Prince's Gambit (The Captive Prince Trilogy)

After reading the two books, somehow, i felt disappointed in the sense that i can feel the coldness of the main character (Laurent) through the part where they first made love. Fine...I can understand that there were not any (hot) scenes concerning both of them but on the second book... somehow, i expected it to be hot when they first did it. But it totally failed me. It may not be as very visual as compared to the other books that I've read before, but c'mon... this is already the second book. Where's the fire they've been holding on for a while? In short, their love scene came very flat to me (even after reading the extra Chapter 19). I felt frigid reading their love scenes. This could be the part that must be focused on since it's their first encounter. Now I understand why the soldiers and almost all the men who know the prince was in fact a frigid one. Its not sensual at all. But, despite all this, I'm giving it a 4 star out of 5 - For the plot and the development of its characters. I just hope the third book would be a steamy one.

I'm a sucker for historical or pseudo-historical novels/romances, m/m, and politics. In these areas the book certainly delivers. It is very well plotted and the twists and turns of the political game are very engaging and well done. There is erotica, on which I cannot comment too much because I don't care about the explicit content. However, I will say that it is not overwhelming and there's usually a good reason for any scene with sex in it. This is also a slow-burn romance, which for the most part is well handled.

I think where this series is hit-or-miss is the characters. Damen, who is the narrator, is an overall decent guy and sympathetic enough to be an audience conduit or even stand-in, but he is on the blander side of things. This is both a good and a bad thing - on one hand, he's a protagonist you can sympathize with easily, on the other, there isn't a lot there to keep you hooked if you start to realize that you don't quite see things the way he does anymore.

And that's where we come to Laurent. Most people seem to like him, but I don't know why. I cannot stand the guy. The author seems to think that his backstory (which I won't expand on to avoid spoilers) should somehow excuse the fact that he's a genuinely terrible person and somehow Damen also loses sight of this as things continue. Realizing that I hate Laurent and will never not hate him is what kind of killed the joy for me. I will probably still get the third book, because I want to know how this ends (although, I'm pretty sure I already do) and because the politics and plots are very-very good. But it's really not as fun when you can't really root for the protagonists anymore. So, basically, if you like these characters, you will really enjoy this series. If you don't..consider whether worldbuilding and political fun is enough to make up for that for you.

So here's the thing. I love this book. I love all three in the series, and CS Pacat delights me. Do you like romance? Intrigue? Politics, uncomfortable truths, and tactics? You'll dig this book.

So why the low ranking?

Because I bought the ebook edition, which doesn't include content that the physical edition does. There's an additional short story/half of a chapter that's in the physical edition, that isn't included with the ebook. That's pretty crummy, and a clear move by the publisher to encourage customers to purchase physical over digital -- which, frankly, is beyond frustrating.

So: 5 stars for the book itself. 1 star for the publisher's bullcrap.

I'm seriously starting to consider the fact that I'm reading a completly different book than other people.
The blurb makes you think that this book is an epic fantasy, full of intrugue and a lot of fighting. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but it's not.
The palace (or war camp, whatever) intrigues ale just gossip and battles of wits (not to witty wits, mind you) and the battles are preposterous.

I didn't like the first book (I actually got back to my review just so I can change my rating from 2 to 1 star) and I didn't like this one either. I picked it up because I hoped that it will be better (because that was what I heard). It was, but it still doesn't deserve more thatn 2 stars.
Fortunately in Book 2 we don't have pointless violence, which I hated in Book 1. I have NOTHING against violence, but it has to serve some purpose.
Have you read "American Psycho"? Well, this book is full of really violent situations but they actually served a purpose. Here? Not so much.
We still have a lot of pointless sexual situations (sexual, not to be mistaken with sexy). I refuse to believe that gay men are so obsessed with each other's private parts and the only thing they talk about is how they want some other guy under them. That's impossible and ridiculous.

The Romance.
Ok, let me be clear - if you call the thing between Damen and Laurent a "romance" I. Will. Hit. You. In the face. With a shovel.
It's not romance, it's a Stockholm Syndrome.
Maybe it would be better if we had Laurent's POV, but for now he's just a psycho. We don't know what emotions drive him or does he even have emotions. And please don't tell me that he was soooo vulnerable during the sex scene, because, and that's a promise, I will vomit.
There is nothing, and I mean it, NOTHING that will make me think different of Laurent in the third book. He could dress up in a sackcloth and walk on hiss knees all the way to Lourdes and it would change nothing. He'd still be the person who ordered Damen to be beaten to an inch of his life for no particular reason except that he could. He mistreated and humiliated him, ordered for him to be publicly raped. There is nothing that can redeem that.

Damen is so soft and gullible that I couldn't believe he led armies when he was only 17!
He's co codependent it's not even funny. Stockholm Syndrom at its finest. Bella from "Beauty and the Beast" could take lessons from him.
He had so many occasions to run, to leave, yet he chose to stay. Nice prince you are, dude.

Talking about dysfunctional "relationship" between Jerk Prince and Codependent Prince, there is to chemistry between them whatsoever. It all feels forced and pointless. I enjoy slow burn romance very much, but in that case "slow burn" is so slow that if it were any slower it would go backwards. The whole point in slow burn relationship is the tension. Here, I thought I'd die of boredom before anything happens.

The Author is still determined to make us all feel inferior to her vocabluary.
I don't know, maybe words like "sphaleritic" and "mordent" are popular in Australia, but they don't sound natural. They sound like the author googled "the most ridiculous and rare words ever ever ever" and put them in her story. Just because.

The world building is still pretty poor. And by "pretty poor" I mean "nonexistent".
If you're planning to write some kind of historical fiction (well, at least that's what I think it supposed to be) take some time to think about the places you want your action to take place. It's not enough to throw some kind of ancient Greece AND medieval France names and expect us to feel the world. Tolkien would laugh at you bitterly, serioulsy.

There is a cliffhanger at the end, which isn't really a cliffhanger.
The bonus chapter left me confused - did Laurent know who Damen is? What was the point of this last chapter except of writing a long, long sex scene (no pun intended)?
I will probably read the thind book, because I've invested so much into those two books that it would be weird not to finish.

This was what I posted immediately after finishing this book: "Holy crap, these books are fantastic! The writing, the characters, the story... And I'm really glad the next one is already out because *that ending!*" And that, I think, is a very valid summary of my thoughts. I am honestly so impressed by this series. Some of this review might be repetitive from my first review, but I don't really care because I want to rave again!

First and foremost, these characters were so amazingly consistent and well-written. For example, all throughout the first book, Damen was interested in the politics of all the kingdoms and trying to figure out what was going on in order to figure out how his kingdom might've been affected, and in this book, he always knew exactly the things Laurent should do to keep control of his people, constantly listened to what all the men were saying in order to assess their situation, and sucked up his pride and helped Laurent despite his dislike and mistrust because he knew it was necessary in order to help his own people. Even his frustration at Veretian clothing was consistent (and hilarious). But my point is that Damen was clearly someone who grew up as the crown prince and was meant to be king; it showed in his character, more so than in probably any other royal character I've ever read about. And Laurent was intelligent and cunning, was always planning, was always so restrained and put-together, and was always smart enough to see reason rather than stubbornly refusing to listen to Damen.

The romance that started blooming between the two characters was also so well-written. The feelings were so gradual and didn't show up until Damen started to see more of the real Laurent. It was such a slow-burn and filled with so much tension that, despite the fact that Damen started out as Laurent's slave, I could believe it. I was ready for something to just happen already. And oh, that sex scene! *fans self* It wasn't even that it was particularly graphic, it was the way it was so drawn out before anything even happened and the way Damen and Laurent reacted to everything and to each other. Beautiful. Not to mention how interesting it was to see Laurent let go and soften---it was a totally different side of him.

The writing was also, once again, fantastic. So eloquent. Not a ton of frilly stuff, but the descriptions/similes/metaphors that were used were perfect. It was even funny sometimes!

As for the plot, that was just as amazing as everything else. It always impresses me when authors can plan out whole kingdoms and nations and military maneuvers and wars. It was so big in scope, yet the plot itself still stuck so closely to the characters and never got bogged down in politics.

