The Gilded Ones

By: Namina Forna

Narrated by: Shayna Small

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

"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.

Her blood runs GOLD, she ain't no Demon!!!

*****WARNING!!! THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW*****
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It's funny. I read this story and I hurt for Deka. I hurt for every girl in this story whose blood ran gold. Because religion will brainwash you! That is exactly what happened. The Jatu men in this story were so jealous of the Goddesses and they're descendants the Alaki that they had to plot to subdue them. But the Nuru has arrived. To free not just her mothers, but all women!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

I love to see women in charge and greater than their arrogant male counterparts. And I love to see them accepted. I can't wait for book 2 ion this series.


5 stars

Should've Gotten the Ebook

I struggled to finish even though the story was interesting. I wish I had just got a kindle copy. The performance didn't do it for me at all.

Great Book

Amazing storyline and beautifully read. I just ordered the book and I also plan on listening to it again.

It’s A Good Story

This story reminds me of Enders Game and A Handmaid’s Tale, but from a Black Female point of view. It’s about 4.25 stars. I think there is a sequel and I am definitely interested in what happens next .

Loved it!

Great book, Great narrator!! Placed me right in the book! 😊 Thank You , Can't wait to read another book from this author.