Gild is the first book in The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy, featuring a captivating blend of fantasy and romance. The story follows Auren, a girl trapped in a gilded cage, forced to serve the whims of a powerful king while navigating a world filled with danger and intrigue. As Auren grapples with her identity and the constraints of her existence, she must confront her feelings for the king and the dark secrets that threaten her freedom. This novel is perfect for fans of romantasy and those who enjoy richly developed characters and immersive world-building.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of power, identity, and freedom through the eyes of protagonist Auren.
  • Set in a richly imagined fantasy world filled with political intrigue and romance.
  • Features a complex love story that challenges traditional tropes in fantasy literature.
  • Introduces a unique magic system tied to the characters’ fates and choices.
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I
CHAPTER ONE
lift the gold goblet to my lips as I watch the show of naked flesh through
the space between my bars.
The lighting is low, deliberate. Just a crackle of flame over promiscuous
shapes that move in warm tandem. Seven bodies working all to one sole
release, while I’m here, apart, like a spectator for a sport.
The king called me in here a couple of hours ago when he started
getting hot and heavy with his revolving harem of concubines—also known
as his royal saddles. He decided to have his pleasure in the atrium tonight,
probably because of the acoustics in here. To his credit, the moans really do
echo nicely.
“Yes, my king! Yes! Yes!”
The skin around my eyes tightens, and I quickly gulp more wine down
and force myself to look away and take in the night sky instead. The atrium
is huge, and all of the walls and the domed ceiling are made entirely of
glass windows, so it’s the best view in the palace. That is...when it stops
snowing long enough to see anything.
Right now, there’s a snowstorm like usual. White flakes fall from the
sky, a promise to cover the panes by morning. But for now, I can see a faint
hint of a single star high above, peeking out from between the oppressive
clouds and looming white. Always, the puffy, frozen vapor stands sentinel
over the sky like a miser, stealing the view from me and hoarding it to itself.
But I have a glimpse, and I’m thankful for that.
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FAQs

what is Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) about

Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) by Raven Kennedy is a fantasy novel that explores themes of power, desire, and captivity. The story is narrated by Auren, who is kept in a gilded cage as the favored of King Midas. The narrative unfolds in a world where the king indulges in lavish pleasures, surrounded by a harem of concubines, while Auren grapples with her feelings of jealousy and longing for freedom.

  • Setting: The opulent Highbell Castle, filled with gold and grandeur.
  • Main Character: Auren, the king's favored, who struggles with her status and desires.
  • Themes: Captivity, desire, and the complexities of power dynamics.

who are the main characters in Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1)

The main characters in Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) include:

  • Auren: The protagonist and the king's favored, who is trapped in a gilded cage.
  • King Midas: The ruler of the sixth kingdom, known for his indulgent lifestyle and charm.
  • Rissa: One of the king's concubines, known for her beauty and husky voice.
  • Polly: Another member of the harem, who serves the king's desires.
  • New Male Saddle: A new addition to the harem, noted for his striking appearance and skills.

what are the themes in Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1)

Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) explores several prominent themes:

  • Captivity: Auren’s life in a gilded cage symbolizes both luxury and imprisonment.
  • Desire: The novel delves into the complexities of desire, both in Auren's longing for freedom and the king's indulgences.
  • Power Dynamics: The interactions between Auren, the king, and the other concubines reflect the intricate power dynamics in their relationships.
  • Identity: Auren's struggle with her identity as the king's favored versus her desire for autonomy is a central conflict.

what is the plot of Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1)

The plot of Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) revolves around Auren, who is kept in a luxurious cage as the favored of King Midas. The story begins with Auren observing the king's indulgent lifestyle while she grapples with her feelings of jealousy and longing for freedom. As the king entertains his harem, Auren reflects on her own desires and the nature of her captivity. The narrative unfolds with vivid descriptions of the opulent setting and the dynamics between Auren and the king, culminating in her internal struggle for identity and autonomy.

  • Inciting Incident: Auren is called to witness the king's pleasures.
  • Climax: Auren confronts her feelings about her captivity and the king's desires.
  • Resolution: The story leaves readers questioning Auren's future and her quest for freedom.

is Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) a series

Yes, Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) is the first book in a series by Raven Kennedy. The series explores the world of Auren and the complexities of her relationship with King Midas, along with the challenges she faces as the king's favored. The subsequent books continue to develop the characters and the overarching narrative, delving deeper into themes of power, captivity, and desire.

  • Series Title: The Plated Prisoner
  • Book Order: Gild is followed by additional installments that further the story.

what genre is Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1)

Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) is primarily categorized as a fantasy novel. It incorporates elements of romance and dark fantasy, set in a richly imagined world filled with themes of power and desire. The story's unique premise, centered around a character trapped in a gilded cage, adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the fantasy genre.

  • Subgenres: Dark fantasy, romance
  • Target Audience: Readers who enjoy fantasy with strong character development and emotional depth.

what is the writing style of Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1)

The writing style of Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) is characterized by vivid imagery and a lyrical narrative voice. Raven Kennedy employs rich descriptions to bring the opulent setting of Highbell Castle to life, immersing readers in Auren's world. The prose balances a sense of intimacy with Auren's internal thoughts and feelings, allowing readers to connect deeply with her character.

  • Descriptive Language: The author uses detailed descriptions to evoke the lavishness of the setting.
  • Character Focus: The narrative is heavily centered on Auren's perspective, providing insight into her emotions and struggles.
  • Dialogue: The dialogue captures the dynamics between characters, enhancing the story's tension and drama.

what are the reviews for Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1)

Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) has received a range of reviews from readers and critics alike. Many praise the book for its engaging characters and imaginative world-building. Auren's internal conflict and the dynamics of her relationship with King Midas are often highlighted as compelling aspects of the story. However, some reviews note that the themes of captivity and desire may not resonate with all readers, making it a polarizing read.

  • Positive Reviews: Highlight the strong character development and immersive setting.
  • Critical Reviews: Some readers may find the themes challenging or uncomfortable.

is Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) worth reading

Whether Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1) is worth reading depends on personal preferences. Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with complex characters and themes of power dynamics may find it particularly engaging. The unique premise of Auren's captivity and her relationship with King Midas adds depth to the story, making it a thought-provoking read. If you appreciate richly detailed settings and emotional narratives, this book could be a great fit.

  • Recommended For: Fans of dark fantasy and character-driven stories.
  • Considerations: Be prepared for themes of captivity and desire that may evoke strong reactions.