Marissa Meyer

In Gilded, Marissa Meyer returns to fairytale retelling—this time, Rumpelstiltskin...

Gilded

amelia <3

“I can tell that you are worth all the bad luck in the world” 

Roasts from Erlkönig… 🔥🫡 But Serilda can take him, no problem, I love her quick wit! 😂 This was one of my favorite exchanges the first time I heard it, and again in my second reading.

Caroline Clutterbuck Kapulkin

“I imagine it’s because you found me so very charming.”

“Do humans find you charming?” He spoke with honest curiosity, but Serilda couldn’t help feeling like it was an insult.

Serilda bit the inside of her cheek. “In some things, perhaps, but I’ve always appreciated their utter lack of bias.”

All magic comes at a price, but love was never part of the bargain . . . A poor miller's daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are spellbinding and entirely untrue. But when one of Serilda's tales draws the attention of the devastating Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a 'real' world of enchantment, where ghouls prowl the earth, and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move. The king locks Serilda in a castle turret and commands her to spin straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods. The dangerous smirk on his face gives nothing away. In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious young man to her aid. And he agrees to help her, for a price. A compulsive read, and as bewitchingly good as you'd expect from a YA bestselling author. You will stay up all night reading this.

Viktoria A

all I’ve wanted to do since the last time you were here is get that horrendous story you told me out of my head. I don’t think I can stomach another one.

Julia C

"Been a long time since I met a real mortal. Didn't realize you'd be so... warm"

"I know I've barely met you... but I can tell you're worth all the bad luck in the world."

Ember

When she saw nacthkrapp, she threw stones at them until they flew away.

When you're heart desired nothing more than to stroke the flames of a bonfire, howl at the stars, dance beneath the thunder and rain, and kiss your lover, languid and soft, in the frothy surf of ocean waves.

"She did not remember her heart healing, and yet it seemed clear that it had"

Marissa

All magic comes at a price, but love was never part of the bargain . . . The look he was giving her. Serilda had never been looked at like that before . . . The intensity. The heat. The raw astonishment. He was going to kiss her. Cursed by the god of lies, a miller's daughter has developed a talent for storytelling - but are all of her tales as false as they appear? When one of Serilda's stories draws the attention of the devastating Erlking, she finds herself swept away into a world of enchantment, where ghouls prowl the earth, and ravens track her every move. The king locks Serilda in a castle dungeon and orders her to spin straw into gold, or be killed for lying. In despair, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious young man to her aid. And he agrees to help her, for a price. But love wasn't meant to be part of the bargain. A compulsive read, and as bewitchingly good as you'd expect from a YA bestselling author. You will stay up all night reading this.

Joan 

Kaitlyn Grace

anna ˖*°࿐

Natalie Baye

Courtney Passio

Ada kuzey 

HOLY CRAP WHAT???? Okay there were some boring parts that made me question the book but it really pulls it all together and I’m just mind boggled??? I need more. I NEED AND WANT MORE

Gabriela Kondratyuk

This book had me in an immersive chokehold every single chapter. My favorite books will always be immersive, enchanting stores that give me that same euphoric feeling I got reading fairytales when I was young. This book fits the bill, and “itched a scratch” for a dark-Grimm-horror retelling that I didn’t know I had.

I am no stranger to Marissa Meyer - I ADORE her Lunar Chronicles Series. Her masterful skills at weaving old, adored tales into new retellings that jump off the page, grab you, and immerse you completely within their world continue to impress. 

This book has a very old-fairytale vibe with horror-esque elements laced throughout. The setting feels older than medieval, almost so ancient that it’s otherworldly. The writing is wonderful, the plot is compelling, and the foreshadowing was phenomenal.

Since the book is based on Rumplestilkstin, my only possible gripe is basically given a pass. There’s one trope I am not fond of in books that does occur toward the end, BUT given the source material for the retelling, it makes sense. In fact, this book manages to make me excited to see WHERE the second book takes the trope because I am actually more intrigued as a result.

If you have read and enjoyed anything by Marissa Meyer or Naomi Novik (specifically Uprooted), this book should be right up your alley!

Ami Is Dreaming Again

This book had me in an immersive chokehold every single chapter. My favorite books will always be immersive, enchanting stores that give me that same euphoric feeling I got reading fairytales when I was young. This book fits the bill, and “itched a scratch” for a dark-Grimm-horror retelling that I didn’t know I had.

I am no stranger to Marissa Meyer - I ADORE her Lunar Chronicles Series. Her masterful skills at weaving old, adored tales into new retellings that jump off the page, grab you, and immerse you completely within their world continue to impress. 

This book has a very old-fairytale vibe with horror-esque elements laced throughout. The setting feels older than medieval, almost so ancient that it’s otherworldly. The writing is wonderful, the plot is compelling, and the foreshadowing was phenomenal.

Since the book is based on Rumplestilkstin, my only possible gripe is basically given a pass. There’s one trope I am not fond of in books that does occur toward the end, BUT given the source material for the retelling, it makes sense. In fact, this book manages to make me excited to see WHERE the second book takes the trope because I am actually more intrigued as a result.

