Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

7 reviews

katemarie99's review against another edition

dark sad tense medium-paced

2.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Murder, Self harm, and Sexism

Minor: Suicide, Homophobia, Rape, Self harm, Slavery, Suicide attempt, Trafficking, Torture, and Sexual violence

_alyssar_'s review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Homophobia, Racism, Terminal illness, Violence, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Murder, Religious bigotry, Blood, Sexism, Sexual assault, Classism, Grief, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and War

tinyjude's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I am always ready for some book that stands for kicking the patriarchy in the ass. It follows many of the clichés typical of the ya fantasy genres but it is still very enjoyable (and is more diverse than the most known ya fantasy/sci-fi books). 

In addition, never had I imagined that I would enjoy again a straight main couple, but they were very cute and I loved how devoted he was to her. She deserves to be happy and not suffer any longer. 

Also, Ixa's sole existence adds points to the book. I LOVE TINY, AFORABLE AND FEROCIOUS CREATURES THAT ACCOMPANY THE PROTAGONIST AHHHHHHH

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Misogyny, Death, War, Violence, Stalking, and Sexual violence

Moderate: Murder, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, Gaslighting, Grief, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Pedophilia, and Rape

Minor: Homophobia and Lesbophobia

zluke's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

The plot was engaging throughout and the characters were explored well. The main character has a lot of growth throughout the book. There were a lot of questions and mysteries throughout the book which are steadily answered and mostly tied up by the end. Some things I found a little confusing but overall a great read. 

It was a lot more explicit in sexism/misogyny and violance than I expected going in. There is graphic torture quite early on and this continues through the book. I felt it was important to the story though and the book explores the emotional impacts of this on the characters well. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, Blood, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and Death

Moderate: Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, and Vomit

Minor: Lesbophobia, Body shaming, Confinement, Homophobia, and Pregnancy

corabookworm's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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? N/A

3.75

this book was good! it wasn’t at all close to what i was expecting, and i didn’t love it as much as i thought i would, but it was entertaining and intriguing enough that i’m excited for the sequel! i think my main problem was with the pacing of the book, the way it was written just didn’t allow me enough time to bond with the characters enough to care about them. however, i did like the friendships between them, and the found family was adorable. not to mention the plot, which was really good!! i loved the plot twists and the fight scenes, and the world building/magical creatures were super cool. overall, this book was a bit disappointing (my expectations were high) but still good. 👍 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Violence, Racism, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, War, Torture, Murder, Misogyny, and Confinement

Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, and Rape

Minor: Homophobia, Animal cruelty, Fire/Fire injury, and Pregnancy

*a lot of this book talks about or contains descriptions of blood, so be careful!*

plumpaperbacks's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

I went into The Gilded Ones expecting a fun fantasy story, and was surprised not only by its heavier themes but also by just how good it was from the very beginning.

This is one of the most unique, immersive stories I’ve read in some time. Forna created a brilliantly intricate world that, despite a few basic similarities to other fictional worlds, is overall unlike any I’ve read about before. The mythology is so vivid it nearly seems real, the creatures and setting so impressively creative, yet none of it is confusing or difficult to understand.

Forna outdid herself writing a complex, diverse and lovable cast of characters. Deka is a protagonist I rooted for as soon as I met her, and it took very little time for me to be equally charmed by her friends, Britta, Belcalis, and Adwapa. These girls have endured so many hardships and gotten stronger because of them, without losing their vulnerability or the best parts of their personalities. Not only were they all great on their own, but their friendship was phenomenal and so heartwarming. One of the best girl squads I’ve ever read about, undeniably.

I would say the romance was one of the best parts, but honestly, every part of this book could be described the same way. The romance is subtle until the final third of the book, when it becomes clear that Deka and Keita have feelings for each other that go beyond friendship. Their slow-burn romance is memorable because it’s written differently than those in so many other books. It’s focused not on passion and lust but a deep connection between two people, a tender, unwavering affection. I love them so much, more than I can express.

Although the ending was emotional in numerous ways, it wasn’t a cliffhanger, and I appreciate that very much. Even without one, I’m extremely eager for the second book. I’ll be eagerly awaiting any scrap of news I can find.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s spectacular in every aspect, and the fact that it’s Forna’s debut novel is mind-blowing. I can definitely see the Deathless trilogy becoming an all-time favorite, since the first book is already there. Highly, highly recommended for those who can handle the content.

Representation

• Black protagonist
• side characters of color (includes Black rep)
• sapphic side characters
• minor sapphic side romance (f/f)

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Murder, Gore, Death, Blood, Body horror, Torture, Misogyny, Sexism, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Racism, Racial slurs, Self harm, Xenophobia, Body shaming, and Panic attacks/disorders

Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, Genocide, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Homophobia, Pregnancy, Trafficking, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcoholism

It can be very grotesque at times, so be careful if you’re squeamish.

justabookworm's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense

• 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

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, Misogyny, Violence, Sexism, and Religious bigotry

Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, and Grief

Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Pedophilia, and Homophobia