Captive Prince (Spoiler Free) | REVIEW

[@nokiddingbrainless]

Hmmmmm so people don't complain about books that have similar content but with heterosexual ships? Hmmmmmmmmm. Probably has nothing to do with homophobia.....

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Riiiiiiiiiight... Nothing at all :))))

[@angelgray701]

Preach!!!! 😁

[@charliebrincat9583]

Having studied the classical civilisations of ancient Greece and knowing how highly influenced these novels are (from the relationships/slaves/problems...) rather than made up violence, I thoroughly enjoyed this series and enjoyed the progression and development of the characters over time.

[@maryhelen7588]

God, I love this series. I kind of think of it as a 'sexual dystopia' as opposed to the very common violent dystopias we often see.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

oooh very true. Interesting way to look at it.

[@PrettyDeadlyReviews]

You and I have similar ideas about romance (see Beautiful Disaster.) I said the SAME thing about Laurent when I read this: his is irredeemable, there's nothing he could do to win me over. And then I read the second book and holy shit. After finishing the series, this is probably my top three OTPs, and Laurent is one of my all-time favorite characters. I definitely recommend reading this as a whole, as you said, because the character development is unparalleled.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

That makes me feel better. I've gotten a small tiny bit of flak for even giving the series a chance, especially due to my hatred of other popular book with abuse. I'm looking forward to seeing what I think.

[@skruzdeliukasali]

I cannot wait to see what your thoughts are on the next two books! After I finished the first one, I thought how on earth is the author going to make Laurent and Damen end up together?! I heard it was going to be a romance story and just couldn't see it happening! But it did, and the process leading to it was beautiful. It really pisses me off when people judge the whole series just by reading the first book. Let's just take Game of Thrones - they burn a little girl in the show, for God's sake! And I don't hear anyone having a fit over that! I don't understand why it gets so much hate and I'm happy you made this point! Also, how is this book racist?!? Seriously, people get offended over everything these days! I wonder if Laurent was of color and Damen was white, would people be still saying it's racist? Anyway, it's now one of my most loved books of all time and my guilty pleasure! I really hope you will like the next two books!

[@Secretgirl97]

I read Captive Prince two years before book 3 was even published and it was the longest wait for my life XD It is my all times favorite series but unfortunately not one I can recommend to everyone for obvious reasons. Book 1 really was the weak link, but it was written years before book 3 and was written online so CS PAcat did not have to chance to go edit and change stuff she realized was not adequate. It didn't deter me when I got into it because I picked it up when I was in the mood for reading shameless trashy romance novels but book 2 ended up being really, really good. The romance is actually very beautiful when it gets around to it. Surprisingly healthy, which is why I ended up loving the series so much. Book 2 is fantastic. So is book 3. You will definitely enjoy those ones more.

[@Carolina-wz2qo]

Laurent in book 1 is one of the most well-done villains I've ever read, to the point that re-reading always puts me right back in the initial mindset of this-bitch-needs-to-die, but this time with *nuance*. extremely mild, vague, non-plot spoilers follow. I think CS Pacar got around the whole redemption arc thing with Laurent pretty well in the sense that... it's not really a matter of redeeming him. It's more understanding his perspective, who he is as a person, who Damen is as a person (because Damen is an incredibly unreliable narrator, and I think you only really come to realize this towards the end of the second book), and watching them develop together throughout the series. And that's very vague because I don't want to accidentally spoil anyone, but if you ever watched Avatar... it's kind of like what they did with That Character, where knowing him makes a difference, and hindsight becomes an absolute bitch. I don't think anyone really forgives Laurent for book 1, and that's an uncomfortable aspect of the book because... you can't really forgive Damen, either. Their relationship is very messy, but the point of the books is them growing to understand each other, the terrible things they both did, and how that shaped them into the people that they are (and both of them coming to terms with all this. there are... some Heavy Emotional coming-to-terms-with scenes, especially in book 3). They don't get a perfect ending or a perfect relationship; they have a lot of issues up until the very last scene, and the little epilogue-type short stories afterward, and I think I appreciate the unresolved issues more than a lot of the things in the books, because it would have felt awfully fake for them to completely forgive each other and move on entirely. They both did awful, terrible, horrifying things to each other, and they helped each other out of awful, terrible, horrifying situations that they would never have escaped on their own, and they were what the other needed. So they're willing to move past if not fully forgive everything that happened, not only for their own emotional health and their relationship but also the thousands of people that they're responsible for, as members of important royal families. So... it's not perfect, and it's not a matter of forgiving either of them, because many of the things they did are unforgivable, but just understanding them, and how they're trying to do what's best for their future rather than their past. if that makes sense

[@momowoods2859]

👏👏👏👏 I Love ur Comment,I may not agreed on a few little things you said here and there,but overall it was great. ^_^

[@jessicachan6273]

This trilogy is my favorite😍❤️ omg the author really spun a beautiful tale and I highly recommend it!!!! Finished all 3 books in 3 days.

