{"title":"Ember","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"gilded-ones-namina-forna-2-books-collection-set-young-adult-paperback","title":"The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna 2 Books Collection Set - Young Adult - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitles in This Set\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Gilded Ones\u003cbr\u003eThe Merciless Ones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Brand New\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Ember\u003cbr\u003eAge Range: Ages 12-18 (Grades 7-12)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis two-book paperback set collects the first two installments of Namina Forna's West African-inspired young adult fantasy series, following Deka, a girl whose gold blood marks her as impure in a rigidly patriarchal society. In The Gilded Ones, Deka is forced from her village and joins an army of girls like her, uncovering deadly secrets about her power and her world. The Merciless Ones, an instant New York Times bestseller, continues the story as war engulfs Otera and Deka must decide how far she'll go to save it. Together, these books deliver fierce heroines and high-stakes rebellion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Books\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNamina Forna's Gilded Ones series opens with a brutal premise: in the empire of Otera, girls undergo a blood ceremony at sixteen, and any whose blood runs gold instead of red is declared impure and sentenced to death. When Deka's blood runs gold, she is spared only to be conscripted into an army of girls exactly like her, trained as warriors to fight monstrous deathshrieks. The Gilded Ones follows Deka's transformation from a frightened outsider into someone who questions everything she's been taught about purity, gender, and power, uncovering truths that could topple Otera's religious order. The Merciless Ones picks up as the empire fractures under the weight of war and a dangerous new threat emerges. Alliances shift, old enemies become uneasy allies, and Deka's abilities continue to grow, forcing her to reckon with what kind of leader she wants to become. Both novels combine fast-paced action with a thoughtful look at oppression, found family, and the cost of defiance, set against a richly imagined backdrop rarely seen in mainstream fantasy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollects the first two books in Namina Forna's acclaimed Gilded Ones series in one paperback set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures Deka, a fierce and complex heroine navigating identity, power, and rebellion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes The Merciless Ones, an instant New York Times bestseller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich West African-inspired world-building rarely seen in mainstream YA fantasy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfect gift for teen and young adult fantasy readers who love strong heroines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat addition to a classroom library, home shelf, or summer reading stack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook-by-Book Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Gilded Ones — Sixteen-year-old Deka is condemned when her blood runs gold, and she must survive an army built from girls just like her.\u003cbr\u003eThe Merciless Ones — With war spreading across Otera, Deka's growing powers and shifting loyalties are tested as she fights to save an empire that once tried to destroy her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNamina Forna is a Sierra Leonean American author and screenwriter born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, before moving to the United States as a child. She studied at Spelman College and earned an MFA in screenwriting from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Drawing on West African history and mythology, Forna created the Gilded Ones series, which became an instant bestseller and has been praised for its bold reimagining of feminist fantasy. She lives in Los Angeles, where she continues to write for both page and screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love This Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for teens who love fierce heroines and richly built worlds, this set makes a fantastic birthday gift, holiday present, or summer reading pick. Fans of immersive, character-driven fantasy will race through Deka's journey from outcast to warrior across both installments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namina Forna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56856071078262,"sku":"MAN-VRT-UB-U25-9789124291358","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/6587\/2211\/files\/gilded-ones-namina-forna-paperback.jpg?v=1785471855"},{"product_id":"the-kissing-booth-4-books-collection-set-by-beth-reeklesthe-kissing-booth-going-the-distance-one-last-time-the-beach-house-paperback-beth-reekles-1","title":"Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles 4 Books Collection Set - Young Adult - Paperback","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitles in This Set:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Kissing Booth\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Beach\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paperback\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDive into a beloved YA romance universe with this four-book set from Beth Reekles, the author behind The Kissing Booth series that inspired Netflix’s widely-followed films. This paperback collection follows Elle Evans and her tangled relationships from high school into early adulthood, delivering sun-soaked summers, first loves, and the heart’s stubborn pull toward what truly matters. The set artfully blends wit, warmth, and emotional honesty, inviting readers to root for Elle as she discovers who she is, what she wants, and how to balance friendship with romance. Accessible, energetic, and deeply relatable, these titles pair page-turning pacing with thoughtful moments about trust, choice, and growing up. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, lighthearted YA, and readers seeking a complete series arc in a single, giftable collection.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat This Collection Covers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAcross the four titles, Beth Reekles traces Elle’s trajectory from a small-town romance at the Spring Carnival to a pivotal summer before college, and finally into the realities of long-distance love and new chapters. The series explores the messiness of first love, the ache of distance, and the joy of shared moments with friends who feel like family. It also foregrounds choices about education and independence, while maintaining a buoyant, accessible voice that keeps the mood hopeful even when the stakes feel high. The Beach adds a sun-soaked strand to the broader arc, heightening social dynamics among Elle, Noah, and their circle as they navigate summer pressures and evolving relationships. This set offers a cohesive reading experience for teens and aging-out YA readers who crave heartfelt romance without melodrama.