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A review by bibilly
Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
4.0
3rd read: september 2023.
I understand Laurent had to play pet owner at least once in his life — I understand even how the ring fight must be the perfect picture of revenge in a mind brought up in such a environment and that struggles with the traumas his stuffers —, but the Ancel scene is so unnecessary.
2nd read: december 2020.
I think this book doesn't work alone and can only be meaningful to those who've read the entire trilogy, bc then you can see everything Damen couldn't and Laurent wouldn't let him. actually, the biggest "revelations" of the next books are pretty predictable; however, it seems to me Pacat was focusing on the characters' reactions and intentions rather than the shocking value of it all. on the other hand, Damen's presumptions and lack of perception became even more evident and exasperating upon reread. but overall it's a good introduction, with one or two unnecessary things that contradict Laurent's character imo. I still would read a version under his point of view, but I guess Pacat's books aren't that famous for her to spend time and energy on a spin off.
now, in case you aren't familiar with the story: this is NOT a romance book. although the characters' relationship develops later on (hence the m/m category) and they finish this volume on better terms compared to the beginning, by the end they're still enemies, forced to work together for a "common" goal. some people might call it romanticization, but the right label is enemies-to-lovers excellence (or at least slow burn with plot). and the author is not free of criticism, but most of the things people claim to be problematic in this book are depiction, not endorsement. on the contrary: the main purpose of the unreliable third person narration under Damen's pov is to get you on his side, sympathizing with him as a victim and despising everything he proclaims to be wrong, which is damn effective.
tw: rape, slavery, flogging, child abuse.
1st read: february 2019.
I understand Laurent had to play pet owner at least once in his life — I understand even how the ring fight must be the perfect picture of revenge in a mind brought up in such a environment and that struggles with the traumas his stuffers —, but the Ancel scene is so unnecessary.
2nd read: december 2020.
I think this book doesn't work alone and can only be meaningful to those who've read the entire trilogy, bc then you can see everything Damen couldn't and Laurent wouldn't let him. actually, the biggest "revelations" of the next books are pretty predictable; however, it seems to me Pacat was focusing on the characters' reactions and intentions rather than the shocking value of it all. on the other hand, Damen's presumptions and lack of perception became even more evident and exasperating upon reread. but overall it's a good introduction, with one or two unnecessary things that contradict Laurent's character imo. I still would read a version under his point of view, but I guess Pacat's books aren't that famous for her to spend time and energy on a spin off.
now, in case you aren't familiar with the story: this is NOT a romance book. although the characters' relationship develops later on (hence the m/m category) and they finish this volume on better terms compared to the beginning, by the end they're still enemies, forced to work together for a "common" goal. some people might call it romanticization, but the right label is enemies-to-lovers excellence (or at least slow burn with plot). and the author is not free of criticism, but most of the things people claim to be problematic in this book are depiction, not endorsement. on the contrary: the main purpose of the unreliable third person narration under Damen's pov is to get you on his side, sympathizing with him as a victim and despising everything he proclaims to be wrong, which is damn effective.
tw: rape, slavery, flogging, child abuse.
1st read: february 2019.