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A review by kalequeentv
Gild by Raven Kennedy
5.0
I feel guilty saying this but; this book feels like a try-hard. It’s wild that I’m going to read the entire series (I’m just not a quitter even when I hate books I have to pray for a redemption). The world building was fine and the characters are mildly interesting, but ultimately the book is so slow it brings it’s own downfall.
Slight spoily and graphic +18 hints in this paragraph, proceed with caution! ⚠️ The fact that we spend 30% of this book waiting for a SA, only for her to be free, only then, yet again we spend another 20% of the book waiting for another SA - this whole thing is leaving me kinda “….??” I think perhaps I have issue with the “obsessively dumping trauma after trauma on your MC until they break and become super strong and can fight the oppressive war because now they understand the oppression of the people”. I really do hate it. I’ll say it. I think trauma dumping on characters until they are “worthy” leaders or power forces in a rebellion is silly and boring. I wish we could find better motivation without the concept of repeated SA? The author literally HOOKED the concept of poverty on a line for the MC to gobble up and feed her rage but it doesn’t matter because BAM let’s assault someone again.
Maybe book two will hook me. One can only hope.
Edit: when I have mental energy to explain I will but this review is trash and in my second read of the year for the series, I think I owe Raven an apology. Sorry I didn’t trust you, I get it now girl.
Slight spoily and graphic +18 hints in this paragraph, proceed with caution! ⚠️ The fact that we spend 30% of this book waiting for a SA, only for her to be free, only then, yet again we spend another 20% of the book waiting for another SA - this whole thing is leaving me kinda “….??” I think perhaps I have issue with the “obsessively dumping trauma after trauma on your MC until they break and become super strong and can fight the oppressive war because now they understand the oppression of the people”. I really do hate it. I’ll say it. I think trauma dumping on characters until they are “worthy” leaders or power forces in a rebellion is silly and boring. I wish we could find better motivation without the concept of repeated SA? The author literally HOOKED the concept of poverty on a line for the MC to gobble up and feed her rage but it doesn’t matter because BAM let’s assault someone again.
Maybe book two will hook me. One can only hope.
Edit: when I have mental energy to explain I will but this review is trash and in my second read of the year for the series, I think I owe Raven an apology. Sorry I didn’t trust you, I get it now girl.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Sexual harassment, and Classism