Reviews - The Gilded Ones | The StoryGraph

7.14k reviews for:

The Gilded Ones

Namina Forna

3.99 AVERAGE

tullock23's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad 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: Yes

mangocult's review against another edition

4.0

Add this to your "examining the Divine Feminine" reading list. It's not theory, it's not academic, it's not liturgical, but something about it feels undeniably healing. Taking beauty from monstrosity, taking rehabilitation from trauma, taking strength from destruction, taking empowerment from disenfranchisement, reveling in the love and sanctity of found and chosen families... The Gilded Ones does it all.

This isn't some grand mystery novel, and it's not a demanding read. The author's pacing and little breadcrumb trail are pretty straightforward, and you'll put the many twists and turns together a bit ahead of schedule plot-wise, but that feels wholly intended. Even given the perhaps-a-bit-predictable moments, this was a fun and satisfying reading experience. Yes, I cried at the end. Several times. No shame.

Also... I accidentally imagined the voice of Kelly Macdonald (of "The Decoy Bride" and "Brave" fame) when a certain character spoke her first line, and now I think my brain has made that assignment permanent. If I'm being honest, it's delightfully endearing. That character might actually be my favorite in the entire book.

Related Vibes: Gregor the Overlander (I've either got to stop comparing other books to The Underland Chronicles or I've got to stop reading similar books), the Boneless Mercies, House of Night, Cemetery Boys, and a little bit of The Handmaid's Tale if you wish it THT had giant gorillas and a lot more gold, but less rape and a lot fewer babies, than Margaret Atwood bestowed upon it.

booksandchocaholic's review against another edition

4.0

This was certainly a very fem positive book. I really appreciated the sisterhood, comradery and support between the girls was also incredibly refreshing. The world and society were also incredibly fascinating. The patriarchal side of things was of course on the more extreme end to emphasise female social and political issues. The social commentary was therefore very blatant but still good. The plot in and of itself wasn't the most original but paired with the writing style and a unique society it worked well. Deka as a protagonist was also very compelling. I did like that she progressed over the course of the story from subjugated to survivor to strong. The do think some of the transitions in her behaviour and beliefs were a little too sudden and jarring but generally I think it was a decent enough progression. Overall it is certainly a book I would highly recommend.

nyxnadala's review against another edition

4.25

adventurous challenging informative inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

rachelrubin's review against another edition

4.0

A West African-inspired fantasy full of magic, demons, beasts, great friendships and romance is supposed to be Young Adult but there is a lot of violence, abuse, and even rape. That said, it is a well written female empowerment story which will take you on an escape from reality as you join this unique journey. Loved the way it all came together in the end.

parke20j's review against another edition

2.5

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

xiaojuzi00's review against another edition

4.0

It is a really great book. However, I think the development of the story is too fast, as if it lacked steps but maybe it will make sense in the next book...