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A review by samchase112
Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If you want something comfortable, lighthearted, or realistic, this is not the book for you. Damen and Laurent's world is dark, casually evil, and ripe for constant power struggles. The world C.S. Prat creates is deeply but purposefully uncomfortable. Personally, I love the sinister, calculated, precise battles of monarchical environments, and this one was done so well. Laurent was so mysterious and beautiful, contrasted with the straightforward Damen. I desperately want their story to move forward!
I have to say that this book very strongly reminded me of The Foxhole Court, from the strained relationship between Laurent and Damen, to the very tone (dark, tense, and very gay), to the way the book itself was written. We weren't given much backstory for Damen - the novel opens on the new predicament he finds himself in - and there seems to be no real divide between this and the second book. Nonetheless, I am now OBSESSED. Fans of AFTG would definitely enjoy CaPri.
So...I can't stress enough how much this pulled me into the world of warring nations, 24/7 courtly sexual pleasure, constant threat of violence, and political intrigue. I am ready for MORE, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!!!
Reread: September 2021
I love rereading series like this, because you pick up on so many little hints and details that were missed the first time, after having read the entire throughline of the trilogy and knowing how things resolve. Damen and Laurent are such interesting characters, and I will happily just watch them interact with each other as many pages as possible. The sexual tension is just so freaking good, especially when you know how things will end up. As always, I love how clever this book is; so many details and schemes, it intrigues and interests me so much. I have also grown to appreciate C.S. Pacat's clear, concise writing style, and how each word contains little hints. Highly, highly recommend this superb trilogy!
I have to say that this book very strongly reminded me of The Foxhole Court, from the strained relationship between Laurent and Damen, to the very tone (dark, tense, and very gay), to the way the book itself was written. We weren't given much backstory for Damen - the novel opens on the new predicament he finds himself in - and there seems to be no real divide between this and the second book. Nonetheless, I am now OBSESSED. Fans of AFTG would definitely enjoy CaPri.
So...I can't stress enough how much this pulled me into the world of warring nations, 24/7 courtly sexual pleasure, constant threat of violence, and political intrigue. I am ready for MORE, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!!!
Reread: September 2021
I love rereading series like this, because you pick up on so many little hints and details that were missed the first time, after having read the entire throughline of the trilogy and knowing how things resolve. Damen and Laurent are such interesting characters, and I will happily just watch them interact with each other as many pages as possible. The sexual tension is just so freaking good, especially when you know how things will end up. As always, I love how clever this book is; so many details and schemes, it intrigues and interests me so much. I have also grown to appreciate C.S. Pacat's clear, concise writing style, and how each word contains little hints. Highly, highly recommend this superb trilogy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, and Slavery
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Trafficking, and War
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, Incest, and Pregnancy