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foxjessi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
babaroga's review against another edition
5.0
November 2023 reread in preparation for the release of Gold:
That moment of rage where Auren FINALLY unleashed her power on Midas is worth a million stars. It was so cathartic after learning Auren's heartbreaking and unfair past. Auren/Slade remains amongst my top 2 best book romances of all time.
--
previous:
Possibly my favorite read of the year and one of my favorite reads of all time. I don't think I felt this strongly about a book since I read ACOMAF and people who read ACOMAF and loved it will know exactly what I mean. It gave me literally everything I usually crave for in a book: a very personal and deep focus on the journey and development of the main character (who couldn't be more likable even if the author tried to make her more likable), a lovely, beautifully developed, slow burn romance and a bit of plot sprinkled here and there (I really didn't feel like this particular installment needed more than what we got tbh).
I honestly love everything about the world building in this. We don't see a lot of magic in this story but what we do see is interesting, very unique and used really well without it dragging the story or characters down. I also love Raven Kennedy's writing so much, her descriptions are clear and vivid, everything is so easy go imagine and I love the imagery she presents.
Spoilers, I guess, but I have to mention how much I cried when that piece of shit Midas did YOU KNOW WHAT to Auren. I couldn't believe how much I grew to care about her ribbons but yeah, every time I think about them it makes me sob.
I'm very curious about where this is gonna go next cause we closed a huge chapter of Auren's life in this installment but there's still so much to do and say with her character. I can't wait to start Glow. I love this series with all my heart, it was such a random but lovely discovery, I never thought I was gonna end up loving it this much when I started it.
That moment of rage where Auren FINALLY unleashed her power on Midas is worth a million stars. It was so cathartic after learning Auren's heartbreaking and unfair past. Auren/Slade remains amongst my top 2 best book romances of all time.
--
previous:
“Your heartbeat…”
“What about it?” His tone is hoarse, breath gone ragged.
“It sounds like mine.”
Possibly my favorite read of the year and one of my favorite reads of all time. I don't think I felt this strongly about a book since I read ACOMAF and people who read ACOMAF and loved it will know exactly what I mean. It gave me literally everything I usually crave for in a book: a very personal and deep focus on the journey and development of the main character (who couldn't be more likable even if the author tried to make her more likable), a lovely, beautifully developed, slow burn romance and a bit of plot sprinkled here and there (I really didn't feel like this particular installment needed more than what we got tbh).
I honestly love everything about the world building in this. We don't see a lot of magic in this story but what we do see is interesting, very unique and used really well without it dragging the story or characters down. I also love Raven Kennedy's writing so much, her descriptions are clear and vivid, everything is so easy go imagine and I love the imagery she presents.
Spoilers, I guess, but I have to mention how much I cried when that piece of shit Midas did YOU KNOW WHAT to Auren. I couldn't believe how much I grew to care about her ribbons but yeah, every time I think about them it makes me sob.
I'm very curious about where this is gonna go next cause we closed a huge chapter of Auren's life in this installment but there's still so much to do and say with her character. I can't wait to start Glow. I love this series with all my heart, it was such a random but lovely discovery, I never thought I was gonna end up loving it this much when I started it.
copenhag's review against another edition
3.0
To be honest it was pretty hot. Both in terms of the character's attractiveness and the sex. The last quarter though made me pretty sad, but the ending was kind of sexy as well.
3/5 stars.
3/5 stars.
nicolelieber's review against another edition
5.0
“You're not the villain in my story."
"I am," he says without remorse, his sharp jaw tight with tension. "But I'll be the villain for you. Not to you.”
I do not say this lightly, but I think I have to say this is truly one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading. The entirety of the book you’re hooked from the start making it almost impossible to put it down, and as soon as you don’t think it could get better, the ending solidifies it as pure gold. Raven Kennedy outdid herself, and deserves to have more credit to her name. Seeing the character development Auren has encountered just from the first three books has not only been emotional as I can see myself in parts of her, but some of my favorite I have read in general, I cannot wait to see what the new book has in store <3
"I am," he says without remorse, his sharp jaw tight with tension. "But I'll be the villain for you. Not to you.”
I do not say this lightly, but I think I have to say this is truly one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading. The entirety of the book you’re hooked from the start making it almost impossible to put it down, and as soon as you don’t think it could get better, the ending solidifies it as pure gold. Raven Kennedy outdid herself, and deserves to have more credit to her name. Seeing the character development Auren has encountered just from the first three books has not only been emotional as I can see myself in parts of her, but some of my favorite I have read in general, I cannot wait to see what the new book has in store <3
neeu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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
nrnoble's review against another edition
4.0
ooooo glad i stuck it out. guess there actually is a dude that’s got more masculine insecurity and Stockholm syndrome enforcing behavior than a certain ACOTAR character (we all know who i am talking about)
bpcainbz's review against another edition
5.0
2nd Reading
Gleam opens with Auren being returned to Midas. That deal is hinged on Midas and Ravinger creating an alliance. Though the alliance is not trusted by either King.
