The Malina chapters felt like they didn’t belong in this book, which is a problem considering how critical they ended up being to the book’s final twist. It is very difficult to give a thorough review without giving spoilers so I’m just going to leave a few vague points and quotes. One question before we start: Have all those ARC readers, giving 5 stars, received a different copy than we did? A different book, maybe?

For ten years, I've lived in a gilded cage inside King Midas's golden castle. But one night changed everything.You’re mine, Auren. As wholly as I am yours. If there’s something you crave, if there’s some freedom you want to try the taste of, then you will do it, and I will be right there with you. Watching you devour your wants. And then I will devour you.” Before I begin, let me remind everyone that I never set out to dislike a book. That would be an astoundingly miserable use of my time. I also have no interest in being contrary just for the sake of it. Honesty is my only objective. In it, you are still following Auren who is the gold plated whore (according to everyone who doesn't know shit about her) and the favored by King Midas. While on this journey with her new kidnappers, she learns a bunch about herself and the other saddles. First off, I hate the saddles because of how they treated Auren throughout these two books. They know absolutely nothing about her and judge her constantly. So, yeah, I felt bad for her and I wanted them all to be turned to gold and die.

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. Raven continues to craft such an exceptional story that skillfully navigates through healing, trauma, depression and empowerment while gifting us with such a beautiful romance and an intriguing political overarching plot.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 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. 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. 🤞 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. There are three new POVs in this book. The first one is the nasty queen from Third, but nobody cares about her except if it's to slap her and kill her. The other new POVs are Rissa and Osrik, and I LOVED their tense relationship. There is OBVIOUS sexual tension there, but Rissa "hates" Osrik because he's a gruff and undistinguished soldier, while Osrik knows she feels this way and will not let himself get involved with her only so she can have regrets later. Those two were not a huge part of the book, but I loved all of their chapters, and the hint of hate-to-love that we saw in this book was so promising!

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? 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.

warnings: mentions of emotional manipulation, physical and psychological abuse, and drug consumption.

Are people so content in ignorance that they'll believe every lie fed to them, despite what they right in front of their eyes?" 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. If you love Slade, well … this is Slade’s book. He owns it. We learn so much about him, past and present. Just when I thought I couldn’t love him more, too. I was very happy and completely enthralled with every piece we learn about him. I think everyone will be very happy. 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. In chapter 26 Auren hates, that her initial reaction to Slade is "snappishness" and then goes on to simply drop it. If it only were that easy, right?

Publication Order of Paranormal Prison Books

I won’t allow another storm to touch Auren. She has been flooded and wrung out, left to take the barrage without shelter. But so long as I’m here, I will be her shelter. 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. Listen, don't gild me but I didn't like this installment as much as I wanted to. So, before I'm cast out let me explain: 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.