Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

Trigger Warning: this book contains mentions/depictions of sexual violence.

Captive Prince
Captive Prince: Book One
Written by C.S. Pacat
Fantasy, Adult, LGBT
Published April 7th 2015 by Viking: Penguin (org Feb 4th 2012)
Add to Goodreads
★★★★½
Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.

Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master Prince Laurent epitomises the worst of the decadent court at Vere. But in the lethal web of Veretian politics, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen is caught up in a dangerous play for the throne, he must form an alliance with Laurent to survive and save his country.

For Damen, there is just one rule: he must never reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else . . .

Damen, prince of Akielos is betrayed by his brother Kastor. Kastor in a act of treason fakes the death of his brother in order to gain the crown - he does this by sending Damen to Vere, enemy territory as a gift to the prince. Upon the arrival to the strange country, Damen learns that nobody is aware of his identity. He's also made aware that in Vere he no longer holds the rank of a prince - but the rank of a prince's slave. Damen must act the part of a slave if he ever hopes to escape and take back his rightful place as Akielos's king. Along the way, Damen makes many enemies - other slaves who would do anything to be in his position as a pleasure slave to the young Veretian prince, Laurent.

Through the stretch of the story, Damen will find that his only chance of escaping is to join an alliance with Laurent. Laurent has his own issues; within ten months he is due to become King of Vere. All relies on proving himself to his uncle, the Regent. The two men discover that just maybe they both need each other to survive this political game of cat and mouse. Unbeknownst to Laurent, his slave is the very same man that killed his eldest brother.

Kynndra's Thoughts

After a few of my friends suggested on tumblr that I should read Captive Prince, I finally caved. First and foremost, I want to get the elephant out of the room. This book has some depictions of rape/sexual violence and physical punishments (floggings). This is a book marketed for adults, or mature young adults. If you're bothered or sensitive towards such subject matter I would not go forth and pick this book up. The book is set in a country that has a strong emphasis on pleasure slaves and frolicking with one another. Although, it's important for me to remark that these acts are viewed as barbaric by our MC, Damen. With that being said, if you're able to surpass such events, then I think you'll discover this book is very good and has a unique way of being told. I promise it is well worth reading.

Captive Prince is extremely character driven. While it's told in only one POV, we see a wide berth given to multiple other characters. If you know me, you know I need a book with a strong cast of characters - Pacat absolutely nailed the characters she created. Damen (25) and Laurent (20) are two very interesting characters. Out of the two, Laurent was absolutely my favorite. Don't get me wrong - he is a vile snake, but there is so much depth to him that I wonder if he ever ends. The two of them evolve greatly from start to end. Something I love seeing and reading.

"A golden prince was easy to love if you did not have to watch him picking wings off flies."

As it is a character based story, the plot does not take center stage. It's still there, lurking in the background but the main focus is the interactions and happenings between the two princes. Honestly, even though the story was a little slow due to there not being a whole lot of action it was forgiven. The reader knows that something is going to happen. Will Damen escape? Will Laurent discover that Damen is the man responsible for the death of his brother? Will there be war between both countries? It's all up in the air, all very unpredictable. It keeps you on your toes.

Pacat has set up book one as a direction for the potential romance that could happen between Damen and Laurent. There wasn't much for romance per say (at least not yet) but you can definitely see little sparks here and there. AND LET ME TELL YOU PEOPLE, I SHIP IT TO THE MOON AND BACK. Near the end they had moments where I was hardcore fangirling because it was such a slow burn, but a good burn. Plus Laurent's occasional quips either break my heart or make me smirk.

Pacat's writing was also beautiful and engrossing. It has a simple yet complete feel to it that was not only easy to read but had me completely immersed in the story being told. Dare I say, that Captive Prince pushes the boundaries that could have easily been done poorly; however, Pacat is an amazing weaver of words and did an exemplary job. This is probably my new favorite series to date without a doubt. Amazing in all aspects.

In Conclusion

If you want a different and entertaining adult fantasy then this is a good place to start. Aside from the depictions of rape and violence, this book was phenomenal and had me itching to read more every night. Pacat's writing style is also quite desirable. It was descriptive and curt where it needed be. She fleshed out her characters and was never afraid to take a risk. I see so much potential for this series, and I cannot wait to begin book two. Such a great way to begin my 2016 year in reading.

Kynndra is currently eating some delightful goldfish crackers and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life.


follow kynndra via  TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   TUMBLR   GOODREADS

30 comments

  1. This sounds like something I'd like to read. Great review, very clear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! I am glad that it sounds like your cup of tea, Suze. Thanks so much, I appreciate it c:

      Delete
  2. C.S. Pacat was at Brisbane Supanova in November and I hadn't heard of her or her books before, but it seems all her fans are coming out of the woodwork now! I just may look into these ones!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugh, I wish I could have met her Brittany. She's truly an incredible author. I only recently heard of her books (but since the beginning of this book I've become a huge fan). The closer to Feb - which is the release of the final book - is probably why there's been so much activity. I hope you do look into them - they're so good c:

      Delete
  3. Isn't this series amazing?! When I first started it, I spent a little while going 'what am I reading?' but that quickly dissolved into fangirl glee as I kept turing those pages lol I love Pacat's writing, cannot wait for the third book (soon!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wattle, this series is phenomenal! Lmaoo, I was the same to be quite honest. At the start I was like "oookay this is weird as frick" but I'm so happy I carried on. I fangirled so hard asdfghjk I am dying for the third book! Her writing is stunning <3

      Delete
  4. This sounds like a really interesting read! I'm adding it to my to-read list, because it seems like a unique read. I can't say I've read anything like this. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's incredibly interesting, Jolien. I can promise you probably haven't read anything like Captive Prince - I know I haven't. Thanks so much! c;

      Delete
  5. Holy crap, this book needs to be in my hands right now. I'm for SURE making it mine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Get it in your hands RIGHT NOW. It's such a great book, Christy. Book two is even better!

      Delete
  6. Hello? What is this book and where has it been my whole life?
    I'll admit all that violence will put me off, but the character evolution, the world building and the story sound AMAZING! So of course I need to add this to my TBR.
    Thanks for sharing this wonderful review, Kynndra! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely a hidden gem, Nick. I hadn't heard of it until last month. I think the violence is meant to put the reader off - it's definitely not a glorified aspect of the book. It's raw and gritty, which really brings out the feels. The characters are truly amazing - especially in book two. I can't wait for you to read it, Nick. Thank you so much c:

      Delete
  7. Yes! This has been on my TBR for such a long time now, but I haven't gotten the chance to get it! But I'm glad you liked it so much. Yay for tumblr peer pressure :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tumblr has led me to so many amazing books! Asdfghj you must read this book soon, Val. It's incredible and definitely shouldn't be passed up ^^

      Delete
  8. I've never, ever read a character driven book so this one will definitely be different for one! I just can't imagine there not being a lot of focus in the plot and all that, you know? But nether-less, I'm definitely intruiged to see what these two princes are all about. MMMM Those pictures though! Too much sexiness for one picture! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really love character driven books. There's something very special about them which I actually kind of favor. There's still a plot but it's the characters that bring about the plot (if that makes any sense). These two princes are brilliant and I absolutely adore them, even when their acting out xP thanks Kei <3

      Delete
  9. Why hadn't I heard of this one before? I mean, there are definitely aspects of this book that make me cringe (sexual violence always makes me cringe, it just has that effect) but boy do I want to get to know these characters and there situations. I'm definitely making a note to pick this one up at the bookstore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's actually kind of unknown from what I've gathered, Lily so no worries. I didn't even know of it for the longest of time. Definitely, this series parts are cringe worthy - they're meant to be in order to portray how twisted the Vere Kingdom is. I really hope you do pick it up, it's well worth it!

      Delete
  10. This sounds like such a dark and deep book, but in a great way. Definitely going to have to pick this up! Thanks for sharing Kynndra and, as always, fabulous review! ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's very dark and deep, Zoe - but like you said, in a great way. Can't wait for you to get a copy <3 Thank you so much.

      Delete
  11. Now this is a book I've been dying to read. I definitely need to get my hands on this, real quick! I'm so glad you loved this book, because it makes me more excited to read this now. Wonderful review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait for you to read it. Everything about it is incredible. Please feel free to fangirl with me!

      Delete
  12. And there you go with the gorgeous edits again <3 I wasn't very sure about this book when I read the blurb, but your review has definitely piqued my curiosity, I loved reading it. Thanks for sharing, Kynndra!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awh, thank you <3 asdfgh the blurb is so lame, believe me it's a really good story Nirvana. It gets even better in the second book! Thank you, lovely c:

      Delete
  13. Girl, do you know how long I've had this book?! One of my good friends named Lola recommended it to me when she found out I enjoy M/M fiction. I purchased it, andddd I was supposed to read it last year, but I never got around to it. It wasn't until I seen you rave about it on twitter, that I wanted to pick it up again, and as soon as possible. This is at the top of my list of books to read this year. Prepare to have your DM's bamboozled with my reactions lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Girl, do you know how long you've been sitting on a fan-fucking-tastic book? A year. A YEAR WITHOUT DAMEN AND LAURENT GOODNESS. I pity you, you had a treasure collecting dust. Weeps. But omg yaaas Tika get on it, I need someone to flip out with especially on book two. Murder me with DM's I will thank you c;

      Delete
  14. One of my friends highly recommended me this series a while ago. I put it on my tbr-shelf, but never come to read it. I love complex characters, and both Damen and Laurent sound very interesting. I also pay more attention to characters growth than to action. Great review, Kynndra! Thanks for reminding me about this book.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh man, this book sounds like it would be thoroughly intense with the rape and violence, I don't know if I'd be able to handle it - it takes me a long time to work up to these books. I'm glad you enjoyed it though Kynndra! Lovely review.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I really want to read this book....but I am hesitating because I am afraid it would be too graphic for me. But everything about this book speaks to my soul - political games, royal tension, character driven story, a ship to die for - and you have totally made me a confused mess after this review! :D To read, or not to read????

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello,

    Any idea where those pictures came from. I'd like to get my hands on hi-res versions if possible...

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.