[@luzmarinarios7779]

Me too

[@caitlincarter3051]

I loved this trilogy & I agreed with you about the way some people have critiqued it. I'd heard that it glorified an abusive relationship & the romance was disgusting & it was filled with rape, but when I read it expecting those things, I didn't find it as prevalent as I'd been led to believe. I'm not sure I'd say that Laurent redeems himself through the books, but you do get to know him better & that gives you an understanding of why he did the things he did. It in no way justifies them, but it actually starts to make sense. For me, the scene at the end where you discover that Laurent has been standing there as an individual against the entire Council for hours abdicating for Damen is an area that's explored & furthered in the following two books as you grow to love him.

[@atabsy]

i love the captive prince trilogy. damianos and laurent makin' me scream (especially in book 2 and yes book 3) 💕💖

[@heidib2504]

Honestly this series is amazing. Book 3 showed the most romance of it but even tho I went into this series looking for the romance I discovered to be into the whole story by itself. Laurent is one of my favs and Damien was a great POV to be in. This book had me going into a lot of surprises with the main plot. Laurent personality was well proven with the twists and turns of events

[@momowoods2859]

I Love ur Comment and I Love the Captive Prince Trilogy/series to! ^_^

[@heidib2504]

@@momowoods2859 thank you! and i as well love this series wayyy too much :)

[@momowoods2859]

@@heidib2504 Me to like intensely,lol. I recommend to watch this review its recent and great: kzbin.info/www/bejne/banRdamcd8RgmLc

[@heidib2504]

@@momowoods2859 thanks

[@momowoods2859]

@@heidib2504 Ur welcome. :)

[@haleypratt7934]

I'm so glad you're reading this series! I read this trilogy all at once (practically in one sitting) so it's hard for me to remember what had happened by the end of the first book. I felt that C.S. Pacat handled the development of Laurent and Damon's relationship really well throughout the series, but I can see how that wouldn't necessarily be apparent by the end of book one. She's also done some really good interviews explaining the choices she made for this series, so I would recommend listening to those as well.

[@assemblyizeable]

I love that you drew those connections between critiques made about this book that are glossed over in reviews of other books with similar aspects. I haven't read this yet, but your review definitely helped me understand what to expect when I do. Great review, thanks!

[@scrollsofdragons362]

Captive Prince is my second favourite series of all time. It so annoys me when people are like but how can you ship that and the rape is so horrible and I'm like, but you like other books with the same effin content but just because this one is more in your face about it, you critiquing it. Like it's kind of hypocritical. It pisses me off. I'm fine you saying that and you stay away from books with that content, but when you have. Yeah, just not buying that. I totally understand why it is not for some people and that's fine. It's not a book you can enjoy really but the series as a whole is. Look forward to seeing what you think about the second one. The first one is the weakest out of the three.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Yeah I'm definitely side eyeing a lot of the critiques people have of this book versus other ones with similar content. I've heard the series gets better so I'm definitely intrigued!

[@maryamumar2208]

What’s your favourite?

[@tinkerspell4850]

The things you pointed out about how people will criticize something in one series and not in another is what is kind of making me sick of booktube. I find myself skipping a lot of reviews. Esp. as bashing series with gleeful joy has become a thing. I just dislike it so much. I feel like people just look harder and harder for things to be "problematic". Like it's ok for men to be love interests in YA fiction with female leads but a female love interest is immediately a bad thing. ??? Look at all the other series out there! Is the Lunar Chronicles bad because all the guys are love interests? I don't know anymore. I am interested in this but my TBR is enormous... I am holding off on stuff not already on my shelves or in my Kindle. :) Great review, though. Thanks.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I definitely understand how the series isn't for everyone, but it disproportionately gets a lot of hate for having similar elements as other popular series.

[@jessicachan6273]

Skip your TBR and read this series! It’s sooo beautiful!

[@SuperSugarNinja]

I'm so glad you're reading this series I absolutely love it. I think you're right to not really judge it based on just the first book that's been something that's really bothered me with other people and I think you did a really great job of talking about the more problematic aspects of the first book :) I hope you enjoy the next too and I can't wait for your reviews

[@DontHaveaDegreeinReading]

I am quite interested to see how you like the rest of the series. This isn't typically a book that I would gravitate towards, but I find redeemable characters irresistible.

