The Gilded Ones: Volume 1

4.5 stars rounded to 5! This book was insane from beginning to end!! I enjoyed most of the characters and I can't wait to see how Deka and her friends grow in the next books. The weak thing about this book was the romance; I just didn't see it between her and Kaita in this book and I felt Deka needed friends more than a romance. All around though, a really great book and I will be reading the next two soon!!

Very anime imo, giving Claymore to be specific. Swords, spears, battle armor and the battle tactics make an appearance. It also has a twist, perhaps a bit easy to spot if you have read similar stories, but its veiled enough to really make you wonder. There were a few times where I was uncertain of which way the story would turn, exciting! Toss in some special characteristics about select individuals and the root of them being the key to the story and you have me hooked. I plan to read again. I will also add that we appreciate a story written in the context of a female protagonist. There was a time where I would have said this fact is not what matters, and perhaps it isn't, but in the context of contemporary writing even back to ancient times says otherwise. It is important that media show different contexts based on lived experiences. These things we call "weird" or "other" are only that because we support the same old stuff and leave little for the special and novel writers. Well done