3.99 AVERAGE

adventurous inspiring
adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I don’t want to spoil anything so I will keep it short. Deka is a total badass and this book is amazing and I cannot wait until the second book comes out. It’s called The Merciless Ones and I *think* it comes out later this year! GO. GET. THIS. BOOK. I promise you will not be disappointed.
adventurous emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Entralled from the start! Brilliantly written and a super unique magic system.
adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This book is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that delves into themes of identity, resilience, and societal norms. The story follows sixteen-year-old Deka, who lives in a patriarchal society where girls undergo a blood ceremony to determine their purity. When Deka’s blood runs gold, marking her as impure, she faces a fate worse than death. However, she is given a choice: stay and face her grim destiny or join an army of near-immortal girls like herself to fight for the emperor.
Forna’s world-building is rich and immersive, creating a vivid backdrop for Deka’s journey. The novel explores deep themes such as gender inequality and the struggle for acceptance, making it both a thrilling and thought-provoking read. The characters are diverse and well-developed, with Deka’s growth from a fearful girl to a powerful warrior being particularly compelling.
The action sequences are well-crafted, and the lore of the alaki—near-immortal warriors with unique abilities—adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. While the plot twists are somewhat predictable, they are executed effectively, keeping readers engaged until the end.
Overall, The Gilded Ones is a strong debut that promises an exciting series ahead. It’s a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy who appreciate stories with strong feminist themes and dynamic characters.

I can’t even given a proper review because I’m speechless. All I can say is YES
adventurous inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No