Reviewer: Ryan O’Boyle
Book: The Gilded Ones
Author: Namina Forna
A rebellion against oppression sometimes needs a spark. In The Gilded Ones, by Namina Forna, that spark could be sixteen year old Deka. In a land called Otera, male priests perform a Ritual of Purity once a woman turns sixteen to see who is “pure” of blood and who is branded a demon. Women are raised to be submissive to their future husbands and kept subjugated under the thumb of male rule. Deka has internalized the religious fervor and wants to be pure. After an attack by monsters known as Deathshrieks, her life is changed forever. Shirking the path of a standard woman in her village, she must grow into a warrior to fight for the freedom of her people against the beasts who terrorize her world. Her path forward is fraught with deadly obstacles in the form of her teachers and those she fights against. Excellent pacing and foreshadowing provides an action packed adventure that delves into many important, mature themes in this young adult fantasy fiction epic.
With a deft stroke, Namina Forna crafts a splendiferous fictional world that pulls you in from the first page to the last. I enjoyed every moment. Colorful world building sets the stage for a non stop thriller. In a fantasy setting based on Africa, the creatures, buildings and people compile a glorious narrative. I will be reading the next book in the series post-haste. Deka is a relatable human trying to do what is best for family in a world that is built to break her. It’s a wonderful piece of writing that doesn’t let up. There is no doubt why this is a bestseller. If you are looking for a new series that runs you through the gamut of emotions and keeps you glued to every page, The Gilded Ones is a must have.