I was so excited for the sequel to The Gilded Ones and while this book did not disappoint I did find it very different from the first book. While I found the message of inclusion, the abolishment of gender roles and societal expectations refreshing in the first book in this second one it felt like it was too explicit, as though the reader was being beaten over the head with the message. While I was still completely engaged in the story of deca and her friends and their growing powers, my connection with them was often over showered by the messages of the book. No longer was the reader making their own connections, but they were being made for me. However, I do hope that there is a sign of work to this trilogy, and I do look forward to seeing how the story ends.

The world building that Forna accomplishes in the Deathless series is to die for, pun intended. We return to Otera with Deka and company, to a new world where the Mothers are free. But there is something sinister lurking and Deka’s powers are being tested as never before. There is a new world order and no one seems to know what or who to believe or trust. With wars being waged throughout the kingdom and a new symbol that seems to block Deka’s power, she and her band of sisters and brothers must attempt to free the other FirstBorns while also coming to terms with the power they wield.

So fantastical, I was fully immersed in this book and could not put it down (just like the last one!) - Forna knows how to tell a story. Rich descriptions, characters who are fully formed and twists and turns mark this is an incredible fantasy. While action packed, I think one of my favorite facets of this series is the development of the characters and their relationships - I can understand why all of them are willing to risk their lives for one another, over and over again. But I cannot stress enough how Forna has simply created this mythical world out of thin air yet I feel completely immersed in it.

The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna is the second book in the Deathless series, and is the sequel to The Gilded Ones. It’s been six months since Deka freed the goddesses and discovered the truth about herself. War is everywhere. Deka is seen as a monster. She must free the remaining goddesses. But when she does, she begins seeing a strange and powerful symbol on the armor of her enemies. Deka’s powers are repelled by it. She can’t communicate with a new type of Deathshriek, or even command them. The dark force behind the symbol is mysterious and strong. Soon Deka finds herself facing that force to protect humanity.

Namina Forna continues Deka’s story with an explosive second instalment. With the addictive quality of Forna’s storytelling, I am more than ready for the next book.

Very excited to book talk this one! It was a wonderful follow up to the first book, which was one of my favorite books of last year!

This incredible sequel will keep you riveted to your seat! It’s a faced paced read that picks up six months after the end of the first book. We follow our main character, Deka, as she fights to reclaim the land and also figure out who she is at the same time. There are twists and turns that you won’t see coming, so be ready for a fast-paced adventure that you’re bound to love!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Just wow. I thought the first book in this series was full of fun and interesting twists, and then this one came along and blew it right out of the water, turning just about everything I thought I knew about this world on its head… and I loved every minute of it!

It had been awhile since I read the first one, but I was easily able to pick back up without too many issues. The characters were just as dynamic and interesting as ever, and their evolution was very fun to watch.

I cannot wait for the next installment in this series! I have so many questions that need answers!

I was waiting on the edge of my seat for this book, and it didn't disappoint in the slightest! Following Deka on her discovery of abilities and the twisted truth about the gods was a ride until the very end. I'm definitely invested in Book 3!

While Deka and her friends might have been surprised to learn she was the Nuru, destined to free the goddesses at the end of The Gilded Ones, you won't believe the final twists and turns of The Merciless Ones. What Namina Forma has done here is nothing short of amazing! What started out as a female empowerment, fight the patriarchy tale quickly turned into a story focused on finding power in true friendship and overcoming the very deities Deka fought so hard to free. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

I really enjoyed the Gilded Ones and was excited for this sequel, but unfortunately I didn't love it as much as I liked the first book in the series. I have a sense that this was mostly setting up for a third book in which more action will take place, but this one felt like it was meant to be more about world building and exploring the religion/mythology of Otera. The main character, Deka, is pulled in many directions as she learns more about the Gilded Ones, the goddesses who ultimately created her, but as she begins to question some of what she has learned, the reader gets swept into a back and forth between competing divine entities, and it's a bit of a challenge to know who is telling the truth. I will finish out this series for sure, but this one was just a little on the slower side for me.

This book was such a great read! I flew through this book in one afternoon because I loved it so much. The main characters were unique and interesting which is something I love in a book. It was a very interesting and fast paced read which made me never become bored. Great book!