‘The most important part to me is if the name sounds like the character. Kennedy names characters based on how the names sound phonetically.The series has become a BookTok sensation, garnering 8.7 million views on TikTok.The fact is, like Auren, a lot of women deal with issues like gaslighting and emotional manipulation, and have dealt with past traumas too, so even though this is a fantasy book, there are very real issues that the main character deals with, and I didn’t want to shy away from the truth of what those experiences would look like.’ ‘I knew that some of the dark elements in this book would be controversial, but I wanted to tell Auren’s story as honestly and respectfully as I could. Kennedy purposely delved into darker topics while writing, not wanting to diminish the experiences of real women.Before going the traditional route, Kennedy self-published Gild, selling half a million copies.As soon as I saw her, the series just formed around her in a really organic way.’ As soon as I saw her, she was in that cage, with ribbons trailing down her back, and I knew she was it. I wanted to do a completely different spin on it, and I didn’t touch the story until I imagined Auren.

‘Even though I had the idea of reimagining King Midas, I knew I wasn’t going to do it about him.

Imagining the main character, Auren, is what inspired the entire series.

And gold is just so powerful aesthetically too-it almost feels like its own character to me, so it was the perfect backdrop for the series.’ ‘It was one of those stories that lived in the back of my head, because I’ve always been fascinated by Midas and the overall theme of greed.

Kennedy always wanted to write a book inspired by the myth of King Midas.

Her previous published series was inspired by cupids, while The Plated Prisoner focuses on the myth of King Midas. She likes to explore stories that no other author has attempted.

Raven Kennedy, the book’s author is inspired by obscure myths.

Gild: The Plated Prisoner Series Vol 1 Fun Facts While you’ll have to read the series yourself to find out how her story unfolds, we’ve compiled some fun facts about the novel to satisfy your curiosity until the paperback edition is published on 15 June 2022. Auren is a prize and prisoner to the powerful King Midas, but when danger awaits, she realises that she might not mean as much to him as she once thought. But things aren’t always as beautiful as they appear. The dark, adult fantasy books are loosely based on the myth of King Midas, set in the glistening gilded world of Orea.

If you’re a BookTok devotee, odds are you’ve heard about the soon-to-be-released ‘Plated Prisoner’ series.

Raven kennedy gold