[@LoveMeSomeSarcasm]

I've watched so many people review this book and this is the first sensible review I'v heard in terms of the content. This series sounds really interesting to me and as I'm not particularly sensitive about harsh/violent content I will definitely be reading it.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Thank you! It's definitely not for everyone but if you aren't sensitive to content and can commit to the whole series it's definitely worth a shot.

[@WillGraham-uv1ol]

Hi ty for your review I've been wavering about reading this series and I like how articulate you were about pros and cons

[@yaoigirl83]

I read this series at the beginning of the year and it is probably my favourite series that I have read so far in 2016. I gave the first book a 3.5 because of the more stomach turning moments, but the second and third book both got five stars from me. The character development and political intrigue are so well done.

[@angieelle9334]

I hope you get a chance to read the second book. It delves a lot deeper into the political intrigue and was my favorite of the series. Excellent review!

[@Sad.Purple.unicorn]

I had heard mixed reviews about this trilogy and wasn’t sure if I would like it so when I first started reading this book I was not sure if it was good enough but as I continued it seriously grew on me. It’s amazing. I have love hate relationship with Laurent. I hope he redeemed himself at some point

[@bethanybrookes666]

I’ve been wanting to read this and your review has helped me with my decision

[@Carolina-wz2qo]

Id really, really love to hear your thoughts on the other books, if you ever do decide to finish the series. Any chance of that happening still? So many of the reviews for this are purely gushy and excited, which is also fun, but your review was very logical and objective, and that's not something I've found except for people bashing it for being problematic.

[@dessy_3]

about the fanfictiony elements about this book, i've heard that actually the first book was first written as a serialized story online so it kinda is in a way lol i do think her writing is beautiful (imo) in the next books tho. i completely agree with a lot of your points, i think the series should definitely be judged as a whole, or at least people should read the first 2 before fully deciding their thoughts on the series, bc the first book really does not do the story or the characters justice. theres a lot of..missing information in the first book that you dont get to learn until later on and it doesnt have any of the positive, enjoyable elements that make all the brutal, serious stuff worth getting through. & yes, also kinda lowkey side-eyeing people who judge others for loving this series, as if 90% of the world doesnt watch shows or read books with brutal/gruesome topics like game of thrones and things like that. anyway, great review :)

[@CirosMom]

Kinda late to the party here but it’s so funny how Sam mentioned that this book sounded like a fanfic alt universe at times, and that’s probably because that’s how it started.. I believe Pacat herself confirmed that this started as a AO3 fic that she later turned to a book due to the attention and love it received on there. 😅

[@EarthBallad]

I love your thoughts! Fun review. I went into this series thinking it would not be by thing and ended up reading it in a matter of days. Looking forward to your thoughts on the last two, regardless which way they swing!

[@sapphicbooknook]

I think laurants character development through the series was so interesting cause he never makes excuses for what he did he apologize and damion gets an explanation but his trama is never used as an exuse simply an explanation. Damion doesn't even forgive him for it when he finds out. It takes a lot for them to get to the point of being in a relationship.

[@MinefortheReading]

How you reviewed this is pretty much how I would have for this first book. I was ambivalent toward it but not gaga during the first book. I gave the first one 3/5, second 3.5/5, and I do think the last book is the best with 4/5 stars, because it's wrapped up fairly and kind of coolly. I think the romantic arc is both redemptive and accepting, you learn a lot of about the other characters and their reasons for doing what they do, and they're valid and not thrust upon you for the sake of falling for the other MC. It's an interesting series that gets cooler as you go through, but not one of my favorites. I also agree about the length and I think the first two books are actually meant to be read as one but they were split in the US versions. Awesome review, Sam!

[@Saphitri]

I'm so curious to see what you think of this series! It's not on my tbr (yet), just because it doesn't really speak to me or anything and I usually really, really dislike rape in fiction. But I love the way you highlight and point out certain things that other people wouldn't, and you always explain your views so thoroughly. I'm just super curious if your opinion will change/develop and what you'll think of the series on the whole.

[@davidmtgregorio]

I think the critique has more to do with the content shown. Like, I've read slave/owner fanfics before with m/m relationships, but they're always treated with a lot of care by the author. There's never any rape or anything like that and it always progresses to the characters treating each other like equals. And even before that, the owner character never treates the slave in any abusive way. And even I don't see myself reading this book series, mostly because I don't see how sexual abuse in a relationship could ever be forgiven. I just... yeah. Nope.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I understand it's not for everyone. It's not even for me at this point. I disagree with other fan fics supposed portrayal of slave/owner relationships though and I think people are just kidding themselves if they think one slave owner relationship is better than another. Slave/owner relationships are in and of themselves abusive, even if it isn't graphic. A slave/owner dynamic can never be equal or have true consent. And I think that's the argument here as well. These characters aren't romantic in this book and they supposedly aren't shown to be until they are no longer in a slave/owner relationship. I don't think the sexual abuse can be forgiven either, like I said in my review. But I'm continuing the series to see how it's attempted. Also to be clear, there is not rape between the main characters as of what I have read in the story, so that may be how the 'redemption' comes into play since the owner character has not touched the slave character at all in a sexual way. We will see.

