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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastical, supernatural, feminist and intense.
4.5 stars.
There is messages about how women are treated in society woven straight through this novel. An extreme example based in fantasy, it will still hit home as readers see the imbalance and warped attitudes towards females from the very start.
But this is a fabulous fantasy. Starting in a small village, with an adolescent girl, Deka, anticipating the ceremony that will prove her a member of her people with the red blood she must show she possesses. Anything else... well, it doesn't bear thinking about.
Deka's ceremonial day does not bring her the normality and acceptance she craves, she finds herself in her worst nightmare as even her humanity is questioned, her differences exploited. Until a form of escape comes, but one that will bind her to a different life and path in order to be granted the freedom and forgiveness she seeks.
The story gives us scenes of training and bonding, a love story, female friendship, politics, and a mythology that explains the story and history of the young women Deka finds herself living amongst.
Deka herself is sympathetic, some scenes very graphic to observe, her strength and transformation nicely developed. There are other characters that are quite vividly portrayed and are visible on the page, girls with histories, boys with emotions.
I enjoyed Deka's story, the mythology element less so. I was reminded of the Chaos Walking trilogy a few times, with the antagonists' point of view clearly one we need to hear, along with Deka.
Loved the setting of this, with the fantasy element included. This would make a visibly spectacular film, with some great roles and themes.
Exciting and pacey fantasy in a less-familiar setting. One for ages 13 and above.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.
4.5 stars.
There is messages about how women are treated in society woven straight through this novel. An extreme example based in fantasy, it will still hit home as readers see the imbalance and warped attitudes towards females from the very start.
But this is a fabulous fantasy. Starting in a small village, with an adolescent girl, Deka, anticipating the ceremony that will prove her a member of her people with the red blood she must show she possesses. Anything else... well, it doesn't bear thinking about.
Deka's ceremonial day does not bring her the normality and acceptance she craves, she finds herself in her worst nightmare as even her humanity is questioned, her differences exploited. Until a form of escape comes, but one that will bind her to a different life and path in order to be granted the freedom and forgiveness she seeks.
The story gives us scenes of training and bonding, a love story, female friendship, politics, and a mythology that explains the story and history of the young women Deka finds herself living amongst.
Deka herself is sympathetic, some scenes very graphic to observe, her strength and transformation nicely developed. There are other characters that are quite vividly portrayed and are visible on the page, girls with histories, boys with emotions.
I enjoyed Deka's story, the mythology element less so. I was reminded of the Chaos Walking trilogy a few times, with the antagonists' point of view clearly one we need to hear, along with Deka.
Loved the setting of this, with the fantasy element included. This would make a visibly spectacular film, with some great roles and themes.
Exciting and pacey fantasy in a less-familiar setting. One for ages 13 and above.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.
atvreads's review against another edition
4.0
The Gilded Ones is the feminist high fantasy we’ve been dreaming of since Tomi Adeyemi punched through the snow-capped peaks of fantasy publishing in 2018. Because of her work and many others, works like The Gilded Ones have a foundation to build and stretch and grow.
What’s it about?
-a horrific patriarchal world where the usual suspects reign: racism, classism, anti-blackness, misogyny, xenophobia, and girls are mutilated in a public “bleeding” ceremony in their 15th year
-this ritual is a public mutilation that the village “priests” perform by cutting the chests of the girls in front of everyone
-if the girls are “pure,” meaning their blood runs red, it’s open season for the males in town to begin practically bidding on the girls like a prize sow
-but, if a girl is deemed “impure,” she is... well, terrible terrible things happen to her (spoilers and triggers for trauma and graphic violence at this part)
-enter White Hands, Warthu Beru, the Jatu warriors, and the Alaki
Why you need to read this book:
Because of this quote right here, “are we girls or are we demons?”
What’s it about?
-a horrific patriarchal world where the usual suspects reign: racism, classism, anti-blackness, misogyny, xenophobia, and girls are mutilated in a public “bleeding” ceremony in their 15th year
-this ritual is a public mutilation that the village “priests” perform by cutting the chests of the girls in front of everyone
-if the girls are “pure,” meaning their blood runs red, it’s open season for the males in town to begin practically bidding on the girls like a prize sow
-but, if a girl is deemed “impure,” she is... well, terrible terrible things happen to her (spoilers and triggers for trauma and graphic violence at this part)
-enter White Hands, Warthu Beru, the Jatu warriors, and the Alaki
Why you need to read this book:
Because of this quote right here, “are we girls or are we demons?”
osbormad's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
kindrameda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.25
amy_j18's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0
rachelfaye's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn’t put down! Only significant critique is how the female queer character’s attraction to girls is portrayed when she reveals it. I can’t describe it but it’s similar to other portrayals that I don’t feel comfortable with. But loved the book and can’t wait to read the next one!
birdyinthewild's review against another edition
4.0
Dear Girls and/or Demons,
I loved this and so glad that I already grab the second and third book, while at the library.
This was an interesting, YA, debut fantasy.
Tween to teen- year old me would have loved this! Rage against the system, coming-of-age story with a diverse and lovely cast. The magic system is simple enough to make up for not being perfectly flushed out. The plot and pacing is perfect.
Are we girls or are we demons? Honestly, I’d pick demon too. And I cheered for Deka and her found family the whole time!
This book will possibly seem boring and predictable for an adult fantasy-lover. For its intended audience, this is an excellent read and has all the parts of a great fantasy.
👏👏👏 Amazing! And By the time you’ve read this I’ve already grabbed the sequel!
I loved this and so glad that I already grab the second and third book, while at the library.
This was an interesting, YA, debut fantasy.
Tween to teen- year old me would have loved this! Rage against the system, coming-of-age story with a diverse and lovely cast. The magic system is simple enough to make up for not being perfectly flushed out. The plot and pacing is perfect.
Are we girls or are we demons? Honestly, I’d pick demon too. And I cheered for Deka and her found family the whole time!
This book will possibly seem boring and predictable for an adult fantasy-lover. For its intended audience, this is an excellent read and has all the parts of a great fantasy.
👏👏👏 Amazing! And By the time you’ve read this I’ve already grabbed the sequel!
spencer0o7's review against another edition
2.0
I actually originally picked this book up cause of the author being from sierra leone, like me!
I had so much trouble with this book especially in the middle. It felt kind of repetitive and the fantasy elements weren’t really my thing either. But im glad I stuck with it. The payoff is great and i loved the lore. If you like fantasy books and messages of overcoming sexism this is def for you.
I had so much trouble with this book especially in the middle. It felt kind of repetitive and the fantasy elements weren’t really my thing either. But im glad I stuck with it. The payoff is great and i loved the lore. If you like fantasy books and messages of overcoming sexism this is def for you.
shaunashares's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0