Gold: The Plated Prisoner Series, Book 5

skgillman29

Giving it 5 stars, but it really deserves 10

"I can’t help but give it only 5 stars, but it really deserves 10. This was masterfully written. Everyone knew before this supposed final book was to come out that it would not be the finale as Ms. Kennedy stated that she just couldn’t put everything in one final book. But this book was very impressive with answers to Auren’s past as well as out true introduction to the Fae realm of Annwyn. This book 5, in the Plated Prisoner series, was at an impressive 600+ pages but never felt daunting to read as it sucks you in from the start and never let’s go. I’m fortunate that I’m able to read till 4am every night to compensate my “one more chapter” need to continue reading. Since I don’t work, sleeping a couple hours, then picking the book back up throughout the day was definitely my game plan when I opened this book in my Kindle. Fortunately, I have a very loving husband who knows my passion for reading, and knows when to fend for himself while I read one of my most highly anticipated books of the year from a favorite author such as Ms. Kennedy. The progression of book 5 was seamless. I could see most threads of what was coming early on. I was also pleasantly surprised with all the characters so fluidly fleshed out in their parts to play. This is not an easy feat for authors and Ms. Kennedy is proteins she has the chops to deliver a truly epic series worth its weight in gold. Since we already know there is another book left to come out, of course there was a cliffhanger at the end here. Thankfully, it was not to staggering with only a couple of surprises leaving us wanting more. I see many paths the final book could take, and even though I will be in a post book hangover when this series comes to a close, I know whether I will be crying or smiling at the outcome to so many of my favorite characters, I know that the author has written one of the most epic fantasies I have ever read, right next to Terry Brooks, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Auryn Hadley to name a few. I look forward to my reread as I await the publication of Goldfinch. And congratulations to Ms. Kennedy for delivering this fantastic series. It’s 7am, so I bid you good night? Or good morning? Whatever, I’m going to bed now. ["

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December 11, 2023 Verified Purchase

Katherine

The Slade Chapters are Everything!

"*sigh* I continue to be infatuated with Slade. I think he is solidly and forever in my top 5 book boyfriends. He is out of his mind trying to find Auren, and it broke my heart over and over reading his chapters. I really feel for him, and have so much respect for his dedication to finding her again and making sure she is safe. He is doing this all while dealing with his own struggles, which is literally insane. The revenge Slade took for Auren’s trial was written so well, and I could feel every emotion he and everyone involved felt. It was like you were transported to the scene, and as horrifying as it was, I could not put the book down. If Gold was written purely from Slade’s perspective, I think it might just have been my favorite book of all time. Gold was written from the perspective of 4 people: Auren, Slade, Queen Malina, and Osrik. Osrik had a few chapters, but the rest was focused on the main 3. Auren, as she deals with falling through the rip to Anwyn. Queen Malina as she deals with the fallout of fixing the bridge to Annwyn. Slade, as he tears through Orea trying to figure out how to get back to Auren. As much as I want to give Gold 5 stars because of how much I love the series, it unfortunately fell flat for me. Book 4 was a filler book in its own way, and for some reason Gold felt like even more of a filler book – but with less exciting filler content. I loved the content of book 4 with Auren learning her powers, being at Deadwell and the Brackhill, etc. Gold was filled with Auren in Annwyn doing things that didn’t make sense to me. It didn’t give me the angst of her missing Slade, the frantic desire to get back to him. I didn’t have as much investment in Gold as I have in the other ones, and I think Auren in Annwyn was the main reason why. I just didn’t care about that part of the story, it didn’t fit, and it came out of left field. I understand why Raven Kennedy wrote this, because how else were we going to tie in the things that happened at the end of Gold with where we left off in book 4? I just didn’t personally love it. Now what else did I love other than Slade’s perspective? Queen Malina’s story. She is a whiny, self-centered, annoying, horrible woman, and I am here for it. She gets knocked down a peg (or 20) throughout the story by Dommik, who doesn’t take any of her whining. This was a really great part of the story, and I was invested in her redemption arc. She is not 100% there yet, but she made a lot of progress. I can’t wait to see what role she plays in Goldfinch. Overall, the Slade plot and the Queen Malina plot points were great, and I loved them! If Gold was only those 2, I think it would be 5 stars. Unfortunately, I just did not vibe with where Auren’s storyline went in Gold. I think it could have gone in several other directions, OR there should have been more of an emphasis on her desire to get back to Slade. He was frantic and out of his mind, while she what? Looked up at the sky occasionally? I will say I did like her using her powers more confidently, and watching those grow while she fought with them. That was awesome! Now, the ending? WOW. Wow, wow, wow, wow. SO MUCH stuff happened in the last 15% of the book, and it was a lot to process. You learn so many things, lots of twists are revealed, and we are set up for the last book. Who captured Auren and took her to Orea? Where did the people of Deadwell go? What are we going to do about Annwyn? There was one twist I did not like at all, and it has to do with Una. Once you read it, you will understand which one it is. I did not think it was necessary. I think Gold by Raven Kennedy was a good addition to the Plated Prisoner series. I would read it again as part of the series re-read, though mainly for Slade and Queen Malina. Honestly, I would recommend it solely for the Slade chapters. ["

