The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna Spoiler Free Review
Finished reading 8 February – 1 April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Less than 5-word critique; compelling, unexpected, and excellent.
4.5 stars, I don’t give it a full 5, even though it’s just half that makes it 5, because of some violence in here that I didn’t like a lot.
“The Gilded Ones” is one that every girl should read, or frankly anyone for that matter, because how thought-provoking and powerful it is in terms of subject matter. And it’s greatly mixed in a fantasy story. Deka is someone readers can possibly look up to as a role model.
The story centers on Deka, a girl who comes of age for a ritual ceremony and is shocked to discover that she bleeds gold and seems to command some creatures that are feared in her village. She then is shunned by her community and is found by a mysterious woman who gives her a proposal; join her and she becomes a fighter in an army for an important cause. What ensues is not only a life-changing journey but a self-discovery one too.
Forna’s writing is awesome, brilliant and beautiful.
The characters are well-developed and fantastic. There are many favourites, like Deka, White Hands, Britta, Keita, Belcalis, the list goes on.
The settings are gorgeous to behold in your imagination land.
I also can’t wait for the upcoming movie adaptation and the sequel; “The Merciless Ones” coming in May.
Recommended to those who enjoy:
*According to Buzzfeed, this will appeal to both “Black Panther” (yay) and “Children of Blood and Bone” fans
*Fantastic action sequences
*Feminism
*Strong characters
*A complex female protagonist
*Fascinating creatures
*African inspired clothes and weaponry
*Strong and sweet friendships
*Witty, charming, and adorable banter between friends and those who become romantically involved
