Raven Kennedy LLC Glint

Although I loved book one, book two was the one that blew me away. This story has everything I need in a book: magic, adventure, romantic tension, mysterious and morally-grey characters…I liked main character Auren a lot better in this book, and I understand her actions and behaviour better as well. There were several unexpected twists that totally surprised me. This second book is told from multiple points-of-view, although Auren remains the main one. I did really appreciate the addition of the others, as these really helped me understand the full picture.

I understand why people say this series gets better with each book. I devoured this same as I did the first one. The only difference was that I loved the characters around Auren so much more. She’s no longer surrounded by people who would gratuitously use, abuse and deride her. Despite being in enemy hands, she finds people who respect her. And Rip…goodness, Rip. I love him. I see the hype. I understand it. I want him, spikes and all.We also got to know a bit more about Auren, the puzzle pieces slowly coming together. I love how the author is leading us through her story without delivering it all to us in one blow. I like seeing how much of the details I was able to put together on my own, where I was right and where I wasn’t. It’s shaping up to be such a compelling world and back-story!Also, I appreciated those little bits of Malina’s chapters. I love a cunning female ruler, and she’s exactly that. She’s not Auren’s biggest fan, but despite that, all I can say is YAS QUEEN! I think Auren and Malina would make formidable enemies, but also amazing allies and, who knows, perhaps even friends. Whatever direction the author intends to take their story, I will like it.And the ending. I wasn’t spoiled, but I’ve gathered enough bits and pieces from Instagram that I’d formulated a theory and I WAS RIGHT! *evil cackling* I’m so excited to see what comes next!

Rip didn't even know Auren that well and he was more interested in her life than Midas ever was. He didn't only save her from the pirates but also from herself. She started understanding that she has been in a cage of her own making and that she should stop being a pet. Rip wants to see the sparkle of life she has and for her to show what kind of fight she has left in her. Rip showed her that she could finally be her and say what she thinks.I liked the character growth Auren got in this book. We learned a little more about how Midas gained her trust and why she kept defending him over and over again. Still think he arranged the incident, though because he has never loved her.Good thing too because it was getting to my nerves how blindly she trusted him, in all things because she believed that he knew best about everything. If Midas really cared about her, he'd listen to her and cared more about what she wants than about gold. He talks over her and doesn't want her to have any thoughts for herself. If he got his way, she'd just stand still and look pretty and whatever he, the king told her to do.I kind of liked that queen Malina is trying to get rid of Midas because who wouldn't with a husband like that? But I hate that she tried to get rid of Auren. I wish anyone from Auren's life actually felt sorry for her instead of hating her for being "the favorite" like at least they had some freedom. Anyways, I hope she makes him regret marrying her.I like so many characters Auren met when she was commander Rip's prisoner (when she really had more freedom than with her Midas). They were all so nice and I hope she'll get to see Hojat, Keg soon again.All in all the series is getting better and I don't really know what to expect from the next book but I hope Auren finally breaks free from Midas. I also hope Auren stops trying so hard with saddles and realized she doesn't need them. She has so many better characters she could be friends with. There wasn't many scenes between Auren and Rip but I get now why everyone is loving them together. I love me some male character that just wants a heroine to break free and fly, to show the fight in her.

Great series of a King Midas retelling. Good mix of fantasy and romance but definitely check trigger warnings. Lots of good plot twists, I didn't see coming, that keep you engaged. The writing style makes for an easy and coherent read.

Amazing story and so in love with the hardcover edition 🥰