Thank you to Penguin teen Canada for the gifted eARC in exchange for a honest review. This being the second in the trilogy, there wasn't as much information to digest. Which was good because there was a lot happening! More revelations and more twists and turns. Be forewarned; like the first book, there is much violence and gore. I can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this arc for exchange for an honest review.

After enjoying the first book in the Gilded Ones series by Namina Forna, The world building in the first book took a little getting used to but by the end of that book, I was very invested in the growth that the main character and the discovery of the truth behind the Gilded Ones. Because of that, I was very excited to get the opportunity to read the 2nd book in the series.. The Merciless Ones provided a lot more information on how young women were lied to regarding their origins and powers. Deka continues to grow in her power and knowledge of how to protect her friends and learns more about what she needs to do to save other young women all over her world. The only problem I had was the story seemed to be a little rushed from one event to another. It didn't give the reader much time to absorb the information that was being provided before moving onto the next big event. Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel it is a good second volume for the Gilded Ones series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an unbiased review! In the sequel to the gilded ones Deka is now on a quest to basically unearth more secrets of the gods. She starts to suspect that once again what she’s been told isn’t the truth. I love the relationships between the main group. There is something very satisfying watching deka and her friends and “pet” grow into their abilities and stand on their own. I like that Deka is intelligent and has the perception to see through the lies. The pacing is well done and it is fairly fast paced. This does stray a lot from the feminist nature of book one. Which I like the expansion of the world and I’m still rooting for Deka and her friends but it always makes me a big uneasy when a book strays so far from what I expected.

The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna

The sequel to one of my favorite books from last year. I was a little nervous to read this one because The Gilded Ones was so good.

Sometimes sequels can read like a copy and paste of the first one with some changes here and there. I feel like this one did a good job of keeping the flow of the first book while not reading predictable (for me at least).

It doesn't have that new car smell like the first one but in terms of book sequels, this was definitely in my top 5.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out and preodering the last in this trilogy.

#themercilessones #naminaforna #books #bookstagram #turtlesreads #sequel #nothingisasitseems

What if your entire existence was based on a lie? That is Deka's reality. Raised to believe in the Gilded Ones, the goddesses - the mothers, who, together, created her from themselves - Deka discovers that everything she knows, everything she believes, everything she is, is a lie. And not just any lie, but a lie crafted to deceive her into doing the will of another, one who has created a lie so complex and all-encompassing that it borders on being an alternate reality.

Deka was raised in a society that denigrates women, treats them as second-class citizens or worse, and which isolates those young women who bleed gold instead of red even further, teaching them that they are, by birth, evil, and training them to fight deathstrikes - but as Deka discovers in this second novel in the series, all of that is based on a deliberate lie, one intended to bring power to deities divided amongst themselves. Deceived by foes on all sides, Deka and her friends must find the truth of their world, and bring it into the open, for the good of all - an action that will shake their society to the core, and may destroy it entirely. A worthy sequel to the first novel, and that one I hope will be followed by more.

I remember really enjoying book one. If I could have had book two right after the first I think this review would be a lot different. I was invested in the world and the characters but a year later I have forgotten most of the story and lost interest in the plot. I still enjoyed it and found many parts exciting to read. I think the author has done a great job of creating this new world and wonderful characters but it was no longer something I was dying to read. I am not sure if I will give book three a try or not.

In this sequal to The Gilded Ones, Deka and her friends and allies fight for the Mothers. A new threat has arisen that will shake Deka's faith. (Side note: it explores the toxicity of binary thinking.)

I went into this book thinking it was a duology. There had better be another book in the series. Can't wait to read it!

So glad I re-read The Gilded Ones before jumping into The Merciless Ones, as these books have a lot going on plot-wise. Which I love! There's so much wonderful representation in the first book, and that continues and expands in the sequel. I never see any of the plt twists coming, and Deka is such a fascinating main character. Definitely an emotional rollercoaster here.

The Merciless Ones is the second in The Gilded Ones Trilogy. I did enjoy this one, but it didn't quite captivate me like The Guilded Ones did. For the first 60-65% or so I felt like it moved slow and it lost me a bit with what was going on (please note: I am not a big fantasy reader, so the more complex the story the harder it is for me).

What The Merciless Ones lack in pace it they make up for it with representation and dealing with societal issues. I felt these things were woven in so well - and added to the main plot perfectly.

Deka is on a mission to free the goddesses, and of course nothing is as simple as it seems. New discoveries are made along with twists and betrayals. Beware of trusting anyone but Deka. All your favorite characters return, but The Merciless Ones really focuses on Deka and her empowerment.

The Merciless Ones sets everything up nicely for the final and I will be waiting semi-patiently for it.

I love the way this story is unfolding. Enough of an ending to satisfy me but just enough foreshadowing to keep me looking forward to the next installment.

When I read The Gilded Ones, it was immediately a 5🌟 read because of its empowering, feminist plot that I couldn’t get enough of. So, The Merciless Ones was a must read because I couldn’t wait to see how Deka’s story continues.
In The Merciless Ones, Namina Forna has this ability to immerse you in a complex, fantastical world filled with the most amazing characters that you end up rooting for, shedding a few tears over, and smiling along with their banter. She also includes so many social issues, such as gender identity and sexuality, in a way that weaves into the plot naturally rather than being forced. These topics never distract, but rather add to the book overall.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave me so much anxiety, yet I can't help but recommended it! The character archs could be a bit more in-depth, but the magic, the plot twists and the sheer female badassery are all worth it.

I read the first book in this series, a remarkable debut by this author, last year and was anxious to see where the story of these female warriors’ led them next.