And then that ending was just, gah! I had to start the next book immediately.

So yeah, this book was even better than the first, and this whole series is so well-written with an intricate plot, eloquent writing, and amazing characters!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight (link in profile)

Think Game Of Thrones, but less thrones. Think of burning slowly and loving the pain that threatens to burn you from the inside out. Secrets, lies, betrayal, passion, war... I could go on and on. I still don't like the 3rd person weird POV. But, I'd be dammed if I could stop. The story is unpredictable, yet I know I've figured out some of the plot twists that are sure to pop open in the third book. I feel the twistedness coming to the front lines.

This series has slapped me into submission, Guys. I have to read the conclusion as soon as I'm done writing this review. I'm not going to give the entire story in my review... This is a M/M enemy romance, that's my label. LOL! Not sure if we will see a traditional HEA, because I can't deal with wanting one, and being smashed to smithereens. I'll be over here hoping for the worst so it's not a heartbreaking end for me. Two kingdoms, one King, one Prince, and a lifetime of betrayal. This series should be on the big screen. I'm telling, Y'all!!!

Before I go, I should probably let you know about the angst. (Curse words.) I wanted to break my kindle in half. The tension was pure obsession. I turned the pages so fast, I had to read the last chapter to retain more of the story.

Ok, I'm leaving now, already downloaded the third book. You gotta read this series.

I liked this book as much as the first in the series, but I found it more problematic. Stories of love between a slave and a master are always complicated. They have to walk a fine line between being realistic, but also not promoting an unhealthy relationship. For me, this usually means that although there can be attraction while the slave-master relationship exists, the true romance can't start until that relationship has been dissolved. This was not the case in this novel. While the relationship between Laurent and Damon progresses in equality and respect, it's still not enough to get me to overlook the fact that Laurent owns Damon. Damon sets important goals aside because of his attraction to a person who never has his interests at heart. Still, the writing is equal to the first book and the military plot lines are better than the court intrigues in my opinion, so I really enjoyed this novel. There was a lot less court rape and more positive interaction between the protagonists. Despite my misgivings about the relationship I really enjoy these characters together and the ways they influence each other. Overall, despite my hesitancy over the correctness of the relationship I want to see these two men stand together as equals in the end and that makes me keep reading.

Prince's Gambit picks up right after Prince's Captive ends. In this installment there is a lot more action, adventure, and sexual tension. Whereas Captive Prince takes place in the palace, Prince's Gambit takes place in the great outdoors. There are a lot of plots on Laurent's life, a lot of twists that you don't see coming, and a whole heck of a lot of world building as you travel with Laurent and his men to the border of his lands.

Oh, man. What can I say about this book that wouldn't give everything away? Let's see. There's quite a bit that goes on in this book due to the predicament that Laurent finds himself on. In order to prove how serious he is about becoming King, he must go to the border of his lands and walk right into a trap. Not to mention, he is trying to do everything he can from keeping a way from breaking out. A war that has been put in motion for years. However, Laurent has been playing this game his whole life and he has come up with precautions to help him on his mission and keep him alive. Like I said about Captive Prince, this story is a massive chess game. No one does anything without weighing all the possible outcomes and counter attacks. I have a feeling that if I read this book again, I'd still miss things that would hint to the outcome of the book. Everything Laurent does, even when he's in a brothel, has a reason and an ultimate goal to suit his needs. You just don't see all the pieces in place until he attacks.

Now, this is a story about Damen (a prince of his own lands) who was captured and given to Prince Laurent as a pleasure slave. A pleasure slave that Laurent didn't want and who then tortured and humiliated whenever he could. That is, until Damen started to show his loyalty and stopped becoming a threat to him. The first book was difficult to read in that aspect. However, there is a sense of comradery between Laurent and Damen in Prince's Gambit. Right from the start of the book Laurent appoints Damen a high level of respect with his men. He defers to Damen about training the men, war tactics, and seeks advice from him. Damen then goes on to oversee the training of the men to ensure that they are fit enough to handle attacks that will inevitably come their way. There were a few scenes where the two of them go off on some errand that ends up in some dangerous chase where the two are trying to escape with their lives. I think it was those moments that was able to bring these two from slave and master, to friends and comrades, and ultimately lovers. The author took her time cultivating their connection and it wasn't an easy road. In the end, she was able to pull it off.

Just... Wow. Ms Pacat did it again and I think I developed an addiction in the process. Two volumes in two days and I must say I regret nothing. Absolutely perfect, still as fast-paced as before with a style of writing that makes it impossible to stop reading. I must say though, that I'm still not a fan of Laurence.

Before that, there is a brief description of the second volume of the Captive Prince trilogy.
Tension is building between Laurence and his uncle. Forced to travel to the border with Akielos as a punishment for childish actions and as an attempt to have him killed, Laurent must unite forces with Damen in order to avoid a war between their countries. Surrounded from both sides by usurpers and unknown traitors, the two kings must fight for their lives, their freedom and their people while trying to ignore the growing sensual tension between them. Can Damen keep his identity a secret for much longer?

In this book, I could see the rising tension between the Regent and Laurence. The Regent's determination to get ride of Laurence that was very well concealed in the first volume is completely revealed and it shows the length of his greed and thirst for power. Laurent is still a very complex character and, like I mentioned on the review of the previous novel, I believe that he has some sort of trauma from his childhood and I don't mean his brother's death. I can't bring myself to like him though, and it's probably related to how he uses people to achieve his means no matter the consequences or cost.
On the other hand, Damen is a character that doesn't let his nasty experience in Vere change who he is and who he's meant to be. He proved to have more King material than Laurent could ever hope to have: the knowledge in battle strategy, how to make the troops happy and avoid conflict, how to predict situations and act under pressure. Furthermore and most importantly, he has the heart of a king, his people come first.

I absolutely loved the ending. It was simply perfect and very gratifying.

No doubt that this trilogy made it to my Top favourite.

WOW! This book is incredibly intriguing and fascinating! If you love political intrigue then look no further - this book has it in spades along with complex characters, plenty of action, a very slow burn romance and a ending that has me wanting to jump right into the third book!

This book picks up right where the first book ended. Prince Laurant is trying to beat his Uncle at his own game and Damen is stuck in the middle trying to gain his freedom and save his country at the same time. The power struggle between Laurant and Damen is intense and while both men are very strong, Alpha characters they are very different. Laurant knows there is nothing submissive about his slave but he starts to also see a lot more to Damen and slowly begins to rely on him as well as respect him. Damen also begins to see another side of Laurant and he is not afraid to tell him what he things (unlike everyone else). As the two men begin to work together and respect each other the attraction between them also grows.

In this book we finally get to see more of Laurant who was not very likable in the first book. Laurent has a whole other side that slowly Damen is beginning to see and I can't wait to see what happens next!

I honestly didn't think I could be into this trilogy anymore than I was for the first book. Captivated and engrossed just don't quite cover it, but I. Was. Wrong. I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I tried three times and each time there was no way I could wait to see what happened next. If things weren't at the height of danger then they were at a huge moment in this edge of the knife master and slave relationship that has so many layers to it that the description is simplistic.

Do you need to read them in order? By golly YES!

The story opens where the last segment left off. Prince Laurent, a small contingent of troops, and Damen make their way toward the border where the Regent has ordered them. It's a set up and almost certain death and everyone knows it. The Regent is finally making his play to wrest the Kingdom of Vere from Laurent. But as Damen has learned, Laurent can't be counted out because deep strategy is his game. Damen has come to an understanding with Laurent. He will help Laurent as best as he is able since the goal is to keep the peace and when they are near the closest border fort, Laurent will free Damen to return to his own people.

The Regent is cunning and several deadly traps are set and sprung. Betrayal is in the air and nobody can be trusted. Damen works at Laurent's side and at his back doing more than his part. Laurent plays a deep game and Damen can't even keep up with Laurent's moves and counter-moves on the real live playing field. But as enigmatic as Laurent seems to Damen, Damen stymies Laurent many times too. Damen's powerful secret about his real persona looms close as he has to play things on the edge of the knife because he can't let Laurent figure out who he really is. Akielos, the mountain tribes, the neighboring lands are like a powder keg and it is Laurent's work that is holding the peace.

