Title: Kings Rising (Captive Prince #3)
Author: C.S. Pacat
Genre: Historical Fantasy| M/M \ Romance | War
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February 2, 2016
Damianos of Akielos has returned.
His identity now revealed, Damen must face his master Prince Laurent as Damianos of Akielos, the man Laurent has sworn to kill.
On the brink of a momentous battle, the future of both their countries hangs in the balance. In the south, Kastor's forces are massing. In the north, the Regent's armies are mobilising for war. Damen's only hope of reclaiming his throne is to fight together with Laurent against their usurpers.
Forced into an uneasy alliance the two princes journey deep into Akielos, where they face their most dangerous opposition yet. But even if the fragile trust they have built survives the revelation of Damen's identity - can it stand against the Regent's final, deadly play for the throne (goodreads)?
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you end a series.
Plot: The Captive Prince trilogy is unusual because it reads like three books in a novel rather than three books in a series. Each book ends in a cliffhanger and focuses on a different aspect of the book. While The Captive Prince served as exposition, The Prince's Gambit got into the meat of the conflict, which was a bit overwhelming for me. It came together brilliantly in Kings Rising. I can only say that I am stalking Pacat's blog every day for an update of the epilogue that she says is in progress!
Characters: In the first two novels, some of the intentions and motivations were a big vague; I was never sure who to trust since the series was set in a land full of betrayal of political motivations. I was head over heels in love with how Laurent and Damen learned to accept each other and let their walls down. There are even some characters who were introduced for the first time in Kings Rising and Pacat was still able to capture their voice perfectly and make their presence feel authentic.
Worldbuilding: In Kings Rising we got to explore Damen's home country and explore more political strains of the lands. I can't say anything I haven't said before, everything was perfect!
Short N Sweet: The Captive trilogy was the series I needed in my life. Kings Rising brings everything together smoothly and even managed to make me cry. You don't want to pass this series up!
Labels: 5 stars, book review, c.s pacat, Kings Rising, review, the captive prince, The Prince's Gambit
