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Deathless #3
The Eternal Ones
The dazzling finale to the groundbreaking, New York Times bestselling Gilded Ones series. One girl holds the power to defeat the gods—but can she become one?
Mere weeks after confronting the Gilded Ones—the false beings she once believed to be her family—Deka is on the hunt. In order to kill the gods, whose ravenous competition for power is bleeding Otera dry, she must uncover the source of her divinity. But with her mortal body on the verge of ruin, Deka is running out of time—to save herself and an empire that’s tearing itself apart at its seams.
When Deka’s search leads her and her friends to the edge of the world as they know it, they discover an astonishing new realm, one which holds the key to Deka’s past. Yet it also illuminates a devastating decision she must soon make…
Choose to be reborn as a god, losing everyone she loves in the process. Or bring about the end of the world.
Mere weeks after confronting the Gilded Ones—the false beings she once believed to be her family—Deka is on the hunt. In order to kill the gods, whose ravenous competition for power is bleeding Otera dry, she must uncover the source of her divinity. But with her mortal body on the verge of ruin, Deka is running out of time—to save herself and an empire that’s tearing itself apart at its seams.
When Deka’s search leads her and her friends to the edge of the world as they know it, they discover an astonishing new realm, one which holds the key to Deka’s past. Yet it also illuminates a devastating decision she must soon make…
Choose to be reborn as a god, losing everyone she loves in the process. Or bring about the end of the world.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2024
361 people are currently reading
13245 people want to read
About the author
Namina Forna
7 books3,146 followersNamina Forna is a young adult novelist and the author of the New York Times bestselling fantasy YA series The Gilded Ones. Originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa, she moved to the US when she was nine and has been traveling back and forth ever since.
Namina's books have been translated into 25+ languages, nominated for several awards, and optioned for film and TV. Namina herself is an accomplished public speaker, especially on the topics of feminism, storytelling and challenging dominant narratives.
Namina's books have been translated into 25+ languages, nominated for several awards, and optioned for film and TV. Namina herself is an accomplished public speaker, especially on the topics of feminism, storytelling and challenging dominant narratives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 658 reviews
April 7, 2025
**4 5-stars**
The Eternal Ones is the final installment in Namina Forna's Deathless series. I'm walking away an emotional mess.
I wasn't ready for this to end.
I'll admit, this series intimidated me at first. It took me a while before I dared to pick it up, but once I did, Forna laid those fears to rest. With this being said, this is heavy and a bit complicated; it's not an easy read by any stretch.
You need to be focused and paying attention at all times, but if you do, it pays off in spades.
I'm not going to say anything about the plot here, as I am seriously at a loss for how to describe this book without spoiling the events in the previous two.
My experience with this was very positive. I was a little nervous that it's been a few months since I read The Merciless Ones, the 2nd-book, and I was concerned I wouldn't remember enough about how that one left off.
Again, I should have trusted Forna's skills more. She provided a perfect, natural-feeling recap that helped to jog my memory so well. I really appreciated that aspect. It was concise and gave just what I needed to get me back in the proper headspace for this series.
As mentioned above, this is complex, and by that, I mean the world is complex. You are being dropped into a fully-formed, beautifully-developed world and while I may have thought I knew everything about it by this point, I was wrong.
We had some great new developments here, with Deka and her friends traveling to the edge of the world and discovering a whole new realm. It's there they glean some information needed for the final showdown and meet some promising new potential allies.
I was surprised by the emotional levels that Forna was able to bring to these books. In each one, I always felt for Deka, but in this one in particular my heart was with her. It was a roller coaster, for her and for me.
I just couldn't imagine going through everything she had been through. It's tumultuous. It's like Deka can never catch a break, it's one thing after another, but she had to travel the path she did. She really had no choice. I respect her courage throughout this series.
In addition to the fabulous main character that Deka is, I also love her best friend, Britta so, so much. She's like Samwise Gamgee level perfect sidekick.
Their friendship is actually one of my favorite aspects of this entire series; the way it is written. Like when it is just the two of them having a private moment, it's so cute. In those moments, you can really see their humanity; just two teen girls caring about each other. Britta is just such a light to me, in an otherwise fairly dark narrative.
I also enjoy Keita, Deka's love interest. Their relationship is sweet and definitely hit me in the feels.
He has been through a lot in his life, like Deka, so I think it's easy for them to relate to one another and find solace in one another. Even though their experiences are very different, they can appreciate what they've each been through.
One of the most powerful scenes in this book, IMO, involves them returning to Keita's family home. Y'all, you better have your tissues ready. There was something so moving and believable about that scene for me.
Lastly, the Found Family element, created over the course of the series, for me is shining its brightest in this book.
This group is tight, and with what they're facing in the final scenes, it couldn't have come at a better time. The camaraderie, the good spirits as a group and the ability to communicate well and work together, it's so well done.
I'm sad this is over. Frankly, it's such a beautifully-imagined world Forna's created here, it's a shame to use it just for these three books and never see it again...
That's why I'm proposing a prequel following Deka's Mom and White Hands. Forna, if you're out there, we need this.
To the rest of you, write your Congressman, your mayor, pass around petitions, let's make this happen!
The Eternal Ones is the final installment in Namina Forna's Deathless series. I'm walking away an emotional mess.
I wasn't ready for this to end.
I'll admit, this series intimidated me at first. It took me a while before I dared to pick it up, but once I did, Forna laid those fears to rest. With this being said, this is heavy and a bit complicated; it's not an easy read by any stretch.
You need to be focused and paying attention at all times, but if you do, it pays off in spades.