Well as I made clear, this was one exciting, tension-filled installment in the trilogy. This bridge between the two outside books was strong. It wasn't stagnant and so much went down. I think the big thing that had me captivated was that the hints of attraction and a relationship that peeked out in the first book finally came out of the shadows. Oh, it wasn't anything full-blown or anything that could be labeled as romance, but what was there was gripping. Damen and Laurent's relationship is in actuality something immeasurably more and yet less than that. This book also finally got the fight out in the open even though stealth is still very much the key. There were brutal moments, but the captor/slave dynamic is not there in this one. The grittier moments involve the fighting with Laurent's uncle and his allies. Damen is more a close body servant and guard. That ending was just wow. High note and cliffhanger. I am salivating for the final volume.

In summary, intrigue, gritty battle action, sensual fleeting moments, tension between the major players and a steady march toward a huge finale make this one big rush from cover to cover. This series would appeal to M/M Fantasy Romance fans who like a spy or military flavor to their reading.

My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

'Laurent was complicated and contradictory, and Damen could look nowhere else.'

Even more addicting.
Even more intrigue.
Even more mystery.
Even more secrets and betrayal.
Even more EVERYTHING.

The plot and the characters are so smartly developed and woven together here, it's mind blowing.

"I know exactly what it is to want to kill a man, and to wait."

This trilogy is a slow burn like no other. Slow burn aren't my favorite books to read because I want ALL the romance, I'm not even sure these can be classed as romance and yet I have never been addicted and so invested in a couple like I am with Laurent and Damen. There is so much hate and so much imperfections between the two but they are the most unforgettable characters I've ever read about. And there's still more to their story.
The sexual tension here is something else. I've never read anything like it. Those small moments. The looks with no words spoken. The near touches. The slight, small touches.
AND THENNNN!
Then, THAT first kiss and THAT first sex scene. That freaking sex scene. Everything. The emotions and each and every touch and word spoken. Holy f... Sh.... I am dead serious when I say no other sex scene will ever come close to that one. THE FEELS. Gah.

'He caught Laurent's wrist, felt the fine bones, and the pulse, before Laurent could rise from the bed. Damen said, "Kiss me."'

C.S. Pacat played with my emotions big time.
Trust absolutely No one.
She pulled me into this world, consumed me with her words, this story and the characters she created. Made me fall in love with many more than just the main characters. And she devastated me in many ways. She's created a villain I really didn't see coming. There was betrayal from places I did not expect at all.
She is a genius.
I ate up every single word, not wanting to miss a single thing.

This is unusual in being a fantasy adventure without any magic or monsters - at least not in this book. I haven't read the first so a little time was needed for me to settle in, but mainly it's a medieval military adventure. As there are plenty of men riding and marching on campaign, to beat back border raiders, potential for camp followers and stronger men taking advantage of weaker ones emerge. One or two male romances are included but mainly there is simmering tension between a slave and the prince for whom he is a bodyservant and guard.

The prince learns that the Regent back at the palace would prefer to see him disgraced or dead, so he's got to be on his guard. For the men riding with him are loyal to the Regent. All but his slave who is from another country. I could not quite see a border garrison being allowed to fall into such disrepair and slovenly habits, because the strong border is vital to a kingdom - for taxing trade if nothing else. But maybe it's just overstated in order to build contrast and challenge, or we can accept that in a land where horseback is the fastest pace, the outskirt soldiers are shabbily paid compared to the capital city.

The divertissement around brothels and inns is just thrown in to liven up what the author may have felt was becoming a slow story, on the way to the serious border skirmishes. To my mind there were a lot of separate routes and bands of soldiers to follow, so I just accepted that the men knew what they were talking about and went along for the ride. I enjoyed the detail in the telling and the fact that strong women are inserted as leaders of the hill tribes; gay romances written by men tend to omit women almost completely or just throw in token roles, in many cases. This lady author clearly takes her world building and her two main characters seriously and I'll be interested to read more of her lands.

“To get what you want, you have to know exactly how much you're willing to give up.”

I need to make something clear before I make a bold statement. What I'm about to say is NOT something I take lightly but it is the absolute truth for me...

Out of all the books I have read in the last three years since I switched to the romance genre, Prince's Gambit is my favorite. Not one of my favorites. Not top five. My absolute FAVORITE. Plain and simple. I really think you have to be in the right mood for this series but I read it at the perfect time. A time when I needed something completely different. As much as I loved book one, this book blew me away!

Take all five stars and add five more...that's how I would rate this book if I could.

“Because a king maker would always choose the weaker man. The weaker the man, the easier he is to control.”

Pretty much everything is a spoiler so this review is going to be pretty vague. Sorry, but I refuse to ruin this book for anyone. There are so many things that I could gush over when it comes to Prince's Gambit but Laurent won't stop screaming in my head to be heard. I'm not sure if I have ever been more intrigued by, or as invested in a character, as I am him. Yes, the political intrigue is enthralling and will keep you guessing as to how everything will play out. But this series is character-driven, so what stands out most to me is their development, ESPECIALLY Laurent. This is more than just a little growth. They are not without flaws, but C.S. Pacat gives you reason to forgive those flaws, to sympathize with them. It's expertly written in that sense. I might be slightly obsessed with Laurent. I want to live inside these books forever so I never have to leave his side.

“Laurent fought the way he talked. The danger lay in the way he used his mind: there was not one thing he did that was not planned in advance.”

Damen and Laurent have one of the most complex relationships I've ever read. I've heard people say this is a slow-burn but honestly, it's so much more than that. Do they hate each other? Do they trust each other? Do they want to kill each other? Do they have an intense connection that confuses both of them? Do they need each other? The answer to all those questions is just as complex as their relationship. The tension between them is palpable. Seeing it all unfold and trying to figure out the answers was absolutely fascinating. It makes for a story that is unputdownable. It also makes me extremely jealous of Damen. I told you...I'm obsessed with Laurent. But then I love Damen too. It's all very confusing on my emotions. Gah...this series owns my heart and soul right now!

“I'm not going to use the knife,” said Damen, “but if you're willing to put it in my hand, you underestimate how much I want to.”

I said in my review of Captive and The Prince that it was one of the best books I had read in a very long time and that was the truth. Well, Prince's Gambit was even better. If you read the first book and loved it, or even just liked it, you will want to read this one. Trust me.

it was amazing

I will forever regret that it took me so long to pick up this series.
I have no words to describe the lush world of political intrigue and passion C.S. Pacat has created. I am in love with the descriptions, the character development and overall plot.
The undeniable attraction that slowly builds between Damen and Laurent had me glued to my seat but the story is more than a love story, it is more than a captivity story.
It has been a long time since I have been so drawn to a book and I seriously cannot wait to read the final book.
Captive Prince deserves all the hype it has been getting. I recommend it.

Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
If you’re looking for an M/M story that may rival one of your all-time favorite series, look no further – Prince Laurent and Damon just might be your new favorite couple. If you’re anything like you, you tend to fall in love with different couples all the time but what’s different about Damon and Laurent is that things aren’t so easy and clear for these two in the beginning.

I should state that this isn’t a series that can be read as a standalone. You definitely need to read the series in order because the author doesn’t waste any time trying to catch new readers up. It’s been a long time since I read the first book so some of the details were lost on me here as I jumped in several months later. However, Pacat’s writing still remains gripping and interesting.

This is a M/M Fantasy so there’s a lot of time spent on worldbuilding. As Laurent and Damon travel to the border, Pacat uses this time to build their romance as well. Told in Damon’s POV, we get a much different perspective on Laurent. It’s clear that halfway through the book he is head over heels in love with the guy but he wouldn’t dare act upon it. That kind of dynamic paired with the deadly, lethal world they are in makes for a very interesting combination and makes for a compelling read.

A lot of my friends have said that Laurent and Damon are one of their all-time favorite couples and after reading PRINCE’S GAMBIT, I can safely say that I whole-heartedly agree with them.

