YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

“You want to make your life easier? Then be the caged bird that you are and sing.”

For ten years, I’ve lived in a gilded cage inside King Midas’s golden castle. But one night changed everything.

Now I’m here, a prisoner of Fourth Kingdom’s army, and I’m not sure if I’m going to make it out of this in one piece. They’re marching to battle, and I’m the bargaining chip that will either douse the fire or spark a war.

At the heart of my fear, my worry, there’s him—Commander Rip.

Known for his brutality on the battlefield, his viciousness is unsurpassed. But I know the truth about what he is.

Fae.

The betrayers. The murderers. The ones who nearly destroyed Orea, wiping out Seventh Kingdom in the process. Rip has power sizzling beneath this skin and glinting spikes down his spine. But his eyes—his eyes are the most compelling of all.

When he turns those black eyes on me, I feel captive for an entirely different reason.

I may be out of my cage, but I’m not free, not even close. In the game of kings and armies, I’m the gilded pawn. The question is, can I out maneuver them?


This is the captivating second book of The Plated Prisoner series. It’s an adult epic fantasy story blending romance, intrigue, and beautiful imagery. Return to the seductive story of magic inspired by the myth of King Midas, and get caught up in the world of Orea.

I’ll try to start later today :)

I apologize for taking a while to start, I still have a few more deadlines tomorrow, so It might take me a while to finish.

14%
(view spoiler)[ I wish that the book was more fast paced, but other then that it’s pretty good. I’m honestly kind of glad that Auren’s away from Midas, I still don’t like him.

I’m curious as to what the Queen is planning, and could she have possibly supplied the information about Auren and the other saddle’s whereabouts in the first place?

I also hope that the book would explain more about the Fae, I’m not too sold on that part of the story.. (hide spoiler)]

I'm about to begin. I hope this is better than book one

Chapter 1-19
(view spoiler)[ nothing is really happening yet, except on the part of Queen Madina. The author loves suspense. What's up with Commander Rip, why can't he be direct instead of asking cunning questions. Why won't the other saddles accept Auren the way she is, she has been good to them (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20-24
(view spoiler)[ wow! Now I am getting it. The author is building Auren from a weakling to someone who has strength. I like her and Rip combo way more than Midas. Midas the manipulative shit of a person. He might just lose all (hide spoiler)]

It's way past bed time but this is so much better than book one
Finished

(view spoiler)[ Auren has to learn the hard way because she is naive. Midas and Auren relationship is like.modern day abused Marriage. I like Rip. He steals the scene every time
. (hide spoiler)]

Alina wrote: "I apologize for taking a while to start, I still have a few more deadlines tomorrow, so It might take me a while to finish.

14%
I wish that the book was more fast paced, but other then that it’s ..."

It's really good. Way better than book one

Alina wrote: "I apologize for taking a while to start, I still have a few more deadlines tomorrow, so It might take me a while to finish.

14%
I wish that the book was more fast paced, but other then that it’s ..."

You're fine because I just started!

Chapter 6
(view spoiler)[Well Auren is still stupid, talking to Rip and his soldiers like that. She already has an opinion on Rip, which seems wrong, since all her information of course comes from Midas and he can’t be trusted. Can’t wait to see more of Rip, I like him the most so far, he seems promising. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12
(view spoiler)[Teehee she’s in his tent! Her sudden scarededness of being touched is a bit weird, since she didn’t have that in the last book, she even stepped up to the captain? Idk, it just feels a bit weird to me. I like Rip a lot, and he OBVIOUSLY isn’t the bad guy she’s painting him out to be. The scene of her past, with Midas and some people attacking her; it feels like Midas orchestrated that just so she wouldn’t trust anyone but him. Idk, I think he’s working some angle.

I’m glad Rip saved her from the soldiers - although they didn’t do anything really - but I’m glad he stood up for her. I REALLY don’t understand why she’s thinking he’s the villain, while he treats her better than Midas ever has??? Argh I hate stupid women. Can’t say I care for the queen Malina chapters, why are those necessary all of the sudden? It’s cool that she’s taking back her Kingdom I guess, but I don’t really care for her 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20
(view spoiler)[Fourth already sounds sooo much better, women in the army etc., they’re not sexist and they treat everyone nicely. They’re obviously not the villains they’re made out to be and I can’t wait for her to finally freaking realize that. Lu is great so far😂

The saddles are all alright, and I honestly don’t get why she’s still visiting them because they treat her like shit. I’d definitely stop visiting them if I were her. I can’t express how much I love Rip, and I definitely hope he’ll be the actual love interest and not someone else, cuz I adore the guy.

