Gleam: The Plated Prisoner Series, Book 3

Gleam by Raven Kennedy continues Auren’s story in the Plated Prisoner series. This installment shifts the narrative from survival to awakening. By this point in the series, Auren has begun to recognize the truth about the cage King Midas built around her. What once looked like protection now reveals itself as control. The more the illusion cracks, the more dangerous the game of power becomes. Auren finds herself trapped in Midas' court surrounded by players who all seem to have their own agendas. Midas still claims ownership over her, treating her less like a person, and more like a resource he can exploit. At the same time, King Slade Ravinger, also known as Rip, becomes an increasingly powerful presence in her life. Slade sees Auren in a way that no one else has. He recognizes her strength even when she doubts it herself. Their connection grows through tension, banter, and attraction. The story reveals a crucial secret that reshapes everything we thought we knew about Midas. His famous gilding power does not originate with him at all. It comes from Auren. She is the true source of the magic he built his kingdom on. Once Slade learns the truth, the fragile balance of power begins to unravel. Much of this book takes place inside the shifting alliances of royal courts. Schemes, threats, and political maneuvering dominate large portions of the plot. Readers who enjoy court intrigue may find this book's plot fascinating, but it slowed the pacing for me. The political chess matches pulled attention away from the emotional core of the story. I did enjoy that Auren and Slade's chemistry leaps off the page. Slade is the kind of fantasy book boyfriend that readers fall hard for. He is protective without being controlling, supportive without undermining Auren’s agency, and fiercely devoted to her growth. The dialogue between them is sharp, playful, and very spicy. Their chemistry kept my interest when I found myself bored by court politics. The ending climax delivers one of the most satisfying moments in the series so far. After everything Auren has endured you get to watch her finally confront Midas to claim her power. This ending is the cathartic moment the entire story has been building toward. I can't wait to see what Auren does in book four now that she has found herself. Though, what Slade did to Auren to save her from expending her entire power is yet to be revealed. The audiobook performance elevates the experience even further. Lilly Drake captures Auren’s vulnerability and strength beautifully. Anthony Palmini gives Slade a voice that practically drips with sex appeal. His performance adds an extra layer of intensity to every scene they share. Anthony gives me shivers, often. Even with the slower political sections, Gleam succeeds in deepening the characters and expanding the story. Raven Kennedy’s writing continues to build complex personalities and emotional stakes, tying together earlier threads while setting up what comes next. I can't wait to read book four to learn what Auren will do now that Midas is out of the way, and how her chemistry with Slade will evolve.

These books certainly keep getting better! Also, the fact that she’s managed to make the ribbons their own character is amazing (and heartbreaking, ngl).

I’m going to say that the extra length in this one that helped flesh out some of the characters and plot that was missing in books 1 & 2 for me, but the overall arc is settling in and progressing nicely, then BOOM. That last 20% was such an emotional roller coaster that left me reeling!

The expanding list of multiple POVs was appreciated, though I could do without any more from Malina (I get the reasons but man, she’s a whiny cow).

Excited to see where Glow takes us!

Book 1: Gild - ⭐⭐
Book 2: Glint - ⭐⭐⭐
Book 3: Gleam - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book 4: Glow - ⭐⭐⭐
Book 5: Gold - TBD

I absolutely love this series! While the beginning started off a bit slow, it quickly became clear that all those early moments were carefully weaving the story together. The last hundred pages had me completely hooked and I couldn’t put it down! I’m already counting the days until I can dive into the fourth book.

What a badass. Love auren

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️