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A good debut that has lots and lots of potential. It was very strong on 'fuck the patriarchy' vibes and I'll ALWAYS welcome a book like that into my life.
This is probably aimed more at the younger side of YA, even though it's super violent, so it's hard for me to review because it's not really for me, but I was entertained and I enjoyed the characters. I'll be interested to see where the story goes in the future books as it felt like this could be a standalone.
Spoiler
I have a feeling some men are going to suffer for their crimes in the next book so count me in.
As I started The Gilded Ones, I was a little jarred by the world building and how things were explained, but once I had a better understanding of Deka's world I began to enjoy the story. At times it felt like the same plot points were explained multiple times, for example, the meaning of certain symbols were sometimes explained 5 or 6 times before being mentioned without an explanation. Then, other times, it felt like not enough explanation was given.
Even though some of the explanations were smushed into quick paragraphs between action sequences, I enjoyed the overall story. While there is romantic love, it doesn't overshadow the sisterly love that is very important to Deka's development as a character. This was a nice take on the Chosen One trope as well.
I will surely read the sequel when it is released.
Even though some of the explanations were smushed into quick paragraphs between action sequences, I enjoyed the overall story. While there is romantic love, it doesn't overshadow the sisterly love that is very important to Deka's development as a character. This was a nice take on the Chosen One trope as well.
I will surely read the sequel when it is released.
could be a 5
really good book
looks like I took forever reading it because I read it on my old phone in between other things.
I'd def give it another read.
would recommend!
and I wanna go check out fan art.
really good book
looks like I took forever reading it because I read it on my old phone in between other things.
I'd def give it another read.
would recommend!
and I wanna go check out fan art.
Deka's gaslighting (a heavy handed critique of patriarchy) tired me, but the introduction of Britta hooked me. There were also obvious parallels to the Harry Potter narrative, but I thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists and celebration of sisterhood. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I wanted to like this more…. Hard to follow and get into
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Blood, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
DNF at 75%….
Meh? I listened to the audio and it was not great at all. The story was okay but not that unique. There’s better fantasy out there IMO.
Meh? I listened to the audio and it was not great at all. The story was okay but not that unique. There’s better fantasy out there IMO.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The beginning of The Gilded Ones was a bit slow to start but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and their journeys. The message behind this book is so powerful and I would love it if this was required reading for children in schools ages 12+.
One of my favorite parts of reading this was trying to guess what was going to happen next and the answers to all the questions I had. I got some of the right but not until right before it was revealed. lol. I was also pleasantly surprised when I got something wrong or my assumptions were off. Namina Forna is such a gifted writer! Im so glad I have the second book so I can start it as son as I am ready. Hopefully the third book has a paperback edition. I would have to mix up my collection.
One of my favorite parts of reading this was trying to guess what was going to happen next and the answers to all the questions I had. I got some of the right but not until right before it was revealed. lol. I was also pleasantly surprised when I got something wrong or my assumptions were off. Namina Forna is such a gifted writer! Im so glad I have the second book so I can start it as son as I am ready. Hopefully the third book has a paperback edition. I would have to mix up my collection.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes