Captive Prince (The Captive Prince Trilogy)

If you've read the summary of this book, you know that it deals in brutal subjects such as slavery, rape, abuse, pedophilia, and violence. These are hard subjects to read about, but I loved the way it did not shy away from anything. I loved this book! The writing is really good because it keeps the story flowing. It was hard to put down. Fair warning: The book gains a lot of momentum throughout the story, and when it ends, you're going to want to keep that momentum going by reading the next two books. At least, that's what happened to me. The story itself is really good, but what truly makes it are the characters! Erasmus "He was incapable of hiding what he felt and just seemed to radiate embarrassed happiness." Erasmus is precious and my baby, and I feel the strongest need to protect him at all costs. The concept and perception of slaves in Akielos was really interesting. Erasmus was so innocent, and it was heartbreaking to see him taken to a place where slaves were treated so cruelly. I loved reading the extra story about Erasmus. We get to better understand his way of thinking and what led to him going to Vere. He has to be in the next books because I adore him! “Slaves are trained to obey in all things, but their submission is a pact: They give up free will in exchange for perfect treatment. To abuse someone who cannot resist—isn’t that monstrous?” “In the softest little voice he said, “This slave is beneath your attention.” In Akielos, submission was an art, and the slave was the artisan. Now that he was showing his form, you could see that Erasmus was surely the prize pick of the Regent’s gift-slaves. Ridiculous, that he was being dragged around by the neck like an unwilling animal. It was like possessing a finely tuned instrument and using it to smash shells open. Misusing it. Laurent “A golden prince was easy to love if you did not have to watch him picking wings off flies.” Laurent is hardcore manipulative and cruel. Damen described him best by comparing him to a 'nest of scorpions.' You can tell his character is fully-developed and three-dimensional, though. He is the exact opposite of Damen in every way, and it's so interesting and funny to see them interact. I loved seeing him interact with Nicaise because that is the only time we get to see him even a little bit soft. I'm fascinated by him. Damen “This place sickened him. Anywhere else, you simply killed your enemy with a sword." Damen is our narrator and the exact opposite of Laurent. He's blunt, honorable, and incapable of playing games. He went from being the Crown Prince to a pleasure slave in an enemy country, and his half-brother orchestrated it as a way to get the crown and revenge. That kind of revenge and level of creativeness is impressive, but Kastor is an idiot to leave an heir alive if he really wants to keep the throne. It's impressive how well Damen takes the abuse and change of circumstances. He never gives up hope or stops fighting for his freedom or his countrymen. The Romance “Laurent’s fair skin and blue eyes were a combination that was rare in Patras, rarer in Akielos, and a particular weakness of Damen’s.” The cultures that are portrayed in this book are fascinating. In Vere, same-sex pairings are the only relationships allowed if you are not married. They are terrified of 'bastards' being born, and it was so interesting. The only type of physical "romance" that occurs in this book is rape and abuse. Nothing happens between Damen and Laurent in this book, but there is a slow-burn romance building up. It is going to be epic when it happens, and I cannot wait! I loved the book so much that I just ordered the next two books in the series. I cannot wait to get back into the story and see what happens next!

“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 all Someone talk to me about this book!