If you have read and enjoyed anything by Marissa Meyer or Naomi Novik (specifically Uprooted), this book should be right up your alley!

A fun retelling of an old tale. I enjoyed the pace and liked the protagonist.

suki

The reason I picked up Gilded from the library was because it is such a gorgeous book to look at with the gilded edges. The back mentioned German mythology, which I thought was really interesting because I am a mythology girlie and I've only read Greek/Roman mythology. 

From the start, I hated Serilda. Something about her name gave me the ick right away and the whole thing that she lies all the time was just not for me. I did finish it, because it got more interesting at the end, but I feel the romance arc could've been more pronounced. 

It also ends with a cliffhanger, but I'm not really sure if I'm able to finish the sequel if it looks to much like this book.

Laura

The reason I picked up Gilded from the library was because it is such a gorgeous book to look at with the gilded edges. The back mentioned German mythology, which I thought was really interesting because I am a mythology girlie and I've only read Greek/Roman mythology. 

From the start, I hated Serilda. Something about her name gave me the ick right away and the whole thing that she lies all the time was just not for me. I did finish it, because it got more interesting at the end, but I feel the romance arc could've been more pronounced. 

It also ends with a cliffhanger, but I'm not really sure if I'm able to finish the sequel if it looks to much like this book.

I will read anything by Marissa Meyer. Provided that it's good of course. This one was! It was slow at first but I've come to understand that Marissa's book are more character driven. I always fall in love with her characters and some very specific moments in her books. Like always, Her character's were full fleshed out and quick thinking. Even Gild despite his um limited presence 💀

Basically this book is for you if you enjoy fairytale retellings and character driven stories. 

Teeeeeesha

I will read anything by Marissa Meyer. Provided that it's good of course. This one was! It was slow at first but I've come to understand that Marissa's book are more character driven. I always fall in love with her characters and some very specific moments in her books. Like always, Her character's were full fleshed out and quick thinking. Even Gild despite his um limited presence 💀

Basically this book is for you if you enjoy fairytale retellings and character driven stories. 

This story is really good. It’s a creative take on rumpelstiltskin set in a fantasy world full of stories and nightmares. 

A couple of things impeded me from fully loving it. Mostly the pacing and the fact that I have to read another book to sew how it ends. (I’m a lazy reader when it comes to series 😂😂) The writing is very descriptive and at times it got to be a bit too much for me and I wanted to just get on with the story. 

Overall, it was enjoyable and left me wanting to know how the story ends. 

Megan BV

This story is really good. It’s a creative take on rumpelstiltskin set in a fantasy world full of stories and nightmares. 

A couple of things impeded me from fully loving it. Mostly the pacing and the fact that I have to read another book to sew how it ends. (I’m a lazy reader when it comes to series 😂😂) The writing is very descriptive and at times it got to be a bit too much for me and I wanted to just get on with the story. 

Overall, it was enjoyable and left me wanting to know how the story ends. 



Courtney

Wow. Yes. A bit slower from time to time but cliffhanger ending and I’m starting the sequel now.

Marissa always amazes me 😭 I can’t get enough of her books 

Laura 

Ivy X

Marissa Meyer never disappoints with her fascinating reimagining of fairy tales. Gilded approaches the story of Rumpelstiltskin in a gothic and nightmare-fantasy setting. I loved the eeriness of the world Meyer created and Serilda was a fairly likable character.

Serilda has a talent and love for story-telling. Considered untrustworthy and a liar for her outlandish tales and golden eyes, Serilda seeks comfort in the non-judgmental school children whom she assists and teaches. Many of her stories are dark, fantastical, and intense; and I shared the same excitement as the children whenever she was about to share a new tale. 

When she comes across the Erlking in her attempt to hide the two moss maidens he was hunting, she tells him a lie of how she can spin gold from straw. From there, she finds herself trapped in dungeons, with her supposed ability to spin gold serving as her only saving grace. It is then, a poltergeist named Gild appears and assists Serilda in spinning gold(on the basis she has to provide something of value as a trade for his magic). He doesn't know his name, where he came from, or why he was bound to the castle -- and as the two of them fall in love, Serilda takes on a new mission: to figure it out. 

I loved how dark the last few chapters were, especially with how the schoolchildren from Serilda's village got looped in. I have little interest in the romance between Gild and Serilda -- I was not feeling it and I think it is due to the fact that there is already so much happening in this book that the romance felt shallow. I also hated how Gild basically was like "uwu...human skin....wow" -- personally, it's a no from me. 
I did think there was going to be some play with romance with the Erlking but interestingly, it did not play out that way - and I must say, I'm not disappointed. I like how fucked up the Erlking is as an antagonist. 

For a short story like Rumpelstiltskin, this was well done and unique!

In Gilded, #1 New York Timesbestselling author Marissa Meyer returns to the fairytale world with this haunting retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. 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.

As a big fan of Marissa Meyer, I was excited to see her diving in the world of retelling fairy tales. I was also intrigued by the knowledge that this would be a series.

Compared to Meyer’s other stories which take place in a more fantastical, science fiction environment, this one took place in a more mystical environment where these fairy tales might have actually occurred. This lessened the subversive nature that her other fairytale retelling series The Lunar Chronicles have. While that retelling aspect still existed, it didn’t feel as dramatic or clever. In fact, most of the plot was pretty predictable in what the overall storyline would be. This also made my enjoyment less although Meyer still has a compelling writing style that made the unfolding events vaguely interesting.