Aaaah she shoved the mending guy - I don’t really get why she’s suddenly so tense about being touched? Was it because of the captain..? A bit confused. Maybe she turns everything gold if they touch her? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26
(view spoiler)[Holy crap Mist is pregnant. I wonder what Midas will do once he finds out - it can’t be the first time that happens right? I mean it seems like they have sex 24/7 so... I can’t believe she was okay with the way that Midas treated her, he’s obviously using her and such an asshole. I’m getting sick of her being okay with his behavior, but she slowly seems to realize it. She’s still so obviously fae and soooo obviously the one with all the power, he can’t do anything but she’s the one turning everything to gold. Ugh, I hope that’s not the big plot reveal and stuff. The queen is a bitch, I hate all the women hating on each other in this book while it’s obviously the men they should be hating most of the time. Ugh.

Can’t believe she stepped in to ‘save’ Twig, has she learned nothing so far??? They’re not fucking cruel argh. I loved the scene after that though, where Rip made her fight. She finally said that she’s fae! Man, took her long enough. I get why Rip’s spikes can work in his favor, but not her ribbons. I mean they are literally soft - anyone with something sharp can just cut them off? Doesn’t seem smart to use them imo lol, it’s quite easy to beat her. Still loving Rip, and the way everyone responded to his nickname makes me think there’s more to him than just a commander; everyone responds too quickly and reverently to him. He’s probably the king, or is that too crazy? I’m glad he’s making her face the facts though. I hope Digby will be back soon. Still don’t care for the Malina chapters. (hide spoiler)]

Alina wrote: "I apologize for taking a while to start, I still have a few more deadlines tomorrow, so It might take me a while to finish.

14%
I wish that the book was more fast paced, but other then that it’s ..."

I agree, I wouldn't mind a faster pacing. (view spoiler)[ I'm also not sold on the fae part yet, I hope it'll get explained more. (hide spoiler)]

izzy wrote: "Chapter 20-24
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I agree, he's such a jerk! I hope he'll lose it all tbh, it seems like he has everything planned out. (hide spoiler)]

44% (Chapter 21)
(view spoiler)[ I really hope that at some point Auren will realize that she deserved much more than the things Midas allowed her to do...

I'm really curious about Commander Rip though, I would love to hear more about his backstory.

Also, Mist is pregnant with Midas's child..? I'm kind of confused but I feel bad for her, I feel like that won't end well. (hide spoiler)]

izzy wrote: "Chapter 1-19
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
I'm also curious as to what Commander Rip is trying to accomplish from asking seemingly pointless questions...

As much as I feel bad for Auren, she's getting much better treatment compared to the others, so it's understandable. I do feel bad for both the sadles and Auren though, it makes me feel bad knowing the things they've had to ensure in the past, and the things some of them consider to be 'normal'. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33
(view spoiler)[Malina was indeed the one to sell the saddles out to the Red Raids. I don’t understand why she hates them so much, it’s not like they have a choice in being with Midas - she should blame him instead of them. I’m glad she’s happy with Jeo but I don’t freaking care about her 😂😂

I like Lu a lot, and RIP KISSED AUREN?? But she also sent the letter to Midas, wished she didn’t. I wonder how Rip knew though. I hate the way she’s treating Rip, poor guy :( He only told her the truth - Midas IS using her and her stupidness is annoying the crap out of me. Poor guy wanted her to stay. I definitely love him. Still think Rip is the king though, but we’ll see soon. (hide spoiler)]

Finished
(view spoiler)[Argh can they stop with the Malina chapters already, I don’t CARE!!! I’m kinda glad that the people threw the stuff back in her face because she thinks she’s so great and above everyone. I hope she burns right along with Midas.

Aaaaah Auren is finally seeing his true nature, what an asshole. Ugh, it was so obvious that he was just using her for her power. Him putting her in the cage again was brutal though. Oh my I loved the Midas chapter though, the Rot king is cunning. And all the people we met - Rip’s wrath - were with him. I love it. Midas mentioned something about the Rot king’s veins resembling roots and Rip’s thorns; is he his son? Is Rip the prince? Would be cool. The Rot king is definitely fae too.

