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For ten years, I’ve lived in a gilded cage inside King Midas’s golden castle. But one night changed everything.
Now I’m here, a prisoner of Fourth Kingdom’s army, and I’m not sure if I’m going to make it out of this in one piece. They’re marching to battle, and I’m the bargaining chip that will either douse the fire or spark a war.
At the heart of my fear, my worry, there’s him—Commander Rip.
Known for his brutality on the battlefield, his viciousness is unsurpassed. But I know the truth about what he is.
Fae.
The betrayers. The murderers. The ones who nearly destroyed Orea, wiping out Seventh Kingdom in the process. Rip has power sizzling beneath this skin and glinting spikes down his spine. But his eyes—his eyes are the most compelling of all.
When he turns those black eyes on me, I feel captive for an entirely different reason.
I may be out of my cage, but I’m not free, not even close. In the game of kings and armies, I’m the gilded pawn. The question is, can I out maneuver them?
This is the captivating second book of The Plated Prisoner series. It’s an adult epic fantasy story blending romance, intrigue, and beautiful imagery. Return to the seductive story of magic inspired by the myth of King Midas, and get caught up in the world of Orea.
Please note: There is explicit language and romance in this book, not suitable for those under the age of 18.
For ten years, I’ve lived in a gilded cage inside King Midas’s golden castle. But one night changed everything.
Now I’m here, a prisoner of Fourth Kingdom’s army, and I’m not sure if I’m going to make it out of this in one piece. They’re marching to battle, and I’m the bargaining chip that will either douse the fire or spark a war.
At the heart of my fear, my worry, there’s him—Commander Rip.
Known for his brutality on the battlefield, his viciousness is unsurpassed. But I know the truth about what he is.
Fae.
The betrayers. The murderers. The ones who nearly destroyed Orea, wiping out Seventh Kingdom in the process. Rip has power sizzling beneath this skin and glinting spikes down his spine. But his eyes—his eyes are the most compelling of all.
When he turns those black eyes on me, I feel captive for an entirely different reason.
I may be out of my cage, but I’m not free, not even close. In the game of kings and armies, I’m the gilded pawn. The question is, can I out maneuver them?
This is the captivating second book of The Plated Prisoner series. It’s an adult epic fantasy story blending romance, intrigue, and beautiful imagery. Return to the seductive story of magic inspired by the myth of King Midas, and get caught up in the world of Orea.
Please note: There is explicit language and romance in this book, not suitable for those under the age of 18.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 3, 2021
16644 people are currently reading
145314 people want to read
About the author
Raven Kennedy
49 books20.2k followersRaven Kennedy is a tea and dark chocolate kind of girl and can often be found binge-watching The Office or The Great British Baking Show.
She enjoys writing all kinds of books, because each one brings a different experience. Whatever the genre, she hopes she creates characters you can root for.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s with her family, probably messing up a recipe or going on a hike that she thinks she can do, but in reality she can't because she remembers that all she does is sit at a computer all day and write her heart out.
You can connect with her on Facebook in Raven Kennedy's Reader Group, as well as @ravenkennedybooks on Instagram.
She enjoys writing all kinds of books, because each one brings a different experience. Whatever the genre, she hopes she creates characters you can root for.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s with her family, probably messing up a recipe or going on a hike that she thinks she can do, but in reality she can't because she remembers that all she does is sit at a computer all day and write her heart out.
You can connect with her on Facebook in Raven Kennedy's Reader Group, as well as @ravenkennedybooks on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 20,412 reviews
January 16, 2023
totally expected the scene where auren is asking everyone why they call the hot spiky faerie "rip" to turn into him (consensually) ripping her clothes off.....but then it never did and i realized that the real prisoner of this series is me, waiting for any fucking thing to happen
October 28, 2021
– 2.5 stars 🔔
Name me a book with less of a plot than Glint, I'll wait.
People will want to fight me on this and I'm ready, waiting and prepared to go to battle ... cause you know NOTHING happened. 😇
You know how a lot of people complain about the Blood and Ash series moving in snail pace, and I agree, but hot damn, then there is Glint where it feels like the characters don't move at all and only stay within the same camp until maybe the last 20% when they finally arrived at the Fifth Kingdom. That's the only change of scenery.
Even though Auren is starting to question everything she knows, for the most part I still don't enjoy being in her head. The rose-tinted adoration Auren has for King Midas is getting lesser, but it was still very annoying how loyal she was to him. Honestly, it makes sense why Auren is the way she is and it would be unrealistic to expect Auren to make a 180° turn that quickly, but just I coulnd't connect with Auren's character until the last 10% of the book maybe? That's when she was really starting to break free of her cage and thinking for herself.
The romance between Auren and Commander Rip was another aspect that I wasn't sold in the first half. But then came the scene where Rip dares Auren to fight him and THAT SCENE WAS HOT. I love it when the main characters are physically fighting with each other and the Hero is teaching the heroine basic fighting skills. The tension? The little touches? That shit is SOOO GOOD?! I thought that was the turning point for me, but the next chapter literally starts with "the fire has gone out" and that's how I felt with the romance too 😬.. that fight scene was fire and then the fire was gone lmaoo and I was back being bored. BUT then came the 'twist' and I was back being invested again!!!
Commander Rip can get it anytime he wants. His name is dumb af tho and I don't claim that name, but he can still get it. The only tiny light in this series for me is him.
Also please no more Queen Malina chapters!! I know they are there to drive the political plot and see what the other parties are up to, but istg I was bored to tears that I wanted to k*ll myself while reading those chapters so I'm begging Raven Kennedy no more 😭 My mind can't handle being in King Midas and Queen Malina's POV.. that's too much negativ energy at once.
Conclusion
A bit better than the first book, because Auren is not in the palace anymore, there are other interesting side characters, less Midas and more Commander Rip, but Auren was still too annoying for me to really enjoy it. But the end made me feel invested so let's hope Gleam is not a letdown. 🤞
(edit: I wrote this review before reading Gleam and now I can say in fact that it was a letdown for me, but that's for the next review 🥴)
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
THE PLATED PRISONER SERIES
#1 Gild - 2.25 stars
#2 Glint - 2.5 stars
#3 Gleam - 2.5 stars
#4 Glow - maybe if it's really the last book
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
Name me a book with less of a plot than Glint, I'll wait.
People will want to fight me on this and I'm ready, waiting and prepared to go to battle ... cause you know NOTHING happened. 😇
You know how a lot of people complain about the Blood and Ash series moving in snail pace, and I agree, but hot damn, then there is Glint where it feels like the characters don't move at all and only stay within the same camp until maybe the last 20% when they finally arrived at the Fifth Kingdom. That's the only change of scenery.
I don't know if the bones in my body are as gold as the rest of me, but for my sake, I hope they are. I hope my spine is gilded, becase I'm going to need a strong backbone if I want to survive.
Even though Auren is starting to question everything she knows, for the most part I still don't enjoy being in her head. The rose-tinted adoration Auren has for King Midas is getting lesser, but it was still very annoying how loyal she was to him. Honestly, it makes sense why Auren is the way she is and it would be unrealistic to expect Auren to make a 180° turn that quickly, but just I coulnd't connect with Auren's character until the last 10% of the book maybe? That's when she was really starting to break free of her cage and thinking for herself.
"I can't wait to see the rest of you. When you let it go, when you finally let that out, your fury is going to light up the spirit you've shadowed." He looks like someone who's won, boasting in superiority. "I hope you burn so bright that you scorch your Golden King down to ash."
