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A review by katykelly
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
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.