Captive Prince (The Captive Prince Trilogy) Paperback – April 7, 2015

Before I start the review: it's on the whole Captive Prince trilogy, not just one book.Writing this review was a HUGE problem for me. No, not because this is the first time I'm reviewing three books all at once, although I feel like I should explain why I'm doing it. It's simple really: when I thought of things to say about Book I, they were the same as I would've said for Book II and Book III. That's why I decided to put Captive Prince, Prince's Gambit and Kings Rising in the same review.But back to why writing this review was a problem for me.This is one of those rare times when I adore everything about the books (covers aside) and am thoroughly engaged from start to finish. It's a bit like a drug because you keep needing more, but there are no side effects. Well, apart from your eyes getting tired and you becoming sleepy because you are not supposed to stay up this late for a book. But let's face it: we all do it. We all go "Just one more chapter" even though we know we won't stop reading after just one more and that we'll be like zombies the next day.So why is it difficult to write a review?Because the whole review will be me gushing about how awesome the three books are. Seriously, I'm in full fangirl mode when it comes to these books. However, I'll try to tone it down a little so the review isn't just "Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!"Let's start with the blurbs. And don't worry: as always, I'll keep the review spoiler-free so I will comment on the books, but I won't tell you exactly what's in Book III thus spoiling Book I and Book II for you.To be honest, I never thought the covers were eye-catching (although they go with the theme of the books), so if I hadn't read the blurbs, I wouldn't have given the books a try. But the blurbs were pretty interesting, promising us adventure and intrigue. I was a little bit worried because I don't like too much political intrigue, but even though it plays a huge part in the series, it never comes off as excessive. There's enough to keep the plot moving, to keep you wondering which of the characters you could trust and which not, but not enough for you to be so totally confused at what's going on that pull you hair out in frustration.A reason why nothing was too much in this book even though something was always going on was the perfect pacing of the story in all three books. You have a slow-paced moment, then a fast-paced one; you have an intellectual challenge, followed by a physical one; you have the all business moments, but also some more intimate ones. Basically, there's something for everyone, it's balanced and well-paced.Another reason why there's no dull moment and I was absolutely engrossed was... Laurent.He turned into one of my all-time favorite characters from any sphere of entertainment (books, movies, anime, comics) from the very start. I'm one of those people who stand by smart is sexy and that guy is very, very intelligent. I also like how he's somewhat of a mystery, a controversy at first. Something would happen and Damen would interpret it one way, but there would sometimes be a hint that he might've gotten things wrong. I also find Laurent's character arc more interesting than Damen's.Don't get me wrong: I like Damen, but that's it.I care for him, I would cheer for him, I wouldn't want him to get hurt, but I can't help but compare him to the other main character and Laurent is just so captivating that Damen pales in comparison. He is interesting, he is developed, we see a change in him, we follow his journey, but he is no Laurent.As for the rest of the characters: some I like more, some I like less, but all are well-written with maybe the exception of Damen's brother. But like in the Damen/Lauren case, it could seem that way because I'm comparing him to others. He just didn't really leave an impression on me.One character who I loved to hate and on whom I wish great physical and psychological harm is the Regent - just as brilliant as Laurent, but lacking redeeming qualities. If he was written poorly, I wouldn't have enjoyed the books so much because without him there would be no intrigue, so I'm glad he was created the way he was. Even though I hate him. With a passion.The last big reason why this is such a page-turner are the twists. Obviously, I'm not going to tell you what they are, but there were a lot of times when I thought "I totally didn't see this coming although it makes perfect sense so I know it was planned and not a whim the author woke up with one morning". The biggest one comes near the ending of Book III and oh, my God, Laurent is brilliant!Yes, I know I'm supposed to skip the "Oh, my God". No, I don't regret using it; it's perfectly in place.Why?Because even though I told you there will be a twist there and you'll now be expecting one, you are still not going to be able to guess it. But once you read it, yep, it will be perfect. I had a lot of squealing fangirl moments while I read the Captive Prince trilogy, but this was probably the biggest one.And before I conclude the review, there's just one more thing I'll add: I like C.S. Pacat's writing style.There are so many other good (pacing, most characters, some twist) and great (other twists, Laurent!) things about the book that the writing style is not the first thing that would come to mind when I think of the trilogy (yes, yes, the first thing is Laurent), but I did enjoy it. It's not overly complicated, it's descriptive where it needs to be, it doesn't slow the tempo with a bunch of details in a fast-paced scene... In short: I enjoyed it.All those things are why the three books would make it to my "Favorites I Read in 2017" list as well as my all-time favorite books.I'd recommend The Captive Prince trilogy to the entire human population and any aliens from outer space who either speak English ('cause according to Hollywood most aliens do) or have the technology to translate the trilogy to their native language.Okay, I was (sort of) joking before, but unless you dislike LGBT books or are sensitive about slavery or humans being paid for sex (mind you, one of them is really young), I can't think of a reason why you shouldn't read these books

