I liked the blurb for this book and it made me want to read it, however I found that it was hard to get into and that the first half of the book took to long. The second half of the book picked up the pace but then moved through too fast.

i enjoyed learning more about Deka and following her journey of self discovery and learning to be who she is and not let anyone put her down.

I feel like I need to review this in two parts: the story and the message.

Story-wise, this was a solid book. I wouldn't necessarily say it's the best I've read, but it was strong, especially for a debut novel. The story was a somewhat predictable but didn't feel like a rehash of the same tropes and traps found in YA fantasy. I don't know if it's Forna's skill as storyteller or background in TV/film production, but the setting and descriptions sparked such vivid images the whole time I was reading it. I wish there'd been more character development (maybe some of that will be fleshed out a bit more in the final manuscript), but the story was so compelling it actually didn't bother me too much.

I felt like the whole feminist messaging was a bit clumsily done. I really just chose this because of its cover, so I didn't really go into it with knowing much about the book or with any expectations. (I think maybe if I'd read the summary beforehand, I might've had a better idea of what I was getting myself into and managed my expectations better? But then again, maybe not.) Anyway, authors can write whatever they want however they want, but I kinda miss the use of subtlety in art. Forna mentioned how her experiences growing up in Sierra Leone and studies in feminism and religion were foundational in writing this book which is her prerogative; I just wish she'd given her readers the benefit of the doubt and trusted them to connect the dots instead of spelling out every single thing for them. Like, the whole "down with the patriarchy!" was a little heavy-handed and the oppressive religion she'd created and its real life parallels were kind of in your face.

According to Goodreads (which I know isn't always accurate,) this is the first of three in the series. I'm a little wary if that's the case because I don't really see how this can extend into a sequel, let alone a trilogy. That being said, I will read any subsequent books set in Otera just because I'm kind of curious where the story would go from here.

This is an absolute 5 star read. It is not my usual choice, but I had heard so much that I had to read it. It is definitely one of those that you can't put down. Wonderful characters and a plot that hooks you in, right from the beginning. A fantastic read for the 14+ age group.

You know it always a bit scared to received a book that is so hyped before it released, you hope to like it, but you don't really know what to exepect.

We are in a patriarcal society where women are supposed to stayed at home, take care of the men and be sweet and silence. Every girls at the age of sixteen has a test wich revealed if they are pure or if they are demons. And as you may guess our MC Deka is seemily not pure. Following this test her livre is quite different and her choice is death or fight. I have to say the world building of this book is not easy to read when you are a women in a country with a lot of freedoms, it is hard to see the women be beaten, silenced and used in so many bad way. Deka stay strong, she is a positive person and she was a great MC.

For the plot, I had a great time, some good twists and suprises and the pacing was entertaining and strong. This book was really what I like in YA fantasy : strong MC, great mythology and world-building and fun plot.

So if you hesitated because of the hyped this book is great and I am curious si read the next ones.

"They might need us now because we’re valuable, might pretend to accept us, to reward us—but never forget what they did to us first. If they did it once, Deka, they’ll surely do it again, no matter the flowery promises they give."

This was such a beautiful book, inside and out. Namina Forna has created an intriguing world with a detailed magic system, an intricate history, and amazing characters that are simply mind blowing and unforgettable.

Deka of Irfut has my heart forever and it's hers to do with as she so pleases. Deka is an admirable heroine, and is everything I want in a YA Fantasy heroine, and then some. Reading about her exploits and watching her come into her power is so heartwarming and inspiring.

The characters in this book were great - the good, the bad, and the morally grey. It's hard not to root for the alaki and they make it so worth it. It's a band of outcasts - girls who are told they would never amount to anything, becoming the kingdom's last hope against deathshrieks. These girls have been through a lot and there was a lot of graphic description of torture and the different horrors they've faced.

"And that’s the worst part of it. The physical body—it heals. The scars fade. But the memories are forever. Even when you forget, they remain inside, taunting you, resurfacing when you least expect."

For a YA Fantasy, this book had so many twists and turns and reveals. The ending was so satisfying and I love how things wrapped up - I can't wait for book two, because I can't wait to see what happens next after THAT ending.

"They taught us alaki to suffer, but they also taught us to survive—to conquer. And we will use those lessons. It’s time to take up our swords once more"

The feminist nature of this book was really something. I love how the author structured it and then dismantled it. It was integral to the world building and the plot, and everything was so well done. This is a masterpiece of a book.

