Goldfinch (The Plated Prisoner, 6)

If ever there was a book series that deserved an HBO series, it's the Plated Prisoner series.

I was hooked immediately, and practically inhaled the first five books. By the 2nd book, I had already pre-ordered the 6th and was counting down the days for the last week.

I couldn't put it down, I couldn't stop reading. The plot, the side characters and character development across SO many characters, the devastating moments and the unexpected laughter.

It's on the short list of series I will be rereading. I do hope there might be some short stories or some type of epilogue to give closure to some characters and events (Ryatt, the poor man), but the journey and ending was just as fulfilling, just as bittersweet as all good endings are.

What a phenomenal finale to this series. Utter perfection. Raven Kennedy broke my heart then healed it completely between the pages of this book. It was amazing from start to finish. I cried so many sad AND happy tears while reading the last half, I don’t even know how I truly read the words through such blurred vision. I loved every single one of the character’s POVs, & this had one of the best redemption arcs I’ve ever read. This series is everything, and it’s so bitter sweet to have finished reading the final book. The Plated Prisoner series is dark, emotional, romantic, suspenseful, beautiful, & one of my favorite series I’ve read to date 💛

This was an epic conclusion to an epic series. I've loved everything about these books from the beginning. The trials, and trauma, and growth that Auren went though was so amazing to watch unfold. Her romance with Slade was epic, his devotion to her unmatched. Malina's arc broke my heart honestly, it was so sad, but also perfect. This book was long, but it never felt like it. It started with action and never stopped. There was so much happening, and I loved seeing it all unfold and come together from so many different pov's. Raven does multi pov really well. I probably cried the last 25% of the book, so much heart break, but so much victory too. This story is a must read for fantasy lovers.

I stumbled upon this series by chance a few years ago, when only GILD & Glint had been released. At that time, there was so much we didn't know- Auren's roots in Annwyn, how Midas came to find her, who Rip & Slade were and who she was to them. But I swear, I could feel how big and intriguing and how much potential this story had. It completely gripped me and I find that to be rare, especially amongst all of the formulaic romantasy that's out there.

I rooted for Raven & trusted the process. With each book, the plot became deeper, Auren's past revealing huge twists- and she faltered, but then fights and re-forms herself into someone new. Someone strong, determined and unwilling to cower amongst the traitors and warmongers, who would rather use her and destroy her.

Spoilers below:

This last book was absolutely epic, in a way I didn't really expect. Battles were being waged across the realms and they were so well done, I could see every detail play out like a movie. I was literally in the edge of my seat and the shifting viewpoints left me in a constant state of trepidation.

Ryatt surpassed my expectations completely. He really stepped into his role as commander and gave almost everything to save Orea.

The ending was everything Auren & Slade needed... their happy ever after. It was such a relief after all they'd been through, and it was so satisfying to finally witness it.

I can't help wondering, though, if the realms should have remained linked after all. Poor Ryatt was willing to die for Fourth kingdom, die for Orea. We saw so much from his viewpoint and really got into his head. In the end, he gained his family- but it was at the cost of his purpose in life and with his discomfort at living amongst the fae.

Ryatt aside, I loved this series so much and I look forward to reading anything else that Ms. Raven decides to bless us with!!