Reviews - The Summer Palace

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762 reviews for:

Confession time: I kind of hate this new lovey-dovey, pliant, soft-spoken Laurent. It feels like his character did a complete 180 in zero time. For someone as rigid and controlled as him, I'd expect to see more than a little standoffishness even once he's in this semi-relationship with someone he trusts. I would rather see him struggle to become a trusting and loving person than for it to happen as it did--that is to say all at once.

I'm probably in the 1% here, but this earned 2 stars just because it was Captive Prince related and featured characters I like. Other than that, it was pretty dull. It didn't really add anything that hadn't already happened, it didn't really show a side of Laurent or Damen that hadn't already been explored, and it didn't hold my attention at all. It was basically slow-burn porn (and I hate to use that phrase because there was really no "burn" to it at all). I finished it because I paid for it, not because I particularly liked it.

I really hate writing negative reviews, especially when it's a series I loved as much as this one. I guess I was hoping for more development between Laurent and Damen rather than just more washing and fucking. But a spin off or a tie in should really hold some kind of value, even if minimal, to the story as a whole. This was more like a short, smutty fanfic. It doesn't impact the story, it doesn't shed light on anything or anyone, it was just fan service. (Which is fine, if you're into that thing. It just wasn't for me.)

Review brought to you by your friendly neighborhood asexual who can't be impressed by porn. (If I could, this might've gotten a higher rating.)

eesh25's review

5.0

This was the much needed epilogue for the series. Kings Risisng ended so abruptly! I mean yeah, all plot were concluded and both Damen and Laurent were safe and had decided to try to make their relationship work, but Damen was still bleeding on the floor!

Not to mention that, after everything, we were owed some happy moments between the two, which we got here.

This was everything that I wanted from an epilogue. There was seriousness, resolving some issues that they didn't even know they still had. There was lots of cuteness, mixing of Veretian and Alielon cultures, Damen and Laurent together, and Laurent being happy (do you know how rare that is?). I fangirled pretty had. You should definitely take the time to read this.

bluebellreads's review

4.5

lighthearted

Plot or Character Driven: Character

emilynied's review against another edition

3.75

emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This was a short story following the ending of "King's Rising." It was only about 30 pages and I definitely enjoyed the pause in action after the events that unfolded in the third and final book of the series. It was nice to watch time pass slowly and the characters interact with no pressing battles upon them. I also appreciated the dynamic and the continued complexity that was presented despite the "happily ever after."