Scan barcode
A review by ilishii
Gleam by Raven Kennedy
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse