Namina Forna has done it again, and in the process I'd argue she's cemented her position as the pre-eminent YA fantasy author. This trilogy does not miss, pretty much ever, and it sticks the landing more assuredly than almost any series finale I've read in many years. It moves so fast, it adds even more depth to characters, and it made me bawl my damn eyes out. (Also, the other comps to N. K. Jemisin's 'Hundred Thousand Kingdoms' are spot-on, in fascinating and not entirely expected ways.)

The Eternal Ones is the third and final book in The Gilded Ones trilogy. Having discovered the truth about the Gilded Ones - that they are not the gods they claim to be, but parasites living off the power of the male deathstrikes, Deka is on a quest to discover how to defeat the Gilded Ones before they destroy Otero. That quest takes Deka and her friends to places they never imagined, and show them the truths of the world outside Otero, a world they barely knew existed, and then brings them back to battle the Gilded Ones, in the hopes that Deka can find her kelai, her missing self which contains her powers, before the Gilded Ones can steal it - through her death, if necessary. A must-read for anyone who has read the first two books. Recommended for high school and adult readers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

What a beautiful way to wrap up a beautiful series that always had me on my toes and on the edge of my seat, often at the same time (how does that work? I don’t know! But it happened!). Characters and events in previous books were explained just enough to jog my memory without taking me too far out of the current story, which is a tough balancing act to manage sometimes. Now, one thing this author knows how to do (besides throwing twist after twist at you) is describe scenery and colors so well that it feels like you’re there. I look forward to seeing what else this author comes up with. (Maybe more books set in this universe? I wouldn’t say no!)

LOVED this book! It was a perfect ending to the trilogy. I have already added it to my wishlist for next school year!

A amazing and stellar ending to a great trilogy! From outcast warrior to Goddess and beyond! This story is reminiscent of the 1000 Kingdoms Trilogy

This was such a good book! I absolutely flew through this book. The characters were so interesting and I absolutely loved where the author took this story. I will be recommending this book to all my family and friends.

Leaving five stars. I didn't realize there was not a "Send to Kindle" option and I don't enjoy reading on my phone, so I have not read.

I will note, I did enjoy book 1 of this series! It was well done and I continue to recommend it. We put a bunch of copies in our libraries, and they were quickly snapped up. :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.