The romance between Auren and Commander Rip was another aspect that I wasn't sold in the first half. But then came the scene where Rip dares Auren to fight him and THAT SCENE WAS HOT. I love it when the main characters are physically fighting with each other and the Hero is teaching the heroine basic fighting skills. The tension? The little touches? That shit is SOOO GOOD?! I thought that was the turning point for me, but the next chapter literally starts with "the fire has gone out" and that's how I felt with the romance too 😬.. that fight scene was fire and then the fire was gone lmaoo and I was back being bored. BUT then came the 'twist' and I was back being invested again!!!
"Did you kill them?" I ask through laboured breaths.
He gives me a shrug of his proud, unbothered shoulder. "They were in my way."again!!!
Commander Rip can get it anytime he wants. His name is dumb af tho and I don't claim that name, but he can still get it. The only tiny light in this series for me is him.
Also please no more Queen Malina chapters!! I know they are there to drive the political plot and see what the other parties are up to, but istg I was bored to tears that I wanted to k*ll myself while reading those chapters so I'm begging Raven Kennedy no more 😭 My mind can't handle being in King Midas and Queen Malina's POV.. that's too much negativ energy at once.
Conclusion
A bit better than the first book, because Auren is not in the palace anymore, there are other interesting side characters, less Midas and more Commander Rip, but Auren was still too annoying for me to really enjoy it. But the end made me feel invested so let's hope Gleam is not a letdown. 🤞
(edit: I wrote this review before reading Gleam and now I can say in fact that it was a letdown for me, but that's for the next review 🥴)
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
THE PLATED PRISONER SERIES
#1 Gild - 2.25 stars
#2 Glint - 2.5 stars
#3 Gleam - 2.5 stars
#4 Glow - maybe if it's really the last book
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
July 28, 2025
“𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲.”
𝗧𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲, the world building in this series so far has been phenomenal and the metaphors used in this book were on point. The new characters introduced over here were the ultimate highlight considering how likeable they were. Let's not even get started on how brutal the cliffhanger was. This series, despite its slow pacing, is indeed very addictive. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲.
𝟏. What hindered my enjoyment was the 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. I couldn't understand why the author had to make everything so detailed? Her detailed writing was appropriate for world building in the first book, but why was it necessary in the second? At times I found myself getting frustrated because everything was so detailed.
𝟐. Another issue was the 𝗙𝗠𝗖'𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. She was docile and empty-headed from the first book, but then I counted on her character development in this one, and unfortunately, no such thing happened. She remained a dumb, docile and a stupid woman who would rather die than use her brain. Her foolish decisions irritated me to the point where I can't even describe why without spoilers.
𝟑. Lastly, 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱. No, seriously. I'm not going to lie; this book was still addictive, but I wanted something to happen. Anything. A 480-page book with nothing happening until the end, no matter how interesting it is, will eventually bore you, as it did with me.
Overall, despite my issues with this book, I still intend to read the other books of this series since, as I stated before, these books are really addictive despite their flaws.
𝗧𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲, the world building in this series so far has been phenomenal and the metaphors used in this book were on point. The new characters introduced over here were the ultimate highlight considering how likeable they were. Let's not even get started on how brutal the cliffhanger was. This series, despite its slow pacing, is indeed very addictive. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲.
𝟏. What hindered my enjoyment was the 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. I couldn't understand why the author had to make everything so detailed? Her detailed writing was appropriate for world building in the first book, but why was it necessary in the second? At times I found myself getting frustrated because everything was so detailed.
𝟐. Another issue was the 𝗙𝗠𝗖'𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. She was docile and empty-headed from the first book, but then I counted on her character development in this one, and unfortunately, no such thing happened. She remained a dumb, docile and a stupid woman who would rather die than use her brain. Her foolish decisions irritated me to the point where I can't even describe why without spoilers.
𝟑. Lastly, 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱. No, seriously. I'm not going to lie; this book was still addictive, but I wanted something to happen. Anything. A 480-page book with nothing happening until the end, no matter how interesting it is, will eventually bore you, as it did with me.
Overall, despite my issues with this book, I still intend to read the other books of this series since, as I stated before, these books are really addictive despite their flaws.
April 30, 2021
where ‘gild’ offers a unique perspective of the story of king midas, this sequel moves beyond that and creates its own tale. while i understand why that is, i kinda missed the retelling vibes.
but i did enjoy the larger glimpse into the world of fae. its such a small detail, only really introduced at the end of the first book, that i was intrigued with how the fae magic is integrated into this installment. again, the plot pacing is glacial. while i thought this was because the first book was meant to introduce characters and do some world building, im now realising that its just RKs writing style. so readers who enjoy a slower, character driven fantasy will be happy with this.
im looking forward to seeing how the series will progress!
↠ 3.5 stars
but i did enjoy the larger glimpse into the world of fae. its such a small detail, only really introduced at the end of the first book, that i was intrigued with how the fae magic is integrated into this installment. again, the plot pacing is glacial. while i thought this was because the first book was meant to introduce characters and do some world building, im now realising that its just RKs writing style. so readers who enjoy a slower, character driven fantasy will be happy with this.
im looking forward to seeing how the series will progress!
↠ 3.5 stars
September 9, 2021
This is one of those series that started off phenomenal, and only gets better with every subsequent book.
Also, I licked Rip, so I guess he's mine.
Also, I licked Rip, so I guess he's mine.
December 25, 2024
With the exception of like, three chapters, this entire book — and I am not exaggerating — is Auren wandering around an encampment, being bullied or trying to scheme (trying to figure out how to scheme?) while being cold and muddy. That’s it. 450 pages of a golden woman being uncomfortable and grouchy while a hot hedgehog man sleeps on a pallet a respectful distance away from her. And I read it in a day and then started book 3. Even I’m baffled by the bewitchery going on here. This series is an illegal substance.
November 30, 2023
2nd read [Nov, 2023]: 4⭐
i forgot how painful it was watching auren for majority of the book😭 but the SATISFACTION watching her finally come to *that* realization >>>
1st read [May, 2021]: 4.5⭐
After how the first book was, I so wasn't expecting to love this so much?? And unlike Gild, this didn't leave me feeling super uncomfortable and disturbed. I definitely enjoyed this a lot more.
And bonus! There was barely any Midas, so that was fun <3
Let me just start off by saying how much I loved the found family in thus just *chef's kiss* it was so precious. I adored the new characters introduced and their interactions with Auren. Judd, Lu, Osrik, Keg, Rip—I need more of them please and thank you.
The growth Auren went through from the beginning to the end was amazing. Although some realizations took awhile—of course I got where she was coming from😭 the frustration I felt... but when she finally opened her eyes, I so loved that moment. I'm excited to see her character develop even more from here on out and hopefully watch her deliver some pain towards *cough* certain bastards :)
Commander Rip(yes, his name's actually Rip💀 the way i wheezed bahaha was actually so sweet and how he pushed Auren to realize certain things about a certain person🥺 And just Rip challenging Auren and what she so strongly believed in before. He played such a huge impact on her and not in a jerk-ish way.
The slow burn was absolute torturee. There was barely any romance in this honestly like it wasn't a huge focus, which I'm totally fine with since all this sets it up for the next book anyways. I need more Aurip content for sure.
I can see now as to why this is for fans of JLA and SJM. I got A Court of Mist and Fury and A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire vibes from this. ACOMAF with there being that one character who makes the mc realize some things & helps them with their trauma. AKOFAF with the traveling between places except it not taking 600 pages for that to happen. There are probably other similarities but my brain's not working right now so whoops ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Overall, I loved this wayyy more than Gildobviously like the new friendships, banter, and character development was just so good. The reason this didn't get 5 stars though is because the Malina chapters were boring and I could care less about her💀
Oh but my biggest complaint is that the bastard didn't die :(
(4.5⭐)
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Pre-read Review:
i need a certain bastard to die please🔪🔪🔪
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Reviews:
Gild: ★★
Glint: ★★★★.5
Gleam: ★★★★★
i forgot how painful it was watching auren for majority of the book😭 but the SATISFACTION watching her finally come to *that* realization >>>
1st read [May, 2021]: 4.5⭐
"Sometimes things need first to be ruined in order to then be remade."