Though she is very fond of Rip, she still feels indebted to Midas. Midas has been anxiously awaiting her return as that his constituents are growing antsy with the lack of gold, and he obviously can’t turn anything to gold by himself. He starts her to work in large rooms, turning everything in that room to gold while no one is watching. He ends up, draining her power every single day to the point that she has to sleep for multiple days. At a time she realizes through all that he is exploiting her. She also comes to learn that Rip and Ravinger are the same person. She feels jilted by both men and plans her own escape. She hopes to escape with Rea, as well as Digby, whom she just found out is in the dungeons. Digby is how Midas continues to control.
An exchange returning everything gold, Midas makes a deal with Auren. She can wander at night as long as she’s guarded, but she has to stay in her room or with Midas during the day.
A new character is introduced in this book. Kaila is the queen of 3rd kingdom. She has the power of whispers she can hear whispers from a huge distance, and she can make people not be able to speak.
During this time, Queen Malina has made her move to take back over sixth kingdom. She thinks she is successful until she finds out that Midas has roused the peasants, and they start revolting against her, including breaching the castle walls. She and her saddle and a couple guards are forced out of the castle and flee to the safe house. Where a lone shadow man finds them and attempts to kill them. Her saddle is killed, but she flees. Rumor makes it back to fifth kingdom the queen is dead. This allows Midas to reveal that he and Queen Kaila are going to get married.
Auren finally gives into temptation and sleeps with Rip/Ravinger. SPICES YAS! They decide after that they are going to run away together to fourth Kingdom. Auren wants to tell Rissa and get Digby before they go. She is intercepted by Midas who shows her to Digby who has been punished for every time she sneaks out she continues to revolt against Midas, which leads him to cut all 24 of her ribbons off.
At the Ball where they announced their engagement, and the alliance with forth kingdom. Midas expects Auren to help him turn things gold with a sleight of hand. She refuses, a fight ensues, and Auren is pushed to her limits.
Her power is finally unleashed fully with her anger towards Midas. Even though it is nighttime all of the gold in the entire castle begins responding to her and liquefying, becoming as tsunami of chaos. She ends up liquefying Midas into the wall and many of his guards. The queen of 3rd kingdom gets away, but sees everything. Slade stays to keep her safe but quickly realizes that she cannot control her own power and that it’s draining her and killing her.
Slade ends up kissing her to get rot into her body so that her power will let go.
Gleam is long and a little verbose in parts, but it is one of my favorites since Slade and Auren finally get together. I was devastated when Midas cut her ribbons but overjoyed when her power completely drowned him.
Gleam opens with Auren being returned to Midas. That deal is hinged on Midas and Ravinger creating an alliance. Though the alliance is not trusted by either King.
Though she is very fond of Rip, she still feels indebted to Midas. Midas has been anxiously awaiting her return as that his constituents are growing antsy with the lack of gold, and he obviously can’t turn anything to gold by himself. He starts her to work in large rooms, turning everything in that room to gold while no one is watching. He ends up, draining her power every single day to the point that she has to sleep for multiple days. At a time she realizes through all that he is exploiting her. She also comes to learn that Rip and Ravinger are the same person. She feels jilted by both men and plans her own escape. She hopes to escape with Rea, as well as Digby, whom she just found out is in the dungeons. Digby is how Midas continues to control.
An exchange returning everything gold, Midas makes a deal with Auren. She can wander at night as long as she’s guarded, but she has to stay in her room or with Midas during the day.
A new character is introduced in this book. Kaila is the queen of 3rd kingdom. She has the power of whispers she can hear whispers from a huge distance, and she can make people not be able to speak.
During this time, Queen Malina has made her move to take back over sixth kingdom. She thinks she is successful until she finds out that Midas has roused the peasants, and they start revolting against her, including breaching the castle walls. She and her saddle and a couple guards are forced out of the castle and flee to the safe house. Where a lone shadow man finds them and attempts to kill them. Her saddle is killed, but she flees. Rumor makes it back to fifth kingdom the queen is dead. This allows Midas to reveal that he and Queen Kaila are going to get married.
Auren finally gives into temptation and sleeps with Rip/Ravinger. SPICES YAS! They decide after that they are going to run away together to fourth Kingdom. Auren wants to tell Rissa and get Digby before they go. She is intercepted by Midas who shows her to Digby who has been punished for every time she sneaks out she continues to revolt against Midas, which leads him to cut all 24 of her ribbons off.
At the Ball where they announced their engagement, and the alliance with forth kingdom. Midas expects Auren to help him turn things gold with a sleight of hand. She refuses, a fight ensues, and Auren is pushed to her limits.
Her power is finally unleashed fully with her anger towards Midas. Even though it is nighttime all of the gold in the entire castle begins responding to her and liquefying, becoming as tsunami of chaos. She ends up liquefying Midas into the wall and many of his guards. The queen of 3rd kingdom gets away, but sees everything. Slade stays to keep her safe but quickly realizes that she cannot control her own power and that it’s draining her and killing her.
Slade ends up kissing her to get rot into her body so that her power will let go.
Gleam is long and a little verbose in parts, but it is one of my favorites since Slade and Auren finally get together. I was devastated when Midas cut her ribbons but overjoyed when her power completely drowned him.