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.

Yet another intense read in the world of Gates! Gildemer: The Present, episode 5 of the new series by A.S. Oren, picks up right where the last left off. Please note that if you have not read the previous episodes of this series, there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review. Koi has come to blows with Mirabelle and Etu about Gabriella more than once during the last episode, but at the end Koi begins questioning why he is attracted/drawn to Gabby so much. He shouldn't want her, "she's nothing but a servant." Gabby is just thankful to still be alive, that Number One (aka Koi) hasn't punished her for dressing about her Branch. Now she's confused. He says one thing to her, but his actions say another. And Etu....he's nothing like what she expected he be. Gabby must learn how to navigate the world she's been thrown into as it may cost more than just her life.

If I've said it once, I'll say it again....I'm in LOVE with this series! It's like watching your favorite TV show to see what's going to happen next. What will become of the characters, their relationships, and what crazy things will befall them?!

Gabby is one of my all-time favorite characters, even if she's a bit confused and naive at times. She's strong, passionate, and devoted to those that she loves. Even after she learns something shocking about her former master, Gabby still has a hard time believing the truth, her devotion runs so deep. Not only that but she's out to prove herself. She CAN be the perfect servant, Koi doesn't have to punish her. That is what she is out to prove.

Koi struggles this episode as he has the past few. He has a lot on his young shoulders. He will one day be king, yet his father promises that one mistake and he will remove that title and give it to his yet to be born siblings. He has feelings for Gabby that he doesn't quite understand, she's a servant why should he care for her?! Then there's the engagement to a girl he cannot stand. My heart breaks just a little for him.

And Etu :::happy sigh::: I'm more than a little smitten with Koi's younger half-sibling. He's kind to Gabby, he offers her so much and asks very little in return. He shows her through actions that he believes the kingdom needs a change and I have a feeling he means it!

This plot revolves around events that occur during the first chapter on a trip to the market place. I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't read the series so I'll place it in spoiler tags.

Spoiler

On the way to the market place with Number Two, Number One and Karmistic, Gabby and the rest are attacked by these android defectives who want their living flesh. They kinda reminded me of mindless zombies but they're mechanical! Gabby uses magic!!! This is forbidden to use but she does it unknowingly. And this is the catalyst for the rest of the episode!

Personally I was shocked and thrilled with this development and cannot wait to read more about how it will affect Gabby in the near future.

Overall this may be my favorite episode to date! There is an element of suspense mixed with a touch of romance that made the episode hard to sit down...hence the reason I read it in one sitting ;) I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys dystopian, fantasy, and science fiction! New episodes are out twice a month so there's not a long wait between either ;)