Laurent and Damen have left Arles. Things aren’t necessarily better for Damen, but they’re not worse. He and Laurent seem to be aware they need each other. Damen certainly didn’t expect he’d form a functional alliance with Laurent. He’s even beginning to get some respect from Laurent’s guard. So, the Regent has wanted his nephew, who he loves so dearly, to take some responsibility away from Arles. So it’s easier to kill him. The Regent sets Laurent up with a shoddy group of soldiers and a lousy commanding officer. Damen gives Laurent really good advice on how to handle it. Laurent doesn’t want to hear it, but accepts it is indeed good advice. Laurent and Damen begin to work together more and more and form a highly effective ruling unit. Everyone, including Damen, is still aware who is the master and who is the slave, but the slave is important. Laurent and Damen are proving Laurent is more than an idle prince who doesn’t know how to rule. Southern Vere is rapidly falling to Laurent and Damen’s control. Then they return to Marlas. Damen is assailed by regrets. It doesn’t help his sooper seekrit identity has been found out, and he just wants to get back to Akielos and get his own life started again. Laurent has his own plans for the evening.

All my complaints about the previous book are carried over to this one. I just am not impressed with the writing. However, Laurent and Damen’s burgeoning relationship is fantastic. The entire merchant class of a feudal society seems to be represented by one lone character? Who cares! Laurent is having some serious trouble dealing with the fact he’s falling in love with the guy he should hate. Multiple feudal societies with no religion? Who cares! Damen is plagued with guilt over wrecking the lives of countless individuals in his service to his father’s quest to gain more land. It’s all about the divided loyalties, and walking on eggshells, and Laurent and Damen hating themselves for loving each other. Daytime drama wishes it were this good.

Here, we witness Laurent learning to attack directly. This is important for him. Mark well and remember. Sometimes you have to fight the actual battle. Laurent really matures into an effective and beloved leader of men. My hypothesis about Laurent has only strengthened. At this point I’d call it a theory. His word choices, his startling innocence in some situations, and his ability to understand his Uncle’s victims have cemented my thoughts on his life after the Akielon victory at Marlas. Laurent has very good reasons to see Damianos as the great evil that ruined his life.

By the end of this book I no longer found the Regent to be a compelling baddie. He’s black as soot with no nuance. I know for a fact he will foil the good plans of Laurent and Damen. I felt this flattened any potential roller coaster like emotions I could have had from their battle against him. I’m not excited by the cycle of day and night ’cause I’m assured of its existence. I needed the Regent to either be fallible or have a passing shred of humanity and decency. That’s not going to stop me from reading though. I’m not even going to fake like I’m picking up anything other than Kings Rising as my next read.

I’ve got book hangover! Not just because I stayed up late into the night to finish this book, but because I can’t stop thinking about Damen and Laurent. There is one more book left and I want their happy ever after so bad I can taste it, but I see the train wreck they are heading for and my heart already breaks for what it coming. This is a romance so I’m counting on the fact that there will be a HEA (Do you hear me CS Pacat?) but this story has all the makings of a great tragedy. The betrayal Laurent will feel once he finds out the truth of Damen’s identity…right in the feels! Very few characters are developed as carefully and perfectly as Laurent. In book one he is closed up so tight it is painful to read. Over the two books his character has opened up emotionally one layer at a time for Damen. We are getting glimpses as to why Laurent is the way he is and again, the feels. In book one I wasn’t too invested in Damen’s character, but in book two his struggle as the line between where his loyalties lie become blurred makes him very real.

The story is well written as the characters are moved around like chess pieces. I love watching the plot unfold and have been surprised a few times with unexpected twists. The sex scene at the end isn’t graphic and is more about emotional connection and trust. Feels people…all the feels…

Captive Prince: Book One of the Captive Prince Trilogy

5 “you better give me a HEA or I will be ruined for life” Sheep

This is the second book in a fantasy M/M series that needs to be read in order.

Damen, who is also Prince Damianos of Akelios, was captured and sold into sexual slavery followed by a coup masterminded by his elder half-brother. Damen now slave to the Crown Prince of Vere, Laurent, must hide his identity in order to stay alive. Laurent's most fervent wish is to kill the Akelians, and is particularly frustrated that Prince Damianos, who killed his elder brother Auguste, died before Laurent could claim his vengeance. Damen's fervent hope is to return to Akelios and regain his throne, striking down his brother.

At age 20, Laurent is months from gaining his own throne from his uncle, the Regent king, who has served for the past seven years. Laurent's not interested in his slave Damen, except to torture him, at first. They have reached a rapprochement in the first book, as Damen convinced Laurent that he can help him survive the treacherous Akelios-Vere border patrol the Regent king has pressed Laurent into performing.

Laurent wants to live. Damen knows that keeping Laurent alive will prevent war between Vere and Akelios. Damen knows that Akelios will fall if war erupts, divided in loyalty as it has been by his brother's ascendancy. Damen is a born leader, having been proven a top commander and combatant in the wars against Vere. Laurent knows that Damen is strong and has a quick mind, but no one will follow the orders of a slave. That said, the commander of Laurent's troops--a rag-tag batch of mercenaries--is a pawn to the Regent who's likely been told to maintain disorder, enabling a poor defense for the Prince. Laurent fully expects that he will never see the crown, if his uncle has any say in the matter.

As with the previous book, the plot is rife with cunning and duplicity. Laurent must stay three steps ahead of his uncle's schemes, and he seems to do so. Damen, against his better instincts, advises Laurent admirably. He knows that he can slip off across the border and regain favor with his own people, but the entanglements the Regent has put in motion threaten to destabilize the entire region, and will undoubtedly cause war.

Damen trains Laurent's troops, under the guise of another officer, as well as becomes the ultimate protector of Laurent--who engages in espionage more than once. Damen's internal conflicts are many and fierce. Laurent is his sworn enemy, and would kill him if her knew his identity. Yet, their close quarters raises feelings of respect and admiration for the man that had brutally punished him previously. Also, the more that Damen is placed in battle, the more that his adversaries begin to see he is not a pleasure slave. He is a battle-hardened warrior, and resembles greatly the lost prince--threatening his anonymity.

I absolutely loved this story. The twists and turns are astounding. Laurent will stop at nothing to keep his life, and land, from war, even fighting his own lords to destroy the Regent's influence. The Regent is just as duplicitous, and has the might of the land on his side. Laurent, Damen and their troops are often outnumbered, and usually out-matched, and yet they persevere due to Damen's martial acumen and Laurent's bravado. I could not turn the pages fast enough.

The book series is a M/M romance, and we do see the elements build here. The first book: no intimacy. This book, some intimacy. Laurent is called the Ice Prince for good reason. <spoiler>(I'm betting that he hasn't had a "lover" in many years because he's a molestation survivor.)</spoiler> That said, the long hours of travel, training, strategy and escape have welded Laurent and Damen together. Damen wants to escape and is simultaneously drawn to Laurent, not entirely out of duty. The print edition has a bonus chapter that really gets into the nitty-gritty of their intimacy. #Love

Still, it's a very, very small part of this story. Expect so much more.

The book, as part of a larger series, ends on a cliffhanger. The third book, Kings Rise, will decide who survives. My money's on Damen and Laurent. And not only as kings who share a border. I'm thinking these two will share a royal bedchamber, too.

Plot: After the cliffhanger of The Captive Prince, I was desperate to get my hands on Prince's Gambit. Too bad so was everyone else at my library. While The Captive Prince was very character-driven, I found Prince's Gambit to be nothing but plot. So if the pacing was one of your complaints with The Captive Prince, I strongly recommend giving this one a go. For readers who love war and strategy, this book was written just for you! Admittedly, all of this plot exhausted me because the characters were going from one point to the other without a moment of rest. But I guess that's what war is.

Characters: Much like Arin and Kestrel in The Winner's Crime, Laurent and Damen kept dancing around each other. I mentioned that Laurent was sometimes hard to like in The Captive Prince, but he was the star of the show in Prince's Gambit. We finally got some insight into Laurent's brilliant mind and the demons of his past. We also got to see how Damen and Laurent complement each other so nicely. Additional supporting characters were introduced in this book; I was impressed by how quickly Pacat was able to weave them so expertly into the major plot points and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Worldbuilding: The Captive Prince didn't get much of a chance to explore Pacat's world, she mostly focused on court life and explaining the history from afar. In Prince's Gambit, we are right in the middle of the action! Laurent's company travels throughout the continent and we get a first look at Laurent's uncle's political reach, the unrest in Damen's home country, and everything else in between.