I am not a frequent reviewer but I had to say something. This story will blow your mind. I had to read the only 2 reviews that gave this a 1 star and was not surprised to find that they did not even read half of book 1. I felt just as they did at first and was about to quit. But at the time.I didn't have money to buy another book and this was the only one I haven't read so I gave it another go. THANK GOD I DID. First of all do not expect the characters to be what they first seem. They are very well written you just won't see that straight away. Gotta have more attention span than a 3 year old people, because this is how classics were written, how the characters were developed. And they change slowly in this book, gradually but surely in the 2nd. The protagonists hate each other in this 1st volume, though around the end Pacat plants a seed of mutual if cautious respect, which is taken up in the 2 nd volume in which it grows steadily, and QUITE exquisitely, into more. In the 2 nd book the story takes a turn. damen and laurent learn to trust each other even if it is just because they know both benefit from each other. This development starts an appetizing rollercoaster of sexual tension. Don't expect a quick romance, it happens very slowly and very realistically. They are enemies after all. And laurent has his reasons for being the way he is towards Damen in the beginning. However after the "cock fight" as someone put it and were so grossed out by the scene they quit the story before it developed, many of Laurents actions surprise Damen and the reader. Why, even one of the akielon slaves calls Laurent a "kind master". Hmm, why could that be if Laurent is so cruel and sadistic - to Damen. Guess the characters are not so two-dimensional after all. The story is in Damen's point of view, so you will understand as he understands and feel as he feels, particularly regarding Laurent. Book 1 takes place mostly in the Veretian court where Damen is at first the object on which Laurent reaps some of his vindictive anger. His father and older brother were killed in the last war with the akielons. He was once a sweet geeky kid trailing after his adored older brother, a strong, honorable warrior and simple man much like Damen. When they are killed Laurent is forced to learn how to survive alone in the viper's nest that is Veretian court and its politics. There are many who want him dead and poison his image in most Veretian eyes as a soft, spoiled and useless prince. He is quite the opposite. Five years later he receives an offensive gift by the akielons, an akielon soldier turned slave. He never would have imagined he would find an ally and more. Of course Laurent is afraid to love, he must be strong, that is how he thinks even at the end of book 2. And Damen, in the 2nd book, which takes place on the road, full of skirmishes and plotting against enemies that want Laurent dead, and has a completely different mood than the first, comes not only to admire the fortitude and perseverance of the veretian prince, but desires him. Even gets a bit jealous of a captor whose hands get a bit too wandering. Laurent is clearly attracted to Damen and scared of this attraction so puts on a cold bitch front. It's packed with all the cautious sexual tension that the 1 st volume didn't, but it is to be expected from two men that could have never even be civil to one another otherwise. They are the princes and heirs of two warring states, though only Damen is aware of that. That said, I actually like that this 1st book doesn't have much sensuality. The anger and animosity Damen and Laurent share here and the gradual build up of trust and friendship later on the road in the 2 nd book, make their slowly developed romance and their first kiss, so, so brilliantly sweet! Here I thought I was becoming a little jaded towards mm romance, but really it is just that most mm romances don't foreplay the brains out of the readers! It is too bad those 2 reviewers did not give this story a chance to develope. they are missing out on an epic. In fact, I think the pace and gradual bits of revelation about the characters should be taken as a guideline to how to write a good story. Lesson is, NEVER quit a story having only read the beginning.

The first third of this book is a lot of world building and character intro, personality definition, or at least the outer layers of such. I'm not sure the book could have done without it but it just wasn't the most interesting example of these tactics for me. At chapter five, things began to change, subtlely, but most assuredly. I can handle a lot, but the treatment of Erasmus made me shake my head 'no'. I felt like I could sink down and luxuriate into the encompassing warmth of all of the words, but that's all they were sometimes, just words. I usually very much enjoy historical or historical-like fiction. This setting could resemble ancient Rome or the middle east. I kept thinking of another book set in a similarly toned world, but the characters there were strong in description, there was movement on all fronts in the story. But this is an internal comparison and I shouldn't really make it a part of examining this one's merits. An honest feeling, none the less. Meals and guards, customs and cadence of the language, the clothing and decor. I should like this, or rather have a more visceral reaction to it and I didn't. I need more variation in settings, the description of, more forward movement, more...depth to the meaning of all of the words. I got the subtlety, the incremental progress in the interactions between Damen and Laurent: one starts to ask questions when he hadn't previously, one starts to show curiosity, one behaves in a slightly surprising way, one comes to a quiet realization about the other and the dynamics change by a breath. All clues, but to what, I have yet to figure out. It's not that any of this is bad, it just... is. I like the writing style. It couples with the words to create the giant comfy bed of language. The pacing of that language well matches the dialogue and exposition as they shift speeds naturally. I can see the talent, it's there, bright: a high comfort level with words, keeping details straight, continuity, color. For me, it didn't quiet yet equal a story with an end point. It was like an enjoyable stroll through one of the gardens of Vere. There are multiple word-gasms to be had here, to that I can wholeheartedly attest. This is one of many reasons as to why I was unsure, still am really, what rating to give. The writing is healthy, so full, masterful even. The author knows this world and there were indications of knowing the characters, especially Erasmus. For the supporting role he played, he packed the most punch in comparison to his time on the page. Inside it all, the story was light on purpose and determination for me. I can only assume that book two contains the actions, the events, the exploration and connection that this one refused to give me. A purely personal reaction, I must emphasize. I'm still undecided as to whether I'll read the second one. I may need someone to convince me. That, and the hazy veil of distance to improve the view of the possibilities it may hold.

