Title: The Gilded Ones

Series: Deathless #1

Author: Namina Forna

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.

‘Outcasts by blood. Warriors by choice.’

A fabulous coming of age story where we find Deka going through the ritual to see if she is pure. Lets just say she is not! I don’t want to say anymore because, you know, spoilers!

Anyhoo, Deka finds herself training to be a warrior for the Emperor to get rid of his enemies…..

Again, no more in case of spoilers but I am imploring you to find out for yourselves because this book is superb, fabulous, exceptional.

The book deals with a lot, racism, abuse,

misogyny, my heart actually hurt for the characters. This story felt unique, the world building was sublime, I loved every single character (and there are a few!) and it was so well written.

I think there will be a book 2 and I, for one, cannot wait!