My oh my, Rip is Rot!!! I’m so glad he came for her :’) but who was the guy standing with the king then, the one with the spikes? The last member of their wrath group? And finally we’re seeing that she’s indeed the one with the golden power - but apparently not at night..? Uhm okay then. Her powers were obvious from the start of this lol but ok. I love Rip. That’s all. (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Finished
Argh can they stop with the Malina chapters already, I don’t CARE!!! I’m kinda glad that the people threw the stuff back in her face because she thinks she’s so great and above everyone. I..."
I don't care about Malina too

Alina wrote: "izzy wrote: "Chapter 1-19
[spoilers removed]"


I'm also curious as to what Commander Rip is trying to accomplish from asking seemingly pointless questions...

As much as I feel bad for Auren, she..."
You are right

84% (Chapter 35)
(view spoiler)[ Nooo... why is Auren going back to Midas? Surely, she did not just go through all that just to end up with Midas again... Poor Rip though, he seemed like a genuine guy at heart. Hopefully they bring Rip back, I'm going to miss him if they don't. ;-;

I'm not too sure about how to feel about the Queen... I don't really like Midas, but at the Queen doesn't seem to be much better... I'm curious to see how it turns out though. (hide spoiler)]

End
(view spoiler)[ Well.. that was somewhat unexpected.. I didn’t expect Rot and Rip to be the same person, but wasn’t there a time where both the ‘commander’ and ‘king’ was present? I’m thankful that Midas isn’t the love interest anymore, I never really liked him. I would love to hear more about he fae though, I feel like it was barely mentioned and left out in both of the books. Overall, it was definitely better then the last book but I think the pacing could be better. 3.5/5 (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Finished
[spoilers removed]”

(view spoiler)[ I agree, I really think that maybe one chapter in the beginning or end would be just fine for Malina.. I’m also confused about the other person with spikes..

I’m thankful Auren finally realized though, it definitely made it easier for me to read through. (hide spoiler)]

49% (view spoiler)[ how annoying of her to interrupt that fight. Some things she doesn't need to stick her nose in. (hide spoiler)]

izzy wrote: "Chapter 1-19
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ The other saddle's jealousy really annoyed me. They need to get a grip. (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Chapter 20
Fourth already sounds sooo much better, women in the army etc., they’re not sexist and they treat everyone nicely. They’re obviously not the villains they’re made out to be and I can’t w..."

(view spoiler)[ I wondered if it was her shitty childhood and maybe that's why she doesn't like to be touched. I agree with Rip. More Rip! (hide spoiler)]

Alina wrote: "44% (Chapter 21)
I really hope that at some point Auren will realize that she deserved much more than the things Midas allowed her to do...

I'm really curious about Commander Rip though, I would ..."

(view spoiler)[ I feel the same. Surely when or if Midas finds out, he will not be happy since he probably expected her to be taking the herbs. (hide spoiler)]

85% (view spoiler)[I'm super disappointed in the Queen's behavior with her people. I was really hoping she wanted the very best for them, not just to be liked. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ This was a great take on Midas. The fae part is finally coming into more play. To think that she is the true power and he has been using her to the bone. What a nice surprise! (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Alina wrote: "I apologize for taking a while to start, I still have a few more deadlines tomorrow, so It might take me a while to finish.

14%
I wish that the book was more fast paced, but other t..."

(view spoiler)[ If we get through this whole series and never hear about what truly happened to Digby, the author has failed. (hide spoiler)]

Alina wrote: "End
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I wasn't expecting them to be the same person either! And right, it was like thrown in at the end, more fae stuff. (hide spoiler)]

Krystal wrote: "85% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Same here, I hoped she'd be a good queen :( (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Krystal wrote: "85% [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I thought, man, now she can do some good. Then she throws a hissy fit.. (hide spoiler)]

Krystal wrote: "Danique wrote: "Krystal wrote: "85% [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Ugh, right!

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Date changed. Restarting April 4th 2022. Happy Reading ☺

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27% (Chapter 13)

(view spoiler)[I really like Rip! It seems like the Fourth Kingdom is different from what we were told about it before. I wonder if it's a save place for the remaining fae and has kept up a horrible reputation to keep the rest of Orea out?
It's painful how much Auren clings to Midas who really only used her, I believe. I really hope Rip will manage to open her eyes.
And again, we have some fun side characters, with Keg and Orisk. I really hope she won't kill them off again! (hide spoiler)]

50% (Chapter 24)

(view spoiler)[I'm loving this even more than the first book! The side characters are all great and I really enjoy the friendships in the Fourth Army. Such a different tone from what Auren is used to! I hope she learns to trust them, she could really find a family here.

