The Gilded Ones

Deathless, Book 1

By: Namina Forna

Narrated by: Shayna Small

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

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

Critic reviews

"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)

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 .

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

Loved it!

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

Amazing

I loved the story from beginning to end. Can't wait for the next book.

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the characters and the story. The narration was also well done. It is a good story to escape to.

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.

Loved it all.

Beautiful story. I loved every second of it. The narration was wonderful, and the story brought me all the way in. ❤️

great read

After watching woman king this was a great read to do with my daughter.

Loved

So glad I chose this book. I was so immersed I literally wanted stop everything and just enjoy being in this world.