I received this book via the author, . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Gildemer: The Present by A.S. Oren Series: The Gates Series 1,
Published by Self Publish on 2015-07-18
Length: 40 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.
Yet another intense read in the world of Gates! Gildemer: The Present, episode 5 of the new series by A.S. Oren, picks up right where the last left off. Please note that if you have not read the previous episodes of this series, there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review. Koi has come to blows with Mirabelle and Etu about Gabriella more than once during the last episode, 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 about 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 he be. Gabby must learn how to navigate the world she’s been thrown into as it may cost more than just her life.
If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again….I’m in LOVE with this series! It’s like watching your favorite TV show to see what’s going to happen next. What will become of the characters, their relationships, and what crazy things will befall them?!
Gabby is one of my all-time favorite characters, even if she’s a bit confused and naive at times. She’s strong, passionate, and devoted to those that she loves. 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. That is what she is out to prove.
Koi struggles this episode as he has the past few. He has a lot on his young shoulders. 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. He has feelings for Gabby that he doesn’t quite understand, she’s a servant why should he care for her?! Then there’s the engagement to a girl he cannot stand. 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 a change and I have a feeling he means it!
This plot revolves around events that occur during the first chapter on a trip to the market place. I don’t want to spoil anything for those that haven’t read the series so I’ll place it in spoiler tags. View Spoiler » Personally I was shocked and thrilled with this development and cannot wait to read more about how it will affect Gabby in the near future.
Overall this may be my favorite episode to date! There is an element of suspense mixed with a touch of romance that made the episode hard to sit down…hence the reason I read it in one sitting 😉 I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys dystopian, fantasy, and science fiction! New episodes are out twice a month so there’s not a long wait between either 😉
Final Conclusion:
I received this book via the author, . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Gildemer: The Beginning by A.S. Oren Series: The Gates Series 1,
Published by Self Publish on 2015-07-30
Length: 42 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.
Initial Reaction:
NO!!! YOU DID NOT JUST LEAVE ME HANGING….AGAIN?!?!?!
Gildemer: The Beginning, episode 6 of the new series The Gates by author A.S. Oren, picks up where the other left off. Please note that if you are new to the series there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review. The Present left me in open-mouthed shock as Etu and Koi butt heads over Gabriella. Gabby wisely keeps her mouth shut through the ordeal and follows Number Two (aka Etu) back to his room. It’s here that he makes her a promise: he will teach her whatever she wishes to learn. Koi is seeing red as Gabriella follows Etu and he is no longer thinking with as a crowned prince but a jealous teenager. Gabby’s head is reeling as she now has to decide who she can trust and still keep her head (figuratively and literally).
Gildemer has become one of my favorite treats that I look forward to every couple of weeks! It’s like watching your favorite TV show play out on the pages as 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!!!!
Gabby has quickly become one of my all-time favorite characters. She’s honest, loyal, and devoted to those she cares for, those she feels that she owes, and those she works for. She can keep a secret and 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! He’s all up in arms this episode. First Etu has challenged him out right in front of the rest of Branch one and their servants, then Mirabelle is challenging him, and now….now he has to deal with his ever evolving feelings for the servant girl who tricked him (aka Gabby). 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.
This episode like the others has a lot jam packed into just 40 pages. There’s a concert put on by Gabby and Karmistic, a run in with a banshee, painting, and even a kiss!!!!
Honestly I can say that while there are grammatical and formatting errors, these are easily overlooked. I’m in love with this series and fully invested in the characters. I cannot wait to see just where they will go next!
Final Conclusion:
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