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 Painting by A.S. Oren Series: ,
Published by Self Publish on 2015-06-28
Length: 29 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?
Set in the world of Gates.
Gildemer: The Painting by A.S. Oren is the fourth episode in and picks up right where episode three left off. Please note that if you have not read the previous episodes there are minor spoilers in this review. Gabby is now the servant of number Two, Etu aka Prince Koi’s brother. Upon entering the dining hall, Gabby is immediately recognized by Koi, but instead of ratting her out, he wants answers. With her fate hanging in the balance, Gabby must be the perfect servant and not draw attention to herself while Koi must decide what he is to do with the pretty girl he met in the garden.
I don’t think I can say this enough…I adore this series! It’s such a treat with episodes being released every two weeks (roughly). In fact, it’s very close to watching your favorite show. I can’t wait for each episode to come out and I wonder about the characters.
What I love about the series is that even though we have the two main characters, Gabby and Koi, and the POV alternates between them, the author does a wonderful job of having fully-developed supporting characters. Etu, Koi’s brother, plays a slightly bigger role in this episode than in previous as he is now Gabby’s owner (in a sense) and he is taken with her. Who wouldn’t be?! She’s beautiful, kind, and apparently is the only one who makes decent bread. Then there is Karmistic, Amon, and the other servants. Their unique personalities shine through despite the little interactions that Gabby and Koi have with them.
The world-building is subtle. The author immerses the reader into the world of the Gates so well you don’t realize that Prince Koi (if met on the street today) would terrify you! I mean he is a humakat, human-cat hybrid, with full fur and pointy teeth!!! No instead it’s described as the norm on his world and you see him as another person, complete with feelings. I’m fascinated with this world and the author keeps dropping more information about how they became humakats, if they originated from Earth, etc as you read about Koi in history class or Gabby glancing out a window. It’s subtle and blends into the story while giving the reader much needed background information. I love it 😀
This particular episode deals with Gabby and her burn scars that she received in episode two. Her uniform as a servant is altered to hide her scars, a necessity according to the head mistress. The episode also deals with Koi’s feelings towards Gabby. He’s confused, to say the least, but he is also curious. Why would she risk her life to be in the garden dressed as a higher Branch? He begins questioning in earnest his father’s laws. It’s an intense plot for only 30 pages! Not to mention a surprise that leaves Gabby reeling!!!!
Overall if you haven’t guessed already I love the book! I love the series! I love this author 😀 I would recommend this serial series to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy, dystopian.
Final Conclusion:
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