Short N Sweet: If you can, binge-read this entire series, because it is addicting!

The second in the Captive Prince series delves more into the relationship between Laurent and Damen. Set against the backdrop of war, two unlikely allies form a bond that goes above and beyond master and slave.

While the first book introduced us to the characters, I felt that in the second we would get more story, more outcome, just basically more plot. And yes, there was progress in the relationship of the two main characters, there was little much else. Honestly, this book reminded me mostly of the final Harry Potter book. You know, when they're walking through the woods forever and ever and ever and ever and...

So I"m saying basically not a lot happened. Which was surprising considering this book was over 400 pages. A little too long, honestly. A lot of descriptions that really didn't need to be there. Having not read the final book yet, I'm assuming it's just setting up the finale. We have the characters mapped out, the loyalties have been shown, deceptions uncovered, secrets unveiled, and now we get to look forward to the outcome of all of this.

The character development was the best part of this book. Because it was an army marching across miles and miles of land, there was plenty of time to delve into the personalities of each person. The ice around Laurent faded, Damen stepped up his role as leader, minor characters came to the forefront. Development made up for lack of action and the final page left me excited for the last book because everything is finally coming together. And I believe the confrontation that's to come is going to be an explosion heard throughout the land.

Seriously love the layered plot and the intrigue. Also, really fantastic seeing Laurent's layers starting to peel away and seeing him and Damen become closer. Definitely quite a few fascinating twists and turns, and I enjoyed taking the game away from the court and into the actual country.

I really do adore Damen. He's so lovely and straightforward, and while he's a natural leader, he doesn't have any of Laurent's skill at manipulation. And I'm still not sure if he *really* has picked up on the thousands of hints that Laurent was molested as a child by his uncle. Like...maybe he's realized it and I haven't picked up on that fact, but it's been made so, so obvious that at this point it seems a little ridiculous if Damen really hasn't realized.

Laurent is my favorite. So twisty and guarded and intelligent with a soft core you just know he's had to protect with ice. Seeing him thaw is just beautiful.

The UST here is really fantastic and beautifully paced. When it finally resolves it's definitely smoking hot and totally worth it. I will say that I was a little...IDK, the author went with the exact stereotypical dynamic between them, and while it was hot, I was still a little bored since it felt so expected.

But really just a tiny qualm and the ending was cliffhanger perfection! SO glad I waited to read until the final book was released!

Captive Prince: Volume Two (Captive Prince #2)by C.S. Pacat

With their countries on the brink of war, Damen and his new master Prince Laurent must exchange the intrigues of the palace for the sweeping might of the battlefield as they travel to the border to avert a lethal plot.
Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgeling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow.

My Review:
While I'm not typically a fan of the m/m thing, although I have read plenty of erotica with m/m/f so I thought what the heck why not? The first one was good so I continued on because honestly the author has a way of writing that doesn't make it silly. Its literal, its poetic, its theatric. Its old literature given new life. Besides we all know that Romeo and Juliet were played two men back in the day when opera houses were all the rage, so why not? photo tumblr_navsupHUd81tj3s7uo2_400.gif
So now we find ourselves in the epicenter of all the climax building for the series before Pacat gets to book three. Tension is high and so are the masts (if you know what I mean) You sit on pins and needles waiting and anticipating the moment when everything finally comes together and then... photo tumblr_lv9g50GBEY1qc1zplo1_500.gif boom.
Pacat leaves us with an epic hard on for more.
I actually liked all the tension but I already had a lot of that from the previous book so I felt a little hang-overish with all the delay. I mean everyone wanted to get what they finally got to that took the entire book to achieve right? Either way the world is realistic, and the men aren't just gasp and pant freaky deek get it on types which is also good because then you aren't just piddled with minor detail between plough scenes and you aren't distracted by the whole who's going to be the beefy top or the nelly bottom that plenty of m/m books put in. Totally not that kind of book at all. I enjoy both Damen and Laurent and I like that regardless of how they are their tastes don't drown out the rest of the political intrigue and side drama so that there's an actual story to be told and a problem to be solved. All in all was a decent second installment to the series and I liked it.

My Rating:
4 Stars

Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/

The intrigue, the tension, and the stakes are all intensified in the second volume of the Captive Prince series. Damen is still enslaved to Prince Laurent and has managed to keep his true identity--that of crown prince of the neighboring kingdom and the one who slayed Laurent's brother in battle--a secret. But Damen still hasn't given up the hope of returning home and reclaiming his rightful place on the throne.

When Laurent's uncle, the Regent, begins to move against him, however, Damen and Laurent find themselves force to move from the castle and instead to the country's borders. But faced with potential battles, Damen cannot hide his own skill and prowess. And although he might be able to strike a tense peace with his master, will he be able to keep the truth of his identity a secret until he can earn his freedom?

Everything about this book is amazing. The story builds in an almost incredible way, with every single element of the plot seeming to be part of a perfect mathematical equation. C.S. Pacat proves to be a masterful storyteller and there were times when I was literally on the edge of my seat while reading this one.

Be warned, though, this one builds to an incredible cliffhanger finale that you may not see coming and that will leave you screaming out loud for the final book in this trilogy...

As others have commented on the summary of the book, I'll confine my review to my opinion. I think this might be the best series I've read where the primary romance is between two males and there's clear sexual content involved. Hugely character-driven, both leads are three-dimensional and have quite a bit of depth. It's a slow-burn romance, and the pacing is very well done. The story occurs in a medieval, feudal era fantasy world, and the main political plot-line is fairly intriguing. The author's world-building and writing style are both more than adequate, particularly in this genre. The only thing that actively bothers me in terms of style is that the author constantly uses "said" when the characters speak. It's always, "Laurent said/Damen said/Then Laurent said/And Jord said" and so on, as opposed to mixing it up. I'd have welcomed even simple changes like "He retorted/whispered/replied/asked," etc, just to break the unvarying "said." There are also minor sentences here and there that either don't flow very well or make grammatical sense, such as in this example: "Damen watched as alone, unattended, Laurent had left his own banquet to find him, to follow him here, up the worn steps out onto to the battlements." That said, however, my understanding is that the first two novels were self-published on the author's website, so perhaps having a publisher and editor backing her for the final piece of this trilogy may help sort that out.

On the whole, this story is recommended if you're looking for a quick-read political fantasy, and super highly recommended if you're looking for one with a gay romance.

This is book #2 in the EXCELLENT epic fantasy Captive Prince trilogy. These books are so out of my normal reading genre, but I don’t care because I adore them. If you are a fan of the Game of Thrones TV show but feel intimidated to tackle such massive novels, then this would be a terrific trilogy to read. The books follow two main characters, Damen and Laurent. There are a few secondary characters as well. There isn’t countless characters and cast to keep track of like in other fantasy novels.

In book one Damen was captured and enslaved to his enemy country. Laurent is the prince of that nation and Damen’s new master. I enjoyed their relationship growth from hate and contempt into a true bond of friendship in this second book. These first two novels have hints of romance, but I don’t think it’s the main theme. I believe it’s a story about realizing your enemy is not so different from yourself.

Prince’s Gambit is superbly written with characters that really drive the plot. This story enchants me with its suspense, lies, deceit, and the push pull dynamic between Damen and Laurent. You never know who you can trust in this battle of the kingdom. I’m thrilled to read the final book and conclusion to this epic trilogy. All the secrets will be revealed, and I can’t wait to find out who will be ruling at the end.

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This book is for mature audiences and contains an MM theme.***

OMG!! C.S. Pacat has made a fan out of me! I absolutely love this series and this book was an awesome follow up of Captive Prince!

Prince's Gambit picks right up where Captive Prince leaves off. If you've read book 1 then you already know some of the obstacles that both Damen and Laurent are facing and they just keep getting deeper. It's hard to go into detail without giving away spoilers (which I hate) but trust me you WANT to see what happens next!!

This book will take you on a serious rollercoaster ride of emotions. Pacat's writing is engaging and will draw you in to the lives and world of these characters. You will find yourself routing for some and plotting the demise of others. All the while you will be glued to the pages watching (reading) this epic tale unfold.