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January 22, 2024 Verified Purchase

Stacey Foss

Just what we needed

"This book was what I was waiting for in this series. We have some answers to questions, we have action, amazing POVS and so much more. I loved all the truths that were revealed and the struggles Auren had an overcame. The relationship between Slade and Auren is perfect and I loved these two together. DIgby was a hidden gem in the story that we truly did need. He is a strong father figure in Auren's life and it takes him pushing her for her to come truly into her own. The growth that Queen Malina is showing was fantastic while i hate her character so far she is redeeming herself in so many ways and her relationship with Dommik was something I didn't know I needed. There was so much going on in this book I devoured it. I loved the new world development and plot twists it was full of action twists and steam, Then your hit with that ending and I can't help but dive into the last book right away. ["

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January 31, 2026 Verified Purchase

Amie

Great series.. this one is boring..

"There is way too much lamenting/ruminating/internal dialogue in this book, by Slade and Auren. The entire first 25-ish chapters droned on.. really if some of the ruminating was removed this book could have been split up into the previous book and the last one. I skipped the Queens chapters. I really didn’t care about her at this point in the story. I felt like killing her off would have been a better option and a simple change to the “end”. I also started skipping the “smashing” sections of the book. You’ve heard one, you’ve heard it all and listening to it is cringy.. So..the actual pertinent parts of the book were great, the rest was unnecessary filler. I also felt like Bullet for My Valentines entire discography would have suited this series of books..🤣🤘 ["

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February 2, 2026 Verified Purchase

BeaWilson

Impatiently waiting for goldfinch!

"Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) Gold by Raven Kennedy is a phenomenal addition to the series, earning a well-deserved five-star rating. The world-building in this installment is nothing short of fantastic, immersing readers in a rich and vibrant setting that enhances the overall experience. The multiple POVs are handled exceptionally well, providing deep insights into the characters' minds and motivations. This narrative technique adds layers of complexity to the story, making it even more engaging. Spades' encouragement for Auren to find her strength is a standout element, showcasing her growth and resilience. The various battles fought by different characters add depth to the plot, illustrating the diverse struggles and triumphs within the story. The gripping narrative pulls at your heartstrings, filled with betrayals and revelations that keep you on the edge of your seat. The cliffhanger is superb, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next book. Gold is a masterful blend of emotional storytelling, character development, and intricate plotlines. It's a gripping read that will leave you wanting more, and the wait for the next book is sure to be filled with anticipation. Raven Kennedy has truly outdone herself with this installment. ["

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August 4, 2024 Verified Purchase