OH MY GOD WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK THE ENDING HAD ME MOUTH GAPING PALMS SWEATING PULSE QUICKENING LIKE WHO WHAT WHERE WHEN WHY?!?????? ALSO AUREN’S SECRET?!???? SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY

I enjoyed this book much more than the first. I really liked the characters we were introduced to! I have to admit the twists are pretty predictable but still enjoyable.

Plot twists and love interests, even better than the first one

3/5 Rating. "Pretty lies cover up a lot of ugly truths"

I rated the first book 3 stars, but starting with this book? *muah muah muah* chef kisses everywhere

Ahhhh this was so good!!! I don’t even want to write anything as to not hint to anything but I am officially obsessed. If you struggled with Gild, just keep reading.

** spoiler alert ** I’m frustrated. The first book and this one absolutely could have just been one book. There was so much nothing going on in this one, it would’ve been stronger as one book. I think this story is unique, I haven’t read anything like it. But I did see the plot twists from miles away. Rip being Ravinger was the only thing that I guessed but then doubted and it ended up being true. I’ve been told the third book is a million times better so to be continued.

Holy crap! This book was a rollercoaster! I absolutely loved it. The plot twist was amazing. I kind of had an idea but it was still amazing to see it confirm. Auren’s development is perfect, she’s becoming so strong. And Rip… sigh. Enough said. I am so happy I was recommended this series cause omg it’s so worth it! Looking forward to book 3! 😍

This was much better than the first one for me. I felt like the plot really progressed and I saw some of the character development I was looking for. The ending threw me for a loop. Without giving any spoilers, I was on the right track and then the people at the meeting threw me off the scent.

3.5 stars. So this book took me two goes to get through. At first Yeah… I just couldn’t. I tried. But it’s a no. I don’t know whether it’s because I raced through the first book, but I just can’t bring myself to read this. I might come back to it later, but for now, it’s a pass for me. ETA: so I did finish this book. But I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it. It is better than book 1, so that’s a plus, but I still wouldn’t rave over this series. There’s definitely more lovable characters in this book, which is welcome, but Auren is still annoying and the spice level is virtually non existent. Will I continue with this series? Sure, why not, but it’s definitely not a favourite and not worth the hype in my opinion.

** spoiler alert ** “You’re King Ravinger,” I breathe in hurt accusation, because it’s the only thought clanging through my bones and shrieking in my skull. Rip’s mouth slowly pulls into a grin, and he speaks with the dark, sensual stroke of a villainous purr that matches the glint in his eye. “Yes, Goldfinch, I am. But you can call me Slade.” AKSBWOSNAOHAUQJABIHB.....OMG....OMFG....WHAT THE FUCK????....I cannot wait for book three... this is incredible

4 🌟 Once again, I finished this book in one sitting. Is my house clean? No. Did I work at all? Not really. But it doesn’t matter because this book was amazing. I like the different perspectives in this book and I enjoyed getting a little more context into the world they exist in, more info on each kingdom etc. My only complaint is I wish there was a little bit more dialogue between Auren and the other characters to show their relationships building. I felt like going a little more in depth would have enhanced the story and allowed me to become more invested in the characters. Aside from that, I felt like this book was just as good as the first. For the people who were deterred because of the first book being triggering with sexual assault scenes, this book doesn’t contain any of that. Also if you’re looking for a spicy plot this is also not it.

Omg fucking Rip

Actually 4.5 : liked it more than the 1st book!!