I'm not going to say anything about the plot here, as I am seriously at a loss for how to describe this book without spoiling the events in the previous two.
My experience with this was very positive. I was a little nervous that it's been a few months since I read The Merciless Ones, the 2nd-book, and I was concerned I wouldn't remember enough about how that one left off.
Again, I should have trusted Forna's skills more. She provided a perfect, natural-feeling recap that helped to jog my memory so well. I really appreciated that aspect. It was concise and gave just what I needed to get me back in the proper headspace for this series.
As mentioned above, this is complex, and by that, I mean the world is complex. You are being dropped into a fully-formed, beautifully-developed world and while I may have thought I knew everything about it by this point, I was wrong.
We had some great new developments here, with Deka and her friends traveling to the edge of the world and discovering a whole new realm. It's there they glean some information needed for the final showdown and meet some promising new potential allies.
I was surprised by the emotional levels that Forna was able to bring to these books. In each one, I always felt for Deka, but in this one in particular my heart was with her. It was a roller coaster, for her and for me.
I just couldn't imagine going through everything she had been through. It's tumultuous. It's like Deka can never catch a break, it's one thing after another, but she had to travel the path she did. She really had no choice. I respect her courage throughout this series.
In addition to the fabulous main character that Deka is, I also love her best friend, Britta so, so much. She's like Samwise Gamgee level perfect sidekick.
Their friendship is actually one of my favorite aspects of this entire series; the way it is written. Like when it is just the two of them having a private moment, it's so cute. In those moments, you can really see their humanity; just two teen girls caring about each other. Britta is just such a light to me, in an otherwise fairly dark narrative.
I also enjoy Keita, Deka's love interest. Their relationship is sweet and definitely hit me in the feels.
He has been through a lot in his life, like Deka, so I think it's easy for them to relate to one another and find solace in one another. Even though their experiences are very different, they can appreciate what they've each been through.
One of the most powerful scenes in this book, IMO, involves them returning to Keita's family home. Y'all, you better have your tissues ready. There was something so moving and believable about that scene for me.
Lastly, the Found Family element, created over the course of the series, for me is shining its brightest in this book.
This group is tight, and with what they're facing in the final scenes, it couldn't have come at a better time. The camaraderie, the good spirits as a group and the ability to communicate well and work together, it's so well done.
I'm sad this is over. Frankly, it's such a beautifully-imagined world Forna's created here, it's a shame to use it just for these three books and never see it again...
That's why I'm proposing a prequel following Deka's Mom and White Hands. Forna, if you're out there, we need this.
To the rest of you, write your Congressman, your mayor, pass around petitions, let's make this happen!
July 30, 2021
I have not read this. I just want to be here early lol
January 29, 2024
After the Gods separated to become male Idugu and the female Gilded Ones, Otera has been tearing itself apart to support the rivalling, power-hungry entities.
Deka is a goddess-in-waiting with the potential to save her people from the brutal ancient goddesses who terrorize her kingdom of Otera. But first she must find her celestial essence - and if the Gilded Ones find it before she does, they will drain her power and tear Otera apart.
I have always enjoyed the critique Forna incorporates into her novels.
How ‘burn down the patriarchy’ turned into burn down all systems that work to keep people down, to centre and hoard power, to encourage obedience and subservience.
There are always girls like that, girls who believe so desperately that they'll get the lives they've been promised if only they sacrifice everything that they are. That's how those who have power retain it: by promising they'll share some of that power if a chosen number obey whatever commands they have been given.
Also the romance never sped up as the end of the world loomed. Forna made sure that there was no urgency for the romance to blossom into something huge that the characters aren’t ready for. It’s a lot more realistic - wanting to take time.
However, I did find this a let down after enjoying the prior two books.
I am conflicted… some parts were a strong three stars, others I wanted to give two stars.
So many parts of this felt too convenient. I know this is always a caveat with YA, yet I felt disappointed by how many times things went their way or fell into place. Discoveries, allies, power, knowledge…
I think too much needed to be accomplished and all of these new revelations were the only way to do so.
Not to mention, there just wasn’t enough time for character development.
Deka starts out extremely angry, lashing out at everyone in her hurt and there’s some heavy handling of appreciating everyone’s suffering. Yet, the characters seem to shift attitudes and accept changes extremely quickly and easily.
Considering the prior challenges and hesitant nature of all the characters previously, this felt forced and strange.
I am loving the new direction YA is taking - the casual inclusion of diversity, the tackling of tough topics that society seeks to hide, ignore, shield.
"Ye look like one of those broken potteries they piece back together with gold."
“I always thought those were beautiful."
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend the Children of Blood and Bone!
Thank you to Usbourne publishing for providing the arc in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
Deka is a goddess-in-waiting with the potential to save her people from the brutal ancient goddesses who terrorize her kingdom of Otera. But first she must find her celestial essence - and if the Gilded Ones find it before she does, they will drain her power and tear Otera apart.
I have always enjoyed the critique Forna incorporates into her novels.
How ‘burn down the patriarchy’ turned into burn down all systems that work to keep people down, to centre and hoard power, to encourage obedience and subservience.
There are always girls like that, girls who believe so desperately that they'll get the lives they've been promised if only they sacrifice everything that they are. That's how those who have power retain it: by promising they'll share some of that power if a chosen number obey whatever commands they have been given.
Also the romance never sped up as the end of the world loomed. Forna made sure that there was no urgency for the romance to blossom into something huge that the characters aren’t ready for. It’s a lot more realistic - wanting to take time.
However, I did find this a let down after enjoying the prior two books.
I am conflicted… some parts were a strong three stars, others I wanted to give two stars.
