The Gilded Ones

Deathless, Book 1

By: Namina Forna

Narrated by: Shayna Small

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TEEN VOGUE

South Carolina Children's Book Award nominee

"A dark feminist tale spun with blood and gold. Must read!"–Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles

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.

The start of a bold and immersive fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther.

©2020 Namina Forna (P)2020 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"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)

Excellent Read

Excellent read. I was unsure if this was supposed to be a book for Adolescents or adults but the story line and plot is so well written that it didn't matter. The story draws you in completely and leaves you wanting to know what's next for the Gilded Ones.

too violent but still interesting

Although I see the point of the violence, I wonder if this tale could have rested more on intrigue and less on violence. Otherwise, this is an interesting take on old themes of coming of age and the battle of the sexes and the war between good and evil.

Great Story

Loved the story. Not a fan of the narrator. It would’ve been nice if the narrator had a more authentic accent.

THIS STORY was PURE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The narrator was AMAZING. She had so many different voices and they were so different from each other. My whole family listened to this story and they all loved it. My children range from 12-8. This story does make mention of love between two woman but, I didn't have a problem with that. I just felt others should know. Overall, this story was great. I can't wait for book two.

I need the second book!

Loved it, can't wait to see what happens next! I need the next book! Looking forward to seeing more from this author.

So good!

This book will make you forget about your television shows. The narrator did a wonderful job voicing each character. A very good read (listen).

Empowering for Women. Creative story.

A story you want to go on. A surprising new adventure. From an avid reader this has been a true favorite. Highly recommend it.

fantastic story

This was a gripping story that I ended up devouring in a day. I really loved the relationships that Deka develops over the course of the story. I'm a sucker for a loyal friend and there is a lot of that in this story.

Beautiful story

from the very start you know there is more to Deka and the reasons behind what happens to her and the other "tainted" ones, the whole story is spent unraveling those truths iwith such eloquence. I hope there is a series,I haven't checked yet, very entertaining.

Soooo good!

Riveting & well done
Shayna Smalls is my favorite narrator
Would make an awesome film
Can’t wait for Part Deux