After how the first book was, I so wasn't expecting to love this so much?? And unlike Gild, this didn't leave me feeling super uncomfortable and disturbed. I definitely enjoyed this a lot more.
And bonus! There was barely any Midas, so that was fun <3
“There’s safety in loneliness, but there’s a lurking danger too. One that doesn’t come from anything other than yourself.”
Let me just start off by saying how much I loved the found family in thus just *chef's kiss* it was so precious. I adored the new characters introduced and their interactions with Auren. Judd, Lu, Osrik, Keg, Rip—I need more of them please and thank you.
"Are people so content in ignorance that they'll believe every lie fed to them, despite what they right in front of their eyes?"
The growth Auren went through from the beginning to the end was amazing. Although some realizations took awhile—of course I got where she was coming from😭 the frustration I felt... but when she finally opened her eyes, I so loved that moment. I'm excited to see her character develop even more from here on out and hopefully watch her deliver some pain towards *cough* certain bastards :)
"I hope you burn so bright that you scorch your Golden King down to ash."
Commander Rip
The slow burn was absolute torturee. There was barely any romance in this honestly like it wasn't a huge focus, which I'm totally fine with since all this sets it up for the next book anyways. I need more Aurip content for sure.
I can see now as to why this is for fans of JLA and SJM. I got A Court of Mist and Fury and A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire vibes from this. ACOMAF with there being that one character who makes the mc realize some things & helps them with their trauma. AKOFAF with the traveling between places except it not taking 600 pages for that to happen. There are probably other similarities but my brain's not working right now so whoops ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Overall, I loved this wayyy more than Gild
Oh but my biggest complaint is that the bastard didn't die :(
(4.5⭐)
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Pre-read Review:
i need a certain bastard to die please🔪🔪🔪
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Reviews:
Gild: ★★
Glint: ★★★★.5
Gleam: ★★★★★
December 10, 2023
How did I look into his eyes every day and not see that when he looked back, he was devoted to the gleam of my skin rather than the love of my heart? How did I miss the blinding truth that’s been there all along? How did I mistake an owner for a lover?
Spice Meter: 🌶️
Glint is even better than Gild. The story progresses beautifully. Auren's life takes a turn for what seems like the worst but is actually the best outcome she could hope for given the circumstances. She might be at the mercy of an enemy kingdom, but It is also heavily character-centered, an intense journey of self-discovery, awakening, and empowerment. It is truly inspirational. I stand by what I've said before, this story is too important to pass up. Everyone should read this book—this entire series.
Moreover, Auren's character has one of the most well-thought-out arcs I've read so far. I am amazed at how far she's come. She goes from a compliant captive, too naive to see how horribly she's been treated, to a young woman gradually realizing that she deserves much more than what she's been given. She comes face to face with many hard truths, and while she's not ready to acknowledge all of them, she makes significant progress. She may not be able to disentangle herself from her captor just yet, there's much she still needs to come to terms with, but there's still hope for her.
Also, I couldn't possibly avoid mentioning the new hunk that came into Auren's life. Commander Rip may not have come as a surprise to me, there's fanart of him everywhere, but he still took my breath away. He is supposed to be Auren's enemy, but he treats her with more respect and dignity than anyone else in her life. He is powerful and beautiful, and the complete opposite of Midas. In short, he is perfect.
Moreover, there's clearly something happening between Rip and Auren, although they barely share enough moments between them. There is so much tension between them in those few intense moments. However, many things keep them apart as well. Auren doesn't fully trust him yet, especially after that major revelation right at the end, even though she clearly can't help her attraction to him. Also, she hasn't fully let go of her feelings for Midas yet, something she needs to remedy before she can acknowledge her growing feelings for Rip.
Additionally, new characters make an appearance in this book, other than Rip. The Commander's Army is a delightful compilation of the most badass and most hilarious soldiers he could find. I love them all already, and I can't wait to get more of them in the books to come. They steal wine barrels from one another. How cute is that?
What's more, Rissa isn't as nice as I hoped she would be. She keeps treating Auren horribly, even after what they've been through together. While I still cannot entirely blame her, anyone in her situation would put themselves before others, but her behavior is getting on my nerves. I know there's still a chance she'll grow on me, but it hasn't happened yet, so she better do something really awesome soon. I can't say I care too much for the way the other "saddles" continue to treat Auren, either. I understand where they're coming from to a certain extent, but they really need to cut it out already.
Finally, I would like it to be on record that I sincerely hope Midas and his bitch of a wife, Malina, die horrible deaths soon.
August 13, 2025
WHAT A PLOT TWIST!!!!! 🤯 No seriously… this emoji is literally ME right now.
I was getting so worried, thinking it was going to turn into a love triangle but then BAM 💥 the plot twist came and completely blew my mind (in the BEST way possible, ofc). The story goes: “Nah babe, hold my gold dust real quick…” and just flips the whole dang table!!!
First, let’s talk about the FMC 😭 Like, DAYUMMM—she’s been through so much, and by “so much,” I mean A LOTTTT 😭 Even when she was just a kid… A KID… nooooo 😭 My heart legit shattered reading about her past and some of the awful things she’s still going through now 😭
She’s unbelievably strong, and she deserves the entire world 😤 I’ll support her FOREVER. She’s been through HELL and back, and yet still stands tall?? That’s my warrior queen. That’s my emotional support goddess. That’s a survivor who deserves happiness, peace, and a thousand glittery crowns 👑 Officially declaring she’s one of my favorite FMCs 🙂↕️
I really thought Rissa was going to become her friend…It was giving enemies-to-besties vibes 😢 But that never happened. I get her side of things, I really do…but it still stings seeing the other girls not realize how much pain the FMC’s carrying too 😢
I am glad she’s found some real allies though 🥹🥹 It’s still a tough situation right now, but I’m hoping things turn around soon 🤭 Also, I got some AMAZING side characters to love 🤭YAYYYY!!!
King Midas, GET TF OUTTA HERE. We don’t claim him. Bye 👋 Throw the whole man away. In fact, launch him into the sun. That’s it. That’s the message.🚫👑
BUT SLADDDDDE RAVINGER 👀🔥 Sir. Please. I am in love. Not even stressed anymore, he’s got me LOCKED IN 🙂↔️
—> Charisma?? ✔️
—> Banter?? ✔️
—> Trauma respect?? ✔️
He’s not just hot, he’s healing hot. The slow-burn romance is slowwww but so DELICIOUS and I am LIVING for it 🤭 He’s def top-tier book bf material. Like… elite.
Book 3 better come with emotional support snacks 'cause I’m soooo INVESTED and absolutely not ready 😭
AND AGAIN THAT PLOT TWIST?!?!?! 👀AHHHHHH 🤭
Yep, that’s it. Love y’all. 🫶💛
————————————————
𖣂 pre-read 𖣂
I’m sooo hooked, omggg. 🩶💛🩶💛
I was getting so worried, thinking it was going to turn into a love triangle but then BAM 💥 the plot twist came and completely blew my mind (in the BEST way possible, ofc). The story goes: “Nah babe, hold my gold dust real quick…” and just flips the whole dang table!!!