Full of twists, turns, ups, and downs and just when you think you know what happens next......BAM she throws you for another loop. Absolutely LOVED this story and cannot wait for the next and final book in this trilogy. Amazing book and an absolute must read.

You’re probably asking yourself where Damen and Laurent are right now, right? Well, fear not, because I am back at it. Alright, I took my time writing this review, but the vehement love is still blistering just as hot as when I was finished with Volume Two.

Since I did warn on the latest review, then it is only fair that I alert you on probable heartbreak. The ending? Cliffhanger, yet not. It will definitely leave you salivating for more. Even more...Volume Three has no release date other than it is in the next year (2014). Le sigh.

Re-reading on this Volume is in my immediate future. In Volume Two, we find ourselves right where Damen left off, which ironically, is him leaving. Vere that is, astride in his horse next to the Crowned Prince of Vere, Laurent, his enemy. Although, Damen has vowed to protect Laurent against Laurent’s enemy and assailants that they are certain to encounter on the way to their destination. Right on the border of Akelion, and his freedom within his grasp.

Alas, not everything is as easy as taking a car to the border in this world. Remember, this doesn’t take days-trip but weeks, and add to that the attacks raining on Laurent, well, they will certainly encounter a bit of adventures along the way. In lies the adventure, and fight of their lives, and the building of something more between them than reluctant allies.

The Way S.U. Pacast wrote this world- you’ll be alongside for the thrilling journey. Hearing the swords clashing, the passionate fights, witnessing the betrayals. World building is not easy when you’re creating your own world, but this one was exceptional. Definite building, is what it was. From the locations, to the characters, to the romance.

And boy! You will not be disappointed if you’re looking for the promised love, because it was true, and heartfelt. And it grew, as opposed to forced and hurried. Might I say, this will definitely be one of my all time couples, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next volume.

Oh! Pacast, get a-writing, will you?

There was some anger bursts, gasping, desperate clutching of bed sheets, boggled mind, and deep satisfaction.

As to the awaited scene. Bloody hell! I’m in dire need of a fan. There’s even some subtle confession on regards to Laurent icy demeanor which should be easy enough to figure out, and that in itself is cause for applause.

The characters grew too. We get to know more about who this complex Prince is, and that he’s not as bad as it seems in the first Volume. That there some deep rooted wickedness that made him that way, that he‘s had to be cleaver and devious to protect himself from people that are supposed to have your best interest in mind. As always he is three steps ahead of the game. There’s also creaks in his stony persona, and we see someone not broken but bent.

Damen is still as lovely as ever. Equally smart, and dedicated. Loyal, and a man of his word. And I can’t wait to see what is in store for him and the future of his kingdom.

If I were to choose which was my favorite Volume, it would truly be this one, without a doubt. I would strongly advice to read both, though.

Read it. Read it.

Ta-ta that is all, lovelies. See you on this series next year!

I tried to pace myself, I did, but I ended up devouring this book in two sittings because it was SO GOOD. There's fascinating politics and war tactics at play, twists and turns, and oh yeah, some of the best character development I've read in a while.

Take a cold, calculating, cruel Prince, add a enemy Prince-turned-anonymous-slave, toss in a common goal, test their trust and feelings for each other, see it all play out, and voila...a fan-freaking-tastic read. I can't really put into words how much I loved this. The tension between Damen and Laurent just kept rising in that really good I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next way. I won't spoil anything, but I ended up loving the book.

Only downside is the cliffhanger and having to wait until February 2016 for the third and final book. But it'll be worth the wait!

Review for Book One and Book Two:
Ok, I'm totally in love right now and I can't wait for book 3! Laurent and Damen - their characters, their journey, their morphing relationship - coupled with exceptional writing and hauntingly beautiful words/phrases that let you slip into Damen's head and make you feel what he is experiencing plus a gripping plot that changes and changes and then changes again... Summary: I was totally drawn into these books and will definitely read them again in the not so distant future!

Warning on Prince’s Gambit: Slavery, pedophilia, suicide, smut and…um, murder?

Prince’s Gambit, second book in the Captive Prince series, picks up exactly where Captive Prince left off, so if you haven’t read that…consider reading it. It’s really good, you won’t regret it!

Alright, so Damen and Laurent are off to the border on what is now very clearly a suicide mission. Damen has newfound respect for his supposedly lazy and irresponsible master, who has clearly only put this off to avoid the Regent’s plot to kill him. Damen also knows that keeping Laurent alive and getting him onto the throne is the best bet for Akielos and Kastor, even if Kastor is a backstabbing jerk.

A good half of this book is spent on the road, shaping up an army to take on the Regent’s when they are inevitably ambushed on the road.

Between Laurent and Damen, surely they can find a way to survive the overwhelming odds against them, right?

Luckily, Laurent seems to have developed some respect for Damen’s tactical prowess, making him an asset in their travels to the border. In fact, Laurent seems to have come to respect Damen so much that he allows him to come along (after much pestering) on his stealthy missions into the town and wilderness.

Nightrunning, anyone?

Even with so much on the line, this book is very fun. There’s crossdressing, gambling, pretending to be lovers, jumping from roof to roof, lots of fighting, and lots of chemistry.

That’s right. Chemistry.

Our mistrustful boys are becoming, dare I say it, friends. I can’t spoil exactly how friendly they become *cough*, but if you have half an imagination, you knew where this was going.

(Can I just say that I really like how Damen is very careful about consent? So many gay books are really wonky about that, especially with characters like this, but Pacat did a fantastic job showing that consent can be super sexy.)

What Captive Prince set in motion is now running full steam ahead in Prince’s Gambit. Complicated plots come into the light, war begins, and the Regent is 1000000% the worst uncle ever. It’s thrilling, it’s fun, it’s got a steamy R-18 scene, it’s everything you could possibly want in a book.

And then it all collapses on itself in the last couple of pages. Naturally I managed to finish this the night before Kings Rising, volume three in the series, came out, and spent the night foaming and fretting. I feel bad for anyone who had to wait almost two years for it. I certainly wouldn’t have survived!

I don't know how this author managed to top her first book, considering it was enthralling and amazing! But, somehow she did it! Somehow this book blows the first one out of the water! I was astounded by what a good author she was when I finished the story.
I am a very tough judge of novels containing m/m romance, and this book checked every box I have, it even created some new ones. For once I didn't wish an author did something differently. For once, I was completely surprised by plot developments! I am always disappointed by m/m books and put many down half way through, or just experience of sense of apathy after I finish them. Not this time!

The political machinations of this book make sense and are very well thought out, not to mention engaging. It certainly drives the story! The relationship between the main characters is so realistic and engaging and different from anything else I’ve ever read in an m/m novel! For once I wasn’t reading an m/m author with the realization that they were just filling pages with drivel until they got to the steamy bits. This has to be the most well-written and appropriate sex scene I've ever read it a book; it was crafted to fit the era and the characters perfectly. I’d even say it was handled with something akin to reverence. It would not have been such had the author spent any less time developing her characters or rushed to get to this portion.

Every detail in this story was meticulously thought out and I find myself eagerly checking this author's blog daily to see if there are any updates regarding a release date for the final volume! She has truly written two characters who do not bend for the convenience of the story as a plot device, they are solid and believable and completely unique.

Again, just like what I had commented in the first volume, sometimes it was so easy to forget that Prince Laurent was so young. His tactic, his plan and more made him an amazing character and one to be loved and admired.

The portray of his relationship with Damen was done so well. I could feel the tension between them. It is easier when you are able to trust someone with your life than when you are forced to trust someone with your life.

However, that said, the tension built up so much between the two of them and delayed so long.. that when it finally happened between the two of them - I had already lost my excitement. However, I was touched with Laurent went weak and pleaded for 3 more days.

And the suspense when Damen's secret was known.. darn, that was good.

So.. how do we know when Volume 3 is out? Oh man.. Please don't make us too long.

4.5 stars. Spoiler free review.

Okay, if I thought the first book was good, this one absolutely blew my mind. I don't think I've ever been more attached to two completely ridiculously adoring characters as I am with Damen and Laurent.