So many parts of this felt too convenient. I know this is always a caveat with YA, yet I felt disappointed by how many times things went their way or fell into place. Discoveries, allies, power, knowledge…
I think too much needed to be accomplished and all of these new revelations were the only way to do so.
Not to mention, there just wasn’t enough time for character development.
Deka starts out extremely angry, lashing out at everyone in her hurt and there’s some heavy handling of appreciating everyone’s suffering. Yet, the characters seem to shift attitudes and accept changes extremely quickly and easily.
Considering the prior challenges and hesitant nature of all the characters previously, this felt forced and strange.
I am loving the new direction YA is taking - the casual inclusion of diversity, the tackling of tough topics that society seeks to hide, ignore, shield.
"Ye look like one of those broken potteries they piece back together with gold."
“I always thought those were beautiful."
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend the Children of Blood and Bone!
Thank you to Usbourne publishing for providing the arc in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
dnf
January 13, 2024DNF @15%
I loved the first book of this series and then the second book was aimless and brought in a lot of random things. I was hoping the finale would be more like the first book, but unfortunately it aligns with the second. There isn’t any build up to things-they just happen and the reader is supposed to accept it without any explanation of the magic. I’m very disappointed that I didn’t love this series as much as I wanted to.
I loved the first book of this series and then the second book was aimless and brought in a lot of random things. I was hoping the finale would be more like the first book, but unfortunately it aligns with the second. There isn’t any build up to things-they just happen and the reader is supposed to accept it without any explanation of the magic. I’m very disappointed that I didn’t love this series as much as I wanted to.
February 26, 2024
***UPDATE***
I came back to say I read The Eternal Ones and was not disappointed.
I so want book three to be called : The God Slayer or The Deathless Ones
I came back to say I read The Eternal Ones and was not disappointed.
I so want book three to be called : The God Slayer or The Deathless Ones
March 16, 2024
This was a difficult book to get through. I enjoyed the first few chapters and I really enjoyed the ending, but everything in the middle seemed to just draaaaaag on. I kept losing focus and was over it. But I read the first two books of this series so I wanted to see this through. In all honesty, I really only enjoyed the first book and the second/third bored me.
April 2, 2024
Oh, I am so happy that I dove into this series this year. Rereading the first book brought me so much joy that I just had to see how everything would end. Choices, consequences, and gods be damned. The Eternal Ones was entertaining from the very start and eventually tied everything up with a nice little bow. The epilogue made the last handful of bittersweet chapters a bit easier to digest.
March 18, 2024
Daka got on my nerves! She took too long! But I am glad I read the series and the ending was satisfying. Happy reading!
February 23, 2024
➳ 3.5✶
TW: alcohol, animal cruelty, animal death, blood, body horror, claustrophobia, confinement, death, death of a loved one, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, fire/fire injury, genocide, grief, injury/injury detail, medical content, physical abuse, religious bigotry, sexism, torture, violence, war.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion - though not without its flaws.
From the beginning, my feelings on this trilogy have been conflicted and The Eternal Ones was no exception. As with the first two books, there were parts of this book that were fantastic. An absolute masterclass in crafting a really gripping, immersive YA fantasy trilogy.
In other ways, however, it stumbled into many of the flaws I find in most trilogy finales. Things like disjointed pacing and melodramatic characters that make it a point to keep reminding the reader of just how far they've come from book one, going so far as to say "wow, this reminds me exactly of x event from when we met each other, isn't that crazy?" Which is one of my finale pet peeves.
With that being said, this was still a good book. Even with my mixed feelings, this is a good trilogy. It's unique and heartfelt, often finding a perfect balance between horrific and hopeful.
Ultimately, a series I recommend and an author I look forward to revisiting in the future.
TW: alcohol, animal cruelty, animal death, blood, body horror, claustrophobia, confinement, death, death of a loved one, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, fire/fire injury, genocide, grief, injury/injury detail, medical content, physical abuse, religious bigotry, sexism, torture, violence, war.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion - though not without its flaws.
From the beginning, my feelings on this trilogy have been conflicted and The Eternal Ones was no exception. As with the first two books, there were parts of this book that were fantastic. An absolute masterclass in crafting a really gripping, immersive YA fantasy trilogy.
In other ways, however, it stumbled into many of the flaws I find in most trilogy finales. Things like disjointed pacing and melodramatic characters that make it a point to keep reminding the reader of just how far they've come from book one, going so far as to say "wow, this reminds me exactly of x event from when we met each other, isn't that crazy?" Which is one of my finale pet peeves.
With that being said, this was still a good book. Even with my mixed feelings, this is a good trilogy. It's unique and heartfelt, often finding a perfect balance between horrific and hopeful.
Ultimately, a series I recommend and an author I look forward to revisiting in the future.
February 16, 2024
2024 reads: 36/250
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
in this finale to the deathless trilogy, deka is determined to take down the gods, which requires her figuring out the source of her own divinity.
i’ve been keeping up with this series since 2021, so it was very hard to say goodbye to everyone with this book! i really wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, yet somehow it still exceeded my expectations. i absolutely loved how deka was out for vengeance and had to make her own way. there were also side characters, old and new, who got their page time and i really enjoyed them. the plot also kept me entranced and i think everything played out in an interesting way.
i highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the previous two books!
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
in this finale to the deathless trilogy, deka is determined to take down the gods, which requires her figuring out the source of her own divinity.
i’ve been keeping up with this series since 2021, so it was very hard to say goodbye to everyone with this book! i really wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, yet somehow it still exceeded my expectations. i absolutely loved how deka was out for vengeance and had to make her own way. there were also side characters, old and new, who got their page time and i really enjoyed them. the plot also kept me entranced and i think everything played out in an interesting way.
i highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the previous two books!
