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Gilded Evils
After joining an elusive revolutionary group her father co-founded, seventeen year-old Marilou Norith will be the one to move corruption back into the pages of history. Leon, their eager young leader, promises a new world. One that starts with the careful removal of the man who murdered her the Emperor.
The plan: Take out corrupt government leaders and change the fate of her small island country for the better.
How: A memory-erasing serum that leaves its victims a blank slate, giving them a chance to start over. Become good.
The result: A country without war, without corruption. Peace. And above that…the downfall of the Emperor.
What’s in the way: The Emperor’s deadliest Elite soldier, who’s tasked with bringing her in. And, as she follows the plan deeper, doubts about the rebellion becoming harder to ignore.
But when the young Elite soldier finally captures her, and ends up being like her in impossible, distracting ways, the plan goes sideways. It crumbles completely when the Emperor disproves everything that shaped her motives, and shows that the promises of the rebellion, even the serum itself, were only death in disguise. When the rebellion suddenly rises to impossible strength, threatening the country she meant to save and the people she’s unexpectedly come to love, Marilou must discover if she can ally with the enemy to defend what she believes is right—even if it means dooming someone who was never really dead.
The plan: Take out corrupt government leaders and change the fate of her small island country for the better.
How: A memory-erasing serum that leaves its victims a blank slate, giving them a chance to start over. Become good.
The result: A country without war, without corruption. Peace. And above that…the downfall of the Emperor.
What’s in the way: The Emperor’s deadliest Elite soldier, who’s tasked with bringing her in. And, as she follows the plan deeper, doubts about the rebellion becoming harder to ignore.
But when the young Elite soldier finally captures her, and ends up being like her in impossible, distracting ways, the plan goes sideways. It crumbles completely when the Emperor disproves everything that shaped her motives, and shows that the promises of the rebellion, even the serum itself, were only death in disguise. When the rebellion suddenly rises to impossible strength, threatening the country she meant to save and the people she’s unexpectedly come to love, Marilou must discover if she can ally with the enemy to defend what she believes is right—even if it means dooming someone who was never really dead.
308 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2025
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 11, 2025
Thank you firstly to Grace Josephine for the opportunity to read this book!
I am left speechless and wishing there was at least one more paragraph of Marilou’s story because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her just yet.
This story is fast paced and action packed. I was completely captivated from the first chapter and flew through this book because I just needed to know what happened next. This book had my heart racing the entire way.
Marilou our fierce,smart, loyal FMC goes through it in this book and in turn so does the reader. She faces all some really heartbreaking, soul crushing betrayals and really is broken down for her to slowly slowly build herself back up.
The relationships and supporting characters are all amazing as well.
I really enjoyed the flow of the dialogue and the way Marilou’s inner thoughts, observations and feelings are written is so beautifully done. Marilou is so observant that I was dying to see more through her eyes and her observations. The little details that seemed minor in the beginning of the book only for it to later be connected really just was amazing! I was really transported to Marilou’s world as heart wrenching and nerve wrecking as it was.
Finally, the development of her relationship with other characters around her really was at such a good pace for where Marilou was.
5 ⭐️
I am left speechless and wishing there was at least one more paragraph of Marilou’s story because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her just yet.
This story is fast paced and action packed. I was completely captivated from the first chapter and flew through this book because I just needed to know what happened next. This book had my heart racing the entire way.
Marilou our fierce,smart, loyal FMC goes through it in this book and in turn so does the reader. She faces all some really heartbreaking, soul crushing betrayals and really is broken down for her to slowly slowly build herself back up.
The relationships and supporting characters are all amazing as well.
I really enjoyed the flow of the dialogue and the way Marilou’s inner thoughts, observations and feelings are written is so beautifully done. Marilou is so observant that I was dying to see more through her eyes and her observations. The little details that seemed minor in the beginning of the book only for it to later be connected really just was amazing! I was really transported to Marilou’s world as heart wrenching and nerve wrecking as it was.
Finally, the development of her relationship with other characters around her really was at such a good pace for where Marilou was.
5 ⭐️
September 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW✨️
First of all I'd just like to thank Grace Josephine for sending me an ARC of Gilded Evils! This novel is out September 2!
If you enjoyed the Hunger Games/Maze Runner/Divergent this book is for you!
