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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!
zasou_reads's review against another edition
2.0
This YA fantasy is book 1 in the Deathless series. I've heard many good things about this one, sonI wanted to give it a try even if I'm not very keen on fantasy. It started out great, but it started dragging in the middle and I quickly lost interest.
veganheathen's review against another edition
5.0
What a great book! I thought I knew what was going to happen, but I was delightfully wrong. I loved the strong female characters in this book, something that is woefully missing in so much of today's literature. I also really appreciated that romance wasn't one of the main plot points here. Instead, the story focuses on the alaki girls finding themselves and their inner (and physical) strength. I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. I am super excited for the next one to be published. We need more YA books like this!
kodeboer's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Violence
melodys_library's review against another edition
3.0
A good debut! I’ll think about reading the second in the series...
Things I liked:
-GIRL TRIBE. No women on women hate - just solid friendships, standing by each other, lifting each other up
-The way the author reached teens via fantasy novel on such heavy topics like racism, xenophobia, feminism, fight the patriarchy! Wonderful.
-It’s the first book in a series, but it could be a standalone.
Things I didn’t like:
-Sudden transitions. There were moments where someone had an “aha moment,” and, I’d think ok, we’re doing this now then!
-The rushed “romance”.
-The teen dialogue. It just made me squirm.
-A lot of telling, not enough showing.
-No emotional connection to any characters.
Things I liked:
-GIRL TRIBE. No women on women hate - just solid friendships, standing by each other, lifting each other up
-The way the author reached teens via fantasy novel on such heavy topics like racism, xenophobia, feminism, fight the patriarchy! Wonderful.
-It’s the first book in a series, but it could be a standalone.
Things I didn’t like:
-Sudden transitions. There were moments where someone had an “aha moment,” and, I’d think ok, we’re doing this now then!
-The rushed “romance”.
-The teen dialogue. It just made me squirm.
-A lot of telling, not enough showing.
-No emotional connection to any characters.
3ffie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastical, supernatural, feminist and intense.
4.5 stars.
There is messages about how women are treated in society woven straight through this novel. An extreme example based in fantasy, it will still hit home as readers see the imbalance and warped attitudes towards females from the very start.
But this is a fabulous fantasy. Starting in a small village, with an adolescent girl, Deka, anticipating the ceremony that will prove her a member of her people with the red blood she must show she possesses. Anything else... well, it doesn't bear thinking about.
Deka's ceremonial day does not bring her the normality and acceptance she craves, she finds herself in her worst nightmare as even her humanity is questioned, her differences exploited. Until a form of escape comes, but one that will bind her to a different life and path in order to be granted the freedom and forgiveness she seeks.
The story gives us scenes of training and bonding, a love story, female friendship, politics, and a mythology that explains the story and history of the young women Deka finds herself living amongst.
Deka herself is sympathetic, some scenes very graphic to observe, her strength and transformation nicely developed. There are other characters that are quite vividly portrayed and are visible on the page, girls with histories, boys with emotions.
I enjoyed Deka's story, the mythology element less so. I was reminded of the Chaos Walking trilogy a few times, with the antagonists' point of view clearly one we need to hear, along with Deka.
Loved the setting of this, with the fantasy element included. This would make a visibly spectacular film, with some great roles and themes.
Exciting and pacey fantasy in a less-familiar setting. One for ages 13 and above.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.
4.5 stars.
There is messages about how women are treated in society woven straight through this novel. An extreme example based in fantasy, it will still hit home as readers see the imbalance and warped attitudes towards females from the very start.
But this is a fabulous fantasy. Starting in a small village, with an adolescent girl, Deka, anticipating the ceremony that will prove her a member of her people with the red blood she must show she possesses. Anything else... well, it doesn't bear thinking about.
Deka's ceremonial day does not bring her the normality and acceptance she craves, she finds herself in her worst nightmare as even her humanity is questioned, her differences exploited. Until a form of escape comes, but one that will bind her to a different life and path in order to be granted the freedom and forgiveness she seeks.
The story gives us scenes of training and bonding, a love story, female friendship, politics, and a mythology that explains the story and history of the young women Deka finds herself living amongst.
Deka herself is sympathetic, some scenes very graphic to observe, her strength and transformation nicely developed. There are other characters that are quite vividly portrayed and are visible on the page, girls with histories, boys with emotions.
I enjoyed Deka's story, the mythology element less so. I was reminded of the Chaos Walking trilogy a few times, with the antagonists' point of view clearly one we need to hear, along with Deka.
Loved the setting of this, with the fantasy element included. This would make a visibly spectacular film, with some great roles and themes.
Exciting and pacey fantasy in a less-familiar setting. One for ages 13 and above.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.