★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)

If you’ve been riding the emotional rollercoaster of the Plated Prisoner series, then Gold by Raven Kennedy is the moment where the sun finally claws its way through the storm clouds and says, “Stand up, darling. You were never meant to kneel.”

This is hands down my favorite in the series so far. No hesitation. No debate. Wrap it in velvet and put it on the throne.

Watching Auren finally find her people felt like witnessing someone step out of a cage and into a room full of open arms. The way they love her. The way they see her. The way they don’t try to shrink her shine or twist her into something small. My heart did that soft, fluttery thing like pages turning in a warm breeze. She isn’t just surviving anymore. She’s belonging. And that? That hit deep.

And can we talk about Queen Malina for a second?

Because excuse me.

That redemption arc? Chef’s kiss. Regal. Ruthless. Radiant. She finally lets that icy backbone show and it is sharp enough to carve her name into history. Watching her step into her power without apology felt like watching a crown settle properly for the first time. Not borrowed. Not forced. Earned.

This book felt richer. Deeper. More emotionally layered. The stakes are higher, the relationships more meaningful, and the character growth? Absolutely shimmering.

If the earlier books were sparks, this one is a blaze.

Gold doesn’t just shine. It burns. And I loved every incandescent second of it. ✨👑

2/20 Edited to

... Read moreReading Gold by Raven Kennedy truly felt like witnessing a transformative moment not only for the characters but also for myself as a reader. The way Auren transitions from feeling trapped and isolated to discovering a community that accepts her authentically resonated deeply. It’s a reminder of how crucial finding one’s tribe is to personal growth and healing. What fascinated me the most was how the author portrayed Queen Malina’s redemption arc. Watching her embrace her true strength without apology was incredibly empowering. It highlighted that power isn’t about dominance but about authenticity and embracing who you really are, even when it means confronting difficult truths. As someone who enjoys fantasy series that blend emotional depth with high stakes, this book delivered on all fronts. The relationships felt genuine, each character’s growth shimmered with complexity, and the stakes kept me on edge throughout the journey. It’s clear why Raven Kennedy’s Plated Prisoner series has captivated so many, including New York Times bestseller recognition. For anyone navigating their own emotional rollercoaster, Gold offers a compelling metaphor of emerging from darkness into light. It’s a story about reclaiming worth and stepping confidently into the future you deserve. I found myself reflecting on my own moments of struggle and growth while rooting for Auren and Malina’s triumphant arcs. If you’ve yet to dive into The Plated Prisoner series, Gold is a perfect entry point that promises not only an engaging fantasy tale but also a celebration of resilience and self-discovery. It’s a blazing testament that sometimes what shines brightest is forged through fire.

Related posts

5 ways of getting out a funk.
𝐓𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 . 🤍 #Godisgood #selfcare #selflove #positivity #softblackgirl #motivation #follow #shareyourthoughts #comment #like Follow for more!🍯🧸
🝮𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘🝮

🝮𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘🝮

4761 likes

A blue house with a white porch is framed by green trees, with text overlays reading "Room by Room First Home Checklist" and "Everything you need!". A "SWIPE" arrow indicates more content.
A living room scene features a pink sofa and white shelves, with text labels pointing to essential items like a book shelf, TV stand, air purifier, throw pillows, plants, and a coffee table.
A bedroom with a bed and nightstand is shown, overlaid with text labels for essential items such as a noise machine, pillowcases, air purifier, blankets, dresser, full length mirror, and mattress.
From Empty to Awesome: 1st Home Must-Haves ✨
Hey Lemon8 babes! Just moved into your first place? Congrats! But maybe you're staring at those empty rooms wondering, "Now what?". Don't worry, we've all been there. Here's a room-by-room breakdown of the essentials you need to turn your new digs into a comfy haven. ✨
Heather 🩵

Heather 🩵

4178 likes

Quick mini half sketch curtesy of Sewist.com 🌼
Heyoooo So I’ve mentioned before that I have some sewing projects I’m working on. Well one cam to me like less than hour ago. I wanted to sketch it out and get it down before it left my brain. Well I took a shortcut. There’s this amazing website called Sewist.com and it has an AutoCad custom
Nettie 👗🪡🎀

