Kings Rising by C.S. Pacat (Captive Prince #3)
Released: February 2, 2016
M/M Fantasy
Berkley
Reviewed by Mandi
Note: The review is spoiler free but the comment section does have spoilers!
To gain everything and lose everything in the space of a moment. That is the fate of all princes destined for the throne.
I’m going to write this review spoiler free, because to spoil anything about this book would be a true disservice. This will probably be the most non-review I’ve ever written. Let me also say, you can not just jump into this series with book three. You must read the first two, and trust me you want to.
Back in March of 2013 some twitter friends told me I must read Captive Prince Volumes one and two. I did, and I fell in love with Damen, Laurent, the world and author. At that time, Volumes one and two were self published – the entire series started as a free online fiction serial. What she wrote turned into something amazing. I read the first two parts and I was blown away. Maybe not so much with Volume one, but Volume two took my breath away. The twists and turns. The romance. The end. I gasped. This author knows how to build suspense until you can’t stand it, and then she throws in a twist that makes you flail.
Then we heard news that Penguin bought the series – we all cheered, and then realized the wait for book three would be torture (book two ends on a big cliffhanger). Formerly known as Captive Prince Volume one and two, the books are now titled, Captive Prince and Prince’s Gambit.
And now Kings Rising is here. And oh….my….god. It starts exactly where book two ends. We all know how book two ends. *hold me*
Like I said, I’m not giving anything away – except to say – it’s absolutely fantastic. It made me smile. It made me read between my fingers when I got super stressed (super stressed y’all). I laughed. I swooned.
“What?” Damen was smiling
“You’re very,” said Laurent, and then, flushing, “attractive.”
“Really,” said Damen, in a rich, warm voice.
“Yes,” said Laurent.
Oh, my dear awkward Laurent.
This author does such an amazing job with these two guys I can’t even deal with it. Damen – a natural-born warrior, forced to be a slave to a man whose brother he killed in battle. Stripped of his lands and his family. And Laurent – who everyone underestimates but can out-manuever anyone. A mastermind to beat all others. Always planning, always manipulating.
And as we see in book two, these two unlikely fellas fall for each other. They have this passion that is almost too much to bear. Laurent, so in control and icy – and Damen, full of heat and emotion.
I almost didn’t survive reading this. Almost. (I may be just a little attached to these characters).
More twists, more adventure, more heartache. A truly great end to an amazing journey.
This series deals with very dark tones – slavery, non-consensual sex, violence. It’s not for everyone. But if you try this and you feel yourself falling in love with Damen and Laurent, hold on tight. This author will make you laugh and smile all the while quietly weaving a web of plot twists that will have you freaking out.
Thank you C.S. Pacat. Truly a pleasure to read.
Grade: A+
Goodreads l Author Website l Series
I am about 1/3 of the way through and I am flailing. Oh the feels. This is so so good. I don’t want it to end.
I didn’t want it to end either. I want 500 more pages.
There were a few things I worried about how she would handle without it sliding in to I guess maudlin is a good word but she just rolled right along and dealt with things efficiently. I am trying to stay spoiler free but it is hard. This might be the most satisfying series conclusion I have ever read. She is a true wordsmith and genius storyteller. Brava!
Any chance of a post where we can talk with spoliers?
I think spoilers are fine in the comment section – I’m dying to talk about things anyway. I’ll put a note in the review to mention spoilers down here.
Can we talk about Damen losing his shit in the Kingsmeeting place??? Can we talk about Laurent handing himself over to the Regent??
*dies again*
Yes! God and I knew there had to be more up Laurent’s sleeve then Guion but I forgot about the wife . And the whole confrontation with Laurent and Jokaste. Dead.
I was worried when the baby was introduced into the storyline for some reason – but it played out well. Jokaste was just how I expected her – loved it. Her interactions with Laurent were great. Laurent dressing as her in the caravan – omg.
I had forgotten about Guion’s wife too – what a great moment.
I love how it all played out at the end.
Other things I loved – Nikandros’s role in the book.
The way Damen and Laurent deal with Damen killing his brother.
Their sword fight/wrestling match
Laurent drunk
I really need to read this series.
I haven’t started it yet and I am stressed, I knew it will be one hell of a ride to the finish and you just confirmed it.
I’m stressed and I know everything that happens LOL.
The author tortures us damn it!
I have book one. It’s been on my Nook for a while. I’ll be starting after I finish the new Brandon Witt.
I just finished Kings Rising. This book has become my favourite book of all time. I just can’t even…
I can’t even either!!!
The romance. The battle. Laurent giving it all up for Damen. Omg
And Damen returning the favor. :)
BTW, does anyone know anything about the short stories C.S. Pacat will be releasing? Set in this world with one of them involving Damen and Laurent.
I have not heard….
All .of the above. And I know now I need to re read from book one with a new eye for the little.details