A review by booksbyabbi
The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna

adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 
With Otera in turmoil, Deka is forced to determine just who she is and whether she is the key to freeing her people… or if she is their greatest threat. But with a dark, merciless force growing amongst her enemies and secrets being shielded by her allies, the real battle has only just begun. 

The Merciless Ones is every bit as action-packed, suspenseful, and breathtaking as The Gilded Ones with a beautifully built world, admirable prose, and a thrilling plot. Forna transports the reader back to Otera and refuses to let them go until the final page is turned. Deka remains a formidable narrator with an undeniable voice and compelling journey. As she navigates both allegiance and betrayal, she carries the reader with her, perfectly showcasing how even your most trusted allies can deceitful. Forna’s use of Deka as an unreliable narrator is everything I love from the trope and keeps you on your toes with plot twists. 

Beyond an exciting read, Forna maintains her ability to write relationships of all kinds. Not only is the central romantic relationship swoon-worthy, but she doesn’t let that detract from strong female friendships and a classic case of a found family. Being able to deliver both with equal weight is something I really respect and found one of the best parts of the book. Speaking of diversity, I appreciate Forna writing about LGBTQIA+ characters in a casual, normalised way. The Merciless Ones presents transgender representation and a wlw couple in a way where no one even bats an eye which I think is incredibly important to establish in YA literature. 

All in all, The Merciless Ones is certainly a must-read addition to the Deathless series. 
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