Want to read
October 23, 2022Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Ko-fi
#1 The Gilded Ones - ★★★★★
#2 The Merciless Ones - ★★★★★
#3 Untitled - TBR
#1 The Gilded Ones - ★★★★★
#2 The Merciless Ones - ★★★★★
#3 Untitled - TBR
April 30, 2024
The habit of disrupting the pace of a battle scene with an ill-timed dialog or a second-guess was infuriating. The amount of times I yelled, "WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS," while reading this, chinga.
April 12, 2024
This was Deka's final journey in this trilogy.
I really struggled through this series. I loved the first book. The second book was chaotic, and this final book was even more chaotic. I found myself skimming through much of the book because it became overly repetitive and drawn out.
There were so many convenient plot points that didn't make sense. I felt like this book tried to incorporate way too much. I found it odd to suddenly include an entirely new pantheon of gods that no one knew exists in the first two books. I can appreciate a twist or surprise in a series, but I don't think this was well executed
I really struggled through this series. I loved the first book. The second book was chaotic, and this final book was even more chaotic. I found myself skimming through much of the book because it became overly repetitive and drawn out.
There were so many convenient plot points that didn't make sense. I felt like this book tried to incorporate way too much. I found it odd to suddenly include an entirely new pantheon of gods that no one knew exists in the first two books. I can appreciate a twist or surprise in a series, but I don't think this was well executed
Want to read
July 20, 2023this cover is insane we fuckin love you deka!
March 24, 2024
E chega ao fim esta trilogia! 😍
Depois de tudo o que descobriu nos primeiros livros, Deka tem de encontrar a sua divindade e matar os deuses.
O corpo dela está cada vez mais fraco e o tempo urge.
Deka e os amigos tem de enfrentar o fim do mundo e vão descobrir um novo reino. Senti que estava a ler o primeiro livro, pois foi tanta informação que até fiquei um pouco confusa…
No fundo, a questão que se põe a Deka é se deve renascer e tornar se deusa ou provocar o fim do mundo.
Gostei deste final. 😍
Depois de tudo o que descobriu nos primeiros livros, Deka tem de encontrar a sua divindade e matar os deuses.
O corpo dela está cada vez mais fraco e o tempo urge.
Deka e os amigos tem de enfrentar o fim do mundo e vão descobrir um novo reino. Senti que estava a ler o primeiro livro, pois foi tanta informação que até fiquei um pouco confusa…
No fundo, a questão que se põe a Deka é se deve renascer e tornar se deusa ou provocar o fim do mundo.
Gostei deste final. 😍
March 8, 2024
The book overall was a letdown for me especially since I've been waiting since I finished the first two in 2022. I was hoping for a climactic ending, but the book felt overly convenient and didn't have any emotional push and pull for me. This final instalment also lacked a strong diverse narrative that was so clear in the two previous books.
I'll caveat the following critiques with the fact that I've been in a reading slump and this could perpetuate my low scoring. Regardless, I kept skimming over long passages hoping for something interesting and also constantly hoping it would end. Had this not been the final chapter in a trilogy, I would likely have abandoned it around the 30-40% mark.
CHARACTERS:
I've always thought the series had too many characters so I've never expected much character development on the many peripheral characters that surround Deka. That said, Deka in this book doesn't go through much of an arc for me. She starts off seeming weak and angry from the previous book but snaps out of it and then remains pretty similar throughout the whole book. There are not many moments of tenderness or challenge for her, and it's never really clear what she wants or why. The whole book was about her ascension as a goddess but there weren't many obstacles or turning points. Sure, there were a few passages where she had internal dialogue feeling unsure or not, but nothing around it was substantial enough to push her to growth.
No other character goes through any transformation, her core team is always just there and contributes in minimal ways to the scene but we don't see how they perceive what's going on. I don't expect much due to how many characters there are, but in previous books, at least one or two of the secondary characters get a moment to shine but I didn't feel this this time around.
SETTING:
Book One offered such a unique POV to a very saturated genre. Book Two expanded and subverted your expectations. But Book Three felt like it was trying to introduce new elements but that didn't play a central part of the story - ending up being more distracting than anything else. There was expansion of the deities, on the creatures/species in the world, and new powers. Individually all the new components are cool, but we weren't able to sit with them long enough. Truthfully I would have rather just focus on what already existed than include new flashy elements just to close them a few chapters later.
My other grievance, is I still don't understand the magic system. It's always been a soft system but the more elements that get introduced the more I question what the limitations are. Deka seems to have powers that take very little to develop but have weird limitations. Her friends received some powers at the end of book two that seldom come into play. It's fine in some cases, but given how frequently it conveniently solved/perpetuated a problem was a bit too much.
PLOT:
As mentioned, the story is very convenient. I felt a slight pattern of (1) long expose/reflection (2) some external force cutting it short (3) some form of action (4) convenient exit or ending leading to the next sequence.
Many of the plot points didn't feel consequential to the core mission, despite the writing telling us they were. Ex: there's a big chunk of the book dedicated to building an army for the war against the Goddesses, but we don't read about the war much since the core team is somewhere else when it happens.
I won't go too much in-depth to avoid any potential spoiler but many of the stops on the journey to finding Deka's Kelani felt superfluous. It wouldn't have been so bad if the tangents offered challenging feats or character development but they all ended without much impact on the overall story and plot progression.
--
Overall I have fond memories of this book but just with the finish would have landed a bit stronger. This is the first modern trilogy I followed along and find it impressive to write one in this day, but I think the vision for this one was there but could have used some refinement.
