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anjiesnook'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!
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!
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
4/5
Ok I loved this book so much. The plot was great and I loved the characters. In the end I felt like the story ended beautifully, so I’m interested to see what the sequel holds.
Ok I loved this book so much. The plot was great and I loved the characters. In the end I felt like the story ended beautifully, so I’m interested to see what the sequel holds.
otaryseal's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
megsreads's review against another edition
5.0
An unjust patriarchal society. A girl unsure of herself. A destiny she could have never dreamed of.
Deka is a 16 year old girl who lives in Irfut, a village in the West-African inspired country of Otera. Under the watchful eyes of Oyomo, the god that all Oterans worship, every teenage girl must undergo the Ritual of Purity. This ceremony determines whether their blood is pure (red) or impure (gold). Those deemed impure are referred to as alaki, almost immortal demons with special gifts, and are sentenced to death. But their death may not be their final death, that is, they may have to die multiple times before they stay dead. When Deka is determined to be an alaki, a mysterious woman shows up and gives her a choice: stay in Irfut and be put to death, or join the emperor’s army of alaki. As only one of those options keeps her alive, she chooses to leave with the woman and accepts her fate as a soldier of the emperor.
This imaginative tale was a pretty light read and still managed to be everything I want in a YA. Female empowerment, twists and turns, an unexpected villain, and a light-hearted romance that wasn’t the center of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Girls aren’t allowed to be near sharp things from the moment they turn fifteen until the day after they’re proven by the Ritual of Purity. The Infinite Wisdoms forbid it, ensuring that we do not bleed a drop before the Ritual.
Deka is a 16 year old girl who lives in Irfut, a village in the West-African inspired country of Otera. Under the watchful eyes of Oyomo, the god that all Oterans worship, every teenage girl must undergo the Ritual of Purity. This ceremony determines whether their blood is pure (red) or impure (gold). Those deemed impure are referred to as alaki, almost immortal demons with special gifts, and are sentenced to death. But their death may not be their final death, that is, they may have to die multiple times before they stay dead. When Deka is determined to be an alaki, a mysterious woman shows up and gives her a choice: stay in Irfut and be put to death, or join the emperor’s army of alaki. As only one of those options keeps her alive, she chooses to leave with the woman and accepts her fate as a soldier of the emperor.
This imaginative tale was a pretty light read and still managed to be everything I want in a YA. Female empowerment, twists and turns, an unexpected villain, and a light-hearted romance that wasn’t the center of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
sdloomer's review against another edition
2.0
I really like the idea of different color blood determining different powers. Also girls fighting monsters.
alyssa_max's review against another edition
3.0
Love a good story about strong women and female friendship. My disappointment here was with the world-building: for me, the descriptions of the world of Otera and the mythical creatures within it fell flat. I would've loved richer details to help me picture the author's vision more fully.
heremireadz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Blood, Murder, Sexism, Torture, and Death of parent
liekedevijfde's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
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? No
5.0