3.5 stars.

Gilded Wolves felt like an immense world that had already been established in the authors head but she had forgotten to let the reader in on it.

The start was slow, I felt as if I was reading a sequel, rather than the first in a series. I felt as though I should know a lot more information about the characters, the world, Forging ect and because I didn't I floundered. I felt as if, perhaps, I wasn't intelligent enough with which to grasp the deeply intellectual story.

However it really picked up for me in the latter part of the book, and I found myself being able to enjoy it more. But I really did struggle in the beginning.

Laila is my favourite character. Be that because I don't often see my own name in a story and so latched on with the desperate need to connect to something. Or if it is because she had the most compelling and heart breaking back story. I'm unsure, but I connected and was moved by her.

Zofia I felt was written very well, and I really enjoyed her character too. Although the math heavy chapters did make me feel like I was drowning a little, completely out of my depth. Adding to the feeling that I probably would have enjoyed this story so much more if my IQ were a little higher.

Hypnos brought some much needed comic relief in the latter part of the book, however I found it disappointing that his 'ability' was only used once, at the beginning. And then didn't make an appearance anywhere else in the book, when perhaps it could have been used.

I adore the diversity of backgrounds, ethnicities and sexualities of the characters. It honestly is a melting pot of cultures and personalities. More of which needs to be seen in today's literature.

The ending was so emotional, part of me wants to know how it all ends, but I'm unsure if I will pick up the sequel.