I'll caveat the following critiques with the fact that I've been in a reading slump and this could perpetuate my low scoring. Regardless, I kept skimming over long passages hoping for something interesting and also constantly hoping it would end. Had this not been the final chapter in a trilogy, I would likely have abandoned it around the 30-40% mark.
CHARACTERS:
I've always thought the series had too many characters so I've never expected much character development on the many peripheral characters that surround Deka. That said, Deka in this book doesn't go through much of an arc for me. She starts off seeming weak and angry from the previous book but snaps out of it and then remains pretty similar throughout the whole book. There are not many moments of tenderness or challenge for her, and it's never really clear what she wants or why. The whole book was about her ascension as a goddess but there weren't many obstacles or turning points. Sure, there were a few passages where she had internal dialogue feeling unsure or not, but nothing around it was substantial enough to push her to growth.
No other character goes through any transformation, her core team is always just there and contributes in minimal ways to the scene but we don't see how they perceive what's going on. I don't expect much due to how many characters there are, but in previous books, at least one or two of the secondary characters get a moment to shine but I didn't feel this this time around.
SETTING:
Book One offered such a unique POV to a very saturated genre. Book Two expanded and subverted your expectations. But Book Three felt like it was trying to introduce new elements but that didn't play a central part of the story - ending up being more distracting than anything else. There was expansion of the deities, on the creatures/species in the world, and new powers. Individually all the new components are cool, but we weren't able to sit with them long enough. Truthfully I would have rather just focus on what already existed than include new flashy elements just to close them a few chapters later.
My other grievance, is I still don't understand the magic system. It's always been a soft system but the more elements that get introduced the more I question what the limitations are. Deka seems to have powers that take very little to develop but have weird limitations. Her friends received some powers at the end of book two that seldom come into play. It's fine in some cases, but given how frequently it conveniently solved/perpetuated a problem was a bit too much.
PLOT:
As mentioned, the story is very convenient. I felt a slight pattern of (1) long expose/reflection (2) some external force cutting it short (3) some form of action (4) convenient exit or ending leading to the next sequence.
Many of the plot points didn't feel consequential to the core mission, despite the writing telling us they were. Ex: there's a big chunk of the book dedicated to building an army for the war against the Goddesses, but we don't read about the war much since the core team is somewhere else when it happens.
I won't go too much in-depth to avoid any potential spoiler but many of the stops on the journey to finding Deka's Kelani felt superfluous. It wouldn't have been so bad if the tangents offered challenging feats or character development but they all ended without much impact on the overall story and plot progression.
--
Overall I have fond memories of this book but just with the finish would have landed a bit stronger. This is the first modern trilogy I followed along and find it impressive to write one in this day, but I think the vision for this one was there but could have used some refinement.
January 8, 2025
This is the third instalment in the Deathless series.
Deka is a goddess-in-waiting with the potential to save her people from the brutal ancient goddesses who terrorize her kingdom of Otera. But first she must find the source of her divine power - and if the Gilded Ones find it before she does, they will drain her power and tear Otera apart.
This entire series provided great discourse concerning genders and the hierarchy of power and this final instalment was no exception! Deka was the perfect protagonist to allow the readers into this world as she stood on the sidelines before becoming a central figure in the political and magical alterations affecting every citizen. I loved exploring both the kingdom's geography and the manifestation of her power. My main love, however, was the female friendships and how incredible the bond between Deka and those surrounding her truly was.
Deka is a goddess-in-waiting with the potential to save her people from the brutal ancient goddesses who terrorize her kingdom of Otera. But first she must find the source of her divine power - and if the Gilded Ones find it before she does, they will drain her power and tear Otera apart.
This entire series provided great discourse concerning genders and the hierarchy of power and this final instalment was no exception! Deka was the perfect protagonist to allow the readers into this world as she stood on the sidelines before becoming a central figure in the political and magical alterations affecting every citizen. I loved exploring both the kingdom's geography and the manifestation of her power. My main love, however, was the female friendships and how incredible the bond between Deka and those surrounding her truly was.
March 14, 2024
I don’t know why this series isn’t more popular it’s SO good
Read
May 5, 20243.5 stars
"I might have let go of my anger over his actions, but never again will I allow anyone to treat me so poorly, to manipulate me so. I will never again mistake abuse for love and cherish it the way I once did with the man I used to call Father."
The Eternal Ones is the epic ending to this trilogy, and the stakes are higher than ever before.
We're back in Otera, but this time, we know Deka's journey is coming to an end. Surrounded by her amazing and loyal group of friends, they embark on a new journey that will test all of them. With beautiful descriptions and a new world, we meet new characters, but the suspense is simmering on the surface. I did not trust the situation at all, and we're constantly waiting for the penny to drop.
There were some shocking plot twists, and I felt so bad for Deka. She goes through so much and never catches a break. But seeing where she started in book 1 and where she is now, she is like a queen. She is, after all, a goddess in waiting. I'm not giving away anything, but be prepared for some aquatic adventures, seeing Ixa in all his glory and finally getting answers to long answered questions.
I read this as part of the Penguin Books YA Book Club and had a great time! While the beginning of the book has a slow pace, the pace picks up halfway, and I felt like it prepared the reader for the upcoming intense chapters.
If you like fierce female MC's, adventure, magic, diverse characters, loyal friends and young adult fantasy, you should give this trilogy a try.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House SA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"I might have let go of my anger over his actions, but never again will I allow anyone to treat me so poorly, to manipulate me so. I will never again mistake abuse for love and cherish it the way I once did with the man I used to call Father."