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

This review contains big plot spoilers and plot guessing (shame on me), and should be considered as a review for books one and two. First off, because I like to be upfront where I got/purchased a book, I read both books in this series on LiveJournal first. Why? Because a recent reviewer abandoned the first story. I noticed when I received my Goodreads email. Of course an abandonment always makes me curious when so many others shove a five star rating on the same book. Curiosity led me to look at Amazon reviews, especially the bad ones, and then I found a mention that the entire first novel was over on LJ and off I went. To be honest, the title did not encourage me to want to read (because it sounded like an erotica novel) and nor did the sample. When it all comes down to it, bad or good, the reviews never help me decide. It's the sample. The sample wasn't all that great. I didn't get enough clues to know if the book would be worthwhile. Rather, I was given a bad impression. But I was still curious and so began reading on LJ. So why the four star? Well, I knocked off a star for the sample. I should probably knock off another for poor punctuation in the LJ versions, but perhaps the author fixed those in the eBook; I don't know. Doesn't matter really. I gave the four star for the remaining content after the poor beginning. Why do I feel the beginning is poor? We have a prince who is assaulted, coming out of a sound sleep to witness his sex slave butchered before his eyes and then he is beaten, chained and placed in the slave quarters prior to becoming a slave to an enemy prince. What are his reactions? Anger. Sure. Fear...? Well, the impression is dim. Panic? Dim again. Murderous outrage? Ok, sure. There was that. Caution? Too much, probably, considering there should have been more panic. Shock? Not enough shown. Denial? Yeah, but it was naive, a bit too naive since the POV character (and there is only one for this story) didn't show the shock necessary to make it plausible. Basically what I'm saying here is that the first chapters glossed the reality of the captive prince's situation. Panic is mentioned. Naivety is mentioned. But did I feel it like one does when fully engaged with a character? No, not really. But perhaps the writer had good reason to do it. Perhaps the story would have been too grim if the more realistic aspects were shown. This is a prince--raised to believe he was all but sacrosanct--getting torn from his bed and having a full social reversal. He becomes a nobody, a slave, a sex slave. There should have been a hell of a lot more emotional upheaval, but I didn't see any real depths emotionally until after the sample, when the captive confronts the possibility of a violent rape. Actually, just a bit before, he confronts that someone inserted an oiled finger into him to prepare him. His absolute unthinking shock was the first intimation of realism for me. Oh, yeah. Not much sex in the first novel, btw. There is some groping and a semi-faked rape. This is not an erotica novel. And there's why the title put me off. I didn't want to read an erotica novel. Most of those have no plot. I like plot. This story has plot and not much sex at all, though it doesn't shy away from sexuality. For me, the story is very worth reading for what follows the sample. Get underneath the politics and the warfare in this story, and you find love at the roots, a false love, a fetish that pretended love, and there at the end of that love, the broken young man who still hasn't fully accepted a rejection that occurred because of a change in his body. He grew up. And now he is unloved. Now place this burden on a man destined to be a king and you have what I feel is a really engaging story, a very human story, and I really do want to read to the end to see Laurent rise above his early trauma and win at everything he sets his mind to. I have to give major kudos to this author. Captive Prince is a non-magical fantasy world in which the pedophilia is realistic (but not at all graphic). Pacat nailed the details of pedophilia that truly ruin lives, the details that haunt a victim long afterward. The author has, in this series, grasped the depths of what a victim goes through who was seduced to love his victimizer, and also the depths of manipulation and control a pedophile levies on his victims. And it's all set in a world where few question the rights of high born men who do this, yet the story questions it very thoroughly. Four stars for book one. Five for book two. Highly recommended. P.S. Purchased as an ebook after.

