Glow

Auren is a 25-year-old fae female whose skin is entirely covered in gold. Previous books in the series depict her as the favored concubine (“saddle”) of King Midas. Glow portrays her as an abuse survivor who is only just beginning to assert her independence. While she killed Midas to free herself in the preceding book, Auren struggles throughout most of the novel to control her gold-touch power and fears the harm it might cause others if it goes unchecked.

Initially, Auren tries to avoid facing her past traumas and denies her fae nature. As the narrative progresses, however, she develops a measure of self-acceptance, both through Slade’s love and support and her meeting with Elore. She begins training in physical self-defense to boost her confidence, and practices controlling her gold magic instead of living in fear of it. In taking these steps, she gradually reclaims her sense of personal agency and autonomy.

Although Auren insists that she must save herself to really understand who she is, the novel ends with Slade coming to her rescue again. The next volume in the series sets Auren up to face the world alone after she is accidentally transported back to the fae realm of Annwyn.