The Eternal Ones is the epic ending to this trilogy, and the stakes are higher than ever before.
We're back in Otera, but this time, we know Deka's journey is coming to an end. Surrounded by her amazing and loyal group of friends, they embark on a new journey that will test all of them. With beautiful descriptions and a new world, we meet new characters, but the suspense is simmering on the surface. I did not trust the situation at all, and we're constantly waiting for the penny to drop.
There were some shocking plot twists, and I felt so bad for Deka. She goes through so much and never catches a break. But seeing where she started in book 1 and where she is now, she is like a queen. She is, after all, a goddess in waiting. I'm not giving away anything, but be prepared for some aquatic adventures, seeing Ixa in all his glory and finally getting answers to long answered questions.
I read this as part of the Penguin Books YA Book Club and had a great time! While the beginning of the book has a slow pace, the pace picks up halfway, and I felt like it prepared the reader for the upcoming intense chapters.
If you like fierce female MC's, adventure, magic, diverse characters, loyal friends and young adult fantasy, you should give this trilogy a try.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House SA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2024
And then they all joined hands and sang...no, but really.
August 25, 2025
(spoilers!!)
this book was incredible. the perfect finale to a great series. i feel like the third and last books in trilogies will always be my favorite, so maybe this book had a spot in my heart already.
essentially, in this last book, deka, the slayer of the gods, goes on a final mission to kill the malicious gods, the idugu and the gilded ones to bring peace to otera. she discovers more about herself and her true origins along the way.
first off, i loved seeing deka's growth throughout the series. she literally evolved from an alaki to a god in the span of this trilogy, and built up her confidence and self-worth along the way. in the first quarter of the book, deka was like angry daniel tiger. yes, i'm using that phrase to describe deka, because my girl would lash out for no reason. i understand she was grieving at figuring out her "mothers" true intentions, but that DID NOT mean she had to take it out on her friends. she also couldn't touch anyone because it would hurt her, after she had drained her energy unearthing her friends' true powers. after she got to maiwuri, though, i began to like deka a little more. i quite liked the concept of godsworn, representatives of the gods, not quite human or divine. i also loved learning about Ixa, his healing abilities, and how he was connected to deka. as she began to understand her power, the Greater Divinity, and how to use it, she was able to defeat the gods and create a new kind of world where everyone is equal. took her long enough!!
her friends also supported her the entire way. especially keita, belcalis, white hands, and britta. i liked the detail of deka having to come back to gar fatu to find her kelai, located in keita's summer home. the symbolism of burning it down shows he was fully ready to leave the old him as well as his family in the past, creating a new future with deka. his "sweetheart". i'm actively CRINGING at that name. do i call my boyfriend my sweetheart? errr.... no. JUST CALL HIM HER PARTNER. IT'S NOT THAT HARD.
*sigh*
anyways. i love belcalis and britta so much. belcalis always has a plan, is always suspicious of everyone around her but also cares so deeply for others. i can definetely see why she became empress of otera. britta is unbelievably strong, and never fails to protect or comfort Deka when she needs it most. i was sad that she didn't become a god with her, because they literally promised they'd be together for eternity. but i do feel like a mortal life is much easier to live than living forever as a god.
i also loved white hands, she's such a queen. her and anok's guidance and advice shaped deka in who she ultimately became.
overall, this book was amazing. there were tons of twists and turns i never saw coming, and it was such a page turner, i motivated myself to stay up until midnight to fly through those pages. it was un-put-downable, as one would say. i love the fact that deka found her chosen family and can now build a better world with them as a newborn god. all the characters were multifaceted and unique in their own ways, and surprised me when i least expected it. definetely check out this series, you won't regret it!!
this book was incredible. the perfect finale to a great series. i feel like the third and last books in trilogies will always be my favorite, so maybe this book had a spot in my heart already.
essentially, in this last book, deka, the slayer of the gods, goes on a final mission to kill the malicious gods, the idugu and the gilded ones to bring peace to otera. she discovers more about herself and her true origins along the way.
first off, i loved seeing deka's growth throughout the series. she literally evolved from an alaki to a god in the span of this trilogy, and built up her confidence and self-worth along the way. in the first quarter of the book, deka was like angry daniel tiger. yes, i'm using that phrase to describe deka, because my girl would lash out for no reason. i understand she was grieving at figuring out her "mothers" true intentions, but that DID NOT mean she had to take it out on her friends. she also couldn't touch anyone because it would hurt her, after she had drained her energy unearthing her friends' true powers. after she got to maiwuri, though, i began to like deka a little more. i quite liked the concept of godsworn, representatives of the gods, not quite human or divine. i also loved learning about Ixa, his healing abilities, and how he was connected to deka. as she began to understand her power, the Greater Divinity, and how to use it, she was able to defeat the gods and create a new kind of world where everyone is equal. took her long enough!!
her friends also supported her the entire way. especially keita, belcalis, white hands, and britta. i liked the detail of deka having to come back to gar fatu to find her kelai, located in keita's summer home. the symbolism of burning it down shows he was fully ready to leave the old him as well as his family in the past, creating a new future with deka. his "sweetheart". i'm actively CRINGING at that name. do i call my boyfriend my sweetheart? errr.... no. JUST CALL HIM HER PARTNER. IT'S NOT THAT HARD.
