I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Initial Reaction:



NO!!! YOU DID NOT JUST LEAVE ME HANGING....AGAIN?!?!?!

Gildemer: The Beginning, episode 6 of the new series The Gates by author A.S. Oren, picks up where the other left off. Please note that if you are new to the series there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review. The Present left me in open-mouthed shock as Etu and Koi butt heads over Gabriella. Gabby wisely keeps her mouth shut through the ordeal and follows Number Two (aka Etu) back to his room. It's here that he makes her a promise: he will teach her whatever she wishes to learn. Koi is seeing red as Gabriella follows Etu and he is no longer thinking with as a crowned prince but a jealous teenager. Gabby's head is reeling as she now has to decide who she can trust and still keep her head (figuratively and literally).

Gildemer has become one of my favorite treats that I look forward to every couple of weeks! It's like watching your favorite TV show play out on the pages as Oren introduces you to new characters, new scenarios, yet still stays true to the characters that have been introduced. Having read her other series Spearwood Academy I'm a little on the leery side no trusting anyone as any of the characters have the potential to turn on Gabby. And we can't have that!!!!

Gabby has quickly become one of my all-time favorite characters. She's honest, loyal, and devoted to those she cares for, those she feels that she owes, and those she works for. She can keep a secret and she's not afraid to fight for what she believes is right....at least as long as it will not hurt anyone. She's willing to sacrifice herself, but not others. And I LOVE this about her!

Koi....bless him! He's all up in arms this episode. First Etu has challenged him out right in front of the rest of Branch one and their servants, then Mirabelle is challenging him, and now....now he has to deal with his ever evolving feelings for the servant girl who tricked him (aka Gabby). I respect Koi's devotion to the crown and his kingdom, even if he is a bit blind to the pitfalls and laws. I love his naivete, it's endearing and brings the human out in him. But I adore his wildness which he doesn't show on the outside. The guy is a humakat (part-human, part-cat) and those beastial qualities come out in his thinking, his protectiveness, and even in his confused feelings for Gabby.

This episode like the others has a lot jam packed into just 40 pages. There's a concert put on by Gabby and Karmistic, a run in with a banshee, painting, and even a kiss!!!!



Honestly I can say that while there are grammatical and formatting errors, these are easily overlooked. I'm in love with this series and fully invested in the characters. I cannot wait to see just where they will go next!