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story_goblin's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
I was slightly concerned at the beginning because something seemed off and uncomfortable about the Mothers but once it became apparent that that was on purpose, I got even more into the book than I expected to. There are very few (no?) other books that so deftly address the nuance and complications of true conflict like this one- maybe Hunger Games, but it's been too long since I've read them. All the characters have differing and complex reasons for participating in the conflict they ways that they do, and precious few (only 1, which is honestly arguable) of those reasons are "I'm just evil". As much as I want and need stories that give me hope that humanity can find a way to stop destroying everything, many of those stories oversimplify into villain vs hero. This book does not. I am slightly worried about where the next book is going- Deka being a goddess instead of humanity's rescue being human despite the very strong religion corrupts messages - but Forna surprised me with the first two books, so I'll absolutely give her the chance to surprise me again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Religious bigotry, Violence, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Misogyny
Moderate: Blood, Murder, Sexual violence, Torture, and Rape
Minor: Pregnancy, Classism, Cursing, and Homophobia
books4bee's review
dark
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Torture, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Confinement, Death of parent, Death, Genocide, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Rape
elizajaquays's review
adventurous
dark
tense
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? Yes
4.5
The Gilded Ones was one of my top five reads of 2021, so I was so excited to receive an ARC through NetGalley from Delacorte Press. Thank you so much for the opportunity! I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
We are immediately thrust into action with Deka dealing with the aftermath of what happens when you depose an Emperor but are powerless to enact immediate change. Much like in The Gilded Ones, the book does not shy away from graphic descriptions of war—both for those in the army and the civilian bystanders. They may have overthrown a corrupt emperor, but the world is still not a safe place for women.
What I love most about Deka’s story is that every turn, she is constantly rediscovering what it means to be the Nuru to the Goddesses and that we are learning right alongside her. If there is information that we as readers don’t have, it is because Deka also doesn’t have that information (and is most likely doing her best to uncover it). We are right there with her, struggling to determine who is trustworthy and what the cost will be if she trusts the wrong person. Well, that might be my second favorite thing about this book. What I truly love most about her story is her ride or die friendships that she’s built. It’s truly a story of found family who would do anythign to protect each other. There is no mountain too high, no army too large.
The thing that drew me out of the story the most was some of the repeated phrases and scenes, to the point where I was flipping back to make sure I didn’t lose my place and reread a scene. There were subtle differences between them and it was rarely anything over a few lines at a time, but it was definitely a bit jarring and felt like it was a heavy-handed way to say “hey this bit is important.” The only other issue I had with it was that most of the advertising I’d come across didn’t specify that this was a middle book and even when searching, I only found a couple of references mentioning that this was a planned trilogy. I think if I had engaged with it knowing it was not the final book in the series I would have enjoyed it more.
But I still had an excellent time reading it and am so excited for the next book in the series!
We are immediately thrust into action with Deka dealing with the aftermath of what happens when you depose an Emperor but are powerless to enact immediate change. Much like in The Gilded Ones, the book does not shy away from graphic descriptions of war—both for those in the army and the civilian bystanders. They may have overthrown a corrupt emperor, but the world is still not a safe place for women.
What I love most about Deka’s story is that every turn, she is constantly rediscovering what it means to be the Nuru to the Goddesses and that we are learning right alongside her. If there is information that we as readers don’t have, it is because Deka also doesn’t have that information (and is most likely doing her best to uncover it). We are right there with her, struggling to determine who is trustworthy and what the cost will be if she trusts the wrong person. Well, that might be my second favorite thing about this book. What I truly love most about her story is her ride or die friendships that she’s built. It’s truly a story of found family who would do anythign to protect each other. There is no mountain too high, no army too large.
The thing that drew me out of the story the most was some of the repeated phrases and scenes, to the point where I was flipping back to make sure I didn’t lose my place and reread a scene. There were subtle differences between them and it was rarely anything over a few lines at a time, but it was definitely a bit jarring and felt like it was a heavy-handed way to say “hey this bit is important.” The only other issue I had with it was that most of the advertising I’d come across didn’t specify that this was a middle book and even when searching, I only found a couple of references mentioning that this was a planned trilogy. I think if I had engaged with it knowing it was not the final book in the series I would have enjoyed it more.
But I still had an excellent time reading it and am so excited for the next book in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Blood, Misogyny, Murder, Violence, War, and Death
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