*sigh*
anyways. i love belcalis and britta so much. belcalis always has a plan, is always suspicious of everyone around her but also cares so deeply for others. i can definetely see why she became empress of otera. britta is unbelievably strong, and never fails to protect or comfort Deka when she needs it most. i was sad that she didn't become a god with her, because they literally promised they'd be together for eternity. but i do feel like a mortal life is much easier to live than living forever as a god.
i also loved white hands, she's such a queen. her and anok's guidance and advice shaped deka in who she ultimately became.
overall, this book was amazing. there were tons of twists and turns i never saw coming, and it was such a page turner, i motivated myself to stay up until midnight to fly through those pages. it was un-put-downable, as one would say. i love the fact that deka found her chosen family and can now build a better world with them as a newborn god. all the characters were multifaceted and unique in their own ways, and surprised me when i least expected it. definetely check out this series, you won't regret it!!
December 13, 2024
Maybe 3.5...
This was a solid series. The first book did a great job of introducing us to the world and the laws, and then the second book just ramped it up, so I was super pumped to dive into the final installment. And while I did enjoy it, I wasn't blown away.
This book starts off with Deka extremely angry at everything - and while I don't really blame her, she's treating everyone around her horribly. But she's in pain and her human body is deteriorating at a rapid pace. She's literally running out of time. Luckily, she realizes that it doesn't do any good to be mad at the people helping her and finally uses her anger to push herself forward. I did admire her strength here and it was really nice to see her really shine in her own light.
While this entire series has been building up to the giant war with the gods, the pacing felt really off in this one. There were stretches of just nothing. Like I get not having your main characters in mortal danger every page, but some of the scenes were so chill (for lack of a better word) that they really took me out of the main storyline and the need to hurry. But the scene at Keita's home was very touching.
This book was very emotional and the author did not shy away from the realities of war. There are losses. While the book ends on a happy note, it's not a perfectly happy road there and that felt realistic. Deka did get closure from her family and from her past which I felt was needed. But my absolute favorite part was learning more about Ixa. Ixa has been my favorite character since the first book and he just continues to shine. Learning about his species and history here, I could have read an entire book devoted just to that. Love Ixa.
Overall, a really good series that doesn't shy away from hard topics and I look forward to seeing what Forna comes out with next.
This was a solid series. The first book did a great job of introducing us to the world and the laws, and then the second book just ramped it up, so I was super pumped to dive into the final installment. And while I did enjoy it, I wasn't blown away.
This book starts off with Deka extremely angry at everything - and while I don't really blame her, she's treating everyone around her horribly. But she's in pain and her human body is deteriorating at a rapid pace. She's literally running out of time. Luckily, she realizes that it doesn't do any good to be mad at the people helping her and finally uses her anger to push herself forward. I did admire her strength here and it was really nice to see her really shine in her own light.
While this entire series has been building up to the giant war with the gods, the pacing felt really off in this one. There were stretches of just nothing. Like I get not having your main characters in mortal danger every page, but some of the scenes were so chill (for lack of a better word) that they really took me out of the main storyline and the need to hurry. But the scene at Keita's home was very touching.
This book was very emotional and the author did not shy away from the realities of war. There are losses. While the book ends on a happy note, it's not a perfectly happy road there and that felt realistic. Deka did get closure from her family and from her past which I felt was needed. But my absolute favorite part was learning more about Ixa. Ixa has been my favorite character since the first book and he just continues to shine. Learning about his species and history here, I could have read an entire book devoted just to that. Love Ixa.
Overall, a really good series that doesn't shy away from hard topics and I look forward to seeing what Forna comes out with next.
March 8, 2024
This is how a trilogy should end!! I will miss these characters! Such a good trilogy! I gave all three books 5 stars! Please read it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m beg you!!!
April 9, 2024
4.75🌟
We are all. We are you. Just as you are us." Every being is connected, one no more important/ worthy than the other.
Book three continues with Deka (FMC) and her found family (mini army) recovering from the blows they were dealt after the confrontation with the Gods in book 2. Now that she has learned the truth of herself, they are on a journey to locate the power she needs to ascend to her rightful place and restore the cosmic balance of the world. We are introduced to a whole new world that was previously unknown and watched as Deka grapples with the consequences of the actions she will have to take in the future. I enjoyed that the author really showed Deka's unease about herself and her forth coming choices, as her helped to maintain her humanity, and remind the readers that the saviors in this book are all still teenagers who are young in their journey/experience of life, even though they have been tasked which such grave responsibilities.
The romance with Deka and Keita was so sweet, and I love that their love was not hurried even though the world was coming to an end. That was one aspect of their lives they were able to control and keep to themselves in the middle of chaos. They chose each other over and over again!!!
I thought the ending was very fitting, and it gave me so much closure. I really appreciated the epilogue for wrapping up all the stories that I have grown to love.
We are all. We are you. Just as you are us." Every being is connected, one no more important/ worthy than the other.
Book three continues with Deka (FMC) and her found family (mini army) recovering from the blows they were dealt after the confrontation with the Gods in book 2. Now that she has learned the truth of herself, they are on a journey to locate the power she needs to ascend to her rightful place and restore the cosmic balance of the world. We are introduced to a whole new world that was previously unknown and watched as Deka grapples with the consequences of the actions she will have to take in the future. I enjoyed that the author really showed Deka's unease about herself and her forth coming choices, as her helped to maintain her humanity, and remind the readers that the saviors in this book are all still teenagers who are young in their journey/experience of life, even though they have been tasked which such grave responsibilities.
The romance with Deka and Keita was so sweet, and I love that their love was not hurried even though the world was coming to an end. That was one aspect of their lives they were able to control and keep to themselves in the middle of chaos. They chose each other over and over again!!!
I thought the ending was very fitting, and it gave me so much closure. I really appreciated the epilogue for wrapping up all the stories that I have grown to love.