“You don’t understand it yet,” said Adastrus.”But you will. You’ll come to understand that what they are saying in the palace, in the taverns and in the streets is true. You’re a slave. You’re worth nothing. Prince Damianos is dead.”He must stay quiet, inconspicuous. Enough presence of mind had returned to him to know that as price Damianos he would be unlikely to last a night alive in Vere. Better by far to be a nameless slave.There’s certain topics I won’t go into. Yet I go and pride myself on having an open mind when it comes to books. I’ll read anything really, or so I thought that is until I stumbled upon this genre. We’ve all seen the Gay & Lesbian Genre, but how many of us venture there? And even if you do like it, how many books are written on this category? How many of them are in truth worthwhile and enjoyable?That’s how I came about this book. To tell you the truth nothing really captivated me about this book at first glance; not the cover, not even the title, especially not the subject the book was written about. For I am quite a simple girl-give me a dash of romance and I’m a happy camper, add adventure, horror, whatever it might be and I’m there flipping the pages. But have it deal with humiliation, slaves, cancer, illness, violence and I’m out.All the sudden I have this inkling, this tingle to get my hands on the book and I must have it, I need to read it. And I did. Two books in one sitting, two mesmerizing and enthralling volumes. Perhaps I’m a bit biased on this review having read both novels, but I guarantee that if you read the first one the second is a must.I’m going to be real right now...I love spoilers. Writing them, that is. Not to spoil someones fun and ruin a book, but because when I’m excited about a book I want to discuss all of its twists and turns, the adventure, the angst. That’s me. Except for this book(yes, I still want to throw in some spoilers) I want you to go on its trek by yourselves. Fall in love with the characters, with their journey. Slowly and anticipating.More to my confessions is that I knew the big twist, I’m a bit of a detective if I do say so myself. Therefore, it wasn’t a big surprise to myself when it was unsheathed, but nonetheless enjoyable.In order for me to recommend this story I have to dole out some details. For example, if you’re looking for a story that goes from foe to lover in the first 50 or so pages, then stop and forget it. Honestly, those stories are unrealistic. Now, if you want a good build up then stay on reading my list. This first volume is more enemy to reluctant bodyguard at the end of the novel. Fear not my friend because the journey there is quite a roller coaster. If you’re squeamish about the slave, then hold your horses. Damen is a prince, a warrior, not quite a barbarian, as Vere people dubbed him, but someone who is not submissive. There in lies the slave solution, he knows he has to yield to Laurent, but he does it on his terms. Coming out as him wanting to do things, not being order.Also, there is a rape scene. It goes with how Vere people live, and not justified, but it a bit like Spartacus arena gladiator entertainment. Again, not condoning it, but it goes with the story. See, that’s what this novel does, it creates this world, with its own rules and own pleasures. Like, male and male, female and female, are not seen as gay or lesbian in Vere, but as a means to not getting ‘bastard’ children and still having pleasure.There's a bit of flogging, but again this adds to the world of Vere and Akielon.If there is something this author does is captivate from that first sentence right until its precipice. From its world building, to its character development, to the action scenes. You will not be disappointed.As to the characters-Damen and Laurent. Damen is someone who is strong willed, and brave, good hearted. Laurent is portrayed as highly conniving, but equally intelligent, always having a motive for everything he does. That adds up to a sizzling chemistry, even if they don’t see it. The way their interactions build up is truly a work of art. What I liked most is that Damen wasn’t a dumb brute, someone who goes smashing the walls when he finds himself captive on enemy frontiers. He doesn’t go and do something inane. Instead, he thinks and hold himself back. Plans what he is going to do, and cares for his other captive people.As for Laurent, even though he is portrayed as this hard, stoned man, you can see the humanity that the author intended for him. Never did I hate him, not even during the flogging, or the insults. Because I know the author didn’t want for that, but it shows that there must be something underlying there.He’s a complex, and equally enthralling character. Finding yourself asking what his next step is, and how he going to go about getting himself out of the situations he’s forced in.And since I’m doing individual reviews, I’ll leave it here and continue onto volume two.I’m saying this once more: Read this book. You will not be disappointed. At allSomeone talk to me about this book!