Raven Kennedy| 2021 | 613 Pages | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Adult, Romantasy
Trigger Warnings: emotional manipulation, abuse, violence, memory loss.
SUMMARY
King Midas made me the woman I am today. Notorious. Unattainable. His.
The thing about being confined is that you believe it’s to keep the bad out... Until you realize it’s about keeping you in.
I’m now in a strange kingdom surrounded by liars, with no allies of my own, but I won’t sit idly by and let myself wither. No, there’s something that’s bloomed from the pit of my repression. Something dark. Something angry.
But the last thing I expected was for my anger to call out to him. King Ravinger.
He’s sinister and powerful and entirely too seductive. I’ve learned my lesson with trusting manipulative kings, so why does my chest constrict every time he’s near? I need to tread carefully, or I’m at risk of losing much more than just my freedom.
Regret and revenge war inside of me, and I need to figure out a plan fast before I get tangled up in the schemes of kings and queens.
Because I won’t be caught in a cage again. No, this time, It’ll be me setting the trap... I just hope my heart comes out of this unscathed.
MY THOUGHTS & OVERVIEW
Plot:
Gleam, the third installment in Raven Kennedy’s Plated Prisoner series, took everything I loved about the first two books and turned it up a notch. Auren’s transformation from a victim of manipulation and abuse into a powerful, self-assured woman was precisely the kind of character development I’d been hoping for. This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster—heart-wrenching moments, intense twists, and scenes that left me staring at the pages in disbelief. I came in with sky-high expectations, and Gleam still surpassed them.
Gleam picks up right where Glint left off, with Auren back under Midas’ control. But this time, things have changed. Auren isn’t the passive, sheltered girl we met in Gild. She’s starting to see Midas for the manipulative villain he really is, and she’s finally ready to break free from his hold. Her journey through this book is nothing short of incredible. Watching her transition from a pawn in Midas’ game to a woman controlling her destiny was so satisfying.
What I love most about Auren’s journey is how she never loses her compassion, even after everything she’s been through. She’s dealing with the trauma of her past and the side effects of her power, but she’s still trying to help those around her, even when they don’t deserve it. That balance between her empathy and her strength is what makes her such a compelling character. She’s not just surviving anymore—she’s thriving and taking control.
The political scheming ramps up in this book, with the royals of the Third and Fifth Kingdoms plotting against each other while Auren, Slade, and the Wrath navigate their own agendas. The tension is thick, and the stakes are higher than ever. While the pacing slows in parts to focus on character growth, the last 25% is pure chaos in the best way. The twists and reveals kept coming, and I loved every second of it.
And then there’s the cliffhanger. While some readers might have been frustrated, I was just relieved that certain characters finally got what they deserved after three books of manipulation and abuse. Justice has been served, but now I’m desperate to know what happens next.
My Thoughts:
Auren’s growth is truly the heart of Gleam. Her journey from a girl manipulated by Midas to a woman who stands up for herself and takes control of her life was executed beautifully. She’s still dealing with the emotional aftermath of Rip’s supposed “betrayal” (though it wasn’t really a betrayal in my eyes), but she’s learning to trust herself again. What really stood out to me was how well Kennedy portrayed the complexity of Auren’s struggle—breaking free from a toxic relationship isn’t easy, and it’s clear that Auren is battling both her emotions and the memories of her time with Midas. Watching her take those first steps toward freedom was so rewarding.
And then there’s Slade. His relationship with Auren is everything I wanted it to be. It’s not rushed, it’s not forced, and it’s definitely not toxic. The slow build and mutual respect between them make their connection feel genuine and intense. Slade supports Auren without trying to control her, which is a refreshing contrast to her dynamic with Midas. He’s not there to save her—he’s there to walk beside her while she saves herself.
One of my favorite things about Slade is his patience with Auren. He understands the trauma she’s been through and never pushes her to do anything she’s not ready for. Instead, he gives her the time and space she needs to heal on her own terms. Their relationship feels so healthy compared to the toxic mess with Midas, and I’m absolutely here for it.
And the romance? Let’s just say “intense” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Their chemistry is explosive, but what I love most is that their relationship goes beyond physical attraction. It’s built on trust, mutual respect, and healing. Slade isn’t interested in Auren for her power—he’s interested in her as a person and willing to wait for her, which only strengthens their bond.
Conclusion:
Gleam is the book that took the Plated Prisoner series to the next level for me. Auren’s journey of self-discovery, combined with the intense political scheming, the explosive romance, and the jaw-dropping twists, made this a five-star read from start to finish. The pacing may slow in parts, but the emotional depth and character growth kept me hooked throughout.
I’m counting down the days until Glow. If Gleam is anything to go by, the next book is going to be even more intense, and I am so ready for it. This series is the perfect balance of heart, heat, and high-stakes drama, and I’m fully invested in seeing how Auren’s journey continues.
CHARACTERS
Auren’s transformation is hands-down the highlight of Gleam. Watching her go from a victim to a woman in control of her own life was deeply satisfying. Her compassion, strength, and determination make her one of the most well-rounded characters in the series. I’m excited to see how she continues to evolve in Glow.
Slade (King Rot) is easily one of my favorite book boyfriends. His love for Auren is fierce, but what makes him stand out is how much he respects her autonomy. He never tries to control her; their relationship is built on trust and understanding. Plus, getting more of his backstory and POV in Gleam added layers to his character that I can’t wait to explore further.
The Wrath – Slade’s Wrath continues to be the perfect found family. They’re loyal, terrifying, and exactly what Auren needs as she steps into her power. I’m looking forward to seeing more of them in the next book.
Rissa – Rissa surprised me. I didn’t expect to like her, but she’s starting to care about Auren in a way that I wasn’t expecting. I’m curious to see where her character goes from here.
Ryatt – The reveal that Ryatt is Slade’s brother and has been posing as the fake Rip was mind-blowing. I didn’t see it coming, and now I’m dying to learn more about him. His brief interactions in Gleam have intrigued me, and I can’t wait to see his role in the next book.
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