This book is one of the best that I've read and among them, one of the most complex and intriguing. Let me start off by saying that I read the first two volumes online. Two years have passed and I have not revisited the series until the third volume came out. I've finished the first volume just yesterday, so let me do a comparison of what I recall of my impression of the series two years ago as compared to my impression now. Two year ago when I first came upon this series, I held it in the highest regard. It is fantastic, it is great, it is the best thing that I've ever read. The characters are intriguing, their dynamic intricate and complex, the story line so amazing as to always keep me guessing. Amazon asks what describes the mood of the series the best and the answer would always, always be suspenseful, followed by anticipatory on the reader's end. I recall two years ago that once I started reading the story online, I could not stop scrolling and clicking until I reached the end. Now, two year from then, in the present day, I did the same with the physical copy of the book. I finished it in a day and pretty much ignored everything until I did so. When I finally did, I pulled my head away from the book, closed it and went to bed way past my usual sleeping hours, only to awake the next day and repeat the same process. I'm on the second book now, so needless to say, my impression of the book two years previous and now is both very favorable. The volume is as good as I remembered. It is a known fact that stories sometimes are not as good on the second read: you notice inconsistencies, flaws, things that previously made sense but now you clearly saw didn't. You are older, more mature, you've read far more and much better stories out there. And there is some of that in here, but not in the way you would think. Fascinated and awed by the world-building and details of the story, I never noticed how odd some sentence structures of Captive Prince were (ie."'A reward.' Laurent, flatly."). Commas are use in abundant, parenthesis not often used but still more frequently than common in novels, the start of many sentences with 'and.' They weren't enough to detract from the story Captive Prince is telling, but they were jarring in the beginning. Thankfully enough, the first two fell away from usage after the first half of the book and the third, it was easy enough to grow used to after a while. While I'm on the topic, the author uses really sophisticated language often, which was distracting for me because I had the option of either 1) searching it up or 2) ignoring it. I went with the second option after a while when my anticipation made it impossible for me to continually pause in my read. So I mentioned the flaws that I came across during my rereads and here are some pros. Captive Prince is essentially a story of court intrigue and double-dealing. Upon reread, I noticed just how much was set up. Details that were seemingly unimportant suddenly come back with vengeance chapters later as an essential part of the plot. While reading the second book today, I noticed the same thing. When you read, pay attention to details just like the characters would, because there are layers upon layers with their actions and words. That impressed me and also the fact that even though I recalled enough of the main plot points of the story, I still looked forward to every turn of my page nevertheless. My knowledge of what would happen, instead of detracting from the pleasure of reading, only made my anticipation of every next line grow. The prose is beautiful and the dialogue, once again, full of double-meaning that I could never resist rereading some parts of it. I'm just writing whatever comes into my mind right now, so here's some of the things that captivated me. The characters are amazing. Damen is a Prince who is a warrior and has no head for court deception and he becomes the slave of Laurent, who is known as a cold, ruthless and entirely-too-sly prince. Damen is by no means dim, but he is nothing compared to Laurent. Laurent's reputation, as you will soon read, is not-at-all an exaggeration. He has grown up in Vere, a country that is full of double-dealing and focus of sex as sport. While I'm at it, I'll warn you that there's going to be rape, betrayal, incest, slaves, same-sex relationship, pedophilia and also non-con. Some of these don't happen between the main characters, but it will be there in the background nevertheless for the sake of plot. Laurent grew up in a country like that, so he treats Damen badly in the beginning and the two of them had a very antagonistic relationship at the start. Despite that, both of them do grow closer but at a very slow pace. If you want to see them fall in love by the end of this book, you will be disappointed. They only starts learning to trust each other by the end. Anyway, besides that, the world-building is amazing. Damen comes from a different country than Laurent and the way that Damen constantly notes makes both countries and himself more realistic (Vere is more decorated, clothing with way more laces than necessary, etc). The author puts a lot of details in the different settings and cultural differences. In conclusion, if a slow developing romance, intelligent characters, and court intrigues interests you, then congratulations, this book is for you. However, once again, keep in mind my warnings. All these things are at least implied: rape, betrayal, incest, slaves, same-sex relationship, pedophilia and also non-con.