First things's first: The Writing. Once again, C.S. Pascat did not let me down in terms of such beautiful writing and such wondrous descriptions. When I was reading this book, let me tell you, I felt like I was there. I could see every scene in my head to the point where I was sure that I was one of the soldier's in Laurent's army, watching the storyline unfold (well maybe not, but I like to imagine I was). More importantly, the characters grow with you while you're reading the book. I could see the way that Damen and Laurent's personalities changed and grew in Pascat's writing style, and not only that, but I saw the way that the minor characters each had their own character growth, whether it was small or large, occur throughout the course of the novel.

As for the story, well let me tell you I am in love. The way that Laurent and Damen went into the field together, strategising for a war that neither of them had initially planned on fighting, was just gorgeous. Honestly, I could go on and on about the character development in this novel because of the fact there is just So Much There. Laurent's coldness towards Damen completely transforms, and Damen's initial reactions to Laurent from the first novel completely morph into something that's less about protective animosity and more about true, honest caring. The lengths that these two have changed from Captive Prince has left me in awe still a month after reading the book. If I had the time right now, I'd delve right back into a reread because I want to watch their personalities change and expand once more.

To be fair, once again there were times where I felt the storyline lagged a little bit, which is the only reason that I knock half a star off of this book. Small points during their travels down to Ravenel left me a little bit bored, but the second that I started feeling like there was too much of a lull, things picked right back up. Scenes with Damen and Laurent carefully (or carelessly) eluding danger in towns and their trip into the mountains with an unlikely ally kept me on my toes and helped to drive away some of those sleepy bits of the book.

Overall, I came out of Prince's Gambit feeling two things. The first was OH MY GOD FINALLY and the second was HOLD ON THAT CLIFFHANGER WAIT WHAT????? To me, that's really all you need to know in order to pick this book up, especially if you loved the initial novel. I don't know how else to express just how much I adored this entire series, but most people say the second book is usually not as good as the first, and in this case I entirely disagree. Prince's Gambit was absolutely worth reading, and I'll admit wholeheartedly that King's Rising is too, but that I'll defend in another review. For now, all I have to say is what are you doing still reading this? Go pick up Prince's Gambit!

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but Book Two was even better. The political intrigue is one huge complicated knot, and I love how Laurent is so aware of the game that must be played if he is to survive. The sexual tension in this book is much more sophisticated and excruciating yet beautiful to read. I also enjoyed the fact that women were given a really great role in this book, whereas in the first book they remained rather forgotten. I still prefer my fantasy to have magic, but this was still a very enjoyable read.

Once I adjusted to the ways these 2 books were different from the 250 or so other titles I've read in the gay romance genre, I was able to relax into a gorgeous experience. I especially appreciate that the author bothered to imbue the book(s) with vocabulary that felt congruent to the time and setting she had created. also, I'm a complete sucker for from-hatred-to-love story arc. This one is so meticulously and artfully conceived and so well interwoven with the political intrigue that I found myself over-waught at times by her ability to patiently drag us through the tension of it. Delicious! I understand she has won a contract with a major publisher for the trilogy. My congratulations!! I will be watching for the 3rd book.

I've just read Part 1 & 2 back to back. Having read a number of spoiler-free reviews, I had a good idea what to expect. Still, it was a pleasant surprise especially after getting through the more disturbing aspects of the early story.
First off: this is NOT a bdsm or D/s book. I'm not sure where that's coming from but I suppose a cursory glance at the title and description could make one think it.
Second: This is world-building and political machinations, the mental workings of a king-to-be. The fact that this author could write Laurent honestly, knowing how we'd hate him, and then slowly make us look again was truly impressive.
I was surprised more than once which doesn't often happen, and the cliffhanger is a doozy. Can't wait for book 3.

I really wish I could review both of the books at once, I basically tore through them back to back and think of them as one entity. This book is everything I have ever wanted in a slave au. I can't wait for the third one.

If you're looking for some gay erotica with barely coherent plot that strings together multiple sex scenes, you're going to be disappointed. These books are densely plotted with rich characters and lots of political intrigue. LOTS of intrigue. Damen is a complicated hero, Laurent is an even more complicated anti-hero, and everything everyone says has about sixteen layers of meaning to sift through.

It's well written, well plotted, well executed, WELL EVERYTHING. I can't wait to find out how it all ends.

I had gotten bored of novels, what with all their unnecessarily drawn out descriptions and irrelevant details. There would always be that boring drudge in the beginning of introducing the characters, giving you an overview of their daily lives, and THEN you get into the meat of the plot. I didn't have the time or interest to sit through all of that, which is why I'm out-of-my-mind ecstatic that I happened to stumble over this series. The characters are raw, realistic, and relatable--but the most satisfying part about that is that C.S. Pacat doesn't lay it out for you; she makes you stand alongside the characters and meet them as you would a new friend. You have that preliminary image of who they are, what they might be like, how they might act, and then you're either right about some things and surprised about the others, all the while immersed in the thrill of figuring out the intense politic power feud, rooting for the characters who have now come to be people you care about. Read it. It'd be a pity if you don't like it as much as all of us who praise the gods about this series, but it would never hurt for you to give it a chance and realize you love it just as much.

To sum up this book in one word: TENSION, whether it's the slow burn attraction between Damen and Prince Laurent or the imminent concern for a war any minute between Prince Laurent and his uncle, this book radiates non-stop tension. The secrets, the betrayal, the feelings- this book will keep you turning the pages as the plot unfolds and the future of each character is determined. Bring on book three, I need it!

Of the three, this was by far my favorite. I very much enjoyed the way Laurent's mind worked and Damen's stolid dependability. The slow burn as the two came to trust each other was wonderful and the twisty-turny plot kept me guessing, as did a lot of the hints dropped for future reveals. Man, I feel sorry for those who read this 3 years ago and had to WAIT to get the last one.

Note: borrowed from library

I don`t normally write reviews unless the book I've just read is appallingly bad and want to warn others about wasting their money. I've read a lot of gay fiction, but until these, I have found only trite eroticism with even worse, laughable story lines. These books are the exception. Even without the gay slant, they would hold up amongst some of the best fantasy/adventure novels I've read. I judge a writer's worth based on how much I wonder, between reading sessions, what is going to happen next. I was so distracted, I had to finally put off everything else I was doing to finish. I am waiting anxiously for the next book in this series and will track this author to grab up any future work.

I am greatly amazed by this author's talent to write. This book has eveything in it to make it into a tv series. Drama, Romance, Battles, Mystery & Characters that have amazing personalities that will stick with you weeks after you finished reading. I am still stuck on this book and I finished it about 3 weeks ago. This is more than just a love story its about family, power and position. Definetly on my top 10 of favorites of all time !

It's such a thrill to read a great book in this genre. The writing is wonderful, the plot is suspenseful, and the characters are well-drawn and totally engaging. I can hardly wait for the third book. The only negative I encountered is a technical problem at the end of both books -- they just stop before the actual end of the writing, so I didn't get to read the end of Erasmus' story or the extended chapter 19. I hope this will be fixed soon.

I just finished the two volumes. WOW WOW WOW. Five paltry stars are really not enough.
This book is immense. It's more than a love story, it's more than a story of war, treachery, betrayal, friendship, heroism, love and strengh combined. It's a new epic.
The two characters are unbelievable. No, actually they are believable, C. S. Pacat makes them more than real, larger than life. The story is griping, il leaves you constantly breathless, with incredible twists and turns, right up until the very end. It should be right up there with Raymond E. Feist's Daughter of Empire trilogy or other books such as these.
Waiting for the next book is going to be sheer torture.

really good book i totally recomend people to read this. its been a while since ive read it and yet the characters still come to mind. the story was able to make me feel exited, nervous, scared (for them) and sad all along.
in my opinion if a book manages to make you feel something that is what is worth millions. just words manage to play with your feeings, and this book is another remarkable example of it.

This is my second time buying this book! I originally got one from the author before she was being officially published. It's everything I love! Complex plot and characters, sexual tension, wonderful new worlds, and fainting cultures. I honestly can't praise this book enough!!!

Intense! One of my top books of the year. Definitely the one I've reread most.

