The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

This is somewhat similar to Six of Crows, in that there is a group of people looking to commit a heist. However, the heist is not the main focus of the story as it was in Six of Crows. Instead, it is the people and the artifacts that are the focus. In The Gilded Wolves, there are 6 individuals in fantasy historical 1889 Paris, France complete with magic. Severin is the leader who lost his familial home and wishes to have it back. He grew up in various foster homes with Tristan, a young man who makes me shiver because of his love of a giant spider. (No thanks, boo!) There's also his garden where he works his magic called Forging.  Severin is in love with Laila, an Indian woman who can read an object's history by touching it. Then there is Zofia, who is Jewish and a numerical genius. She can see numbers and patterns in everything. Where one genius is good, two is better. Enter Enrique, a man who knows history like the back of his hand and believes nothing is better than learning. Finally, there is Hypnos, who wasn't really in the group but made this whole adventure possible. Together, these six are searching for an ancient artifact that can make or break the world, depending on whose hands it is in.

I loved this novel. While I did see some similarities with the above mentioned novel, I do believe that it deviates into its own territory. Again the heist isn't even the focus. The people are. I enjoyed the various chapters that relate to the seven deadly sins. I felt it gave Severin more intimacy, and personality. His relationship with Tristan invited the reader to see him as more than a man seeking revenge. He is a brother looking out for his own. Then there is the sexual tension between him and Laila. They already have a history but they are now trying to move past it. Its refreshing to know they know how good they are already. Normally its a buildup, but now its a returning. However, there is more than one relationship that needs exploring. I honestly cannot wait to see what happens with Zofia, Enrique, and Hypnos. I personally would like to see all three together in a polyamorous relationship. It would be extremely different from any of YA book that I have ever read. It would also open the door for other YA authors to explore in this very modern age.

Last but not least is the semantics of the story. I firmly believe that having the setting in Paris, France is perfect for the idea. There is only one other country that can say how close they are to Egypt and its ancient mysteries. But even Great Britain has nothing on Paris. It is a city with a very rich history with Egypt and itself. I also enjoyed the biblical references and the new interpretation of Genesis. I believe that the Bible is just a book and should not be taken as anything more than a reference point. While there are good lessons to learn from it, ultimately it is up to the person to decide what they believe in. And it should never be in one source. Faith is one thing, naivety/gullibility is another.

Overall I rate this 5 out of 5 stars.