Prince's Gambit (The Captive Prince Trilogy) Paperback – July 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.

If I placed the initial volume of Captive Prince in a dictionary to serve as an example, I would place it next to words like splendid, lush, magnificent, and triumphant, and still would fall short in my praise. This second volume, I place next to the words brilliant, awe-inspiring, breathtaking, and astounding and wish that my vocabulary were larger for I fear these words barely cover the beauty that is this story. My eyes well up even now, and my heart pounds in fierce anticipation as I await the third volume of this masterful series.Captive Prince volume two picks up exactly where the last book ended. Prince Damianos, rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, is still enslaved by his enemy, the Veretian Prince, Laurent. The two men and a small group of unskilled troops must journey across the wilderness where they are to defend the borderland, Delfeur.Laurent has been tricked into border duty by his uncle, the Regent, a man who covets the throne for himself. The mission is a suicide one at best. Not only do they have too few men to hold the border, but also the Regent insists his well-trained troops accompany them. Their mission is to create havoc and assure that his nephew meets his demise. Laurent must harness his intelligence and every tool at his deposal to beat the Regent. When obstacle after obstacle is thrown in his path, Laurent begins to count on the advice and skill of his sworn enemy, the Akielon slave, Damen.Despite his mistrust of Laurent and the Veretian people, Damen is a warrior at heart and soon finds himself offering strategic advice to Laurent, who surprisingly heeds some of it. As he awaits an opportunity to escape, Damen studies Laurent and in learning the Veretian ways, finds his hardwired opinions subtly changing.This volume finds the two lead characters deepening their relationship despite themselves as circumstance and common enemies take precedence over their individual conflict. Brilliantly woven, multiple intrigues, mystery, conflict, sexual tension, and tender romance, plus C.S. Pacat’s amazing ability to suffuse each scene with life, make this, another winning volume in the Captive Prince series. I could not put this book down. The passion in the writing translates vividly to the page, making each scene more compelling than the previous. I was pretty much glued to my Kindle, my mind and emotions thrilled and reeling over the electrifying content.Dazzling passages reveal the slow awakening and escalating tension Damen and Laurent experience as they each discover admirable qualities in the other. Visits to a camp of gyspy-like warrior women find Damen much sought after. A humorous role reversal scene finds master Laurent becoming temporary slave to Damen. The two men leap across moonlit rooftops in a romantic escape passage. There are scintillating save-the-day moments and magnificent clash-of-armor battle scenes. Trusted allies turning traitor and startling doublecrosses provide many surprise elements. There are deadly ambushes by bandits and mercenaries and heartbreakingly tender moments of trust between the two men. Resplendent and dizzying sex scenes are beautifully paced and underlying the entire story, the constant nail-biting tension of secrets untold and the fear of discovery.There are more dynamic twists and turns than I can possibly mention and a wonderful cast of fully fleshed-out supporting characters provide a strong foundation to this well built world. Everything contributes to a breathtakingly radiant, robust, refreshing, and original epic adventure with nary a dull moment to be read. But all of the above is topped by an ending that is so triumphant, wondrous, and perfect, that I reread it no less than five times when I finished the book and will be reading it again in a moment. And so you now have a tiny idea of how exceptional this story is.Thank you, C.S. Pacat, for this lovely and astounding novel, I shall cherish it always.“Must-Read, Must read soon!”