Glint picks up right where Gild leaves off, following Auren as she’s forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the life she’s always known. As the world around her grows larger and more dangerous, she’s faced with impossible choices, shifting alliances, and the first glimmers of what freedom might actually look like. Blending fantasy, romance, political intrigue, and plenty of emotional turmoil, the second installment continues Auren’s journey while expanding the world beyond the gilded cage she once called home.
After finishing Gild, I was hoping Glint would be the book that pulled me completely into Raven Kennedy’s world. Unfortunately…I’m still waiting.
While I can appreciate the themes of healing, self-worth, and reclaiming your identity, I continue to struggle with the characters. Even two books into the series, I never found myself becoming emotionally attached to them. I understood what the story wanted me to feel, but I rarely actually felt it. Auren has moments where I genuinely rooted for her, yet so much of the surrounding cast still left me feeling disconnected rather than invested.
The pacing also continues to be a sticking point for me. There are certainly interesting moments scattered throughout the novel, but getting to them often felt like wading through long stretches where not enough was happening to keep my attention fully engaged. There were several times I found myself putting the book down simply because I wasn’t eager to find out what happened next.
One thing I couldn’t ignore was how familiar the overall progression of the story felt. So far, this series seems to be following a very similar formula to the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Whether intentional or not, I frequently found myself predicting where certain relationships, character dynamics, and story beats were headed because they echoed a path I’d already traveled in another fantasy romance. That sense of familiarity made it difficult for Glint to surprise me in meaningful ways.
Speaking of surprises…the ending didn’t really deliver one.
The final chapters clearly aim to leave readers desperate for the next installment, but I’d already seen the major twist coming well before it arrived. Because of that, what should have been a jaw-dropping conclusion landed with more of a quiet shrug. It wasn’t poorly executed—it was simply too predictable to have the emotional impact it was aiming for.
That isn’t to say the book doesn’t have strengths. Raven Kennedy continues to write vivid emotional moments, and Auren’s internal journey remains the strongest aspect of the series. Watching someone slowly realize they deserve more than the life they’ve been given is compelling, and there are flashes of brilliance whenever the novel focuses on that growth rather than trying to manufacture shock value.
The expanding world is also beginning to show more promise. While I still don’t feel completely immersed in the setting, I appreciated getting a broader look at the kingdoms and political tensions that exist beyond the confines of the first book. It gives me hope that future installments may lean more heavily into the fantasy elements.
At this point, though, I’m still waiting for the series to truly click with me. I can absolutely understand why so many readers adore these books, but after two installments, I’m finding myself more intrigued by the potential than captivated by what’s actually on the page.
Rating: ★★¾☆☆ (2.75/5)
Devour or Nibble?
Nibble. If you loved Gild, you’ll probably enjoy continuing Auren’s journey and seeing the larger world unfold. But if, like me, you struggled to connect with the characters or found yourself noticing familiar fantasy-romance formulas, Glint may leave you wanting something a little more original. I’m not giving up on the series just yet, but I’m still waiting for the book that convinces me all the hype is deserved.
literary gluttony 
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