First, let’s talk about the FMC 😭 Like, DAYUMMM—she’s been through so much, and by “so much,” I mean A LOTTTT 😭 Even when she was just a kid… A KID… nooooo 😭 My heart legit shattered reading about her past and some of the awful things she’s still going through now 😭
She’s unbelievably strong, and she deserves the entire world 😤 I’ll support her FOREVER. She’s been through HELL and back, and yet still stands tall?? That’s my warrior queen. That’s my emotional support goddess. That’s a survivor who deserves happiness, peace, and a thousand glittery crowns 👑 Officially declaring she’s one of my favorite FMCs 🙂↕️
I really thought Rissa was going to become her friend…It was giving enemies-to-besties vibes 😢 But that never happened. I get her side of things, I really do…but it still stings seeing the other girls not realize how much pain the FMC’s carrying too 😢
I am glad she’s found some real allies though 🥹🥹 It’s still a tough situation right now, but I’m hoping things turn around soon 🤭 Also, I got some AMAZING side characters to love 🤭YAYYYY!!!
King Midas, GET TF OUTTA HERE. We don’t claim him. Bye 👋 Throw the whole man away. In fact, launch him into the sun. That’s it. That’s the message.🚫👑
BUT SLADDDDDE RAVINGER 👀🔥 Sir. Please. I am in love. Not even stressed anymore, he’s got me LOCKED IN 🙂↔️
—> Charisma?? ✔️
—> Banter?? ✔️
—> Trauma respect?? ✔️
He’s not just hot, he’s healing hot. The slow-burn romance is slowwww but so DELICIOUS and I am LIVING for it 🤭 He’s def top-tier book bf material. Like… elite.
Book 3 better come with emotional support snacks 'cause I’m soooo INVESTED and absolutely not ready 😭
AND AGAIN THAT PLOT TWIST?!?!?! 👀AHHHHHH 🤭
Yep, that’s it. Love y’all. 🫶💛
————————————————
𖣂 pre-read 𖣂
I’m sooo hooked, omggg. 🩶💛🩶💛
February 26, 2021
What the—?? This should’ve been the first book in the series. Gild is just backstory we don’t really need to being able to follow the main plot.
I’m so frustrated this was split in two books like this, ughh this could’ve been executed so much better!! I’m angry at the missed opportunity.
Because trust me, this book is definitely for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout. Oh man, I can’t believe this. Glint was such a good book, but Gild was so bad. Wtf?
Glint has the mysterious, dark, hot fae commander, who has a group of friends who are the best warriors in the whole realm. And their chosen family makes you feel things and smile like a fool. And Auren’s character development is so similar to the other female protagonists in those other books (points and Feyre and Poppy.)
And on top of that, Raven Kennedy’s writing is boss. I read this book in one sitting, unable to stop. It was that good. But who thought it was a good idea to dedicate the first book to showing in great detail the abuse Auren and the other women went through? A summary in Glint would’ve been enough.
I’m so frustrated this was split in two books like this, ughh this could’ve been executed so much better!! I’m angry at the missed opportunity.
Because trust me, this book is definitely for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout. Oh man, I can’t believe this. Glint was such a good book, but Gild was so bad. Wtf?
Glint has the mysterious, dark, hot fae commander, who has a group of friends who are the best warriors in the whole realm. And their chosen family makes you feel things and smile like a fool. And Auren’s character development is so similar to the other female protagonists in those other books (points and Feyre and Poppy.)
And on top of that, Raven Kennedy’s writing is boss. I read this book in one sitting, unable to stop. It was that good. But who thought it was a good idea to dedicate the first book to showing in great detail the abuse Auren and the other women went through? A summary in Glint would’ve been enough.
October 29, 2021
Can’t tell if this one was actually much better than the first or if the lack of Midas just made it seem better.
Check content warnings or I will devour your soul.
Check content warnings or I will devour your soul.
April 19, 2023
i’m having so much fun!
May 6, 2025
slow to start but i have been SAT. loving the character development from auren and excited to have finally met king rot 👀
August 1, 2024
“Sometimes,” he murmurs, “things need first to be ruined in order to then be remade.”
✅ Characters
✅ Growth and start of a healing journey for the MC
✅ Fast-paced and addictive
✅ Dark and angsty
✅ Plot and politics
✅ Beginning of a “found family” vibe
✅ Twists and revelations
✅ Writing
✅🆗 World-building
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: misogynistic society, mentions of human trade and sexual assault, captivity, emotional manipulation, and psychological abuse.
I’m the captive of Fourth’s army, and there will be no room for fragility.
After being “rescued” from the snow pirates, Auren is now captive of the Fourth’s army and their feared commander, Rip. Auren is now forced to travel with the army until they reach Midas, or until King Ravenger decides what he wants to do with her.
This story focuses less on the plot and more on Auren’s emotional and mental struggles and growth, but I still loved it so much! It was beautiful and sad at the same time to see her start to realize that Midas might not be treating her right after all and that what he felt for her might not be true love.
I was a little fae girl who got ripped from her world. I was sold to flesh traders. I was used as a beggar before I got old enough to be used in other ways. I was hopeless.
We learn more about Auren’s dark past in this book, through some short flashbacks, and also through discussions. While this book is not as dark as the first one, we can still see how dark and broken Orea can be, especially for women, and how tough Auren’s life has been.
In Highbell, people sometimes traveled for weeks just to look at me. Midas would let me stand beside him in the throne room as they gawked. But no matter how long I stood there on the pedestal for them to look, no one really saw me. If they did, they’d know I’m just a girl with jagged rips and pitted holes inside of her, with golden skin hiding a broken heart.
For so long, I’ve swallowed my own tongue. I’ve tamped down every emotion, careful to ride every tide in the hopes that I don’t become submerged.
I said in my review of the first book that there was room for great development in Auren’s character, and we can already see it happen in this second book. The pace is slower, and while Auren and the Fourth’s army are traveling, most of the book happens in the same place, allowing the author to focus on the character growth in this sequel.
Auren grows a lot in this book, it’s impressive and it also felt so good to witness. She still struggles a lot with her feelings when it comes to Midas because even though she comes to realize that she was not exactly happy in her gilded cage, she still loves Midas and feels that she owes him her loyalty and life since he’s been the one that saved and protected her… That inevitably led to some frustrating choices on her end, but those choices created some delightful angst, and I just know that they will continue to add angst into the next book, so I am happy about Auren’s choices for that reason only. I think it would have felt less realistic if she’d just done a 180o and suddenly decided that she didn’t want anything to do with Midas anymore. I am curious to see how she will deal with all her emotions though now that she realized how badly Midas is treating her, and how little he cares about her, but she is still forced to stay with him because he owns her.
I also really hope that she will be able to get her revenge on Midas for all the shit he put her through, because even though he provided her with everything she might need, she was still in a toxic and abusive relationship with him for the past 10 years, and he knew exactly what he was doing every time he manipulated her into doing what he wanted or making her feel guilty for wanting more than a life in a cage.
“If you insist on lying, at least be better at it.” He’s got it wrong there. I am fine, and I’m also excellent at lying. After all, I’ve been lying to myself for years. Pretty lies cover up a lot of ugly truths.
As she meets a few soldiers of the Fourth’s army, Auren changes more and more. She gains confidence and realizes that maybe not everyone is trying to take advantage of her or abuse her. For the first time in forever, she is treated as a human being. She is a captive, but she is not in a cage, nor is she insulted or treated like an object or a whore. There is the beginning of a “found family” vibe there and I adored it! I can’t wait to see more of her with Keg, Judd, Lu, and Osrik.
“Yes, how magnanimous of him to lock you behind bars all day and call you his favored whore.”
The muscle in my jaw jumps. “You see nothing.”
“Oh, I do,” he counters, voice low, rough, like two stones clashing together, trying to ignite.
