Gilded by Marissa Meyer

Gilded

Dark fairy tales meet razor-sharp wit

Written byMarissa Meyer
Narrated byRebecca Soler
Length15h33m
Release dateNovember 2, 2021
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.6 (5 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorMarissa Meyer
NarratorRebecca Soler
Runtime15h33m
PublishedNovember 2, 2021
Rating★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 (5 ratings)
CategoriesTeen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Magical Realism
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

*Gilded* isn’t just another Rumpelstiltskin retelling—it’s a subversive, gold-spun nightmare where the miller’s daughter wields a sword as deftly as she spins straw, and the fae bargain in blood, not kisses. Marissa Meyer strips the fairy tale down to its grittier bones, trading whimsy for a gothic pulse: think *The Cruel Prince*’s political intrigue meets *Uprooted*’s eerie folklore, but with a protagonist whose cynicism cuts sharper than any curse. Rebecca Soler’s narration is the audiobook’s secret weapon—her Serilda is dryly sarcastic one moment, trembling with fury the next, and her voice for the goblin king drips with honeyed menace, the kind that makes you lean in *and* check the locks.

What sets this apart from YA fantasy’s crowded shelf? The pacing. Meyer balances courtly maneuvering with visceral action, but the real hook is the slow-burn horror of Serilda’s lies unraveling. The audio production leans into this with creeping atmospheric cues—subtle echoes in the goblin king’s dialogue, the clink of gold coins like a ticking clock. It’s not just *listened*; it’s *experienced*. Perfect for fans who crave fairy tales with teeth, but be warned: the romance is as thorny as the politics, and the “happily ever after” is still a bloodstained question mark by the final chapter.

Tags: dark fairy tale retellingsenemies-to-lovers with bitegothic YA fantasy audiobooksfemale-led fantasy with swords and schemesimmersive narration (Rebecca Soler)fae politics and cursed bargains

Why Listen to Gilded?

  • Expert narration by Rebecca Soler brings every character and scene to life across 15h33m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.6 stars by 5 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I side-eyed another Rumpelstiltskin retelling—until Rebecca Soler’s Serilda sneered her first line. This isn’t a damsel; it’s a girl who’s spent years lying to survive, and Soler nails the exhaustion beneath the bravado. Her performance is *layered*: the way her voice cracks when Serilda’s bluffing, the venom she spits at the goblin king’s taunts, even the physicality you *hear* in her gasps during fight scenes. The goblin king himself is a masterclass in vocal seduction—smooth as silk, with a undercurrent of something feral. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at “dark romance” tropes, this might convert you. The chemistry isn’t insta-lust; it’s a chess match where every compliment feels like a trap. The story’s strongest in its first half, where Meyer’s worldbuilding shines. The goblin court is a grotesque marvel—think *Pan’s Labyrinth* meets *The Night Circus*, with bargains that twist like knives. But the middle sags under repetitive palace intrigue, and Serilda’s “one lie leads to another” arc occasionally feels like wheel-spinning. I also wished the side characters (especially the human love interest) had more depth; they’re often reduced to sounding boards for Serilda’s guilt. That said, the final act’s twists *land*, and the audio production elevates even the slower stretches—background music swells at key moments, and Soler’s delivery turns exposition into something gripping. Block out 15 hours for this one; it’s the kind of listen that’ll have you pacing the room, headphones glued in.

Download: Gilded

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Gilded by Marissa Meyer is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Rebecca Soler with a runtime of 15h33m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.