Looking over Deka’s shoulder, who only knows the lies she has been fed for as long as she can remember, we discover more with every page we read. That quality is foremost shown in the world-building. Granted this is a personal preference at best and doesn’t say anything about the quality of the book. I don’t know what it is but there is only so many times that I can read: “I did this…I say this…I felt this,’ before losing my mind. I just don’t like books that have been written from a first-person perspective. Those who are closest to me will know my first issue. Ok, I had some hurdles to overcome going through this book. Which is all we can ask for right now, isn’t it? Small glimmers of hope, telling us we will get through this.

Even if it is just for a fleeting moment.

No matter the state it may currently be in, it makes me feel hopeful. So when an author tells me that I can make things happen, that I can have a lasting impact on this world. No small acts of normality that make it feel like our lives make sense. No doing things that make you happy outside of your home. No travelling, no visiting friends and family, no celebrations, no pointless afternoons lounging in coffee shops with your favourite books. Aside from work (if you are still lucky enough to have a job) and going out for a walk there has only been so much we have been able to do for well over a year now. In the current pandemic, it is hard to feel like our lives have a purpose. Choose to change the world for good.’Ĭall it cheesy if you like, call it whatever you want really, but that sucked me right in. You can make things happen, and you can change the world.

‘ To every person reading this book, know that you are the hero of your own story.

The gilded ones book review