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otaryseal's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
megsreads's review against another edition
5.0
An unjust patriarchal society. A girl unsure of herself. A destiny she could have never dreamed of.
Deka is a 16 year old girl who lives in Irfut, a village in the West-African inspired country of Otera. Under the watchful eyes of Oyomo, the god that all Oterans worship, every teenage girl must undergo the Ritual of Purity. This ceremony determines whether their blood is pure (red) or impure (gold). Those deemed impure are referred to as alaki, almost immortal demons with special gifts, and are sentenced to death. But their death may not be their final death, that is, they may have to die multiple times before they stay dead. When Deka is determined to be an alaki, a mysterious woman shows up and gives her a choice: stay in Irfut and be put to death, or join the emperor’s army of alaki. As only one of those options keeps her alive, she chooses to leave with the woman and accepts her fate as a soldier of the emperor.
This imaginative tale was a pretty light read and still managed to be everything I want in a YA. Female empowerment, twists and turns, an unexpected villain, and a light-hearted romance that wasn’t the center of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Girls aren’t allowed to be near sharp things from the moment they turn fifteen until the day after they’re proven by the Ritual of Purity. The Infinite Wisdoms forbid it, ensuring that we do not bleed a drop before the Ritual.
Deka is a 16 year old girl who lives in Irfut, a village in the West-African inspired country of Otera. Under the watchful eyes of Oyomo, the god that all Oterans worship, every teenage girl must undergo the Ritual of Purity. This ceremony determines whether their blood is pure (red) or impure (gold). Those deemed impure are referred to as alaki, almost immortal demons with special gifts, and are sentenced to death. But their death may not be their final death, that is, they may have to die multiple times before they stay dead. When Deka is determined to be an alaki, a mysterious woman shows up and gives her a choice: stay in Irfut and be put to death, or join the emperor’s army of alaki. As only one of those options keeps her alive, she chooses to leave with the woman and accepts her fate as a soldier of the emperor.
This imaginative tale was a pretty light read and still managed to be everything I want in a YA. Female empowerment, twists and turns, an unexpected villain, and a light-hearted romance that wasn’t the center of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
sdloomer's review against another edition
2.0
I really like the idea of different color blood determining different powers. Also girls fighting monsters.
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
5.0
Listening to this book is what pushed this from a 4 to a 5 star book for me. The cadence and name pronunciation allowed me to immerse into the story. The basic outline of the plot itself is pretty standard, but the writing was propulsive, the specifics were fun and unique and there was action throughout.
alyssa_max's review against another edition
3.0
Love a good story about strong women and female friendship. My disappointment here was with the world-building: for me, the descriptions of the world of Otera and the mythical creatures within it fell flat. I would've loved richer details to help me picture the author's vision more fully.
heremireadz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Misogyny, Blood, Murder, Sexism, Torture, and Death of parent
liekedevijfde's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
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? No
5.0
nicole_theythem's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Oh my goodness, this book was so good! I read this audiobook so fast and was sad that it ended. Immediately borrowed the second book on Libby. I loved the story and especially the twist towards the end. The twist had my jaw on the floor. I literally stood with my mouth a gasp for like 3 minutes. I loved the main character, Deka and her group of blood sisters. I'm already reading the second book and I can't wait to see what happens next. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone, but definitely to fantasy lovers. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.