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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
I had an absolute blast experiencing this audiobook. Generally, I tend to reserve my fantasy reads for traditional print books due to their intricate details, extensive character development, and intricate world-building, which can be quite challenging to follow in an audio format (I have ADHD, okay?). However, this audiobook defied my expectations! It was a truly delightful experience, and I effortlessly navigated through the story without any difficulty keeping up with the intricate plot and characters. If the rest of the series is as masterfully executed as this, count me in as a devoted listener. I adored it! I'm definitely adding the physical book to my personal collection. This narrative artfully weaves together themes of racial injustice and women's rights within the fantastical world it creates. A truly worthwhile listen!
The Handmaid's Tale meets Children Of Blood And Bone, with a touch of The Hunger Games. This totally blew me away and I can't wait for the sequel!
adventurous
dark
Strong character development:
Yes
The messaging in this was really relevant especially given the current political climate. But some elements were a little too YA for my personal taste. Occasionally the protagonist didn’t see really obvious things and went about finding answers in the dumbest ways. Also I’m a little confused on how she thought she was hiding any secrets when literally every one around her seemed to know. I’m also done with any fighting school type plots.
The world-building is amazing in this book. I love finding out the secrets and origins of why things are the way they are. Every discovery has a new twist. This book is ultra-feminist but I think the next books are going to do an even better job of building that into the storyline. Plus, I am a sucker for any book that includes a map! Only hope that is one day I can see a drawing of what the new types of creatures would look like irl.
I've been hopping back and forth between genres, and at first, it was hard for me to dive in. thus, it took a few days to finish. I'm so happy that I kept with it, I was crying for the last maybe 100 pages (that might be a stretch). Can't wait to start reading the Merculess Ones!!
3.5/5 ⭐️
Very promising YA fantasy series full of ancient magic, goddesses, and war (not to mention the incredible feminist themes rooted in the story!). I had a couple issues with the writing being repetitive and glossing over bigger moments, as well as with the romance, but I loved the friendships Deka made with her fellow bloodsisters. I’m hoping to pick up book 2 soon!
Very promising YA fantasy series full of ancient magic, goddesses, and war (not to mention the incredible feminist themes rooted in the story!). I had a couple issues with the writing being repetitive and glossing over bigger moments, as well as with the romance, but I loved the friendships Deka made with her fellow bloodsisters. I’m hoping to pick up book 2 soon!
*Arc from a Fairyloot Box*
This was bloody brilliant! This book gripped me from page one and I could not stop reading. Namina Forna has created such a wonderful story about reclaiming power and using your voice, this will be one of my top reads of this year!
This was bloody brilliant! This book gripped me from page one and I could not stop reading. Namina Forna has created such a wonderful story about reclaiming power and using your voice, this will be one of my top reads of this year!
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Whew! The Gilded Ones definitely took me through some heavy emotions. Overall it’s a powerful story of female rage and empowerment, fighting back against their oppression and the violent patriarchal regime that upholds their subjugation. There’s also some really impactful exploration of religious trauma that hit home for me in a deep way. But my goodness, the journey there was tough at times, with some graphic violence that may be hard for some. Still, this was a great read with a really satisfying conclusion that also opens up great possibilities for the rest of the trilogy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Physical abuse, Violence
Minor: Sexual violence
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
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes