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Prince's Gambit

Book 2 in the series:Captive Prince

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love enemies-to-lovers romances packed with political intrigue, tension, and character development, "Prince's Gambit" is a must-read! Fans of slow-burn relationships, witty banter, and clever plot twists will find themselves completely hooked. The worldbuilding feels immersive and rich, and C.S. Pacat’s writing delivers both heart-racing action and deeply emotional moments. This is perfect for anyone who enjoys high-stakes fantasy with complex, morally grey characters.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the themes of slavery, abuse, and power dynamics difficult to stomach, and felt the book handled these topics uncomfortably at times. If explicit content or dark subject matter isn't your thing, or if you prefer books with a strong female presence, this might not be for you. A few people struggled with the slow pacing at first or felt uneasy about the romantic dynamic given the circumstances.

A brilliant sequel that raises the stakes, deepens the characters, and delivers an intense, emotional ride. Not for everyone, but if dark fantasy romance and political machinations are your jam, you'll want to devour this and reach for the next book immediately!

About:

'Prince's Gambit' in the series 'Captive Prince' by C.S. Pacat is a captivating story that follows the journey of Prince Laurent and his slave, Damen, as they navigate through political intrigue, war strategy, and court dynamics in a historical AU setting. The book intricately weaves together elements of romance, fantasy, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers relationship between the two main characters, all while keeping readers engaged with its well-paced plot and unexpected twists.

The writing style of C.S. Pacat is hailed as masterful, with readers praising the vivid storytelling, clever plot development, and intricate character dynamics. The book is commended for its ability to blend elements of romance, fantasy, and political intrigue seamlessly, creating a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while also delving deep into the minds of the characters.

Characters:

Characters are multifaceted, with Damen evolving from a hopeful prince to a tortured slave, while Laurent reveals complexity and strategic depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is clear and immersive, with vivid imagery and layers of meaning that enhance the emotional depth of the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features intricate political intrigue, evolving relationships, and strategic battles, transitioning from court drama to military dynamics.

Setting:

The setting is a richly imagined fantasy world influenced by historical cultures, serving as a backdrop for complex societal themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is balanced, combining intense action with moments of emotional reflection, keeping readers engaged.
The shadows were long with sunset when they rode up, and the horizon was red. Chastillon was a single jutting tower, a dark round bulk against the sky. It was huge and old, like the castles far to the...

Notes:

The plot of 'Prince's Gambit' picks up right where 'Captive Prince' left off, focusing on Damen and Laurent's journey.
Damen is portrayed as a loyal and skilled warrior, showing significant character development throughout the book.
Laurent is revealed to have much more depth than initially thought, displaying qualities of a master political strategist.
Their relationship evolves from reluctant allies to genuine friends and then to lovers, emphasizing emotional growth.
Chapter 19 is noted for having an exceptional love scene, described as beautiful, sweet, and bittersweet.
The book features political intrigue, action, and the consequences of past betrayals, keeping readers engaged and on edge.
Both main characters are princes, but their journeys highlight themes of power struggle and personal growth amidst a backdrop of war.
Readers often describe the slow burn romance as intense, filled with sexual tension and emotional stakes.
The narrative style uses third-person perspective, primarily from Damen's point of view, which guides readers through his experiences and biases.
The series blends brutal themes like slavery and betrayal with a deep exploration of love and loyalty.
Many readers highlight the vivid world-building and character depth, making it a compelling fantasy read.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The story includes themes of violence, slavery, betrayal, emotional manipulation, and hints of sexual abuse.

Has Romance?

The romance between Damen and Laurent is a central theme, characterized by high tension and deep emotional connection.

From The Publisher:

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 increasingly drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow…

Ratings (34)

Incredible (13)
Loved It (10)
Liked It (9)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (39):

Read It (36)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

2 comment(s)

Incredible
3 months

i completely understand the hype now

 
Loved It
1 year

I read this book just after the first one in this series and I have to say that I liked it even better than the previous one.

Laurent finally becomes more human and I really enjoyed the plot. That was a fast read.

 

About the Author:

C. S. Pacat is the author of the Captive Prince trilogy. Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, she has since lived in a number of different cities, including Tokyo and Perugia. She currently resides and works…

 
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