A review by podanotherjessi
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

adventurous hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This book was not at all what I expected. It was darker, for one thing, and took very long to get to the hopeful tone the synopsis implied. Unfortunately, there was a point in the middle where it got really predictable, and I was just waiting for the characters to learn what I'd already figured out. Once it got past that, however, it got really good again. Well written characters with complex motivations, interesting story, and great world.
There feels like there's one major plot hole that - if the reader doesn't buy the book's explanation - makes a large portion of the story fall apart. But that was fairly easy to just ignore.
As much as I enjoyed this, I don't think I'll be continuing the series. The end was satisfying and complete, so it doesn't feel necessary to keep going (especially since I'll have to wait for it to be published). Good reviews could draw me back though.
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