Nettie 👗🪡🎀

778 likes

Let’s Build Your 1st Email List Today!
How to Build Your First Email List as a Content Creator Having your own email list is the first step towards building a business. Here’s how you can build your email list from scratch as a complete beginner today! 😊 Once you have your list, the final step is to drive traffic to it using socia
Inuri

Inuri

84 likes

my 1st solo apartment
hey everyone 🤍 i moved into my first solo apartment today!!! i don’t have much energy to write a whole lot because i’ve spent almost all day unpacking, and it’s currently midnight where i live, so i’ll be hittin’ the hay and i’ll write up a longer read tomorrow. :) this is just a pic of the l
dani ◡̈

dani ◡̈

4292 likes

An image featuring the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, with the title 'IRELAND ITINERARY Spring Break' and a note detailing a college choir trip to Ireland for spring break, emphasizing study abroad opportunities.
A bustling street scene in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing 'The Temple Bar' pub with red facades and hanging baskets. An overlay note describes the first day of travel, consisting mostly of airport and flight time.
The historic Long Room of Trinity College Library in Dublin, with arched wooden ceilings and tall bookshelves. An overlay note outlines a Dublin tour including Trinity College and a joint choir concert.
My Spring Break is straight out of a movie
🇮🇪 I leave for my spring break trip this week, and I can not wait. If you are a college student on a budget, studying abroad is the way to go. There are so many great travel opportunities through universities. I’m actually getting travel with our schools choir because I have participated in and wor
Morgan

Morgan

43 likes

How to make friends in college w/out sororities🎓🌎
Here’s how you can meet people from a wide variety of interests, backgrounds, values, and ways of living that differ from the traditional sorority partying lifestyle! There’s nothing wrong with joining a sorority of course, but if that’s not your thing, here’s tons of other options to make friends
Tori

Tori

261 likes

A grey woven basket holds numerous colorful lip balm tubes in various shades like purple, orange, brown, red, and green. The tubes are standing upright, showcasing a collection of lip care products.
A grey rotating organizer displays multiple clear tubes of lip gloss or oil, arranged in a circular pattern. The background shows other beauty and skincare items on a vanity.
A grey rotating organizer features several small, clear, curved bottles of lip oil in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. The bottles are neatly arranged on a vanity.
Never running out of lip balm again
I realize now I’m obsessed. #lip balms #summer fridays #bodytransformation #tower28 #gisou #gisoulipoil #LANEIGE #TATCHA #glowrecipe #Lipstick
Visionary

Visionary

2767 likes

Besties new yt video out now🫶🏾🩷
#dance #music #dancer #love #party #hiphop #dj #dancers #dancing #ballet #art #fun #explorepage #dancelife #viral #instagram #instagood #explore #fitness #photography #tiktok #dancersofinstagram #trending #choreography #follow #like #nightlife #artist #fashion #techno
Ashton Trys🩷

Ashton Trys🩷

31 likes

Check Out the Best Self-Care
@Five Below hooks you up with awesome self-care stuff at prices that won’t drain your wallet. It’s the ultimate spot for scoring savings while snagging cool gear to take care of yourself. 🔥CASTOR OIL🔥 : Castor oil, rich in ricinoleic acid, boasts anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properti
Milaidy🫧🌺🍕

Milaidy🫧🌺🍕

4215 likes

Shamrock Pretzel Pop ☘️🥨 for St. Patrick’s Day!
St. Patrick’s Day is a week away! ☘️ If you’re looking for a fun & easy treat to make, try out these “Shamrock Pretzel Pops” 🥨 You just need 4 ingredients: pretzels, white chocolate, green sprinkles and food coloring. #shamrockpretzelpops #saintpatricksday #foodoflemon8 #greenfood
Sikfan Kitchen

Sikfan Kitchen

60 likes

St. Patrick’s Day $1k Savings Challenge 🍀💰
If you want a reason or a sign to save $1000, here it is! If you start this challenge on February 3rd, there will be 6 weeks until St Patricks day! This will end on March 16! The math works out to saving $167 a week! That may sound like a lot but think of this as a 6 week no buy challeng
Kylie 💸🫶🏻