The romance was also not my favorite. Because of the stipulation that was necessary for the ending, this sort of forced the relationship between the two main characters to meet this certain deadline by the end (spoiler note: they needed to have sex). Compared to the slowburn that the other relationships have, this one thus needed to have a certain speed about it. That meant instalove and the lack of longing that Meyer was able to do so well in all of her other stories. There’s something so enticing about two people who love each other but can’t because of some circumstance and I’ve happily read that happening time and time again. But in this one, that isn’t really present and instalove just doesn’t work for me usually. I tend to have a high bar for Meyer as she’s written some very complex relationships but here it didn’t quite work for me.

The characters were okay. I think that many lacked a bit of uniqueness that differentiated themselves from each other but the main characters ie Serilda is developed thoroughly enough with a distinct voice. Many people will mention her being morally gray and while I don’t think she necessarily shines in this aspect, her conflicting perspective from the other people was still refreshing.

On what I did like, I thought the overall worldbuilding was really good. The aesthetic of the environment is well captured from the descriptions and characters. It’s a good dark retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with some other folklore that I wasn’t as familiar with mixed in. It all felt real, even with mentions of gods and magical creatures. 

Will I continue the series? Probably, but I won’t be eagerly awaiting the next book.

maddie

As a big fan of Marissa Meyer, I was excited to see her diving in the world of retelling fairy tales. I was also intrigued by the knowledge that this would be a series.

Compared to Meyer’s other stories which take place in a more fantastical, science fiction environment, this one took place in a more mystical environment where these fairy tales might have actually occurred. This lessened the subversive nature that her other fairytale retelling series The Lunar Chronicles have. While that retelling aspect still existed, it didn’t feel as dramatic or clever. In fact, most of the plot was pretty predictable in what the overall storyline would be. This also made my enjoyment less although Meyer still has a compelling writing style that made the unfolding events vaguely interesting.

The romance was also not my favorite. Because of the stipulation that was necessary for the ending, this sort of forced the relationship between the two main characters to meet this certain deadline by the end (spoiler note: they needed to have sex). Compared to the slowburn that the other relationships have, this one thus needed to have a certain speed about it. That meant instalove and the lack of longing that Meyer was able to do so well in all of her other stories. There’s something so enticing about two people who love each other but can’t because of some circumstance and I’ve happily read that happening time and time again. But in this one, that isn’t really present and instalove just doesn’t work for me usually. I tend to have a high bar for Meyer as she’s written some very complex relationships but here it didn’t quite work for me.

The characters were okay. I think that many lacked a bit of uniqueness that differentiated themselves from each other but the main characters ie Serilda is developed thoroughly enough with a distinct voice. Many people will mention her being morally gray and while I don’t think she necessarily shines in this aspect, her conflicting perspective from the other people was still refreshing.

On what I did like, I thought the overall worldbuilding was really good. The aesthetic of the environment is well captured from the descriptions and characters. It’s a good dark retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with some other folklore that I wasn’t as familiar with mixed in. It all felt real, even with mentions of gods and magical creatures. 

Will I continue the series? Probably, but I won’t be eagerly awaiting the next book.

I enjoyed this. It felt very different from Marissa Meyer's other books, much more gothic which I ate up. The romance itself is very instalove but I don't hate it. Felt very fairytale; hopeful yet grim.

Brianna

this could have been really good but it wound up being sort of meh. serviceable but definitely took the safest route possible.

and oh my god, don't get me started on the [SPOILER]pregnancy from a single time together. in 2021? unbelievable.[/SPOILER]

this could have been really good but it wound up being sort of meh. serviceable but definitely took the safest route possible.

and oh my god, don't get me started on the [SPOILER]pregnancy from a single time together. in 2021? unbelievable.[/SPOILER]

Wow this book was crazy!! Definitely different from what I thought it would be but 100% in a good way. Definitely hits you with a bunch of emotions towards the end!

Hannah Williams

Ashley Wendt

Rumplestilskin is one of my all time favorite fairy tales. I’ve always wished for more retellings and I think Marissa Meyer did a fantastic job with this one. It was an interesting take, yet in keeping many of the same elements and feel of the actual fairy tale. The middle did drag and feel a bit repetitive, but overall it was a fantastic retelling!

This author never ceases to amaze me! One of my favorite retellings is Heartless. Gilded was beautifully written, giving life to the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. 

I loved the build up of the world, the characters were enticing, the story/plot was perfectly paced. As always I look forward to diving into more. The twists of the story were definitely something that had me stuck to the pages. Serilda's character made it so easy to become addicted to the story. The mysterious and whimsical ways of the villain were truly captivating. 

I was iffy about this retelling because Rumpelstiltskin isn't one of my favorite fairytales but wow am I happy I gave this one a chance! The ending was left open for more, hoping we see more of Serilda and her journey! I must dive into more of Marissa's books, definitely added to one of my favs! 

Huge thanks to the publisher for sending this my way!

