Book: Gild by Raven Kennedy
Reviewed by plotdrunk
Rating: 4/5
This was a solid start to the Plated Prisoner series. I can tell it’s laying the groundwork for what’s to come rather than trying to stand alone as a full story. It’s definitely a foundation book, slow in parts but intriguing enough that I want to see where it leads.
Auren is literally gold, and I’m already suspicious she’s the one who can turn things gold, not King Midas. The premise hooked me, even if the execution felt uneven at times. The pirate subplot veered a little over the top, but I’ll admit I laughed out loud when she turned that guy gold. The tension between Auren and the other saddles kept things entertaining, even when the pacing lagged.
There isn’t much plot resolution here. It feels like setup for the rest of the series, but I liked the hints of fae magic and the political world starting to take shape. I also appreciate that Kennedy seems to be exploring themes of captivity, power imbalance, and emotional manipulation beneath all the glitter.
It’s an easy read, and I’m curious to see where it goes, especially now that Auren’s heading toward King Ravinger’s kingdom. I’m hoping book two brings more depth, more magic, and more of the dark, addictive energy everyone raves about, plus our real MMC!