“I can’t wait to see the rest of you. When you let it go, when you finally let that out, your fury is going to light up the spirit you’ve shadowed.” He looks like someone who’s won, boasting in superiority. “I hope you burn so bright that you scorch your Golden King down to ash.”
Commander Rip reminded me of Rhysand in ACOMAF a lot! The way he’s portrayed as a big bad villain, but was actually respectful and even kinda sweet, and the way he questioned and pushed Auren even though she didn’t like it, just so she could realize exactly how badly Midas treated her, and how much more she could be. Rip just kept on challenging her and he is the main reason she started to see things more clearly and she realized that she didn’t need to spend her life in a cage to be protected from the world if she was strong enough to protect herself. As I said… Big Rhysand vibes here, but I’m not complaining at all, and Auren’s growth also reminded me of Feyre’s.
He shakes his head. “No, Auren. You’re the one that needs to burn. You need to spark to life and fight. Stop letting him dull you, stop letting the whole fucking world trample you,” he shouts, making me flinch from the vehement demand. “If you tried, you could shine brighter than the fucking sun. Instead, you’ve chosen to sit back and wither.”
I would not call him a love interest yet, because whatever it is Auren and him have is not even close to romance yet, but there is definitely some sexual tension between them. There is potential for an awesome slow-burn hate-to-love romance here, and I hope this is where they’re heading because I love how they interact, and how Rip can get under Auren’s skin and forces her to put everything into perspective.
He rescued me when I was at my lowest, and because of that, I thought staying with him would keep me at my highest. But really, he’s trapped me in place and forced me to accept it all.
He dragged me into a foreign, frozen kingdom.
He married a cold queen who hated me.
He fucked saddles in front of me.
He made me into a spectacle.
He kept me in that cage, day in and day out.
He used me.
How did I look into his eyes every day and not see that when he looked back, he was devoted to the gleam of my skin rather than the love of my heart? How did I miss the blinding truth that’s been there all along? How did I mistake an owner for a lover?
After her growth and change, while traveling with the Fourth’s soldiers, Auren needed to be back with Midas to realize that what she’d thought was love for all those years was in fact manipulation and greed. It was the last straw, the final push she needed to decide to truly take her life into her own hands and not let anyone else force her into a life of captivity ever again. I loved finally seeing her stand up for herself, and I hope that she will continue to do so in the next book (but I also want my dose of angst 😈).
Plotting is what I'm best at. A good thing too, since I lack both of the traits that this world respects: power and a penis.
Queen Malina has her chapters in this book, and we can see how she’s taking advantage of the fact that Midas is not in the Sixth Kingdom anymore to take back some control and do things her way. While I understand that this will play a bigger part in the politics and scheming plotline of the series, I honestly found her chapters to be boring, so I was glad that she only had a few here and there… What I would REALLY enjoy though are some chapters from Rip’s POV in the next book.
I kept taking it and taking it, convincing myself that this was the way it needed to be. Lying to myself because I loved him, because he manipulated me. I’ve been bending over backwards for so long that I forgot I even had a spine.
I really love Raven Kennedy’s writing, and I would have read this whole book in one sitting if it wasn’t for my body’s stupid need for sleep… 🙄 Seriously though, this book is even better than the first one, and this series is definitely a new favorite of mine and an addictive guilty pleasure. I loved the ACOMAF and FBAA/AKOFAF vibes of this book, while still being unique.
1. Gild ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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February 14, 2022
The pacing in this one definitely skews more towards the slow side, mainly contained to one location and building up to some pretty dramatic reveals!
The main focus of Glint is character development, as well as introducing a whole ton of new characters (Lu is my favourite) and taking the time to get to know them.
I loved the direction Auren's character starting heading towards, hyping me up for book three massively.
I don't like to say much about the actual plot of this series because my favourite thing about it is that it completely subverted any expectations that I had going in and I want you to have the same experience. Just know that it is a dark romance with plenty of twists and turns and enough intrigue to keep you flicking pages through those slow parts.
Content Warning in Spoilers
The main focus of Glint is character development, as well as introducing a whole ton of new characters (Lu is my favourite) and taking the time to get to know them.
I loved the direction Auren's character starting heading towards, hyping me up for book three massively.
I don't like to say much about the actual plot of this series because my favourite thing about it is that it completely subverted any expectations that I had going in and I want you to have the same experience. Just know that it is a dark romance with plenty of twists and turns and enough intrigue to keep you flicking pages through those slow parts.
Content Warning in Spoilers
December 21, 2025
4.5☆
i am fully invested in this series and these characters
also the banter 10/10
༊*·˚𝚊𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚗 ೃ࿐ that moment when everything clicked for her I STOOD UP AND CLAPPED. her story is so heartbreaking and i can’t help but love her!! 🫶🏻
: ̗̀➛ 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚒𝚙 ༉‧₊˚. abso - fucking - lutely 🤏🏻🙂↕️
⟢ “ℐ𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝓇𝒾𝑒𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓊𝓃. ℐ𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓋𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒾𝓉 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇.”
જ⁀➴ 𝓰𝓸𝓵𝓭𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓱 💛✨
⟢ “𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝒾𝓈, 𝑔𝑜𝓁𝒹𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒸𝒽” 𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓋𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉”
that ending!!! 🤪🤭
—— ✧ • . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. • ✧ ——
i am fully invested in this series and these characters
also the banter 10/10
༊*·˚𝚊𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚗 ೃ࿐ that moment when everything clicked for her I STOOD UP AND CLAPPED. her story is so heartbreaking and i can’t help but love her!! 🫶🏻
: ̗̀➛ 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚒𝚙 ༉‧₊˚. abso - fucking - lutely 🤏🏻🙂↕️
⟢ “ℐ𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝓇𝒾𝑒𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓊𝓃. ℐ𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓋𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒾𝓉 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇.”
જ⁀➴ 𝓰𝓸𝓵𝓭𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓱 💛✨
⟢ “𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝒾𝓈, 𝑔𝑜𝓁𝒹𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒸𝒽” 𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓋𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉”
that ending!!! 🤪🤭
—— ✧ • . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. • ✧ ——
June 23, 2025
⋆༺ 'But no matter how long I stood there on the pedestal for them to look, no one really saw me. If they did, they’d know I’m just a girl with jagged rips and pitted holes inside of her, with golden skin hiding a broken heart.' ༻⋆
Oh, Romantasy we are SO BACK BABY!!
Auren my girl, I am so ready for your feminine revenge arc!! Don't get me wrong she was still being delulu the majority of this book & I wanted to shake her, but I stand by her. I love her character because I feel like we can see exactly where her development is going. The trauma she has endured makes me want to burn the world down for her, but I know she will get there and I am so excited to witness it. Show us what you got girl!!!!
Commander Rip, this man is going to ruin me isn't he? He is giving top book boyfriend list energy, someone is about to get downgraded for his man. Like, I would literally do anything he wants. I don’t even care at this point.
The way he’s so dark, moody and mysterious but challenges Auren in the best way possible. I’m in love. Giggling, Screaming!!
I am SO excited for where his story line is going and I need more before I combust hehehe.
“Oh, Goldfinch. You think I’m a monster now, but you haven’t seen anything yet.”
“I can’t wait to see the rest of you. When you let it go, when you finally let that out, your fury is going to light up the spirit you’ve shadowed.” ... “I hope you burn so bright that you scorch your Golden King down to ash.” 🙂↕️
The first 50% of this book is a little slower, but at the same time I was fully invested in the story throughout the whole book, how did you do that so well Raven Kennedy? I feel like you are constantly searching for answers and it completely sucks you in. ALSO, THAT ENDING!! LET'S GO!!!!!!
Serious question, why do I give a stuff about Queen Malina? I don't. Get outta here. Find a dark hole to crawl into with that trash bag Midas.