Nicole Dykeman

I’m so bummed that I did not enjoy this. I’ve loved Marissa Meyer’s works in the past, but this just did not do it for me. The characters feel flat, a bit too much like actual fairytale characters instead of fully fleshed out novel characters. They didn’t make me feel anything. It’s 500 pages and it could have been half as long - it’s almost plotless. The mix of magical elements and blur between mystical and real can get confusing very easily. It’s not that this was bad, it is just not up to par with other things I’ve read from this author. Maybe it’s a me thing. I don’t know. :/

Gilded is a Rumpelstiltskin retelling, but make it cursed and dark and bleak. This sort of gives me 

. The worldbuilding was a little bit confusing, basically there are gods and then "dark ones" which are demons/fae-like creatures. There's some diversity rep, with side characters of color and a bi woman, but these characters are not a super prominent portion of the story. The pacing is slow, so if you're expecting a similar pacing to the Lunar Chronicles, you may be sorely disappointed. Overall, this was an enjoyable, atmospheric book that has me anticipating the sequel.

Holly

Gilded is a Rumpelstiltskin retelling, but make it cursed and dark and bleak. This sort of gives me The Cruel Prince mixed with The Bone Spindle. The worldbuilding was a little bit confusing, basically there are gods and then "dark ones" which are demons/fae-like creatures. There's some diversity rep, with side characters of color and a bi woman, but these characters are not a super prominent portion of the story. The pacing is slow, so if you're expecting a similar pacing to the Lunar Chronicles, you may be sorely disappointed. Overall, this was an enjoyable, atmospheric book that has me anticipating the sequel.

Chiara Vitale Zelaia

I admit that I went into GILDED knowing it could go either way for me. I adore Marissa Meyer's writing, but while I am obsessed with her Lunar Chronicles series, Heartless didn't have as warm a reception from me, so I was guarded. Sadly, Gilded didn't grip me either, and it's a shame because there are elements of this book I really enjoyed.

For starters, I loved the writing style, which is easy to follow and beautifully interwoven with moments where you get to actually read the stories the protagonist, Serilda, tells. I also loved the darker atmosphere of this novel. There are plenty of supernatural beings at play, and the world was quite mystical because of it. Sadly, that's about it. I had issues with the pacing, which felt incredibly slow, and I think the story could have been a good deal shorter and more enjoyable without long moments of down time with secondary characters that didn't really play a role in the plot. I also didn't feel much of a draw toward the main characters, Serilda and Gild. More often than not they seemed to act much younger than their 18 years, and although they did have their cute moments, overall I didn't feel much for their romance.

I did enjoy the final chapters of the book. Despite the fact that the little hints leading up to it are easy to miss in the midst of the slow-moving middle, the story wrapped up well with some surprising twists. If I'd enjoyed the rest of the book more, I would have loved to see where the story was headed, but I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.

Avery Baumel

i just hate retellings but this one was pretty good

Lauren Stewart

The beginning of “Gilded” was promising, so much so that I was prepared to hand out a five-star rating. I would highly recommend the audiobook, which I listened to all the way through; Rebecca Soler did a fantastic job as the narrator, making me feel like I was being read a fairytale before bed each night. The winter setting is cozy, and the darkness of the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I also appreciate the way foreshadowing was used. In chapter two, Serilda’s students comparing her storytelling to spinning straw into gold, transforming their dull lives in the town of Märchenfeld into something special. A second example is the moss maidens Meadowsweet and Parsely gifting jewelry to Serilda in chapter five; the crest on the ring and picture in the locket end up being significant clues that tie everything together. 

I was enchanted and ready to be taken on a immerisve journey for 500 pages . . . until chapter ten. Despite dark subject matter that toed the line, it’s the romance that lost me. It fell into the insta-love category and took me out of a world that had previously enraptured me. Never once did I feel a spark between Gild and Serilda. I wasn’t invested and found myself reading at a slower pace whenever they shared a chapter. I understand that his century-long loneliness as a poltergeist and her past with bullying gave them a connection as outcasts, but their intimacy progressed too quickly. The ending was wrapped up in their relationship, and I’m not sure there’s any part of it I liked. I sincerely believe a slow-burn romance would’ve suited this dark fairytale; instead an insta-love story weighed down an otherwise promising book.

Despite my disappointment, I’m giving this book 3 stars, and the completionist in me plans on reading the sequel. If you’re looking for a wintery read and like the idea of a Rumpelstiltskin retelling, give “Gilded” a try. Maybe the insta-love won’t bother you as much as it bothered me. Beware, this book is heavily inspired by German folklore and extremely dark. I’m shocked that there are no trigger warnings and did my best to cover everything down below so you’re fully prepared for the amount of blood & violence. 

Trigger Warnings:

Abandonment - Serilda’s mother left when she was a young child. It’s mentioned throughout the book but addressed directly in chapter 17, starting on page 154.

Abortion - Though an abortion is not performed, it is used as a threat.

Bullying - Serilda’s experience with bullying due to her appearance is mentioned throughout the book.

Blood & Violence - If you can’t stand even a hint of blood, don’t read this book. There is blood and violence in most of the chapters.