I love a good dystopian read and could not put the book down!!! So many twists and turns that I didn't see coming! Warning slow burn and romance is a subplot but the way everything got tied together made sense!! I loved getting to know the characters, especially Marilou and Eddie's relationship!! We love a pair of badass besties! Lowkey had me stressed in that last half of reading though. HAHA put me through so much emotions!!
I can't wait to read more novels the author publishes!!
First of all I'd just like to thank Grace Josephine for sending me an ARC of Gilded Evils! This novel is out September 2!
If you enjoyed the Hunger Games/Maze Runner/Divergent this book is for you!
I love a good dystopian read and could not put the book down!!! So many twists and turns that I didn't see coming! Warning slow burn and romance is a subplot but the way everything got tied together made sense!! I loved getting to know the characters, especially Marilou and Eddie's relationship!! We love a pair of badass besties! Lowkey had me stressed in that last half of reading though. HAHA put me through so much emotions!!
I can't wait to read more novels the author publishes!!
August 16, 2025
Gilded Evils is a fast-paced dystopian fantasy full of war, rebellion, and some pretty dark twists. The story follows Marilou, who quickly finds herself caught between survival, loyalty, and the dangerous power struggles shaping her world. What starts as a personal mission turns into a much bigger fight filled with secrets, betrayals, and impossible choices.
I really enjoyed how vivid the world felt. There’s tension everywhere, from quiet towns under guard to chaotic battlefields. Marilou is such a strong character to root for; she makes mistakes, questions herself, but keeps pushing forward. The friendships in the story were also a highlight, grounding the action and giving the book a lot of heart and personal touch.
The pacing is quick, sometimes almost too quick, but it definitely kept me turning the pages. There’s always another twist or reveal around the corner, which made it really hard to put down.
If you like dystopian fantasy that mixes rebellion, moral gray areas, and the question of who you can really trust, this one is worth picking up.
I really enjoyed how vivid the world felt. There’s tension everywhere, from quiet towns under guard to chaotic battlefields. Marilou is such a strong character to root for; she makes mistakes, questions herself, but keeps pushing forward. The friendships in the story were also a highlight, grounding the action and giving the book a lot of heart and personal touch.
The pacing is quick, sometimes almost too quick, but it definitely kept me turning the pages. There’s always another twist or reveal around the corner, which made it really hard to put down.
If you like dystopian fantasy that mixes rebellion, moral gray areas, and the question of who you can really trust, this one is worth picking up.
September 6, 2025
Omg those last few chapters had me all over the place emotionally 😭😫 I had no clue what was going to come next.
The beginning of the book started out slow and steady and the more and more I kept reading the crazier stuff got. I was blown away by all the twists and turns. I couldn’t put the book down.
The world building was done nicely. I do wish there was a little more about Nettick. The bond between Marilou and Eddie was relatable. Marilou’s determination and her innate intuition at certain points was written very well. I loved how it showed her range of emotions about different topics (I can’t say or else it would spoil the story).
Rory and Marilou were my favorite characters. I really hope there will be a book two that explores more about their connection.
I did receive this book as an ARC for an honest review. Thank you Grace Josephine for the opportunity. I can’t wait to see what else you have in store!
The beginning of the book started out slow and steady and the more and more I kept reading the crazier stuff got. I was blown away by all the twists and turns. I couldn’t put the book down.
The world building was done nicely. I do wish there was a little more about Nettick. The bond between Marilou and Eddie was relatable. Marilou’s determination and her innate intuition at certain points was written very well. I loved how it showed her range of emotions about different topics (I can’t say or else it would spoil the story).
Rory and Marilou were my favorite characters. I really hope there will be a book two that explores more about their connection.
I did receive this book as an ARC for an honest review. Thank you Grace Josephine for the opportunity. I can’t wait to see what else you have in store!
August 24, 2025
🖤💛Arc Review💛🖤
“Should have seen it, and him, for the truth: evils simply gilded in gold. And she was the fool admiring their shine.”
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
🖤 Dystopian society
💉 Betrayal & revenge
🖤 Friendship
💉 Unlikely allies
🖤 War
This story follows a strong, powerful, and resilient FMC who faces brutal challenges and deep betrayals yet she keeps moving forward. With a loyal friend by her side and alliances she never saw coming, her journey is one of growth and grit.
