The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

Book Review

The Gilded Ones was Steph Curry’s May selection for his book club through Literati. While I typically read with Malala’s group, I decided to switch clubs for this month to read this female-centric epic fantasy.

Slightly reminiscent of The Grace Year, The Gilded Ones begins with a traditional right-of-passage ceremony. Upon reaching the age of 16, Deka and her peers are expected to take part in “the Ritual of Purity,” which determines whether or not they become valued members of the Otera society. If a woman is “pure,” her blood will run red. However, if a woman’s blood runs gold, she is considered “unnatural” and “demonic” and therefore sentenced to death.

When the time comes for Deka to learn her fate, the ceremony is abruptly interrupted as the village is attacked by a pack of treacherous Deathshrieks, the fantastical beasts that haunt Otera. As Deka manages to save her village from ruin, it becomes clear to all that she possesses “unnatural” powers and has gold blood pulsing through her veins. While imprisoned and waiting for yet another death, Deka is visited by a mysterious stranger who offers her a chance at a new life as a warrior in the Emperor’s new army… made up entirely of girls just like her. And so begins Deka’s journey to discover her true nature and the power that resides within her.

I really loved some aspects of this story - especially the themes of discovering and embracing one’s true self, feminine power and sisterhood - but overall, I felt the story was missing something. I had a hard time picturing some of the scenes and characters, though perhaps that was simply due to my lack of imagination. Nevertheless, I can’t wait to see this one play out on screen. It’s currently being adapted for television by the creators of Lovecraft County.

Thank you Literati for my gifted copy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

Have you read this one?? If so, what did you think?