The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

Book: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

Reviewer: Yasmin, Grade 11

Rating: 5 stars

 

This is the first book of an ongoing series; a mystical take on the Salem witch trial following the story of a girl named Deka as she battles both the people around her and the monsters of her world. In a society reminiscent of old Salem, with similar expectations of women’s characteristics and purity, Deka faces difficulties in the face of her society’s close minded expectations that have been drilled into her since childhood. In Deka’s small town, every girl’s dream is to go through the ritual of purity, where they officially step into adulthood. This is Deka’s only hope for acceptance in her town, where many discriminate against her due to her mixed heritage. However, on the day of the ritual, her village is attacked by demon-like creatures that have been ravaging the entire country. In an effort to survive, Deka reveals some miraculous- and condemning- abilities. Before she knows it, she is found guilty of witchcraft, imprisoned, tortured, then whisked away by an agent from the capital city, and her life is turned upside down. This story is a never-before seen take on one of the most infamous events in American history, and takes multiple unexpected twists and turns, keeping you guessing the whole time. The world building is well done and complex, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something unique in the fantasy genre as well as dystopian, as it explores various social issues in a high tension, fantasy world.