[@davidmtgregorio]

Oh, the way people talk about the first book, I always thought there was sexual abuse between them. I do agree that consent in this cases is always dubious, though. The fics I've read are always about werewolf slaves and human owners (usually the character is reticent about getting a slave but something happens that makes him have to get one and they mostly leave the werewolf by themselves and the werewolf ends up feeling really confused about the new "owner" they have), so I usually find that when the relationship has hit a point where the collar that inhibits the werewolf powers gets taken off that it kind of balances things out. But I do understand what you're saying. It's a tricky line to navigate in fiction.

[@Madika92]

Also, the slave topic is quite underdeveloped. We don't know enough about the bed slaves and we know nothing about the servant slaves, etc. Could've been better. I still enjoyed the book though

[@stangbooks6527]

I actually really love this series. I read it initially years ago, before C.S. Pacat had finished writing the third book. There was a massive delay in the final book as the first two books were self published (free) and then got picked up by a publisher and then slowly released. I re-read the whole thing as the final book was released and enjoyed it so much. The political intrigue really picks up in book two and the way the transformation of Laurent happens is, in my opinion, really well done. I appreciated Damon and Laurent's relationship so much by the end of the series. The way they were raised determined so much of how their personalities developed. Yes, the first book here is dark and deserves warning tags, but it's certainly not handled in as brutal a way as some of the other books I've read. It's clear how negatively these actions are viewed and left me hopeful for the redemption plot line. I definitely recommend reading the other two books in the series.

[@jmpresco]

I really enjoyed your review of this book. I gave it the same star rating and agreed with a lot of your points. I've read a ton of fanfiction and so this definitely read like one. I did like the fact that you made mention to those who were giving it bad reviews for content that is represented in other books that are praised. I have yet to read An Ember in the Ashes and the Winners trilogy but I know both of those series are highly acclaimed and so for people to be ok with that but not ok here doesn't make sense to me. Either way the books do get amazingly better. It was the character development that drove me too when reading this book. To find out what kind of people Laurent and Damon turn into under the crazy circumstances to come will propel you to the end. The last book is the best. The culmination of all the political machinations and the relationships of all the characters at the end is what made it great. I may reread this series next year cause I have so much to get through now I just don't have the time. Have fun with it. Can't wait to see your other reviews once your done reading them.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Everyone has been commenting that the series has some great development so I'm very interested to see what I think!

[@supernaturalaesthetic6295]

A lot of people talk about the romance because it is significant but it does not happen till the last book because every other theme in this series is far more important. It is a little slow because it is a character driven story with grudging plot points and turns at every page. It's important to realize that it is not a book that romanticized rape or pedophelia and slavery. Damen after becoming a slave himself after being captured gets first hand experience and realizes that slavery does need to stop and he uses this to change the viewpoint of Laurent who is dealing with trauma a and the loss of his family and he learns that even if childish and stubborn, his actions come with consequences and he slowly learns to trust Damen and his army. Friendship as well as companionship and leadership is important. This is a hands down political, thriller with violence, revenge, and a little bit of romance that ties everything together. Most people who bash this series are the people who put the book immediately when the abuse happens or the rape and decide they know everything about the culture, characters and their reasons for their actions. They don't know enough to critique it enough and just tell others not to look at it based on something they don't have information on.

[@Oujistudio]

Captive Prince is by far, one of my favorite series. It appeals to a very specific audience aka if you’re into Yaoi, this is a MUST-READ. The first books is more like an introduction to the world building, culture, political schemes etc, while the second book unravels another layer to the story, and the third ties it all up. Honestly, I picked it up because of Chinatsu Kurahana. Artist for the Japanese edition of Captive Prince, she does the artworks for Uta no Prince-sama, Togainu no Chi, and Fire Emblem to name a few. If Kurahana is working on this, you know it’s gonna be good. Damen is your typical sweet Seme and Laurent your sharp tongue Uke. But what you should really be reading this series for is for the side characters and Charles. Charles is the best man. Introduced in Book 2, he is the saving grace, the comedy relief that is much needed in such a dark story. After you’ve read the trilogy, hop onto the Summer Short Stories to fill that void in your heart - trust me, you’ll need it.

