So What is the Plated Prisoner series
The “Plated Prisoner” series by Raven Kennedy begins with a unique take on the Romantasy genre placing the main female protagonist into the myth of King Midas as his prisoner and the source of his gold-touch power. As the novel progresses, she escapes Midas and the myth and turns instead towards King Rot otherwise known as Slade and the male protagonist within the story. Slade and Auren, the female protagonist, fall through the standard Romantasy tropes and eventually overcome Midas as Auren discovers the extent of her power. Towards the end of the series, they are separated, and a long-lost queen trope begins with a rebellion plot to boot. While the series began with something unique and unrepresented in the genre without sacrificing much of what is loved about Romantasy as a whole, it quickly falls prey to comparison to Sarah J. Maas and the second and soulmate love trope that befalls many books in this genre.
The New Old Formula
In the vast realm of literature, where genres intertwine and evolve, the “Plated Prisoner” series by Raven Kennedy emerges as a captivating blend of romance and fantasy, introducing readers to a world both new and familiar to lovers of the genre of Romantasy. “Gild”, the first book in the series, propels its reader into a fantastical realm with Midas and Auren leading us through a unique fantasy world that, with every page, becomes increasingly engaging as new aspects are revealed that don’t fall prey to the “fae” tropes. The hook that draws the reader in is the Romantasy elements paired with a new fantasy world filled with a distinct magic system and a character whose purpose for being imprisoned is one of her own desires and making. Auren is the opposite of the strong heroic protagonists that came before. She is feminine, happy to remain safe and cared for, or so we think. At the core of this series lies the timeless and universal structure of the hero’s journey. Auren embarks on a transformative adventure, facing challenges, confronting her own limitations, and emerging stronger and wiser as she breaks free of the cage, she put herself in. The hero’s journey is the narrative backbone that captures our imagination and speaks to our innate desire for growth and self-discovery and Auren is not spared from this ever-present plot line.
The Romantasy hero’s journey, a subgenre that intertwines romance and fantasy, offers a lens through which the characters of Auren, Midas and eventually Slade navigate their challenges. In the “Plated Prisoner” series, this journey is not only about self-discovery but also about the intricate dance of love, desire, and sacrifice. As a reader drawn to the escapism of Romantasy, the series’ formula resonates profoundly. It weaves a tapestry of emotions, taking us on a journey where the safety of a gilded prison transforms into the extraordinary growth of character, and a love that becomes a force that shapes destinies. The series masterfully balances the fantastical elements with the complexities of human relationships right up until the second book where it takes on tropes and follows the Romantasy genre’s formula too closely.
The Flaw’s
Kennedy artfully employs Auren as an unreliable narrator, adding layers of complexity to her history and motivations. Auren’s perspective is subjective, allowing readers to question the truth, fostering a sense of mystery that keeps us hooked right up until the reveal. Auren’s mysterious past is exposed as being that of a long lost fae queen. Her intense power and that of Slade’s as well come from their fae heritage and the goal becomes far more mundane due to this. As the series unfolds, Kennedy introduces multiple perspectives, breathing complexities and mystery into the narrative as the reveal of her fae heritage is unfolded. This technique not only expands our understanding of the world but also provides a clearer picture of the predictable and over-used fae queen plot line within the Romantasy genre only broken up by the diverse range of voices which include characters that become relevant later in the series.
Among the various perspectives, Slade’s stands out as particularly engaging. His depth, charisma, and the intricacies of his character make him the perfect book boyfriend, challenging traditional notions of romance within these series. This is especially highlighted by my reading of “A Court of Silver Flames” by Sarah J. Maas who included Cassian’s perspective to the detriment of the story. While Cassian does not act or speak like a real man, I found Slade to be far more believable and more desirable for it. However, not every perspective resonates equally. Cassian’s viewpoint did not appeal to me but may still appeal to other readers. The subjective nature of perspectives allows for personal preferences, and Kennedy’s bold narrative choices keep the reading experience dynamic both for the better and the worse.
While some perspectives may not align with personal preferences, Malina’s and Kaila’s viewpoints, although initially challenging, prove to be essential for the plot’s development. Kennedy forcefully weaves their stories into the fabric of the narrative, despite making them both unlikable and distracting from the main romance plot which is the draw for my preferences in reading. The “Plated Prisoner” series cannot transcend the plot of the political fantasy it attempts to become at the start of the third book in the series. It remains, at its core, a story about love, growth, and the enduring spirit of its characters even as Kennedy extends her plot into the politics of the realm.
What Was Done Well
Despite the way Kennedy develops the plot throughout the series to include increasingly overused Romantasy tropes and shoe-horning political intrigue into the series half-way through. Auren emerges as a multifaceted character, touching on social themes without resorting to the forced nature seen in some contemporary media. She defies expectations, being neither black nor gay, yet still different from the humans inhabiting the world around her. Her appeal lies not only in her outer strength but in her kindness and flawed nature, refusing to conform to the Mary Sue archetype and making wrong choices and mistakes throughout the novel that successfully endear the reader to her character and her growth. Kennedy adeptly addresses social themes through Auren’s journey without resorting to heavy-handed narrative tactics. Auren’s identity is a subtle exploration of diversity, allowing readers to appreciate her uniqueness without feeling overwhelmed by social commentary.
Auren’s story challenges stereotypes, particularly regarding beauty. In the eyes of Oreans, her golden skin is a distinctive feature, defying conventional beauty standards. Auren’s simultaneous embrace of strength and femininity fosters a sense of balance, resonating with readers who appreciate multifaceted heroines. In the intricacies of Auren’s romantic entanglements, the choice of Slade as a partner becomes a triumph. It showcases her agency and growth, steering clear of the traditional damsel-in-distress narrative. Auren’s journey is one of empowerment, and her choice to align with a powerful man is a strategic decision, marking her evolution as a character. While previously she’d allowed herself to become imprisoned by powerful men, with Slade she is in control of the relationship. She understands his possessiveness without allowing it to overreach the boundaries she has struggled to develop throughout the novels.
In Conclusion
Auren’s story is impactful, and she straddles a balance between being a strong female protagonist while still allowing her readers to value wearing dresses and having long hair and being in touch with your feminine side. Choosing Slade is still a win for Auren even though she falls under the wing of another powerful man, but this time, it’s clear to the reader that this is a good thing for her. Comparisons to other popular fantasy figures, such as Rhysand from ACOTAR, bring attention to the uniqueness of the “Plated Prisoner” series. While Rhysand may be celebrated as a flirtatious hero who saves Feyre and worships her, Slade’s appeal lies in his depth and complexity rather than a superficial charm reminiscent of other characters in the genre. In conclusion, the “Plated Prisoner” series by Raven Kennedy stands as a testament to the power of Romantasy in literature. Addressing serious topics without alienating any reader, the series offers a unique escape for those seeking a post-ACOTAR hangover remedy without compromising on many favorite tropes of the genre as the series progresses. Its seamless fusion of romance and fantasy, combined with rich character development and a thoughtfully crafted plot that straddles a rushed finish, solidifies its place as a standout series in the genre despite its few flaws.