Gilded

Serilda, a talented storyteller prone to exaggerating tales, attracts the attention of the Erlking - a dark entity who rules over an underground kingdom of the dead. When he discovers she has embellished a story about spinning straw into gold, he forces her to prove her abilities. The story draws from Rumpelstiltskin but expands into new territory, incorporating elements of Germanic folklore and dark fantasy. Magic, curses, and dangerous bargains shape the narrative as Serilda faces mounting pressures to fulfill impossible demands. Life and death intermingle as Serilda navigates between the mortal world and the Erlking's haunted realm. Her growing connection with a mysterious young man named Gild adds complexity to her predicament, even as the stakes continue to rise. The novel explores themes of truth versus lies, the power of stories, and the sometimes blurry line between salvation and damnation. Through its dark fairy tale elements, it questions the nature of destiny and the prices we pay for our choices.

Readers appreciate the creative reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin and say Meyer maintains tension throughout. The slow-burn romance between Serilda and Gild earned positive mentions in reviews, with readers noting their witty dialogue and chemistry. Common criticisms include the slow pacing in the first half and some repetitive plot elements. Several readers found the 500+ page length excessive and noted the story could have been shorter without losing impact. Some felt the ending was rushed compared to the detailed buildup. Specific feedback from reviews: "The folklore elements mesh perfectly with the spooky atmosphere" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much time spent on mundane daily activities before the plot picks up" - Amazon reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (47,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (500+ ratings) The book ranks well among Meyer's other works but below The Lunar Chronicles series according to reader polls.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim This East Asian fantasy weaves fairytale retellings with magic, curses, and a princess fighting to save her brothers.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong A reimagining of Romeo and Juliet unfolds in 1920s Shanghai, where rival gangs face a mysterious monster threatening their city.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer This Beauty and the Beast retelling combines modern and fantasy worlds with a curse, a prince, and a girl from present-day Washington DC.

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco A young necromancer masters her powers in an Asian-inspired fantasy realm while navigating political intrigue and ancient magic.

For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten A Red Riding Hood retelling follows the second daughter who must be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wilderwood to protect her kingdom.

🔮 "Gilded" is a dark retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, featuring a young woman named Serilda who is caught in a web of lies after claiming she can spin straw into gold. 🖋️ Author Marissa Meyer spent 2.5 years writing and revising "Gilded," making it her longest writing process for any book to date. 👻 The book incorporates elements of Slavic folklore and mythology beyond the traditional Rumpelstiltskin tale, including the fearsome Erlking and his undead hunters. 📚 Though "Gilded" is Meyer's first venture into gothic fantasy, she previously wrote successful fairytale retellings in her "Lunar Chronicles" series, which reimagined stories like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood in a sci-fi setting. 🌙 The novel's setting was inspired by medieval Germany, particularly the Black Forest region, known for its dark woods and rich folklore traditions.