Is this series appropriate for YA readers?

No, it’s New Adult/Adult due to dark themes, violence, and explicit romantic content.

Does the romance have spice?

Yes, but it’s a slow burn. Spice increases in Books 3–5.

Why does Book 1 (Gild) get mixed reviews?

It’s slower-paced and focuses on setup. Many say Books 2–5 are worth the payoff.

The Plated Prisoner Book Series ( Updated -2025)- TheLitPerspective

The Plated Prisoner book series by Raven Kennedy is a dark fantasy romance that blends magic, political intrigue, and emotional depth. The story follows Auren, a woman trapped in a gilded cage, as she fights for freedom and self-discovery. If you enjoy flawed characters, slow-burn romance, and lush world-building, this series may be your next obsession.

This guide covers:

A spoiler-free overview of the books
Key characters and their roles
Major themes and why they resonate
Reading order and where to buy
Who will love this series

The Plated Prisoner Series – Book-by-Book Breakdown

(Spoiler-Free Summaries)

Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 1) (2020)

Auren lives as King Midas’s favored trophy—literally gilded in gold. She appears privileged but is trapped in a life of control. When political unrest threatens the kingdom, Auren begins questioning her loyalty.

Why it hooks readers: The first book introduces a deceptive fairytale vibe that darkens quickly.

Read also: The Cruel Prince Series Order

Glint (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 2)(2021)

Auren is taken captive by an enemy army. Forced to confront her past, she starts seeing through Midas’s illusions. New allies (and enemies) emerge.

Key development: Auren’s growth from passive captive to questioning rebel.

Read also: Malazan Book of the Fallen

Gleam (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 3) (2021)

Auren’s defiance grows. Secrets about her gold-touch curse unravel, and she forms a risky alliance with Commander Rip, Midas’s rival.

Fan favorite: The slow-burn romance intensifies.

Read also: Colleen Hoover Books in Order

Glow (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 4) (2022)

Auren embraces her power but faces brutal consequences. The series shifts from psychological captivity to full-blown war.

Darkest installment: Betrayals, battles, and emotional wounds take center stage.

Read also: Kristin Hannah Books in Order

Gold (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 5) (2023)

The final book concludes Auren’s journey with high-stakes clashes, hard-won freedom, and satisfying (but bittersweet) resolutions.

Why readers love it: Character arcs pay off, especially Auren’s transformation.

Key Characters – Who’s Who in the Series

Auren

Role: Protagonist, the “golden prisoner”
Arc: Starts naïve, grows into a defiant leader
Why she stands out: Her vulnerability makes her relatable.

King Midas

Role: Antagonist, Auren’s captor
Motivation: Power and control
Why he’s compelling: Charismatic but terrifying.

Commander Rip

Role: Enemy-turned-ally, love interest
Personality: Ruthless yet protective
Fan appeal: Morally gray with depth.

Queen Malina

Role: Midas’s wife, political schemer
Complexity: Not just a villain—her struggles mirror Auren’s.

Major Themes – Why the Story Resonates

1. Freedom vs. Control

The series explores physical and psychological captivity. Auren’s gilded cage symbolizes how privilege can mask oppression.

2. Self-Discovery

Auren must unlearn dependence to reclaim her identity. Many readers find her journey empowering.

3. Dark Romance

The love story is slow, fraught with tension, and avoids insta-love tropes. Rip and Auren’s dynamic evolves realistically.

4. Power and Corruption

Magic and politics intertwine, showing how power corrupts—and how victims can become leaders.

Reading Order & Where to Buy

The series should be read in order:

Gild (2020)
Glint (2021)
Gleam (2021)
Glow (2022)
Gold (2023)

Available on:

Amazon (Kindle & paperback)
Barnes & Noble
Audible (audiobook versions)

Who Will Love This Series?

✔ Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses – Similar blend of romance and dark fantasy.
✔ Readers who like flawed heroines – Auren isn’t instantly powerful; she grows.
✔ Those who enjoy political intrigue – Kingdoms clash, alliances shift.
✔ Slow-burn romance lovers – The relationship builds over multiple books.

The Plated Prisoner Series – Statistics & Popularity

(Data sourced from Amazon, Goodreads, and author updates)

📊 Sales & Ratings:

Total copies sold: 500,000+ (estimated)
Goodreads ratings (avg.): 4.1/5 stars
Best-rated book: Gleam (Book 3) – 4.4/5
Most divisive book: Gild (Book 1) – Some readers find it slower, but it sets up the series.

🔥 Fandom Growth:

TikTok mentions: 50,000+ (under #PlatedPrisoner)
Fan art & fanfiction: Active communities on Tumblr and AO3
Author’s social media growth: Raven Kennedy gained 100K+ followers since Gild’s release

🏆 Awards & Recognition:

Nominated for “Best Fantasy Romance” in 2022 (Goodreads Choice Awards)
Featured in Cosmopolitan’s “Best Dark Fantasy Books” list

Read also: Mitch Rapp Books in Order

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this series appropriate for YA readers?

No, it’s New Adult/Adult due to dark themes, violence, and explicit romantic content.

Does the romance have spice?

Yes, but it’s a slow burn. Spice increases in Books 3–5.

Why does Book 1 (Gild) get mixed reviews?

It’s slower-paced and focuses on setup. Many say Books 2–5 are worth the payoff.

Will there be more books or spin-offs?

Raven Kennedy hasn’t announced spin-offs, but fans hope for more in this world.

Is this a retelling of King Midas?

Loosely inspired—it uses the “golden touch” myth but diverges into original lore.

Audiobook recommendations?

The narrators (especially for Auren’s POV) receive praise for emotional delivery.

Final Verdict

The Plated Prisoner series delivers gripping storytelling, complex characters, and a satisfying emotional payoff. While the first book starts slow, the tension escalates dramatically. If you want a fantasy series with grit, heart, and a touch of gold, this is worth your time.

Have you read the series? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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