"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
"Namina Forna introduces readers to an intricate, West African-inspired fantasy world."--POPSUGAR
"Total book candy for fans of Tomi Ayedemi's Children of Blood and Bone." --PureWow
A dark feminist tale spun with blood and gold, The Gilded Ones lifts the veil of violent patriarchy and burns the idea of purity to the ground. Must read! --Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times Bestselling author of The Belles
"Haunting, brutal, and oh-so-relevant. This book will suck you into a world where girls bleed gold, magic fills the air, and the real monsters hide behind words instead of claws." --Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
"An enthralling debut. The Gilded Ones redefines sisterhood and is sure to leave readers both inspired and ultimately hopeful. --Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval
"The Gilded Ones is a fierce, unflinching fantasy that marks Forna as a debut to watch." --Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken
Phenomenal and extraordinary! Forna's breathtaking use of language depicts a thrilling journey through an epic world, rife with danger and deception, as an obedient girl survives the patriarchy and becomes a warrior. Unquestionably, the best Fantasy of 2021. --Kim Johnson, author of This is My America
"An epic new fantasy with heart-stopping stakes and a fierce, persevering hero, The Gilded Ones is a dazzling and powerful debut." --Elizabeth Lim, bestselling author of Spin the Dawn
"A poignant examination of patriarchal oppression that ensnares its reader and doesn't let go. With a compelling main character and fresh magic system, it takes you on a journey of self-discovery through a fantastically built world with a burning mystery at its heart." --Kalyn Josephson, author of The Storm Crow
"While elements of action and social justice are strong, there is also mystery . . . readers will find themselves awestruck with satisfying revelation, leaving both a clean ending and desire for more."
--Booklist, starred review
"Female-led YA fantasy is an overcrowded genre, but Namina Forna brings a fresh perspective in her stormingly good debut . . . Action combines with an intense feminist story of sisterhood, where strength is found in female friendships and alliances." --The Guardian
"Brutal, brilliant, and ultimately hopeful, The Gilded Ones takes readers on
a stunning sci-fi fantasy ride." --Nerdist
Readers will find themselves awestruck. --Booklist, starred review
"Formidable heroines and a thoughtful feminist myth-ology distinguish debut author Forna's West Africa-inspired fantasy trilogy launch. Abundant action drives the pace, while a nuanced plot advocates social change by illustrating the myriad ways in which society cages and commodifies women." --Publishers Weekly
