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alysae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First of all, the trigger warnings are not to be taken lightly. Rape, slavery and pedophilia is very much present from the very first chapters of book 1 throughout the story. If this is something that you don't think you could handle, then please don't read the book.
I read the first book back when it came out when I was thirteen and couldn't even get past the fourth chapter. The scenes are very explicit and the themes are hardcore. I knew I was too young to read this.
However, I finally tried it again as a friend bought this book and liked it. I remembered trying to read it and how controversial it already was at the time. I can see why it could be, but honestly it shouldn't.
This story is about a prince turned slave in his enemy's country. You know this when you start reading it, you also know what kind of society inspired this story, so you should know that it wouldn't be all roses.
The first book was mostly world-building and learning to know the characters. Not much happens regarding the plot, but it is very hardcore. The real action happens at the end of the book, and continues on the second one. I'm glad I had an edition with both books so I could continue directly with the second one.
Now, regarding book 2. It was excellent. The plot definitely thickened, the characters' interactions were great, loved the banter. But the politics and plot twists are infinitely what kept me reading. So many things happened, characters I thought were important weren't... Some things were predictable, but some left me flabbergasted.
The ending was awesome and I can't wait to read book 3 to know what happens next.
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, and Slavery
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, and War
Minor: Animal death
madzcp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child death, Death, Drug use, Incest, Torture, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
zeppelinnyx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug use, Pedophilia, and Suicide
Minor: Animal death
jmross10's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There is a slow burn romance that develops over the duration of the series but don't go into this book expecting to see much of it. There are the tiniest hits of what could be. There is no actual suggestion as to what it is.
For that matter, don't go into this book expecting to know what's going to happen next either. While the world is interesting and the characters are messy, the most captivating part is easily the chaotic political maneuvering in Vere. Everyone seems to be twenty steps ahead of the reader. Some of them - Laurent - are thirty.
Captive Prince is not necessarily an easy read but there are real emotional stakes, consequences for character's actions, and an unraveling of political plots that makes it well worth the effort. Pacat is an excellent writer and worth giving a try!
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Classism