February 15, 2024
Eternal Ones literally owes me nothing! I forever Stan this trilogy! In book three, it seemed that things were moving at a faster pace but I was able to keep up. Deka finally reached her fullest potential and she did so with grace and a level of self awareness that only she could. There were continuous challenges that she had to overcome but it seemed that her calling was greater than the enemies she had. Even in the face of adversity she still managed to find a way to have her friends and Keita- who was literally the perfect partner for Deka.. he was truly in love and worshiped her. I think the author did a good job with the descriptions, plot twist, character development, and dialogue. The book was engaging and entertaining and just when I thought I had it all figured out, something else would happen that would blow my mind. I loved it!
* arc copy from netgalley *
* arc copy from netgalley *
February 29, 2024
Ugh! I knew we were off to a bad start when the book opens and they’re already in the place that was mentioned in the previous book as “being so hard to find it was practically myth”. I’d hoped we were going to get some kind of quest and the story would be able to turn itself around from the disappointment of the second book. But nope; same story different book. Seriously, how many times can you use the same storyline with an Uno reverse card applied. Speaking of an Uno reverse card, so much flip flopping! Deka would say something one minute and then completely contradict herself like 10 pages later. None of the characters had a personality beyond an adjective or two (ex: britta - loyal and kind, belcalis - curt and aloof). I was never able to care about any of them to the point that when they all started dropping like flies at the end, I was almost relieved because there just simply “less players on the stage”. Don’t even get me started on that ending. What an absolute load of BS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for allowing me early access to this title!
As the third book in this series it was certainly a wild ride! I really sympathized with Deka and her companions in the beginning in the book and was glad that Deka’s physical suffering was short lived! Although I enjoy Deka, Keita and Britta very much I think that Ixa’s shapeshifting, blue self is definitely my favorite character! I’ll be thinking about him and this series for quite some time!
As the third book in this series it was certainly a wild ride! I really sympathized with Deka and her companions in the beginning in the book and was glad that Deka’s physical suffering was short lived! Although I enjoy Deka, Keita and Britta very much I think that Ixa’s shapeshifting, blue self is definitely my favorite character! I’ll be thinking about him and this series for quite some time!
March 19, 2024
It was a great conclusion to this trilogy!
Deka is an incredibly strong and resilient character who embarks in an adventure to find the truth of who she is and how to fight the patriarchy that kills women in the name of their gods. In this third book the stakes are even higher and I loved the new world building and how the relationships developed. I was very pleased with the ending and even though I would have preferred to see a little more at the end, I have no complaints
Deka is an incredibly strong and resilient character who embarks in an adventure to find the truth of who she is and how to fight the patriarchy that kills women in the name of their gods. In this third book the stakes are even higher and I loved the new world building and how the relationships developed. I was very pleased with the ending and even though I would have preferred to see a little more at the end, I have no complaints
March 11, 2024
Not sure how I feel about the ending.
May 18, 2024
3.5 stars.
Sadly, this was my least favourite of the series. It felt different from the other 2? Maybe because I read this one so far away from the other two which I did back to back. I just felt that lost in a way. Let me explain.
I LOVED that Namina Forna put a recap of the first 2 books in the start of this book and that really helped me get behind this book from page one. BUT. There are sooooooo many words I do not remember the meaning of due to the complexity of the fantasy story and I think a glossary at the back with characters and words would really help a reader understand and appreciate the story better. Due to this reason, I enjoyed the characters in this book way more than the actual story. But I will say I do think the story was handled well in the end for a YA book trying to make a story that reaches god-like structure and what it means to exist.
The characters are the true carry of this book for me. I love our duo Deka and Keita and I think there was extremely positive representation of a positive relationship in this book. The characters were purposefully not forced into a full on romance but a slow relationship that takes time to develop and become deeply in love. I think this was done expertly well. The side characters were also interesting but besides from Britta, there were too many other names thrown in that I did not remember everyone else and without a glossary or explanation in the book why these other characters were important I did not care for them because I didn't remember their story or link to Deka.
I think this is still a must read to finish the trilogy but it is a slog to get through at times as we get introduced to so many new things to tie up loose ends when by now we should know the politics and story back to front.
The first book for me will always be my fav and I cannot wait to see what else Namina Forna will write because I NEED IT NOW :)
Sadly, this was my least favourite of the series. It felt different from the other 2? Maybe because I read this one so far away from the other two which I did back to back. I just felt that lost in a way. Let me explain.
I LOVED that Namina Forna put a recap of the first 2 books in the start of this book and that really helped me get behind this book from page one. BUT. There are sooooooo many words I do not remember the meaning of due to the complexity of the fantasy story and I think a glossary at the back with characters and words would really help a reader understand and appreciate the story better. Due to this reason, I enjoyed the characters in this book way more than the actual story. But I will say I do think the story was handled well in the end for a YA book trying to make a story that reaches god-like structure and what it means to exist.
The characters are the true carry of this book for me. I love our duo Deka and Keita and I think there was extremely positive representation of a positive relationship in this book. The characters were purposefully not forced into a full on romance but a slow relationship that takes time to develop and become deeply in love. I think this was done expertly well. The side characters were also interesting but besides from Britta, there were too many other names thrown in that I did not remember everyone else and without a glossary or explanation in the book why these other characters were important I did not care for them because I didn't remember their story or link to Deka.
I think this is still a must read to finish the trilogy but it is a slog to get through at times as we get introduced to so many new things to tie up loose ends when by now we should know the politics and story back to front.
The first book for me will always be my fav and I cannot wait to see what else Namina Forna will write because I NEED IT NOW :)
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