Isn't this cover gorgeous?

The Gilded Ones is a feminist fantasy with West African flavor and it is fierce. The writing flows effortlessly. The pacing works perfectly. The characters are well developed. Their fears and flaws and strengths fit their experiences. I loved them all.

The book begins with Deka's purity ceremony, a ritual that tests the blood of 16 year old girls to see if it is purely human, or if the girls have instead matured as alaki - demonic, golden blooded, near-immortal beings that must be slaughtered according to the death mandate.

On the day of her ceremony, Deathshrieks attack Deka's village, and in desperation she screams at them to stop attacking those she loves.

They obey.

Her eyes flash golden.

A local man stabs her with a spear and after an initial river of red, Deka's blood runs gold. And she dies. Or, almost-dies.

Over the next few days Deka will almost-die nine times; stabbing, burning, dismemberment, the villagers try it all to find Deka's true death. Then a strange woman comes to the village, finds Deka, and offers her a choice: stay in the village and die as many times as it takes to finally stay dead, or leave and fight in the Emperor's army of alaki, girls just like her. It's not really a choice at all.

This is not your typical "kid with magic goes to a magical school" story, so don't be fooled. It is raw and emotional. You'll fall in love with Deka and her friends as they learn who they are, learn what is worth fighting and dying to protect.

This is definitely a five star read.