The Silvered Serpents

Starred review from December 1, 2019
Chokshi channels National Treasure vibes in her intriguing follow-up to The Gilded Wolves (2019). Haunted by the death of his brother, Séverin determinedly searches for the artifact he is certain will absolve him of both his sins and his humanity--The Divine Lyrics, a book which is rumored to contain the secret to rebuilding the Tower of Babel, thus promising godhood and erasing pain, suffering, and guilt. Séverin hardens his heart and conceals his true intentions, both to guard himself and to ensure he accomplishes his mission for the friends whom he longs to protect. Séverin's cruel front most hurts Laila, his mistress-for-show, and she, in turn, hides her deepest secret from him. Séverin, Laila, and the rest of their team--Zofia, Enrique, and Hypnos, patriarch of House Nyx--travel to a wintry Russia, where they are later joined by some unexpected cohorts, to explore the Sleeping Palace for The Divine Lyrics. This is a more cohesive and well-executed fantastical endeavor than its predecessor, allowing complex characterization to flourish--although the art of Forging, except for Laila's ability to read objects with her hands, still seems vague. Themes, including visibility, grief, and sacrifice, permeate the story, driving it to breathtaking highs and heartbreaking lows. As before, the characters are richly diverse in ethnicity and sexual orientation; Zofia exhibits signs of being on the autism spectrum. Lavish and thrilling--a reward for readers who have awaited its release. (Historical fantasy. 14-adult)

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February 28, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Months ago, S�verin and his crew beat the remnants of the exiled Fallen House back into hiding. But the victory came at a steep cost, and a loss that has left the entire team reeling. Determined to never lose anything-or anyone-again, S�verin follows clues to the Fallen House's Sleeping Palace in Russia. Once there he believes he can uncover their greatest treasure: The Divine Lyrics, a book that is said to bestow godlike powers upon anyone who uses it. It may also unite the Babel Fragments spread across the globe that make forging magic possible. While S�verin chases invulnerability to protect those he cares about, Laila hopes the book might save her before time runs out, historian Enrique thinks the high-profile recovery will earn him the respect that eludes him, and scientist Zofia wants to prove that she can take care of herself even if she sometimes needs help understanding other people. Chokshi expertly builds tension and suspense in this sequel as the team delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Fallen House, the secret of The Divine Lyrics, and the Lost Muses who may be able to tap into the artifact's power. Chapters alternating between S�verin and the rest of the team explore their varied motivations and subplots while moving at a crisp pace inexorably toward the novel's shocking conclusion that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the final installment. VERDICT The sleeker, smarter, sharper, and bloodier follow-up that fans of The Gilded Wolves deserve.-Emma Carbone, Brooklyn Public Library

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Starred review from November 15, 2019
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Chokshi's lavish sequel to The Gilded Wolves (2019) is as stunning as its predecessor. Picking right up with S�verin and his criminal crew's victory over the Fallen House, these characters are nonetheless reeling from the heavy price of their triumph. The death that struck the team in The Gilded Wolves has sent its members down dark personal paths as they struggle to come to grips with the loss. Needing to make amends, S�verin leads them in a hunt for an ancient relic rumored to grant its owner the power of God. This last job is deadly, but the crew are determined to see it through, even as it takes them across Europe and entangles them in a string of unsolved murders. However, the true danger lies within the relic's allure and potential to transform Chokshi's beloved characters into the darkest versions of themselves. From ice castles, to tragic goddesses, to worldwide hunts, Chokshi takes readers on a whirlwind adventure that will steal their breath. As always, Chokshi's prose is mesmerizing and haunting, but the story's magic emanates from a poignant but tortured romance. The Silvered Serpents will hold its readers (willingly) hostage until the explosive cliffhanger ending, after which they'll be demanding the next installment.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The publisher has an initial 100,000-copy print run slated for this book, which seems destined to be a best seller.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)