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katiesbookmarks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Solid 4 stars for me! I loved the world building and this was a great reprieve from the semi-typical Fae/mostly white-based mythology. I loved the characters and while the romance fell flat for me, I thought this was a really solid read. It’s marketed as YA and I definitely felt as a reader in my 30s, some traits of the MC bothered me, likely only due to her age - same for some aspects where I felt it was too much telling rather than showing. But I think this series would be great for anyone wanting to read more fantasy and adventure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Xenophobia, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
jesg78's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
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.
mollyv's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Child abuse, Trafficking, Violence, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Rape
xstar_girl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
onlyoko's review against another edition
3.0
I honestly had a really hard time reading this book, for two big reasons:
- First, the abundance of violence. I understand this book wants to show us how bad this world is for girls, but some stuff was *really* crude and hard to digest as there was no warning for it. It needs a huge trigger warning.
- Secondly, I found it really hard to appreciate Deka as a character, particularly in the first part of the book. It does get a lot better throught the story, but the fact that the character development happens off screen, in the "time skips", really makes it hard to relate to her and bear a story written through her eyes.
Finally, as a minor pet peeve, I was somewhat
- First, the abundance of violence. I understand this book wants to show us how bad this world is for girls, but some stuff was *really* crude and hard to digest as there was no warning for it. It needs a huge trigger warning.
- Secondly, I found it really hard to appreciate Deka as a character, particularly in the first part of the book. It does get a lot better throught the story, but the fact that the character development happens off screen, in the "time skips", really makes it hard to relate to her and bear a story written through her eyes.
Finally, as a minor pet peeve, I was somewhat
diamondbg's review against another edition
4.0
This was actually a very interesting read. I slowly had to get into the book but after that I was invested and I didn’t see the plot twist at the end (which In hindsight could’ve been predicted if you were paying more attention
anjolaslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
I first saw this book in a TikTok recommending it. I saw it again on my trip to Waterstones, and now I have finally finished reading it. I am definitely not disappointed with this one, I love this book.
The development of Deka was beautiful, the way she grew and learnt about the world around her, it was as if we were growing with her. I knew straight away that this book was a comment on the patriarchy of our world and I love it all the more for it.
I also think that it touches on the fear mongering of religion and how it can restrict the mind. I noticed that as Deka's mind was freed of the Infinite Wisdoms, she began to think more critically about everything and her eyes were opened to the 'Wisdoms' flaws and oppressive nature. Feel free to disagree with me, but as someone who is going through what Deka went through, but in relation to Christianity, I recognised it immediately.
The development of the sisterhood was also beautiful, I believe that it is a comment on the value of female friendships and friendship in general. I admire their close knit community and their immense loyalty and love for each other, I wish everyone discovers that kind of friendship and holds it dear.
I would definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the next one!
By the way, this is my very first book review, but expect better and more detailed reviews once I've got the hang of writing them
The development of Deka was beautiful, the way she grew and learnt about the world around her, it was as if we were growing with her. I knew straight away that this book was a comment on the patriarchy of our world and I love it all the more for it.
I also think that it touches on the fear mongering of religion and how it can restrict the mind. I noticed that as Deka's mind was freed of the Infinite Wisdoms, she began to think more critically about everything and her eyes were opened to the 'Wisdoms' flaws and oppressive nature. Feel free to disagree with me, but as someone who is going through what Deka went through, but in relation to Christianity, I recognised it immediately.
The development of the sisterhood was also beautiful, I believe that it is a comment on the value of female friendships and friendship in general. I admire their close knit community and their immense loyalty and love for each other, I wish everyone discovers that kind of friendship and holds it dear.
I would definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the next one!
By the way, this is my very first book review, but expect better and more detailed reviews once I've got the hang of writing them
lindzann's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book. Unlike so many other recent books I’ve read, this book kept me interested right from the beginning. I loved the story and how it unfolded with some unexpected twists. The Gilded Ones is certainly unlike any other I’ve read; a mix between dystopian and fantasy.
harleyrae's review against another edition
4.0
I found the ending to be slightly predictable, I had guessed the big reveal about halfway through. Though overall this was an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next book!