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798 reviews

Silver Blood: A Gilded Blood Prequel by Rachel Rener

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Woah. Silver Blood was the story I didn’t know I needed in 2025, and it absolutely delivered. Experiencing Zayn’s POV—two years before Talia’s journey in The Gilded Blood series—was nothing short of mesmerizing. Not only did we get that scene (IYKYK 😉), but this book was so much more than just a prequel. It was raw emotion, inner turmoil, and an unrelenting battle against fate itself. The tension, the forbidden love, the heart-wrenching helplessness of keeping Talia alive—it all unfolded with breathtaking intensity.

And then there’s Hibiscus. Calling her a side character feels almost disrespectful because, let’s be real, that pesky, gorgeous, scene-stealing parrot has always been a star. She captured our hearts in The Gilded Blood series, and in Silver Blood, she soared even higher.

This book delivered darkness, depth, and emotional resonance, offering a profound new perspective on the past while adding an undeniable magic to an already extraordinary series. People often say prequels don’t live up to their main series—Silver Blood shatters that notion. It not only holds up but surpasses expectations with flying colors. In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the best in the series, not just because of the spice (though, let’s be honest, it brought the spice) but because of the undeniable emotional connections I felt with these characters.

Rachel Rener has outdone herself. Silver Blood isn’t just a prequel—it’s a triumph.