Reviews

Personal Raiting: 8-/10
General Raiting: 7/10

This is an erotic book, however between the main characters there is rather a sensual atmosphere. The book does not romanticize rape. And I've enjoyed it.

lbarsk's review against another edition

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4.0

Here's the saga of me and the Captive Prince Trilogy:

a) see that people whose Book Opinions I trust liked it
b) see that a copy is at the library
c) obtain from library, somewhat apprehensively
d) begin reading, immediately get sucked in
d) read in the space of like 6 subway rides
e) head to the library AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UPON FINISHING to acquire the sequel
f) acquire the sequel.

SO I THINK IT'S SAFE TO SAY THAT I LIKED THE BOOK A WHOLE LOT. I'm really looking forward to Prince's Gambit because I think the ~*~*political games*~*~* amp up in that one, as does of course the romance part, and the sly politicking was one of my favorite things about this book.

The writing is really good -- the kind of writing that sits back and lets the story happen, which I deeply appreciated -- and Pacat has a knack for giving you The Measure Of A Man without slapping you in the face with it.

The reason for the 4 stars is because of the nonconsensual stuff that is, unfortunately, part of the various courtly cultures in the novel; I understand why it's there but it was a bit uncomfortable to read. OTHERWISE I'M ALLLLLL IN FOR CAPTIVE PRINCE

djinnduffy's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a book (and series) as compelling as it is off-putting. It's never a series I thought I would cherish as much as I do, and yet, here I am on my nth reread, finding the story ever more thrilling with every go. I adore this series, and this first entry is such a solid start. The romance is nowhere near its ultimate glory, as this is a book that largely focuses on world-building, character development, and plot. My first time reading it, I remember feeling rather bored and very caught up in the elements of the story I found repugnant. And let it be said, I still find those elements repugnant, and I still feel incredibly mixed about their inclusion (I think this story could absolutely have been told without much of that content). But the love I feel for Laurent and Damen is so deep, that even this first non-romantic foray into their relationship, surrounded as it is by layers and layers of problematic content, has become more and more satisfying every time I take it in.

C.S. Pacat is a very good writer, and the story she tells unfolds gradually, curiously, and very neatly, especially when you're rereading. I find myself catching on so many moments in this first book that feel like emotional bombs knowing where the characters are going to end up. I find myself rushing to get to the end and having to force myself to slow down and take in every word, because I love them all.

I don't talk a lot about this series because I know it's polarizing, but I won't pretend I don't find a lot of value in it, and I won't pretend it doesn't bring me a lot of joy. Captive Prince is not my favorite of the three, and I think it's the hardest to get into when you're reading for the first time. But it has improved in my mind with every reread, and I think that speaks to its quality overall.

fantakureader's review against another edition

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3.0

**A BIT OF A MESS**
Dislikes:
-Too much emphasis on races and skin colors.
-Editing is not good.

Love:
-Luckily Book 2 and Book 3 were better. I persevered because Laurent is such a mysterious bad bitch whom I very much like.

Overall Thoughts: Will not revisit again
3.5

k1ngkr1sten's review

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adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

jonisbookquest's review against another edition

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2.0

This could have been a great romance, except for, you know... THE SEXUAL ASSAULT.

Honestly, I really, really want to give this a higher rating. 'Enemies to lovers' is one of my favorite tropes and it is executed very well. This a really slow burn romance, which I am also a fan of. BUT, I just can't get over the fact that sexual assault was somewhat romanticized. The first half of this book especially was in many ways very problematic.

magikspells's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this book it was pretty good for a first book. I'm looking forward to the next one.

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