Book Review: Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) by Raven Kennedy
When I first picked up Gild, I was intrigued by the promise of a reimagined myth—a familiar tale with a fresh twist. Raven Kennedy’s enchanting storytelling drew me in, and I found myself captivated by the tale of Auren, whose life is as gilded as the trap that surrounds her. Having gone through the experience not once, but twice, my appreciation for this intricate world and its emotional depth has grown significantly. Spoiler alert: the second read bumped my initial rating from a solid four to a glowing five stars!
At the heart of Gild lies the unsettling paradox of Auren’s life. As the cherished prisoner of King Midas—the golden ruler of Highbell—she is both revered and confined. Kennedy masterfully explores themes of captivity and the emotional complexities of loyalty, showing how love can morph into a cage. I felt for Auren, a former homeless girl turned gilded pet, whose life was transformed by Midas’s supposed salvation. Her journey—marked by the scars of her past and her complex feelings toward the man who saved her—humanizes the idea of being trapped in a gilded cage.
The lore of Orea adds layers of intrigue, particularly the history behind the Fae and their haunting betrayal. Kennedy’s world-building is both rich and haunting, offering tantalizing glimpses into a reality where magic has faded and political games are rife. As I reread the book, I was thrilled to find subtle hints and foreshadowing woven through the narrative, creating a sense of depth that I missed on my first pass.
The pacing of Gild kept me on the edge of my seat. With political schemes swirling around him, Midas and his allies cultivate a dangerous atmosphere that amplifies the tension. In this world of greed and ambition, Auren’s yearning for sanctuary made me reflect on the nature of freedom. “If I make it through this, I vow I won’t let it happen again”—this line resonated deeply with me, embodying the struggle for agency, and the courage it takes to confront one’s own truths.
Kennedy’s vivid prose pulled me in, often leaving me unaware of how many pages I had left. I was completely engrossed in Auren’s emotional landscape and the shadows of Highbell. It’s a dark fantasy romance that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—it’s a bold read that brings into focus the nuances of trauma, trust, and survival, all underlined by a romance that intrigues and complicates the character dynamics.
If you’re a reader who enjoys nuanced characters and intricate world-building, Gild will light up your imagination. It’s a perfect fit for fans of dark fantasy and complex romance, and it poses questions that linger long after the last page is turned.
Ultimately, Gild is both a beautiful and heartbreaking story, one that reshaped how I view both the glittering allure of power and the stark realities of vulnerability. As I closed the book this second time, I felt not just entertained but profoundly moved, anticipating where Auren’s journey would take her next. If you’re ready to explore a world that offers both shiny façades and dark corners, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Gild. You won’t regret it!
Discover more about Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) on GoodReads >>