"The way I see it, we all have a choice right now. Are we girls, or are we demons? Are we going to die, or are we going to survive?"

I have so many highlights of favorite quotes from this book I could share for days. It gripped me from start to finish, and I can't wait for everyone to experience the beauty that is "The Gilded Ones"

I received a DRC from the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for my impartial review. This review was written voluntarily.

I am not a YA fan, but the very pretty book cover drew me. It‘s a debut novel.

Deka grows up in a society that discriminates against her due to her gender and skin colour. Women are helpmates, there to elevate men. And they have to prove they are pure, to be allowed to fulfill this submissive role. Deka is determined to do her best and conform, but predictably that doesn‘t work out so well. She fails her test spectacularly and is forced to take another path. That leads her to meet other girls like her. Or rather, similar to her. She is special.

Trigger warning: The Gilded Ones includes scenes of sometimes graphic violence, torture, hints of rape (off-screen, in the past) and child abuse. Strong stuff for YA. The main characters are mainly 16-year-olds with symptoms of PTSD. I would not recommend this for anyone younger than that. In the first half of the book this feels more like adult grimdark.

The world building could be more comprehensive, there are a lot of holes or very slim explanations. The author jumps weeks and months, that could have helped to flesh out this world and the characters. New things happen and the reader just gets a brief sentence to give context. A lot of telling instead of showing.

After a slow start and light build-up the story is actually quite entertaining at first, despite all of the above. It‘s all quite straight forward and a fairly typical set-up for this type of YA. Unusual youth in hard circumstances, being shunned and fighting her way to to a better future, proving her worth and showing everybody how special she is. A typical coming of age story of an underdog, with a war against monsters thrown in, with focus on racism and women’s rights and lack thereof. I could have done without the shown brutality.

Around two thirds into the book, with chapter 22, the story became a little more mysterious. And then Ixa showed up and I was enchanted. Sadly this didn‘t last till the great finale. Towards the end it all got a little to surreal and abrupt and Deka and her companions were just too easily convinced and uncritical for my taste. And it was all a bit too easy.

I also never connected emotionally to Deka or the other characters, despite the horrors they go through.

There is some light romance, but it‘s not essential to the story.

It is very unlikely that I will continue with this trilogy.

Bottomline this was ok for YA, a bit too much in its descriptions of physical violence for that age group. I was lacking coherent plot and character development. It was all a bit too straight forward and simple for me and with too many gaps in the narrative. Based on the book description I expected more critical thoughts on racism and feminism. They were there, but treated fairly superficially.

In the beginning I thought this would be a four-star book, but the later half of the book didn‘t keep up, so I am somewhere around three stars.

I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you! #TheGildedOnes #NetGalley

The magic is awesome, the creatures are awesome, the girl-uh-things are awesome! This is a female empowerment book and I liked that. There is some talk about torture and rape, which are mostly just mentioned but it’s enough to want to kill some bastards and feel super bad for these people.

I’m looking forward to the next book. Okay, no I’m not. Let’s just leave it like it is in case something extremely bad happens to my peeps 😳 Well, more extremely bad. Just read it and you’ll know what I’m talking about!!

When I read a YA fantasy, I have certain expectations and some of that is that I will see familiar tropes, storylines and features to the story. The Gilded Ones bucked the trends and delivered on what felt to be a particularly unique story.

Deka the main character, was a young woman who was oppressed and as her inital true nature was revealed, her kind was reviled, a demon of these lands. There were so many more reveals to come but the idea of a race that was tortured and persecuted made for a compelling story.

The Gilded Ones was a story mainly about women and it was a story steeped in misogyny. Otera was a land that favoured male roles and oppressed women and girls. There were themes that were difficult to read and witness but there were hopeful and empowering elements woven through this story. There were also some great twists to the story as characters were revealed. I appreciate a storyline that makes you question what you initally thought.

This was a complex world but the world-building was layered in a way that didn’t confuse and brought you along the journey at a pace that worked. I will definitely be continuing with this series and I am impressed by Namina Forna’s debut.

Thank you to Usbourne Publishing for the early review copy.

I really enjoyed this book, it was quite entertainening.
The character were interesting (with the main flaw being that the main characte ended a bit like an overpowered Mary Sue, but I can live with that), the world building was great and I really liked the story. There is also the seed for a potential F/F romance, and I really hope it will appears in future volumes, because I'm rooting for those 2 young woman.