Death & Suicide - Death is a major theme throughout the book, including the death of children. There is a brief mention of suicide on page 178 and miscarriage and stillbirths on page 325.

Discipline - I know this isn’t always a bad or triggering subject, but on page 10, Madame Sauer grabs a willow branch and threatens to strike Serilda’s hands, bringing back painful memories from her school days. It’s briefly mentioned again on page 170. I wanted to note this because in my opinion, it’s a controversial and borderline abusive method of discipline.

Hunting & Trophies - There are frequent mentions of the Erlking hunting for magical creatures as sport; he mounts some of them on the walls of his castle and keeps others chained in cages.

Kidnapping & Missing Children - The Erlking is known for luring children from their homes & leaving their lifeless bodies at the edge of the Aschen Wood, sometimes keeping their spirits as prisoners in his castle.

Supernatural - If you’re easily creeped out, be aware that there are mentions of demons, appearances by ghosts who bear the wounds that caused their death, & eery creatures such as the Nachtkrapp, a raven with no eyes.

Content Breakdown:

*Disclaimer: In order to be thorough, there will be spoilers in this section.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD

Alcohol

There are approximately 10 pages that mention alcohol and drinking, possibly a few more, but nothing too extreme - Pages 3, 103, 112, 134, 269, 280, & 326 

