A review by stardust_heidi
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad 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

5.0

I've had this book on my TBR for ages, ever since I got it in an OwlCrate box last year. I finally picked it up and ended up devouring it after almost putting it down a few chapters in. The male dominated, patriarchal society was overwhelming at first, but OwlCrate usually chooses books with powerful female leads and an emphasis on feminism/crushing the patriarchy, so I kept going. 

Word of warning, definitely check out the warnings for this book from myself and other readers. It's more upper level YA in terms of themes of graphic: torture/death/violence/etc. There's a light romance, but it's certainly not the central theme of the book. 

I loved this unique magic/power system -- it was a fascinating look at a society that deems woman as less than already, but if your blood runs gold, you're suddenly a demon and even more impure. It was powerful watching Deka come to acknowledge this and cast that twisted sense of worth (or lack thereof) away. I found the emphasis on sisterhood and the bonds of female friendship invaluable, and it was wonderful reading the transformation between them as they grew in trust and sisterhood with each other. 

I loved the end of the book and will likely continue the series with the next book. However, it wrapped up in a satisfying way if you didn't want to continue. 
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