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atvreads's review against another edition
4.0
The Gilded Ones is the feminist high fantasy we’ve been dreaming of since Tomi Adeyemi punched through the snow-capped peaks of fantasy publishing in 2018. Because of her work and many others, works like The Gilded Ones have a foundation to build and stretch and grow.
What’s it about?
-a horrific patriarchal world where the usual suspects reign: racism, classism, anti-blackness, misogyny, xenophobia, and girls are mutilated in a public “bleeding” ceremony in their 15th year
-this ritual is a public mutilation that the village “priests” perform by cutting the chests of the girls in front of everyone
-if the girls are “pure,” meaning their blood runs red, it’s open season for the males in town to begin practically bidding on the girls like a prize sow
-but, if a girl is deemed “impure,” she is... well, terrible terrible things happen to her (spoilers and triggers for trauma and graphic violence at this part)
-enter White Hands, Warthu Beru, the Jatu warriors, and the Alaki
Why you need to read this book:
Because of this quote right here, “are we girls or are we demons?”
What’s it about?
-a horrific patriarchal world where the usual suspects reign: racism, classism, anti-blackness, misogyny, xenophobia, and girls are mutilated in a public “bleeding” ceremony in their 15th year
-this ritual is a public mutilation that the village “priests” perform by cutting the chests of the girls in front of everyone
-if the girls are “pure,” meaning their blood runs red, it’s open season for the males in town to begin practically bidding on the girls like a prize sow
-but, if a girl is deemed “impure,” she is... well, terrible terrible things happen to her (spoilers and triggers for trauma and graphic violence at this part)
-enter White Hands, Warthu Beru, the Jatu warriors, and the Alaki
Why you need to read this book:
Because of this quote right here, “are we girls or are we demons?”
osbormad's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
kindrameda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.25
amy_j18's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0
rachelfaye's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn’t put down! Only significant critique is how the female queer character’s attraction to girls is portrayed when she reveals it. I can’t describe it but it’s similar to other portrayals that I don’t feel comfortable with. But loved the book and can’t wait to read the next one!
birdyinthewild's review
4.0
Dear Girls and/or Demons,
I loved this and so glad that I already grab the second and third book, while at the library.
This was an interesting, YA, debut fantasy.
Tween to teen- year old me would have loved this! Rage against the system, coming-of-age story with a diverse and lovely cast. The magic system is simple enough to make up for not being perfectly flushed out. The plot and pacing is perfect.
Are we girls or are we demons? Honestly, I’d pick demon too. And I cheered for Deka and her found family the whole time!
This book will possibly seem boring and predictable for an adult fantasy-lover. For its intended audience, this is an excellent read and has all the parts of a great fantasy.
👏👏👏 Amazing! And By the time you’ve read this I’ve already grabbed the sequel!
I loved this and so glad that I already grab the second and third book, while at the library.
This was an interesting, YA, debut fantasy.
Tween to teen- year old me would have loved this! Rage against the system, coming-of-age story with a diverse and lovely cast. The magic system is simple enough to make up for not being perfectly flushed out. The plot and pacing is perfect.
Are we girls or are we demons? Honestly, I’d pick demon too. And I cheered for Deka and her found family the whole time!
This book will possibly seem boring and predictable for an adult fantasy-lover. For its intended audience, this is an excellent read and has all the parts of a great fantasy.
👏👏👏 Amazing! And By the time you’ve read this I’ve already grabbed the sequel!
spencer0o7's review against another edition
2.0
I actually originally picked this book up cause of the author being from sierra leone, like me!
I had so much trouble with this book especially in the middle. It felt kind of repetitive and the fantasy elements weren’t really my thing either. But im glad I stuck with it. The payoff is great and i loved the lore. If you like fantasy books and messages of overcoming sexism this is def for you.
I had so much trouble with this book especially in the middle. It felt kind of repetitive and the fantasy elements weren’t really my thing either. But im glad I stuck with it. The payoff is great and i loved the lore. If you like fantasy books and messages of overcoming sexism this is def for you.
shaunashares's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This was really good and original. The author's note at the end of the book was really touching.