63 pages 2-hour read

Marissa Meyer

Gilded

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

Marissa Meyer

Gilded

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Romance

Fairy Tale & Folklore
Setting

Fantasy World • Medieval Era

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Loneliness

Love
Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Gilded by Marissa Meyer is a fantasy novel reimagining the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale. The story centers around Serilda, a young storyteller cursed by the god of lies. Her fabricated tales lead to an encounter with the mysterious Erlking and his haunting world, unraveling a dark mystery.

Mysterious

Dark

Fantastical

Emotional

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Gilded by Marissa Meyer captures readers with its imaginative retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, offering rich world-building and compelling characters. Enthusiasts praise its originality and intricate plot, though some find the pacing uneven and the length excessive. Overall, Meyer’s blend of fantasy and folklore continues to enchant her audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Gilded?

Readers who would enjoy Marissa Meyer's Gilded are fans of dark fantasy and fairy tale retellings. Similar to lovers of Gregory Maguire's Wicked and Naomi Novik's Uprooted, these readers appreciate imaginative worlds, complex characters, and magical twists on classic tales. Ideal for young adults and adults who revel in the enchantment of reimagined folklore.

Character List

Protagonist marked with a narrative gift by Wyrdith, isolated by her community but finds solace in storytelling, which plays a key role in her interactions and journey.

The mysterious, magical figure of the cursed prince of Adalheid, trapped with no memory of his past, who forms a bond with Serilda.

The antagonistic leader of the Wild Hunt, embodying a charismatic yet cruel villainy, with a menacing control over his realm.

A gentle and anxious man, dedicated to his daughter, whose protective love inadvertently plays a role in Serilda's narrative gift.

The Erlking’s ghostly coachman, marked by suffering, who serves dutifully yet shows moments of subtle sympathy towards Serilda.

Five schoolchildren who are Serilda’s only friends and audience for her stories, representing acceptance and innocence.

Forest folk that Serilda encounters, embodying ancient magic and providing her with crucial information.

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Romance

Fairy Tale & Folklore
Setting

Fantasy World • Medieval Era

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Loneliness

Love
Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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