Kylie 💸🫶🏻

83 likes

How to prepare for your 1st appointment 🤰🏻
Your 1st prenatal appointment should be scheduled around 6-12 weeks, ideally 8 weeks+ so you’re able to have the 1st ultrasound done the same day. I know 6-12 weeks is a LONG time specially when you have SO many questions. Use this time to be well prepared for your first appointment. ⭐️INSURA
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

262 likes

Three personalized St. Oddity bags in varying shades of pink are displayed, featuring names like Natalie, Aysla, and Jamie on the hardware. The image includes the brand name 'ST.ODDITY Bags' in bold text.
A hot pink cosmetic pouch with gold personalized hardware spelling 'COURTNEY' is shown. The item is priced at $129 and described as a Cosmetic Pouch in Hot Pink with Personalised Hardware.
A hot pink charm with gold personalized hardware spelling 'MEL' and a lightning bolt symbol is displayed. The item is priced at $49 and described as a Charm in Hot Pink with Personalised Hardware.
St. Oddity Bags 🩷👛
I’m in love with the personalization aspect of these items! A bit on the pricier side but they look like they are good quality. Am I the only one who is just now finding out about these? Ofc I had to feature the pink ones but there are many other colors on their website 🩷 🛍Brand: St. Oddity #
Asia🩷

Asia🩷

21 likes

A person showcasing a vibrant St. Patrick's Day makeup look with rainbow eyeshadow, colorful face gems, and small green shamrock designs on the cheek. The makeup extends from the eyelids down the cheekbones, creating a festive and artistic appearance.
A four-panel image illustrating the initial steps of a rainbow eyeshadow tutorial. It shows purple eyeshadow applied to the lid, followed by blue, green, and yellow eyeshadow blended sequentially from the outer corner downwards onto the cheekbone.
A four-panel image continuing the rainbow eyeshadow tutorial. It demonstrates applying orange, red, and pink eyeshadow, blending each color downwards. The final panel shows a small green shamrock being drawn near the eye with liquid liner.
St. Patrick’s Day Makeup Tutorial 🌈☘️
Here’s a lil makeup tutorial/inspo for St. Patrick’s Day. This was my first time doing a look like this and I’m so glad I stepped out my comfort zone because I love how it came out 🥰 ✍🏻 Steps: ☘️ place purple eyeshadow on the lid and diffuse edges ☘️ get blue eyeshadow at outer corner of purp
itssjordyyn 🩺🎀

itssjordyyn 🩺🎀

14 likes

An image featuring the Monopoly Go app icon with a text overlay expressing frustration about receiving duplicate stickers and asking if others want to create a group chat to exchange them. Below the icon, options to 'Edit Home Screen', 'Share App', and 'Remove App' are visible.
this may seem silly… but hear me out
do you play monopolyGo everyday like i do? and you struggle to complete each sticker album because it gives you the same stickers over and over…? ME TOO🫠 i was thinking of making a group chat that allows us to exchange stickers and help each other move up in the game. it can be on snap, me
Kassie

Kassie

31 likes

Check Out these Museums in Boston!
If you're a fan of checking out museums, add these to your Boston trip itinerary! Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Here you’ll find contemporary art and rotating exhibits. The waterfront location provides stunning views! Location: 25 Harbor Shore Drive Admission: $15 for adult
Diandra Osorio

Diandra Osorio

121 likes

A hand holds the book "Frientimacy" by Shasta Nelson, with the subtitle "How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness." The image is overlaid with "1st Book Review of 2024."
An open book displays a section on "How the Frientimacy Triangle Works," featuring a triangle diagram with P, C, V, representing Positivity, Consistency, and Vulnerability. The text explains these three requirements for healthy friendships.
An open book shows a page detailing "The Eight Vital Friend's Roles," listing descriptions for roles like Builders, Champions, Collaborators, Companions, Connectors, Energizers, Mind-Openers, and Navigators. The "Energizers" role is highlighted.
1st Book Review of 2024 ✨
Frientimacy by Shasta Nelson Genre: self-help Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: I started reading Frientimacy after seeing the book discussed on TikTok and feeling like it would help me develop greater intimacy with my female friends. Understanding the frientimacy triangle which includes positivi
Alex Davis