Blood & Violence 

Page 2 - The Erlking shoots an arrow that pierces the wing of the god Wyrdith in beast form; there’s mention of bloodied feathers.
Page 12 - Serilda is daydreaming about the Erlking’s Snow Moon hunt, imagining that “after their demonic ride, there will be feasting on what beasts they’ve captured, and drinking of mulled wine spiced with the blood . . .”
Page 14 - Serilda tells the children “”the only way to kill off a Nachzehrer is by putting a stone into its mouth. That will keep it from gnawing on its own flesh while you cut off the head.”
Pages 17 to 20 - Serilda tells a story about the Erlking bringing lost children to his queen Perchta who longs to be a mother. Once they grow out of babyhood, she tires of them, & he takes them to the forest & kills them. The child in this particular story has his throat cut by a hunting knife.
Page 37 - A female ghost riding with the Snow Moon hunt has blood stains down the front of her tunic, seemingly from the gash in her throat which was the cause of her death.
Page 41 - Brief mention of a hypothetical bargain signed in blood
Page 43 - Serilda is thinking about the rumors that the Erlking murders children, how in the past children’s corpses were found at the edge of the forest, often picked clean by crows.
Page 47 - Brief mention of Serilda’s story about a water nix who bites off fingers
Page 48 - Brief mention of Serilda’s story in which she brandishes a lethal fire iron & stabs her enemies, including one of the Erlking’s hellhounds
Page 55 - The first appearance of the Erlking’s servant Manfred, a ghost with an iron chisel sticking out of his left eye socket & a beard soaked in blood. He appears frequently so his appearance is described more than once.
Page 59 - The carriage Serilda rides in is made of a beast’s ribcage, the lantern out of his jaws & skull.
Page 65 - A young ghost servant of the Erlking is noticed by Serilda. She speculates that the bruises on his neck might be evidence of abuse from when he was alive or his cause of death.
Pages 65 & 66 - One of the Erlking’s hellhounds breaks loose and attempts to attack Serilda so he puts it down with an arrow which strikes through one of its eyes and jaw.
Page 71 - The Erlking’s castle is full of taxidermied creatures; the different heads & bodies are discussed throughout Chapter 9. 
Pages 73 to 74 - There is mention of tapestries depicting the brutality of the Erlking’s hunts.
Pages 76 to 77 - If Serilda cannot spin straw into gold, the Erlking threatens to mount her head and that of her father on his castle walls.
Page 80 - Brief mention of bloodstained walls which is what Serilda thought the Erlking’s dungeons would have
Page 83 - A panicked Serilda wonders how the Erlking will cut off her head, with an axe or a sword?
Pages 103 to 105 - Serilda tells another story in which the Erlking kills a child, this time by stabbing with an arrow.
Pages 118 to 119 - Mention of a tapestry depicting a stag bleeding from multiple arrow wounds
Pages 122 to 123 - Serilda is attacked by a creature with a demon face, something known as a Drude; his claws draw blood.
Page 125 - Mention of bloody footprints & a pool of blood in the throne room where Serilda is walking
Page 134 - Mention of the dried blood on Serilda’s cheekPages 140 to 141 - Serilda & Leyna talk about Nachzehrer, creatures that eat people & their own body
Page 161 - Serilda has a beautiful dream about some kind of celebration at a castle which suddenly turns into blood spilling from under the gates and into the lake
Page 165 - Brief mention of a wolf pack taking chickens & goats from a local farm
Pages 177 to 178 - Serilda starts to tell the school children a story about seeing a Nachzehrer, freshly risen from the grave, who had already chewed off his burial shroud and right arm
Page 178 - Brief mention of suicide, Fricz explains that someone who commits suicide could potentially become a Nachzehrer
Page 178 - Brief mention of Serilda remembering the screams & bloody footprints from Adalheid Castle in Chapter 14
Page 194 - The Crow Moon hunt catches up to a red fox who is swiftly killed with a cudgel. Serilda mentions that the hunt will end with a feast of their kills served on silver dishes in a pool of blood.
Page 194 - Back at the castle after the Crow Moon hunt, the hellhounds are lured back to their cages by bloody meat.
Page 195 - The Erlking grabs Serilda by the hair & threatens her with a blade against her throat.
Page 198 - The Erlking strikes his blacksmith, throwing him into a wall.
Page 198 - After his latest prank, the Erlking gives orders for the castle poltergeist to be strung up with rope in the dining hall.
Page 199 - The Erlking theartens Serilda, saying “Either this straw will be gold come morning or it will be red with your blood.”
Page 209 - Serilda continues her story from chapter 12, mentioning once again the prince who is badly wounded and bleeding while watching the Erlking continously stab his little sister with an arrow.
Page 210 - In that same story, the great huntress Perchta is bleeding from an arrow wound inflicted by the prince.
Page 228 - The Erlking remarks that he won’t be gutting Serilda since all the straw in the dungeon has been spun into gold.
Page 231 - Two brief mentions of blood
Page 232 - Serilda mentions that if the Erlking finds out about her lies, he will kill her and mount her head on one of the castle walls.
Page 237 - A man appears in front of Adalheid Castle, seemingly wounded with blood spilling out of his mouth
Page 238 - Serilda runs into a goblin in the castle who begins to bleed from his neck; on that same page, Serilda mentions the stench of blood in the air.
Page 240 - Another mention of the smell of blood in Adalheid Castle
Pages 241 to 242 - Serilda runs into a woman who isn’t wounded at first, but suddenly a red line appears across her throat.
Page 261 - Serilda wants to know more about Adalheid Castle & “what had happened to leave its walls haunted by so many brutally murdered spirits.”
Page 261 - Brief mention of the Erlking killing mortals & stealing children
Page 266 - Serilda considers how she might kill the Erlking; she certainly can’t walk right up to him & stab him with his own hunting knife.
Page 268 - For the Spring Equinox celebration, the citizens of Adalheid decorate their doors with garlands made of animal bones.
Page 269 - A man with a cart full of live animals passes Serilda; the animals are left caged or tied to posts to await their fate during the Erlking’s Spring Equinox hunt. A cart of rabbits is added on page 272.
Pages 272 to 273 - Lorraine tells Serilda that trying to have a conversation with the Erlking during the Feast of Death will be “ . . . asking for him to skin you alive! To pluck out your eyeballs and feed them to the hounds. To tear your fingers off one by one and . . .”
Page 273 - Brief mention of the innocent children who disappeared because of the Erlking
Page 275 - Leyna tells Serilda that the live animals will be let loose for the hunt to chase down & kill; the meat is then thrown upon the likeness of the god Velos where the hellhounds feast upon it.
Page 279 - Serilda recognizes two ghosts riding with the hunt, describing them as “covered in their own blood”
Page 280 - Music is being played at the feast by “gore-splattered musicians”
Pages 280 to 281 - The live animals are let loose, running as fast they can from the pursuing hellhounds & hunters who are cheered on by a crowd of ghosts
Page 286 - Serilda sees a tapestry in Adalheid Castle that depicss a skeleton dressed as royalty and a small body ripped in two, identified as a female child from the pink dress & ringlet curls
Pages 287 to 288 - When a drude attacks Serilda, it gives her horrible visions: the Märchenfeld school on fire with children trapped inside, her father’s body being scavenged by birds, three of her young students being poked & prodded by goblins while locked in a cage, two other students being ripped to shreds by hellhounds, Leyna and her mother being attacked by Nachtkrapp, & Gild pinned like a moth to a spinning wheel.
Pages 288 to 289 - Gild fights with two Drudes, & there’s mention of blood & entrails.
Page 289 - Gild is bleeding from a wound on his scalp.
Page 290 - Gild explains to Serilda that Drudes can torture you for hours until your heart stops, when you can’t handle any more terror & give up.
Pages 292 to 293 - Gild drags his hand through his hair which smears his fingers with blood from his head wound. Serilda cleans the wound as best she can.
Page 304 - Another mention of the Erlking’s Spring Equinox hunt throwing the captured animals’ carcasses onto the effigy of Velos for the hellhounds to feast upon
Page 306 - Serilda catches a glimpse of the hellhounds fighting over the meat hanging from the likeness of Velos.
Pages 314 to 315 - Serilda cleans her shoulder wound caused by Drude talons, gouges caked in dried blood.
Page 325 - Mention of children dying from disease as well as mothers suffering a miscarriage or giving birth to a stillborn baby
Page 334 - Brief mention of blood
Page 364 - Serilda passes by two ghost gardeners, the man with shears sticking out of his neck & the woman with a crooked head, possibly from a broken neck.
Pages 365 to 366 - The Erlking shows Serilda his collection of caged beasts, looking miserable in their confinement; some even have untended wounds.
Pages 367 to 370 - The Erlking’s fellow hunters drag their latest catch into the gardens, a chained Tatzelwurm who is promptly put into a cage.Page 405 - Brief mention of blood
Page 409 - Mention of the great huntress Perchta liking to toy with her prey, both animal or human, no torment enough to satisfy her bloodlust
Pages 414 to 417 - Serilda’s father returns as a Nachzehrer, a zombie covered in blood with visible bones. When he can’t get ahold of Serilda, he starts to eat his own finger. Madame Sauer suddenly appears and decapitates him with a shovel.
Page 417 - It is explained that Nachzehrer come back to life to eat their family members.
Page 420 - Brief mention of blood
Page 423 - Serilda asks a Nachtkrapp if he’s found any plump mice this morning, & then tells him to stay away from the hearts of the local children. 
Page 425 - A Nachtkrapp scratches Serilda’s hand & draws blood.
Chapter 49, Pages 433 to 442 - This might be the most disturbing chapter in the whole book. Five of Serilda’s favorite young students go missing after the Awakening Moon hunt. After a town-wide search, their bodies are found at the edge of the Aschen Wood. Sadly they are not peaceful & untouched; they all have holes where their heart should be, bones sticking out & covered in drying blood. 
Chapter 50, Pages 443 to 454 - Serilda continues her search because the fifth child’s body was not found. She ends up in Adalheid Castle, telling a gruesome story about a massacre from the past that killed all its inhabitants. That story triggers a pool of blood that opens a door into The Veil where the Erlking resides after dawn. Right before entering, Serilda sees a horrifying sight, a little girl’s body hanging from the throne room chandelier. 
Chapter 51, Pages 455 to 461 - There is mention of blood at the very beginning of the chapter, & the four children’s ghosts are by the Erlking’s side when Serilda finds him. 
Page 463 - Mention of ghosts with “battered bodies & bleeding wounds”
Pages 466 to 467 - The Erlking hung Gild outside the castle with chains, non-fatal but meant as a punishment.
Chapter 53, Pages 472 to 477 - The whole chapter revolves around the Erlking wanting to abort Serilda’s unborn child.
Page 475 - At the prospect of Serilda’s magic not returning, even if the fetus in her belly is removed, the Erlking says it would be better to slit her throat and be done with both of them.
Pages 477 to 478 - The Erlking shoots his barber in the heart, black blood spilling down his convulsing body.
Pages 482 to 483 - The Erlking stabs Serilda in the wrist with a gold arrow to curse her, putting her under his control; there is mention of blood from the wound.
Page 487 - Serilda once again notes the appearances of the ghosts around her at Adalheid Castle, each of them bearing the wound or wounds that killed them.
Page 490 - Gerdrut is revealed to also be a ghost with a hole where her heart used to be.
 
