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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
First of all, this cover is out of this world! Second of all, I do not love fantasy and somehow this book full of horrible violence/torture(something else I am not a fan of reading about) won me over. It’s even YA and I still like it. (I mean that gorgeous cover...did I mention the cover?!) But seriously this book had all the girl power, featured a diverse and complex cast of characters and had LGBTQ+ representation.
This book was really interesting!!
The premise and plot was very unique and exciting. It also tackled some tough underlying themes that was done in a way that felt woven into the story and not just plopped in
The main character was very strong and intelligent which I really loved
My issue with this book was that it told us things instead of showing us. There were, what I felt like, important parts of the book that were passed over and just explained instead of us seeing what happened. For me it created an emotional disconnect from the story. There were some elements I know couldn’t have more detail because it would be too violent for a YA book but other elements should have been shown and expanded upon
There is some romance but no spice
This book is very much a YA book but probably best suited for 15 and older. There are a few swears, some violence and a discussion of virginity but I feel like teens can very easily handle this book
The premise and plot was very unique and exciting. It also tackled some tough underlying themes that was done in a way that felt woven into the story and not just plopped in
The main character was very strong and intelligent which I really loved
My issue with this book was that it told us things instead of showing us. There were, what I felt like, important parts of the book that were passed over and just explained instead of us seeing what happened. For me it created an emotional disconnect from the story. There were some elements I know couldn’t have more detail because it would be too violent for a YA book but other elements should have been shown and expanded upon
There is some romance but no spice
This book is very much a YA book but probably best suited for 15 and older. There are a few swears, some violence and a discussion of virginity but I feel like teens can very easily handle this book
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is really boring. Granted, I’m an adult and this is a young adult book. I might have enjoyed it more if I was younger. Deka is an easy MC to root for and her relationships with the side characters are nice. I just thought the world building was plain but also confusing and the final battle in the book was a letdown. I also hate that the cover doesn’t match Deka’s description in the book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
I purchased The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna months ago and it sat on my shelves (and then in boxes as my family moved from Virginia to Alabama at the start of the summer). I knew I loved the cover and the synopsis, but for some reason each time I went to select my next read, this one never grabbed my attention.
Then the buddy read – an engagement group I’m in selected this novel for July. I picked it up and didn’t put it down until I reached the last page.
I devoured this novel in two days, while on a family vacation. Before my husband left town for training (he’s in the military), we wanted to do something special with our daughter, so we headed off to Great Wolf Lodge. It’s Alice’s favorite place, and it was the perfect family getaway before my husband left for a couple of months.
We played at the water park, arcade, and MagiQuest all day – while I read all night. I was so exhausted, but it was the happiest I have been in a while. The perfect weekend trip.
The novel begins in Deka’s village as they prepare for the blood ceremony, where all 16-year-old girls are tested for impurity. If their blood runs red, they are pure, but if it runs gold they are deemed impure. This is where Deka’s story truly begins – when her blood runs gold.
As the priests in her village punish Deka time and time again, an unknown woman comes to give Deka the option to remain in her village or flee and chart a different course. Deka learns she isn’t alone and that there are other girls like her – the Alaki.
Read my full review at the Disappear Here Book Blog: https://disappearherebookblog.com/2021/07/24/book-review-the-gilded-ones-by-namina-forna/
Then the buddy read – an engagement group I’m in selected this novel for July. I picked it up and didn’t put it down until I reached the last page.
I devoured this novel in two days, while on a family vacation. Before my husband left town for training (he’s in the military), we wanted to do something special with our daughter, so we headed off to Great Wolf Lodge. It’s Alice’s favorite place, and it was the perfect family getaway before my husband left for a couple of months.
We played at the water park, arcade, and MagiQuest all day – while I read all night. I was so exhausted, but it was the happiest I have been in a while. The perfect weekend trip.
The novel begins in Deka’s village as they prepare for the blood ceremony, where all 16-year-old girls are tested for impurity. If their blood runs red, they are pure, but if it runs gold they are deemed impure. This is where Deka’s story truly begins – when her blood runs gold.
As the priests in her village punish Deka time and time again, an unknown woman comes to give Deka the option to remain in her village or flee and chart a different course. Deka learns she isn’t alone and that there are other girls like her – the Alaki.
Read my full review at the Disappear Here Book Blog: https://disappearherebookblog.com/2021/07/24/book-review-the-gilded-ones-by-namina-forna/
This books was absolutely fabulous. I loved the way that it flowed and appreciated how it moved through difficult and important challenges.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole concept was fascinating and it had me on the edge of my seat; I couldn't put it down until I got all the answers. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 4 is because of the pacing. It jumped ahead a lot more than I would have liked. I could have done with a lot more development of relationships and characters.
Oh Lordy Lord, this has got to be one of the best books I have read so far this year. The world-building in this book is just absolutely stunning with complex characters and social systems magically abilities and creatures that are so fun to explore. Deka is such a good female lead, with admirable strength and will and everything I look for in a badass feminist lead. Britta and Keita are my sweet little babies and if anyone harms them, imma have to commit a few crimes. This book wonderfully demonstrates some of the biggest issues we face in our world today with heavy themes of sexism and patriarchy and oppression and racism, delving into these issues in a such a clever and interesting way. This book is action past and fast past with epic battle scenes (trigger warning for graphic violence) which keep you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait for the rest of this series so I can dive even deeper into this epic world.
An adventurous and surprisingly violent young adult fantasy featuring nearly unkillable warrior women taking on a plague of monsters and coming to terms with the religious ills of their world.
Forna is an experienced screenwriter, and her novel screams through enough plot for three books without being overly long, albeit with mixed final results. Her characters and dialogue are flat, her world a bit thin, but the pages absolutely fly by and I can see a teen reader with a strong suspension of disbelief getting completely into it.
I wouldn't warn people away from this book, but I don't think it needs to jump to the top of your pile.
Forna is an experienced screenwriter, and her novel screams through enough plot for three books without being overly long, albeit with mixed final results. Her characters and dialogue are flat, her world a bit thin, but the pages absolutely fly by and I can see a teen reader with a strong suspension of disbelief getting completely into it.
I wouldn't warn people away from this book, but I don't think it needs to jump to the top of your pile.