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Synopses & Reviews
"Namina Forna Could Be The Toni Morrison Of YA Fantasy." —Refinery 29
"An enthralling debut. The Gilded Ones redefines sisterhood and is sure to leave readers both inspired and ultimately hopeful." —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval
"The Gilded Ones is a fierce, unflinching fantasy that marks Forna as a debut to watch." —Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken
The start of a bold and immersive West African-inspired, feminist fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther. In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice.
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. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.
But 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.
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. They are called alaki-near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat.
Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. 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. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be-not even Deka herself.
Review
"While elements of action and social justice are strong, there is also mystery...readers will find themselves awestruck with satisfying revelation, leaving both a clean ending and desire for more."
Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"[A]stormingly good debut....Action combines with an intense feminist story of sisterhood, where strength is found in female friendships and alliances." The Guardian
Review
"Formidable heroines and a thoughtful feminist myth-ology distinguish debut author Forna's West Africa-inspired fantasy trilogy launch....[A] nuanced plot advocates social change by illustrating the myriad ways in which society cages and commodifies women." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Brutal, brilliant, and ultimately hopeful, The Gilded Ones takes readers on
a stunning sci-fi fantasy ride." Nerdist
Review
"Brutal, and occasionally graphic in its depiction of violence, this is nevertheless a must." School Library Journal
Review
"The girls are powerful, the danger is real, and the characters are engaging and diverse. Forna has accomplished something really special here, equal parts subversive and fun." Tor.com
Review
"Namina Forna introduces readers to an intricate, West African-inspired fantasy world." Popsugar
Review
"Total book candy for fans of Tomi Ayedemi's Children of Blood and Bone." PureWow
Review
"Haunting, brutal, and oh-so-relevant. This book will suck you into a world where girls bleed gold, magic fills the air, and the real monsters hide behind words instead of claws." Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
Synopsis
"Namina Forna Could Be The Toni Morrison Of YA Fantasy."-Refinery 29
"Fans of Children of Blood and Bone, Mulan, and the Dora Milaje from Black Panther are going to adore this one." --BuzzFeed
"An enthralling debut. The Gilded Ones redefines sisterhood and is sure to leave readers both inspired and ultimately hopeful. --Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval
The Gilded Ones is a fierce, unflinching fantasy that marks Forna as a debut to watch.--Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken
The most anticipated fantasy of 2021. In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice. Get ready for battle.
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. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.
But 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.
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. They are called alaki-near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat.
Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. 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. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be-not even Deka herself.
The start of a bold and immersive fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther.
About the Author
Namina Forna has a MFA in film and TV production from USC School of Cinematic Arts and a BA from Spelman College. She now works as a screenwriter in LA and loves telling stories with fierce female leads. The Gilded Ones is her debut novel. Visit her on twitter at @NaminaForna and on Instagram at @namina.forna.