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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
this one is hard to rate because i went into it having heard a lot of controversy around the topics depicted in the story. I did kind of expect to dislike it because of what I'd heard, but I actually really ended up liking it. There are some really disturbing topics explored in the story (namely, slavery and sexual abuse), but I think they actually were handled well. I think there's a difference between depicting something disturbing and wrong and condoning it, and I think the author did an excellent job of showing some really messed up things in order to critique them, examine the power dynamics that allowed them to happen, and depict characters working through them and finding healing or solace. I am saying this having the retrospective of reading the whole series, and I do think a lot of the unpacking comes in the second and particularly third book, so I do understand how some people feel disturbed after this book. But I think the seeds are very much planted in this book and they will grow and really be explored later on. Plus the writing is great and the characterization is even better!
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved this book, which is surprising, considering that it was the total opposite of my comfort zone. It was a bit rough in some parts but I believe that was needed for it to progress. Definitely excited to read the second book!
fast-paced
Complicated relationship with this book. It explores male sexuality and its place in social hierarchy, as well as the “problematic” behaviours of those in power and how those behaviours come to be. Makes neither prince a “good person” but ultimately, should a woman be writing this tales of male sexuality? As can be seen from her other works, she is interested in male sexuality as it seems to be the focus of her books. Captive Prince is well written, but ultimately lacks the depth and nuisance a gay man might have writing these books. Wish more women (straight or otherwise) would hold out on exploring stories of male sexuality without an obvious critical purpose. It reads as shallow and fetish-like.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have no idea whether I will read the other two in the series because I despise the characters.