By Eeva Tudor
I recently bought myself a copy of The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna and absolutely LOVED it! This is one of the best YA/teen fiction books I have read in a long time.
The story centres around sixteen-year-old Deka, who lives in fear of the blood ceremony that will determine her place in her village. Already an outsider due to her dark skin and unnatural intuition, Deka hopes for red blood to confirm her purity. However, on the day when her blood runs gold —the colour of impurity and the feared Gilded Ones—she faces a fate worse than death.
But then a mysterious woman wearing bone-like white gauntlets comes to her with a choice: stay and submit to torture, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls like her. They are Alaki, near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire’s greatest threat, the Deathshrieks.
Knowing the dangers ahead, yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave her small village. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be, not even Deka herself.
What makes The Gilded Ones stand out from other YA/teen books is its rich world-building and the way it tackles important themes like identity, belonging, and resisting oppressors. Forna creates a narrative that isn’t just interesting and powerful but relevant, resonating with any reader who has ever felt like an outsider.
Deka’s character development is another great point of the writing. She starts as a frightened girl desperate for acceptance but becomes a powerful warrior who embraces herself. Her journey is inspiring, reflecting struggles many face in finding their place in a world that fears the different and unknown.
The supporting characters are also extremely well-developed and add depth to the story. Each Alaki girl Deka meets has her own backstory and struggles, making the sisterhood among them believable and heartfelt and each is valuable and needed. Their bonds, forged in hardship and hope, add emotion to the action.
Her writing is vivid and immersive, bringing to life the harsh realities of Deka’s world while also offering moments of beauty and hope. The pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish, with twists and revelations to keep the story unpredictable and fresh.
In conclusion, The Gilded Ones is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy. It’s a powerful tale of sisterhood, and self-discovery that will leave you wanting more. Namina Forna has created a captivating world and characters that feel like sisters of your own and stay with you long after you close the book. If you’re looking for a book that combines action and heartfelt moments, The Gilded Ones is definitely worth reading. I would rate this 11/10 stars.You can also get this book from e-platform or the inspire library if you are interested.
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