I also really like how giving Auren is, even though I want to shake her sometimes. Why does she not give up on the "Saddles" (a horrible name for the women btw)?

Midas might make it to my top list of evil villains ever. The way he manipulated her, isolated her and purposefully kept her weak is just so disgusting! I hope he loses everything! Such a contrast to Rip who tell her to show her ribbons ofs and own her power - and now he's about to teach her to fight! Good times! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8- (view spoiler)[ I'm really enjoying this...It's so easy to get into this writing, and before you know it, you've been reading for an hour. I already like Rip's character, and I'm so excited to learn more about his past! I also liked how this book started with the Queen's point of view. Things are going to get interesting for sure!! (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait to get caught up and read your spoilers! :)

Finished
(view spoiler)[Wow, a great ending! How can Rip be King Ravinger? Who was the guy looking like him in the throne room?
There were so many favorite scenes here! I really enjoyed Midas being put in his place by King Ravinger. And Auren has finally seen him for what he really is, go her!
The slow-burn romance has just the right pace for me to be really sweet and believable. I adore how Rip encourages her to make her own choices and then honors them, even if he really doesn't want to. I'm so glad he found her at the end! What will happen next - how will she get out?
I'm so ready for book 3! :-) (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 8- [spoilers removed]

I can't wait to get caught up and read your spoilers! :)"

(view spoiler)[Yes, there are so many great characters here and Queen Malina's pov adds another layer. Though I really don't like her! (hide spoiler)]

Brigia wrote: "27% (Chapter 13)

r..."

I also really (view spoiler)[ like Rip....I can't wait to find out more about him. I also want to know more about Auren. I like that we get little pieces of information, but I want to know more! LOL! I can tell there is so much more to Rip (and the rest of his men) They all know something, but won't say anything. I hope Auren realizes Midas is bad news! I also agree that the Fourth Kingdom seems different. How has Rip stayed in hiding for so long too??


(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 34-

This book is so hard to do updates for becuase before you know it, you're almost done with the book!! It's so addicting.

Let's see here. I have so many thoughts! (view spoiler)[ Mist is pregnant! Ooof...I don't think things will end well for her. And Malina is the one that sold them out to the Reds (snow pirates)! I didn't see that one coming! She's terrible too, but I actually like her chapters! (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 34-

This book is so hard to do updates for becuase before you know it, you're almost done with the book!! It's so addicting.

Let's see here. I have so many thoughts! [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I wondered if Mist's baby was really Midas's since it seems so incredible he never got anyone pregnant before. There is one guy in the group. I felt for Auren, but actually, it's a good thing in the long run - anything that makes her see what Midas is really like. (hide spoiler)]

Brigia wrote: "Katie wrote: "Chapter 34-

This book is so hard to do updates for becuase before you know it, you're almost done with the book!! It's so addicting.

Let's see here. I have so many thoughts! [spoi..."

Oh!! I like the idea of (view spoiler)[ the baby not being Midas's! I didn't think of that! (hide spoiler)]

I'd be up for book 3!!

@Katie: Yay for book 3! I have 2 other br I really should read first. Want to start in a week, the 20th?

Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[ I feel like Commander Rip is more than just a soldier for the king. And I still think that King Rot isn't all that bad, but he wants to keep his enemies away to he plays up the whole decay thing in his kingdom. There has to be something because these soldiers may be kind of rude but they are some of the most decently behaved males so far and Rip did let her stay in his personal tent. (hide spoiler)]

Brigia wrote: "27% (Chapter 13)

I really like Rip! It seems like the Fourth Kingdom is different from what we were told about it before. I wonder if it's a save place for the remaining fae and has kept up a horr..."

(view spoiler)[ Right! I'm starting to like these side characters and hope they don't go the way that Sail did. I still miss him and he was barely in the story. I'm afraid to get attached now. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18
(view spoiler)[ I understand why Malina wants to rule the kingdom herself, but I don't know that it is smart. Even if she can get all the support, it was Midas who made the kingdom wealthy. If I were her, i would be concerned he would just do the same for another kingdom and go to war and take fifth back. I don't think it would take much for the nobles to flip back to his side since he's the one who makes the gold. (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 34-

This book is so hard to do updates for becuase before you know it, you're almost done with the book!! It's so addicting.

Let's see here. I have so many thoughts! [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Yeah, I think Mist is in serious danger. Really no one is on her side with any real power. The best ally she could have is Auren and she's awful to her. Midas probably won't care since it'll be illegitimate and the queen will be out to get her out of spite. (hide spoiler)]