Digital Reads Reviews
Book Review - Gilded by Marissa Meyer
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Blurb
Long ago cursed by the god of lies, a poor miller’s daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are fantastical and spellbinding and entirely untrue.
Or so everyone believes.
When one of Serilda’s outlandish tales draws the attention of the sinister Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a grim world where ghouls and phantoms prowl the earth and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move.
The king orders Serilda to complete the impossible task of spinning straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods.
In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious boy to her aid.
He agrees to help her… for a price.
Love isn’t meant to be part of the bargain.
Soon Serilda realizes that there is more than one secret hidden in the castle walls, including an ancient curse that must be broken if she hopes to end the tyranny of the king and his wild hunt forever.
My Review
What was it all about
Gilded was all about spinning straw into gold. A girl, Serilda, who loved telling stories, had to tell a tiny lie to keep the dark fae king away from killing the fairy beings.
But the lie came to bite her on the a$$ when the king summoned her for the task.
How it made me feel
The idea of this book being Rumpleslitskin retelling excited me as I loved that tale as a kid.
Author Marissa Meyer took it one step ahead and made it longer and darker. Convoluted subplots added to the story, more than what the tale originally was.
The beauty of the writing was a joy to behold.
The Good
Brilliance of storytelling was seen in the first 30%. I loved being so enmeshed in Serilda’s life.
Short chapters along with twists and magical beings made it enjoyable.
The prose was so enchanting; the words chosen made me forget time.
Some of the magical beings triggered my imagination.
The Bad
The book was long, too long didn’t need so many pages. Cut by around 150pages with the prose made sharper, this would have been perfect.
The pace proceeded to move slow as I tapped on my kindle. Wanted to skip pages.
Some sections felt to be fillers. The subplots that was initially exciting, didn’t add much to the story.
Insta love and no chemistry between the main leads. And romance was quite prolonged in more than half of the book.
Gild, as Serilda’s love interest, was not well developed. I never fell in love with him.
What was the use of reading a fantasy if the hero didn’t star in my dreams?
The Conclusion
Gilded didn’t shine as it should have. The story was dark, which I didn’t mind it as the villain really had it for Serilda. But some things triggered me too.
Overall, it seemed that fantasy was not for me, but I refused to give up on this genre. One day I would find the right book for me. The search was on.
Book Links
Book Details
Publication Date: November 2021
I downloaded the digital version of the book from an online retail, and this is my journey down its pages, straight from the heart. STRICTLY HONEST and UNBIASED.
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7 Responses
Great review! A shame that this one didn’t work for you… I’m struggling with the fantasy genre too, so I know what you mean. Have you tried Amy Harmon yet? I loved her The First Girl Child and The Bird & The Sword. The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was fantastic too.
hey Yvonne, I just started with under the whispering door by TJ Klune. Repetitive dialogues but hoping it would be better as it progresses.
I hope it will pick up for you!
Fingers crossed. What are you reading?
I’m about to start another DI Kim Stone book so that’s bound to be good…
I have yet to start that series. So many praises for it.
Sorry this was a fail, Shalini💜 I struggle with the genre, too, but have found some gems. Keep at it!