Gilded Cage and Golden Chains

Auren, the beloved of King Midas, lives in a luxurious yet confining existence within Highbell Castle. Her golden appearance is a testament to Midas's power, but it also symbolizes her imprisonment. Despite the opulence, Auren is isolated, a mere symbol of wealth, longing for freedom and genuine affection. Her unique ribbons are both a source of strength and a reminder of her captivity. Auren's life is a delicate balance of obedience and silent rebellion, as she navigates her complex relationship with Midas and the court's intrigues.

Midas's Deceptive Promises Unravel

King Midas, known for his golden touch, devises a cunning plan to expand his power by deceiving King Fulke of Fifth Kingdom. He promises Auren to Fulke for a night in exchange for his army, devastating Auren who feels commodified. However, Midas's true intention is to eliminate Fulke and seize his kingdom. This ruthless plan showcases Midas's ambition and willingness to sacrifice anything, even Auren's trust, for power.

A Treacherous Alliance Revealed

The alliance between Midas and Fulke crumbles when a messenger reveals Midas's true intentions. Midas used Fulke's army as a decoy, leading them to slaughter, enraging Fulke. The confrontation escalates into violence, with Midas's guards overpowering Fulke's men. Auren, caught in the chaos, witnesses the brutal reality of Midas's ambition and the lengths he will go to achieve his goals.

The Price of Betrayal

In the aftermath of the betrayal, King Fulke attempts to take Auren's life as retribution. Digby, Auren's loyal guard, intervenes, saving her from Fulke's wrath. The experience leaves Auren shaken, questioning her place in Midas's world. Midas tries to reassure her, claiming his actions were to protect her and eliminate a corrupt king. However, Auren struggles to reconcile Midas's ruthless nature with the man she once loved, deepening the cracks in their relationship.

A Kingdom's Rotting Core

As Auren travels to join Midas in Fifth Kingdom, she witnesses the stark contrast between the opulence of Highbell Castle and the poverty of its city. The shanties are filled with desperate people, a reality Auren was sheltered from in her cage. She is moved by the plight of the children and gives them gold, but her actions nearly incite a riot. The experience opens Auren's eyes to the true state of the kingdom, challenging her perception of Midas's rule and the cost of his wealth.

Auren's Defiant Stand

Faced with the reality of Midas's betrayal and the suffering of the people, Auren resolves to take a stand. She refuses to be used as a pawn in Midas's schemes, asserting her autonomy and worth. Her defiance is a turning point, as she begins to question her loyalty to Midas and the life she has been forced to lead. Auren's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she seeks to break free from the chains of her gilded cage and find her own path.

Corpses, Snow, and Silent Warnings

As Auren travels with Midas's entourage, they encounter the bodies of King Fulke's soldiers, left as a warning by King Ravinger. Sail, Auren's kind-hearted guard, explains the political tension and the danger they face. Auren is haunted by the sight, realizing the precariousness of their journey and the potential wrath of King Ravinger. The group buries the bodies, a grim reminder of the treacherous path ahead.

Auren's Reckless Compassion Unleashed

During a stop in a poverty-stricken area, Auren gives gold to starving children, nearly causing a riot. Digby, her loyal guard, reprimands her for the reckless act, but Sail admires her compassion. Auren's actions highlight her struggle between her gilded life and the harsh realities outside her cage. Her defiance grows, as does her awareness of the kingdom's suffering under Midas's rule.

Auren's Journey Through the Barrens

As the group travels through the Barrens, Auren reflects on her life and the choices that led her here. She forms a bond with Sail, who shares stories of his past, providing a glimpse of humanity amidst the harshness. Auren's physical and emotional endurance is tested, but she finds solace in the open world, away from her cage, even as she fears what awaits in the Fifth Kingdom.

Snow Pirates and a Deadly Ambush

The group is ambushed by snow pirates, known as the Red Raids. In the chaos, Auren is captured, and Sail is killed trying to protect her. The pirates plan to sell Auren and the other captives, but Auren's defiance and grief over Sail's death fuel her resolve. She realizes the depth of her captivity and the danger she faces, as she is taken aboard the pirate ship.

Auren's Captivity and Defiance

Auren is held captive by the pirates, who plan to sell her to the highest bidder. She witnesses the brutality of her captors and the suffering of her fellow captives. Despite her fear, Auren's defiance grows, and she vows to fight back. Her unique ribbons, a symbol of her power, become a tool of resistance as she plots her escape.

Auren's Gilded Power Revealed

In a moment of desperation, Auren uses her hidden power to turn the pirate captain into solid gold, revealing her true abilities. This act of defiance shocks her fellow captives and changes the dynamics of her captivity. Auren's power, once a secret, becomes a beacon of hope and a weapon against her enemies. She must now navigate the consequences of her actions and the attention they draw.

A New Captor, A Fae Commander

Auren is sold to Commander Rip, a fae and the feared leader of King Ravinger's army. His presence is both terrifying and intriguing, as he recognizes Auren's power. Auren is caught between fear and curiosity, as she realizes the depth of the political intrigue surrounding her. Her journey takes a new turn, as she faces an uncertain future under the command of a powerful and enigmatic fae.

