Instant New York Times Bestseller • Named One of the Best Books of the Year by Teen Vogue
Deka has always feared the blood ceremony that will decide her fate in her village. Praying for red blood to finally belong, she’s devastated when her blood runs gold—the color of impurity. Facing a fate worse than death, Deka is offered a choice: submit to her village’s cruelty or join the emperor’s army, fighting alongside other girls like her.
These girls, called alaki, are near-immortals with rare powers, and they are the empire’s only defense against a deadly threat. But as Deka trains for battle, she discovers dark secrets about the empire, the city, and even herself.
The Gilded Ones is a bold, feminist fantasy packed with action, magic, and self-discovery—perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther.