It’s always the weakass, misogynistic men who get a power trip out of controlling strong women. Well not on my watch buddy, sleep with one eye open. You’re just giving, ✨ pathetic ✨
Also, to my soul tie gal, Mina. Thank you for bullying me to read this. Rip may officially join the harem. ily!!!
* Please check content warnings as these books contain dark themes.
Oh, Romantasy we are SO BACK BABY!!
Auren my girl, I am so ready for your feminine revenge arc!! Don't get me wrong she was still being delulu the majority of this book & I wanted to shake her, but I stand by her. I love her character because I feel like we can see exactly where her development is going. The trauma she has endured makes me want to burn the world down for her, but I know she will get there and I am so excited to witness it. Show us what you got girl!!!!
Commander Rip, this man is going to ruin me isn't he? He is giving top book boyfriend list energy, someone is about to get downgraded for his man. Like, I would literally do anything he wants. I don’t even care at this point.
The way he’s so dark, moody and mysterious but challenges Auren in the best way possible. I’m in love. Giggling, Screaming!!
I am SO excited for where his story line is going and I need more before I combust hehehe.
“Oh, Goldfinch. You think I’m a monster now, but you haven’t seen anything yet.”
“I can’t wait to see the rest of you. When you let it go, when you finally let that out, your fury is going to light up the spirit you’ve shadowed.” ... “I hope you burn so bright that you scorch your Golden King down to ash.” 🙂↕️
The first 50% of this book is a little slower, but at the same time I was fully invested in the story throughout the whole book, how did you do that so well Raven Kennedy? I feel like you are constantly searching for answers and it completely sucks you in. ALSO, THAT ENDING!! LET'S GO!!!!!!
Serious question, why do I give a stuff about Queen Malina? I don't. Get outta here. Find a dark hole to crawl into with that trash bag Midas.
It’s always the weakass, misogynistic men who get a power trip out of controlling strong women. Well not on my watch buddy, sleep with one eye open. You’re just giving, ✨ pathetic ✨
Also, to my soul tie gal, Mina. Thank you for bullying me to read this. Rip may officially join the harem. ily!!!
* Please check content warnings as these books contain dark themes.
April 10, 2021
Edit 1/2/21: Definitely my best book of January (tied with Where Dreams Begin). I can't stop thinking about this book. Tell me when the next book release alreaddyyyyy
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BEST EXECUTION OF A TWIST EVER.
Just 12 days in 2021 and I think I've already found one of the best read this year. Totally didn't see that coming from the first book. I thought It would be just another decent but not that amazing read.
WRONG.
How I love every moment in this book. Sure, it was fucking slow burn af. Sure it probably bring nothing new to the table. Hell, I could name one very hyped book that did the exact same thing as this book did... but might I say, this book did it better. It kinda give me that epicness feeling that the other book didn't. Might be just my opinion though.
I love the sense of camaraderie amongst enemies that this book gave. I love each one of those side characters, and even the bad ones. Sure, our heroine is loyal to a fault. Blindly loyal so. But all that I can gather at that time was, how fortunate the next person would be when he has her loyalty. Because she stupidly will NEVER stray!
All in all, definite recommended. Start with the first book first, Gild then this. Though keep in mind that it's really slow and the first book was really more like a prequel to set up everything. Enjoy!
-------------
BEST EXECUTION OF A TWIST EVER.
Just 12 days in 2021 and I think I've already found one of the best read this year. Totally didn't see that coming from the first book. I thought It would be just another decent but not that amazing read.
WRONG.
How I love every moment in this book. Sure, it was fucking slow burn af. Sure it probably bring nothing new to the table. Hell, I could name one very hyped book that did the exact same thing as this book did... but might I say, this book did it better. It kinda give me that epicness feeling that the other book didn't. Might be just my opinion though.
I love the sense of camaraderie amongst enemies that this book gave. I love each one of those side characters, and even the bad ones. Sure, our heroine is loyal to a fault. Blindly loyal so. But all that I can gather at that time was, how fortunate the next person would be when he has her loyalty. Because she stupidly will NEVER stray!
All in all, definite recommended. Start with the first book first, Gild then this. Though keep in mind that it's really slow and the first book was really more like a prequel to set up everything. Enjoy!
October 5, 2022
4,5⭐️! Diese Geschichte, ihre Welt und die Charaktere üben eine so starke Sogwirkung auf mich aus🤯. Insbesondere durch die lebendige Protagonistin, mit der ich leide, lache und mitfiebere. Sie durchlebt zwischen Band 1 und 2 eine so extreme und beeindruckende Charakterentwicklung, wie ich es selten gelesen habe. Im übertragenen Fantasy-Sinn behandelt diese Reihe sensible Themen wie emotionale Manipulation und toxische Beziehungen, diese wurden nachvollziehbar dargestellt und entwickeln sich mutmachend und hoffnungsvoll. Obwohl auch in diesem Band besonders im Mittelteil die Handlung unaufregend blieb und es mehr um Dialoge und Charakterdynamiken ging, fühlte es sich in Band 2 um einiges runder an. Durch all die offenen Fragen blieb es zudem so spannend, dass es sich an keiner Stelle für mich zog. Vor allem die Enthüllungen am Ende haben das Buch dann für mich auf ein neues Sternelevel gehoben. Eine Reihe mit dem Potential, bald zu meinen Lieblingen zu gehören. Es ist noch so viel in dieser Welt möglich und ich bin gespannt, alles darüber herauszufinden😍!
August 20, 2021
OMG!! That ending!
This has to be the slowest fucking burn I've ever read!!! 😭😂
It's a good damn thing I love it anyway! 😍
This has to be the slowest fucking burn I've ever read!!! 😭😂
It's a good damn thing I love it anyway! 😍
September 13, 2023
First read: 4.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Second read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Commander Rip and rip me six ways to Sunday and I would say thank you.
Old review:
It’s so strange to think about—how I went from that girl begging on a muddy corner, to a woman adorned in a gilded castle. Life takes you on paths you don’t have a map for.
Glint picks up where Gild left off and let me tell you that this sequel did not disappoint!
Political Intrigue ✓
Potential enemies-to-lovers with delicious tension ✓
Slow-burn ✓
Powerful Healing and growth journey of a victim ✓
Secret powers ✓
Morally grey characters ✓
Dark and intimidating love interest with a soft side ✓
Shocking plot-twists ✓
Intricate world-building ✓
Raven Kennedy is such a fantastic writer and story-teller. Like the first book, she keeps me hooked and I whenever I pause reading I'm always eager to go back and continue where I left off.
I was looking forward to Auren's journey, especially knowing that she is a victim groomed to be nothing but a gilded prisoner who believed for so long that her golden cage is where she will always be safe.
Could it be that cage was built not only to keep her safe from the King's enemies, but to keep everyone safe from her?
I’ve been bending over backwards for so long that I forgot I even had a spine.
I truly believe Auren's story resonates with many people whom were victims of manipulation and they mistook those manipulative actions for love. Her growth and realization towards the end that everything she had endured was because of a false love was so powerful yet heart wrenching.
You can’t trust people.
The only person I can trust is him.
I promise myself right then and there, that from now on, that’s what I’ll do. I will always trust him, in all things, because he knows what’s best. He’s always right.
I’m done with the ugliness of this world, and I want him to keep me safe from it.
All of it.
As Lauren Eden said:
“When you are not fed love on a silver spoon, you learn to lick it off knives”
There's something there in his voice. A caress that smoothed over its harsh edges and slid over my skin. It scares me, even as it draws me in.
And Commander Rip, what a maddening man.
I love that he provokes Auren, torments her and gets under her skin. There's more to him than meets the eye.
"If you tried, you could shine brighter than the fucking sun. Instead, you’ve chosen to sit back and wither.”