Deka freed many of the goddesses in The Gilded Ones, but her work is far from over. Several more, along with other innocents, are still held captive. When an unusual symbol seems to allow a group of jatu soldiers to resist Deka’s commands and then reanimate after being killed, she’s tasked by the four mothers to track down Elder Kadiri and locate an arcane object. To help her accomplish this mission, she’s joined by her alaki and deathshriek sisters and the Uruni. Before long, Deka is left questioning everything she thought she knew.

This story is brimming with secrets and betrayals leading to plot twists that aren’t difficult to figure out, although Deka is a little slow to pick up on them. The first book focuses on themes of racism and sexism in a male dominated world, but this followup shines a light on gender identity and sexuality. Representation is fantastic, and romantic relationships other than Deka’s and Keita’s are revealed – I was on board for all of them, but was glad they’re not a prominent part of the story. World-building and strong friendships continue to be some of my favorite aspects about this series, but pacing is a little uneven in the first several chapters.

With one more book left in the series, it will be a long, impatient wait to see what happens to these characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you so much, NetGalley, Random House Children's and Delacorte Press, for the chance to read and review one of my most anticipated reads in 2022.

It's been six months since Deka freed the goddesses and discovered her true identity and now war is in the ancient kingdom of Otera, a dark power is growing and Deka and her army has to stop it before it's too late. Secrets, though, are ready to change everything she has ever known and when her gifts start to change, Deka finds herself with a choice to make, save her world or destroy it.

The Gilded Ones was one of the best book I've ever read in a long time and I was waiting with bated breath its sequel. The merciless one didn't disappointed me at all. The second installment, if even possible, it's even better than the first one. Deka is an eccelent main character, a powerful young girl, with great power and the strength in fighting back an injust world that want to tame girls like her.
Filled with secrets, powers, lies and goddesses, this book is a rollercoaster of feelings, actions and so many things happening my heart was shaking. It was incredible, a journey following Deka I would recommend to anyone who loves a brilliant story, powerful main characters, amazing setting and the chance to destroy or remake a world.
The reader will be captured by Deka's voice and strenght, will stay to discover what's happening and will be at edge of the seat all the time. AMAZING.

OK so first, I need the third book IMMEDIATELY!! The action? Perfection. The pacing? Superb! I loved this even more than The Gilded Ones which is hard to admit because I LOVED The Gilded Ones. This is definitely going to be in my library come September. I was also a blubbering mess throughout this book, I got put through the emotional ringer.

This was a great read. everything changes yet again for Deka. the loyalty of her found family is outstanding. and the world building is immersive. Still a little predictable but still enjoyable.

Top 5 Reasons to read The Merciless Ones

When you have a major life event and are still gripped by the book you’re reading, you know you’re in deep. Namina Forna has my number. haha

Alright so let’s get to it!

Just give me a reason….

The Opening
Let me tell you, it’s rare that a second book starts off this strong. I’m trying hard to not give spoilers in case you haven’t read book one. However, it starts with uh…death? Yes, death and intensity and more that grabs you around the waist to throw you right in. You will be hooked from the first page.

Emotional Wreckage
….but in a good way. Rollercoaster of fun, yes - but also I was so invested and I admit I may have cried. Maybe more than once. I was all over the place emotions wise with this book. Nevertheless, every moment is worth this damage and even now I’m considering an immediate reread to better absorb what occurred.

Let’s do the TWIST
Hello plot twists and intrigue. You THINK you know the twists but Namina Forna is a master of misleading while side attacking on twists and betrayals. I will say this led to a bit of uh… cliffhanger. YES I KNOW. Stay with me though cuz it’s worth it. We can all scream together in outrage and awe. (Also, please someone read this and talk to me…. I need a book buddy… thank you)

Representation and Romance
If it isn’t already, The Merciless Ones should be on your radar for LGBTQ reads. The Gilded Ones led with wonderful representation and book two just grows even more on top of that foundation. Additionally, I’m a sucker for amazing romantic pairings and I love that we get that well flushed out in this book.

EPIC
Have you ever wanted a main character that can kick butt, take names, and keep going. Look no further. Deka is a powerhouse and it’s refreshing. She grows so much in this book and I’m BEYOND excited to see what happens in Book Three. She is the main character and leader I love to see in fantasy books. Especially in young adult books. Deka is dynamic and encourages the reader to be involved on every page.

To wrap it up, I do have to say one more thing, YES IT’S A CLIFFHANGER TO END ALL CLIFFHANGERS. However, it’s so worth it. If you enjoy fantasy, complex world building, and amazing characters - this is a series you shouldn’t miss.

Overall,

Overall rating: 4.5
Plot: 4.0
Character Development:5.0
Dialogue: 4.5
Writing: 4.0

Shout out to TBR and Beyond Tours for including me in this Book Tour! Here is the Schedule to check out other posts and views. (https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2022/04/21/tour-schedule-the-merciless-ones-the-gilded-ones-2-by-namina-forna/ )

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.”

Happy Reading!
Ash~

Holy shit. The first thing I looked up was if there was a book 3 because the way this book ended!!!! Holy crap!!!! The found family, the secrets, the fighting, the tender love, the friendships. This book was another 5 star for me. The way the author was able to deliver this sequel!!!! Deka , Brita, Ixa, all of our fave characters are back. The world building was phenomenal!

OMG. Was this one better than the first, yes! I loved the exploration of gender in this one. And the exploration of what feminism really is and what is really best for civilization. I loved the development in all the characters. I loved seeing Deka really grow throughout the whole story. This book had so many twists and turns! I seriously cannot wait for the next one!