[@momowoods2859]

I Love ur Comment and I'm completely head over heels in love with the Captive Prince trilogy/series to. ^_^ Its such a magical~ art.

[@kikicat7563]

Have u been able to find anything else similar to captive prince?

[@AyameObsessed]

Great review love! I am absolutely 100% on board with your comment that this book reads like fanfiction. I was often looking at the pages and thinking "Why is this character doing this???" And then it was like OH because fanservice. I also just could not for the life of me get on board with the writing style or with the "political intrigue" if we can even call it that. I was very not intrigued, lol. Glad you posted your review! :)

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Haha thank you! Yeah it definitely was sooooo heavy handed. I didn't ultimately end up hating the writing though as I went into it with zero expectations... if not below zero expectations tbh.

[@yyuna7]

I read it a while ago, but it still confuses me how so many people categorize it in the romance genre, when the series doesn't really have a lot of it in, imo. I expected a lot more romance because of the reviews, but didn't get much. I still enjoyed the series quite lot, even with its flaws.

[@EarthBallad]

Sam, Speaking of sexuality in fantasy cultures -have you read the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey? Adult series with pan sexual culture and a lot of interesting characters. I loved the world building as well.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I haven't but I have heard of it!

[@SpectralNightingale]

The whump lover in me wishes it was more descriptive and showed more of the messed up stuff (I've heard that, by whump standards it's really not that bad) but it does sound interesting enough for a short story and I think I'll give it a shot :)

[@luminasm]

I haven't read the books yet, but I find it really interesting. I mean seeing how much society influences humans and their behavior (slavery being a normal thing in this world) and seeing the development and changes of his perspective on slavery. It's even relevant today, realizing how much society, media and so on influences our perception of the world. I don't even know if this is the point of the book. :D

[@lyudmylaklykova8211]

Thanks for the review. If you enjoyed these series, i would dare to recommend After by Varian Krylov. This is one of the darkest, creepiest and most disturbing books i ve ever read.

[@PrincessZombie97]

Queen I’m waiting to hear your opinion about the second and third book :(

[@Xk8rsx]

I haven't read it-I have the book but haven't had the chance to pick it up. After watching this review I will know what I'm getting when I finally do read it, I am excited but thank you for voicing all of your opinions I'll definitely be wary of the themes in there when I start reading :) thank you!

[@saori1f]

Even the title sounds like fanfiction, still i am very intrigued by that series and i do plan to pick it up at some point.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

LOL it definitely does!

[@E.3-h2u]

Ok wait am I not supposed to like Laurent because like I liked him instantly... 😅😅😅

[@SoranovaArt]

I loved this series and i will say as a black person i wasnt offended by the slavery aspect. I really want to reread during the summer because the way they characters developed was very nice. And i hate YA novels soo to have a mature not beat around the bush. I found self laughing at alot of situations during book 2 and 3. I will say it was a pleasent surprise and Fan art lead me to read them xD

[@mpggv8368]

there may be some stuff in there thats not so good - but theres nothing wrong with being sidekick or even servant to a close friend which is probably a sexual nature in the end. and may end up with the usual cuffs play etc. i dont mind too much if you like the persons involved a lot. may make for a grat friendship. theres nothing too much wrong with some closdeness and even wearing street jewellry given to each other as a markings and a present. but its a bit romantic anyways !

[@elizabethgamez9293]

I said I wasn't going to read this book and now I want to... reader's problem. I think I should so I can judge for myself

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

That's exactly why I decided to read it!

[@fallenkitty1235]

+Thoughts on Tomes I loved this series I think you should continue

[@joshccj]

I just finished reading Book 3, the story does gets better! I wasn't a big fan of Book 1, but Book 2 and Book 3 got me hooked!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

So many people have said the same thing! I'm excited.

[@readaholicgirl_5]

omg. I knew Laurent was fair skinned and blond/blue eyes and Damen had darker complexion but NOWHERE did I make the connection of white master and poc slave. *smack forehead* I'm such an idiot

[@tommykayreads6436]

I am loving this series (almost done with the second), and you are right, should have probably been one book. I totally see why many people are not fans of the book especially because of the slave stuff, the rape stuff, the pedophilia, but, to me, the material is palatable because we are seeing events through Damen's eyes who also finds some of the situations to be bad. I also like that the love story plays out very slowly--not a big fan of instalove and the slow burn is necessary in this case because Laurent is so despicable.

[@jessicachan6273]

The romance and character development was crazy omfggg I love Laurant so much and Damianos!!!!

[@karendanderfer3352]

Ohhh I can't wait until you read the ohter two books!! I love your reviews and the way you express yourself :D

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Thank you!

