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booknerdxo88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved book 3 so much, but I think Glint has my heart a little bit more. I love how Auren has changed so much throughout the series. She is finally coming into her own. I still love Commander Rip/Slade. He is just perfection. Auren and Slade's banter and chemistry lead to some pretty steam scenes. It was a SLOW BURN for sure.
I didn't think it was possible, but I hate Midas even more after this book.I loved her flirty ribbons. Another character I can't stand is Malina. She is just as selfish and spoiled as Midas with her thinking she deserves the people's love and loyalty. Ugh. Seriously?!
Lastly, that ending was crazy good, I am so glad Auren killed Midas! and now I have to wait a few months to see how it all ends.
I didn't think it was possible, but I hate Midas even more after this book.
Lastly, that ending was crazy good,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Violence, Gaslighting, and Drug use
indra_s's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
chckd_out's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.25
This is the best book in the series. Hands down. It was a political chess game, and I had to know what move would be made next.
Auren's growth is genuine.
Slade is just....swoon.
Auren's growth is genuine.
Slade is just....swoon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Domestic abuse
Minor: Trafficking and Drug use
thewiserslone's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Gaslighting
cocpop_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-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
Omg is all I can say for this book.
I absolutely devoured it. I will note that the first half of the book really focuses on Auren and her own growth. Like half way through I was ready to fight Slade and tell him to leave her alone.
The second half of the book just did not stop. So much happened and I cried and laughed a lot.
I think my heart truly broke for Auren and what she has been through all because of her magic and greedy men.
3/5 on the spicy scale. Although there’s only two scenes, they were hot and dirty as hell. I am a sucker for dirty talk and this did not miss.
I absolutely devoured it. I will note that the first half of the book really focuses on Auren and her own growth. Like half way through I was ready to fight Slade and tell him to leave her alone.
The second half of the book just did not stop. So much happened and I cried and laughed a lot.
I think my heart truly broke for Auren and what she has been through all because of her magic and greedy men.
3/5 on the spicy scale. Although there’s only two scenes, they were hot and dirty as hell. I am a sucker for dirty talk and this did not miss.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Blood, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Trafficking
alyssasaurus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Body horror, Kidnapping, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, and Confinement
kimiichanga's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
idk what to do now man, with that cliffhanger
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Gaslighting
kinsportch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, and Physical abuse
Minor: Alcohol
michellemaas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First Read: 4.5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Second Read: 5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've seen a few other people say it as well, but I'll reiterate in case you missed it: best book in the series BY FAR! So many plot points finally came to rise in this installment, including but not limited too, Malina's rule, Rip and Auren's relationship, and Midas's relationship with Auren. There were also another few plot twists that were masterfully done, so that's something to look forward to.
Going on to some specifics, we'll start with AuRip. Kennedy has been teasing us with their undeniable sexual tension and chemistry since book one, so having that be resolved in Gleam was so satisfying. I enjoyed that their relationship wasn't immediately perfect and that Auren's feelings for Midas weren't immediately resolved as soon as Rip came into her life. Also, we get arguably one of the most iconic "Who did this to you?" scenes ever, so immediate props for that.
Next, I want to discuss the multiple point-of-views. Kennedy has been including multiple perspectives in this series since book 1, but this is the first book where I felt that truly added something to the stories. We got chapters from Auren, Midas, Rip, and Malina's perspectives and Kennedy did a masterful job of conveying each character's essence in their chapter. At the end of the book, we also get the climax told from both Auren and Rip's point-of-view which was especially cool as we always wonder what's going on in the other main charter' head when something big happens.
Then there was the inclusion of "the wrath". We got to see quite a bit more on them in Gleam and it was very refreshing. They are without a doubt some of the best charters in the series so having them be featured more was a definite highlight. I am crossing my fingers that some of them (I am totally talking about Lu) get their own chapters told from their perspectives in the next book.
I also can't do this review without mentioned Auren's meltdown. LEGENDARY I say. It was so well written and such a perfect end to her arc with Midas. Everything about the scene was brilliant and I want to give a shoutout to that.
Lastly, I just want to commend Kennedy for the way she resolved her plotlines. She brought an end to several storylines that started in book 1, without leeching the plot for future books. The way she resolved the plotlines she chose to end gave rise to new ones in a way that was fresh and makes me excited for the 4th installment.
