Gilded
Adventurous fantasy weaves Korean mythology, martial arts.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Gilded is Christina Farley's debut novel and the first book in the Gilded series. It's about a Korean-American teen who lives with her father in Seoul, South Korea. She battles an evil demigod, Haemosu, who wants to take her soul and make her his princess. The legend of Haemosu is an actual Korean myth. Gilded has some violence: Jae battling Haemosu and other Korean mythical beings, and monsters using tae kwon do and archery. There's mild romance with a couple of kissing scenes and hugging. The only strong language is "crap."
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What's the Story?
GILDED is about a Korean-American teen, Jae Hwa Lee, who moves from L.A. to Seoul with her dad. She doesn't want to live there. She wants to stay in L.A. where she has friends and memories of her deceased mother. Jae also doesn't get along with her grandfather, or so she thinks. Once Jae discovers why her grandfather wants her to leave Seoul, her world turns upside down. Jae is connected to an old myth -- the legend of Princess Yuhwa, who escaped the evil clutches of the demigod Haemosu. He's said to take the souls of eldest living daughters, and Jae's next on his list. She must put her tae kwon do and archery skills to the test to defeat him, protect her family and friends ... and stay alive.
Is It Any Good?
Gilded is an extremely fun book that offers the perspective of a Korean-American teen living in a foreign country. It's also a twist on standard paranormal books, with new monsters and mythical beings. Jae Hwa is a great role model -- a strong fighter who's still unsure she can defeat Haemosu. She's real and believable. Gilded also has interesting locales, a romance, side characters, and Korean myth and history. After finishing the first book, readers will be eager to dive into the second one, Silvern.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Korean myths and legends explored in Gilded. Does the novel make you want to learn more about the legend of the sun deity Haemosu and Princess Yuhwa?
Why do you think the author, a non-Korean, wrote about a Korean-American girl in Seoul?
Dramas in Korea are extremely popular. A K-drama was made about the legend of archer and warrior Jumong, the son of Haemosu and Yuhwa. "Jumong" was rated the highest drama of 2006. It's available online via DramaFever and Viki. Although fictionalized for television, it's worth checking out to learn more about Korean mythology and history.
Book Details
- Author: Christina L. Farley
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, High School, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Skyscape
- Publication date: March 1, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 339
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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