Gilded

by vicious

"Wow, just wow. I look forward to reading more." - Sharlene Fielder, from Inkitt

"Beautifully written." - Diva Fox, from Inkitt

Retelling of the classic Cinderella story, with a gender variation and old money aesthetic.

When a prestigious scholarship competition is announced by the renowned Lagen Institute for Music, Casimir sees an opportunity to be free from life within the Cruz Manor.

He finds an unexpected ally in Erik, who appears to be disengaged with everyone and only broods in the school music room.

As their bond deepens over their fervent passion for piano, dark secrets and unspoken burdens threaten to tear more than just Cas’ dream.

Genres: LGBT

131 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2025

Reviews

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded is a quiet story filled with angst, dreams, and a “simple” love. I think it’s one of the better retellings I have read - especially of Cinderella. You can’t help but feel for Cas and connect with him. Vicious does a great job of making you care. I’m definitely putting this author on my “read” list because I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

“Thank you Author Vicious for providing this book for review consideration via Reedsy. All opinions are my own.”

[Foxglove · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will admit that I went into this with quite high expectations, so that may be why I seem to have not enjoyed this book as much as other reviewers. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book at all, of course, as my rating shows.

For starters, I do think the romance worked. There’s actually a reason for Cas to fall for Erik in regards to their shared piano love, and the way they meet is realistic in the context of the story. A few scenes between them feel a little rushed, but I do think this is one of the better romances I’ve read. I also love the LGBTQ representation and how natural it felt, at no point seeming to just have been shoved in for diversity points.

I will also say that the story is creative, despite being a Cinderella retelling. A lot of aspects feel unique enough to stand out, without being so unusual as to completely ignore the original roots. I do think some aspects of the abuse are realistic, and I did enjoy exploring the depth to Jonah’s personality. Alexander, admittedly, felt extremely one-dimensional, and Silas could have been developed better in order to fully appreciate them as the supposed villains. If this book had been longer, everything could have been fleshed out more.

Unfortunately, I really did not like the writing style. I’ve been some reviews refer to the writing as being quite beautiful, but I think it’s closer to purple prose. The language is flowery without needing to be, making it awkward to read. There are a multitude of metaphors and similes that just don’t make sense, and I felt myself wincing throughout at the odd choices made. It’s a shame, because I truly believe this book could have been brilliant with better writing and more fleshing out.

Overall, Gilded isn’t a bad book by any means, but it did disappoint me. Still, if you like unique fairytale retellings, give this a go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tara Kanaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded is the kind of book that sinks into you quietly and then refuses to let go. From the very first pages, the atmosphere feels heavy with emotion—beautiful, haunting, and raw in a way that makes every chapter feel intentional. The writing itself is lush without being overdone, and there’s a constant undercurrent of tension that kept me turning pages long past when I should’ve stopped.
What truly stood out to me was the emotional depth. This story doesn’t shy away from pain, ambition, or vulnerability—it leans into them. You feel the weight of the characters’ choices, the cracks beneath their polished exteriors, and the way their pasts shape every decision they make. There were moments that genuinely hurt to read, not because they were dramatic, but because they felt real.
The themes of power, identity, and desire are handled with so much care. Nothing feels shallow or rushed. Every interaction has meaning, every silence speaks volumes, and the character development is incredibly satisfying. Watching the characters evolve—sometimes beautifully, sometimes painfully—was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.

By the end, I just sat there for a moment, staring at the pages, trying to process everything I felt. Gilded isn’t just a story you read; it’s an experience you carry with you afterward. Elegant, intense, and unforgettable—this book absolutely deserves five stars and a permanent place on my shelf. 💛📖✨

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always a bit suspicious of retellings of traditional fairy-tales but, from the opening chapter, found this one totally engaging and convincing. The developing relationship between Cas and Erik was beautifully captured and at no point did I feel that its LGBTQ representation was there to tick a ‘diversity box’. The author’s sensitive portrayals of these two main characters evoked powerful feelings of caring about what was happening to them, of wanting their relationship to grow and develop through their shared love of music, rather than be damaged by envy, prejudice and secrecy. The strength of my liking for Cas and Erik was matched equally by my dislike of Silas, Alexander and Jonah, rendered not as ‘pantomime-like’ villains, but all too recognisable as abusive, bullying people who were prepared to exploit someone who threatened their sense of entitlement. Reading about the misery of Cas’s life at home, and the physical and emotional abuse he was experiencing, felt almost unbearable at times because the author so evocatively captured the tension between his fear and despair and his hopes for a better future.
A very creative retelling of a familiar story, but with a haunting, emotional depth which left me feeling that this is a story which will linger in my memory.
With thanks to the author (via LibraryThing) for my free copy in exchange fro an honest review ... I’m delighted it can be such a positive one!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very heartfelt story about two boys in love with each other and piano.
This short story broke my heart and then made it whole again, Cas is a sweetheart that suffers in the hands of his cruel family, he just wants to be loved and play the piano like his mother. Erik is a rich kid with a bit of bad boy vibes that falls in love with Cas and wants to help him achieve his dream.
This was beautifully written and even though it's small, it conveys a lot of emotions.
I want to thank the author for reaching out and sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[toast reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was priviliged to receive a free ebook copy in exchange for a review.

Honestly Gilded is one of the most unique Cinderella retellings I've read. As a BL obsessed individual, maybe I'm biased??? It's a refreshing take with dark undertones compared to other variations - Disney, Grimm, A Little Princess movie, Shojoko Seira etc.

It's on the shorter side, and I can't wait to see what the author writes in future.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing.

I enjoyed the story and the romance in this book very much, but it felt very rushed. The ending felt like it happened so suddenly. Cas and Erik were amazing, they made me smile. I love stories about music, and this did not disappoint on that front! At times the writing felt awkward, but mostly it was just written in a style that isn't for me.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes a calmer story. It was a quick read due to the length.

[Samantha Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guilded was incredible. The language in this book was elegant and addictive. I read the whole thing in one sitting, unable to put it down.

The author had me smiling at the heartwarming moments and seething with anger in the others. The characters were so well written that you were rooting for them and wishing that they got their happy ever after from the very beginning.