👑 Book Review: Gild by Raven Kennedy
A dark, glittering fantasy romance that reimagines the myth of King Midas—where gold is both a gift and a cage.
Book 1 of The Plated Prisoner Series, Gild introduces readers to a richly imagined world of magic, manipulation, and emotional captivity. With a polarizing but passionate fanbase and a Goodreads rating hovering around 3.9/5, Raven Kennedy’s adult fantasy novel is praised for its lyrical prose, complex heroine, and slow-burn transformation arc.
🧠 Plot Overview
In the kingdom of Orea, King Midas rules with the power to turn anything he touches into gold—including people. His prized possession is Auren, a young woman he rescued from the streets and transformed into a living golden figure. She lives in luxury, adored and protected… but also imprisoned in a literal gilded cage.
Auren believes she’s safe and loved, but as war looms and political alliances shift, cracks begin to form in her golden world. Secrets unravel, and Auren must confront the truth about her relationship with Midas—and herself.
✨ Why It Stands Out
- Myth Reimagined: Kennedy takes the legend of King Midas and twists it into a dark, emotionally charged tale of control and identity.
- Complex Heroine: Auren’s journey from passive ornament to self-aware protagonist is slow but compelling.
- Atmospheric Worldbuilding: The kingdom of Orea is lavish and dangerous, with hints of deeper lore and magical politics.
- Emotional Themes: The novel explores trauma, manipulation, and the illusion of safety with nuance and sensitivity.
⚠️ Content Notes
Readers should be aware that Gild contains:
- Scenes of sexual violence and emotional abuse
- Power imbalances and psychological manipulation
These elements are central to the story’s themes but may be triggering for some readers.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “Auren’s voice is poetic and raw. Her trauma is handled with care, and her growth is inspiring.”
- “The pacing is slow, but the emotional payoff is worth it.”
- “Midas is a fascinating villain—charming, cruel, and deeply unsettling.”
Some readers found the first book more setup than action, with limited plot movement until the final chapters. Others praised the introspective tone and character-driven narrative.
🏁 Final Verdict
Gild is a haunting, slow-burn fantasy that sets the stage for a heroine’s awakening. If you enjoy morally gray characters, myth-inspired worlds, and stories that explore the darker sides of love and power, this series opener is worth the plunge.
