouts of this book, reunits the gang for a journey to Russia.

I've seen that a lot of people prefer the first book, but I personally think this one is much better than The Gilded Wolves. Maybe it's because I now have a better understanding of the world and the plot, or it's because I read this one in 2 days and Gilded Wolves in 15 days (I have no idea why this is so). But my only critique for this book is that I felt once again, the villian was lackluster and predictable, and the confusion at times was great, hence the redacted .5 stars.


all the things I loved:


• ~ the characters ~

Séverin is not a character I necessarily love. He is a dumb smart person, and while I identify greatly with that, it frustrates me with him. How dare he even think of hurting my precious cinnamon rolls Zofia and Enrique? Much less kill them?? I don't care what the reason is, all I know is that I am ready to fist fight him. But regardless of his unnecessary angst, I do find his story interesting and I look forward to seeing what he does to amend his supposed betrayal.

Laila is a great character. She's fierce, determined, and really cares for those close to her. I thought her friendships with the others were so precious, and quite frankly, Séverin doesn't deserve her. But, I just want her to be happy, however that may be.

Enrique is a historian and you will probably earn braincells by listening to him talk. His struggles and just personality in general is one I love and he's tied for my favorite. He is hands down the most relatable character in this series.

Zofia, an engineer and forger, is the second contender for my favorite character. She's so precious, but very intelligent, and determined to do what is right and help her friends, while also navigating to understand things she cannot, like certain humor. She deserves the world and so much more.

Hypnos, the Patriarch for House Nyx, is still warming up to me, but his manner and just the way he carries himself is quite intruiging to say the least. I think he has a lot of depth to be explored, and I wish for a few chapters in his POV next book. I feel as if getting that would help us understand him more.


• ~ the relationships ~

The friendships and the sorta family dynamic they have is *chefs kiss*. What do I have to do to be a part of this? The banter...top tier really.


The romantic relationships aren't exactly my favorite but they aren't so focused on that it is anything that would potentially hurt his book. The Laila x Séverin thing is a bit exhausting, and Hypnos and Enrique are not really it. I don't mind it, but it isn't something I'm completely on board with, as it seems the love and deep adoration is one sided. Their breakup came to no surprise. The only relationship I am holding out for is Zofia and Enrique, but if it remains a friendship, I am also okay with that too.


• ~ the plot ~

I thought it was really fun! I had an easier time keeping up with it here, and I liked the way it connected everything and left you wanting more. I'm really curious of what is to come.


• ~ the world-building ~

It actually makes sense now, so thank goodness. Being immersed in this world and setting is something I have very much enjoyed with my read. I can tell a lot of thought and reaserch has gone into making this.


• ~the writing ~

I quite like it. I think it gives a good amount of descriptions and doesn't overdue it with the fancy. It's not too overbearing, but special in it's own way. There isn't really anything I have to say negatively about it. I really need to read more of Chokshi's works.


• The diversity and representation is great!


• It did one thing a lot of books cannot do to me. Which is feel intense feelings of sadness. My heart by the end was heavy and I just wanted to cry. I don't remember signing up for emotional torture, but that is what I got, and I don't mind it.



Final thoughts: I am...very sad. I need the next book now, which makes me both appreciate the cliffhanger and detest it. I don't know what I will do in the meantime, but I thought this book was lovely, and well done. I don't know how many books are supposed to be in the series, but however it may end, I require that the characters be happy, content, and thriving. End of story. Now excuse me while I attempt to compose myself and find the source of whoever is cutting onions in my vicinity.