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jamies_shelves 's review for:
Gild
by Raven Kennedy
<b>Trigger Warnings:</b> graphic rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, misogyny, abuse, murder
I'm surprised by how much I really enjoyed this book. I was nervous going in because I've seen a lot of discussion about how dark and fucked up this story is. And obviously, it's very dark, but I expected it to be worse based on what I heard about it. It wasn't any darker than my usual fanfic, which probably says something about me, but what can ya do.
<b>Characters</b>
Auren was an interesting FMC. At some points I really liked her. I loved that she clearly cares so much about others and the other saddles, even when they were cruel to her. But then she would do things that really pissed me off because it seemed like she had zero common sense or survival instincts. I'm interested to see where her character goes and how she develops.
Midas is a manipulative piece of shit. The fact that he makes Auren sit there and watch him fuck other people is revolting. And I'm so sad that Auren's come to accept this. The way he gave her up and spoke about her was despicable, I don't care if he claimed he was never planning to let it actually happen. Bullshit. And even if it was true, it doesn't make it okay. I do think it was interesting that the final chapter was in his POV and he thinks of Auren as if she's the only one he truly loves and cares about. Yet he treats her like that? Insanity.
The queen is an interesting character and I hope we get more of her. For sure she's the one that tipped the pirates off. And I hate that she is so awful to the women who are forced into the life of saddles instead of her husband, but I also feel bad for her. Forced to take Midas as a husband because she wasn't born with magic so wasn't allowed to take the throne which was rightfully hers. Forced to watch him fuck around, though she did gift him saddles so clearly was okay with it. But knowing that he "loves" someone else. Sucks. I'm intrigued to learn more about her and see where it progresses with her probably as a villain.
Rigby. I thought he was going to be the love interest, but then a fae got introduced so idk. But at this point, I am hoping he rides in to rescue her. I love he protective and kind he was to her.
Sail. My boy just wanted to help her and his family. I'm GUTTED. I really loved him.
I listened on audiobooks so idk everyone's name spelling, but the other saddle who Auren threw the book at and who was (spoiler but if you read it you know) at the end, I really grew to love her character. I really want to learn more about her and see how she got into this life and the position of being a leader among the saddles. I really hope we get more of her, but idk because I tried to Google her name and couldn't find it.
<b>Relationships</b>
I obviously don't want Midas and Auren together, but I was so interested by what we saw of their past. With his POV and how he feels about her (while clearly not showing it and caring more about possessing her) I'm interested in seeing how it comes to a head and how she hopefully puts him in his place.
Rigby and Auren is a strong possibility and if he comes back I'm interested to see if it becomes more of a romance or friendship. I love how protective he is and that she says he's never tried to get an eyeful of her. Carrying her up the six flights of stairs?? YES PLEASE.
Auren and new fae guy. I hate that he actually left the women alone with the pirates, trusting they wouldn't touch them. Is he a fucking moron??? Devastated by what happened to
<b>Plot</b>
This is a messed up world.
Like beyond fucked up.
But I'm really interested to see where it goes, especially with the fae getting involved (kind of) now.
I hope we get a female empowerment reckoning.
I'm surprised by how much I really enjoyed this book. I was nervous going in because I've seen a lot of discussion about how dark and fucked up this story is. And obviously, it's very dark, but I expected it to be worse based on what I heard about it. It wasn't any darker than my usual fanfic, which probably says something about me, but what can ya do.
<b>Characters</b>
Auren was an interesting FMC. At some points I really liked her. I loved that she clearly cares so much about others and the other saddles, even when they were cruel to her. But then she would do things that really pissed me off because it seemed like she had zero common sense or survival instincts. I'm interested to see where her character goes and how she develops.
Midas is a manipulative piece of shit. The fact that he makes Auren sit there and watch him fuck other people is revolting. And I'm so sad that Auren's come to accept this. The way he gave her up and spoke about her was despicable, I don't care if he claimed he was never planning to let it actually happen. Bullshit. And even if it was true, it doesn't make it okay. I do think it was interesting that the final chapter was in his POV and he thinks of Auren as if she's the only one he truly loves and cares about. Yet he treats her like that? Insanity.
The queen is an interesting character and I hope we get more of her. For sure she's the one that tipped the pirates off. And I hate that she is so awful to the women who are forced into the life of saddles instead of her husband, but I also feel bad for her. Forced to take Midas as a husband because she wasn't born with magic so wasn't allowed to take the throne which was rightfully hers. Forced to watch him fuck around, though she did gift him saddles so clearly was okay with it. But knowing that he "loves" someone else. Sucks. I'm intrigued to learn more about her and see where it progresses with her probably as a villain.
Rigby. I thought he was going to be the love interest, but then a fae got introduced so idk. But at this point, I am hoping he rides in to rescue her. I love he protective and kind he was to her.
Sail. My boy just wanted to help her and his family. I'm GUTTED. I really loved him.
I listened on audiobooks so idk everyone's name spelling, but the other saddle who Auren threw the book at and who was (spoiler but if you read it you know) at the end, I really grew to love her character. I really want to learn more about her and see how she got into this life and the position of being a leader among the saddles. I really hope we get more of her, but idk because I tried to Google her name and couldn't find it.
<b>Relationships</b>
I obviously don't want Midas and Auren together, but I was so interested by what we saw of their past. With his POV and how he feels about her (while clearly not showing it and caring more about possessing her) I'm interested in seeing how it comes to a head and how she hopefully puts him in his place.
Rigby and Auren is a strong possibility and if he comes back I'm interested to see if it becomes more of a romance or friendship. I love how protective he is and that she says he's never tried to get an eyeful of her. Carrying her up the six flights of stairs?? YES PLEASE.
Auren and new fae guy. I hate that he actually left the women alone with the pirates, trusting they wouldn't touch them. Is he a fucking moron??? Devastated by what happened to
<b>Plot</b>
This is a messed up world.
Like beyond fucked up.
But I'm really interested to see where it goes, especially with the fae getting involved (kind of) now.
I hope we get a female empowerment reckoning.