[@xiomysbooktales6279]

I agree with your review! I personally don't like reading about this topic but I appreciated the facts you mentioned in comparison to other books. For example I loved reading AEITA even though it isn't as explicit as this book the topic is their nonetheless. Its also present in other YA books. However, I liked watching Spartacus the TV show so I think its a bit biased of me to view a TV show and not read a book on this topic. For me I watch it and am "okay" with it but reading it makes it more personal. (Not that I'm okay with that topic since it should be a very sensitive and hurtful topic.) I hope I explained that correctly! I still don't know if I'll read it, maybe in the future.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I totally get what you're saying!

[@anna--emilia]

great review! I've heard so many mixed things so I'm interested to see what you think of the series as a whole :)

[@Madika92]

Honestly, I didn't find this book disturbing at all. I get that some people are different, but still. We see actual rape only once, and Laurant (I probably butchered the name, I listened to the audiobook) is more talk than an actual big bad wolf. He flogs him once (author insists it's really brutal and could've killed Damon, but we don't see any physical or mental aftermath) and that's it. Nothing that makes him a Supervillan. More than that you're compelled to sympathize him, since he doesn't have anyone, we know how his brother died, what the regent is doing, etc. Also, I'm like 90 %sure his uncle raped him, hence that scene where he touches his hair in a weird way, Laurant is not taking anyone to bed and the uncle is a pedophile. I could be wrong, since I listened only to the first one yet, but that would make sense. As for the white-PoC relationship, people just like to complain

[@AbigailD23]

I might eventually finish the series, but I just couldn't get behind the fact that Laurent and Damen eventually have a romance when I first read it. Like Laurent causes abuse to happen to Damen even if he doesn't directly do it in this first book. He had the power to make them not happen. And he did stop some things from happening, if I remember right, but it doesn't erase the fact that he also let a lot of bad things happen too. I just can't see how he could be redeemed for me. I mean, it's not impossible to like a series and still acknowledge where it has problems (like I love A Song of Ice and Fire, but it's got some things in there I definitely don't agree with). It's all a matter of what you can live with as a reader, I guess. But in any case, I really liked the worldbuilding too and the hint of political intrigue we get in this first book. Damen as a character was the reason I continued to read and finish the book.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I'm definitely curious as to how the rest of the series tries to redeem him because I agree with you!

[@yrynoy]

I very much agree with reading the trilogy as a whole; I was turned off by the first book but read on because it was so short, and by the end I enjoyed it a lot. I just accepted some of the brutality as a by-product of the society (I was binge-watching Spartacus at the time so it didn't seem as strange to me - horrible, yes, but no one can deny human beings can be monsters).

[@halliehurst4847]

Honestly by the end it’s Damen’s actions that I thought they’d have the most difficulty moving past as a couple. SPOILERS FOR THE WHOLE SERIES: Once you know that Laurent knew who Damen was all along, I don’t know how to word this, like if someone killed my sister and then they were sold to me as a slave I would kill them slowly and painfully. And if my sister’s death caused me to live through a childhood of abuse that left me messed up for life and I had her killer in front of me I don’t know what I’d do. Keep them alive and torture them daily as long as I lived? Probably. So Laurent’s actions feel very justifiable to me because if someone killed someone I love I would do a lot worse than him. But Damen killed Laurent’s brother, resulting in him being abused as a child and without anyone who loved him in the world for years. That’s Damen’s fault. How is Damen supposed to get past that? How does he deal with his guilt? How is Laurent capable of loving the person who caused him such pain? How can he forgive him (as we’ve already established I could never do that)? Yes, Laurent kills Kastor and Damen gets the regent killed but it’s not even. They obviously forgive one another because they’re in love but I can’t quite completely forgive Damen (don’t get me wrong, I love him) on Laurent’s behalf. I would really love a fourth book exploring this, plus everything else that could be explored that the series never gets around to developing fully.

[@louissysunflower5510]

but as I understood it was war, it was not ordinary fight or killing innocnent unprotected soul, like I feel that we can get this into point, the war it is a war and we need to agree that in fight there always winner and looser, so I believe that we shoud to look at this through another angle

[@elizabethreads0312]

This book sounds so interesting. Also I just wanted to say I love your new short hair. I think it really suits you.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Thank you! I'm really enjoying the short hair as well :)

[@mitchconnor9748]

This trilogy honestly sounds like a little inspired by the chinese M/M novel called hua hua you long. With a dash of the incomplete Teahouse webcomic which is also M/M "romance" or smut if you will. I definitely get vibes this author is definitely a fan of Japanese yaoi manga.(comic books about gay stuff written by women for women) Though I could totally be wrong. :) Sorry if I'm really throwing out terms and things that may be completely new to you. lol Just food for thought.

