Gleam by Raven Kennedy
Published: May 31, 2021
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.
Have you ever read a book that when you finish you just don’t know what to do next? The series isn’t done, the next one doesn’t come out for three months and you’re just lost? That’s where I am right now. I honestly cranked through the three available books and I just slumped myself SO HARD over the next book.
If you’re looking for an absolutely amazing slow burn. This is your series. I know we’re looking on a review for the book but I’d like to talk about the series (so far) for a bit, seeing as I didn’t do a review on the previous books (Gild and Glint). This series is a Midas’ touch type of retelling with Fae elements. At first I was skeptical but IT GOT ME SO HOOKED. The character development alone is a work of art, let alone the plot and just amazing-ness all around.
So let’s dive into this book specifically. I’m not usually one for slow burn but jeez, was this one worth it. The satisfaction when the sun went down that night (if you know, you know). I was internally screaming. I was so happy. And their relationship, I know Auren is super apprehensive of Slade but MY GOD when he gets super angsty I loved it. Their relationship is such a great one and I can’t wait to see where it goes in Glow (Coming out in May).
As for Midas, there’s a great twist at the end of the book which is a huge catalyst for Auren coming into her power and really unleashing herself. I thought this was an amazing reveal. VERY well done, and then on top of that just Auren finally accepting who she is, her power, her strength, it was such a great kind of coming into her own moment, I loved it SO much.
There was a bit that did bother me, I’m sure it’ll come into play for this next book but I felt like the chapters with Melina could’ve been done in an easier way than taking up those chapters, It was a nice break but I don’t think it was completely necessary, it didn’t feel really relevant especially towards the end of the book.
Overall though, this book, even this series is a work of art. It’s absolutely great storytelling and awesome plot that keeps you engaged and wanting more. When I say I literally have not stopped thinking about this book since I’ve finished it, I’m serious. I feel like I might be in a slump for…well maybe May when the next book comes out.
5/5 Stars
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