Gild, book one of The Plated Prisoner series! 💛💛

Hey bookworms! I just had to share my thoughts on Gild by Raven Kennedy, the incredible book one in The Plated Prisoner series. I kept seeing this pop up on BookTok and finally decided to dive in, and wow, I was not disappointed! If you're into dark romantasy with complex characters and a unique premise, you absolutely need to add this to your TBR pile. From the very first page, I was captivated by Auren, our main character. She’s literally gilded, coated in gold, and has been the property of King Fulke for ten years. Her existence is fascinating and heartbreaking. Kennedy does an amazing job of showing Auren's internal struggles, her loyalty, and her slow, painful journey of self-discovery. It’s not an easy read in places, dealing with themes of trauma and ownership, but Auren's resilience really shines through. Now, let's talk about the MMC (Male Main Character). This is where Gild gets really interesting! Initially, you might think it's all about King Fulke, who is undeniably powerful and possessive. He's a morally grey character, to say the least, and his relationship with Auren is incredibly complicated. However, as the story progresses, another strong contender emerges – a certain commander known as Rip. Without giving too many spoilers, the dynamic between Auren and these two characters is a huge part of the series' allure. If you're wondering who is the mmc in gild, well, you'll have to read to find out who truly captures Auren's heart and loyalty! This is a big draw for romantasy fans looking for that slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers (or at least morally ambiguous) trope. The Plated Prisoner series itself is planned to have how many books? Currently, there are five main novels, with a prequel novella also available. So, once you start Gild, you have a fantastic journey ahead of you! Each book delves deeper into the intricate world Kennedy has created, expanding on the politics of the different kingdoms, the magic system (which is subtly woven in), and of course, Auren's evolving relationships. I've read Gild and am eagerly continuing through the series because Raven Kennedy truly knows how to craft a compelling narrative. Some of the gild book review discussions I’ve read mention the slow burn, and it’s true, Gild takes its time. But for me, that just made Auren's growth and the eventual payoff even more satisfying. It’s a rich fantasy world, and the gild book summary doesn't do justice to the emotional depth and character development you experience. If you’re looking for a gilded series that will make you feel, think, and swoon, then The Plated Prisoner series is definitely one to explore. Don't miss out on Gild – it’s a golden start to an unforgettable adventure!