[@fridaweasly8965]

I might read this book, it is something I've never read before, so I'm curious

[@TheKrystolMethod]

I have heard so many things about this book. Im definately going to get it.

[@marcellamartha7920]

I started reading this series with zero expectations and ended up finding the first book oddly satisfying. Like it had more good points about it than a lot of other really popular series. I thought the main character was well written and the story is pretty consistent, especially regarding the romance, which, like you said, simply doesn't exist on the first book and its so obvious that there should be no romance at this point, all things considered. I also gave it a three starts rating and decided to continue on with the series and OMG!!! It gets so much better!! The story grows plot-wise, the political intrigue gets more complex, and it is actually a very smart series. There are interesting twists in the story and I'm not sure my feelings for Laurent changed all that much (I felt the same as you after the first book) but he certainly got some points with me. It's not one of my favorite series of all time or anything but I was genuinely pleased with it. Very good.

[@melaphant2149]

I'm intrigued as to your reviews for the rest of the series/as a whole. The last thing you said in the video made me lol :) "Don't come into my house and make a mess"

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

LOL thanks!

[@RomanticRosebud]

Great review. Makes me more interested to get to it.

[@martiedurana5015]

duude this freaking series is the bombb. the plot just keeps on giving. lamen

[@amyr3293]

I love this series, and I love Laurent, but I only gave the first book 3 stars like you did, I was annoyed at having to pay three times for what was essentially one book. I do tend to love some pretty awful characters though so I see why people can't get on board with Damien and Laurent's relationship. I can't wait for you to finish the series, I recommend you read the later books soon so you don't forget some of the political stuff though xxx

[@Winterlittle]

i couldn't stop looking at your nails. love the color!!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Thank you!

[@thesonicmaestro]

I read the series in one go and yes you should absolutely read it together. The rape parts, spoiler but no rape between the two main characters. But errr lot of nsfw stuff happening and implied. IA, Damen is an excellent narrator, he is such a good person, and to see all that shit happening around him and just trying to get through it all - I was rooting for him after just a couple of chapters. Other spoiler: in the next books you will find out why Laurent is an asshole.

[@MimeticCouture]

Are you going to review the next two?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I haven't read the next two yet.

[@MimeticCouture]

The second was definitely a gamechanger for the story! Look forward to your review if you read them!

[@gp4517]

Caden Witt same! I'd like to know what you think about Laurent after the 2nd/3rd book :P

[@areyouchoking1471]

Okay, I haven't read the series and I really really want to, but I've noticed that alot of the rant reviews I've read so far have something to do about the involvement of the rape and pedophilia depiction in this book? I guess I'm okay with that as long as it is not being romanticized like the mc adores the other mc because he's a rapist etc. and atleast one of the mcs must be on the contrary side of those themes. But what made me doubt to read this book is the possibility that one of the mcs is a cheater. Adult dystopian? The chances are really high. I can't stand cheating, there's no excuse for it, no matter how lovely the character is, when he cheats, he must die (lol). So, did one of the mcs cheat? If they did, how intense it was, like was it done with a secret friend? Or other princes or other slaves? ? I really don't want to waste my time reading about a cheating character.

[@xyramae69]

I was surprised by this book. When I read this, the only thing I knew about it was that it was MM romance. I'm not really sensitive to slavery and erotic stuff, but a couple chapters in, I had to put it down. I thought the rape was too much. But when I got my shit together, I continued to read it and I finished the trilogy in a day! It was so good. I think that the first book was written to pave the way for the second and third book wherein the story really unfolds.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I've heard that from a lot of people.

[@Kay7928-j4g]

i think it's ridiculous when people are like omg disgusting...then don't read it??? Like these things happen in the world today and in history so ya know if you can't handle this kind of reality then okay don't read it.

[@momowoods2859]

I Love ur Comment! ^_^

[@Kay7928-j4g]

@@momowoods2859 Thanks!

[@momowoods2859]

@@Kay7928-j4g Ur welcome and I'm curious,what you think about the captive prince trilogy/series?

[@Kay7928-j4g]

@@momowoods2859 I really loved it. i've read it twice. i love the two main characters personalities. I identify with Laurent the most. I love how he wants to keep hating Damen but just can't. Although with books like this I find the people who enjoy them have had a bit more world experience and realize that these things have and do still happen in the world.

