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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
slow-paced
I was interested in some parts of this story. I didn’t love the writing style so I’m debating if I want to read the sequels.
3.5*
I love world-building in this fast-paced, feminist YA fantasy novel. The mythology is fascinating, as are the numerous settings throughout Otera. The characters are also well-written and easy to root for while also demonstrating growth.
At times, certain plot points felt somewhat random, as though the author decided key pieces of the mythology would be neat to incorporate last minute and seemed to contradict earlier information. It didn’t seem like the book was planned out thoroughly, or if it were, pieces weren’t fully fleshed out. It was also tough to understand the motives behind some of they important plot points and to support why they happened when simpler solutions could have been made.
Also, there were quite a few cliche/tropey sayings about friendship and love for me- this is a super silly criticism (but I’m adding it nonetheless).
Overall- I would recommend this book for lovers of fantasy and strong female leads. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I love world-building in this fast-paced, feminist YA fantasy novel. The mythology is fascinating, as are the numerous settings throughout Otera. The characters are also well-written and easy to root for while also demonstrating growth.
At times, certain plot points felt somewhat random, as though the author decided key pieces of the mythology would be neat to incorporate last minute and seemed to contradict earlier information. It didn’t seem like the book was planned out thoroughly, or if it were, pieces weren’t fully fleshed out. It was also tough to understand the motives behind some of they important plot points and to support why they happened when simpler solutions could have been made.
Also, there were quite a few cliche/tropey sayings about friendship and love for me- this is a super silly criticism (but I’m adding it nonetheless).
Overall- I would recommend this book for lovers of fantasy and strong female leads. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
5/5 Stars
If you aren’t reading this book, what are you doing?!
I haven’t been this invested in a book series in a hot minute. The Gilded Ones completely gripped me from the first chapter and did not let go. The premise is wildly original, blending West African-inspired mythology with powerful themes of sisterhood, identity, and rebellion. It’s dark, fast-paced, and full of twists that had me gasping out loud.
Deka is such a compelling main character—watching her unravel the truth about her powers, her world, and herself was incredibly satisfying. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the stakes just keep climbing.
Audiobook lovers: the narration is stellar. The voice actor brought so much life and emotion to the characters, I was completely immersed the whole time. Highly recommend listening if you’re an audiobook fan.
Already diving into book two because I need more of this world ASAP. If you’re into fantasy with fierce female leads, found family, and high-stakes action, this one’s a must-read.
If you aren’t reading this book, what are you doing?!
I haven’t been this invested in a book series in a hot minute. The Gilded Ones completely gripped me from the first chapter and did not let go. The premise is wildly original, blending West African-inspired mythology with powerful themes of sisterhood, identity, and rebellion. It’s dark, fast-paced, and full of twists that had me gasping out loud.
Deka is such a compelling main character—watching her unravel the truth about her powers, her world, and herself was incredibly satisfying. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the stakes just keep climbing.
Audiobook lovers: the narration is stellar. The voice actor brought so much life and emotion to the characters, I was completely immersed the whole time. Highly recommend listening if you’re an audiobook fan.
Already diving into book two because I need more of this world ASAP. If you’re into fantasy with fierce female leads, found family, and high-stakes action, this one’s a must-read.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
I thought this was a brilliant first book. The world is fascinating and I’m intrigued to learn more. The characters have great depth to them and the character arcs are really well fleshed out. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this journey and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Murder, War
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Great story, but some elements are very repetitive throughout the series
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Good story building with lots of potential but could have been written better for the plot and story to be more interesting and less predictable. Also, the romance was unnecessary and dull.