The pacing is sharp, the tension real, and the relationships especially how they shift and evolve kept me fully hooked. I appreciated the rawness of the dialogue and the emotional stakes woven through every decision.
Thank you again Grace Josephine for letting me read this advanced copy!
Releases September 2nd!
✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Should have seen it, and him, for the truth: evils simply gilded in gold. And she was the fool admiring their shine.”
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
🖤 Dystopian society
💉 Betrayal & revenge
🖤 Friendship
💉 Unlikely allies
🖤 War
This story follows a strong, powerful, and resilient FMC who faces brutal challenges and deep betrayals yet she keeps moving forward. With a loyal friend by her side and alliances she never saw coming, her journey is one of growth and grit.
The pacing is sharp, the tension real, and the relationships especially how they shift and evolve kept me fully hooked. I appreciated the rawness of the dialogue and the emotional stakes woven through every decision.
Thank you again Grace Josephine for letting me read this advanced copy!
Releases September 2nd!
✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 16, 2025
Ok so I LOVED this book! I was so invested in the characters, and quite literally read the last half in one day because I couldn’t put it down!! While schoolwork and other things kept me from reading faster than I could have, I’m glad I finished it!! It was definitely worth the read!
One of my favorite things was how it flipped the usual narrative common to the dystopian genre. It was certainly not your stereotypical dystopian book and I’m so glad for it! It had all the vibes and none of the cringy, overused plot tropes! If you’re looking for a good dystopian book I highly highly recommend this one!!!
One of my favorite things was how it flipped the usual narrative common to the dystopian genre. It was certainly not your stereotypical dystopian book and I’m so glad for it! It had all the vibes and none of the cringy, overused plot tropes! If you’re looking for a good dystopian book I highly highly recommend this one!!!
August 18, 2025
I liked it! It was different from what I normally read, and it was nice to read something else!
For a first novel, I think that it is really good! You can definitely tell it’s the first book. And I have some critiques.
Overall a great story! It kinda gives Katniss vibes when reading the FMC and her character!
I would read more about Lou if given the chance!!
If you are deciding to read this book or not, I would say it depends on what you are looking for. But if you liked Hunger Games or Divergent, you will probably love this!!!!
Happy Reading!!
For a first novel, I think that it is really good! You can definitely tell it’s the first book. And I have some critiques.
Overall a great story! It kinda gives Katniss vibes when reading the FMC and her character!
I would read more about Lou if given the chance!!
If you are deciding to read this book or not, I would say it depends on what you are looking for. But if you liked Hunger Games or Divergent, you will probably love this!!!!
Happy Reading!!
September 1, 2025
*I received this ARC for free and I was not required to leave a review, but that said this review is totally honest!*
WOW, this book!!!!!! This book was so well written! The characters really made this book shine bright, they were complex and well written. The only thing I had tiny issues with was the worldbuilding but that's about it. This book was amazing! The ending was really good and fingers crossed for a second book!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW, this book!!!!!! This book was so well written! The characters really made this book shine bright, they were complex and well written. The only thing I had tiny issues with was the worldbuilding but that's about it. This book was amazing! The ending was really good and fingers crossed for a second book!!!!!!!!!!!
September 4, 2025
ARC review
3.5 stars, rounded up. This is typically not my genre of choice but decided to branch out for this Hunger Games-esque dystopian novel. It was fast paced and action packed with a unique plot.
I do wish there was more world building to give a better understanding of the characters and their conflicts.
3.5 stars, rounded up. This is typically not my genre of choice but decided to branch out for this Hunger Games-esque dystopian novel. It was fast paced and action packed with a unique plot.
I do wish there was more world building to give a better understanding of the characters and their conflicts.
August 14, 2025
This book is action packed and a heart stopper. The FMC is a bad ass with some major daddy issues.
Josephine has a way with words that sucks you in… the whole vibe for this book is dark:
“We’re not trying to be cheap, or easy, or simple.” “We’re trying to be devastating.”
Josephine has a way with words that sucks you in… the whole vibe for this book is dark:
“We’re not trying to be cheap, or easy, or simple.” “We’re trying to be devastating.”
August 26, 2025
Arc Reader.... Thanks for the copy, but I couldn't put it down, and didn't want it to end.
Fast-paced Dustopian story with great characters and storyline.
Marilou and Rory are my favorite.
