Review by Abigail Lee

Namina Forna’s The Merciless Ones picks up six months after the gripping conclusion of the first book, The Gilded Ones, where we join Deka as she continues on her mission to reinstate the four mother goddesses to their rightful positions of power. Despite their earlier victories, the battle against the oppressive patriarchal regime is far from over. Deka’s spirited rebellion faces fierce retaliation from the patriarchy and their malevolent deity. As the goddesses’ chosen champion, Deka shoulders the responsibility to confront this looming darkness that threatens both their hard-fought freedom and the world itself.  

The narrative is a whirlwind of action, maintaining a brisk pace from beginning to end. Deka and her companions find themselves in a relentless cycle of bloody battles, punctuated by tender moments of camaraderie and mutual support. These intervals allow their bonds to deepen, offering a glimpse into their personal growth and evolving relationships. 

Namina Forna’s world-building is nothing short of breathtaking. Her intricate and vivid descriptions conjure a rich tapestry of landscapes and settings that envelop the reader, making the story incredibly immersive. The depth of detail in crafting this world, complete with its mythology, culture, religious beliefs and history, is truly commendable.  

Forna uses the fantasy genre as a lens to critique societal gender roles and stereotypes, highlighting how they are often tools of oppression. She delves into profound themes of power, gender and identity with nuance and sensitivity. Through a diverse ensemble of characters and the inclusion of marginalised identities, she explores these complex issues, steering clear of cliches and tropes. The novel also offers heartwarming portrayals of love in its various forms, from platonic bonds to polyamorous relationships. 

Interestingly, Forna takes the narrative beyond the expected trajectory. While the first book, The Gilded Ones, primarily tackled the suppression of women’s rights, this sequel scrutinises broader societal views on gender. The matriarchal society Deka fights for isn’t without its flaws, as Forna astutely points out their own binary perceptions of gender. Throughout the story, readers are prompted to question unquestioning obedience to religious doctrines and societal norms. Deka’s internal journey adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Navigating these realisations becomes a significant challenge for her, elevating her character beyond merely confronting external adversaries.  

The second instalment in this West African-inspired fantasy series surpasses expectations, building upon its predecessor’s strengths and deepening its exploration of feminism and non-male rights. Far from suffering from the often-dreaded second book syndrome, this instalment challenges readers’ preconceptions, delivering suspenseful twists and heart-stopping moments. Forna’s storytelling defies the notion that YA literature lacks depth or complexity. Her prose has an immersive quality that draws readers deep into the characters’ experiences, making their triumphs and tribulations all the more poignant.  

Ultimately, The Merciless Ones is a captivating and intelligent exploration of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Forna’s mastery of storytelling continues to impress, leaving readers (and me!) eagerly anticipating the series’ conclusion.   

See a GLLI review of The Gilded Ones here.

The Merciless Ones
Written by Namina Forna
2022, Usborne
ISBN: 9781474959582
Reviews: Kirkus, School Library Journal

Abigail Lee is a Music Performance graduate from Middlesex University who’s now diving into the magical world of MA Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London. Growing up with her nose in books, she’s incredibly passionate about children’s and young adult literature. When she’s not lost in a story, Abigail enjoys exploring new destinations, whipping up tasty recipes or belting out her favourite tunes with gusto.  

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GLLI’s 2024 International YA Literature Month has been curated by Dr Emily Corbett. She is a lecturer in children’s and young adult literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she leads the MA Children’s Literature: Theoretical Approaches to Children’s and Young Adult Literature programme. Her research focuses on the growth and development of YA from literary, publishing, and cultural perspectives. She is also General Editor of The International Journal of Young Adult Literature and was founding Vice President of the YA Studies Association. Her monograph, In Transition: Young Adult Literature and Transgender Representation (2024), is forthcoming with the University Press of Mississippi in June. You can find her contact details on her institutional website and connect with her on Twitter and Instagram via @DrEmilyCorbett.

Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.