In 1889 Paris, a treasure-hunting hotelier assembles a crew of outcasts to steal an artifact that could topple empires.
- Score
- 76.3
- Spice
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Sweet
- POV
- multi
- Ending
- HEA / HFN
Tropes
Content warnings
Curated signals, not an exhaustive guarantee.
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What readers think
Readers consistently praise the richly imagined alternate 1889 Paris, Chokshi's lush and distinctive prose, and above all the ensemble cast — described by many as the heart of the book, with each character earning genuine affection. The found-family dynamic and the emotionally layered romance between Séverin and Laila are frequently cited as standout strengths. The main criticism is that the Forging magic system and the mechanics of the Babel Houses are introduced in a way many find confusing or under-explained, making the worldbuilding feel convoluted despite its ambition. Some readers also note the plot is less tightly constructed than its closest comparison, Six of Crows, and that the heist logic occasionally strains credulity. Overall the book lands around 4 stars, celebrated for its atmosphere, representation, and characters more than its plotting.
Read it if
- · Fans of Six of Crows who want another diverse ensemble heist in a richly atmospheric historical-fantasy setting
- · Readers who prioritise character chemistry, found-family bonds, and emotional depth over airtight plot mechanics
- · Anyone drawn to alternate history with gorgeous prose, Belle Époque Paris, and themes of colonialism and identity
Skip it if
- · You need a clean, clearly explained magic system — Forging and the Babel Fragment lore are intentionally dense and can frustrate
- · You prefer tight, propulsive plotting over character- and atmosphere-driven pacing
- · You want high spice — this is a purely emotional, closed-door YA romance
If you liked this
- · For fans of Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo — same morally grey ensemble heist energy, but set in a lush alternate Paris with more romance
- · Like a Dan Brown puzzle thriller crossed with YA fantasy — atmospheric clue-chasing with a magical twist
- · For fans of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse — similar tone of found-family outcasts navigating dangerous power structures
- · For fans of The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón — historical European setting steeped in mystery, beauty, and secrets
In this series
Part of The Gilded Wolves — read in order:
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