Great book and great writing. In case it wasn't clear, I am sitting on the edge of my seat until the next book gets released.
P.S. I am pretty sure I have mentioned this on every entry I've done on this series, but there are some major From Blood and Ash vibes to this series, so if you liked this series and are looking for something to read until Glow comes out, you should definitely give it a try.
Second Read: 5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've seen a few other people say it as well, but I'll reiterate in case you missed it: best book in the series BY FAR! So many plot points finally came to rise in this installment, including but not limited too, Malina's rule, Rip and Auren's relationship, and Midas's relationship with Auren. There were also another few plot twists that were masterfully done, so that's something to look forward to.
Going on to some specifics, we'll start with AuRip. Kennedy has been teasing us with their undeniable sexual tension and chemistry since book one, so having that be resolved in Gleam was so satisfying. I enjoyed that their relationship wasn't immediately perfect and that Auren's feelings for Midas weren't immediately resolved as soon as Rip came into her life. Also, we get arguably one of the most iconic "Who did this to you?" scenes ever, so immediate props for that.
Next, I want to discuss the multiple point-of-views. Kennedy has been including multiple perspectives in this series since book 1, but this is the first book where I felt that truly added something to the stories. We got chapters from Auren, Midas, Rip, and Malina's perspectives and Kennedy did a masterful job of conveying each character's essence in their chapter. At the end of the book, we also get the climax told from both Auren and Rip's point-of-view which was especially cool as we always wonder what's going on in the other main charter' head when something big happens.
Then there was the inclusion of "the wrath". We got to see quite a bit more on them in Gleam and it was very refreshing. They are without a doubt some of the best charters in the series so having them be featured more was a definite highlight. I am crossing my fingers that some of them (I am totally talking about Lu) get their own chapters told from their perspectives in the next book.
I also can't do this review without mentioned Auren's meltdown. LEGENDARY I say. It was so well written and such a perfect end to her arc with Midas. Everything about the scene was brilliant and I want to give a shoutout to that.
Lastly, I just want to commend Kennedy for the way she resolved her plotlines. She brought an end to several storylines that started in book 1, without leeching the plot for future books. The way she resolved the plotlines she chose to end gave rise to new ones in a way that was fresh and makes me excited for the 4th installment.
Great book and great writing. In case it wasn't clear, I am sitting on the edge of my seat until the next book gets released.
P.S. I am pretty sure I have mentioned this on every entry I've done on this series, but there are some major From Blood and Ash vibes to this series, so if you liked this series and are looking for something to read until Glow comes out, you should definitely give it a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Abandonment, Sexism, Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Violence, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Minor: Body shaming and Mental illness
alexiab's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.75
MAN OH MAN this story is such a fun freaking ride. I’m loving the progression with Auren’s character and these new dynamics she’s being introduced to, I love the minor overarching story with the monarchy drama, and I’m a big fan of how bad ass the women of this story are.
My only gripe would be that, while these sex scenes are HOT as hell and fairly normal, I would think Auren wouldn’t react well to how possessive Slade is, considering how heavily this entire story revolves around Stockholm Syndrome. If this WERENT a story about a woman being freed from an abusive and controlling man I’d be like “fuck yeah Slade baby she’s yours, mark your territory” or whatever (I know it’s toxic but it can be fun alright) BUT how does the *extremely possessive cuz fae* thing not send up warning bells in Auren’s head? That should be a HUGE trigger for her and it shouldn’t be so easy for her to separate toxic possessiveness and normal desire.
BUT like I said, that’s definitely fairly normal smut and in any other circumstance I wouldn’t have a problem with it, so all in all, not bad. JUICY dramatic story. Love it.
My only gripe would be that, while these sex scenes are HOT as hell and fairly normal, I would think Auren wouldn’t react well to how possessive Slade is, considering how heavily this entire story revolves around Stockholm Syndrome. If this WERENT a story about a woman being freed from an abusive and controlling man I’d be like “fuck yeah Slade baby she’s yours, mark your territory” or whatever (I know it’s toxic but it can be fun alright) BUT how does the *extremely possessive cuz fae* thing not send up warning bells in Auren’s head? That should be a HUGE trigger for her and it shouldn’t be so easy for her to separate toxic possessiveness and normal desire.
BUT like I said, that’s definitely fairly normal smut and in any other circumstance I wouldn’t have a problem with it, so all in all, not bad. JUICY dramatic story. Love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug abuse