3.5/5 ⭐️

I’m having a really hard time coming up with coherent words to start this review, so I’m going to summarize it into one word: wow! GLINT picks off exactly where Gild left off. While there isn’t a lot happening in terms of plot and some developments I was expecting after the end of the first book were resolved in a rather abrupt way, the added world-building and character development was exactly what the story needed! Her journey in Glint is one of healing and growth, worthy of two of my favorites: A Court of Mist and Fury and Heir of Fire. I really love the way Raven Kennedy is developing her character, because I feel like her reactions to past traumas and her current predicament is realistic and can resonate to many people who have been victims of abuse and manipulation. Auren finally has a chance to interact with the world and people around her. She’s now in enemy hands with the soldiers of Fourth’s army, and yet these people treat her with more respect and kindness than she’s ever known. This sort of environment forces her out of her shell and makes her reconsider her relationship with Midas. She sees the flaws, she craves the change, and yet there are plenty moments in which she remains ensnared by the apparent comfort of life as she’s known it. Her changes don’t come abruptly from one page to the other, but in a constant dance of a couple steps forward and one back, until we reach the climax. I absolutely adored this, and it adds so much reality to Auren’s character, who is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Auren’s development was greatly helped by the new additions in the story. Commander Rip was intriguing in the small glimpse we had in Gild, but my boy shines bright light a diamond once you see him in action! I see the hype, I understand it, and I fully support it. If you love your book boyfriends powerful, imposing and yet with a secret soft side and mysteries of his own, Rip is the man for you. He’s certainly the man for me, and he’s claiming a spot at the top of the book boyfriends lists! The slow burn is deliciously tortuous, filled with moments of hesitant camaraderie, banter and tension. Rip pushes at Auren’s comfort zone like none other, and I just adored how determined he was to help her understand her power and worth. I also loved his Wrath (his Inner Circle, so to say), which also play a huge role in Auren’s story. Another element I really enjoyed was the addition of an extra POV character: Queen Malina, Midas’s wife. Orea seems to be a man’s world, but women are running this show. Malina couldn’t be more different from Auren. She’s confident, determined, hard as ice and completely in charge. I was extremely fascinated by her character, and I’m rooting for her. Even so, I confirm my love of Midas. He’s not a good man when it comes to Auren, but I can’t help but appreciate his tactical mind and ambition. Raven Kennedy is truly building a deliciously addictive villain, and I love those! Now excuse me while I pick up the discarded pieces of my dignity and stumble to my bookshelf to pick up Gleam. PICK UP THIS SERIES, FOLKS, and thank me later!

am still weirded out about the ribbons but good book with a good plot twist

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars I understand why people say this series gets better with each book. I devoured this same as I did the first one. The only difference was that I loved the characters around Auren so much more. She’s no longer surrounded by people who would gratuitously use, abuse and deride her. Despite being in enemy hands, she finds people who respect her. And Rip…goodness, Rip. I love him. I see the hype. I understand it. I want him, spikes and all. We also got to know a bit more about Auren, the puzzle pieces slowly coming together. I love how the author is leading us through her story without delivering it all to us in one blow. I like seeing how much of the details I was able to put together on my own, where I was right and where I wasn’t. It’s shaping up to be such a compelling world and back-story! Also, I appreciated those little bits of Malina’s chapters. I love a cunning female ruler, and she’s exactly that. She’s not Auren’s biggest fan, but despite that, all I can say is YAS QUEEN! I think Auren and Malina would make formidable enemies, but also amazing allies and, who knows, perhaps even friends. Whatever direction the author intends to take their story, I will like it. And the ending. I wasn’t spoiled, but I’ve gathered enough bits and pieces from Instagram that I’d formulated a theory and I WAS RIGHT! *evil cackling* I’m so excited to see what comes next!

The writing is definitely better but that's it. There's more going on with the world expanding beyond Midas' kingdom but I don't really care about it. The romance is fun though and these books are so easy to read that I'll probably finish the series.

OH MY GOD HOW DID MY NAIVE ASS NOT SEE THAT COMING?! Bravo Raven Kennedy…you got me.

A bit slow to start but then it got SO GOOD. The ending … I honestly didn’t see it coming. I am a bit confused, but so excited to read the next one.

AHH Ok so the first book wasn't my favorite, but book two was a million times better for me. Auren and her character growth and coming to her realization of just being a gilded bird in a cage to wanting me was so satisfying for me. We got more background to her life as well as a lovely dark male character and love interest (who I had been waiting for😌). Love this series and the concept, and book two sealed it for me that I'd be finishing this series to the end. Also Midas and his manipulator ways can rot for all I care.

This book moved much more quickly than the first. A lot of drama and great story development I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Continuing my re-read before the fourth book comes out. This one definitely has middle book syndrome, but it does build a lot more of Auren's past and personality which is important for the story to continue.