Fast-paced Dustopian story with great characters and storyline.
Marilou and Rory are my favorite.
October 6, 2025
Overall, I enjoyed Gilded Evils and am thankful to have been given an ARC copy before the release date. The pacing was good throughout the entire novel. Marilou had moments of conflict throughout the novel that added to the layers of her character - well done! There were moments when the writing was so good, I had to pause to let it sink in. These are my two favorite quotes:
"Magma cracked through the cooked rocks in her chest."
"The dying breaths of the sunset illuminated some curiosity, some hesitation in his eyes."
Just beautiful prose and vivid imagery that was on point with the emotions of the scene.
Also, the naming of various animals (Gwen!) had me in stitches.
SPOILERS BELOW!
. . .
. . .
I also really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the colors and the intention of the characters. Specifically, when we meet Leon and he is dressed in white, while my "it's a cult" sprang to mind, he was clearly meant to be perceived by our young FMC as a hero and leader. Meanwhile, the emperor was dark and mysterious, with the black meeting room - a villain. But as the story unfolded, it was clear that first impressions are not always right.
The reason for my 3 starts is really because I wanted more from the story. Throughout the story we would get little pieces of history about the native people and the mainlanders, but it left me wanting to know more. I think understanding the history of each people would help the readers better understand and relate to the conflict. The same is true of the war and the how the draft came about. I would have liked to know more about Marilou and Eddie before the opening scenes, their bond, and what life was like a little more before it turned upside down.
Next, the relationship with Marilou and her father just didn't land for me. I appreciate a difficult father daughter relationship (or child and parent relationship more generally), but something was missing. I think it was her father's motivation. Before Marilou discovers her father is alive, I did not get the impression that their relationship was strained, so when he just walked away from her at the palace - I was so very confused about why. A deeper dive into their relationship before the story could have helped this. I was also disappointed to see no true resolution for their relationship in the end. While not every story line must have a conclusion, it felt like the relationship with her father and finding him was such a big part of the story.
I will say, the Slater was such a unique and terrifying weapon. Bravo on that!
"Magma cracked through the cooked rocks in her chest."
"The dying breaths of the sunset illuminated some curiosity, some hesitation in his eyes."
Just beautiful prose and vivid imagery that was on point with the emotions of the scene.
Also, the naming of various animals (Gwen!) had me in stitches.
SPOILERS BELOW!
. . .
. . .
I also really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the colors and the intention of the characters. Specifically, when we meet Leon and he is dressed in white, while my "it's a cult" sprang to mind, he was clearly meant to be perceived by our young FMC as a hero and leader. Meanwhile, the emperor was dark and mysterious, with the black meeting room - a villain. But as the story unfolded, it was clear that first impressions are not always right.
The reason for my 3 starts is really because I wanted more from the story. Throughout the story we would get little pieces of history about the native people and the mainlanders, but it left me wanting to know more. I think understanding the history of each people would help the readers better understand and relate to the conflict. The same is true of the war and the how the draft came about. I would have liked to know more about Marilou and Eddie before the opening scenes, their bond, and what life was like a little more before it turned upside down.
Next, the relationship with Marilou and her father just didn't land for me. I appreciate a difficult father daughter relationship (or child and parent relationship more generally), but something was missing. I think it was her father's motivation. Before Marilou discovers her father is alive, I did not get the impression that their relationship was strained, so when he just walked away from her at the palace - I was so very confused about why. A deeper dive into their relationship before the story could have helped this. I was also disappointed to see no true resolution for their relationship in the end. While not every story line must have a conclusion, it felt like the relationship with her father and finding him was such a big part of the story.
I will say, the Slater was such a unique and terrifying weapon. Bravo on that!
September 28, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was not ready for this book to end, it was fast paced, action packed and had me hooked from page one.
I loved Marilou she was a strong, resilient fmc with morals, she was smart, loyal and cared so much! Just what you want from an fmc! She faced some truly heartbreaking scenarios with some serious betrayal but came out stronger for it after building herself back up from the bottom, she is bad ass.
I loved her relationships with all of the supporting characters, especially her friendship with Eddie, so sweet the way they bonded through trauma and had each others best interests at heart. Grace done a fantastic job with her character build up throughout, she writes beautifully - from the way she describes Marilou’s inner thought, feelings and observations to the way she writes marilou’s dialect. I cannot wait to see if we get a second book to see what happens next! I love how every minor detail observed linked up to tie the story together.