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook-by-Book Guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Kissing Booth\u003c\/strong\u003e—Elle Evans launches into a bold plan to host a kissing booth at her school’s Spring Carnival, a decision that pulls her into a whirlwind of first loves, awkward lessons, and a romance with the enigmatic Noah Flynn. As rules blur and feelings intensify, Elle confronts the pull between her head and her heart, discovering the courage to pursue what her heart desires—even when it means challenging expectations and stepping outside her comfort zone. A bright, funny, and earnest start to a series that blends light humor with swooning moments and real-world stakes, making it a standout choice for readers who love a confident, relatable heroine and a slow-burn romance that sparks into something memorable.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance\u003c\/strong\u003e—The romance heats up as Noah moves away to Harvard, testing Elle and Noah’s long-distance relationship. Distance, miscommunication, and new temptations complicate their bond, while Elle discovers how maturity shapes trust and commitment. The book widens the emotional landscape by introducing new social settings, friends, and pressures as Elle navigates senior year, college plans, and the realities of growing up. The pace remains brisk and engaging, with witty exchanges and tender moments that deepen the connection between Elle and Noah. It’s a confident middle-act installment that deepens themes of choice, sacrifice, and the glue that binds two people across miles.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time\u003c\/strong\u003e—Elle spends a transformative summer between adolescence and adulthood, facing decisions about college, friendship, and love. The pressures of.Future plans intersect with lingering feelings, forcing Elle to weigh loyalty to her best friend with the pull of a romance that has shaped her for years. The tone balances warmth with emotional stakes, delivering bittersweet moments and a sense of closure as the characters approach a turning point. Readers who enjoyed the first two books will find a satisfying continuation that brings the central relationships into sharper focus and sets the stage for new beginnings beyond the shorelines of their hometown.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Beach\u003c\/strong\u003e—A sunlit, transitional summer chapter that expands the ensemble’s dynamics. Elle’s happiness with Noah is bright, yet the looming end of summer and Harvard’s horizon adds complexity to every decision. Lee’s evolving relationship with Rachel introduces fresh tensions and friendships within the group, weaving a richer social tapestry around Elle’s world. The Beach offers a lighter, breezier mood while still delivering character growth and the signature emotional honesty that fans expect from Reekles, making it the perfect capstone for readers who want a complete, satisfying arc in a single, cohesive set.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho This Set Is Perfect For:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis collection is ideal for teens and young adults who love relatable, modern romance with witty banter and genuine emotional stakes. It’s particularly well-suited for readers who enjoyed Netflix’s film adaptations and want to revisit Elle and Noah’s story in long-form, paperback form. Gift buyers will appreciate the cohesive four-book arc in one package, while book clubs and classroom readers can explore themes of trust, friendship, and the transition from high school to college. The set also appeals to collectors of contemporary YA romance—fans who value a strong, likable heroine and a consistent, engaging romantic storyline across multiple installments.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eComplete four-book YA romance collection in one stylish paperback set\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEngaging, accessible voice with wide appeal for teen and adult readers\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eStrong heroine-driven storytelling with believable relationships\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGreat gift set for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePerfect for binge-reading marathons and weekend reading goals\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIdeal for book clubs exploring modern romance, friendship, and growth\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCompanion to Netflix adaptations, offering deeper in-text moments not seen on screen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBeth Reekles is the author behind The Kissing Booth series, a quartet of YA romance titles that propelled Elle Evans into a global fan following and inspired Netflix films. Reekles specializes in contemporary romance with relatable, heartfelt protagonists who navigate ordinary life under extraordinary emotional pressure. Her keen ear for dialogue, humor, and emotional authenticity has earned her a dedicated readership among teens and adults who crave charm, warmth, and a dash of real-world grit in their romance. Beyond The Kissing Booth, she has continued to publish novels that blend humor with sentiment, earning a reputation for creating accessible reads that resonate with young readers stepping into adulthood.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You’ll Love This Set:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIf you’re seeking a complete, immersive romance journey that you can curl up with from first page to last, this four-book collection delivers precisely that. The set’s cohesive arc invites sustained engagement, while each title stands on its own with distinct stakes and memorable moments. It’s a tangible way to deepen your connection to Elle and Noah’s story, with the added bonus of sharing the experience with friends or a reading group. For fans of sunny, honest YA romance and gift-worthy sets, this collection provides both emotional payoff and lasting value in a single, well-priced package.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Beth Reekles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57034277618038,"sku":"MAN-VRT-PNG-U25-9789124244026","price":43.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/6587\/2211\/files\/513TrSa1s1L_be82cd39-b317-4e9a-aacb-ba6e3fc6f5a5.jpg?v=1767986301"}],"url":"https:\/\/skymartbooks.com\/collections\/ember.oembed","provider":"Skymart Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}