Gild (The Plated Prisoner, #1)
Auren was rescued from a brutal past and gilded in gold by King Midas, forever trapped within the luminous walls of his castle—his prized possession, safe yet imprisoned. As war and a fateful bargain shatter her illusions, she must confront the gilded cage that binds her heart and question whether freedom might be more dangerous than safety.
Tropes & Themes
About This Book
In the frozen mountains of Orea, Auren resides within the golden walls of Highbell Castle, a living testament to King Midas's wealth and power. Rescued from a life of hardship, she is transformed by Midas's touch into a woman of gold, symbolizing her status as his favored consort. Confined to the palace, Auren believes she is cherished and protected, her existence a gilded cage that shields her from the outside world.
However, the arrival of war and a strategic alliance with a neighboring king shatter her illusions. Auren's trust in Midas is tested as she uncovers the complexities of his ambitions and the true nature of her captivity. As she confronts the harsh realities beyond the castle's walls, Auren grapples with the tension between safety and freedom, questioning whether escaping her gilded prison might expose her to even greater dangers.
What Readers Say
Readers praise the immersive world-building and vivid descriptions in 'Gild'. Many appreciate the complex character development and emotional depth of the protagonist. Fans note the book's dark themes and mature content, which may be unsettling for some readers. Some criticize the pacing, feeling the story starts slowly before gaining momentum. Ideal for readers who enjoy dark fantasy romance with intricate character arcs and mature themes.
Reader Reviews
10 curated reviewsTonya111
Oct 22, 2013
Another slam dunk for this author
This author takes fairy tales and reworks them into a comedic romp of a modern romance, without all the graphic blushing details that you'd be embarrassed to let anyone know you read, let alone write a review advertising the fact. "Gilding the Lily Pad" is not at all a sequel, but rather the other side of the story as told by Roman. "The Frog Prince" is Leigh's story and every bit as good. I'd recommend reading it first, but in truth it probably doesn't matter; neither will ruin the other. What I love about Elle Lothlorian's books is the bantering dialogue. It's fresh, entertaining, snapp
Sarah B
Oct 18, 2013
A smart and funny read!
What does an author do when she's already done the unexpected by giving us two versions of Sleeping Beauty? She of course treats us to a companion novel to her bestselling The Frog Prince. After reading The Frog Prince and falling in love with the quirky and unexpected Leigh Fromm, Gilding the Lily-pad gives us insight into the man who steals her heart. Written from Roman's point of view Elle stays true to The Frog Prince by not changing any of the events or dialogue that occurs but instead lets us see the journey Roman goes on while he in turn loses his heart to Leigh and unexpectedly becomes
B honeyblonde
Jun 12, 2014
Loved this book so much
Although this book would be great by itself, I would recommend that you read 'The Frog Prince' by the same author first. Sometimes, when reading a book, I sadly realize that the more I read the less there is left. These books fit into that category. The story is basically a souped up, modern day fairy tale that you will eventually recognize. But don't worry, you will experience no feeling that you know what will happen next. If you are looking for a light-hearted book and a fun time, I firmly recommend both of these!
elaine a gallagher
Oct 17, 2013
loved it
You never disappoint. I loved it, I felt so different reading from another persons view than The Frog Prince. Keep on writing please,,,,,,your characters draw me into the story, they are so fast becoming friends. Your humor is real. I think Leah is a strong woman she knows her mind. She acts to keep her life in balance. The Prince also wants what is right for them. He takes longer to get it right. You laugh out loud with some of the things that happen in this book and that endears the book to me. You took a new outlook on this book and looked at things from the Prince perspective this mad
Laurenl
Oct 28, 2013
I Absolutely LOVED This Book!
I had the date for the release on this book on my calendar. The book is total fantasy and who doesn't like that? You never got from the first book where Roman was coming from. You sure do in this one. He's just so romantic and really in love with Leigh. He does have his flaws though. Avoidance being the major one. I don't want to say too much. I hate reviews that end up retelling the story. I will say if you normally go for explicit sex scenes, and actually I mostly do, this book is not that. It's so well written that it doesn't need smut. We very much know that Roman is a stallion,
Amanda Gonzales
Oct 19, 2013
Loved the point of view
I loved the "Frog Prince" and eagerly awaited this book and the opposite point of view. I was not disappointed when I sat down to enjoy this side of the story. Roman is very much in love with Leigh and his point of view is great perspective. I was kinda hoping for some more insight into his realionships with those around him, but the story isn't really about those other relationships so that is okay. I definitely recommended reading both books to get the whole story, but you could just as easily only read this and understand the story. Love conquers all even being thrown into royalty and