There were twists and turns that you won’t see coming, it was a slowburn book with a little romance developing during a war breaking okay… I mean what’s not to love?! It was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I can’t wait to see what this author brings out next.
Thank you so much @writer.gracejosephine for giving me the opportunity to arc read your debut book. 🖤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was not ready for this book to end, it was fast paced, action packed and had me hooked from page one.
I loved Marilou she was a strong, resilient fmc with morals, she was smart, loyal and cared so much! Just what you want from an fmc! She faced some truly heartbreaking scenarios with some serious betrayal but came out stronger for it after building herself back up from the bottom, she is bad ass.
I loved her relationships with all of the supporting characters, especially her friendship with Eddie, so sweet the way they bonded through trauma and had each others best interests at heart. Grace done a fantastic job with her character build up throughout, she writes beautifully - from the way she describes Marilou’s inner thought, feelings and observations to the way she writes marilou’s dialect. I cannot wait to see if we get a second book to see what happens next! I love how every minor detail observed linked up to tie the story together.
There were twists and turns that you won’t see coming, it was a slowburn book with a little romance developing during a war breaking okay… I mean what’s not to love?! It was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I can’t wait to see what this author brings out next.
Thank you so much @writer.gracejosephine for giving me the opportunity to arc read your debut book. 🖤
September 17, 2025
Gilded Evils delivers a fast-paced dystopian fantasy in the vein of Legend and Divergent, while carving out its own unique identity. The story follows seventeen-year-old Marilou Norith, who joins a rebellion founded by her father with the goal of overthrowing a corrupt Emperor and creating a world without war or oppression. The weapon of choice is chillingly clever—a memory-erasing serum meant to reset the wicked into blank slates.
What begins as a noble mission quickly unravels when Marilou uncovers disturbing truths about the rebellion, the serum, and even the Emperor himself. Captured by the enemy’s most dangerous soldier—who proves far more complicated than expected—she’s forced to question everything she thought she knew, leading to a series of tense choices between loyalty, justice, and survival.
The novel thrives on its relentless pacing and sharp action scenes. Every chapter feels urgent, keeping the momentum high. While some of the plot twists can be predicted, they’re executed with enough weight and tension that they still land effectively, never dulling the impact of Marilou’s journey. The book is advertised as a romance, but in truth, it leans more toward themes of found family, trust, and betrayal. That choice works to its advantage, grounding the story in bonds that feel real and hard-earned.
If there’s a drawback, it’s that readers expecting a deeply layered romantic subplot may find themselves disappointed. Still, the narrative more than makes up for it with strong themes, tightly packed action, and a fresh spin on rebellion-centered dystopias.
Overall, Gilded Evils is a gripping read with a unique premise, dynamic pacing, and enough heart to keep readers turning the pages.
What begins as a noble mission quickly unravels when Marilou uncovers disturbing truths about the rebellion, the serum, and even the Emperor himself. Captured by the enemy’s most dangerous soldier—who proves far more complicated than expected—she’s forced to question everything she thought she knew, leading to a series of tense choices between loyalty, justice, and survival.
The novel thrives on its relentless pacing and sharp action scenes. Every chapter feels urgent, keeping the momentum high. While some of the plot twists can be predicted, they’re executed with enough weight and tension that they still land effectively, never dulling the impact of Marilou’s journey. The book is advertised as a romance, but in truth, it leans more toward themes of found family, trust, and betrayal. That choice works to its advantage, grounding the story in bonds that feel real and hard-earned.
If there’s a drawback, it’s that readers expecting a deeply layered romantic subplot may find themselves disappointed. Still, the narrative more than makes up for it with strong themes, tightly packed action, and a fresh spin on rebellion-centered dystopias.
Overall, Gilded Evils is a gripping read with a unique premise, dynamic pacing, and enough heart to keep readers turning the pages.
August 25, 2025
Hunger Games -esque with twists and turns that had me reading until 2am to finish. There were heart wrenching moments, deep emotional cuts, and a few laughs. I didn’t think I’d like the slow burn b-plot romance trope, but it fit very well especially the execution of how it played to the story.
All around a good read that I’ll come back to.
All around a good read that I’ll come back to.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews