Scan barcode
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
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.megloveswords12's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexism, Torture, Xenophobia, and Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Vomit, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Murder, and Confinement
hungryandhappy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars
*ARC from NetGalley*
Take chosen one main character girl, give her immortality, add some golden blood, super strong monsters girls army, and deathshrieks. Yes, that's how the villains in the book are called because they shriek and they look very deadly or like death, you choose.
Deka is different from other girls, and not the way of the usual YA trope. She has black skin in a country where there are all white, blonde and with blue eyes. She's already looked at like an outsider so when her blood was deemed impure, running gold instead of red, she is tortured until a mysterious woman she called White Hands, offers her the choice of joining an army of girls just like her, the alaki. Just like that Deka's adventure starts, full of mystery, twists, but more importantly a found family unlike any other.
Deka's deep friendship with Britta was so sweet. Yes, there was a bit of romance in the story, but the friendship Deka makes while with the other alaki is truly was made this book even more remarkable in my eyes. We rarely see stories about friendships, people you trust and are willing to die protecting you and you protecting them. All the girls, with their suffering, came together to defeat the greater evil and accepted their monstrous selves. Because people call them monsters. Are they, though? Or are they more? That's for you to find out.
Excellently written, got me invested and afraid at the same time. Amazing first book of a series that I can consider unmissable. It has all the elements of a remarkable YA fantasy and it will get a lot of attention, I just know it.
*ARC from NetGalley*
Take chosen one main character girl, give her immortality, add some golden blood, super strong monsters girls army, and deathshrieks. Yes, that's how the villains in the book are called because they shriek and they look very deadly or like death, you choose.
Deka is different from other girls, and not the way of the usual YA trope. She has black skin in a country where there are all white, blonde and with blue eyes. She's already looked at like an outsider so when her blood was deemed impure, running gold instead of red, she is tortured until a mysterious woman she called White Hands, offers her the choice of joining an army of girls just like her, the alaki. Just like that Deka's adventure starts, full of mystery, twists, but more importantly a found family unlike any other.
Deka's deep friendship with Britta was so sweet. Yes, there was a bit of romance in the story, but the friendship Deka makes while with the other alaki is truly was made this book even more remarkable in my eyes. We rarely see stories about friendships, people you trust and are willing to die protecting you and you protecting them. All the girls, with their suffering, came together to defeat the greater evil and accepted their monstrous selves. Because people call them monsters. Are they, though? Or are they more? That's for you to find out.
Excellently written, got me invested and afraid at the same time. Amazing first book of a series that I can consider unmissable. It has all the elements of a remarkable YA fantasy and it will get a lot of attention, I just know it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Death, Gore, Murder, Racial slurs, Sexism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Rape
cuppacora's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
5.0
There is a reason I have already read this book twice in 2021. It is absolutely excellent, an amazing fantasy.
This book is brutal and harsh and comes with a whole heap of content warnings, but it is utterly brilliant. The character development is exquisite, and the twists in the story are breath-taking. Deka goes through so much, and I love how her relationship with herself and her world changes. I love the challenges to misogyny ad religious bigotry.
This book is brutal and harsh and comes with a whole heap of content warnings, but it is utterly brilliant. The character development is exquisite, and the twists in the story are breath-taking. Deka goes through so much, and I love how her relationship with herself and her world changes. I love the challenges to misogyny ad religious bigotry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gore, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Torture
More...