It has amazingly developed characters and an intricate plot, and also a sizzling UST. And the mysteries, all those questions that leave us wondering. And the ending! I knew it would end with a bang, but that one caught me unaware. It serves the purpose to ask more questions than it answers.

I am in love with Laurent, both his cunning and his vulnerability, the latter more precious for its rarity. Hopefully he's too smart not to know because otherwise it's going to be hell. Fingers crossed.

The news about Penguin is brilliant. Hopefully that means one day it will be trnslated in Bulgarian so I can give it to my friends to read. Okay, I'm done with the superlatives.

Can't wait for vol.3.

Wow. There needs to be more like this. Pacat is better than Ann Rice with her Sleeping Beauty trilogy. How is it that Pacat's name is not so well known? The sexuality in this story is bare, explicit, and beautifully wicked. It's a fine line to balance and a majority of novels either tipped to being too cheesy romantic or vulgar porn, especially about male attraction. The style of writing and the appealing characters totally suck you in. Get this- a story about men with men by a woman author and add in the expertise of court intrigues and battle scenes that rival any top male fantasy writer. Needless to say, I can't wait for the 3rd Captive Prince and hope for more devious stories from Pacat in the future.

I read, and greatly enjoyed, the first two books in this trilogy. I have been checking, fairly regularly, since the second book was published in February, and no luck! I really, really would like to read the conclusion of this trilogy, and based on many of the other reviewer's comments, I do not think I am alone. Please, please...we need book three of the Captive Prince trilogy!

I am writing this review after just having finished the first two volumes (upwards of 1000+ pages total) in the span of two days. This is an absolutely masterful series of books that cannot be put down. Ms. Pacat generates, with subtle yet breath-taking skill, characters that I was immediately intrigued by, and then invested in, and then slowly, falling in love with by the end of the first book. There is no end to the new and delightful nuances of character and plot and background that one discovers in each re-reading. And, with chills down my spine, I can say that when you are led to the grand culmination of months of political and tactical build-up, you *will* want to read it all over again.

I think this will stand as one of my favorite all time books. Characters are meticulously crafted so that your heart really aches for them, and the action is excellent too, which, for me, is a potent combination. Not to put any pressure on the author, but I and I'm sure other readers are very excited about book three. :)

The first book was nice, but far from being amazing. I wasn't sure that i wanted to read the second one, but in the end decided to try. Well, I'm sure glad i did. Te second book was much better than the first. The world building was much stronger, and the story kept me on edge. Can't wait for the next one.

Do not buy this book or anything from this author - when I purchased it the blurb assured the final book to be out within a few months - now a year later they are re-releasing all three books at triple the price. We kindle users need to send a message to the store, publishers and authors!!

A well-written book and world, though I strongly recommend reading the first in the trilogy, The Captive Prince, first. A great deal of what we thought we knew after the first book is effectively stood on its head in this one, yet the characters do not seem forced or strained. Also well worth your time.

I really want to know what happens to all of them! It's been quite awhile since I read Vol 1 and 2 back-to-back (I think she had just finished 2) so I know I am in good company in my wait. Once of the best m/m stories I read in a long time where you feel for all the characters, main and minor ones!

Book two continues the story of Damen and Laurent. Excellent story telling and I can't wait for book three.
Laurent and Damen are wonderfully rounded characters and each has a strength the other does not. Book three should be exciting and satisfying.

The second book did not disappoint - I am eagerly awaiting the 3rd book. If you follow the author on Twitter she recently posted a "DVD commentary" for Chapter 19 - after listening to her thought process I'm even more impressed by the book. Have re-read several times!

*profound but unavoidable spoilers*

Amazing character driven tale. If it's remotely your cup of tea - a brilliant, beautiful, cold, manipulative prince with hidden vulnerabilities and the honest honorable hero who loves him (the love is the spoiler - it's a slow boil romance but really... no reader can fail to be aware where this story is going) and the politics and violence they face - it's as good as it gets. Plenty of plot that goes very nicely and well developed characters abound and the hero is quite nice and about 100% less annoying than these kinds of heros usually are but really this book is all about Laurent (said brilliant, beautiful, manipulative...), if you love a Laurent kind of character do not miss this novel.

Political and court intrigue, complex + developed characters. . . slow respect, turned admiration, turned love.

This series thus far is brilliant. Its like watching a chess game where the pieces come to life and have dialogue with each other while making their moves.

High recommend, I couldn't put the books down.

This story played my heart like a fiddle, drawing forth such incredibly intense emotions that I sometimes had to stop reading it just so I could regain my composure. It's absolutely wonderful and among the best writing I've come across in M/M fiction. Astounding. The world in which the breathlessly exciting plot takes place is beautifully detailed and the characters are downright unforgettable. I'll be returning to reread both volumes time and again. Thank you so much, C.S. Pacat!

I found the story line throughout volumns 1&2
quite good, intricate and rife with anticipation.
However I would have liked the two main characters to start being aware of each other much earlier through the two volumns. As for the end of volumn 2.....you can't leave a cliff hanger like that!! There seems so much more to be resoved between Lauret and Damen...I got no real sense of an HEA. There has to be a volumn 3 PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE !!!

Louise....Rep of Ireland

I found out that this was again an open ending that didn't actually leave me feeling as if I was in a cliff hanger situation. Again the characters and storyline sparkled and kept me intrigued to the very last word.

Okay y'all gotta read this. Amazing. Probably the best book I have ever read in the fifteen years I've known how to read. The character development is phenomenal. I highly recommend reading this book.

I was hoping (praying) it was going to get better...it really didn't. Well okay maybe SLIGHTLY better, but Laurent is still an abusive prick.

Let's hope the third book begins with Damen killing Laurent in his sleep and taking over the kingdoms.

I am hooked. Could not put it down. Everyone has read a book that you think about all day, so desperate to get home from work and read more. I'm not sure if Damen or Laurent are my Man crush. Hell I'll take both!

I liked the first book so much that I bought this second installment without thinking. That was a mistake. Now I can't get past the fact that the author suddenly decided to ignore the basic rules of punctuation and used single quotes in place of double quotes to separate the dialogue. No matter how great a story is, I can never respect the authors that mutilate their languages.

After finishing Captive Prince earlier this year, I was disappointed that the book was mislabeled as an m/m fantasy romance, but rather, it was the first book in a duo or trio that together is one story. I ranted about this in my review, so I won't go into it again here. So why did I pick up the second book, Prince's Gambit? For two reasons: 1) I found the second half of Captive Prince to be engaging and interesting; and 2) in reviews I'd read from the original Captive Prince, it mentioned reading "both parts" so I hoped the story would conclude after Prince's Gambit was over. However...

Prince's Gambit begins right at the point where the first book ends. Again, I will stress that these books are not stand alone stories. It is one story that has been split up into three different books. So if you didn't read Captive Prince, you will be lost. Even I had trouble recalling which men were loyal to the prince and those who belong to his uncle the Regent. Because of the "re-entry" factor, I wasn't fully reengaged in the story until the 15-20% mark.

Once I found my reading stride, I continued to enjoy the complexity of Prince Laurent and the slow reveal of his true prowess and intelligence as shared from the point of view of the captive prince, Damen. I also enjoyed Damen’s surprised realization that the Prince sparked "some sort of feelings" within him, giving me hope that eventually, the story will be a romance. Finally, the pair start to respect one another, listen, and share solid advice, making the balance of power more equal.

However, as I continued to read, it became pretty evident that there was no way the story would conclude by the end of Prince's Gambit. At the 53% mark, I felt that the book was starting to drag, and it felt never ending. I skipped ahead and verified that the story does not conclude at the end of this book. So I was torn: do I continue to trudge through, knowing I still have another book and hope it's better? Or DNF?

Unfortunately, I picked DNF. I was enjoying this story, sort of. I knew I couldn't keep it up for this and one more book. I felt cheated and that I wasted my time. But why keep reading in the hope that I will eventually find the gem hidden in the rough? If the entire story had been told in one book, even a long book, I think I would have really enjoyed it. But split over three books is too much. I feel the story should have been edited down for consumption as an m/m fantasy romance, which is how it was marketed to me. While the story appears to be heading that way, the effort doesn't seem worth the eventual payoff.

My Rating: DNF, did not finish
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher.