Series: Gilded #1
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Released: November 2, 2021
Received: BookishFirst
Warnings: Child death, animal death, kidnapping

It’s hard to believe that it is already time for another new Marissa Meyer series, and yet here we are! (and I’m not complaining) Gilded kicks off her latest series of the same name, once again delving into a different fairytale element.

Serilda has always had a gift for words. More accurately, she’s had a knack for twisting them. Her entire village knows well that Serilda loves stories, tall tales, and the occasional outright lie. That isn’t the only reason they are concerned about this young woman, as her eyes mark her as something other.

Yet it is those eyes and her talent with words that saved Serilda’s skin – or so she thought. Now she’s neck-deep in danger with the Erkling himself, as he believes she has power not her own. Again, it all comes back to the tales she has spun.

“No, I’m not a witch. And I didn’t summon you. I was just sitting here, crying, contemplating my own demise, thank you muchly.”

If you love fractured fairy tales, unique twists on the classics, or Marissa Meyer’s writing style, then the odds are more than good that you’re going to love Gilded. Her magic rises to the surface here, and I am absolutely enchanted (and counting down the days for the sequel).

Serilda’s story is, well…fascinating. It’s all based on a simple fairytale premise: turning straw into gold, and yet it so quickly gets blown out of proportion. I think that is what I loved the most about this novel – seeing how far it would stretch.

Other elements I loved include Serilda herself (she’s so full of energy and mischief), the tales she tells, her romantic adventure, and the magic she comes across. Each of these parts worked hard to capture my imagination, and I cannot wait to see more regarding each and every one. Okay, I’m a bit more excited for some over others, but you get what I’m saying.

I should probably mention that there are some heavier plots inside Gilded. Given that we’re dealing with the Erkling, that probably isn’t too much of a surprise, but I thought I’d mention it all the same. There are scenes in this book that depict hunting, brutality, child death, and animal injury/death.

Overall I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Gilded, and I already was expecting something amazing. I honestly can’t wait to see what happens in Cursed, but unfortunately, we’ve got a bit of time before that happens. It’ll be worth the wait, I’m sure.

Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and #BookishFirst for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.