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A review by michellemaas
Gild by Raven Kennedy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
First read: 3 - ⭐⭐⭐
Second read: 4 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gild suffers from first book syndrome. By that, I mean that there's not a lot of stuff actually happening, more so just exposition. I consider the first book in a fantasy series the sacrificial lamb. You have to speed through it to get to the good stuff that usually starts during book 2.
I heard the rest of the series is amazing, and the author is clearly very creative so I am willing to hold off my harsh judgments until I've read books 2 and 3. Like I said there seems to be a lot of potential since it is an interesting concept and the author is good. But just reviewing this book individually, it's very meh. Not bad but not good. I am hopeful for the rest of the series though.
*Edit
I have since read Glint and Gleam and I fully stand by my earlier assessment. The first book just had to set up the world-building and as soon as you get to book 2 the plot starts to kick in. I would definitely say that this series is worth the read, so don't judge it based on the first book alone. At least read until book 2 until you make any decisions.
Also, the series gave me strong From Blood and Ash vibes so if you enjoyed that series I think you will like the Plated Prisoner series and vice versa.
Second read: 4 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gild suffers from first book syndrome. By that, I mean that there's not a lot of stuff actually happening, more so just exposition. I consider the first book in a fantasy series the sacrificial lamb. You have to speed through it to get to the good stuff that usually starts during book 2.
I heard the rest of the series is amazing, and the author is clearly very creative so I am willing to hold off my harsh judgments until I've read books 2 and 3. Like I said there seems to be a lot of potential since it is an interesting concept and the author is good. But just reviewing this book individually, it's very meh. Not bad but not good. I am hopeful for the rest of the series though.
*Edit
I have since read Glint and Gleam and I fully stand by my earlier assessment. The first book just had to set up the world-building and as soon as you get to book 2 the plot starts to kick in. I would definitely say that this series is worth the read, so don't judge it based on the first book alone. At least read until book 2 until you make any decisions.
Also, the series gave me strong From Blood and Ash vibes so if you enjoyed that series I think you will like the Plated Prisoner series and vice versa.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body horror, Gaslighting, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Rape, and Sexism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Death, Gore, Grief, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Torture, and Trafficking
Minor: Body shaming and Mental illness