This review is based on the entire series, which I completed reading at lightening speed. There is no insta-love or cheesy declarations of love. It is so subtle and so well executed, you can't help but be pulled in. Yes, it is a love story, but it's so much more than that. While there is tension, there's no sex scene until the end of the 2nd book. So, if you're going in looking for quick and dirty sex scenes, this ain't it. I read a lot of the reviews and avoided this book because I had read some reviews that said it was a slow burn. Usually, books in this type of genre, slow burn can also translate to "boooring." I'm happy to say this was not the case for this series. The way these men have to learn to come together and trust one another, after everything they have done to the other (read the story to find out what...). Pacat is a master story teller. She wove together a complex tale that keeps you guessing at how they can possibly succeed in the face of so much adversity. NONE of it was easy and the way they have to battle through all of it, both emotionally, mentally and physically was so well developed. You can't help but be pulled into this world. My interest never waivered and I didn't skip any pages to get to the "good parts," as I've done with other books. It's just that good. I will warn that the first book is a hard one to get through. There is abuse, both physical and sexual. There is slavery. There is pedophilia (not by either of the main characters, Laurent or Damen). It doesn't occur on the page, but there is a 13-year-old that is a "pet" of the Regent who appears in the story. For some, that would be enough to turn away and I completely understand. It is actually an important part of the plot and character development. However, that might not be good enough for some to justify it being mentioned in a story, so you've been warned. I don't think it's any worse than Game of Thrones and other historical fantasy novels I've read, so if you liked those stories, you can probably appreciate this one. By the second book, the story moves away from the Regent's court, so you're not as mired in the court's sexual proclivities and the focus is much more on the two main characters, as well as the adult side characters. But, again, this is not a fluffy Regent Era novel and Pacat is not against sacrificing some of her characters to tell her tale. There were a couple of scenes that really break you're heart. Some have complained that the 3rd book ends to abruptly. If you think so, be prepared to buy the final epilogue story "The Summer Palace." THAT will give you the ending you probably wanted. ;-)

SUCH a good book. Love it completely!

Laurent and Damen are stuck in my head ever since I've read the Captive Prince Trilogy. Pacat has become my current fav author!

Eu AMO essa saga, amo esse livro, é bom demais! C. S. Pacat, obrigada por existir! EU amo o pov do Damen, ele é honesto e inocente, sem deixar de transparecer sua inteligência. Ele é maravilhosamente bem escrito. E o Laurent - a trajetória de ódio e curiosidade que perpassa o seu personagem é cativante. Enfim, leiam!

