A review by hue
The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna

challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Though it is sometimes overwritten, and has some typical YA-type writing, there's much more flesh to this story than a lot of the "popular" ones. We have a cast of strong female characters with sisterly bonds. The story is raw, yes, but it's written in a tasteful (if you can say that) way. The topic of misogyny and sexism, as well as the opposite, is so well thought out and well written it feeds the story such a realistic feeling I can totally imagine Otera truly existing somewhere.

I ADORE Deka and Britta's friendship. They're truly platonic soulmates, and it's so so so lovely that their relationship keeps going strong no matter what. I love that though Deka is strong and divine by her own, she doesn't fear depending on people. Her blood sisters, Britta, Keita, Ixa (who isn't a person but I guess it counts), White Hands. She has a web of people that she can trust, that trust her and comfort her, stand by her side despite all the blood they have to go through. It's beautiful!

I wish I would've had this story to read when I was a teen. I would've been so empowered and thrilled to follow Deka along as she fights for what is right and what is wrong. If you can stomach blood and gore, this is a gold mine. What YA should be!

THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE QUEER CHARACTERS AS SIDE CHARACTERS! AS NORMAL, REGULAR PEOPLE JUST LIVING THEIR LIVES! PRAISE NAMINA FORNA, YOU BEAUTIFUL SOUL!

I'm sure Namina Forna is going to write some incredible stuff along her career. I'm excited for the next installment (that I'm late getting to), and whatever Namina might write in the future, I'm definitely going to follow her work, whatever it may be!
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