Review: Gildemer: The Dress by A.S. Oren

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 Dress by A.S. Oren
Series: The Gates Series 1,
Published by Self Publish on 2015-06-14
Length: 36 pages
Reviewing eARC 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?

**Please note that if you haven’t read the previous episodes in this series that there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review.**

Initial Reaction After Reading This Book:

OMG….that ENDING!!! You’re killing me!!!!

Gildemer: The Dress by A.S. Oren is the third episode in the serial series The Gates, which focuses on two central characters: Gabby and Prince Koi. In true Oren fashion, this episode picks up exactly where the last left off. Gabby is panicking at realizing the boy she’s been meeting in the garden in secret is the heir to the throne. Koi is confused at Gabby’s abrupt leaving and also at how he feels about the possibility of not seeing her. Will Gabby’s secret stay safe or will she have to face the Prince as a servant and sentenced to death?

OMG!! I’m in love with this series 😍 Gabby is awesome, though I’ll admit that in this episode she’s fretful for her life. All she wanted was a taste of the outdoors, to see the sun again, but now after having met Prince Koi she realizes that it was foolish of her to want. She’s now facing treason and death. But what I love about her….she doesn’t run from her fate. Instead she accepts it and faces it head on!

Koi is a bit lost this book as well. His fight with Etu, his indifference to Mirabelle, and his longing for Gabby have him all kinds of confused. He’s not questioning his father’s laws yet, but there is a voice of doubt banging around in his head that sounds suspiciously like Gabby.

The plot focuses on Gabby’s fate and something she didn’t expect (sorry no spoilers from me). Let’s just say that it will bring her face to face with Koi 😉

Overall the world building, the well-developed characters and of course the infamous cliff-hangers keep bringing me back for more! I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys young adult, fantasy, science fiction, and a little romance/suspense.

Final Conclusion:

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