To conclude my review, the first book ended with an exciting cliffhanger and I knew and I was right! The second book gave much more and I'm glad I decided to read this trilogy. I think the third book is coming out next month if I'm not wrong and I CANNOT wait because Book 2 ended with yet another great cliffhanger.
Unlike the first book, I'd say this book is safe in terms of triggers.
Second read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Commander Rip and rip me six ways to Sunday and I would say thank you.
Old review:
It’s so strange to think about—how I went from that girl begging on a muddy corner, to a woman adorned in a gilded castle. Life takes you on paths you don’t have a map for.
Glint picks up where Gild left off and let me tell you that this sequel did not disappoint!
Political Intrigue ✓
Potential enemies-to-lovers with delicious tension ✓
Slow-burn ✓
Powerful Healing and growth journey of a victim ✓
Secret powers ✓
Morally grey characters ✓
Dark and intimidating love interest with a soft side ✓
Shocking plot-twists ✓
Intricate world-building ✓
Raven Kennedy is such a fantastic writer and story-teller. Like the first book, she keeps me hooked and I whenever I pause reading I'm always eager to go back and continue where I left off.
I was looking forward to Auren's journey, especially knowing that she is a victim groomed to be nothing but a gilded prisoner who believed for so long that her golden cage is where she will always be safe.
Could it be that cage was built not only to keep her safe from the King's enemies, but to keep everyone safe from her?
I’ve been bending over backwards for so long that I forgot I even had a spine.
I truly believe Auren's story resonates with many people whom were victims of manipulation and they mistook those manipulative actions for love. Her growth and realization towards the end that everything she had endured was because of a false love was so powerful yet heart wrenching.
You can’t trust people.
The only person I can trust is him.
I promise myself right then and there, that from now on, that’s what I’ll do. I will always trust him, in all things, because he knows what’s best. He’s always right.
I’m done with the ugliness of this world, and I want him to keep me safe from it.
All of it.
As Lauren Eden said:
“When you are not fed love on a silver spoon, you learn to lick it off knives”
There's something there in his voice. A caress that smoothed over its harsh edges and slid over my skin. It scares me, even as it draws me in.
And Commander Rip, what a maddening man.
I love that he provokes Auren, torments her and gets under her skin. There's more to him than meets the eye.
"If you tried, you could shine brighter than the fucking sun. Instead, you’ve chosen to sit back and wither.”
To conclude my review, the first book ended with an exciting cliffhanger and I knew and I was right! The second book gave much more and I'm glad I decided to read this trilogy. I think the third book is coming out next month if I'm not wrong and I CANNOT wait because Book 2 ended with yet another great cliffhanger.
Unlike the first book, I'd say this book is safe in terms of triggers.
December 11, 2024
These two will be the death of me ughh 😩😭
June 1, 2025
2.5 ☆
”Sometimes, things need first to be ruined in order to then be remade.”
i would say that this was a LITTLE bit better than Gild, but that’s not saying much considering it’s still in the 2 star range. not much happens in this plot wise, but Auren does finally come to her senses somewhat.. she still has a lot of work to do for me to root for her though. i kept getting frustrated cause I’m not understanding why everything is moving so slowly. also, didn’t care for the queens pov whatsoever but im assuming theres a reason she had one. the half star is for the ending only because somehow, i did not guess what would happen at all and it actually took me by surprise. I’m glad to see the mmc making his formal introduction cause at this point, im grasping at every straw possible to continue the series. if Auren sticks to her boundaries, then i can potentially see the other books being more enjoyable.
”Sometimes, things need first to be ruined in order to then be remade.”
i would say that this was a LITTLE bit better than Gild, but that’s not saying much considering it’s still in the 2 star range. not much happens in this plot wise, but Auren does finally come to her senses somewhat.. she still has a lot of work to do for me to root for her though. i kept getting frustrated cause I’m not understanding why everything is moving so slowly. also, didn’t care for the queens pov whatsoever but im assuming theres a reason she had one. the half star is for the ending only because somehow, i did not guess what would happen at all and it actually took me by surprise. I’m glad to see the mmc making his formal introduction cause at this point, im grasping at every straw possible to continue the series. if Auren sticks to her boundaries, then i can potentially see the other books being more enjoyable.
December 9, 2021
This book feels a bit filler.
It got better than it started, not because of the “plot twists” (I saw ALL of them coming from a million miles away. To be fair, I don’t think it’a the story’s fault, I think I just read to many books,) but because more interesting things started happening. I didn’t see much development throughout the book to be honest, and Auren was annoying. I understand that it takes time for her to realize some things, but all she did was just dumb.
Anyways, the prose is beautiful, the book is well written and I think the story deserves to be read. I will get book 3 now, hoping to like it as much as I did book 1 (which was much more than this one.)
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Can we talk about Auren going to visit the saddles when she KNOWS they hate her more than anything… why did she do that? why? What was the fucking point? This drove me insane. Please someone explain.
It got better than it started, not because of the “plot twists” (I saw ALL of them coming from a million miles away. To be fair, I don’t think it’a the story’s fault, I think I just read to many books,) but because more interesting things started happening. I didn’t see much development throughout the book to be honest, and Auren was annoying. I understand that it takes time for her to realize some things, but all she did was just dumb.
Anyways, the prose is beautiful, the book is well written and I think the story deserves to be read. I will get book 3 now, hoping to like it as much as I did book 1 (which was much more than this one.)
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Can we talk about Auren going to visit the saddles when she KNOWS they hate her more than anything… why did she do that? why? What was the fucking point? This drove me insane. Please someone explain.
January 9, 2025
I hoped all through book 1 that it was setting up for my favorite type of retelling. Now, having finished book 2, I can confirm that ABSOLUTELY IT WAS. 😈 I can’t even tell you what retelling it is without giving the end away.
Honestly, it’s hard to review this book without spoilers. I can’t say much of anything without tipping you off about….all the stuff.
SO. Read it. It’s much different than the first one, but not in a bad way. Just different. In an excellent way, tbh. I’m pleased.
If you like ACOTAR, read it. READ IT. If you like The Bridge Kingdom (book 1; forever mad about book 2), READ IT.
The main reason it got 4 stars from me is because of the overwhelming amount of similes and metaphors. It’s not as bad as Caraval (will never be over that one either), but it is a lot. They are all well written and do make sense. I just don’t care for seeing them every other paragraph. Not my cup of tea, you feel me?
But it’s not enough to detract from the plot or keep me from bothering everyone around me UNTIL THEY READ THIS.
Honestly, it’s hard to review this book without spoilers. I can’t say much of anything without tipping you off about….all the stuff.
SO. Read it. It’s much different than the first one, but not in a bad way. Just different. In an excellent way, tbh. I’m pleased.
If you like ACOTAR, read it. READ IT. If you like The Bridge Kingdom (book 1; forever mad about book 2), READ IT.
The main reason it got 4 stars from me is because of the overwhelming amount of similes and metaphors. It’s not as bad as Caraval (will never be over that one either), but it is a lot. They are all well written and do make sense. I just don’t care for seeing them every other paragraph. Not my cup of tea, you feel me?
But it’s not enough to detract from the plot or keep me from bothering everyone around me UNTIL THEY READ THIS.
April 17, 2022
Update 4/16: “Call me Slade”. No, sir, I’m gonna call you Daddy.
If it's a good book, I'll finish it in one sitting.
If it's a GREAT book, I'll read it late into the night in order to finish it in one sitting (and I am NOT a night owl, so this is huge for me).
GLINT was a GREAT book. It hit all my favorite spots in romantic fantasy: a compelling romance with leads I can actually root for - independent of their romance and within it - a circle of friends, banter, action, political intrigue, and a strong voice.
