⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Goldfinch by Raven Kennedy has officially put me in a chokehold and then had the audacity to walk away like nothing happened.
This book? My favorite in the series.
Also this book? My personal villain origin story.
I have never had such a dramatic love/hate relationship with a story in my life. I loved every second of it… right up until the moment I realized it was OVER. Like excuse me??? You can’t just emotionally rearrange my brain furniture and then leave 😭
And listen.
If you’ve read it, you already KNOW the scene.
THE scene.
The one that had me staring at the wall like I just witnessed a crime. I was two seconds away from launching my book across the room like a dramatic Victorian heroine.
Now let’s talk about the true stars of my heart: Osrik and Rissa.
Raven Kennedy, I am on my knees (respectfully, dramatically, and with snacks) asking for MORE. Every single scene with them had me kicking my feet, giggling, twirling imaginary hair like I just made eye contact with my fictional soulmate. Their dynamic?? Illegal levels of chemistry. I ate it up. No crumbs. Not even a speck.
So yes. Five stars. No notes.
Except one. A very loud one:
GIVE ME MORE OSRIK AND RISSA OR I WILL SIMPLY PERISH.
Reading Goldfinch left a lasting impression on me, much like it did for many fans of Raven Kennedy's work. What truly stands out in this book is not just the storyline but the electrifying dynamic between Osrik and Rissa. Their relationship is a blend of tension, charm, and undeniable chemistry that brings a fresh energy to the narrative. It's rare to find such a pair that ignites so much emotion, making every scene with them feel like a personal experience. This story doesn’t shy away from delivering powerful emotional moments; it rearranges your feelings in ways you don’t expect. I found myself caught between loving the characters and being heartbroken when their journey hit dramatic peaks — especially in the scenes that felt so intense, they were almost cinematic. For fans of villain origin stories, Goldfinch offers a layered and complex perspective that adds depth to the characters of Osrik and Rissa, making them unforgettable. Moreover, the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish. The author’s ability to blend romance, conflict, and character development is impressive, and it makes the story not just about the plot but about the emotional resonance with the characters. After finishing, I shared the urge with many others: there simply has to be more Osrik and Rissa in the world, because their story is too captivating to end here. If you’re drawn to stories with intense emotional stakes and compelling character chemistry, Goldfinch is a must-read. It’s more than a book; it's an experience that will have you reflecting on the power of well-written relationships and the art of captivating storytelling.
I absolutely agree