Title: Gilded
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: November 2, 2021
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Summary
Serilda has always been known for telling fantastic tales. When her tales accidentally draw the attention of the Erlking, she’s whisked away to his castle with his hunt. His castle where monsters and ghosts live. When there, he orders Serilda to spin straw into gold, which she promised she could do. If she doesn’t, her life is at stake.
However, Serilda finds help in the cast. Help in the form of a ghost called Gild. He agrees to help her spin straw into gold, for the exchange of gifts along the way. But how long can they keep up the charade before the king finds out? And what happens when he does? In order to escape, Serilda has to find out the secret behind the castle to end the king’s rule.
Review: Gilded
Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! Marissa Meyer is definitely known for her re-tellings, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from her thus far. Fans of her writing will definitely enjoy this one, too! Dark, spooky world building which makes for a perfect fall read.
What this book excels at is the world building. Meyer has built this dark world where Serilda and Gild are trying to escape the Erlking. Even though it’s been awhile since I’ve read the Rumpelstiltskin tale, I enjoyed the spin that Meyer put on the original tale. Especially set in the world she created. The strongest aspect is the castle, full of secrets, ghosts, and other monsters. Meyer really sets the scene, pulling her characters into it.
However, the plot itself is a bit slow moving, at least for me. Especially if this is the first book in a new series. There were definitely scenes that I think could have been cut out and the story would make sense. I also think the characters suffer at the expense of the world building. Outside of Serilda and Gild, the side characters aren’t super developed. The romance also lacked oomph for me. I wanted more from it. Maybe she’s saving it for the next book!
All in all, if you’re looking for an atmospheric retelling, this one might be for you! Just be prepared for a bit of a slow moving plot.
3/5 stars