I feel like, in The Gilded Ones, although there was great worldbuilding, and some stimulating themes of society, as well as intricate magic system, it never got too heavy, or felt like an info-dump at any point of time. Something I love in fantasy novels is when the magic systems, and worldbuilding are on point. The interesting worldbuilding and magic systems.

The journeys of self exploration and discovery, not only for the main characters, but for all of the side characters as well was so evident, and it was just great to see their individual growth and changes in opinions.Ĥ. Top 5 Reasons to Read The Gilded Ones by Namina Fornaĥ. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be – not even Deka herself.īUY // SHELVE NOW: Goodreads | Amazon (US) | Barnes & Noble But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she’s ever known. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire’s greatest threat. They are called alaki – near-immortals with rare gifts.

Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.īut on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity – and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.

Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village.

The gilded ones book review