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  • The Gilded Ones

  • Deathless, Book 1
  • Written by: Namina Forna
  • Narrated by: Shayna Small
  • Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (59 ratings)

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The Gilded Ones

Written by: Namina Forna
Narrated by: Shayna Small
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Publisher's Summary

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TEEN VOGUE

South Carolina Children's Book Award nominee

"A dark feminist tale spun with blood and gold. Must read!"–Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles

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.

©2020 Namina Forna (P)2020 Listening Library

What the critics say

"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)

"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)

What listeners say about The Gilded Ones

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Yaasss

What a great story! I absolutely adore this world that's been created and appreciate this text for being the Kick-Ass Black feminist literature that it is. It has a lot of really heavy topics (abuse, trauma, violence, etc) and deals with heavier topics than I expected in a YA so young readers definitely need a trigger warning (but nothing is too gory or unnecessary, all the issues are well presented and logical in their additional) It can be very violent but never unnecessarily so. I feel that this is a really well written, female lead, Black perspective that the fantasy world benefits from having. So good

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A Gem In A Sea of Fantasy Duds

I was exhausted by the basic and overdone fantasy storylines Audible kept recommending (usually written by a man with 0 empathy and self awareness). So imagine my surprise when I came across The Gilded Ones on the day of its release!

This is not a light and frivolous book BUT explores real world issues (racism, xenophobia, misogyny, etc.) in an engaging way. Entertaining enough for adult readers and accessible enough for kids. Can’t say enough good things about the plot line. I can usually guess where things are going but Namina held my attention the whole way through! 10/10

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Slow to start but worth the listen!

Great book based on a really cool story. Agreed with some other commenters that the book was too front loaded; it seemed to go on forever about the purity ritual, training, etc. Some of the accents were also cringe, although the narrator does an amazing job in every other sense! If you can stick it out until about halfway through, you’re in for a great listen. Can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out!

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Absolutely captivating

I don't even know where to start. I had heard promising reviews and Namina Forna's tale did not fail to deliver on an Epic story that pulled me in from start to finish. This is a book that has it all; fantasy, mystery, suspense, romance, action. It is a true feminist novel, critiquing and dismantling the patriarchal barriers within and without.

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Must read!

I have to say I first picked up this story because of how pretty the cover was and it did not disappoint. I was pulled into the story from the start and the way the author weaves together all these elements made it build so well to the ending. I really hope this book has a sequel + because I enjoyed the characters so much.

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Great overall story

Love the feminist power in a book suited for teens and young adults. Creative storyline and well thought out writing. Loved it.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

not gay :')

I got this book because it was on a sapphic scifi/fantasy list but alas, t'is het
spoiler:
I am pretty over the narrative that because a person isn't your biological parent they have no place as your parent and that parenthood is a bio thing. Did not love that very explicitly stated sentiment.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Could not stop listening!

Captivating story and narrator! The female lead Deka goes through the most stunning character growth and I fell in love with all the lead characters. Can't recommend enough!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not What You Expect At All... in a Good Way

It's definitely a different book from what I am used to. The Gilded Ones, by Namina Forma, has been on my TBR list for so long, and Im glad I finished it. I'll be honest, it took me a while to finish this boo. Yet once I got into it, I enjoyed and appreciated the twists and emotions that surprised me as I read. I recommend this book. I am looking forward to knowing more about this series in the next book!

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Beautiful and creative

A wonderful addition to fantasy! I cannot get enough of the worldbuilding and power system. the story is engaging from start to finish and the characters are all interesting.

the ending felt rushed, perhaps the conclusion was inevitable - but the final bosses power level could have been foreshadowed somehow and the denouement could use a bit of work.

This would make an amazing YA movie trilogy.

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