Review: Gild (Plated Prisoner Series), By Raven Kennedy

Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆/5
Pages: 416
Date of Publication: 2020
Spice Rating: 1/2 🌶️
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Yes, Completed as of 2024
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, slow burn, reimagined mythology, forbidden romance, morally grey love interest

Synopsis:
A retelling of the tale of King Midas, this story follows Auren, the king’s most prized possession: a gilded woman - literally turned to gold touched by her king. Auren spends her days at Midas’ beckoning call roaming around in her luxurious gilded cage throughout his entirely gold palace. She feels safe, protected and loved by her king, who saved her from her treacherous life on the streets. However, when she is faced with the realities of the outside world, she finds herself in a position of questioning Midas’ control over her as she experiences freedom for the first time in a decade.

Review:
First off - this is a very easy read. Not in a bad way, but in a comfortable way. The way Kennedy introduces the story is soft and welcoming; she creates an initial setting that is not aggressive with information overload (which I feel can be a somewhat common, especially in fantasy). Met with the familiar figure of King Midas from Greek mythology, the set up of this mystical and fantastical world is solid and defining.

The pacing of the novel fits the story arch as a whole and leaves us interested for more. Kennedy holds information in a way that is enticing but litters enough throughout the story that keeps it interesting, so no need to worry about getting bored. Having read the series as a whole, pacing remains consistent throughout the series as it keeps the story steady and attainable. This makes the book an easy one to pick up where one left off and not worry too much about forgetting what was happening when you last picked up the book if you’re a reader who can’t do an all-in-one-sitting read, however the easy flow of the book allows for it if you have the time.

Writing wise, it’s not the most elevated style of writing I’ve ever read. Of course, it’s not bad - not at all. Although, in comparison to 5 star reads of mine, it does not compare. Besides, this is what makes it such an easy and comfortable read - but I do mention it for those of you who are looking for a higher quality of writing. This might sound offensive, and I hesitate to mention it but it’s the best way I can describe my perception of what is good and bad writing. I categorise them into ‘cheap’ and ‘rich’: ‘rich’ being writing that has a certain quality that is very hard to capture; when every word agrees with what’s in your mind; when there is perfect harmony with each word. ‘Cheap’ being writing that immediately shows it does not have the qualities of rich writing. For me, major tell-tale signs of cheap writing include cringey language or phrases, immature rhetoric or tropes that are far too cliché etc. (don’t get me wrong - I love a classic trope, just not one that is extremely cringey and unrealistic). Gild doesn’t include all of these, and of course these things can be good if written well, but if not it can go to the other extreme (the negative extreme).

This novel surprised me, though. There seems to be a shared split of cheap and rich writing. Strong and influential moments in the novel are written wonderfully and are very rich, however more basic aspects of the plot lie (slightly) more on the cheaper side, particularly with internal monologues from characters. Not to the point where it’s hard to read, however it is definitely evident and doesn’t go unnoticed.

Regarding spice, there is none. The only reason I included half a rating was because the book opens with an orgy - only not including our FMC, she remains an observer and the scene, even though sexual acts take place, is not written from her perspective with any sexual desire - just plainly (and slightly jealously) being made to witness. However, this does not mean that the series itself is not spicy, so if you’re looking for some spice, stick with the slow burn because it is worth it.

SPOILERS AHEAD

A classic trope that it is executed wonderfully is the slow burn. The reason I mentioned the great pacing of the novel is massively due to the relationship between Auren and Commander Rip. For my hardcore slow burn readers, I wouldn’t say it is the slowest of slow burns, but is enough that it ticks the box. When introduced to the Commander, it is clear he will be the overtaking love interest. Call me fussy, however I don’t love it when it is so obvious that the new love interest has arrived. It’s hard to decipher, and part of the reason why I call myself a picky reader, but I prefer it to remain someone half-buried, for lack of a better term, that a new love interest has taken residence within the story. I prefer it not to be so blatantly obvious, but again, this is just my personal preference and the trope still definitely works.

A stand out moment during the novel is the scene where Auren and a member of the royal saddles, Rissa, kill Captain Fane. The scene is an incredibly traumatic one, for both Auren and Rissa. It is the first time in the story we see Auren take full control of her power, escaping the guise that her power is in fact King Midas’. She uses it to save her fellow saddle, despite the fact that none of them are fond of her. In fact, they actively exclude and isolate her. In this moment, her first female bond is made and although it is rocky, it is a symbol of her freedom from Midas, serving as the first, albeit twisted, indicator of Auren’s ability to be independent without Midas and a foreshadowing of her reclaiming of her power.

SPOILERS OVER

Overall, Gild serves as a tasteful and enticing beginning to the Plated Prisoner series. It satisfies the craving of fantasy romance, mystery, royal politics and is just the start to a very compelling story. Gild is great for fantasy romance readers who wish to explore a new world with unique magic and fae and a magical, varied monarchy - also for those who are interested in the tropes mentioned above, yet are looking for an easy and laid back read.