I made...a terrible mistake reading these books. Not only did I lose two days of my life becoming hopelessly lost in this devastatingly realistic Other-World and these amazingly three-dimensional characters, I did it without checking beforehand to make sure the third book had been released. Now I am stuck in this painful, agonizing wait! Serious review time. These books are amazing. There really is no other word for it. The build between the two main characters is slow, tantalizing and agonizing to wait for. There were many times I thought it was never going to happen and there were times when I felt that the moment has passed and that it had been delayed to the point where the moment would lose satisfaction...I was so wrong. I've never been so happy to be so wrong. It is truly worth the wait and the wait just means there is more time to build the chemistry between the two main characters. Damen and Laurent are so wonderfully developed that you can't help but love them both in very different ways. Damen is so wonderful that as a reader you can't help but admire the way he stays so firmly loyal to Laurent despite Laurent's...less-than-awesome behavior sometimes. Damen is the backbone of the book, yet he is never boring as is the case sometimes with characters who are so filled with honor and integrity that there is little room for any real colour. Damen manages to be strong, honorable, loyal and yet also has a quiet sense of humour that comes across amazingly well, particularly when he is interacting with Laurent. Laurent, on the other hand, is a little s***. He is cocky, sure of himself, absolutely vicious. In short, Laurent possesses all the characteristics I LOVE in a character. I laughed out loud at so many of his bitchy comments and his cruelty is (as horrible as it is to say) what makes him so damn fascinating. He runs hot and cold, nobody knows where they stand with him, not even Damen. Laurent trusts no one and the books are essentially a carefully woven tale of how Laurent allows himself to trust Damen, despite the fact that Damen is holding a secret that could cause Laurent to kill him on the spot if it were discovered. It was a pleasure to read these books. I read them both in two days, back to back, and I couldn't think of anything else when I was trying to go about my everyday life. I just wish I'd been more careful and checked to make sure the third installment was available before I gave myself over so completely to this brilliantly constructed world. C.S. Pacat, you are a dream weaver.

I'm a passionate reader but The Captive and The Prince brought out the “crazy” in me according to me family. The evil laughter that would burst out of me sporadically while reading, couldn't be helped. When I read a book with a plot that is so well executed, a book that is THIS good, I get excited. I was completely lost in this story and the world C.S. Pacat has created. “He was not inclined to believe that cruelty delivered with one hand was redeemed by a caress from the other.” When Prince Damianos AKA Damen, the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, is betrayed by his brother, everyone believes he is dead. He is sent to Vere as a slave and straight into the hands of Laurent, the heir to the throne of Vere. Not good. At all. Laurent, it seems, is an evil man. The villain of this story? Maybe. “A golden prince was easy to love if you did not have to watch him picking the wings off flies.” Laurent, you beautiful, diabolical, brilliant bastard.... At 30% I HATED you. With a ******** passion. At 50% I loved to hate you. At 80% I hated that I was starting to love you...a little. By the end...I own that ****...I love you. Villain or not. You're an enigma and I can't wait for all of the revelations that I know are coming. The character development is absolutely BRILLIANT. When an author can change my mind about a man like Laurent, then they have weaved some kind of magic. And this is only the first book! I'm convinced that by the end of this series C.S. Pacat will have me believing that Laurent is a ******* saint, despite all the terrible things he has done. Okay, maybe not a saint but hopefully you know what I mean. Like I said...magic. Damen is an honorable man. That's the best way I can describe him. The things that he sees in Vere, the violence and debauchery are almost too much for him to bear. But he's a fighter. He is strong and not easily broken. And it becomes clear by the end of this book that as much as Damen wants to hate Laurent...things aren't as black and white as they may seem. “And what did it mean, to be a prince, if he did not strive to protect those weaker than himself?” When I read the last page, I nicknamed this book “the little trigger-happy masterpiece”. The world and the people are brutal, depraved and violent. I won't deny that there are scenes that are difficult to read, BUT everything felt integral to the plot and world-building. To understand these characters and how hard they will have to fight, I think it was necessary to know what they were up against. “Learning the words of an enemy was as important as learning the words of a friend.” For anyone going into this for the romance, just know that you won't get that in this first book. Throughout most of the story Laurent and Damen hate each other. By the end, you can feel that it's building towards something, but this is going to be a long journey for these characters to get to a place where they can trust each other enough for any kind of love to grow. Honestly, this is one of the BEST books I've read in a long time. I'm a huge fan of m/m, but I don't read a lot of fantasy novels. I am SO happy I stepped outside of my comfort zone and read it. I have to go dive into book two now!