Glow

In this dark fantasy romance, Auren has spent her entire life as King Midas's favored prisoner—literally gilded and kept in a cage as his most prized possession. With golden skin and magical ribbons that extend from her spine, she's unlike anyone else in the kingdom of Orea. When she's finally forced from her confined world, Auren must navigate a realm divided by fae and mortal conflict, discovering that everything she believed about her life and her king may have been carefully constructed lies. The story explores themes of captivity versus freedom, both physical and psychological, as Auren grapples with what it means to break free from gilded chains. Kennedy examines how trauma and isolation can warp our understanding of love and loyalty, while also delivering a complex look at power dynamics and the masks people wear. The novel presents morally gray characters in a world where enemies and allies aren't always clearly defined. This retelling offers a unique twist on the King Midas myth, blending dark romance with high-stakes fantasy adventure. Readers drawn to anti-heroes, slow-burn tension, and protagonists who must unlearn everything they thought they knew will find this compelling. The book contains mature content and is the first in a series, so expect cliffhangers and unresolved plot threads that will leave you reaching for the next installment.