Alex Davis

591 likes

A couple stands on Sugar Beach in St. Lucia, with a large, lush green mountain rising behind them. The text 'ST. LUCIA WITH MY MAN' is overlaid on the image.
A scenic view of Sugar Beach in St. Lucia, featuring clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and a massive, verdant mountain in the background under a blue sky.
A couple sits in a red boat on the water, smiling at the camera, with the iconic Pitons of St. Lucia visible in the mountainous background under a partly cloudy sky.
St. Lucia With My Man 🇱🇨
Looks like Ariel popped out the sea again and found a man lol 🧜🏾‍♀️🌅🌊🐠🦀 No, but fr we had a time in St Lucia ! 💫🌞⛰️🇱🇨 These are a few throwbacks from our trip to St. Lucia in February! We wanted something lowkey and we were torn between going back to Turks & Caicos again or trying St. L
Kayla🧚🏾‍♀️

Kayla🧚🏾‍♀️

381 likes

A clear glass bowl contains Lucky Charms crispy bars being mixed with a green spatula. The mixture is gooey with melted marshmallows and colorful Lucky Charms cereal pieces. The text overlay reads "LUCKY CHARMS CRISPY BARS" and mentions @sophieshemirani.
A glass of a light green Grapefruit Sour cocktail, garnished with a lime and grapefruit slice, sits next to a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey. The text overlay highlights "Irish Whiskey," "Espresso," and "Grapefruit Sour" and mentions @apinchofirish.
A wooden segmented snack board filled with St. Patrick's Day themed treats, including sliced apples, pistachios, cucumbers, kiwi, popcorn, and Lucky Charms cereal. Decorative gold coins and small black pots are also visible. The text overlay reads "yummy diy st. patrick's day snack board" and mentions @creativecuriosity.
ST PATRICK’S DAY RECIPE ROUND-UP ☘️
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner! Check out these festive recipes for your own celebration 💛 Full recipes on the featured creator’s accounts below: Featured Creators 🌈 @sophieshemirani @Apinchofirish @Courtney @Food Plus Words @Brittany in AZ @Anika Castillo
Lemon8 Food

Lemon8 Food

135 likes

THINGS TO DO IN ST. LOUIS
Most of the things I could put are on the city. There’s so much stuff to do here I couldn’t put them all! Be on the look out for some places to eat in STL. 🤍 #stlouis #stl #thingstodo #vacationideas #travel
cuh•rose•uh

cuh•rose•uh

398 likes

The image features the title "13 functional apps for the neuro-spicy" in green and white text, outlined in blue, against a background of green foliage, yellow flowers, and a stream. A flaming chili pepper icon is in the bottom right corner.
This image describes Goblin Tools, a productivity app for neurodivergent individuals. It details seven features: Magic To-Do for task breakdown, Formalizer for tone adjustment, Judge for tone analysis, Professor for simplified explanations, Estimator for task duration, Compiler for organizing thoughts, and Chef for meal planning.
The image presents two apps: NaturalReader and Tiny Decisions. NaturalReader is a text-to-speech program supporting various document types with natural voices. Tiny Decisions helps with decision paralysis using a spinning wheel, coin flip, and random number generator.
Helpful apps for all the neuro-spicy out there! ✨
Here are 13 great, functional apps that were designed to help the neurospicy: 🌶️ Goblin Tools 🌶️ NaturalReader 🌶️ Tiny Decisions 🌶️ Fabriq 🌶️ Finch 🌶️ Molehill Mountain 🌶️ Sweepy 🌶️ Antistress 🌶️ Visual Timer 🌶️ Habitica 🌶️ Emergency Chat 🌶️ Notion 🌶️ Notes Here’s an explanation o
Kristina

Kristina

1461 likes

See more