Characters

Auren

Auren is the protagonist, living as King Midas's favored in a gilded cage. Her golden skin and unique ribbons make her a symbol of Midas's power, but she longs for freedom and genuine affection. Auren is torn between her loyalty to Midas and her desire for autonomy. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the reality of her captivity and the cost of Midas's ambition. Her hidden power to turn objects to gold becomes a symbol of her resistance and a source of hope for her fellow captives.

King Midas

King Midas is the ruler of Highbell, known for his ability to turn anything to gold. His ambition drives him to betray allies and manipulate those around him, including Auren. Midas is a complex character, capable of both charm and ruthlessness. His relationship with Auren is strained by his actions, as he prioritizes power over personal connections.

King Fulke

King Fulke of Fifth Kingdom is initially an ally of Midas, but he is betrayed and used as a pawn in Midas's scheme. Fulke's desperation leads him to threaten Auren, but he is ultimately overpowered and killed. His character highlights the dangers of ambition and the consequences of betrayal.

Digby

Digby is Auren's steadfast guard, dedicated to her safety. He intervenes to save Auren from Fulke's wrath, demonstrating his loyalty and bravery. Digby's presence provides Auren with a sense of security, even as she navigates the complexities of her relationship with Midas.

Queen Malina

Queen Malina is Midas's wife, resentful of Auren's place in the king's life. Her jealousy and disdain for Auren are evident, as she struggles with her own lack of power and influence. Malina's character adds tension to the court dynamics, highlighting the personal conflicts within the palace.

Sail

Sail is a young guard who accompanies Auren on her journey to Fifth Kingdom. He is compassionate and respectful, providing Auren with a glimpse of humanity amidst the harsh realities of her world. Sail's tragic death at the hands of the snow pirates is a turning point for Auren, fueling her resolve to fight back. His kindness and bravery leave a lasting impact on Auren, inspiring her to embrace her power and defy her captors.

Commander Rip

Commander Rip is the enigmatic and feared leader of King Ravinger's army. His fae heritage and commanding presence make him a formidable figure. Rip's interest in Auren's power adds a new layer of intrigue to her captivity, as she navigates the complexities of her new captor and the political machinations surrounding her.

Captain Fane

Captain Fane is the ruthless leader of the snow pirates, who captures Auren and plans to sell her. His brutality and greed are his downfall, as Auren uses her power to turn him into solid gold. Fane's death marks a turning point in Auren's journey, as she embraces her power and defies her captors.

Rissa

Rissa is one of Midas's royal saddles, who becomes an unexpected ally to Auren during their captivity. Her resilience and ability to adapt to their circumstances provide Auren with support and camaraderie, as they navigate the challenges of their captivity together.

Plot Devices

Gilded Cage

The gilded cage is a central plot device, representing both Auren's luxurious life and her imprisonment. It highlights the duality of her existence, as she is both cherished and confined by Midas. The cage serves as a metaphor for the constraints placed on Auren, both physically and emotionally.

Betrayal and Deception

Betrayal and deception are key plot devices, driving the conflict and tension in the story. Midas's betrayal of Fulke and his manipulation of Auren reveal the darker aspects of his character. These elements create a sense of uncertainty and danger, as alliances shift and characters navigate a world of treachery.

Power and Ambition

Power and ambition are central themes, influencing the actions and decisions of the characters. Midas's desire for control and expansion leads to his betrayal of Fulke, while Auren's quest for autonomy drives her defiance. These motivations underscore the complexities of the characters and the consequences of their choices.

Hidden Power

Auren's ability to turn objects to gold is a central plot device, symbolizing her hidden power and potential. This ability, once a secret, becomes a weapon against her captors and a source of hope for her fellow captives. Auren's power is both a blessing and a curse, as it draws attention and complicates her journey.

Political Intrigue

The political machinations between the kingdoms and the alliances and betrayals that ensue drive the narrative. Auren's captivity is a result of these complex dynamics, as she becomes a pawn in the power struggles between Midas, Ravinger, and the snow pirates. The intrigue adds depth to the story, as Auren navigates the shifting allegiances and hidden agendas of those around her.

Defiance and Resistance

Auren's defiance and resistance against her captors are central themes, driving her character development and the plot. Her journey from a passive captive to an empowered individual with the ability to fight back is a key narrative arc. Auren's resistance inspires those around her and challenges the status quo, as she seeks to reclaim her autonomy and forge her own path.

Analysis

"Gild" by Raven Kennedy is a compelling narrative that explores themes of power, ambition, and self-discovery. Through Auren's journey, the story delves into the complexities of captivity and the struggle for autonomy. The gilded cage serves as a powerful metaphor for the constraints imposed by wealth and power, while Auren's hidden abilities symbolize the potential for resistance and change. The book highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of betrayal, as characters navigate a world of political intrigue and shifting alliances. Ultimately, "Gild" is a story of empowerment, as Auren defies her captors and seeks to reclaim her identity and freedom.

Last updated: April 2, 2025