This is the first instalment in the Deathless series.

Deka has spent the first sixteen years of her life attempting to master the docility and obedience expected from a pure girl and can only hope it will be enough - enough to allow her to pass the purity ceremony, enough to allow her blood to run the expected red instead of the cursed gold of impure girls, and enough to save her father from his certain death if she were to be found wanting in any way. The ceremony arrives but Deka never makes it to the stage before she is savagely sliced open by one of her kin and her blood spilled for all around to see. It runs red then gold and, from that moment, Deka is doomed.

Quite honestly, this book sounded interesting but was first on my radar for that gorgeous cover alone. I am so glad what lay behind it lived up to everything I was anticipating. Hell yeah for unique and female-centred fantasy creations!

Deka's story was one marred with tragedy, which made this a very emotional piece. The reader was never provided with much time to grieve for Deka's losses nor feel the pain for the wrongs inflicted upon her, however, before a new setting was travelled to, a new enemy faced upon the battle field, or a new discovery laboriously unearthed. These entire 400 bloody and brutal pages flew by at break-neck speed and yet, somehow, Forna never sacrificed the creation of this world or the construction of her characters to deliver such a fast-paced story-line.

One of my favourite aspects was the female friendships this centred upon. Deka and her bloodsisters were an impenetrable group of allies and a savage force to be reckoned with. Their shared message about inclusivity and inner-strength proved, yet again, to make this a poignant story. I finished this already longing for book two in my hands and can't wait for their adventures to continue, the power they so rightfully deserved to be delivered, and to journey along with them as they grasp it for their own. The Patriarchy has had its day and now its time for the demon girls, and their golden blood, to shine.

The cover of this brilliant book got me excited to read it before I started. It’s the next in a line of recent female hero adventures but with much, much more. LGBT+ representation, persons of all colours and backgrounds. The characters are really relatable and I really enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot.

This is a story of young women who regenerate from most injuries and even death coming together to fight a common enemy and become ‘pure’ only to find out that all of that is a patriarchal construct and the religion is designed to suppress women and irradiate their kind. I loved the weaving of this story and the message that we can all (men or women) fight for what is right. Loved it!

I requested this book on a whim, i hadn't heard anything about it but thought i would take the chance. I'm very pleased i did as i found this to be a great story. This was a very quick read for me and I think would appeal to all that enjoy YA fantasy.

I found this story to be a chill, enjoyable and quick read. The world building was exactly what I needed out of this book. It wasn't overly complicated or info-dumpy. Instead it was sprinkled throughout the plot at relevant moments.

I'd recommend this to fantasy lovers who aren't keen on heavy/in your face romance or constantly tense/high action books.

The romance that is included is so wholesome, but it isn't only the romantic relationship that's wholesome, the friendships are as well. There weren't any girl fights for the sake of the male gaze or crab in barrel syndrome, just a group of girls making the best of a horrible situation and supporting each other through it all.

I can't wait for book 2!

In a world where a woman's purpose is solely to serve the men around her, and where girls are tested for 'purity' by the colour of their blood, sixteen-year-old Deka doesn't need an official pronouncement to tell her she doesn't belong. But when 'deathshriek' monsters attack her village and she finds she can command them to leave, she begins to realise she is a lot more different than she previously thought.

Marked as demonic by her village priests and subjected to cruel, gory punishments for nothing more than being 'other', Deka's tale demonstrates the harsh effects of a patriarchal, exclusive society with no room for divergence or diversity.

Then she is taken to a training ground filled with girls like her, preparing to fight the deathshrieks in a bid to win back their freedom, such as it is. There she meets a band of friends – a beautiful found family I found myself rooting for – and a male partner, Keita, sworn to fight at her side.

I adored the group of friends, what they each represented, and the way they supported each other despite their differences. I appreciated the partnership between Deka and Keita, too – their budding romance did not interfere with the fast-paced action of the plot, and restored my faith in equality by leading by example.

More than anything, I enjoyed the tale's twisty nature. As soon as I thought I had grasped what was going on, some new truth was revealed that turned everything on its head. I would recommend this book to those who love YA fantasy, badass female heroines and fictional representations of societal issues.

This book had very good story concept. It dealt with so many issues through fiction. The characters were so well written. The girl friendship of the book just sold the book for me. Definitely a book to look out for next year.

