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!!

That's all I have to say.

I have loved this series from its beginning, and Goldfinch was the perfect ending. It was epic and magnificent. I cried in joy, in shock, and in heartbreak.

I'm so sad that this story has to end. Maybe, one day, Ms Raven will grant us some tidbits about the life that exists beyond the end of the book.

This book has filled me with so much love and joy. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 💛

I can’t believe it’s over! I absolutely loved Slade and Auren’s romance—it’s definitely one of my top five favorite couples. The first three books totally hooked me and there was so much I enjoyed about this series. Raven writes really, really well!

Slade and Auren’s relationship was beautifully written and kept me engaged throughout. Their romance was a major highlight for me and one of the big reasons I stayed invested in their journey. Auren’s transformation and self-discovery were also really inspiring. Watching her reclaim her strength and identity after everything she went through made me cheer for her even more.

The world-building was another thing I adored. The detailed realms, the intricate politics, and the magical system made Orea and Annwyn feel so immersive and fascinating. And of course, THE REUNION SPICE? 😍😍😍 SPECTACULAR!

That all said, there were a few elements that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The dragon power introduced in the sixth book felt a bit out of nowhere and didn’t really fit with the earlier storyline. I’m also not usually a fan of the memory loss trope, but I would’ve loved to see more of Slade helping Auren piece her memories together. I think that could have made their relationship and reunion even more powerful.

Another thing is while I appreciated the different perspectives, I found myself wanting to get back to Slade and Auren’s story instead of focusing on characters like Malina, Emonie, Osrik, and Rissa. I just didn’t connect with them as much, and I wish more of the main events were told by Ryatt or Slade and Auren. This has been a recurring theme for me throughout the series. Also, RIP Judd 😭

Finally, the ending left a bit to be desired; I wish we could’ve had more closure on the fates of Orea and Annwyn, and had a better HEA for people like Ryatt.

Overall, I’m really happy Slade and Auren got their happy ending. The series left a lasting impression on me, and I’m grateful for all the beautiful moments in their journey and for the chance to be part of their world.

Beautifully written and well worth the wait. I read through this book within two days. (No, it’s not a problem. I could be doing drugs or something worse) But that’s how you know how great this book is. I am just an extremely picky rater. I rarely rate books higher than a 4 unless they are beyond words. But this book hits all the marks. Though I’m sad to see the ending of Auren and Slade, I am hoping that she does bring back another story for maybe Ryatt and Emonie as the main characters. I felt there was a lot more to cover with both of their stories and with the world of Orea left without rulers and Queen Kalia wanting to take power over the remaining lands. But in retrospect, the book ended how I hoped it would and Raven Kennedy should be proud of her hard work and dedication to the series. Worth the read!!

I could not wait to read this final book. I loved the previous books in this series so to say I was more than excited is an understatement. I wish I could say that this book was fantastic for me but to be honest it was just okay. The beginning until about 67% of the book for me was slow and for some reason it felt harder to get through this book than the others. This one dragged a lot and yes, I know they were basically at war, but to be honest I was expecting everyone to meet up sooner than they did. The reunion with everyone didn't happen until almost the end of the story, at the 95% mark on my kindle and it was a sweet reunion, but it wasn't enough. I was happy that almost everyone reunited, and I say almost everyone because Judd was killed. Slade & Auren, Rissa & Osrik, and you can almost say Digby and Elore, got their HEA, but I wish that Ryatt would have gotten his HEA even if it was with Emonie. I was hoping their back-and-forth banter would have led to more in the end instead of him distancing himself from everyone. I felt bad for his character. I liked and disliked part of the ending because yes, the ending was sweet and steamy for Slade & Auren but after everything, I wanted Ryatt to have his HEA too. I felt as if he deserved it, since he made it to the end of the story, so it was a bit disappointing. This is my least favorite book in this series, and I wanted it to a fantastic read for me but to be honest it just wasn't. I know I will read the previous books in the series again but when it comes to this one with me knowing how it ends, I feel like I would skip it, that's just how different this one felt to me. I know this will be a fantastic read for other readers but being that everyone is different, this is just my opinion, and I'm sticking with it. This could have been better.