MFA Production Design Thesis - The Gilded Ones

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna is a fantasy novel set in a world where young women must undergo a ritual called the "Blood Ceremony" to determine whether they are pure or impure. The story follows 16-year-old Deka, who is deemed "impure" after her blood runs gold during the ceremony, marking her as a potential demon. In her society, this makes her an outcast, and she is condemned to live in shame.
However, Deka is soon recruited by a mysterious woman named Commander, who reveals that Deka's golden blood is a sign of her extraordinary powers. She is invited to join a group of elite female warriors who possess similar abilities. These women, known as the Gilded Ones, are trained to fight dangerous creatures that threaten their world. As Deka learns to harness her abilities, she uncovers dark secrets about the true nature of her society, the blood ceremony, and the forces that oppress women like her.
The novel explores themes of identity, power, and the fight for freedom, highlighting the strength and resilience of women in a patriarchal society. The Gilded Ones blends elements of African mythology and traditional fantasy, creating an empowering and action-packed story of self-discovery and rebellion.