Gods & Magic

There are heavy magical themes, mentions of curses, potions, & witches. There are seven (mostly) fictional gods who are mentioned frequently: Eostrig-god of spring & fertility, Freydon, Hulda-god of labor, Solvilde-god of sky & sea, Tyrr-god of war & hunting, Velos-god of death & wisdom, and Wyrdith-god of fate, fortune, lies, & stories.

Grammar & Spelling

Page 140 - “It was a far cry tastier that the buttered rye bread . . .” instead of “It was a far cry tastier than the buttered rye bread . . .”

Language

By the old gods (as an exclamation) - Page 41
Damned - Page 312
Gods alive (as an exclamation) - Page 140

Sensual/Sexual Moments

Page 227 - A brief kiss
Page 312 - A kiss
Pages 358 to 361 - A kiss that turns into touching which leads to something more but fades to black. The only additional information is that Gild helped Serilda get dressed before they fell asleep side by side.
Page 363 - Serilda briefly daydreams about her night with Gild, imagining his body, his hands, & his mouth.
Pages 376 to 377 - Serilda considers the opinion of society concerning unwed couples sleeping together & ponders whether or not she feels shame for sleeping with Gild; she concludes that she does not.
Page 469 - Serilda realizes she is with child, having slept with Gild & missed her period.

ellie chase

** spoiler alert **
           "The woods were both living and dead. Hero and villain. The dark and the light. There are two sides to every story."

I was expecting more from Gilded after everything I'd heard about Marissa Meyer and her writing. While I'm a sucker for novels where the author explores the power of stories, this one felt drawn-out with an unnecessary amount of description, especially considering the original tale was so much shorter. 
That being said, I did enjoy the story. The characters were interesting and well-written. I'm not sure how I felt about the romance yet, though. I love Gild as a character but something about the love plot gives me a weird pause.

Isabelle Reads

THAT WAS AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL AND HEARTBREAKING.
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I LOVE THIS BOOK WITH EVERY GOLDEN THREAD OF MY BOOKISH SOUL.

*flops down exhaustedly onto an extra squishy pillow whilst hugging her ✨gorgeous ✨ copy of Gilded*

it’s just all too much for me i’ll have to explain the plot from this pillow.


LE PLOT.

Serilda is the miller’s daughter, cursed eighteen years ago by the god of lies. Her fantastically magical stories and disturbing black and gold eyes have led Serilda to become an outcast in her village, the infamous bringer of ill fortune. She spends her time as an assistant teacher to the schoolchildren, weaving fabulous stories of the magical world. The children’s favorite story is the one about the fae hunt. You see, the veil that hides the mortal realm from the magical one slips away every full moon. And every full moon, the Erlking, king of the fae, leads the undead souls on a hunt. A hunt meant to terrify mortals and catch the most exotic of beasts. 
The children laugh and shiver at her tales, but Serilda knows both the hunt and the Erlking are much more real than her stories make them appear.

