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coury 's review for:

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
4.25
adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-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

This was such a delightful debut novel! I love the magic world-building in this and I’m a sucker for “The Chosen One” character trope in fantasy books. Deka has changed so drastically from the beginning of the story to the end of it, but it feels like a natural and reasonable progression of her character arc. 

The relationship between Deka and Britta was so beautiful and sweet. I was at the edge of my seat hoping nothing would happen to them to break them apart. Deka’s relationship with her other blood sisters was developed nicely, I was able to care about so many side characters because Deka did (and we, as the reader, are an extension of her feelings). I love the girl squad!!! 

Deka and Keita’s relationship had a beautiful slow-burn development. It wasn’t necessarily a focus in the story but the little moments that did build up between them felt like a natural progression. 

The feminist aspect of this book, in addition to the sort of anti-religion notions, was nicely threaded with the magic. The mystery, too, kept me engaged in the story. I only dislike the fact that the final confrontation seemed so rushed once the last reveal occurred. 

I hope I get to read the other two books in this trilogy this year! I have high hopes for them.