[@momowoods2859]

@@Kay7928-j4g True,I really do appreciate C.S. Pacat for wanting to write something like that,handling it with care and knowledge alongside the world-building to. I love the captive prince trilogy/series to and I always will. ^_^

[@mpggv8368]

great friendship i meant below

[@sarrahalejaga5103]

I can't stop myself from thinking that you look like a vampire heheheh

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thank you :)

[@JulianGreystoke]

I think I might give this one a miss. Thanks for the review :)

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

You're welcome!

[@angelgray701]

It's been 2 years where is the rest of the review?????

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I haven't read the rest of the books and I mentioned in other videos that I don't really care to because of both the voracious fandom and antis :)))

[@angelgray701]

Thoughts on Tomes That's cool. Thanks for the explanation 😊

[@angelgray701]

Thoughts on Tomes Buuuut if you ever change your mind, just know that Laurent's character development is simply amazing

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I've heard really great things about it, I just find all the fighting in the fandom from those for and against it so exhausting. But hopefully one day things will calm down and I can read it in peace lol

[@VonikaBall1987]

I sub just found your channel

[@LeahRebecca]

just finished reading it and it was a bit fucked up

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

yuuuup

[@leenazarde5228]

i dont really understand the need now to put trigger warnings on anything....like...shit you dont like it ..deal with it....

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

uh trigger warnings are a little different than "not liking it". I suggest you google it.

[@fatumamamamamama]

slaves can n e v e r fall in love with the people who Literally Own Them. that's a rape trope. it's also something that's happened many, many times in history, wherein a slave owner would sexually abuse and rape their slaves. that's obviously not love and the ENORMOUS power imbalance present in all slave/master dynamics makes that impossible. i've read a bit of the first book and it genuinely made me sick. i knew what i was getting into and i knew that the two leads were gonna eventually be in a romantic relationship, but i didn't realize that laurent was going to be this EVIL. even damen's awful, i absolutely hated both these guys, am i supposed to be happy when they get together? i read some spoilers online and it only gets worse oh my god these books are HORRIBLE. there's no redemption for a slave owner, i don't care if that's what's considered normal in this fictional world, he's a monster and so is c.s. pacat, the creepy fetishizing weirdo. can't she write a love story about something that didn't decimate and continue to traumatize my people to this day?? would that be too much to ask????? maybe don't make a love story and involve slavery, HOW HARD IS THAT?? just because something's gay doesn't mean it's not racist as fuck and the people who are gushing all over the boys kissing and ignoring all the ugliness in these books are mostly women and girls and if that's not telling as fuck. this book isn't even for gay/non-straight men, it's just using them and it's foul. im leaving a frustrated comment on an old video again lmao im sorry about that

[@jasmine2519]

Sad to see you try and justify liking a racist book, I think you should read some of the reviews/experiences that people of colour have had with this book/series. I'm honestly so disappointed in this review coming from you.

[@jasmine2519]

I'm also disappointed that you view it as okay to ship an abuse victim with their abuser. It doesn't matter if someone changes, abuse will always be there. That relationship is not healthy.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Never once did I say it was okay to ship. I don't even ship it! And if you would have listened to the review you would have seen that. I said that Laurant is a disgusting person and I was reading on to see how his redemption was ATTEMPTED. My exact words. I can't say my thoughts about later on in the series as I haven't read it yet. It appears that you came into this review unwilling to listen and had already formed an opinion on what I was going to say, as you have said things that I didn't say. I have seen reviews from both POC who like and dislike the series. I have seen reviews from people on the LGBT spectrum who both like and dislike the series. That is why I read it. To form my own opinion.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Also, in regards to this book being racist, I encourage you to watch the review from Adriana of Perpetual Pages, who is a POC reviewer who identifies as queer. She had this to say in the comments of her review when asked about racism in the book: "Reading through it, there were no red flags that I noticed (and I was reading the trilogy very carefully) and reflecting back on it, nothing comes to mind. The story definitely addresses cultural differences, because Laurent and Damen come from two very different countries. But even though they both may need time to sit with different customs or beliefs, I don't recall either of them addressing it in a negative or slanderous way. I don't recall slurs or insults being invoked. And there doesn't seem to be systematic or political privilege granted to those with specific racial/physical traits either, including between nations. Again this is just off the top of my head and it's been a while since I started the trilogy, so take that for what you will. I hope this helped in some way."

[@jasmine2519]

+Thoughts on Tomes You said in your review that you don't know whether you'll end up shipping them, meaning you are will to ship something that has abuse in the past. No redemption arc makes up for past abuse. Nothing. The fact that you think you might be able to ship it, and still think it's okay for other people to ship it without pointing out how problematic that is is all kinds of wrong.

[@jasmine2519]

+Thoughts on Tomes whilst I am not POC and don't wish to speak over someone who is, I really do encourage you to look at some of the negative views, to understand where the racist undertones come in.