While Auren spends the beginning of this novel determined to return to Midas, I love the way Raven Kennedy opened up the world - therefore, our eyes and Auren's - to the reality of her situation. All of Auren's growth felt organic and well-paced, and although she never loses her "bright side" mentality, we do get to see some of her messiness. This humanization paired really well with the increasing presence of Auren and Commander Rip's magical and ethereal identities. While I guessed most of the reveals, I think they were still set up as exciting surprises, which meant I was on the edge of my seat for the duration of this read. The stakes were kicked up, and the addition of Malina's POV gave us a glance into the heads of what is essentially the anti-Auren brigade - and I actually enjoyed those chapters, despite the fact that Malina violently hates my fave, Auren.
Auren's development in GLINT was spot-on, in my opinion, and her journey to gain independence, agency, and a deeper sense of self makes her such an easy character to fall for.
Once again, ACOTAR and FBAA fans - this one's for you.
If it's a good book, I'll finish it in one sitting.
If it's a GREAT book, I'll read it late into the night in order to finish it in one sitting (and I am NOT a night owl, so this is huge for me).
GLINT was a GREAT book. It hit all my favorite spots in romantic fantasy: a compelling romance with leads I can actually root for - independent of their romance and within it - a circle of friends, banter, action, political intrigue, and a strong voice.
While Auren spends the beginning of this novel determined to return to Midas, I love the way Raven Kennedy opened up the world - therefore, our eyes and Auren's - to the reality of her situation. All of Auren's growth felt organic and well-paced, and although she never loses her "bright side" mentality, we do get to see some of her messiness. This humanization paired really well with the increasing presence of Auren and Commander Rip's magical and ethereal identities. While I guessed most of the reveals, I think they were still set up as exciting surprises, which meant I was on the edge of my seat for the duration of this read. The stakes were kicked up, and the addition of Malina's POV gave us a glance into the heads of what is essentially the anti-Auren brigade - and I actually enjoyed those chapters, despite the fact that Malina violently hates my fave, Auren.
Auren's development in GLINT was spot-on, in my opinion, and her journey to gain independence, agency, and a deeper sense of self makes her such an easy character to fall for.
Once again, ACOTAR and FBAA fans - this one's for you.
December 2, 2025
a hate letter to king midas: fuck you. a love letter to king ravinger: the kids miss you come home 😩
August 12, 2021
I’m certainly in the minority when it comes this novel because I found Glint to be boring and predictable.
Glint picks up after the events of Gild where Auren finds herself a captive of Fourth Kingdom’s army. Almost the entirety of the novel takes place as the army marches to war. Auren finds herself able to roam around the army and meets others who make her eventually question her world and loyalties.
Glint focused on Auren’s character development. Or tried to. She is surprisingly naïve despite her traumatic childhood making her a very difficult character to root for. Though, in her defense she isn’t faced with many life shattering truths to make her question her life with Midas. Kennedy spends the entire novel trying to make Auren realize that her life is worth more than sitting in a cage only for Auren to continue turning a blind eye until the last possible second.
Ultimately, the reason I decided to read this series was because I seen it labelled as fantasy with heavy romantic elements and its constant comparison to ACOTAR. Both Gild and Glint have almost no romantic elements. The enemies-to-lovers slow burn is nowhere to be found in Glint. You could argue there is one moment, but it’s so far out of left field making it more weird than exciting. There is no tension or connection between Auren and the love interest.
I understand the comparisons to ACOTAR, however I thought Glint was trying too hard to be an ACOTAR knockoff. Auren goes through almost the same things Feyre goes through: seeing the world isn’t what she thought it was, new people who are almost exactly the same as those in the Inner Circle, newly discovered feelings for the novel interest, etc.
The lack of world building continues in Glint. As established in the previous novel through an info dump chapter, Fae used to be an integral part of this world but no longer are. However, the very obvious reveals throughout Glint that are related to the Fae fall flat as Kennedy has put no effort in building the lore of this world.
Overall, Glint was a boring disappointment. I’ve seen repeatedly how this series is so good and the romance is chef’s kiss, however, in my opinion, it’s a poorly constructed fantasy with a borderline annoying main character and absolutely no romance going into the third novel.
Glint picks up after the events of Gild where Auren finds herself a captive of Fourth Kingdom’s army. Almost the entirety of the novel takes place as the army marches to war. Auren finds herself able to roam around the army and meets others who make her eventually question her world and loyalties.
Glint focused on Auren’s character development. Or tried to. She is surprisingly naïve despite her traumatic childhood making her a very difficult character to root for. Though, in her defense she isn’t faced with many life shattering truths to make her question her life with Midas. Kennedy spends the entire novel trying to make Auren realize that her life is worth more than sitting in a cage only for Auren to continue turning a blind eye until the last possible second.
Ultimately, the reason I decided to read this series was because I seen it labelled as fantasy with heavy romantic elements and its constant comparison to ACOTAR. Both Gild and Glint have almost no romantic elements. The enemies-to-lovers slow burn is nowhere to be found in Glint. You could argue there is one moment, but it’s so far out of left field making it more weird than exciting. There is no tension or connection between Auren and the love interest.
I understand the comparisons to ACOTAR, however I thought Glint was trying too hard to be an ACOTAR knockoff. Auren goes through almost the same things Feyre goes through: seeing the world isn’t what she thought it was, new people who are almost exactly the same as those in the Inner Circle, newly discovered feelings for the novel interest, etc.
The lack of world building continues in Glint. As established in the previous novel through an info dump chapter, Fae used to be an integral part of this world but no longer are. However, the very obvious reveals throughout Glint that are related to the Fae fall flat as Kennedy has put no effort in building the lore of this world.
Overall, Glint was a boring disappointment. I’ve seen repeatedly how this series is so good and the romance is chef’s kiss, however, in my opinion, it’s a poorly constructed fantasy with a borderline annoying main character and absolutely no romance going into the third novel.
September 27, 2025
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖4.75 🌟
don't don't me how I finished this in in hours, am OBSESSED .
As I said in my first review , THESE BOOKS ARE SO BINGABLE ? LIKE HELLO 🙏 I swear I would grab the book and finish it in one damn hour (yes and not doing any of my work) but hey what can I sayyy 🤷♀️
First Auren , I knew it girlie HAD to have a character development even if her naivete is lowkey annoying , and please what she went through 💔.
Midas ? Midas well we hate the guy , bye bye you can go to hell dude js the bugest manipulator ever 👁👄👁
Now let's get to the real tea : King Ravigner/Rip .
THIS GUY 🙏😩 PLEASE ?
Charisma ? check . Banter ? check . Tension ? check . Deadly hot ? check and way much more 🤭
The slow burn romance x tension x trauma dump x mind-blowing chemistry is ALLL there and killing me ..
---
right into book 2
don't don't me how I finished this in in hours, am OBSESSED .
As I said in my first review , THESE BOOKS ARE SO BINGABLE ? LIKE HELLO 🙏 I swear I would grab the book and finish it in one damn hour (yes and not doing any of my work) but hey what can I sayyy 🤷♀️
First Auren , I knew it girlie HAD to have a character development even if her naivete is lowkey annoying , and please what she went through 💔.
Midas ? Midas well we hate the guy , bye bye you can go to hell dude js the bugest manipulator ever 👁👄👁
Now let's get to the real tea : King Ravigner/Rip .
THIS GUY 🙏😩 PLEASE ?
Charisma ? check . Banter ? check . Tension ? check . Deadly hot ? check and way much more 🤭
The slow burn romance x tension x trauma dump x mind-blowing chemistry is ALLL there and killing me ..
---
right into book 2
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