The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A Teen Vogue Best Book of the Year

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

About the Story

Sixteen-year-old Deka dreads the blood ceremony that decides her fate. She prays for red blood—proof she belongs. Instead, her blood runs gold, branded impure, and her future turns deadly. Offered a choice—submit to punishment or fight for the emperor with an elite army of girls like her—Deka joins the alaki, near‑immortal warriors with rare gifts destined to face the empire’s greatest threat.

As she trains in the capital, Deka discovers shocking truths about the empire, the alaki, and herself. Nothing—and no one—is what they seem in this bold, immersive fantasy perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther.

Why You’ll Love It

• Dark, feminist YA fantasy with rich worldbuilding and warrior‑sisterhood vibes
• High‑stakes action, secret histories, and a fierce, empowered heroine
• Series starter that blends mythic lore with timely themes of identity and belonging

Praise

“A dark feminist tale spun with blood and gold. Must read!” — Dhonielle Clayton

Product Details

• Author: Namina Forna
• Title: The Gilded Ones
• ISBN-13: 9781984848710
• ISBN-10: 1984848712
• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Feminist Fantasy, Epic/Adventure
• Format: Paperback
• Audience: Teens & Young Adult (YA), fantasy readers

Join the alaki—and begin a saga of power, resilience, and destiny. Add The Gilded Ones to your shelf today.