A few months ago I started reading this wonderful serial series by A.S. Oren called Gildemer. At the time the author was releasing an episode (roughly 20-30 pages) every two weeks. It was awesome because it was like reading your favorite TV show, full of drama, suspense and lots of surprises. The author decided to go to volume format, releasing 4 episodes at a time and I have to say I love this new format ๐ If you enjoy science fiction, fantasy, a little romance, and a lot of excitement, go pick up this series!
I received this book via the author, A.S. Oren. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Gildemer Volume 2 by A.S. Oren Series: The Gates Series 1,
Published by Self Publish on 2015-10-02
Length: 99 pages
Reviewing eARC Rating:
Koi knows the truth now, but that doesn't mean Gabby can stop tip toeing around the broken glass her decisions left in their wake. Both their solids worlds are about to get shaken up. Their morals, lives, and status will come into question. Something brews on the horizon for the country of Gildemer.
Will Gabby follow Etu's plans? Will Koi come to terms with his feelings? How does Luca play into it all? Will Gabby receive the affection from Amon that she's been longing for? Will it be everything she dreamed it to be?
Read on in the world of the Gate
Please note that if you HAVE NOT read the previous volume there are unavoidable spoilers in this review.
Can this series get any more intense?! Really?! Can it?!?!?!ย Gildemer Volume 2ย by A.S. Oren picks up right where volume one ended.ย Koi has come to blows with Mirabelle and Etu about Gabriella more than once during the first volume, 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 above 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 him to be. Gabby must learn how to navigate the world she’s been thrown into as it may cost more than just her life.
Gabby has quickly become one of my all-time favorite characters., even if she’s a bit confused and naive at times. ย She’s honest, loyal, and devoted to those she cares for, those she feels that she owes, and those she works for. 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 or anyone else for that matter. ANDย 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! Prince Koi struggles this volume. He has a lot on his young shoulders.ย Etu has challenged him out right in front of the rest of Branch one and their servants, Mirabelle is threatening to end their arranged engagement, and now….now he has to deal with his ever evolving feelings for the servant girl who tricked him (aka Gabby). 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.ย 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. 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 to change and I have a feeling he means it! Yet I’m not sure I can trust him. During this volume and a trip to the market place, he shows that he has a darker side. He’s treading the line of the law and errs on the side of breaking it more often than not. I’m afraid he may be getting himself and Gabby in over their heads.
Unfortunately…or maybe fortunately (?) Gabbyย gets all tangled up in this love triangle….or would it be a square….or maybe a better word for it would be a cluster? I don’t know. Let’s just say all those multiple, possible love interests cash in during this volumeย of my new favorite series. So needless to say this creates a very confused and flustered Gabby. And rightly so! I wouldn’t know who to be with either. So many gorgeous guys!!!
If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again….I’m in LOVE with this series! Gildemer has become one of my favorite treats that I look forward to every month! It’s like watching your favorite TV show play out on the pages as A.S. 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!!!!
Overall I highly recommend this series to anyone that likes to be kept on their toes, loves fantasy with a hint of science fiction, and a cleanish romance.
Final Conclusion:
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