Thanks to Usborne Publishing and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not really going to spend a whole lot of time talking about the plot of this book. It's a pretty generic YA fantasy story. A young girl finds out she has some mysterious powers, bad things happen, she goes on a journey of discovery in which secrets are revealed and there's a handsome boy.

The events are quite brutal from the outset of the book so maybe not one for the squeamish. The author takes some risks with how dark some of the story gets which I appreciated. Deka herself is a likeable heroine, she is conflicted and overall pretty well rounded. The supporting characters were significantly weaker in my opinion except for White Hands who was fabulous and Britta...if I'm being fair. I felt like the romance subplot and love interest seemed shoehorned in and I didn't feel any sense of chemistry between Deka and him (see, I've forgotten his name already).

The setting was pretty cool with some subtle world-building and I liked the backstory of The Gilded Ones and how we were drip-fed information bit by bit so that there wasn't some lengthy exposition thrown in. I did get a sense of where the story was going though. The pacing felt a bit off, I can't really place my finger on it and it can be hard to tell on Kindle how big a book is but it felt like a chonk as there were parts I felt it dragged.

Overall I did enjoy reading it but I'm not sure I'll rush to read the sequel because I feel like I know where it is going and I didn't engage with any of the characters enough to really care about where they go next.

This is a book about oppression. It's about how the oppressed buy into the theories of the oppressors to such an extent that they believe they deserve to be treated the way they are. In this book the oppressed are women who believe that they have to be 'pure', and don't question the fact that it is men who decide what 'pure' is. In this case case the 'impure' young woman is in fact the most powerful being who's existed for centuries - but it takes most of the book to convince her that she, and her kind, do not deserve the vilification and treatment they receive because of who they are. Even sadder is that it takes such powerful women to break the bonds of the oppression. It's told in the form of a fantasy, but the sad thing is that this sort of oppression exists very much in the real world as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for a free Advanced Review Copy of this book.

Namina Forna is a new author to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The book cover and description appealed to me. What can I say? ... I'm so pleased that I gave this book and writer a go. Namina Forna is now on my list of auto-buy authors.

In one word: Brilliant.

I loved this book from start to finish. The world-building, description, and character development were all done wonderfully. The Gilded Ones is one of the best books I've read this year, and I'll be looking out for more books by this amazing author.

Though this is a fantasy YA read, it is both graphic and to the point. The storyline reflects the plight of so many women around the world today. This book brings a strong and much-needed reminder of just how much things still need to change. If you love a story of love, courage, and hope, then you'll love this awesome coming-of-age, African-inspired novel. Even if YA isn't your usual genre, I would recommend that you give this book a chance. I cannot rate it highly enough.

The Gilded Ones gets a resounding 5 stars from me.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

It has taken me a few weeks to write a review for this because all I had in my head was “WOW!”. So much to take in I didn’t know where to start.

This is a pretty graphic book, depicting war, torture and violence. Although a fantasy novel, so much resonates with today and the treatment of women around the world. The women who have to cover their faces and have no rights, the tortured women, and the women who become the hunters and treat their own kind worse than the men.

Deka has gold blood. This is the worst possible outcome for a girl. She faces persecution and torture. She is destined to die or fight for the Emperor with other girls like her. On her journey she finds friendship and love. She learns about her strengths and superpowers and how, as a girl she can protect the boys she works with.

A powerful and boldly written novel which makes a stand for all women in the world who have suffered and are still suffering at the hands of men and women who hold power.

I could not put this down. A very graphic read which would make a great adult book club read too.

4.5 stars!

I wasn’t sure what to exactly expect from this book, but wow was this incredible.

‘The Gilded Ones’ follows the story of girls who have to go through a ritual to find out if they are pure or not. Deka finds out she isn’t pure and continues to be torture until eventually she is sent to a camp with other girls like her (Alaki) to destroy the enemies in their country.

It it a high fantasy novel with violence, romance, friendship and action. (Please check trigger warnings before hand as their is a lot of talk and description of violence and some sensitive topics). I loved the fact that the book dealt with many problems within society, with racism, xenophobia, inequality and misogyny, Very important topics within society.

This book also includes a POC amazing main character and a f/f relationship which is lovely to see!

There are only a couple of negatives of this book. It can be quite confusing when learning about the world but once you grasp that it is okay! Also the beginning, particularly starting at the camp, can be quite slow and repetitive but the rest of the book makes up for that.

I really loved this book and can’t wait to see what comes next. Thank you so much to Netgalley, publishers and the author for this free copy in exchange for an honest review)