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
"Perfect for those who fell in love with Black Panther and will leave all holding their breath until the very end." Ebony
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
Formidable heroines and a thoughtful feminist mythology 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
All of the alaki girls have realistic and moving trauma as a result of actions wreaked on them both as human women and alaki, and strong female friendships stand at the forefront of this novel that will have readers thinking about it long after the last page. The Bulletin
Namina Forna is the New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones series. She has a MFA in film and TV production from USC School of Cinematic Arts and a BA from Spelman College. Namina now works as a screenwriter in LA and loves telling stories with fierce female leads. Visit her on twitter at @NaminaForna and on Instagram at @namina.forna.