The Gilded Ones

"This is a dark, powerful story of female empowerment that I had been very eager to read and I was not disappointed. 16 year old Deka’s world falls apart when on the day of the blood ceremony her blood runs gold, the colour of impurity, rather than red. Already an outsider all her life because of her mother’s origin, Deka has always only wanted to belong. But a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to the brutal fate of an outcast, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. Deka chooses the army of alaki – near-immortals with rare powers. And together with new friends and allies Deka joins the fight to stop the empire’s greatest threat. Namina Forna sends Deka on an epic journey of sisterhood, self-discovery and struggle against a deeply patriarchal and oppressive society. The world is skilfully crafted, the enemy is ghastly and spine-chilling and Namina masterfully builds up a mystery around these evil creatures, which unfolds towards the end, keeping you glued to the pages. The story is at times traumatic and violent which was sometimes quite shocking. But it is a moving read that leaves a powerful, lasting impression."

"The old adage warns against judging a book by its cover but the vibrant colors of The Gilded Ones are what first attracted me to Namina Forma’s exhilarating debut novel. This gripping fantasy adventure stars Deka, a young woman whose golden blood causes her to be cast out of her community – but not before she suffers unspeakable atrocities. When Deka accepts an opportunity to start fresh in service of the emperor’s elite army of warriors, she leaves her home behind, embarking on a campaign that puts her special abilities to the test and sow the seeds of revolution. Every bit as intriguing as its cover, The Gilded Ones is packed with action, shocking revelations and a bold heroine whose courage and tenacity are sure to keep readers turning the pages until its thrilling conclusion."