4 ⭐ CW: Violence, blood, gore, death, misogyny 

The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna is the final book in the Deathless trilogy. I have really enjoyed this series, and I think it has some great commentary on oppression, free will, and how we're all connected. Of the three, this is probably my least favorite, although still a great read. 

We continue following Deka in her search for her keita, her divinity, and a way to defeat the Gilded Ones and the Idugu. It's a long and hard road fraught with setbacks and failures, but Deka and her friends learn there is more to the gods than the Oteran gods would have them believe. 

We got to explore some great new locations in this book, all with beautifully vivid descriptions. There was a lot more world building that happened in this book, which was great, but unfortunately it also slowed down the plot a lot and made the pacing a bit weird. It was a little too slow in places, and I thought some things were unnecessarily rehashed. The last third of the book was where most of the excitement and intensity happens. 

We do get to see Deka have more growth and healing throughout the story. Ixa is still my favorite little shape shifting lizard. 

If you're looking for a series by a Black author with strong characters, found family, and strong commentary on the rights of women, the role religion plays in oppression, and great fantasy elements, then pick up the Deathless trilogy.