From the beginning of the book we are introduced to a young girl named Deka who has to go through a purity ceremony. Even though all the action takes place during and after that, it's important to talk about how the author weaves in the mistreatment of women from the beginning.

There is a moment where a man tries to grab her in the street and have his fun with her but is saved by another man except he goes on to tell her it's just because she is just so pretty. This happens a lot in the real world and it's nice to see it discussed. That's only one instant but there is definitely more and this book is definitely all about women empowerment.

Deka is a very relatable and likeable character. I think that is what really drew me in to her story. She is strong and is trying to maneuver through this world as best she can. I also enjoyed the other characters and really there wasn't many I didn't care for. They all add interesting pieces to the story.

The romance was a miss for me but that is okay. There was much more that I enjoyed than disliked.

The world that this author created was unique and enjoyable to read about. The fighting was intense and I'm excited to see what will happen next for these characters.

There is a lot to be said about this beautiful novel. First off, the character arcs. Our Main Character (MC) is Deka who lives in fear in her village will deem her “pure” or a “demon”. The journey and character development over the entirety of the book was astounding! The entire time I was screaming for Deka to be pure because in this world when someone is deemed a “demon” they’re killed. Then…during the ceremony….something happens to her that will throw her on a new course! I was screaming, “No!”

Then, enters another character, and she gives Deka a choice. What kind of choice? Well, you’ll have to read the book to know, but she is given a great opportunity that allows her to stand up for what she believes in.

The world Namina has created is beautiful and quite majestic. I was fully in the book the entire time. I loved the culture in these pages. The entire time was well spent reading this book.

There are many twists and turns, building the suspense. This book had all the necessities: goal + conflict + stakes.

If you love YA fantasy set in a new world with amazing characters you can root for then you need to preorder a copy of Gilded Ones.

I really did not think I would like this book but I was pleasantly surprised! This book was an easy read that kept me interested throughout the whole thing. I really enjoyed the main character and what she went through. I thought it made the plot very interesting.

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.- Goodreads

Fantastic read. One of my top reads of this year so far. Within the first three chapters, I fell in love with Deka and no matter what I wanted to protect her at all costs.


Deka is not only likable/personable but her character development is done tastefully. She doesn't complain and whine to the end; she pulls up her bootstraps and does what needs to be done. But also the most important thing is she is open to learning, trusts her gut and allows herself to trust other people. You literally cannot get a more perfect character than that.


Throughout the book, I felt very unease because it talks a lot about how women are mistreated even if they aren't considered the impure ones. It is disturbing and I fully understand that is the point because the mistreatment, the abuse is a fuel for not only Deka but the other women. It is an important factor in the book but that doesn't make it less disturbing.


There is a romance in the novel. But I use the term "romance" lightly. I do because it was expected and there wasn't any chemistry or spark. It was something that happened. And it wasn't needed at all. It didn't add anything to it. I would have liked to see more interaction within this particular relationship and possibly see it develop in the second book. This would have been a great filler as opposed to the several drops of nothing happening.


Overall, the plot is extremely developed and as detailed as it is, it keeps you invested. The ending of the novel was good. I am a little unsure of what book two would be about. But that doesn't make me less interested in its summary or release.

4 Pickles

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This book was enjoyable. The story had it's own uniqueness, which was nice. I read so many of the same genre that sometimes they all start to blur together at a point.

Deka seems like a strong character and starts kick butt in the middle of the book. The story like was good and I enjoyed the fight trainings and the battle scenes. I'm rooting for Deka and her love interest and really hope it takes off if there is another book.