A review by chidimmadesiree
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

4.0

One of my most anticipated releases of the year. I literally had it on hold on libby six months before it’s release date, that’s how much I was excited to read this book. Namina Forna really delivers in this ya fantasy. She did a stunning job especially for a debut and a first book in a series. This is definitely one of those ya fantasies that stray away from being simplistic and instead delves deep and turns old tropes into something new and bright. She truly took her book to the next level with the the plot twists and world building of this book. The main character, Deka, realizing that the world as she knew it beforehand was all a lie and her figuring out her worth was so interesting to read. I do wish that the romance was just a little better (more yearning). I wish we would have got more moments with them connecting and realizing their love for each other, but I do like the couple together. Yeah this book was far from disappointing and I can’t wait to see how this author develops her world and characters throughout the series.