The night of the Snow Moon, Serilda hears the thunder of the hunt approaching her village. She cautiously cracks open the door to find two moss maidens huddled by her door, granddaughters of the Shrub Grandmother. They’re hiding in the shadows to escape the hunt that’s trying to kill them. Serilda hides both maidens in her cellar, and when the Erlking himself arrives on her doorstep, Serilda does what she always does: she tells a story. 

A story about how she can spin straw into gold.

The Erkling leaves, and at first, Serilda believes she’s saved both the maidens and herself with the story. But the very next full moon, the Erlking captures her, locking her into a dungeon overflowing with straw. He tells her that she must transform the entire roomful of straw into gold before dawn, or she will be killed for telling the king a falsehood.
Knowing full well she can’t spin anything into gold, Serilda believes her life is forfeit. 
However, when the clock strikes midnight, a mysterious boy appears in the dungeon. He says he can spin every piece of straw into gold.

For a price.


OMIGOSH AOSKNEKSOXDOKDSLLE.
I NEED UN MOMENTO.

just rewriting the plot is giving me chills.

anyways so Gilded is SUCH a beautiful retelling of Rumplestiltskin. Candy. Absolute dark gothic candy. You don’t even need to have a clue about the original fairytale to understand what’s going on. OOOOO WAIT 
I just remembered something very important. 

*picks up megaphone*

GILDED IS COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO THE LUNAR CHRONICLES.

a heck ton of people have asked me about this, and so I feel the need to let you all know this in my proper review: Gilded is a completely different world, has completely different characters, retells a completely different fairy tale, aaaaaand it has faerie magic.
The Lunar Chronicles does not have faerie magic.

OK THANK YOU LET US CONTINUE

In terms of the plot flow, the beginning is kinda slow and rather confusing, but do hang on because the pacing and the action gets WORLDS better ;)

Speaking of worlds, the worldbuilding. For a good portion of the book, the entire world (while very aesthetic) MADE NO BLOODY SENSE. For example, the concept of the fae hunt confused me for a solid 130 pages before I finally gave in and posted a status update bemoaning my utter bewilderment. bestie El then told me fae hunts are actually a part of fae lore and O MY GOODNESS somehow it being a historical fae concept just made everything click for me thank you El <3

the writing was absolutely gorgeous. It was pure gold (yes pun intended). The whole thing really just gave my aesthetic sensibilities pure delight with the lyric-ness of the sentence flow and how they every sentence created such beautifully vivid imagery *chef’s kiss*


CHARACTERS YES FINALLY.

The supporting characters were all QUALITY.
Surprisingly, there were actually quite a few little kid side characters in Gilded. The kids at Marchenfeld were cute, but I have never met a five-year-old that talks in sophisticated sentences and comprehends complex social subtext, so I kinda just started getting annoyed with the Marchenfeld kids. 
HOWEVER. 
I adore Leyna. She is my fictional firecracker eight-year-old child and such a smartie you go girlie <3
For our side characters with a little magi, all I’m gonna say is that I really wanna be like Shrub Grandmother when I’m eighty.
no i’m not going to tell you y’all what that means have gotta go read it to find out ;)

Serilda was actually a very solid, enjoyable heroine. She was pretty quick in her decision making (leading her to make a couple stupid decisions, but i really couldn’t be bothered because bella swan has permanently scarred me). 
Serilda was not the most memorable of heroines, but I loved that even though she was spirited off to serve the dark fae king, she actually DIDN’T FALL FOR HIM.

+100 heroine points

and now for the hero: 
I LOVE GILD.
GILD GILD GILD.
GILD IS THE MOST ADORABLE CINNAMON BUN
AHHHHHHHHH.
I can’t really say much else without spoilers so PLEASE go read about him too *puppy eyes*

also Gild and Serilda TOGETHER !!
I adored both these cinnamon buns. They are PERFECT and PRECIOUS and AHEM IM SHIPPING THEM SO HARD. 
Now. I will say the one thing that made me so bloody annoyed about this relationship: they were adorable and perfect for each other, but they have a really *cough* quick progression of said relationship. 
Put it this way: we went to all four bases within five meetings 👀
While I was reading it, it didn't feel like first sight instalove, mainly because of the month-long gaps between moons (when they get to see each other). 
so it was like drawn-out fall-hard instalove.

idk if that made any sense lol

and then *THAT* happened with Serilda and no I’m not telling you what it is but like ITS THE TYPE OF THING TO MAKE ME FALL APART BECAUSE IM SO SO SO NERVOUS TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN CURSED (THE NEXT BOOK COMING OUT IN NOVEMBER UGH). 

*muffles fangirl screeches into the pillow so the confused neighbors don’t come knocking*

anyways.
as much as I'm downing the romance, i actually really loved this book.
go read it.
i promise you won’t regret it ;)



Ratings: 
Star Rating: ★★★★★ 
If This Book Was a Movie Rating: PG-13

Recommendations If You Liked This Book:
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Gilded

Reviews

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