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: The Garden by A.S. Oren Series: The Gates Series 1, #1
Published by Self Publish on 2015-05-10
Length: 36 pages
Reviewing eARC from the author, A.S. Oren
Rating:
Gabriella Hansforth has been a servant her entire life, paying off a debt she doesn't want, all so her twin sister can receive the education that she herself begged her parents for. Her sister didn’t want to learn the way she did.
After her parents die from a plague, her Nobleman master ships her off to the same school her sister resides at so that she can pay off her family’s debt working there. As one of the lowest servants, she doubts her life will become anything she wants it to be, but at least she has Amon, one of the higher servants, to dream about. A part of her hopes he feels the same way.
Nevertheless, her desire to learn still calls out to her even though she is forbidden to ever receive an education. Her parents made that choice for her. What will happen when she tries to impersonate a student, an act punishable by death without trial?
Set in the world of Gates.
First off, I have to say I love this author’s Spearwood Academy series and in kind I think I will love this one as well 😀 Gildemer: The Garden is a serial series about a servant names Gabriella Hansforth. Gabby is a Branch 4 servant, one of the lowest branches in this odd cast-like system, at Gildemer, a private school for the upper Branches. All Gabby wants is a little freedom, a little taste of what life is like outside of her Branch. But this costs more than she realizes.
I have to say I like Gabby. She’s smart, tenacious, and a risk-taker. She follows the rules when she has too, but she has no problem breaking them. She knows what she believes in and she’s willing to fight for it. Like I said I like her 😀
The story alternates POV with Gabby and Koi. Koi is the heir to the king, he’s number One in Branch One. Literally he’s over everyone. One day he will be king and he is being forced to marry to unite two kingdoms. His life basically sucks and is good all at the same time. He’s just as trapped and wanting freedom from it as Gabby, though he would never admit it to anyone. He’s just to proud. I personally can’t decide if I like him or not. He isn’t a risk-taker, he follows all of daddy’s rules, and the crappy part is he believes in them, including the Branch system. Really and truly can’t say I love him, but I can’t say I hate him either…
The world of Gildemer is fascinating to me. They are a breed of humakats, part human – part cat. The descriptions given of the characters range from being all cat with human characteristics to being like Gabby with only the eyes of a cat. It’s quite fascinating and I can say I’m intrigued to see more of this world!
Overall, I more than enjoyed this first episode of Gildemer. It was a quick read, full of suspense and a little drama. Already I’m invested in Gabby and I’m curious to see more of the world and the coming rebellion (you know there’s going to be one when there’s a cast system in place). If you enjoy fantasy, young adult fiction I highly suggest you pick up this serial. It’s full of surprises 😀
My Picture of Gildemer:
Final Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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