Reviews with content warning for Rape - Gleam

This book was an improvement in some regards and a downgrade in others, the story was more complex and truly felt like it’s own book whereas the first two felt like a single book split in half. There was actually a notable climax to the story that carried through to a cliffhanger that could certainly convince a reader to come back.

My problem lies primarily with loose ends and poorly managed plots/power explanations. Auren is a very cool character, but Kennedy’s description of her magic is inconsistent. In this installment it is a very prevalent plot point that ANYTHING Auren touches with her bare skin during the day will turn gold, however this is not accurate to the lore written in the second book and her life in the military camp. There were a few other things that just didn’t line up, or were waved away rather than being explained in the lore of the world. I hated the perspective of Malina and overall felt it set up an irrelevant and boring plotline that could have been easily introduced without spending chapters in an alternate character perspective, especially if the next book is heading the direction I think it might be. Overall it wasn’t a horrible read but I found myself slogging through it at the end and I am doubtful that I will pick up the next installment.

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maziodynes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Absolutely amazing. The push and pull between Auren trying to placate Midas while also standing up to him and secretly rebelling was so satisfying to watch. Her growth in this book was compelling. The climax was so PAINFUL and suspensful that I stayed up late just to finish it. What a satisfying book. My favorite of the trio.

Aurip's relationship really encompassed everything I want in a romance. The fierce loyalty, respect, and passion they share was spot on. His encouragement and support for her when she was feeling the lingering effects of trauma was lovely. Juxtaposed with Midas getting worse and worse, and Auren finally realizing the full extent of how badly he treated her - masterfully done!

My ONLY critique is that the author often uses "male" instead of "man", which made the writing feel jilted at times (and wasn't something I noticed as much in the previous books). But like, it's fine.

CWs:

non consensual drugging and torture.

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missdom's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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librarymama's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book took me on a roller coaster! I am sitting here totally out of breath because I held it through the entire last half of the book! I would sell my soul to see what happens in the next book.

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anodnaz's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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sadieutah's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

4.25

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jeaven's review against another edition

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dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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ilishii's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So I LOVED this book. Despite me calling all of the major plot twists in the two previous books I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and could not wait to read the third one. I was not disappointed because this one was hands down the best one yet. I absolutely loved it, and got the character growth I've been waiting two books for.

I am so so so looking forward to the next book!

First of all, it is extremely hard to break away from an abusive relationship so props to Auren.
Now onto my gripes:
One thing that I didn't understand was her extreme loyalty to Digby. He stood by in the first book and helped to make sure she was isolated by never engaging with her despite her obvious loneliness. He stood by when she was going to be forcibly given to another king for the night. I get that he helped protect her to a degree, but he never helped to protect her from Midas. I know her relationships with men have been super dysfunctional, but it makes me sad that this man who never spoke with her or displayed emotions is what she considers a father figure.

Another gripe is we had to wait until the LAST possible moment for Auren to really come into her own. She had everything stolen from her and it was so hard to watch her go through it when we all knew there was something inside her just waiting to be released. I just wish she hadn't been so afraid of what was inside of her and really tested her limits.

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